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BTS’ Toronto return sparks excitement among fans • Google brings Gemini AI features to Chrome on Android devices • Football great Roberto Carlos reportedly enters Islam • Misbah Arshad crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2026 • Pakistan considers income tax on farmers to meet IMF targets • US military quietly establishes shipping corridor through Strait of Hormuz • Imran Khan likely to be taken to Shifa Hospital shortly   • Imran Khan not negotiating any deal, says Barrister Gohar • China unveils humanoid robot that can run faster than Usain Bolt • Sindh declares 6,220 school buildings unsafe, orders suspension of classes • Saba Qamar, Yasir Hussain’s dance at qawwali night goes viral • Iranian Army Chief warns countries hosting US attacks • First Test: Pakistan collapse to 171 against England • Pakistan govt decides to cut diesel price by up to Rs. 32 per liter • Oil prices hit three-week high for fourth straight day
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World Desk

Future Soch World Desk covers international politics, conflicts, markets, diplomacy and global developments with context for Pakistani readers.

Trump confirms White House press secretary to leave post

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Trump confirms

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of this month.

Trump praised Leavitt as one of the best press secretaries and said she had done an outstanding job in support of justice and freedom, including during his 2018 activities and the 2024 presidential campaign.

At 28, Leavitt is the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary in U.S. history.

Leavitt said she plans to step down to spend more time with her young children.

She gave birth to a daughter in May and recently returned from maternity leave. Leavitt has described her role at the White House as a “lifetime honor and adventure.”

Trump’s announcement comes as Leavitt prepares to leave one of the administration’s most prominent public-facing positions after serving as its chief spokesperson.

Iran-US ceasefire extension prospects push oil prices lower

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Iran-US

ISLAMABAD: Global oil prices fell as prospects for an extension of the Iran-U.S. ceasefire eased concerns about potential disruptions to crude supplies from the Middle East, while expectations of weaker global oil demand also weighed on the market.

Brent crude futures for October delivery fell $1.29, or about 1.5%, to $87.69 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude declined $1.30, or 1.6%, to $81.97 a barrel, according to market data.

U.S. President Donald Trump has also signaled that consumers could soon see a significant decline in gasoline prices, adding to expectations of lower energy costs.

Analysts said the latest decline was driven largely by concerns over weaker global oil demand in 2026 and reports of rising U.S. crude inventories. Higher inventories generally indicate increased supply availability and can put downward pressure on prices.

Investors, however, remained cautious because of continuing risks linked to the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes.

Any disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could sharply reduce global supplies and trigger another surge in crude prices. The geopolitical risks have therefore limited the extent of the recent decline.

According to Reuters, investors are closely watching forecasts for global oil demand, U.S. inventory data and developments surrounding the Iran conflict. Lower demand projections from OPEC and other energy agencies have raised concerns that global oil consumption could remain weaker than previously expected.

Market participants are also monitoring developments in the Middle East as any deterioration in the security situation could quickly reverse the recent decline in oil prices.

Analysts said demand data, U.S. crude inventories, the Iran conflict and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz are likely to remain key factors determining the direction of global oil prices in the coming days.

The latest decline should not necessarily be viewed as a sign of a sustained downward trend, as supply risks in the Middle East remain significant.

Shaheen Afridi opens up on captaincy and World Cup preparations

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Shaheen Afridi

MULTAN: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has said he remains the national team captain for the upcoming World Cup “for now” and that the National Champions Cup will help selectors assess players for squad selection.

Speaking to media during the trophy unveiling ceremony of the National Champions Cup in Multan, Shaheen said the tournament would provide an opportunity to evaluate performances and assist in finalising the World Cup squad.

“Until now, I am the captain for the World Cup,” Shaheen said.

Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan missed the trophy unveiling and press conference due to fever, with Faheem Ashraf representing his team at the event.

The National Champions Cup will be held from August 11 to 18 at Multan Cricket Stadium, featuring four teams Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold.

The teams will compete in a single round-robin format, with the top two sides on the points table qualifying for the final on August 18.

The four teams will be led by Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, respectively.

All matches will be played under lights and will begin at 3pm Pakistan Standard Time.

Death toll rises above 70 after powerful earthquake strikes Colombia

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Death toll

BOGOTA, Colombia: More than 70 people have been killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, causing widespread destruction and collapsing several buildings.

According to international media reports, rescue teams are continuing operations as bodies are being recovered from the rubble of collapsed structures, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise further.

The earthquake was centred near San Jose del Palmar in Colombia’s Choco province, with strong tremors felt across major cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and the capital Bogota.

Western Colombia suffered the worst damage, with several buildings severely affected in Cali. Heavy casualties were reported in Pereira, while part of a historic cathedral in Manizales collapsed due to the quake.

Residents in several areas were evacuated from buildings as a precaution, while flights were temporarily suspended at some regional airports to allow safety inspections of runways, terminals and other facilities.

Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Ecuador, though no major damage was immediately reported there. In Bogota, residents evacuated buildings as a precaution, but authorities reported limited damage.

Colombian authorities have launched search and rescue operations and deployed emergency teams to affected areas. Rescue workers are searching for people trapped under debris while assessing damage to buildings, roads, power systems and other infrastructure.

Geological authorities said the earthquake was among the strongest recorded in Colombia in the past decade. Several aftershocks have also been reported, prompting officials to advise residents to remain cautious.

Authorities said a clearer assessment of casualties and property damage would be available after rescue operations are completed and remote areas are fully surveyed.

Video of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei emerges

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Video of Iran

TEHRAN: A video of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been released by semi-official news agency Mehr, showing him appearing healthy while addressing a group, amid months of speculation over his health and whereabouts.

Mojtaba Khamenei has remained largely out of public view since assuming the position of Iran’s Supreme Leader in March following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The video does not carry a date stamp, and Iranian state media has not clarified when, where or for what purpose it was recorded. However, the footage has been circulated in a way suggesting it was captured after he became supreme leader.

Mehr News Agency, considered close to the supreme leader, released the footage, but other major Iranian state media outlets did not prominently broadcast it.

According to reports, including analysis by CNN, the video appears to show Mojtaba Khamenei delivering a religious lesson to a group, with indications that the footage may have been recorded before the recent conflict involving Iran.

The release of the video has not ended speculation regarding his health and current location. Instead, it has triggered further questions, as he has not appeared at public events, delivered televised speeches or made direct appearances since taking office.

Official messages attributed to him have instead been read out through state media. He also did not attend his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral and burial ceremonies.

Concerns over Mojtaba Khamenei’s health intensified after reports emerged that he may have been injured during US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Sources cited by CNN claimed in March that he suffered a fractured foot and minor facial injuries during the initial attacks.

Iranian officials have issued varying statements regarding his condition, with some describing him as healthy while other reports suggested he had sustained injuries.

In May, an Iranian official claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei was in “full health” and continuing to manage state affairs from his office. However, his limited public presence has continued to fuel speculation.

Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi dies at 68 after battle with cancer

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Lionel Messi

ROSARIO: Jorge Messi, father of Argentina football legend Lionel Messi, passed away at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario on Friday evening, August 7.

According to local media reports, Jorge Messi had been battling pancreatic cancer. News of his serious health condition emerged during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jorge Messi was widely regarded as a key figure in shaping his son’s football career, supporting Lionel Messi from his teenage years and later playing an important role in his journey to becoming one of the greatest players in football history.

He managed his son’s career as an advisor and was reportedly involved in major career decisions, including Messi’s moves from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and later to Inter Miami.

Jorge Messi recently appeared during Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria, where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and became emotional after the game.

Reflecting on the emotional moment, Messi said: “It had nothing to do with sports; I’ve been through some difficult and complicated days.”

The Messi family has not yet issued an official statement regarding Jorge Messi’s death.

Calls grow for FIFA President Infantino to step down

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Calls grow

OSLO: Opposition against FIFA President Gianni Infantino has intensified, with the Norwegian Football Federation calling for him to resign, while UEFA has warned of a possible boycott of FIFA competitions.

Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness said Infantino had lost the confidence of the football community and should no longer continue leading world football’s governing body.

Klaveness said FIFA needed to focus on effective governance and reforms rather than becoming involved in power struggles. She emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability within the organization.

Meanwhile, UEFA has maintained its stance that European teams could boycott FIFA competitions unless guarantees are provided that the ownership or management of major tournaments, including the World Cup, will not be transferred to private investors.

However, Infantino has received support from the football federations of Mexico and Argentina, while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also backed his leadership unanimously.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) did not directly support or oppose Infantino but expressed concerns over unilateral decision-making processes.

PCB issues NOCs to national cricketers for foreign leagues

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PCB issues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to several national cricketers, allowing them to participate in overseas leagues.

The PCB has granted NOCs to Hasan Nawaz, Hunain Shah, Naseem Shah and Usman Khan for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). NOCs have also been issued to Muaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Muqeem and Shadab Khan for participation in the tournament.

The players have been granted permission to play in the CPL from August 19 to September 21.

Meanwhile, spinner Noman Ali has received an NOC to represent Lancashire County until September 27.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has been granted permission for the CPL from August 7 to September 20, while mystery spinner Usman Tariq will be available for the tournament from August 8 to September 18.

All-rounder Usama Mir has also been issued an NOC for the CPL from August 7 to September 21.

The PCB’s decision allows national players to gain international league experience while managing their availability for Pakistan’s upcoming cricket commitments.

Pakistan played key diplomatic role in bringing US, Iran to talks

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Pakistan played

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan played an important mediating role in reducing tensions between the United States and Iran by helping bring the two countries to the negotiating table, according to an analysis by policy platform South Asian Voices.

The analysis, which focuses on security, political and economic developments in South Asia, said Pakistan established communication channels between Washington and Tehran at a time when relations between the two sides had reached a critical point of heightened tensions and mutual confrontation.

According to the report, Pakistan succeeded in facilitating dialogue between a global power and a key regional player, playing a diplomatic role that major countries including China, France, Germany, India and the United Kingdom were unable to achieve.

The analysis stated that more than 20 hours of talks between US and Iranian representatives in Islamabad marked the highest-level direct engagement between the two countries since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

It added that although both Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating the ceasefire arrangements, neither side completely abandoned the negotiation process.

The report noted that blaming the mediator for failure would be inaccurate, as maintaining dialogue between opposing parties remains a significant diplomatic achievement in itself.

UEFA maintains FIFA boycott despite Infantino’s withdrawal of plan

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UEFA maintains

GENEVA: European football’s governing body UEFA said its member associations will continue their boycott of FIFA competitions despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino reversing his decision to pursue the sale of minority stakes in the organization’s commercial assets.

In a statement, UEFA said its 55 member associations remain committed to withdrawing from FIFA events, stressing that the world football governing body has not accepted the conditions set by European football authorities.

UEFA had unanimously voted to consider withdrawing from FIFA competitions after Infantino announced plans to seek private investment in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other major events.

Facing growing pressure, Infantino later abandoned the proposal and received support from FIFA leadership during a meeting in Morocco. However, UEFA said the withdrawal of the plan was only one of several conditions required to restore cooperation.

The European body said additional demands linked to participation in FIFA competitions remain unresolved, adding that its position on the boycott has not changed.