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15 security personnel martyred, 12 militants killed in Tank attack

15 security personnel

RAWALPINDI: Fifteen Pakistani security personnel were martyred and 12 militants were killed after suspected Fitna al-Khwarij militants attacked a joint police check post in Tank district, the military’s media wing said.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers attempted to breach the security of the check post, but security forces responded swiftly, thwarting the assault and killing 12 fleeing militants during the operation.

The ISPR said the attackers then rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the outer perimeter wall of the check post. The resulting blast caused extensive damage to the facility and led to the martyrdom of 12 soldiers, two police personnel, and one Forest Department official.

A clearance operation is underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area, the military said, adding that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign.

The military said the sacrifices of the fallen personnel reinforce the country’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and safeguard national security.

Trump says China, Russia pledged not to arm Iran

Trump says

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the leaders of China and Russia had separately assured him their countries would not sell weapons to Iran amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he had discussed the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during recent meetings. According to Trump, both leaders pledged that their governments would not provide arms to Iran.

Trump said he believes neither China nor Russia has an interest in becoming involved in the conflict, adding that such a move would be detrimental to both countries. He said he trusted Xi’s assurance, citing the relationship between Washington and Beijing.

Referring to Russia, Trump said Putin had offered a similar commitment despite Moscow’s ongoing involvement in the war in Ukraine. He also reiterated that the United States does not directly supply weapons to Ukraine, but sells arms to NATO member states, which then determine how the equipment is distributed.

There was no immediate official response from China, Russia, or Iran to Trump’s remarks. The comments come as tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global energy markets and international mediation efforts continuing to seek a ceasefire.

FIFA names team of tournament for 2026 World Cup

FIFA

ZURICH: FIFA has announced its official Team of the Tournament following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with newly crowned champions Spain contributing the most players to the Best XI.

The 4-3-3 lineup features players from seven countries who delivered standout performances during the tournament, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Spain leads the selections with defenders Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, along with midfielder Rodri, all of whom played key roles in the country’s World Cup triumph.

Runners-up Argentina are represented by captain Lionel Messi in the forward line and defender Lisandro Martínez. France has three players in the team Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Dayot Upamecano—while England’s Jude Bellingham earned a place in midfield.

The lineup is completed by Erling Haaland of Norway as the central striker and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose impressive performances earned him a place in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament.

Pakistan plans seven-batter lineup for first Test against West Indies

Pakistan plans

TRINIDAD: Pakistan’s team management has begun finalizing its playing XI for the opening Test against the West Indies, with plans to field seven specialist batters in the series opener, according to sources.

The likely lineup includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Salman Ali Agha is also expected to feature and provide the team with a fifth bowling option.

Sources said Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas are likely to retain their places in the XI, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman is in line to make his Test debut. One of Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to complete the pace attack.

The team management has also advised the bowlers to improve their batting, with the final playing XI to be confirmed after assessing the players’ fitness ahead of the match.

The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, where curators have prepared a grass-covered pitch featuring brown grass instead of the traditional green surface.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and the West Indies  unveiled the trophy for their upcoming Test series ahead of the opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies captain Roston Chase took part in the trophy unveiling ceremony, posing with the silverware at the venue where the first Test will be played.

The opening Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 25, with both teams aiming for a strong start in the two-match contest.

Salman Khan urges students to end protest, return home

Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Salman Khan has appealed to students protesting over an alleged examination paper leak in India to end their demonstrations and return home, saying the government has assured action against those responsible.

In a statement shared on social media, Khan said students’ education and safety should remain the government’s top priority and urged them not to worry.

He noted that the prime minister had already addressed the issue and expressed confidence that those behind the paper leak would face strict action.

The actor also appealed to social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, saying the protest should not be prolonged.

Khan added that public advocacy could resume in the future if necessary and even offered to send food from his home to Wangchuk.

Meanwhile, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday and Sara Ali Khan voiced support for the protesting students. Panday said the younger generation was no longer willing to accept injustice and was demanding fairness rather than special treatment.

Sara Ali Khan described students as the country’s future and praised their determination, expressing hope that the government would ensure justice in the matter.

Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi opens up about preparing for afterlife

Attaullah Khan

ISLAMABAD: Legendary Pakistani folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi has revealed that he has already prepared his own grave, saying the decision reflects his acceptance of life’s inevitable end.

Speaking in a recent interview, the veteran singer said his grave has been built in his hometown of Isa Khel, where he chose a location separate from his family’s ancestral graveyard.

“I have prepared my grave. It is in Isa Khel,” Esakhelvi said, adding that while his family has a separate burial ground, he decided to have his grave constructed a short distance away, where there is space for two or three graves.

Reflecting on life and mortality, the singer said he has lost many close friends, as well as his parents and a sister, and acknowledged that everyone must eventually face death.

Petrol up Rs20.81, diesel Rs55.36 per liter in six days

Petrol up

ISLAMABAD: Petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply since Pakistan adopted a daily petroleum pricing mechanism, with petrol increasing by Rs20.81 per liter and high-speed diesel by Rs55.36 per liter over the past six days.

The daily pricing system came into effect after the federal cabinet on July 17 authorized the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to revise petroleum prices each day in line with fluctuations in international oil markets.

Under the new mechanism, petrol was increased by Rs5.44 per liter and diesel by Rs31.05 per liter effective July 18. On July 21, petrol prices were reduced by 35 paisas, while diesel rose by Rs5.71 per liter.

Subsequent revisions saw petrol increase by Rs4.93 and diesel by Rs7.15 for July 22, followed by hikes of Rs6.39 for petrol and Rs7.83 for diesel for July 23. For July 24, petrol prices increased by Rs4.40 per liter, while diesel was raised by Rs3.62 per liter.

The government says the new daily pricing mechanism allows OGRA to adjust petroleum prices based on international market trends, replacing the previous periodic review system.

US targets Pakistan, 60 other nations with new import tariffs

US targets

WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from more than 60 trading partners, including Pakistan, citing their failure to effectively prevent the import and trade of goods produced through forced labor.

The new tariffs took effect on July 24, with imports from Pakistan and several other countries subject to a 10% tariff, according to the U.S. administration.

The move marks the latest effort by President Donald Trump to revive his global tariff agenda. Earlier, in February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the implementation of additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% that had been imposed under Trump’s earlier trade policy.

The latest measures have been introduced under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, with US officials saying the affected countries have failed to adequately enforce laws prohibiting imports made with forced labor.

Countries facing the 10% tariff include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Canada, Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago, while imports from another 38 countries will be subject to a 12.5% tariff.

The US administration said the new duties do not apply to imports such as crude oil, natural gas, certain agricultural commodities, and fertilizers. Products already covered under Section 232 national security tariffs, including steel, aluminum, automobiles, and copper, are also exempt.

Several US trading partners, including Australia and Brazil, criticized the decision as unfair and said they would seek its reversal, while Norway rejected the allegations, calling the tariffs unjustified.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirms resolve to restore peace in Balochistan

Field Marshal Munir

RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, said on Thursday that the combined efforts of security forces, law enforcement agencies and the public would help bring lasting peace to Balochistan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made the remarks while addressing participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan during their visit to General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Field Marshal Munir described Balochistan as the pride of Pakistan, saying the province is rich in natural resources and that its resilient, patriotic and talented people are its greatest asset.

 He said ongoing federal and provincial development initiatives are aimed at transforming Balochistan’s socio-economic landscape through an inclusive approach.

He reaffirmed that targeted operations against what the military refers to as Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan would continue with full resolve until terrorism and its facilitators are eliminated. He also stressed Pakistan’s commitment to dismantling militant infrastructure that threatens national security.

The army chief emphasized the importance of national unity and perseverance in shaping the country’s future, adding that the armed forces, backed by the unity, determination and resilience of the Pakistani people, would defeat all attempts to destabilize the country.

Fawad Khan’s new look sparks cosmetic surgery speculation

Fawad Khan

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has become the subject of widespread social media discussion after new photographs of him prompted speculation about whether he had undergone cosmetic procedures.

The recently shared images quickly went viral, with many users commenting that the actor’s facial features appeared different from his previous public appearances.

Some fans praised Fawad’s refreshed appearance, saying he continues to look charismatic and stylish. Others suggested his latest look resembles that of several well-known Turkish actors, describing the change as subtle but noticeable.

However, some social media users speculated that the actor may have undergone cosmetic or surgical procedures in an effort to maintain a youthful appearance. There is no evidence to support these claims, and Fawad Khan has not publicly commented on the speculation.

Despite the online debate, the renewed attention highlights the actor’s enduring popularity, with his latest appearance generating widespread discussion across social media platforms.