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President Putin arrives in Beijing for state visit

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President Putin

BEIJING:  Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit to China, where he was received by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The visit, which comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a trip to China, marks Putin’s 25th official visit to the country, according to Chinese media.

A guard of honour was presented at the airport by Chinese military personnel, while young supporters waved Russian and Chinese flags to welcome the Russian leader.

According to Chinese state media, Putin will stay at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, a traditional venue for hosting foreign dignitaries. His official programme is scheduled to begin Wednesday with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square, followed by talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese media highlighted contrasts in diplomatic protocol between recent visits by Putin and Trump, noting that Trump was received by China’s vice president and stayed at a five-star hotel near the U.S. embassy, with his visit concluding with a tea meeting and working lunch at Zhongnanhai.

Analysts cited by state media said the differences in protocol reflect varying levels of diplomatic relations, with Washington’s ties with Beijing remaining strained compared to what China describes as a closer strategic partnership with Moscow.

Putin’s visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the China–Russia Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, which is widely seen as a foundation of bilateral relations.

Superstar Salman Khan clarifies viral ‘Loneliness’ remarks

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Superstar Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has clarified remarks about loneliness that recently went viral on social media, saying his comments were misunderstood and were not meant to reflect his personal life.

In a message posted on social platform X, Salman said he could never feel alone because he is surrounded by family, friends and millions of fans whose love and prayers support him.

The actor said people had taken his earlier statement out of context and turned it into “breaking news.”

“I cannot be alone when I have such a big family and friends around me,” Salman wrote, adding that the affection of his fans has always been his greatest strength.

He also made light of the controversy, joking that even his mother had started asking what had happened after the online reaction to his post.

The clarification came after Salman shared a cryptic message discussing the difference between “being alone” and “loneliness,” prompting widespread speculation among fans and social media users.

Some interpreted the post as a reflection of emotional struggles, while others praised the actor’s fitness and personality.

Punjabi Singer found dead in Punjab Canal, family alleges abduction

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Punjabi Singer

LUDHIANA: Emerging Punjabi singer Inder Kaur was found dead under mysterious circumstances in India’s Punjab state, while her family has alleged that she was abducted days earlier after refusing a marriage proposal.

According to Indian media reports, the singer’s body was recovered from the Neelon canal and later identified by family members. Police shifted the body to Samrala Civil Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

In a complaint filed by her brother, Jotinder Singh, the family said the singer left home on the night of May 13 in her Ford Figo car to buy household items but never returned.

The family accused Sukhwinder Singh, a resident of Bhaloor, of abducting her with the help of accomplices. Relatives alleged the suspect wanted to marry the singer and became resentful after she rejected the proposal.

According to the family, the suspect had arrived in Punjab from Canada, allegedly abducted the singer at gunpoint, later killed her and dumped her body in the canal before fleeing back to Canada.

The family also criticized police handling of the case, claiming authorities failed to take immediate action despite a case being registered against the suspects on May 15.

Balbir Singh, station house officer of Jamalpur police station, confirmed that a case had been registered and said efforts were underway to arrest the suspects while investigations continued from multiple angles.

Pakistan reach 316-7 in record chase of 437 against Bangladesh

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Pakistan reach

SYLHET: Pakistan were 316 for seven in pursuit of a daunting 437-run target against Bangladesh national cricket team at the close of the fourth day of the second Test on Tuesday, leaving the match finely poised heading into the final day.

Chasing a record target, Pakistan suffered early setbacks when Abdullah Fazal was dismissed for six with the score on 27, followed by Azaan Owais for 21 at 41.

Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam then added 133 runs for the third wicket before Babar was dismissed for 47.

Pakistan lost further wickets in quick succession as Saud Shakeel made six, Shan Masood scored 71, and Salman Agha also fell for 71. Hasan Ali was dismissed without scoring.

At stumps, Mohammad Rizwan was unbeaten on 75, with Sajid Khan on eight, as Pakistan still require 121 runs to win.

Bangladesh had earlier set up the massive target after being bowled out for 390 in their second innings, taking a combined lead of 436 runs after Pakistan were dismissed for 232 in the first innings.

The tourists had struggled throughout the match. Bangladesh took a 44-run first-innings lead before extending their advantage with a strong batting display led by Litton Das’ century earlier in the match.

Pakistan’s bowling effort had earlier seen Khurram Shahzad take key wickets, while Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali also contributed.

The final Test day will decide whether Pakistan can complete a historic chase or Bangladesh will secure a series win.

PMDC announces MDCAT 2026 date

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PMDC announces

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council on Tuesday announced that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 will be held on Aug. 16, 2026.

The council said the test will take place on a Sunday and confirmed that the syllabus from 2025 will remain in effect for the upcoming examination.

The PMDC advised students to stay updated through its official website for further details and announcements regarding exam arrangements.

The MDCAT is a key entry requirement for admission to medical and dental colleges across Pakistan.

Court sentences TikToker Sana Yousaf’s killer to death

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Court sentences

ISLAMABAD: A court in Islamabad on Tuesday sentenced Umar Hayat to death and imposed a heavy fine in the murder case of TikToker Sana Yousaf, following a detailed trial that included testimony from dozens of witnesses.

The victim was killed on June 2, 2025, at her home in Islamabad, according to police. Umar Hayat was arrested a day later on June 3 from Jaranwala after a swift investigation.

Investigators said a identification parade was conducted on June 13, and a second mobile phone belonging to the accused was later recovered. Formal charges were filed on Sept. 20.

The court recorded the first testimony in the case on Sept. 25, with a total of 31 witnesses listed. Statements from 27 witnesses were presented during the trial.

On Tuesday, Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka found the accused guilty and sentenced him to death, along with 30 years in prison and a fine of 2.4 million Pakistani rupees ($8,600).

The verdict was issued after a series of hearings, including evidence presented by investigators and witness statements recorded over several months.

PM lauds armed forces’ role in safeguarding sovereignty, security

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PM lauds

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Command and Staff College in Quetta, where he addressed faculty members and under-training officers, highlighting national security, defence and regional developments.

During his speech, the prime minister praised the armed forces for what he called their “exemplary role” in defending national sovereignty, maintaining peace and ensuring stability.

He paid tribute to military personnel and martyrs, saying the nation would always remember their sacrifices for the country.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s armed forces had demonstrated professional excellence and operational readiness, particularly during what he referred to as “Ma’arka-e-Haq,” where, according to him, they successfully responded to external aggression.

He also lauded the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, describing recent achievements under his command as historic, and congratulated the military leadership and troops.

The prime minister said the international community had acknowledged Pakistan’s “wise approach” and principled stance on regional issues.

He added that Pakistan remained fully prepared to respond to any aggression and would continue efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Sharif said operations against terrorism would continue with full resolve and national unity until the threat was eliminated.

Ronaldo confirmed for record sixth FIFA World Cup with Portugal

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Ronaldo confirmed

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is expected to become the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments.

The 41-year-old forward was included in the squad announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martínez, confirming his participation in the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico beginning on June 11.

Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr FC, already holds the world records for most international appearances (226) and most international goals (143).

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is one of six players to have appeared in five World Cups and is now poised to set a new record with a sixth appearance for Portugal national football team.

Students suspended after lecturer harassment incident at Islamia College Peshawar

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Students suspended

PESHAWAR: Three students accused of harassing and misbehaving with a female lecturer at Islamia College Peshawar have been suspended for two weeks pending a final disciplinary decision, university officials said Tuesday.

According to a notification issued by the administration, an initial report by the disciplinary committee found three students involved in the incident. The students have been barred from entering the university until the committee issues its final verdict.

The Teaching Staff Association said it had postponed its planned strike until the disciplinary committee reaches a final decision, adding that academic activities would continue until June 8.

The controversy emerged after lecturer Gul Rukh submitted a complaint to the university’s vice chancellor, alleging that students misbehaved with and harassed her during a class test.

In her letter, the lecturer alleged that several students refused to take the test, intimidated classmates and tore test papers before throwing them at her.

She further claimed that some students locked her and female students inside the classroom and later returned with additional individuals, surrounded her and pressured her to award passing marks while allegedly using political influence as a threat.

The Teaching Staff Association had earlier demanded immediate action against those involved, warning of a boycott of academic activities if authorities failed to respond.

Security forces kill 22 terrorists in North Waziristan operation: ISPR

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Security forces

RAWALPINDI: Pakistani security forces killed 22 militants linked to “Fitna-al-Khwarij” during an ongoing clearance and sanitization operation in the Shewa area of North Waziristan district, the military said Tuesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the operation has been underway since May 17 after intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants in the region.

The military said troops effectively targeted militant hideouts during the operation, leading to intense exchanges of fire over the past 24 hours.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist attacks in the area, the statement added.

ISPR said evidence gathered during the operation indicated that militants had intimidated local residents and used civilians as human shields to ensure safe movement.

The military condemned such actions, saying innocent civilian lives could not be put at risk under any circumstances.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and the clearance operation remains underway to eliminate any remaining militants, according to the statement.