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			<title>US has miscalculated war, Strait of Hormuz due to intelligence failures: Iran's Araghchi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623640/irans-araghchi-slams-france-other-western-nations-hypocrisy-over-human-rights</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623640/irans-araghchi-slams-france-other-western-nations-hypocrisy-over-human-rights#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 04:56:03 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Iran paramilitary unit head says Strait of Hormuz is under its control, Fars news reports]]>
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				<![CDATA[Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that the US had &#39;long miscalculated due to intelligence failures. Case in point: The war on Iran&quot;.

He added that they were making an even bigger miscalculation &quot;on the Strait of Hormuz.&quot;

&quot;Worse than fake news is fake intelligence. Be careful.&quot;



The U.S. has long miscalculated due to intelligence failures. Case in point: The war on Iran. Now, an even bigger miscalculation on the Strait of Hormuz.

Worse than fake news is fake intelligence. Be careful.

Allah is Great, Greater than ANY power on Earth. In Allah we trust.
&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) August 13, 2026


The remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the US had &quot;total control&quot; of the strategic waterway.



https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/117083017680231697



Iran paramilitary unit head says Strait of Hormuz is under its control, Fars news reports

The Strait of Hormuz is &quot;under Iran&#39;s control and management&quot;, the head of Iran&#39;s Basij paramilitary unit, Hossein Taeb, said on Thursday, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Taeb said the United States had sought to disrupt what he described as the Islamic Republic&#39;s popularity in the region by launching another war in the Strait of Hormuz, but had once more been defeated despite claiming Iran had neither an air force nor a navy.

&quot;Today you see that the Strait of Hormuz is under the management and control of the Islamic Republic,&quot; Taeb said, adding that Iran was continuing on its course in complete security.

US &lsquo;fallen into trap of Strait of Hormuz&rsquo;: former Iranian diplomat

Former Iranian diplomat Abbas Khameyar said the US failed &ldquo;the test of economic and military warfare&rdquo; against Iran, emphasising that Tehran will not submit to American conditions or ambitions, according to Al Jazeera.



BREAKING: Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian control, says the head of Basij paramilitary forces

🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/D7TyI3bBCB pic.twitter.com/tv0qpFzcgb
&mdash; Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) August 13, 2026


Khameyar said that the Strait of Hormuz served as a &ldquo;deterrent card that has succeeded in changing the course of aggression and re-imposing the rules of engagement&rdquo;.

Washington broke its previous commitments, he argued, adding that obligations could only be fulfilled through serious negotiations carried out in good faith.

According to the former diplomat, the US has ultimately &ldquo;fallen into the trap of the Strait of Hormuz&rdquo; in the process of the war.

Hormuz blocked until &#39;Iran&#39;s conditions are accepted&#39;: Persian Gulf Strait Authority

Iran rejected claims of US officials that the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz had been lifted, noting the waterway remained blocked until Tehran&rsquo;s conditions were accepted.

&ldquo;The successive claims and tweets by American officials about lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz do not change reality; the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran&rsquo;s conditions are accepted,&rdquo; the Persian Gulf Strait Authority said in a post on X early on Thursday.



ادعاها و توییت&zwnj;های پیاپی مسئولان آمریکایی درباره رفع انسداد تنگه هرمز، واقعیت را تغییر نمی&zwnj;دهد؛ تنگه هرمز همچنان مسدود است و تا پذیرش شروط ایران بازگشایی نخواهد شد. https://t.co/ihOBUkpFYo
&mdash; PGSA | نهاد مدیریت آبراه خلیج فارس (@PGSA_IRAN) August 12, 2026


Iran&rsquo;s Araghchi slams France, other Western nations&#39; &lsquo;hypocrisy&rsquo; over human rights

Araghchi on Thursday slammed the &quot;blatant and embarrassing&quot; hypocrisy of &quot;countries like France&quot; over their stance on human rights and international law.

&quot;Your backing of Israel&rsquo;s genocide in Gaza&mdash;and aggression against Iran&mdash;has destroyed whatever moral high ground you imagined you had,&quot; he wrote in a post on X.



Countries like France should stop lecturing the world about &ldquo;human rights&rdquo; and international law. The hypocrisy is blatant and embarrassing.

Your backing of Israel&rsquo;s genocide in Gaza&mdash;and aggression against Iran&mdash;has destroyed whatever moral high ground you imagined you had.
&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) August 13, 2026


Baghaei stresses that all parties benefiting from Hormuz shipping have responsibilities to address damage

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has called for environmental protection to be made an integral part of any future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, citing recent oil pollution along the shores of Qeshm Island and calling out the &quot;aggressors and their partners who have transformed the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman into a theatre for military operations and the testing of highly destructive weaponry&quot;.



Why must addressing the environmental condition of the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters form an integral part of any future administration of the Strait?

In recent days, videos have circulated showing oil pollution along the shores of Qeshm Island. This pollution&hellip; pic.twitter.com/UpSWlqePvd
&mdash; Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) August 12, 2026


In a post on X, Baghaei said videos had emerged in recent days showing oil pollution along Qeshm&rsquo;s coastline. He said the pollution had drifted from the Persian Gulf toward the coast, with preliminary evidence pointing to a foreign bulk carrier as the source.

&ldquo;Contamination has been documented at three coastal sites and across portions of the sea surface,&rdquo; Baghaei said.

He described the incident as one visible manifestation of broader environmental damage affecting the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the region&rsquo;s marine ecosystem over recent decades, which he said had caused trillions of dollars in damage to Iran&rsquo;s coastal areas.

Baghaei questioned who should bear responsibility for compensating the damage, pointing to energy-consuming nations, shipping insurers, and countries involved in military operations in the region.

&ldquo;As the country with the longest coastline along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, Iran cannot remain indifferent,&rdquo; he said.

Baghaei argued that all parties benefiting from commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have responsibilities to address environmental damage, stating: &ldquo;Every party that benefits from commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz carries both a legal and a moral obligation to remediate the environmental harm inflicted upon the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.&rdquo;

Iran says no progress on reviving interim peace deal with US 

Iran and the United States remain at ​loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source, who said there &zwnj;had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a time frame to implement it.

The comments came as Trump issued yet another broadside against Iran&#39;s leaders, dealing a further blow to hopes for a resolution to the crisis, following new attacks on shipping in the region on Tuesday.

The deal agreed in June declared an &quot;immediate and permanent ​termination of military operations on all fronts&quot;, but quickly unravelled, with Trump saying it was &quot;over&quot; on July 7 and Iran&#39;s foreign ministry declaring it &quot;suspended&quot; ​a week later.

The US accuses Iran of failing to honour an agreement under the deal to reopen the vital Strait ⁠of Hormuz shipping route. Tehran says Washington has reneged on its commitments, including lifting a blockade of Iranian ports and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

&quot;One of the issues ​that is being discussed via mediators is the US returning to the interim agreement and defining a time frame for implementing the commitments. There has been absolutely no ​progress on this issue,&quot; the Iranian source said.

Read: &#39;I think we will keep it&#39;: Trump says US has &#39;total control&#39; over Strait of Hormuz

Trump said on Wednesday that the US has &quot;total control&quot; over the Strait of Hormuz.

But the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, the body Iran set up to manage the waterway, said it remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran&rsquo;s conditions are accepted.

&quot;Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer,&quot; ​Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Throughout the conflict, Trump has alternated between threats of escalation and claims that a peace deal is imminent.

&#39;No talk of extension&#39;

Thousands ​of people have been killed in the conflict, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28.

Iran has struck US assets and &zwnj;infrastructure in ⁠countries including Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The June interim ceasefire agreement set a 60-day period, extendable by mutual consent, within which Iran and the US were expected to reach a final deal limiting Tehran&#39;s nuclear program and lifting US sanctions.

The Iranian source dismissed a report on Wednesday from Turkey&#39;s Anadolu news agency that quoted Pakistani government sources as saying they had agreed to extend that 60-day period.

&quot;There is no talk of an extension because, from Iran&rsquo;s perspective, ​there is no period that began and ​therefore nothing to extend. The United ⁠States violated the interim agreement 48 hours after it was reached and withdrew from it a few days later,&quot; the source told Reuters.

Attacks on shipping

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman and the entrance to the Gulf, ​handled a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flow before the war.

Benchmark Brent crude futures have surged ​since the start of ⁠the war in February, hitting a peak of $126 a barrel, roughly 75% above pre-war levels, with choppy trade reflecting concerns over disruptions to Gulf oil supplies and shifting signals on peace talks.

On Tuesday, in separate incidents, a suspected and a US Navy MH-60 ⁠helicopter fired ​two Hellfire missiles, the US military said.

Oil ​prices rose but then steadied in volatile trading on Wednesday, after forecasters cut projections for 2026 oil demand. Brent crude futures were trading at around $88 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude at around $83 ​a barrel.]]>
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			<title>Norwegian FM praises Pakistans' role in regional peace in meeting with CDF Munir</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623641/dar-norwegian-counterpart-discuss-bilateral-regional-developments</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623641/dar-norwegian-counterpart-discuss-bilateral-regional-developments#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 05:24:10 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Earlier, Dar, Norwegian counterpart review bilateral cooperation, trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs]]>
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				<![CDATA[Norway&#39;s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Thursday appreciated the &ldquo;professional role&rdquo; played by Pakistan&nbsp;in promoting regional peace and stability during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,&nbsp; the military&rsquo;s media wing said.

The meeting came during Eide&rsquo;s two-day official visit to Pakistan, which marked the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in a decade.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a&nbsp;high-level Norwegian delegation led by Eide called on Field Marshal Munir, with the two sides discussing &ldquo;matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Norway&rdquo;.&nbsp;

Eide appreciated the &ldquo;professional role played by the Pakistan Armed Forces in promoting regional peace and stability&rdquo;.&nbsp;

CDF Munir highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;perspective on global peace and regional stability&rdquo;, underscoring the importance of &ldquo;cooperation and collaborative efforts&rdquo; to address common security challenges, ISPR said.&nbsp;

The two sides also discussed regional security and bilateral relations, with both sides &ldquo;reiterating&nbsp;their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties&rdquo; and &ldquo;expand engagements in defence and security domains&rdquo;.

FM Dar, Norwegian counterpart hold press briefing&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Eide commended Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;important and constructive role&rdquo; during the recent Iran-US conflict, including the leadership and contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and CDF&nbsp;Munir, during delegation-level talks in Islamabad, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

Eide and Dar led the talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), where the two sides reviewed the &ldquo;whole gamut of bilateral cooperation&rdquo; and discussed trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education, according to the FO.

The two sides also held &ldquo;in-depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest&rdquo;. This is the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in a decade.



Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide @EspenBarthEide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, led delegation-level talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both sides reviewed the whole gamut&hellip; pic.twitter.com/2yrfD8Lm0b
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


During the talks, Pakistan and Norway &ldquo;expressed satisfaction at the warm and cordial state of Pakistan-Norway relations&rdquo; and agreed to &ldquo;further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest&rdquo;.

The two sides also recognised the &ldquo;important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway&rdquo; and agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with Dar in Islamabad after their talks, Eide said Pakistan had taken on a &ldquo;massive task&rdquo; by offering Islamabad not only as the venue but also as the facilitator of negotiations.



Joint Press Stakeout: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister H.E. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide @EspenBarthEide pic.twitter.com/3eLsqLo8Ec
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


&ldquo;I know how hard it is,&rdquo; Eide said, referring to peace mediation and facilitation. &ldquo;I know what a massive task you&rsquo;re taking on when you offered Islamabad, not only as the venue, but also as the facilitator of these talks.&rdquo;

&ldquo;What you personally, but also your prime minister, the field marshal, that you have been doing is really a service to the world, and hence also to us,&rdquo; he said.

Eide said he wanted to &ldquo;reiterate again strong support for the very important role that Pakistan has taken&rdquo; since the conflict began on February 28.

&ldquo;Norway was one of the Western countries that were clearest and earliest in stating that this war in itself is a violation of international rules,&rdquo; he said.

Eide said Norway, as a &ldquo;large shipping nation&rdquo;, shared Pakistan&rsquo;s interest in keeping sea lanes open and protecting freedom of navigation.

&ldquo;We share an interest in open sea lanes, in the ability to trade in the high seas,&rdquo; Eide said, stressing the importance of respecting the &ldquo;very important constitution of the oceans&rdquo;, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. &ldquo;Whatever emerges from this tragic and unnecessary war in the Gulf, we need to protect the principle of free passage,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m so happy that we see completely eye-to-eye on what has to be this,&rdquo; Eide added. He said that this is a global issue that the two countries have a shared interest in promoting.

&ldquo;Even if we have significant disagreements with Iran on other issues, they also have the right to be protected and sustained, as we all have,&rdquo; Eide said. He further added that Norway&rsquo;s relations with both Iran and the United States gave it &ldquo;an entry point to Iran&rdquo;, while it remained &ldquo;a close ally of the US&rdquo;. &ldquo;And knowing this field of peace mediation, facilitation, I know how hard it is,&rdquo; Eide said.

Eide said he was &ldquo;really happy and honoured&rdquo; to be in Pakistan, noting that it had been 10 years since the last Norwegian foreign minister visited the country. He said he had promised Dar many months ago that he would come, &ldquo;and today I live up to my promise.&rdquo; Describing the visit as &ldquo;short but very effective&rdquo;, Eide said it was a &ldquo;strong partnership&rdquo; between Pakistan and Norway and between the two countries&rsquo; people.

He highlighted Norway&rsquo;s &ldquo;sizable diaspora of Pakistani descent&rdquo;, saying Norwegian-Pakistani citizens held key positions in politics and society and were &ldquo;a very welcome contribution to our country&rdquo;. The diaspora, he said, also provided &ldquo;an argument for strengthening our economic ties&rdquo;.

Eide said Norway wanted to strengthen trade relations with Pakistan &ldquo;in more structural ways&rdquo;, including through the EFTA-Pakistan partnership. &ldquo;That would provide for more economic relations for mutual benefit,&rdquo; he said. Dar, speaking before Eide, said Pakistan and Norway had agreed to &ldquo;enhance relations and cooperation in all other areas of mutual interest&rdquo;, including trade, education, defence, investment, climate change, information technology and maritime affairs.

&ldquo;Pakistan greatly values relations with Norway,&rdquo; Dar said, adding that Islamabad wanted to strengthen the relationship &ldquo;in the days, weeks and months to come&rdquo;. He said both sides had agreed that bilateral trade remained below the potential of their respective economies and &ldquo;needs to be enhanced through effective measures&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Pakistan offers enormous investment opportunities to Norwegian companies,&rdquo; Dar said, pointing to Norwegian company Yara International&rsquo;s joint venture with Fauji Fertilizer in Pakistan. &ldquo;I hope this initiative will be a trailblazer for many more future projects between our two great countries,&rdquo; he said.

On technology cooperation, Dar said that Pakistan IT exports to Norway have grown more than fivefold in the last two years. The two sides had also agreed on the &ldquo;expeditious finalisation&rdquo; of agreements and memorandums of understanding being processed by their respective ministries, Dar said.

On climate change, he said Pakistan and Norway shared &ldquo;a convergence of perspectives&rdquo;, noting that the two countries had signed an MoU under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on April 1 this year. Dar also highlighted maritime cooperation, saying Pakistan&rsquo;s strategic location made it &ldquo;the most competitive and nearest recycling destination in this maritime region for ships coming from Norway&rdquo;.

He thanked Norwegian maritime authorities for helping Pakistan build capacity and providing technical training for the ship-breaking industry in line with the Hong Kong Convention.

&ldquo;Both Pakistan and Norway agreed to enhance people-to-people contacts,&rdquo; Dar said, describing such ties as &ldquo;social and cultural bridges&rdquo; between the two countries.

On labour mobility, Dar said, &ldquo;We agreed to continue work on legal pathways for Pakistan&rsquo;s skilled manpower,&rdquo; while stressing the need to combat &ldquo;human smuggling and illegal migration&rdquo;.

Dar said Pakistan and Norway shared a commitment to &ldquo;multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes&rdquo;. &ldquo;Both sides affirmed their desire to continue mutual support and consultations&rdquo; in international bodies and multilateral forums, he said.

Dar said he had also briefed Eide on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling it &ldquo;one of the long-standing unresolved international disputes&rdquo; that had remained on the UN Security Council agenda since 1948.
He said India had &ldquo;added a new dimension to an already volatile security situation&rdquo; by unilaterally announcing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty &ldquo;in contravention of international law&rdquo;.

&ldquo;We reiterate that India must end the weaponisation of water and uphold its treaty obligations,&rdquo; Dar said. He also briefed Eide on Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts to promote &ldquo;dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful settlement&rdquo; of the US-Iran conflict. &ldquo;I am grateful to His Excellency for appreciating Pakistan&rsquo;s role as a mediator in the conflict,&rdquo; Dar said.

He said the two ministers had remained in contact during the crisis, &ldquo;exchanging notes and updating each other&rdquo; on developments. Dar also discussed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, saying both sides agreed on the need for peaceful solutions to international conflicts &ldquo;in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter&rdquo;.
Eide said the two sides had also discussed regional issues including Kashmir, Afghanistan and the situation in the Middle East. He said Norway was pleased to learn more about Pakistan&rsquo;s new trilateral defence cooperation with Turkey and Saudi Arabia, describing the three countries as states with which Norway had &ldquo;very good and close relations&rdquo;.
Eide also highlighted Norway&rsquo;s work with Saudi Arabia through the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

&ldquo;Norway has always had a strong dedication to making sure that the promise of what once was the Oslo Agreement one day is fulfilled,&rdquo; he said, referring to the goal of a &ldquo;free, sovereign and independent Palestinian state living in peace with its neighbour Israel and all other neighbours&rdquo;. &ldquo;We keep working on that,&rdquo; he said, adding that Pakistan and Norway &ldquo;totally agree and cooperate&rdquo; on the issue.

On climate change, Eide said he had closely followed its impact on Pakistan, particularly the &ldquo;extreme effects on Pakistan of floods and other expressions of climate change&rdquo;.

He said the two countries had agreed that climate change was &ldquo;also a foreign policy issue&rdquo;. &ldquo;That includes combating nature loss, climate change, promoting global health and fighting poverty,&rdquo; Eide said. Dar said the visit was a &ldquo;great privilege and satisfaction&rdquo; and expressed confidence that it would &ldquo;open a new chapter in Pakistan-Norway relations&rdquo; and contribute to greater cooperation and prosperity for the people of both countries.

Earlier, the two counterparts held a restricted-format meeting, discussing the &ldquo;full range of bilateral relations&rdquo; and regional and international developments, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

According to the FO, Dar &ldquo;warmly welcomed&rdquo; Eide to Pakistan during the meeting, as the Norwegian foreign minister arrived in Islamabad for the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in a decade.

The two sides also &ldquo;reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest&rdquo;.



Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a restricted-format meeting with H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide @EspenBarthEide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.

DPM/FM warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Espen Eide to Pakistan.&hellip; pic.twitter.com/JsWI11khxq
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


Eide arrived in Islamabad earlier on Thursday for an official visit and was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali. His visit marked the highest-level visit between Pakistan and Norway in a decade.

The talks between Dar and Eide were part of a two-day visit aimed at advancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between Islamabad and Oslo.

According to a post on X, Eide, who is visiting Pakistan at Dar&rsquo;s invitation, was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali.



H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide (@EspenBarthEide), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, arrived in Islamabad this morning on an official visit to Pakistan. He was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Amb. Ayesha Ali. pic.twitter.com/Wa502xiHKD
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


He later arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), where Dar received him for talks that the Foreign Office described as the &ldquo;highest-level visit between Pakistan and Norway in a decade&rdquo;.

The two foreign ministers held delegation-level talks covering the &ldquo;full spectrum of Pakistan-Norway relations&rdquo;, according to the FO.



Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide @EspenBarthEide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The visit marks the highest-level visit between&hellip; pic.twitter.com/9edtQYeXw1
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


The sides discussed &ldquo;avenues for further expanding bilateral cooperation&rdquo;, with particular emphasis on trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, education and people-to-people contacts.

The FO said the two sides also exchanged views on &ldquo;important regional and international developments&rdquo; during the talks.

According to an earlier statement issued on Wednesday, the FO said Eide was visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Dar and described the trip as the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade.



🔈 PR No. 2️⃣0️⃣9️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Norwegian Foreign Minister to Pakistan

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/unWEL2b9hz
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 12, 2026


The ministry said the visit would provide an opportunity to &ldquo;further strengthen the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Norway&rdquo; and &ldquo;explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation&rdquo;.

According to the statement, Dar and Eide were expected to hold delegation-level talks covering the &ldquo;full spectrum of Pakistan-Norway relations&rdquo;.

The two sides were also expected to discuss &ldquo;avenues for further expanding bilateral cooperation&rdquo;, particularly in trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, education and people-to-people contacts.

The FO said they would also &ldquo;exchange views on important regional and international developments&rdquo;.

The ministry said the visit built on &ldquo;sustained high-level engagement between the two countries&rdquo;, including telephone conversations between Dar and Eide in March and April 2026.

It also referred to the visit of Norway&rsquo;s State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to Islamabad in May, saying the latest engagement would build on those contacts.

The FO said the visit would offer an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations while exploring &ldquo;new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation&rdquo; between Pakistan and Norway.]]>
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			<title>Aurangzeb calls for framework to expand digital finance, electronic transactions</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623675/aurangzeb-calls-for-framework-to-expand-digital-finance-electronic-transactions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623675/aurangzeb-calls-for-framework-to-expand-digital-finance-electronic-transactions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 09:06:57 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[FinMin seeks easier digital onboarding, stronger data-sharing and greater integration between banks, capital markets]]>
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				<![CDATA[Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday pushed for an enabling regulatory framework to expand electronic transactions and simplify digital access to finance, including easier customer onboarding and stronger data-sharing between banks and capital markets, according to the Ministry of Finance.

During a meeting with Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir, the two discussed digital transformation, digital finance and the wider use of technology to support economic activity, the ministry posted on X.

it said the finance minister emphasised the importance of ensuring that &ldquo;existing frameworks evolve alongside advancements in digital technology and emerging business models&rdquo;.

The participants discussed the need for an &ldquo;enabling framework that recognises electronic transactions&rdquo; and supports the wider adoption of digital processes across trade and financial activities, it added.



Finance Minister Meets Chairperson Pakistan Digital Authority to Advance Digital Transformation and Support a Technology-Enabled Economy

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with Chairperson Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), Dr.&hellip; pic.twitter.com/8udgZYO1bL
&mdash; Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) August 13, 2026


According to the ministry, the meeting also examined opportunities to improve access to finance through &ldquo;greater use of digital platforms and more efficient processes&rdquo;.

It further said Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of &ldquo;simplifying customer onboarding, strengthening data-sharing mechanisms and improving interoperability of financial data&rdquo;, including &ldquo;greater integration between banks and capital markets&rdquo;.

Measures to facilitate wider participation in the capital market through digital platforms and &ldquo;streamlined account-opening processes&rdquo; were also discussed, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The minister said stronger integration between banking and capital-market systems could support &ldquo;greater investor participation and access to investment opportunities,&rdquo; it added. The participants also exchanged views on improving the &ldquo;use and interoperability of data across government systems&rdquo;.

According to the ministry, Aurangzeb highlighted the potential of &ldquo;better-connected data&rdquo; to support &ldquo;policy formulation, planning and decision-making&rdquo;, including through greater use of technology and artificial intelligence.

Also Read: Electronic payments reach 3.7b transactions

The meeting also covered ways to strengthen digital infrastructure to support &ldquo;more efficient delivery of public and financial services&rdquo;.&nbsp;He further stressed the importance of ensuring that such initiatives were &ldquo;practical, scalable and aligned with the broader digital transformation objectives&rdquo;.

Digital assets and tokenisation were also discussed, including their potential applications in &ldquo;real estate and other investment assets,&rdquo; the ministry said. The participants highlighted the importance of an &ldquo;appropriate framework and supporting mechanisms&rdquo; to facilitate the &ldquo;responsible adoption of emerging technologies,&rdquo; it added.

According to the statement, Aurangzeb appreciated the work being undertaken by the Pakistan Digital Authority and stressed the importance of focusing on &ldquo;practical, high-impact initiatives&rdquo; that could &ldquo;improve efficiency, facilitate access to finance and contribute to stronger digital capabilities across the economy&rdquo;.

The finance minister also underscored the importance of &ldquo;sustained coordination with relevant stakeholders&rdquo; to advance digital initiatives, strengthen efficiency and support the &ldquo;continued development of Pakistan&rsquo;s digital economy,&rdquo; the statement added.

Read More:&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s cashless dream has a cash problem

Pakistan&rsquo;s digital payments ecosystem had expanded rapidly, with retail payments through the banking system reaching 3.7 billion transactions in January-March 2026, up 9% from the previous quarter, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.

Digital channels accounted for 92% of retail payment volumes, processing 3.4 billion transactions worth Rs68.3 trillion.

The number of mobile banking and digital wallet registrations had also exceeded 132 million by March 2026, up 37% from a year earlier, while nearly half of the country&rsquo;s 268 million bank accounts were linked to a mobile banking app or digital wallet.

Meanwhile, Raast had processed 742 million transactions worth Rs23.27 trillion during the quarter, underscoring the rapid shift towards digital payments.

Raast&#39;s peer-to-peer transfer system has seen genuine adoption in urban areas. Mobile wallets like Easypaisa and JazzCash have brought basic financial services to segments of the population that traditional banks never reached.

QR-enabled merchants more than doubled in FY25 &mdash; from 516,000 in FY24 to over 1.9 million by end of 2025 &mdash; which is a real sign of merchant-side momentum, even if still concentrated in urban centres.]]>
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			<title>SHC orders high-level probe into HIV spread among children at Karachi hospital</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623645/shc-orders-high-level-probe-into-hiv-spread-among-children-at-karachi-hospital</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623645/shc-orders-high-level-probe-into-hiv-spread-among-children-at-karachi-hospital#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 06:27:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Nasir Butt]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[2 months given to determine real number of affected children, causes of HIV transmission, whether syringes were reused]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ordered a high-level inquiry into the spread of HIV among children treated at Karachi&rsquo;s Kulsum Bai Valika (KBV) Hospital, directing a committee headed by the Sindh chief secretary to establish how the infections occurred and determine the actual number of affected children.

The case concerns an outbreak at the Sindh Employees&rsquo; Social Security Institution (SESSI)-run hospital that initially emerged among children of industrial workers and their families, with allegations that unsafe medical practices, including the reuse of syringes, led to the transmission of HIV. The number of confirmed cases rose as screening expanded, while the government maintained that those found responsible for negligence would face action.

In its written order, the SHC&rsquo;s constitutional bench directed the chief secretary to constitute an &ldquo;empowered&rdquo; inquiry committee comprising two senior Grade-20 officers.

The committee was given two months to submit a detailed report, which would determine the &ldquo;actual number of affected children&rdquo;, the causes of HIV transmission and whether syringes were reused, the court said.

The bench said it would examine the report before issuing any appropriate orders. The court also directed the Sindh government and SESSI to ensure that all medical treatment required by the affected children was provided free of charge.

It ordered the chief secretary to expedite the process of providing financial assistance and compensation to the affected children and their families.

The court further made clear that children living with HIV and their families must not be subjected to any form of discrimination and that their confidentiality must be maintained.

The authorities were also directed to identify those responsible for the outbreak and take legal action against them.

Read: HIV case uproar: SHC judges retire to chambers

The court&rsquo;s order came after the proceedings over the outbreak had continued for weeks, with the petitioner and affected families raising allegations of medical negligence and shortcomings in the authorities&rsquo; response.

In its latest order, the court also issued a contempt-of-court show-cause notice to the petitioner&rsquo;s counsel Tariq Mansoor over alleged misbehaviour and sloganeering during the proceedings. It directed that CCTV footage from inside and outside the courtroom be preserved and ordered legal action against those found involved in the disorder.

The court ultimately disposed of the petition after issuing its directions for the inquiry, treatment, compensation and protection of the affected children and their families.

HIV outbreak reaches SHC

The petition was filed by Advocate Tariq Mansoor, who alleged that more than 200 children of industrial workers had contracted HIV at KBV Hospital and that nine had died. The petition claimed the outbreak was linked to the reuse of contaminated disposable syringes.

When the case first came before the SHC on July 3, the court directed the provincial government to submit a detailed inquiry report within two weeks and issued notices to senior government officials and other respondents.

The government subsequently reported a lower number of confirmed cases. Later, on July 14, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani said that more than 10,500 people had been screened at Valika Hospital and in the surrounding area, with 120 testing positive for HIV. He said 81 were SESSI beneficiaries and the remaining 39 were also receiving free treatment from the government.

Ghani said the affected children were being treated at five major hospitals and that another 10 HIV-positive cases had been identified among around 2,000 people screened at SESSI&rsquo;s Landhi Hospital.

He said show-cause notices had been issued to 37 doctors and members of staff and that those found responsible would face disciplinary and legal action.

Read More: Total HIV cases at Karachi&rsquo;s KBV hospital rise to 80 as preteen, toddler test positive

The Sindh government also established a Rs2 billion endowment fund for the treatment and welfare of HIV-affected children and their families.

The proceedings became more contentious at the August 11 hearing, when Mansoor again alleged that nine children had died and that inquiry records were being concealed. He claimed around 1,200 children had been diagnosed with HIV in Sindh and alleged that reused syringes had caused infections.

Affected families told the court that several children were being treated on a single bed and alleged that the same syringe had been repeatedly used. One father told the court that the same syringe had allegedly been used on his three children.

The SESSI counsel told the court that officials had been suspended, show-cause notices issued and Rs2 billion allocated for affected people.

The hearing ended with an uproar after the bench reserved its order, prompting the judges to retire to their chambers.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan's debt growth falls to 20-year low, says finance adviser</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623673/pakistans-debt-growth-falls-to-20-year-low-says-finance-adviser</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623673/pakistans-debt-growth-falls-to-20-year-low-says-finance-adviser#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 08:53:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Says Pakistan has also returned to global capital markets after 4 years through Eurobond, Panda Bond issuances]]>
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				<![CDATA[Advisor to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said Pakistan&rsquo;s debt profile had undergone a material shift, with debt growing at its slowest pace in two decades, debt-to-GDP declining, external exposure at a nine-year low and servicing costs falling.

&quot;Pakistan&rsquo;s debt profile has undergone a material shift &mdash; debt is growing at its slowest pace in 2 decades, Debt-to-GDP is declining, external exposure is at a 9-year low, servicing costs are down, maturities are lengthening, and reserve buffers have strengthened,&quot; said&nbsp;Schehzad in a post on X.

While sharing the data, he said that&nbsp;&ldquo;just 7.7% in FY26 &mdash; lowest in 20 years &mdash; versus 16% average in last 20 years&rdquo;, while FY19 had recorded the highest debt growth at 31%.

&ldquo;Debt-to-GDP&rdquo; had fallen &ldquo;to 68%, from 75% in FY23 and highs of 86%-88% in FY19-FY21 period,&rdquo; he said.

Schehzad also highlighted an increase in foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), saying they had risen more than sixfold in three-and-a-half years.

&quot;SBP reserves increased from $2.9 billion in mid-fiscal 2022-23, equivalent to about 2.4 weeks of imports, to $18.4 billion in fiscal 2025-26, equivalent to roughly three months of imports, he said.

On the debt mix, Schehzad said foreign debt had fallen &ldquo;to around 31% of total public debt in FY26, from 37%-38% during FY19-FY23 &mdash; back to levels last seen in FY16/17&rdquo;.

&ldquo;For perspective, Pakistan&rsquo;s domestic-to-foreign public debt mix was nearly 50:50 in FY09, improved to 70:30 by FY15, before foreign exposure climbed again to 37%-38% during FY19-FY23. Today, the mix is back to 69:31, significantly reducing foreign-currency and exchange-rate risk,&rdquo; he stated.



🇵🇰 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻&rsquo;𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟬-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘄, 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝟵-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘄

Pakistan&rsquo;s debt profile has undergone a material shift &mdash; debt is growing at its slowest pace in 2 decades, Debt-to-GDP is declining, external&hellip; pic.twitter.com/HbmBCrdUCh
&mdash; Khurram Schehzad (@kschehzad) August 12, 2026


&ldquo;Combined with External Debt-to-GDP falling to a 9-year low of 21.5%, Pakistan&rsquo;s public debt is now materially less exposed to external risk,&rdquo; Schehzad said.

On debt management, he said&nbsp;that Rs4.72tn of debt had been retired before maturity, while average domestic debt maturity had increased from around 2.8 to 3.8+ years in FY26 &mdash; reducing rollover and refinancing risk.

According to Schehzad, interest expense had fallen &ldquo;from around Rs8.9tn to Rs6.9tn &mdash; nearly Rs2tn lower in one year&rdquo;. More importantly, interest payments had &ldquo;significantly dropped from 61% of total revenues (federal + provincial) in FY24, to 35% in FY26&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Put simply: Rs61 out of every Rs100 of total revenue going to interest has fallen to around Rs35,&rdquo; he said.

On fiscal capacity, Schehzad said Pakistan had delivered &ldquo;3 consecutive primary surpluses&rdquo;, while tax revenues had grown &ldquo;11% in FY26 versus debt growth of 7.7% &mdash; revenues are now growing faster than debt&rdquo;.

Pakistan had also &ldquo;returned to global capital markets after 4 years through Eurobond and Panda Bond issuances, drawing a strong investor response &mdash; with the Panda Bond 5x oversubscribed&rdquo;, he said.

Read: Federal debt hits Rs83.6tr

Schehzad further added that Roshan Digital Account and Naya Pakistan Certificates had also been broadened, &ldquo;opening access to overseas companies and non-Pakistanis, adding AED &amp; SAR options for GCC investors, and revising rates to strengthen their investment appeal&rdquo;.

On external validation, he said, &ldquo;In July 2026, S&amp;P Global Ratings upgraded Pakistan from B- to B with a Stable Outlook &mdash; its strongest S&amp;P sovereign rating in around 9 years.&rdquo;

S&amp;P had specifically cited &ldquo;faster fiscal consolidation, stronger revenue mobilisation, rebuilding of FX reserves, implementation of reforms and declining government Debt-to-GDP&rdquo;, he said.

&ldquo;Such significant external validation matters because these are precisely the indicators by which sovereign debt sustainability is judged,&rdquo; Schehzad said.



𝟵/ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: 𝗦&amp;𝗣 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲

✅ In July 2026, 𝗦&amp;𝗣 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕- 𝘁𝗼 𝗕 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 &mdash; its strongest S&amp;P sovereign rating&hellip;
&mdash; Khurram Schehzad (@kschehzad) August 12, 2026


He also shared the bottomline for debt profile which showed &ldquo;debt growth at a 20-year low, Debt-to-GDP down to 68%, External Debt-to-GDP at a 9-year low, Foreign debt share down to 31% of public debt from 37%-38%, FX reserves up ~6x from crisis levels, most through non-debt sources, Rs4.72tn debt retired early, an Interest burden: 61% &rarr; ~35% of revenues, Longer debt maturity &amp; lower refinancing risk, Three consecutive primary surpluses&nbsp;and a Sovereign rating upgraded by S&amp;P&rdquo;.

&ldquo;The real measure of debt management is whether a country&rsquo;s capacity to carry and service its debt is strengthening,&rdquo; Schehzad said.

Debt, liabilities near Rs100tr

Pakistan&#39;s total debt and liabilities mounted to nearly Rs100 trillion by June 2026, eating up Rs12 trillion in servicing costs in the last fiscal year, amid signs of reversal of high indebtedness due to an improvement compared to the size of the economy.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Wednesday that the nation&#39;s total debt and liabilities, 87% of which was public debt, increased to Rs99.6 trillion during fiscal year 2025-26. The debt bulletin showed that within one year the debt burden grew Rs5.2 trillion, or 5.5%.

The country&#39;s total debt includes the federal government and the central bank&#39;s direct and indirect obligations, which are serviced by the central bank and taxpayers through the Ministry of Finance.

In terms of the size of the economy, the total debt and liabilities contracted to 78.5% of gross domestic product, marking an improvement of 4.2% within a year. However, it was still far higher than the level considered viable for a developing country like Pakistan that has the least resources to sustain such a heavy burden.

The central bank reported that the total debt, excluding liabilities, stood at Rs97.9 trillion by the end of the last fiscal year, showing an increase of Rs6.3 trillion. The International Monetary Fund&#39;s (IMF) debt surged 17% to Rs3.1 trillion.

The global lender has disbursed two loan tranches of $2.2 billion under the three-year Extended Fund Facility. About $450 million has also been released as part of the IMF&#39;s climate support loan.

Pakistan spent Rs12 trillion in servicing the debt and liabilities during the last fiscal year. In dollar terms, it was equal to $43 billion. However, the amount was Rs1.2 trillion, or 9%, less than the preceding fiscal year due to a reduction in interest rates. Data showed that Pakistan repaid Rs4.5 trillion of principal debt by acquiring fresh debt, reflecting an increase of 29% in a year.

But interest expense went down from Rs9.5 trillion to Rs7.3 trillion, a reduction of nearly one-fourth. It is the largest expenditure in the budget, which is projected to consume Rs8 trillion in the current fiscal year.

Read more: Debt, liabilities near Rs100tr

Gross public debt, which is the responsibility of the federal government, increased to Rs86.7 trillion in the last fiscal year. It was higher by Rs6.2 trillion, or 7.7%. However, in terms of the size of the economy, the gross public debt decreased from 70.6% to 68.3% of GDP.

Under the IMF programme, Pakistan ran a third consecutive year of primary budget surplus that helped contain the growth in public debt. The primary surplus is calculated after excluding the cost of interest payments. However, the surplus was primarily achieved on the back of higher taxes coupled with some budget tightening through subsidy cuts.

It was rare that the primary budget surplus was recorded for three consecutive years. Had the surplus not been achieved, the country&#39;s debt would have shot up much beyond Rs100 trillion and its debt-to-GDP ratio would have been higher than the current levels.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has not permitted the finance secretary to avail of a foreign appointment because of his better handling of the IMF programme and keeping a tight check on fiscal targets.

In dollar terms, Pakistan&#39;s external debt and liabilities rose to $138.6 billion, which were $3.3 billion higher than the preceding fiscal year. However, the external-debt growth was far slower than the prior years due to the less availability of foreign credit and the central bank&#39;s decision to rely on local purchases of foreign currency.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad said last month that the central bank cumulatively bought $28 billion from the local market, including $9 billion in fiscal year 2025-26 alone.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has released a report on budget transparency in Pakistan. The government made only limited information on debt obligations, including the major state-owned enterprise debt, publicly available, said the State Department. It added that publicly available budget documents provided a substantially complete picture of most of the government&#39;s planned expenditures and revenues, including natural resource revenues.

But the military and intelligence budgets were not subject to adequate parliamentary or civilian public oversight, said the State Department. The report says Pakistan made its enacted budget and end-of-year report widely and easily accessible to the public, including online.

The government did not publish its executive budget proposal within a reasonable period, according to the US State Department. It recommended steps that Pakistan could take to improve fiscal transparency, including making its executive budget proposal publicly available within a reasonable period; disclosing detailed information on government debt obligations, including for state-owned enterprises; and subjecting the military and intelligence agencies&#39; budgets to parliamentary or civilian public oversight.]]>
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			<title>Israel sends more troops to West Bank village besieged by Jewish settlers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623690/israel-sends-more-troops-to-west-bank-village-besieged-by-jewish-settlers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623690/israel-sends-more-troops-to-west-bank-village-besieged-by-jewish-settlers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 10:46:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623690</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Siege began at weekend when Jewish settlers closed off road to the three homes in the Palestinian village of Qusra]]>
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				<![CDATA[Israel&#39;s military said on Thursday it had sent more troops ​to a West Bank village where settlers have trapped Palestinian families inside their homes, a siege the &zwnj;Palestinians say is aimed at&nbsp;forcibly displacing them&nbsp;from their land.

The siege began at the weekend when Jewish settlers closed off the road to the three homes in the Palestinian village of Qusra and set up a tent in their front yards, refusing to allow anyone to enter or ​leave. The settlers had earlier cut off their electricity and water.

Israel&#39;s military says it is trying to disperse ​the settlers from the area, even as a video from earlier in the week showed several ⁠Israeli men in green military garb joining the settlers in a morning prayer in the tent. The military said it ​was taking disciplinary action against any personnel involved.

A day after troops deployed tear gas in a failed attempt to remove the ​settlers, the military said it had sent additional troops to Qusra &quot;to carry out defensive missions and patrols in the area to maintain security and protect the area.&quot;

Read:&nbsp;Israel charges settler in Palestinian activist&#39;s killing, in rare indictment

The&nbsp;United Nations&nbsp;said in a statement that some 15 Palestinians, including two children, were &quot;being trapped inside their homes in a state ​of terror, unable to attend to their basic needs and without access to water or electricity.&quot;

Besieged families appeal for help

The ​military has come under increasing pressure to halt rogue land seizures by settlers emboldened by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, &zwnj;which has ⁠spearheaded a&nbsp;rapid expansion of settlements&nbsp;in the occupied West Bank.

The two families under siege in the area say they have no food or medicine, and that the settlers have been damaging their property, throwing stones at their homes and shouting insulting language at them.

&quot;We appeal to government institutions and to every free and honourable person to help us secure food and medicine,&quot; said Qusay Abu Reeda, a Palestinian trapped in one of the homes, which belongs to his brother, who lives in Ohio and holds US&nbsp;citizenship.

Read more:&nbsp;West Bank village sealed amid settler march

The US&nbsp;Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said the Israeli military and police &quot;have gone at our request to remove the Israeli terrorists doing this,&quot; adding: &quot;The ​actions of those doing this to this family&#39;s home is criminal.&quot;

Palestinians say the Israeli military ​allows settlers to ⁠seize land and resources across the West Bank with impunity, including in areas where they hold Israel-issued ownership documents.

Incidents of settler land seizures are especially common in areas on the outskirts of villages, like Qusra, which sits in an area under complete Israeli ⁠security control.

The ​West Bank, territory Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war, is ​home to some three million Palestinians and 500,000 settlers. There are some 146 settlements in the West Bank, as well as 390 smaller outposts, according to ​the Israeli settlement watchdog group Peace Now.]]>
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			<title>Human Rights Watch urges Taliban to release detained UN, NGO staff</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623681/human-rights-watch-urges-taliban-to-release-detained-un-ngo-staff</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623681/human-rights-watch-urges-taliban-to-release-detained-un-ngo-staff#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 10:07:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623681</guid>
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				<![CDATA[HRW says six male WCLRF staff were forcibly disappeared from its Kabul office]]>
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				<![CDATA[Human Rights Watch called for the release of two &zwnj;UN staffers and six NGO workers in Afghanistan following a string of Taliban detentions in recent weeks.

HRW said on Wednesday that six male staff working with the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation (WCLRF) had been &quot;forcibly disappeared&quot; from the NGO&#39;s Kabul ​office last month. The NGO has been involved in aid programmes and advocacy on women&#39;s ​and children&#39;s rights, HRW said.

In a separate incident, Human Rights Watch also called ⁠for the release of two Afghan staff members of the UN&#39;s Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), who were ​detained by Taliban intelligence officials in the western city of Herat on Sunday.

The Taliban government&#39;s chief spokesman, ​Zabihullah Mujahid, told Reuters that he was &quot;trying to gather details&quot; about the recent detentions, but had &quot;not received final clarity.&quot;

The UN confirmed the detention of two of its staffers earlier this week. &quot;UNAMA has not been informed of the charges against them ​and has not been permitted to visit them,&quot; Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said ​in a briefing on Wednesday.

Read:&nbsp;2 UN staff arrested by Afghan intel agency

Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan Researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement that the detentions &zwnj;of UNAMA ⁠staff threatened the UN&#39;s &quot;ability to deliver lifesaving aid.&quot;

As the UN&#39;s political mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA is involved in human rights monitoring and data gathering. Its reports have frequently been criticised by the Taliban government in the past.

The detentions became public only days before the Taliban celebrate the fifth anniversary of their return ​to power this Saturday.

Afghanistan ​remains reliant on international ⁠assistance that has increasingly dried up amid broader foreign aid cuts over the last few years, but aid groups have regularly blamed the Taliban for obstructing ​their work and hampering donor commitment to Afghanistan.

Human Rights Watch said Taliban ​security forces raided ⁠the WCLRF office in Kabul on June 21, confiscating employees&rsquo; belongings and sealing the office, before questioning staff about their activities.]]>
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			<title>US senator demands answers on USS Abraham Lincoln’s extended deployment</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623644/us-senator-demands-answers-on-uss-abraham-lincolns-extended-deployment</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623644/us-senator-demands-answers-on-uss-abraham-lincolns-extended-deployment#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 06:18:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623644</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Blumenthal says carrier has gone more than 200 days without a port call, setting a record for consecutive days at sea]]>
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				<![CDATA[US Senator Richard Blumenthal on Wednesday demanded answers from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao over conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has remained at sea for more than 250 days.

&quot;There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages en route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,&quot; Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote in a letter.



Multiple U.S. sailors have reportedly tried to jump overboard the USS Abraham Lincoln amid poor conditions as the Iran war extends their deployment. Natalie Oliverio from The Military Times spoke with one of the sailor&rsquo;s wives: &ldquo;She is extremely worried and concerned about how&hellip; pic.twitter.com/cNy5qQ6sgO
&mdash; Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) August 13, 2026



The senator said the Lincoln departed Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025, for what was initially planned as a seven-month deployment. Its deployment was scheduled to end in May but has since been extended, with no publicly announced return date.

Blumenthal said the carrier has gone more than 200 days without a port call, setting a record for consecutive days at sea.

The extended deployment has raised broader questions about whether the Navy can sustain the operational demands being placed on its aircraft carrier fleet while maintaining crew welfare, equipment readiness and scheduled maintenance, according to Blumenthal.

&ldquo;These reports warrant immediate attention, but they also raise a broader question: whether the Navy can sustain the operational tempo now being demanded of its carrier force,&rdquo; he wrote.

The senator said the Lincoln&#39;s prolonged deployment is particularly significant because it comes amid continuing US military operations involving Iran and the possibility that American naval forces could remain in the region for an extended period.

Read: US revokes more than 600 visas to dismantle global &#39;birth tourism&#39; networks

&ldquo;If the Administration intends to maintain a prolonged military campaign or an elevated carrier presence in the region, it must explain how it intends to ensure today&#39;s operational requirements do not create tomorrow&#39;s readiness crisis,&rdquo; Blumenthal wrote.

He also warned that prolonged deployments can compound the inherent risks of operating an aircraft carrier, where sailors work around jet engines, fuel, weapons, heavy machinery and electrical systems while facing potential threats from adversaries.

Questions over soldiers&#39; fatigue, morale, mental health

According to Blumenthal, fatigue, deferred maintenance and reduced opportunities for rest and recovery can further increase those risks.

Blumenthal asked the Pentagon to explain how it intends to maintain carrier strike group operations in the Middle East over the next 12 to 24 months if current requirements continue.

He also requested details about each extension of the Lincoln&#39;s deployment, including who authorised them and what operational requirements were cited.

The senator asked the Navy to provide a list of significant habitability and quality-of-life problems identified aboard the carrier, including issues involving hygiene supplies, mold, toilets, laundry facilities and water supplies, along with the corrective measures taken.

Read more: US State Dept urges increasing civilian oversight to improve Pakistan&#39;s fiscal transparency

He also requested information about metrics used to monitor fatigue, morale, mental health and crew readiness, as well as any increases in safety incidents, medical issues or disciplinary problems associated with the deployment.

Blumenthal further questioned whether the Navy&rsquo;s current force structure and deployment model can sustainably meet the demand for aircraft carriers.

Finally, he asked the Pentagon to explain the military objective behind the Lincoln&#39;s continued deployment in relation to Iran and how officials determine whether its presence remains necessary.

Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly attempted to go overboard during the aircraft carrier&rsquo;s prolonged deployment in the Middle East, raising fresh concerns among military families and lawmakers about the mental health and living conditions of its crew.

Reports by Navy Times and Stars and Stripes describe multiple incidents involving sailors attempting to jump overboard as the ship enters its ninth month at sea. The carrier, carrying roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines, has spent more than 250 consecutive days without a port visit, according to reports.]]>
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			<title>Russia's Putin visits Japan-claimed islands for first time, Tokyo protests</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623663/russias-putin-visits-japan-claimed-islands-for-first-time-tokyo-protests</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623663/russias-putin-visits-japan-claimed-islands-for-first-time-tokyo-protests#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:49:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623663</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Moscow and Tokyo never ​signed a formal World War Two peace treaty]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, &zwnj;a Japan-claimed island at the end of the Kuril chain near the island of Hokkaido, Russian media said on Thursday, a day after major naval drills ​and a missile firing by ally North Korea.

Moscow and Tokyo never ​signed a formal World War Two peace treaty as ⁠the main hurdle was the unresolved territorial dispute over the islands, which ​Japan calls the Northern Territories.

On the trip, which state news agency TASS ​described as Putin&#39;s first in person to the island chain, he visited the Yasny fish-processing plant on Iturup, after&nbsp;overseeing&nbsp;the navy drills in Russia&#39;s far east.

Japan&#39;s foreign ​minister protested against Putin&#39;s visit on X.

&quot;The northern territories, including Etorofu, ​are Japan&#39;s inherent territory both historically and based on international law,&quot; said Toshimitsu Motegi. &quot;Japan &zwnj;strongly ⁠protests this visit.&quot;

Vesti TV channel images showed Putin in a dark suit, standing in a room looking at two large tuna and halibut on a table, as two officials spoke about fishing and the migratory behaviour ​of fish. He ​also stopped to ⁠try local fish roe.

Read:&nbsp;North Korea fires missile ahead of major US-South Korea drills

&quot;What lovely weather you have there, just like a resort!&quot; Putin told a group ​of Iturup locals. &quot;And we thought you arranged this!&quot; a ​woman, who ⁠appeared to be in her 30s, joked back.

The visit follows Wednesday&#39;s&nbsp;firing&nbsp;of a ballistic missile by ally North Korea, towards waters off the east ⁠of the ​Korean peninsula, days ahead of major joint ​military exercises by Seoul and Washington long denounced by Pyongyang.]]>
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			<title>Meta says it has taken down 756,000 Australian teen accounts as ban enforcement looms</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623648/meta-says-it-has-taken-down-756000-australian-teen-accounts-as-ban-enforcement-looms</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623648/meta-says-it-has-taken-down-756000-australian-teen-accounts-as-ban-enforcement-looms#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 06:39:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623648</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Company says it has deactivated 462,000 suspect Instagram accounts and 294,000 suspect Facebook accounts]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Facebook ​and Instagram owner Meta said on Thursday it had taken down more than 750,000 accounts it suspected &zwnj;were held by Australians aged under 16 since a world-first ban on teen accounts, and promised more action in the face of possible regulatory intervention.

The company said it had deactivated 462,000 suspect Instagram accounts and 294,000 suspect Facebook accounts from just before the Australian social media ​ban went live in December to June, up from 331,000 Instagram accounts and 173,000 Facebook accounts it said ​it had removed by January.

The world&#39;s largest social media company has said it wants to ⁠comply with a law it and other platforms have vocally opposed, just as Australia&#39;s internet regulator considers an&nbsp;enforcement lawsuit against platforms, including some that Meta owns, that it says have failed to take sufficient steps to comply with the law.

No ​other platforms have released compliance data that matches the date range given by Meta, but Australian government figures and multiple independent studies have shown more than eight in 10 under-16s were still on social media in the ban&#39;s first three months.

The Australian government proposed the landmark ​law, which came into force on December 10, on concerns about social media&#39;s impact on the physical and mental ​health of children and young teens.

Read:&nbsp;Australia to make tech companies pay more outlets for content under reworked media law

With other countries&nbsp;around the world&nbsp;considering similar age restrictions, Australia has accused the platforms of intentionally setting the ban &zwnj;up ⁠to fail, and has introduced a law to double the maximum penalty for non-compliance to A$99 million ($69.75 million) and give the regulator greater document discovery powers.

Parliamentary hearing on Friday&nbsp;

Representatives of Meta, TikTok, YouTube owner Google and Snap&#39;s Snapchat are scheduled to give evidence in a parliamentary inquiry about the changes on Friday, as are regulatory and government officials.

&quot;Enforcement is ongoing, and these ​numbers will continue to grow,&quot; ​Meta said in a ⁠statement.

&quot;We share the Australian Government&#39;s goal of ensuring young people have safe, age-appropriate experiences online, and we are meeting our obligations under the law,&quot; the company added.

Read more:&nbsp;US court rules Meta, other tech companies must face thousands of lawsuits over social media addiction

A 2025 Australian trial ​of age assurance technology found products on the market could effectively support a ban. Most ​large platforms, including ⁠Meta&#39;s, rolled out photo-based age estimation software, although they say they typically first subject users to age inference, or assuming a person&#39;s age based on their online activity.

Meta said it was using AI to analyse user profiles for &quot;contextual clues that an account ⁠may belong ​to someone under 16, such as birthday celebrations or mentions of school ​grades&quot; and to analyse reports about suspected underage accounts. The company added that it had removed the option for a person to make more attempts ​to set up an account if their previous account was deleted.]]>
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			<title>Oil eases as weaker demand outlook counters Mideast supply concerns</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623643/oil-eases-as-weaker-demand-outlook-counters-mideast-supply-concerns</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623643/oil-eases-as-weaker-demand-outlook-counters-mideast-supply-concerns#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 06:00:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623643</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Brent futures are down 42 cents, or 0.47%, at $88.56 a barrel]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Oil prices eased on Thursday after gains in previous sessions, as attention turned &zwnj;to expectations of weaker global oil demand this year, while there was no progress on opening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Brent futures slipped 42 cents, or 0.47%, to $88.56 a barrel, trimming gains made over the previous six sessions.

West Texas ​Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 55 cents, or 0.66%, to $82.72, after advancing over the past five sessions.

A senior ​Iranian source said on Wednesday there had been&nbsp;no progress&nbsp;in talks to revive an interim ⁠deal agreed in June and define a timeframe to implement it.

&quot;There was little in the way of fresh ​developments between the US&nbsp;and Iran, with both sides remaining in a deadlock,&quot; said ING analysts in a note ​on Thursday.

&quot;Meanwhile, the latest large drone attack on Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk port appears to have spared oil infrastructure, with no reports of damage to oil terminals as of now.&quot;

With no change in the prospect of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the key factor that ​had driven prices higher over the past week, attention turned to the demand outlook following a surprise build in ​US&nbsp;crude stocks and lower consumption forecasts from OPEC and the International Energy Agency.

US&nbsp;commercial crude oil inventories posted their&nbsp;largest weekly &zwnj;gain&nbsp;⁠since January 2023 as exports slumped, data from the Energy Information Administration showed on Wednesday.

Read:&nbsp;Oil rises as doubts over US-Iran deal heighten supply concerns

Crude inventories rose by 17.4 million barrels to 424.4 million barrels in the week ended August 7, their highest since June 5, the EIA said, compared with analysts&#39; expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.4 million-barrel draw.

On the same day, the Organisation ​of the Petroleum Exporting Countries&nbsp;lowered&nbsp;​its world oil demand ⁠growth forecast for 2026 to 580,000 barrels per day in its monthly oil market report.

At the same time, the International Energy Agency&nbsp;said&nbsp;it expects a 1.6 million bpd ​contraction in consumption this year, down from a forecast of 1 million bpd last ​month, with demand ⁠curtailed by higher prices and restricted supply due to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Still, the&nbsp;deadlocked&nbsp;talks between Iran and the US&nbsp;to end the war in the Gulf have kept a floor under prices.

&quot;The safety situation for navigation in ⁠these waters ​has further deteriorated, forcing vessels to&nbsp;turn off&nbsp;their signals, which reduces ​transparency in shipping and makes it more difficult for the market to track and assess actual supply levels,&quot; analysts at Haitong Futures said in ​a note.]]>
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			<title>'Money should not be a privilege to flaunt'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623559/money-should-not-be-a-privilege-to-flaunt</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623559/money-should-not-be-a-privilege-to-flaunt#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 20:30:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaisar Kamran]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623559</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor Shamoon Abbasi comments on groundbreaking Express drama 'Shaandaar']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[For actor Shamoon Abbasi, playing morally complex characters comes with a challenge that extends beyond the screen: convincing audiences that the person they see in a drama is a fictional character, not a reflection of the actor himself.

Speaking to The Express Tribune about his role in the 16-episode crime drama Shaandaar, Abbasi said actors often face misconceptions when they take on controversial or negative roles.

&quot;The biggest challenge in playing such roles is that the audience starts thinking that the person acting is actually the same as shown in the dramas,&quot; he said. &quot;They don&#39;t understand that I pick these roles because someone has to portray them.&quot;

Directed by Wajahat Rauf, Shaandaar takes inspiration from several real-life roadside killing cases that have sparked public debate in Pakistan. Rather than dramatising one particular incident, the series draws elements from different cases involving violence, privilege, power and influential individuals.

For Abbasi, the relevance of the story to contemporary society was one of the reasons he agreed to be part of the project.

&quot;The first thing that attracted me was Wajahat Rauf, because we had never worked together,&quot; he said. &quot;The role also seemed very relevant to today&#39;s issues. Wajahat is a great director and producer, with all the necessary elements in line.&quot;

The drama moves away from the conventional family conflicts that frequently dominate Pakistani television. Instead, it places crime, privilege and the consequences of unchecked power at the centre of its narrative.

Abbasi&#39;s character is also connected to a younger generation portrayed as privileged and reckless, raising questions about how wealth and upbringing can influence behaviour.

Asked whether society is creating a generation that takes wealth and privilege for granted, Abbasi said parents have an important role to play.

&quot;I absolutely think that parents need to be aware of the activities of their children and keep an eye on how they are growing up,&quot; he said.

He pointed out that the consequences of reckless behaviour can extend far beyond the family home.

&quot;Outside their houses, these privileged, reckless children take such actions that later they become news highlights nationwide,&quot; he said. &quot;Money should not be a privilege to flaunt.&quot;

The series features an ensemble cast including Abbasi, Shahzad Sheikh, Areeka Haq, Ali Dayan, Laila Wasti and Ahsan Afzal Khan. Its fast-paced treatment combines the tension of a crime thriller with elements drawn from incidents that have already entered public consciousness.

As Shaandaar unfolds, the drama seeks to examine a difficult question: what happens when privilege, power and recklessness collide and whether influence can continue to shield people from the consequences of their actions.]]>
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			<title>Pro-Palestine campaigners urge boycott of new Spider-Man film over producer’s support for Israel</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623679/pro-palestine-campaigners-urge-boycott-of-new-spider-man-film-over-producers-support-for-israel</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623679/pro-palestine-campaigners-urge-boycott-of-new-spider-man-film-over-producers-support-for-israel#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 09:49:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623679</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Avi Arad, producer for the film holds Israeli and US citizenship, served in Israeli military between 1965-1968]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon, Jordan and elsewhere in the Arab world have called for a boycott of Spider-Man: Brand New Day over producer Avi Arad&rsquo;s support for Israel and his rejection of criticism directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the war on Gaza.

The Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon urged audiences not to purchase tickets for the film, arguing that financially supporting a production involving figures who have publicly backed Israel amounts to &ldquo;cultural normalisation.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Do we want to support a production involving individuals who have publicly expressed political support for Israel?&rdquo; the group said in a social media statement ahead of the film&rsquo;s release.

The campaign called on the public to avoid paid screenings and said its position reflected its opposition to normalising Israel or its policies.



📍قاطعوا Spider-Man

📌بالتزامن مع اقتراب عرض الجزء الجديد من Spider-Man في صالات السينما اللبنانية بتاريخ 30 تموز، يجدر بنا أن نتساءل: هل نريد دعم عملٍ ترفيهي يشارك في إنتاجه أشخاص أعلنوا مواقف سياسية داعمة لـ&quot;إسرائيل&quot;؟

📌يُعد Avi Arad، أحد أبرز منتجي سلسلة Spider-Man منذ عام&hellip; pic.twitter.com/auL9Wwxg50
&mdash; Boycott Campaign (@BoycottCampaign) July 28, 2026



In Jordan, the Taharrak anti-normalisation group issued a separate statement calling for the film to be boycotted and excluded from the schedules of Jordanian cinemas.

The group also urged the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, cinema operators and other relevant bodies to take a position against its screening. The calls have since been amplified by activists and content creators in other Arab countries.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, released internationally on July 31, stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Marvel lists Arad as one of its four producers alongside Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal and Rachel O&rsquo;Connor.

The campaign focuses on Arad&rsquo;s political record rather than the film&rsquo;s plot or its other cast and crew members.

Arad, a former Marvel Studios chief who holds Israeli and US citizenship, served in the Israeli military between 1965 and 1968 and was involved in the 1967 Six-Day War.

In a 2024 letter published by entertainment news outlet TheWrap, Arad rebuked then-US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after the senator described Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace and called for Israel to hold new elections.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not your war. It is not your country. And it is not you who is at risk,&rdquo; Arad wrote, arguing that Schumer had no right to influence Israel&rsquo;s electoral process. He also described himself as a proud former member of the Israeli military and rejected Schumer&rsquo;s position on a ceasefire.

Campaigners say those statements demonstrate Arad&rsquo;s support for Israel&rsquo;s conduct during the Gaza war and argue that ticket purchases contribute financially to a production associated with him.

The effect of the campaign on attendance remains unclear. The film continued to screen in Lebanon despite the boycott call, with a representative of the Grand Cinemas chain telling Lebanese publication L&rsquo;Orient Today shortly after its release that demand remained high.]]>
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			<title>Eurovision bans countries at war from hosting contest under new rules</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623676/eurovision-bans-countries-at-war-from-hosting-contest-under-new-rules</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623676/eurovision-bans-countries-at-war-from-hosting-contest-under-new-rules#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 09:16:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623676</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Organisers also announce competitors must be at at least 18, up from 16, on the day of their first rehearsal]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Eurovision Song Contest organisers announced on Wednesday that they were excluding any country in an armed conflict from hosting the competition and increased the mininum age of competitors.

While they did not mention any country by name, Israel, which has been at war in Gaza since 2023, came close to winning the competition in both 2025 and 2026, ultimately finishing second on each occasion.

Under the old rules, the winning country normally hosts the following year&#39;s competition.

Under the new rules, &quot;the winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host the contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region&quot;, they said in a statement.

In a first, five countries -- Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland -- boycotted the 2026 competition in Vienna over Israel&#39;s participation.

They said they could not take part alongside Israel because of its war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas&#39;s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said in a statement that the changes had been guided by feedback from member countries.

He added: &quot;These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision Song Contest so special.&quot;

Minimum age requirement 

The organisers also announced that competitors must be at at least 18, up from 16, on the day of their first rehearsal.

&quot;This change continues the work already undertaken by the contest to strengthen safeguarding and protect younger artists from the pressures associated with competing at the Eurovision Song Contest,&quot; they added in the statement.

The youngest person to win the contest was 13-year-old Sandra Kim from Belgium in 1986, according to Eurovision records.

Eurovision is a co-production of public broadcasters belonging to the European Broadcasting Union. Since the EBU includes members from outside Europe, the contest is not limited to European countries.

The EBU said it could commission an independent security assessment before deciding whether a winning country is capable of hosting the event safely.

If a winning country is found unable to host the contest, the EBU will appoint another host nation.

Under the new rules, that country will organise the concert &quot;in its own right&quot; and &quot;will not be required to stage the event on behalf of another member&quot;.

Ukraine hosted Eurovision in 2017 despite the conflict in the country&#39;s east between Ukrainian forces and Moscow-backed separatists.

But after Ukraine won the contest in 2022, it was unable to host the following year&#39;s edition because of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion.

Eurovision 2023 was instead held in Liverpool in Britain on Ukraine&#39;s behalf.]]>
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			<title>Shahood Alvi says remarks on wives' 'hygiene' were taken out of context</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623477/shahood-alvi-says-remarks-on-wives-hygiene-were-taken-out-of-context</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623477/shahood-alvi-says-remarks-on-wives-hygiene-were-taken-out-of-context#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 10:22:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623477</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor says comments reflected societal attitudes towards women, not his personal views, after facing online criticism]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Actor Shahood Alvi has clarified his recent remarks about wives&rsquo; hygiene, saying his comments on a morning show were taken out of context and do not reflect his personal views about women.

He recently faced criticism over comments he made during a morning show, where he discussed the way some husbands perceive their wives. During the conversation, he suggested that women who spend much of their day in the kitchen may smell of garlic and ginger, while working women tend to make more of an effort to look presentable and wear perfume.

Addressing the criticism, Alvi shared a statement explaining that the viral clips did not represent the full context of the discussion. &ldquo;I came across videos resurfacing about me in which my words have been taken out of context and twisted for views,&rdquo; he said.





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He explained that his comments were made during a broader conversation about the expectations and attitudes prevalent among men in society. According to Alvi, the discussion began after a woman called the show and asked why her husband did not pay attention to her and instead spent most of his time on his phone.

&ldquo;If you watch the entire show, a woman called on live TV and asked why her husband doesn&rsquo;t pay attention to her and is always on his phone. We were all discussing how the majority of men in our society think. This has nothing to do with my views on women,&rdquo; he clarified.

Alvi also brought the discussion back to his own family life, stressing that he believes in empowering women and supporting their confidence and independence. &ldquo;I empower and support strong and confident women, and that&rsquo;s how I&rsquo;ve treated my wife and daughters all along,&rdquo; he said.

He further claimed that he has always made sure his wife has the support she needs at home, adding, &ldquo;I have provided my wife with all the household help she needs. I respect everything she has done for me.&rdquo;

The actor also criticised the way the remarks were being circulated online, arguing that selective clips can create a misleading impression of a person&#39;s views.

&ldquo;The narrative currently circulating does not reflect what I actually said or believe. Shame on people who try to tarnish one&rsquo;s reputation just for views,&rdquo; Alvi wrote, while asking media platforms and networks not to take his words out of context.



Several celebrities and fans appeared to support Alvi following his clarification.

Actress Zhalay Sarhadi defended him in the comments, writing, &ldquo;Those who know you know that about you! Let the haters wag their tongues, which is the only thing they can do! Love and respect you always!&rdquo;



Alvi&rsquo;s sister also came to his defence, commenting, &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve always been the best brother.&rdquo;

While Alvi&rsquo;s clarification has offered his perspective on the controversy, the incident has also reignited a broader conversation about the expectations placed on women who manage households.]]>
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			<title>Actor Mohammed Ahmed opens up about his non-surgical facelift</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623469/actor-mohammed-ahmed-opens-up-about-his-non-surgical-facelift</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623469/actor-mohammed-ahmed-opens-up-about-his-non-surgical-facelift#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 09:32:01 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Life And Style Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Says minor procedure was a personal choice to enhance his features, not a drastic change to his appearance]]>
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				<![CDATA[Veteran actor Syed Mohammed Ahmed clarified that his recent minor facelift procedure was a personal choice rooted in self-love and was not a major cosmetic surgery.

The actor shared a video on Instagram showing him undergoing a non-surgical facelift, where he was also joined by influencer Zoya Shoukat.

Responding to fans&rsquo; comments, Ahmed stressed that the procedure was minor and intended to enhance his existing features rather than dramatically change his appearance.



https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3TxpoN4eI/



In response to a fan who questioned why he would undergo the procedure, Ahmed said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not changing myself, dear. It is a very small kind of procedure that helps you look a better version of yourself. It is not the Bollywood kind of plastic surgery. Do not worry.&rdquo;

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Ahmed also kept the mood light while discussing the process, joking about the instructions he was given during the procedure. &ldquo;First they told me to give zero expression, then full expression, then to act frustrated, to not close my eyes,&rdquo; he said.

He explained that he had initially visited the clinic to seek advice about what could be done, saying there were several surgical and lengthy options available. However, he ultimately opted for a non-surgical procedure.

&ldquo;I came here to get opinions on what to do with my face. There were many surgical lengthy procedures but the one I did was non-surgical. I already feel like I have gotten ten to fifteen years younger,&rdquo; he said.





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Shoukat also shared videos on her own Instagram account. In one of the clips, she spoke about the support Ahmed continues to receive from younger fans following a controversy in which he alleged that certain actors had mistreated him on a drama set.

&ldquo;I am so honoured to meet you and to give you people&rsquo;s messages. I am so glad that you let out your voice and we are all with you. Just know all the kids are with you,&rdquo; she said.

Ahmed later thanked his fans for their support and appreciation. &ldquo;I was happy that people did not think that I was wrong,&rdquo; he said.

On the professional front, Ahmed remains active in the entertainment industry and recently starred in the drama Doctor Bahu.]]>
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			<title>Aurangzeb calls for framework to expand digital finance, electronic transactions</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623675/aurangzeb-calls-for-framework-to-expand-digital-finance-electronic-transactions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623675/aurangzeb-calls-for-framework-to-expand-digital-finance-electronic-transactions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 09:06:57 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[FinMin seeks easier digital onboarding, stronger data-sharing and greater integration between banks, capital markets]]>
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				<![CDATA[Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday pushed for an enabling regulatory framework to expand electronic transactions and simplify digital access to finance, including easier customer onboarding and stronger data-sharing between banks and capital markets, according to the Ministry of Finance.

During a meeting with Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir, the two discussed digital transformation, digital finance and the wider use of technology to support economic activity, the ministry posted on X.

it said the finance minister emphasised the importance of ensuring that &ldquo;existing frameworks evolve alongside advancements in digital technology and emerging business models&rdquo;.

The participants discussed the need for an &ldquo;enabling framework that recognises electronic transactions&rdquo; and supports the wider adoption of digital processes across trade and financial activities, it added.



Finance Minister Meets Chairperson Pakistan Digital Authority to Advance Digital Transformation and Support a Technology-Enabled Economy

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with Chairperson Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), Dr.&hellip; pic.twitter.com/8udgZYO1bL
&mdash; Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) August 13, 2026


According to the ministry, the meeting also examined opportunities to improve access to finance through &ldquo;greater use of digital platforms and more efficient processes&rdquo;.

It further said Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of &ldquo;simplifying customer onboarding, strengthening data-sharing mechanisms and improving interoperability of financial data&rdquo;, including &ldquo;greater integration between banks and capital markets&rdquo;.

Measures to facilitate wider participation in the capital market through digital platforms and &ldquo;streamlined account-opening processes&rdquo; were also discussed, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The minister said stronger integration between banking and capital-market systems could support &ldquo;greater investor participation and access to investment opportunities,&rdquo; it added. The participants also exchanged views on improving the &ldquo;use and interoperability of data across government systems&rdquo;.

According to the ministry, Aurangzeb highlighted the potential of &ldquo;better-connected data&rdquo; to support &ldquo;policy formulation, planning and decision-making&rdquo;, including through greater use of technology and artificial intelligence.

Also Read: Electronic payments reach 3.7b transactions

The meeting also covered ways to strengthen digital infrastructure to support &ldquo;more efficient delivery of public and financial services&rdquo;.&nbsp;He further stressed the importance of ensuring that such initiatives were &ldquo;practical, scalable and aligned with the broader digital transformation objectives&rdquo;.

Digital assets and tokenisation were also discussed, including their potential applications in &ldquo;real estate and other investment assets,&rdquo; the ministry said. The participants highlighted the importance of an &ldquo;appropriate framework and supporting mechanisms&rdquo; to facilitate the &ldquo;responsible adoption of emerging technologies,&rdquo; it added.

According to the statement, Aurangzeb appreciated the work being undertaken by the Pakistan Digital Authority and stressed the importance of focusing on &ldquo;practical, high-impact initiatives&rdquo; that could &ldquo;improve efficiency, facilitate access to finance and contribute to stronger digital capabilities across the economy&rdquo;.

The finance minister also underscored the importance of &ldquo;sustained coordination with relevant stakeholders&rdquo; to advance digital initiatives, strengthen efficiency and support the &ldquo;continued development of Pakistan&rsquo;s digital economy,&rdquo; the statement added.

Read More:&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s cashless dream has a cash problem

Pakistan&rsquo;s digital payments ecosystem had expanded rapidly, with retail payments through the banking system reaching 3.7 billion transactions in January-March 2026, up 9% from the previous quarter, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.

Digital channels accounted for 92% of retail payment volumes, processing 3.4 billion transactions worth Rs68.3 trillion.

The number of mobile banking and digital wallet registrations had also exceeded 132 million by March 2026, up 37% from a year earlier, while nearly half of the country&rsquo;s 268 million bank accounts were linked to a mobile banking app or digital wallet.

Meanwhile, Raast had processed 742 million transactions worth Rs23.27 trillion during the quarter, underscoring the rapid shift towards digital payments.

Raast&#39;s peer-to-peer transfer system has seen genuine adoption in urban areas. Mobile wallets like Easypaisa and JazzCash have brought basic financial services to segments of the population that traditional banks never reached.

QR-enabled merchants more than doubled in FY25 &mdash; from 516,000 in FY24 to over 1.9 million by end of 2025 &mdash; which is a real sign of merchant-side momentum, even if still concentrated in urban centres.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan's debt growth falls to 20-year low, says finance adviser</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623673/pakistans-debt-growth-falls-to-20-year-low-says-finance-adviser</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623673/pakistans-debt-growth-falls-to-20-year-low-says-finance-adviser#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 08:53:11 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Says Pakistan has also returned to global capital markets after 4 years through Eurobond, Panda Bond issuances]]>
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				<![CDATA[Advisor to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said Pakistan&rsquo;s debt profile had undergone a material shift, with debt growing at its slowest pace in two decades, debt-to-GDP declining, external exposure at a nine-year low and servicing costs falling.

&quot;Pakistan&rsquo;s debt profile has undergone a material shift &mdash; debt is growing at its slowest pace in 2 decades, Debt-to-GDP is declining, external exposure is at a 9-year low, servicing costs are down, maturities are lengthening, and reserve buffers have strengthened,&quot; said&nbsp;Schehzad in a post on X.

While sharing the data, he said that&nbsp;&ldquo;just 7.7% in FY26 &mdash; lowest in 20 years &mdash; versus 16% average in last 20 years&rdquo;, while FY19 had recorded the highest debt growth at 31%.

&ldquo;Debt-to-GDP&rdquo; had fallen &ldquo;to 68%, from 75% in FY23 and highs of 86%-88% in FY19-FY21 period,&rdquo; he said.

Schehzad also highlighted an increase in foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), saying they had risen more than sixfold in three-and-a-half years.

&quot;SBP reserves increased from $2.9 billion in mid-fiscal 2022-23, equivalent to about 2.4 weeks of imports, to $18.4 billion in fiscal 2025-26, equivalent to roughly three months of imports, he said.

On the debt mix, Schehzad said foreign debt had fallen &ldquo;to around 31% of total public debt in FY26, from 37%-38% during FY19-FY23 &mdash; back to levels last seen in FY16/17&rdquo;.

&ldquo;For perspective, Pakistan&rsquo;s domestic-to-foreign public debt mix was nearly 50:50 in FY09, improved to 70:30 by FY15, before foreign exposure climbed again to 37%-38% during FY19-FY23. Today, the mix is back to 69:31, significantly reducing foreign-currency and exchange-rate risk,&rdquo; he stated.



🇵🇰 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻&rsquo;𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟬-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘄, 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝟵-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘄

Pakistan&rsquo;s debt profile has undergone a material shift &mdash; debt is growing at its slowest pace in 2 decades, Debt-to-GDP is declining, external&hellip; pic.twitter.com/HbmBCrdUCh
&mdash; Khurram Schehzad (@kschehzad) August 12, 2026


&ldquo;Combined with External Debt-to-GDP falling to a 9-year low of 21.5%, Pakistan&rsquo;s public debt is now materially less exposed to external risk,&rdquo; Schehzad said.

On debt management, he said&nbsp;that Rs4.72tn of debt had been retired before maturity, while average domestic debt maturity had increased from around 2.8 to 3.8+ years in FY26 &mdash; reducing rollover and refinancing risk.

According to Schehzad, interest expense had fallen &ldquo;from around Rs8.9tn to Rs6.9tn &mdash; nearly Rs2tn lower in one year&rdquo;. More importantly, interest payments had &ldquo;significantly dropped from 61% of total revenues (federal + provincial) in FY24, to 35% in FY26&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Put simply: Rs61 out of every Rs100 of total revenue going to interest has fallen to around Rs35,&rdquo; he said.

On fiscal capacity, Schehzad said Pakistan had delivered &ldquo;3 consecutive primary surpluses&rdquo;, while tax revenues had grown &ldquo;11% in FY26 versus debt growth of 7.7% &mdash; revenues are now growing faster than debt&rdquo;.

Pakistan had also &ldquo;returned to global capital markets after 4 years through Eurobond and Panda Bond issuances, drawing a strong investor response &mdash; with the Panda Bond 5x oversubscribed&rdquo;, he said.

Read: Federal debt hits Rs83.6tr

Schehzad further added that Roshan Digital Account and Naya Pakistan Certificates had also been broadened, &ldquo;opening access to overseas companies and non-Pakistanis, adding AED &amp; SAR options for GCC investors, and revising rates to strengthen their investment appeal&rdquo;.

On external validation, he said, &ldquo;In July 2026, S&amp;P Global Ratings upgraded Pakistan from B- to B with a Stable Outlook &mdash; its strongest S&amp;P sovereign rating in around 9 years.&rdquo;

S&amp;P had specifically cited &ldquo;faster fiscal consolidation, stronger revenue mobilisation, rebuilding of FX reserves, implementation of reforms and declining government Debt-to-GDP&rdquo;, he said.

&ldquo;Such significant external validation matters because these are precisely the indicators by which sovereign debt sustainability is judged,&rdquo; Schehzad said.



𝟵/ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: 𝗦&amp;𝗣 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲

✅ In July 2026, 𝗦&amp;𝗣 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕- 𝘁𝗼 𝗕 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 &mdash; its strongest S&amp;P sovereign rating&hellip;
&mdash; Khurram Schehzad (@kschehzad) August 12, 2026


He also shared the bottomline for debt profile which showed &ldquo;debt growth at a 20-year low, Debt-to-GDP down to 68%, External Debt-to-GDP at a 9-year low, Foreign debt share down to 31% of public debt from 37%-38%, FX reserves up ~6x from crisis levels, most through non-debt sources, Rs4.72tn debt retired early, an Interest burden: 61% &rarr; ~35% of revenues, Longer debt maturity &amp; lower refinancing risk, Three consecutive primary surpluses&nbsp;and a Sovereign rating upgraded by S&amp;P&rdquo;.

&ldquo;The real measure of debt management is whether a country&rsquo;s capacity to carry and service its debt is strengthening,&rdquo; Schehzad said.

Debt, liabilities near Rs100tr

Pakistan&#39;s total debt and liabilities mounted to nearly Rs100 trillion by June 2026, eating up Rs12 trillion in servicing costs in the last fiscal year, amid signs of reversal of high indebtedness due to an improvement compared to the size of the economy.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Wednesday that the nation&#39;s total debt and liabilities, 87% of which was public debt, increased to Rs99.6 trillion during fiscal year 2025-26. The debt bulletin showed that within one year the debt burden grew Rs5.2 trillion, or 5.5%.

The country&#39;s total debt includes the federal government and the central bank&#39;s direct and indirect obligations, which are serviced by the central bank and taxpayers through the Ministry of Finance.

In terms of the size of the economy, the total debt and liabilities contracted to 78.5% of gross domestic product, marking an improvement of 4.2% within a year. However, it was still far higher than the level considered viable for a developing country like Pakistan that has the least resources to sustain such a heavy burden.

The central bank reported that the total debt, excluding liabilities, stood at Rs97.9 trillion by the end of the last fiscal year, showing an increase of Rs6.3 trillion. The International Monetary Fund&#39;s (IMF) debt surged 17% to Rs3.1 trillion.

The global lender has disbursed two loan tranches of $2.2 billion under the three-year Extended Fund Facility. About $450 million has also been released as part of the IMF&#39;s climate support loan.

Pakistan spent Rs12 trillion in servicing the debt and liabilities during the last fiscal year. In dollar terms, it was equal to $43 billion. However, the amount was Rs1.2 trillion, or 9%, less than the preceding fiscal year due to a reduction in interest rates. Data showed that Pakistan repaid Rs4.5 trillion of principal debt by acquiring fresh debt, reflecting an increase of 29% in a year.

But interest expense went down from Rs9.5 trillion to Rs7.3 trillion, a reduction of nearly one-fourth. It is the largest expenditure in the budget, which is projected to consume Rs8 trillion in the current fiscal year.

Read more: Debt, liabilities near Rs100tr

Gross public debt, which is the responsibility of the federal government, increased to Rs86.7 trillion in the last fiscal year. It was higher by Rs6.2 trillion, or 7.7%. However, in terms of the size of the economy, the gross public debt decreased from 70.6% to 68.3% of GDP.

Under the IMF programme, Pakistan ran a third consecutive year of primary budget surplus that helped contain the growth in public debt. The primary surplus is calculated after excluding the cost of interest payments. However, the surplus was primarily achieved on the back of higher taxes coupled with some budget tightening through subsidy cuts.

It was rare that the primary budget surplus was recorded for three consecutive years. Had the surplus not been achieved, the country&#39;s debt would have shot up much beyond Rs100 trillion and its debt-to-GDP ratio would have been higher than the current levels.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has not permitted the finance secretary to avail of a foreign appointment because of his better handling of the IMF programme and keeping a tight check on fiscal targets.

In dollar terms, Pakistan&#39;s external debt and liabilities rose to $138.6 billion, which were $3.3 billion higher than the preceding fiscal year. However, the external-debt growth was far slower than the prior years due to the less availability of foreign credit and the central bank&#39;s decision to rely on local purchases of foreign currency.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad said last month that the central bank cumulatively bought $28 billion from the local market, including $9 billion in fiscal year 2025-26 alone.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has released a report on budget transparency in Pakistan. The government made only limited information on debt obligations, including the major state-owned enterprise debt, publicly available, said the State Department. It added that publicly available budget documents provided a substantially complete picture of most of the government&#39;s planned expenditures and revenues, including natural resource revenues.

But the military and intelligence budgets were not subject to adequate parliamentary or civilian public oversight, said the State Department. The report says Pakistan made its enacted budget and end-of-year report widely and easily accessible to the public, including online.

The government did not publish its executive budget proposal within a reasonable period, according to the US State Department. It recommended steps that Pakistan could take to improve fiscal transparency, including making its executive budget proposal publicly available within a reasonable period; disclosing detailed information on government debt obligations, including for state-owned enterprises; and subjecting the military and intelligence agencies&#39; budgets to parliamentary or civilian public oversight.]]>
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			<title>DISCOs buyers eye dollar returns</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623565/discos-buyers-eye-dollar-returns</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623565/discos-buyers-eye-dollar-returns#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 21:07:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623565</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Seek guarantees against contract reopening, NEPRA concerns among demands]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prospective buyers of Pakistan&#39;s three power distribution companies have set out demands for a return on their investments in foreign currency, sought sovereign guarantees that their deals would not be reopened in future, and they will not be required to buy expensive electricity.

Some of the demands, which the local and foreign investors have made, stemmed from the government&#39;s questionable respect for commercial deals in the past, a weak judicial system and a weaker power sector regulator.

According to officials privy to these discussions, demands like paying profits in US currency or giving exemption from buying electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are unlikely to be accepted due to their implications for consumers and the economy.

However, the government is willing to address some of the genuine concerns of investors, particularly about the post-privatisation market regime.

The sources said the investors&#39; feedback has already been shared with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has instructed the Privatisation Commission to work out a transparent and rule-based post-privatisation regime.

The investors&#39; feedback was obtained during domestic and foreign visits held recently. The government has begun the process of privatising three power distribution companies in the first phase &ndash; Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Islamabad. About 12 investors have shown interest, including four foreign investors.

Public sector enterprises&#39; debt and liabilities jumped 8.7% during the last fiscal year to Rs3.11 trillion &ndash; an increase of Rs249 billion in a year, according to the central bank.

The officials said investors have demanded protection against contract reopening and renegotiation outside the control period.

The demands stem from the government&#39;s earlier decision to force IPPs to renegotiate their contracts, which authorities said were one-sided. However, no action has been taken against responsible bureaucrats and cabinet members who finalised these deals.

The investors have emphasised the need for improved regulatory capacity, effective implementation of service level agreements and timely tariff adjustments by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority(NEPRA).

The officials said investors expressed strong concern that there is a risk any agreed tariff could be reduced by future governments or courts.

To address concerns, the financial advisor has recommended the government obtain political risk guarantees from multilaterals and include contractual protections against reopening in transaction documents.

Another major issue is that investors want freedom and flexibility in power purchase and competitive supply. They are reluctant to buy electricity from expensive IPPs, which the government is contractually obligated to purchase.

The officials said it would be difficult to exempt distribution companies from these purchases. If the government does not buy and sell the electricity, it must pay idle capacity payments to generation plant owners.

Some prospective bidders also own power plants. The bidders want a license for both buying and selling electricity.

Investors have termed the five-year tariff period too short for making long-term, major investments, proposing a 7 to 10-year control period.

One major demand is to replace the uniform tariff with performance and efficiency-based tariffs. Under the current system, the power price is the same for profitable Fesco consumers and for loss-making Sukkur and Peshawar consumers.

Investors also want returns on capital investment, investment plan approval and tariff determination before bidding to ensure NEPRA does not create post-privatisation problems. They have demanded timely provision of subsidies for subsidised consumers.

Bidders also asked for inflation-adjusted guaranteed returns on investment in foreign currency. The government may give inflation-adjusted profits but seems reluctant to link payments with foreign currency.

Privatisation Commission officials said strong interest exists from foreign and local investors but they seek certainty over the regulatory regime and guaranteed returns, with some indicating they would buy 100% of Faisalabad and Gujranwala distribution companies.

Investors also showed high preference for unrestricted commercial use of land and sought separation of pension and legacy liabilities. The finance ministry is not in favour of separating pension liabilities as the cost is built into the tariff.

Bidders have demanded a free hand in hiring and firing, saying current staffing levels exceed requirements, particularly after the rollout of Advanced Metering Infrastructure. They are not in favour of any freeze period on retrenchment.

However, the government may impose a minimum one-year ban on retrenchment.

Investors also want to monetise assets and commercially use land for activities like installing optical fibre, telecom towers and electric vehicle charging facilities.]]>
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			<title>Oil eases as weaker demand outlook counters Mideast supply concerns</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623643/oil-eases-as-weaker-demand-outlook-counters-mideast-supply-concerns</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623643/oil-eases-as-weaker-demand-outlook-counters-mideast-supply-concerns#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 06:00:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623643</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Brent futures are down 42 cents, or 0.47%, at $88.56 a barrel]]>
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				<![CDATA[Oil prices eased on Thursday after gains in previous sessions, as attention turned &zwnj;to expectations of weaker global oil demand this year, while there was no progress on opening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Brent futures slipped 42 cents, or 0.47%, to $88.56 a barrel, trimming gains made over the previous six sessions.

West Texas ​Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 55 cents, or 0.66%, to $82.72, after advancing over the past five sessions.

A senior ​Iranian source said on Wednesday there had been&nbsp;no progress&nbsp;in talks to revive an interim ⁠deal agreed in June and define a timeframe to implement it.

&quot;There was little in the way of fresh ​developments between the US&nbsp;and Iran, with both sides remaining in a deadlock,&quot; said ING analysts in a note ​on Thursday.

&quot;Meanwhile, the latest large drone attack on Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk port appears to have spared oil infrastructure, with no reports of damage to oil terminals as of now.&quot;

With no change in the prospect of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the key factor that ​had driven prices higher over the past week, attention turned to the demand outlook following a surprise build in ​US&nbsp;crude stocks and lower consumption forecasts from OPEC and the International Energy Agency.

US&nbsp;commercial crude oil inventories posted their&nbsp;largest weekly &zwnj;gain&nbsp;⁠since January 2023 as exports slumped, data from the Energy Information Administration showed on Wednesday.

Read:&nbsp;Oil rises as doubts over US-Iran deal heighten supply concerns

Crude inventories rose by 17.4 million barrels to 424.4 million barrels in the week ended August 7, their highest since June 5, the EIA said, compared with analysts&#39; expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.4 million-barrel draw.

On the same day, the Organisation ​of the Petroleum Exporting Countries&nbsp;lowered&nbsp;​its world oil demand ⁠growth forecast for 2026 to 580,000 barrels per day in its monthly oil market report.

At the same time, the International Energy Agency&nbsp;said&nbsp;it expects a 1.6 million bpd ​contraction in consumption this year, down from a forecast of 1 million bpd last ​month, with demand ⁠curtailed by higher prices and restricted supply due to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Still, the&nbsp;deadlocked&nbsp;talks between Iran and the US&nbsp;to end the war in the Gulf have kept a floor under prices.

&quot;The safety situation for navigation in ⁠these waters ​has further deteriorated, forcing vessels to&nbsp;turn off&nbsp;their signals, which reduces ​transparency in shipping and makes it more difficult for the market to track and assess actual supply levels,&quot; analysts at Haitong Futures said in ​a note.]]>
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			<title>Gaps drive AI push at private hospitals</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623568/gaps-drive-ai-push-at-private-hospitals</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623568/gaps-drive-ai-push-at-private-hospitals#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 21:07:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usman Hanif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623568</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[31% adult diabetes rate, low physician numbers fuel digital transformation]]>
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				<![CDATA[Private hospitals across Pakistan are accelerating investments in artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, data analytics and systems interoperability as competition intensifies in the multi-disciplinary care market. The push aims to create seamless physical-to-digital patient journeys and meet rising expectations for international-standard services.

Hospitals are responding to structural weaknesses in the country&#39;s healthcare landscape. Pakistan spends under 3% of GDP on health, far below the required level, leaving government facilities overloaded and private providers under pressure to fill the gap. The country has roughly one physician for every 833 people, compared with the global average of one per 536, according to World Bank estimates. High disease burdens compound the strain: more than 31% of the adult population lives with diabetes, one of the highest rates in the region. A digital transformation can improve access to healthcare, improve record-keeping, lower the cost of consultation and diagnostics, improve awareness, and inform public policy on healthcare with more accurate data, said Zeeshan Aftab, co-founder of 10Pearls, an AI-native digital engineering firm, which entered a strategic technology partnership with Novacare, a multi-disciplinary hospital focused on internationally accredited, digitally advanced care delivery.

&quot;AI is already changing how clinicians work,&quot; he said. Advanced imaging systems can detect early signs of breast cancer in mammograms up to six years earlier than human experts in around 20% of cases. Models that combine medical records, lifestyle data, past treatments and genetic information are enabling more precise, personalised treatment plans and earlier risk identification. Ambient clinical documentation tools further reduce the administrative load on doctors, allowing them to spend more time with patients, he added.

For patients, the day-to-day impact could be significant. Properly implemented digital tools promise shorter waiting times, more attentive consultations free from paperwork fatigue, and earlier disease detection through advanced diagnostics.

In the longer term, costs may decline as systems become more efficient. Wearables and specialised devices could support continuous monitoring at home, while AI-based assistants may help individuals make better-informed health decisions, Aftab highlighted. &quot;Yet technology alone is not enough,&quot; he emphasised. Building internal capability and structured knowledge transfer are equally critical. Hospitals that develop their own technical, compliance and workflow expertise reduce long-term dependence on external partners and gain the ability to maintain, adapt and expand systems as needs evolve.

The demand for AI is high and finding experts in the field is a huge task.

At Novacare, our ambition is to build something special in hospital care, where clinical standards, workflow, and patient experience are designed to work as one, said Hans Kedzierski, Director &amp; CEO of Novacare. &quot;Finding a partner with real depth in hospital operations, and not only in software, took us a long time. 10Pearls brings both, which is why we chose them to help us deliver the standard of care our patients deserve.&quot; Interoperability remains one of the toughest obstacles, said Aftab. Pakistan lacks a unified electronic health record system across hospitals and has no comprehensive data privacy law. Different institutions operate under varying privacy policies, raising the risk that digitisation simply creates more elaborate data silos. While the NADRA-issued CNIC offers a reliable unique identifier for adult patients, technical and policy standardisation is still missing. Even in markets with mature standards such as FHIR, legacy systems often struggle to communicate effectively with newer platforms.

Patient data privacy and clinical safety require careful attention as advanced solutions are introduced, he said. In the absence of a detailed local framework, organisations are looking to international benchmarks such as HIPAA and GDPR for privacy baselines, supplemented by AI-specific governance. Clinical safety standards including IEC 62304 and ISO 14971 guide the development of digital medical tools. Solutions must also comply with Pakistan&#39;s PECA 2016 (as amended in 2025) and, where applicable, DRAP regulations for medical devices. The broader shift reflects a maturing private healthcare market, said Kedzierski. Multi-disciplinary hospitals are treating digital infrastructure not as an optional upgrade but as a competitive necessity. Seamless integration between physical care and digital channels is emerging as a key differentiator, while operational efficiency, reduced administrative burden and stronger data for decision-making are becoming central to sustainability.]]>
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			<title>US has miscalculated war, Strait of Hormuz due to intelligence failures: Iran's Araghchi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623640/irans-araghchi-slams-france-other-western-nations-hypocrisy-over-human-rights</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623640/irans-araghchi-slams-france-other-western-nations-hypocrisy-over-human-rights#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 04:56:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623640</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Iran paramilitary unit head says Strait of Hormuz is under its control, Fars news reports]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that the US had &#39;long miscalculated due to intelligence failures. Case in point: The war on Iran&quot;.

He added that they were making an even bigger miscalculation &quot;on the Strait of Hormuz.&quot;

&quot;Worse than fake news is fake intelligence. Be careful.&quot;



The U.S. has long miscalculated due to intelligence failures. Case in point: The war on Iran. Now, an even bigger miscalculation on the Strait of Hormuz.

Worse than fake news is fake intelligence. Be careful.

Allah is Great, Greater than ANY power on Earth. In Allah we trust.
&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) August 13, 2026


The remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the US had &quot;total control&quot; of the strategic waterway.



https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/117083017680231697



Iran paramilitary unit head says Strait of Hormuz is under its control, Fars news reports

The Strait of Hormuz is &quot;under Iran&#39;s control and management&quot;, the head of Iran&#39;s Basij paramilitary unit, Hossein Taeb, said on Thursday, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Taeb said the United States had sought to disrupt what he described as the Islamic Republic&#39;s popularity in the region by launching another war in the Strait of Hormuz, but had once more been defeated despite claiming Iran had neither an air force nor a navy.

&quot;Today you see that the Strait of Hormuz is under the management and control of the Islamic Republic,&quot; Taeb said, adding that Iran was continuing on its course in complete security.

US &lsquo;fallen into trap of Strait of Hormuz&rsquo;: former Iranian diplomat

Former Iranian diplomat Abbas Khameyar said the US failed &ldquo;the test of economic and military warfare&rdquo; against Iran, emphasising that Tehran will not submit to American conditions or ambitions, according to Al Jazeera.



BREAKING: Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian control, says the head of Basij paramilitary forces

🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/D7TyI3bBCB pic.twitter.com/tv0qpFzcgb
&mdash; Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) August 13, 2026


Khameyar said that the Strait of Hormuz served as a &ldquo;deterrent card that has succeeded in changing the course of aggression and re-imposing the rules of engagement&rdquo;.

Washington broke its previous commitments, he argued, adding that obligations could only be fulfilled through serious negotiations carried out in good faith.

According to the former diplomat, the US has ultimately &ldquo;fallen into the trap of the Strait of Hormuz&rdquo; in the process of the war.

Hormuz blocked until &#39;Iran&#39;s conditions are accepted&#39;: Persian Gulf Strait Authority

Iran rejected claims of US officials that the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz had been lifted, noting the waterway remained blocked until Tehran&rsquo;s conditions were accepted.

&ldquo;The successive claims and tweets by American officials about lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz do not change reality; the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran&rsquo;s conditions are accepted,&rdquo; the Persian Gulf Strait Authority said in a post on X early on Thursday.



ادعاها و توییت&zwnj;های پیاپی مسئولان آمریکایی درباره رفع انسداد تنگه هرمز، واقعیت را تغییر نمی&zwnj;دهد؛ تنگه هرمز همچنان مسدود است و تا پذیرش شروط ایران بازگشایی نخواهد شد. https://t.co/ihOBUkpFYo
&mdash; PGSA | نهاد مدیریت آبراه خلیج فارس (@PGSA_IRAN) August 12, 2026


Iran&rsquo;s Araghchi slams France, other Western nations&#39; &lsquo;hypocrisy&rsquo; over human rights

Araghchi on Thursday slammed the &quot;blatant and embarrassing&quot; hypocrisy of &quot;countries like France&quot; over their stance on human rights and international law.

&quot;Your backing of Israel&rsquo;s genocide in Gaza&mdash;and aggression against Iran&mdash;has destroyed whatever moral high ground you imagined you had,&quot; he wrote in a post on X.



Countries like France should stop lecturing the world about &ldquo;human rights&rdquo; and international law. The hypocrisy is blatant and embarrassing.

Your backing of Israel&rsquo;s genocide in Gaza&mdash;and aggression against Iran&mdash;has destroyed whatever moral high ground you imagined you had.
&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) August 13, 2026


Baghaei stresses that all parties benefiting from Hormuz shipping have responsibilities to address damage

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has called for environmental protection to be made an integral part of any future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, citing recent oil pollution along the shores of Qeshm Island and calling out the &quot;aggressors and their partners who have transformed the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman into a theatre for military operations and the testing of highly destructive weaponry&quot;.



Why must addressing the environmental condition of the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters form an integral part of any future administration of the Strait?

In recent days, videos have circulated showing oil pollution along the shores of Qeshm Island. This pollution&hellip; pic.twitter.com/UpSWlqePvd
&mdash; Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) August 12, 2026


In a post on X, Baghaei said videos had emerged in recent days showing oil pollution along Qeshm&rsquo;s coastline. He said the pollution had drifted from the Persian Gulf toward the coast, with preliminary evidence pointing to a foreign bulk carrier as the source.

&ldquo;Contamination has been documented at three coastal sites and across portions of the sea surface,&rdquo; Baghaei said.

He described the incident as one visible manifestation of broader environmental damage affecting the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the region&rsquo;s marine ecosystem over recent decades, which he said had caused trillions of dollars in damage to Iran&rsquo;s coastal areas.

Baghaei questioned who should bear responsibility for compensating the damage, pointing to energy-consuming nations, shipping insurers, and countries involved in military operations in the region.

&ldquo;As the country with the longest coastline along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, Iran cannot remain indifferent,&rdquo; he said.

Baghaei argued that all parties benefiting from commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have responsibilities to address environmental damage, stating: &ldquo;Every party that benefits from commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz carries both a legal and a moral obligation to remediate the environmental harm inflicted upon the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.&rdquo;

Iran says no progress on reviving interim peace deal with US 

Iran and the United States remain at ​loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source, who said there &zwnj;had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a time frame to implement it.

The comments came as Trump issued yet another broadside against Iran&#39;s leaders, dealing a further blow to hopes for a resolution to the crisis, following new attacks on shipping in the region on Tuesday.

The deal agreed in June declared an &quot;immediate and permanent ​termination of military operations on all fronts&quot;, but quickly unravelled, with Trump saying it was &quot;over&quot; on July 7 and Iran&#39;s foreign ministry declaring it &quot;suspended&quot; ​a week later.

The US accuses Iran of failing to honour an agreement under the deal to reopen the vital Strait ⁠of Hormuz shipping route. Tehran says Washington has reneged on its commitments, including lifting a blockade of Iranian ports and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

&quot;One of the issues ​that is being discussed via mediators is the US returning to the interim agreement and defining a time frame for implementing the commitments. There has been absolutely no ​progress on this issue,&quot; the Iranian source said.

Read: &#39;I think we will keep it&#39;: Trump says US has &#39;total control&#39; over Strait of Hormuz

Trump said on Wednesday that the US has &quot;total control&quot; over the Strait of Hormuz.

But the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, the body Iran set up to manage the waterway, said it remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran&rsquo;s conditions are accepted.

&quot;Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer,&quot; ​Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Throughout the conflict, Trump has alternated between threats of escalation and claims that a peace deal is imminent.

&#39;No talk of extension&#39;

Thousands ​of people have been killed in the conflict, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28.

Iran has struck US assets and &zwnj;infrastructure in ⁠countries including Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The June interim ceasefire agreement set a 60-day period, extendable by mutual consent, within which Iran and the US were expected to reach a final deal limiting Tehran&#39;s nuclear program and lifting US sanctions.

The Iranian source dismissed a report on Wednesday from Turkey&#39;s Anadolu news agency that quoted Pakistani government sources as saying they had agreed to extend that 60-day period.

&quot;There is no talk of an extension because, from Iran&rsquo;s perspective, ​there is no period that began and ​therefore nothing to extend. The United ⁠States violated the interim agreement 48 hours after it was reached and withdrew from it a few days later,&quot; the source told Reuters.

Attacks on shipping

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman and the entrance to the Gulf, ​handled a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flow before the war.

Benchmark Brent crude futures have surged ​since the start of ⁠the war in February, hitting a peak of $126 a barrel, roughly 75% above pre-war levels, with choppy trade reflecting concerns over disruptions to Gulf oil supplies and shifting signals on peace talks.

On Tuesday, in separate incidents, a suspected and a US Navy MH-60 ⁠helicopter fired ​two Hellfire missiles, the US military said.

Oil ​prices rose but then steadied in volatile trading on Wednesday, after forecasters cut projections for 2026 oil demand. Brent crude futures were trading at around $88 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude at around $83 ​a barrel.]]>
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			<title>Human Rights Watch urges Taliban to release detained UN, NGO staff</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623681/human-rights-watch-urges-taliban-to-release-detained-un-ngo-staff</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623681/human-rights-watch-urges-taliban-to-release-detained-un-ngo-staff#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 10:07:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623681</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[HRW says six male WCLRF staff were forcibly disappeared from its Kabul office]]>
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				<![CDATA[Human Rights Watch called for the release of two &zwnj;UN staffers and six NGO workers in Afghanistan following a string of Taliban detentions in recent weeks.

HRW said on Wednesday that six male staff working with the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation (WCLRF) had been &quot;forcibly disappeared&quot; from the NGO&#39;s Kabul ​office last month. The NGO has been involved in aid programmes and advocacy on women&#39;s ​and children&#39;s rights, HRW said.

In a separate incident, Human Rights Watch also called ⁠for the release of two Afghan staff members of the UN&#39;s Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), who were ​detained by Taliban intelligence officials in the western city of Herat on Sunday.

The Taliban government&#39;s chief spokesman, ​Zabihullah Mujahid, told Reuters that he was &quot;trying to gather details&quot; about the recent detentions, but had &quot;not received final clarity.&quot;

The UN confirmed the detention of two of its staffers earlier this week. &quot;UNAMA has not been informed of the charges against them ​and has not been permitted to visit them,&quot; Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said ​in a briefing on Wednesday.

Read:&nbsp;2 UN staff arrested by Afghan intel agency

Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan Researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement that the detentions &zwnj;of UNAMA ⁠staff threatened the UN&#39;s &quot;ability to deliver lifesaving aid.&quot;

As the UN&#39;s political mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA is involved in human rights monitoring and data gathering. Its reports have frequently been criticised by the Taliban government in the past.

The detentions became public only days before the Taliban celebrate the fifth anniversary of their return ​to power this Saturday.

Afghanistan ​remains reliant on international ⁠assistance that has increasingly dried up amid broader foreign aid cuts over the last few years, but aid groups have regularly blamed the Taliban for obstructing ​their work and hampering donor commitment to Afghanistan.

Human Rights Watch said Taliban ​security forces raided ⁠the WCLRF office in Kabul on June 21, confiscating employees&rsquo; belongings and sealing the office, before questioning staff about their activities.]]>
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			<title>Five dead as landslide buries houses in western Nepal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623680/five-dead-as-landslide-buries-houses-in-western-nepal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623680/five-dead-as-landslide-buries-houses-in-western-nepal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 09:50:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623680</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Eight people remain missing, with rescue teams struggling to reach remote area]]>
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				<![CDATA[A landslide swept away houses in the remote Thawang village of Rolpa district in western Nepal, killing at least five people and leaving eight missing, a senior official told Anadolu on Thursday.

&quot;Locals have recovered the bodies of five of the 15 people who went missing in the landslide, while two were injured. The location of the missing people is still unknown,&quot; Rishi Keshav Budha Magar, chairperson of Thawang Rural Municipality, which includes the landslide-affected area, said.

Around 8:00pm Wednesday, a landslide swept away 11 houses and sheds for cows and buffalo on sloping mountain areas.

Thawang, a remote village in the district, was once widely known as the Maoist insurgents&#39; hinterland during the insurgency, which lasted until 2007, when a peace agreement was signed.

Rescuers continue to struggle to reach the area.

Read:&nbsp;Landslides and floods kill 64 in Nepal, India

&quot;Since the landslide-affected area is not well connected to the road network, excavators mobilized for rescue couldn&#39;t reach there,&quot; Magar told Anadolu over the phone. &quot;The Chief District Officer has just arrived at the incident site. I&#39;m also walking on foot for rescue and recovery operations.&quot;

Rescuers from the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have launched a search and rescue operation to locate missing people.

Poorly developed roads and inadequate disaster preparedness lead to fatalities during each monsoon season, which begins in June and lasts until September.

As of Wednesday, 43 people had been killed in monsoon-related disasters such as landslides, floods and heavy rains, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the state-run authority responsible for disaster response.]]>
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			<title>CIA had ‘low confidence’ in Iranian threat before Trump switched planes in Turkiye: Washington Post</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623655/cia-had-low-confidence-in-iranian-threat-before-trump-switched-planes-in-turkiye-washington-post</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623655/cia-had-low-confidence-in-iranian-threat-before-trump-switched-planes-in-turkiye-washington-post#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:06:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623655</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Spy agency doubted threat to US president in Turkiye that prompted extraordinary secret flight]]>
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				<![CDATA[US intelligence officials had doubts about the credibility of an alleged Iranian assassination threat against President Donald Trump that was relayed by Israel and contributed to an extraordinary security operation during his departure from T&uuml;rkiye last month, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Citing current and former US officials familiar with the intelligence, the report said CIA analysts did not consider the Israeli-provided information compelling and communicated their scepticism to Trump administration officials.

One US official described the reporting as &ldquo;Israeli-derived, not US-generated, and viewed as low confidence,&rdquo; according to the Post.

The intelligence concerns add a new dimension to the elaborate security measures taken when Trump departed T&uuml;rkiye&#39;s capital Ankara following the NATO summit on July 8.

The Post previously reported that the president was moved secretly from a legacy Air Force One to a third aircraft after concerns emerged about whether a new Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted to the US by Qatar had adequate security protections for the departure.

Trump was reportedly transported from the airport&rsquo;s Air Force One aircraft to a C-32A military plane in an airport catering truck. He and a small group of aides then flew to Britain&rsquo;s Mildenhall air base. The aircraft was escorted by F-16 fighter jets.

Read: Trump boarded secret Turkey flight via catering truck due to Iran threat &ndash; media

The White House did not directly address questions about the intelligence assessment. A US official said the president has faced numerous threats, including from Iran, and that all necessary measures were taken to protect him.

&quot;As the president has said, he has faced numerous threats on his life, including ones from Iran, and every measure is taken to ensure his safety,&rdquo; a US official was quoted as saying in a statement.

&quot;The United States Secret Service&rsquo;s core mission is protecting the president, which they achieved.&quot;

The CIA declined to comment, while the Israeli Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to the newspaper&rsquo;s request for details.

Despite questions about the intelligence, US officials said the Secret Service ultimately decided that the potential threat warranted extraordinary precautions.

&ldquo;The Secret Service has had three near misses with this president, so they&rsquo;re not taking any chances,&rdquo; one official told the Post.

Trump himself said Tuesday that the Secret Service made the decision to use another aircraft.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really just up to Secret Service. I just follow what they like to do,&rdquo; he said, according to the Post. &ldquo;They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane, equal safety &hellip; I do what they say.&rdquo;

The reported doubts have also raised questions over why Israel shared the intelligence with Washington and whether the information was intended solely as a warning or could have been aimed at influencing US policy.

Read more: Trump says Secret Service ordered switch to different plane during Turkiye trip

According to the Post, some current and former US intelligence officials believed the Israeli reporting may have been intended in part to influence Trump&rsquo;s decision-making and Washington&rsquo;s approach to the region.

Israel considers Iran its most immediate regional security threat, while it has also expressed concerns about T&uuml;rkiye and the increasingly close relationship between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the newspaper reported.

It &ldquo;fit a broader pattern of Israeli intelligence reporting that some officials see as designed as much to shape presidential decision-making as to inform it,&rdquo; a former official familiar with the matter said, according to the report.

The report also said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was briefed on both the Israeli intelligence and the Secret Service&rsquo;s planned operation. According to the former official cited by the Post, Rubio nevertheless boarded the legacy Air Force One aircraft.

Another US official questioned how serious the alleged threat could have been, pointing to the tens of thousands of Turkish security personnel deployed for the NATO summit.]]>
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			<title>Russia's Putin visits Japan-claimed islands for first time, Tokyo protests</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623663/russias-putin-visits-japan-claimed-islands-for-first-time-tokyo-protests</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623663/russias-putin-visits-japan-claimed-islands-for-first-time-tokyo-protests#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:49:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623663</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Moscow and Tokyo never ​signed a formal World War Two peace treaty]]>
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				<![CDATA[Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, &zwnj;a Japan-claimed island at the end of the Kuril chain near the island of Hokkaido, Russian media said on Thursday, a day after major naval drills ​and a missile firing by ally North Korea.

Moscow and Tokyo never ​signed a formal World War Two peace treaty as ⁠the main hurdle was the unresolved territorial dispute over the islands, which ​Japan calls the Northern Territories.

On the trip, which state news agency TASS ​described as Putin&#39;s first in person to the island chain, he visited the Yasny fish-processing plant on Iturup, after&nbsp;overseeing&nbsp;the navy drills in Russia&#39;s far east.

Japan&#39;s foreign ​minister protested against Putin&#39;s visit on X.

&quot;The northern territories, including Etorofu, ​are Japan&#39;s inherent territory both historically and based on international law,&quot; said Toshimitsu Motegi. &quot;Japan &zwnj;strongly ⁠protests this visit.&quot;

Vesti TV channel images showed Putin in a dark suit, standing in a room looking at two large tuna and halibut on a table, as two officials spoke about fishing and the migratory behaviour ​of fish. He ​also stopped to ⁠try local fish roe.

Read:&nbsp;North Korea fires missile ahead of major US-South Korea drills

&quot;What lovely weather you have there, just like a resort!&quot; Putin told a group ​of Iturup locals. &quot;And we thought you arranged this!&quot; a ​woman, who ⁠appeared to be in her 30s, joked back.

The visit follows Wednesday&#39;s&nbsp;firing&nbsp;of a ballistic missile by ally North Korea, towards waters off the east ⁠of the ​Korean peninsula, days ahead of major joint ​military exercises by Seoul and Washington long denounced by Pyongyang.]]>
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			<title>Meta says it has taken down 756,000 Australian teen accounts as ban enforcement looms</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623648/meta-says-it-has-taken-down-756000-australian-teen-accounts-as-ban-enforcement-looms</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623648/meta-says-it-has-taken-down-756000-australian-teen-accounts-as-ban-enforcement-looms#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 06:39:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623648</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Company says it has deactivated 462,000 suspect Instagram accounts and 294,000 suspect Facebook accounts]]>
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				<![CDATA[Facebook ​and Instagram owner Meta said on Thursday it had taken down more than 750,000 accounts it suspected &zwnj;were held by Australians aged under 16 since a world-first ban on teen accounts, and promised more action in the face of possible regulatory intervention.

The company said it had deactivated 462,000 suspect Instagram accounts and 294,000 suspect Facebook accounts from just before the Australian social media ​ban went live in December to June, up from 331,000 Instagram accounts and 173,000 Facebook accounts it said ​it had removed by January.

The world&#39;s largest social media company has said it wants to ⁠comply with a law it and other platforms have vocally opposed, just as Australia&#39;s internet regulator considers an&nbsp;enforcement lawsuit against platforms, including some that Meta owns, that it says have failed to take sufficient steps to comply with the law.

No ​other platforms have released compliance data that matches the date range given by Meta, but Australian government figures and multiple independent studies have shown more than eight in 10 under-16s were still on social media in the ban&#39;s first three months.

The Australian government proposed the landmark ​law, which came into force on December 10, on concerns about social media&#39;s impact on the physical and mental ​health of children and young teens.

Read:&nbsp;Australia to make tech companies pay more outlets for content under reworked media law

With other countries&nbsp;around the world&nbsp;considering similar age restrictions, Australia has accused the platforms of intentionally setting the ban &zwnj;up ⁠to fail, and has introduced a law to double the maximum penalty for non-compliance to A$99 million ($69.75 million) and give the regulator greater document discovery powers.

Parliamentary hearing on Friday&nbsp;

Representatives of Meta, TikTok, YouTube owner Google and Snap&#39;s Snapchat are scheduled to give evidence in a parliamentary inquiry about the changes on Friday, as are regulatory and government officials.

&quot;Enforcement is ongoing, and these ​numbers will continue to grow,&quot; ​Meta said in a ⁠statement.

&quot;We share the Australian Government&#39;s goal of ensuring young people have safe, age-appropriate experiences online, and we are meeting our obligations under the law,&quot; the company added.

Read more:&nbsp;US court rules Meta, other tech companies must face thousands of lawsuits over social media addiction

A 2025 Australian trial ​of age assurance technology found products on the market could effectively support a ban. Most ​large platforms, including ⁠Meta&#39;s, rolled out photo-based age estimation software, although they say they typically first subject users to age inference, or assuming a person&#39;s age based on their online activity.

Meta said it was using AI to analyse user profiles for &quot;contextual clues that an account ⁠may belong ​to someone under 16, such as birthday celebrations or mentions of school ​grades&quot; and to analyse reports about suspected underage accounts. The company added that it had removed the option for a person to make more attempts ​to set up an account if their previous account was deleted.]]>
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			<title>Meta, 29 states head to court in biggest test yet of youth social media litigation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623501/meta-29-states-head-to-court-in-biggest-test-yet-of-youth-social-media-litigation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623501/meta-29-states-head-to-court-in-biggest-test-yet-of-youth-social-media-litigation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 12:36:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623501</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Zuckerberg expected to testify as states seek sweeping changes, damages up to $1.4 trillion]]>
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				<![CDATA[Meta&nbsp;Platforms&nbsp;will face a coalition of state attorneys general in a California federal&nbsp;court&nbsp;trial beginning on Wednesday over claims it engineered Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children, a case that could expose the company to massive damages and&nbsp;force it&nbsp;to make sweeping changes to its platforms.

The trial in Oakland, expected to last seven weeks, will&nbsp;test&nbsp;Colorado, Kentucky, California and New Jersey&#39;s allegations that&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;designed its platforms to keep young users hooked and misled consumers about their safety. It will also address claims by&nbsp;29&nbsp;states&nbsp;that the company illegally collected and used children&#39;s data in violation of federal law.

Jury selection is on Wednesday, with opening statements slated to begin August 18.&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;founder and&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg is expected to&nbsp;testify, as is Instagram head&nbsp;Adam Mosseri.

In terms of potential damages and implications for&nbsp;Meta, the trial is the&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;test&nbsp;yet&nbsp;of&nbsp;youth&nbsp;social&nbsp;media&nbsp;litigation&nbsp;and comes amid a broader reckoning across the globe over&nbsp;social&nbsp;media&#39;s effects on young users.

Read:&nbsp;Meta launches new AI model as Zuckerberg champions open-weight push

Meta&nbsp;has said the damages could be as high as $1.4 trillion, near the company&rsquo;s market cap of $1.5 trillion, though the attorneys general have not publicly disclosed how much they may seek.

The attorneys general of Colorado, Kentucky, California and New Jersey are also asking the judge to issue an order forcing the company to implement age restrictions, eliminate infinite scroll and make other changes to its platforms.

A&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;spokesperson said the company strongly disagreed with the allegations and was confident evidence would show its longstanding commitment to supporting young people. &quot;We&#39;ve listened to parents, worked with experts and law enforcement, and conducted in-depth research to understand the issues that matter most,&quot; the spokesperson said in a statement.

Broader reckoning

The&nbsp;states&#39; lawsuit, which was filed in 2023, stemmed from a multistate investigation into Instagram and Facebook&#39;s impact on young users. The investigation was announced following disclosures by&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;whistleblower Frances Haugen, who testified&nbsp;before a US Senate committee in 2021 that the company knew its products could harm young users and how to make them safer, but chose not to make those changes in favour of pursuing higher profits.

&quot;Meta&nbsp;knows its platforms are harming children and teens but continues to keep kids addicted, as we&rsquo;ve alleged in our lawsuit,&quot; New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said in a statement ahead&nbsp;of the trial. &quot;Our kids are not data points to be monetised.&quot;

A Reuters/Ipsos poll&nbsp;last week found an overwhelming majority of Americans &mdash; 85% &mdash; think&nbsp;social&nbsp;media&nbsp;can be addictive for children, with 61% of respondents saying&nbsp;social&nbsp;media&nbsp;companies need firmer oversight.

Meta&nbsp;and other&nbsp;social&nbsp;media&nbsp;companies are facing growing pressure from lawmakers and in the&nbsp;courts. Wednesday&#39;s trial is among thousands of cases filed by&nbsp;states, municipalities, school districts and individuals over allegations that their products harm young users. Meta&nbsp;has said the flood of&nbsp;litigation&nbsp;could seriously impact its business and financial results.

Read More:&nbsp;Meta, Google fined in social media addiction trial

Trials in the two cases&nbsp;that have already gone to juries resulted in verdicts against&nbsp;Meta, and last week a New Mexico judge ordered the company to pay $567 million&nbsp;and make changes to its platforms after finding the company responsible for fueling a children&#39;s mental health crisis in the state. The company also settled a lawsuit brought by a Kentucky school district that had been slated for trial in June.

Meta&nbsp;has broadly denied the allegations in the cases, saying it has worked to protect children on its platforms. The company has argued it could not have misled consumers about whether its platforms were addictive because &quot;social&nbsp;media&nbsp;addiction&quot; is not a recognised psychiatric condition.

Legal experts said the&nbsp;latest&nbsp;trial could be a pivotal moment for&nbsp;Meta, with recent&nbsp;courtroom losses increasing the pressure on the company. &quot;Big damage awards and judicial dictates about features both potentially pose existential threats to&nbsp;social&nbsp;media&nbsp;defendants,&quot; said Eric Goldman, a professor and co-director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara&nbsp;University&nbsp;School of Law.

An unusual trial

Meta&nbsp;on Monday lost a last-ditch effort to delay the trial and halt thousands of other lawsuits it is facing after a US court&nbsp;dismissed its appeal of rulings that allowed the cases to move forward, saying it was brought too early.

US&nbsp;District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who also presided over Elon Musk&#39;s lawsuit against OpenAI&nbsp;and&nbsp;its&nbsp;CEO Sam Altman, will oversee the trial and issue her decision after it concludes in October. Rogers made the unusual decision to empanel an advisory jury to issue a decision on specific questions that she will use to guide her ruling. Advisory juries, which are very rarely used,&nbsp;give&nbsp;verdicts on specific issues selected by the judge &mdash; but the judge is free to disregard their findings in her ruling.

Also Read:&nbsp;Meta and Google found liable in landmark social media addiction lawsuit

In addition to monetary damages, the&nbsp;states&nbsp;are asking Rogers to order the&nbsp;platforms&nbsp;to make changes nationwide. The&nbsp;states&nbsp;want&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;to implement age restrictions on users, delete all algorithms and AI models made with children&rsquo;s data, and eliminate features like infinite scroll and notifications. They also are asking the&nbsp;court&nbsp;to direct&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;to alter the algorithm it uses to promote content to prioritise well-being instead of engagement, and set strict time limits for young users, among many other changes.

The lawsuit is one of more than 3,000 lawsuits filed by school districts, individuals and others in federal&nbsp;court&nbsp;against&nbsp;Meta, Snap Inc, YouTube parent Alphabet and TikTok parent ByteDance that have been centralised before Rogers. A second group of more than 3,300 lawsuits brought largely by individuals against the companies is pending in Los Angeles state&nbsp;court.]]>
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			<title>Australia to make tech companies pay more outlets for content under reworked media law</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623541/australia-to-make-tech-companies-pay-more-outlets-for-content-under-reworked-media-law</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623541/australia-to-make-tech-companies-pay-more-outlets-for-content-under-reworked-media-law#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 17:59:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Legislation revives Canberra's effort to channel money from large tech ​companies to Australian news organisations]]>
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				<![CDATA[Australia will raise the number of deals large tech firms must strike with local news outlets under a revamp of its media licensing ​laws to be introduced to parliament on Thursday, the government said, &zwnj;adding the measure would distribute advertising revenue to more domestic outlets.

The changes also commit the government to giving 5% of funds raised under the scheme to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), ​the formerly industry-owned newswire service, which now runs as a non-profit.

Changes ​made after discussions between government and opposition would also require digital ⁠platforms to strike deals with at least eight media companies, up from six ​in an earlier draft.

The government also reinstated a cap limiting any single deal ​to 25% of a platform&#39;s&nbsp;levy liability&nbsp;under the law, which is equal to 2.5% of a company&#39;s Australian advertising revenue, with the amount they pay offset by the value of ​deals they strike.

The legislation revives Canberra&#39;s effort to channel money from large technology ​companies to Australian news organisations whose content helps drive user engagement and advertising revenue on &zwnj;their platforms.

READ:&nbsp;Australia finds serious gaps in Big Tech response to online child sexual abuse

&quot;People access news in different ways and from different sources, which is why we made changes to the distribution scheme to better support smaller and diverse media organisations,&quot; said Communications Minister Anika Wells in a statement.

The funding for AAP, which ​supplies text, photographs ​and video to ⁠media organisations around the country, and which&nbsp;faced closure&nbsp;in 2020, recognises its role supporting public-interest journalism, the government said.

Australia&#39;s original ​2021 media bargaining law required Google&nbsp;and Facebook owner ​Meta&nbsp;to ⁠negotiate payment deals for news content, with a government-appointed arbitrator empowered to set terms if negotiations failed.

The tech giants struck a series of commercial agreements under that framework, ⁠but ​the government began redesigning the regime after Meta ​said it would stop paying for news content in Australia and other markets.

The new plan includes ​platforms such as TikTok and Microsoft&#39;s&nbsp;LinkedIn.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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			<title>Nebius powers past estimates as customers race to secure AI computing power</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623527/nebius-powers-past-estimates-as-customers-race-to-secure-ai-computing-power</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623527/nebius-powers-past-estimates-as-customers-race-to-secure-ai-computing-power#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 15:42:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Booming demand for AI infrastructure helps cloud-computing company land larger contracts, increase prices]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Nebius on Wednesday beat quarterly revenue estimates as booming demand for AI infrastructure helped it land larger contracts and increase prices, sending shares of the cloud-computing company up more than 20%.

The results came ​a day after larger rival CoreWeave raised its annual forecasts, with shares of AI ​infrastructure companies broadly advancing as strong results from both firms reinforced investor expectations ⁠that demand for AI computing capacity continues to outstrip supply.

Revenue at Nebius&#39; mainstay AI ​cloud unit rose nearly sixfold, powering overall sales to $582.3 million in the second quarter ended June, ​which beat estimates of $572.75 million, according to LSEG data.

Nebius is converting growing demand into &quot;contracted, profitable growth&quot;, CEO Arkady Volozh said.



Nebius reported a 514% jump in second-quarter sales for its cloud business following strong demand for AI computing power. https://t.co/yXl1HgOVSX
&mdash; Bloomberg (@business) August 12, 2026


The Nvidia-powered AI cloud provider signed four AI cloud deals averaging more than $1 billion each, as total ​contract value nearly quadrupled and new-customer contract values jumped more than ninefold.

When asked about rising ​competition from new entrants such as xAI, CEO Volozh said demand for AI computing remained well ahead &zwnj;of supply ⁠and that Nebius could sell all of its planned 2027 capacity at current terms.

READ: Cloud computing: no longer an experimental technology

Emarketer analyst Jacob Bourne agreed that demand for AI cloud capacity keeps soaring despite intensifying competition, but added, &quot;the bigger question is how diversified and durable that demand proves to be beyond the AI ​industry itself.&quot;

Capital expenditures totalled ​about $5.7 billion during the ⁠quarter, topping analysts&#39; expectations of $4.7 billion, according to Visible Alpha, as Nebius continued investing aggressively in GPUs and data-centre expansion.

AI cloud deals signed ​in the quarter, with annual contract values above $20 million per megawatt, ​are expected to ⁠come online in late fourth quarter, the company said.

READ MORE: AI and cloud boom spark &lsquo;climate strategy crisis&rsquo; for tech giants

It raised its contracted power target for 2026 to five gigawatts from more than four gigawatts previously, and expects to deploy more than one ⁠GW ​of capacity annually starting in 2027, which is enough electricity ​to power roughly 750,000 US homes.

The company expects more than $9 billion in customer prepayments this year and said it ​has more than $40 billion in customer commitments.

&nbsp;

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			<title>South Korea unveils future technology drivers, targets moon landing by 2030</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623455/south-korea-unveils-future-technology-drivers-targets-moon-landing-by-2030</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623455/south-korea-unveils-future-technology-drivers-targets-moon-landing-by-2030#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 08:00:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623455</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['Seven Major SEED' initiative spans quantum computing to nuclear energy, with $7.1b investment in materials]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;unveiled on Wednesday an ambitious&nbsp;technology&nbsp;strategy centred on seven projects ranging from nuclear energy and quantum computing to space and biotechnology, as the country seeks to secure new growth engines beyond semiconductors and AI.

The &quot;Seven Major SEED&quot; initiative, announced at a Blue House meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung, brings together goals including commercial deployment of indigenous small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2035, a&nbsp;moon&nbsp;landing&nbsp;by&nbsp;2030, development of a domestic 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029 and commercialisation of brain-computer interface products by 2035.

Lee said&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;should use the opportunity created by a boom in the semiconductor industry and the rapid expansion of AI to prepare the country&#39;s next growth drivers&nbsp;before they emerge.

&quot;The seven SEED projects we are discussing today will become next-generation growth engines and core strategic national assets,&quot; Lee said.

Read:&nbsp;South Korea promises free homegrown AI chatbot this year

The initiative covers SMRs, fusion energy, next-generation renewable energy, quantum&nbsp;technology, space and aviation, advanced biotechnology, and critical minerals and materials supply chains, according to Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon.

The plan comes as&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;grapples with a shrinking working-age population and slowing potential growth, while competing to secure an edge in emerging technologies increasingly viewed as critical to economic competitiveness and national security.

&quot;We will help these seeds grow and build a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;that no one can rival in 10 or 20 years,&quot; Bae said.

Technology roadmap

Under the strategy,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;aims to commercialise a domestically developed SMR by 2035 and begin construction of non-light-water SMRs in the&nbsp;2030s, while also pursuing fusion-based electricity generation in the late&nbsp;2030s.

The renewable energy component includes plans to develop ultra-efficient solar cells, advanced offshore wind technologies, hydrogen production systems and AI-based power-grid technologies, according to a government press release.

In quantum&nbsp;technology, the government aims to develop a domestic error-corrected 100-qubit quantum processor by 2029 and become the world&#39;s leading quantum-chip manufacturing nation by 2035.

The space programme includes a domestic&nbsp;moon&nbsp;landing&nbsp;mission in&nbsp;2030, a second lunar lander mission in 2032 and construction of an independent low-Earth-orbit satellite communications network by 2035.

Read More:&nbsp;Unchecked AI progress may pose catastrophic risks, UN panel warns

The government also plans to develop technologies related to space data centres and support&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean participation in next-generation commercial aircraft programmes.

In biotechnology,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;aims to establish an AI-bio infrastructure by&nbsp;2030&nbsp;and commercialise brain-computer interface products by 2035, while supporting AI-driven drug discovery, autonomous laboratories and advanced gene and cell therapies.

The supply-chain component includes measures to expand domestic processing and recycling of critical minerals, increase strategic stockpiles, diversify sourcing and invest 10 trillion won ($7.1 billion) in materials, parts and equipment technologies by&nbsp;2030.

Officials also said a public-private task force would be created to help accelerate commercialisation through regulatory reforms.

&quot;Whether we become leaders enjoying unlimited opportunities or followers exposed to the risk of falling behind depends on our choice,&quot; Lee said.]]>
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			<title>Shafique credits domestic cricket for red-ball form revival</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623671/shafique-credits-domestic-cricket-for-red-ball-form-revival</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623671/shafique-credits-domestic-cricket-for-red-ball-form-revival#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 08:32:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623671</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[His unbeaten 160 capped a successful return to Test cricket after 11 weeks of red-ball preparation]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Abdullah Shafique made his return to Test cricket a memorable one, batting for 117.3 of the 138.3 overs Pakistan faced during their eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Port of Spain.

The 26-year-old scored an unbeaten 160 off 323 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes, before making 24 not out from 51 balls in Pakistan&rsquo;s successful 75-run chase.

It was Shafique&rsquo;s sixth Test century and his first since October 2024. His 150-plus score was the first by a Pakistan batter in the Caribbean in 49 years, while he also faced more than 200 balls for the seventh time in 48 Test innings.

His innings at Queen&rsquo;s Park Oval was also his first time batting at No. 3 in Test cricket. He had previously occupied the position only three times in international cricket.

Shafique&rsquo;s return to the Test side came at short notice. He was brought into the squad as a replacement for Abdullah Fazal, who was ruled out of Pakistan&rsquo;s West Indies and England tours with a lower-back injury. After joining the squad in Trinidad from Guyana on July 26, Shafique replaced the injured Shan Masood in the playing XI.

But the work that prepared him for the unfamiliar position had begun almost three months earlier.

Towards the end of Lahore Qalandars&rsquo; campaign in HBL PSL 11, Shafique received an offer from MIT Solutions to play in the President&rsquo;s Trophy Grade-II Gold tournament. The team eventually won the competition, while Shafique used the tournament to return to regular red-ball cricket.

&ldquo;President&rsquo;s Trophy Grade-II really helped me get to where I am today as I played in seaming and spin-friendly conditions across four venues, toiling under the peak summer sun and scoring valuable runs under pressure for my team,&rdquo; Shafique told PCB Media.

The opportunity came at a time when Shafique wanted to improve his game in the longer format.

&ldquo;Our HBL PSL campaign was about to end in the last week of April when I received a call from MIT Solutions who invited me to play the Grade-II tournament and help qualify for Grade-I,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;I felt slightly perplexed in the beginning but sought help from one of my close friends Saif and asked him to accompany me throughout the tournament.&rdquo;

Saif, who had learned the throwdown technique using a specialised stick when the two trained together, took leave from his work as a marketing consultant and travelled with Shafique to four cities.

He helped with Shafique&rsquo;s net sessions and bowled hundreds of balls during the weeks leading into his Test comeback.

MIT Solutions gave Shafique the No. 3 role and asked him to bat through the innings, with the first innings of each team limited to 70 overs.

The plan suited Shafique&rsquo;s goal of spending more time at the crease.

He started the tournament with an unbeaten 161 off 210 balls at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. In the following match, he made 66 from 126 balls as MIT Solutions secured their first win

He then produced scores of 75, 33, 39, 25 and 36 before making a decisive contribution against Kingsmen Academy in Peshawar.

On a turning pitch, Kingsmen were dismissed for 86 before MIT Solutions slipped to 61-5. Shafique responded with 127 from 146 balls to help his team secure a 10-wicket victory.

His biggest innings of the tournament came in the semi-final from June 18 to 20, when he scored 193 off 201 balls, including 27 fours and three sixes.

Shafique was the last batter dismissed as MIT Solutions made 377 in 72.4 overs.

The final followed his call-up to the NCA red-ball camp, but he was released to play for MIT Solutions. He again delivered, scoring 87 off 115 balls and 60 off 103 in the two innings against Kingsmen Academy as MIT Solutions drew the match and secured the title.

Hasan Nawaz, MIT Solutions captain and a Pakistan international, said the team&rsquo;s plan was always for Shafique to bat for long periods.

&ldquo;The plan in Grade-II was for Abdullah to bat through the innings and it was pleasing to see him remain not out in both innings of his comeback game. I&rsquo;m glad that mindset has stuck with him at the top level,&rdquo; Nawaz told PCB Media.

&ldquo;Abdullah spoke to me about the areas he wanted to improve in his game by playing red-ball cricket. Our team&rsquo;s ambitions and his personal goal gelled well and paid dividends for both parties. He spent long hours in the nets throughout the tournament and looked after his fitness routines well.&rdquo;

Shafique said the tournament was demanding, with matches separated by limited recovery time and regular travel between cities.

&ldquo;I used to go to the ground two hours before the team on match days and faced maximum balls before start of play. We had just one day between the group-stage games and most of it was spent travelling to the next city,&rdquo; he said.

The conditions also changed from venue to venue, giving him valuable preparation against both pace and spin.

&ldquo;If you are serious about your game and put in the hard yards then the game rewards you and new opportunities begin to open up,&rdquo; Shafique said.

&ldquo;Grade-II was tougher than I expected, the conditions varied from seam to spin across Islamabad, Abbottabad and Peshawar. The challenges on and off the field toughened me and my goal was to upskill myself, take my game to the next level and come back as a changed player.&rdquo;

That preparation was evident in Port of Spain. Shafique said he had prepared carefully for the West Indies attack and was particularly focused on left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.

He wanted to prevent Warrican from settling into a rhythm, saying he was determined to keep the spinner from &ldquo;settling down&rdquo;.

After Pakistan completed their victory, Shafique called Saif in Sialkot to thank him for the work they had done together.

&ldquo;I thanked Saif for his selfless efforts and discussed how the plan we hatched in late April has come to fruition perfectly,&rdquo; he said.

Shafique&rsquo;s next challenge will be England, where Pakistan are scheduled to play a three-Test series.

The batter has already played one County Championship match for Yorkshire and believes that experience will help him adapt to conditions in Leeds.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve played one game for Yorkshire in the County Championship last summer and feel confident about adjusting to the conditions at Leeds,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve faced England a few times at home (2022 and 2024) and this away series against them will be an exciting challenge.&rdquo;

His technical style has also attracted praise from former West Indies fast bowler and broadcaster Ian Bishop, who described him as a &ldquo;Kitaabi player&rdquo;, referring to his textbook approach.

Shafique said the praise was linked to the foundation laid by his father and uncle, both former first-class cricketers.

&ldquo;It is always a matter of pride when respected experts praise you,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;The &lsquo;textbook shots&rsquo; I&rsquo;ve developed is due the work my uncle and father put into my batting technique growing up.&rdquo;

For Shafique, the Port of Spain century was therefore more than a successful comeback. It was the result of a deliberate return to the longer format, months of demanding domestic cricket and a clear aim to return to the international stage as a more complete batter.]]>
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			<title>Iran cricket association delegation visits PCB headquarters at Gaddafi Stadium</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623667/iran-cricket-association-delegation-visits-pcb-headquarters-at-gaddafi-stadium</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623667/iran-cricket-association-delegation-visits-pcb-headquarters-at-gaddafi-stadium#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 08:16:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The discussions focused on a range of areas aimed at supporting the growth of cricket in Iran]]>
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				<![CDATA[A delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran Cricket Association visited the Pakistan Cricket Board headquarters at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where they held discussions with PCB officials on the promotion and development of cricket in Iran and opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.

The Iranian delegation met with PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed and PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer. The delegation also included representatives of the Iran Cricket Association.

During their visit, the delegation toured Gaddafi Stadium, the Cricket Museum and the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where they reviewed the training and other cricket facilities available at the PCB&rsquo;s premier high-performance centre.

The discussions focused on a range of areas aimed at supporting the growth of cricket in Iran, including coaching support for Iranian national and junior teams, exchange of coaching knowledge and expertise and opportunities for Pakistani coaches to share their experience and technical skills with Iranian players and teams.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in the development of cricket infrastructure and the provision of cricket and sporting equipment to support the needs of Iranian cricket at both junior and senior levels.

The PCB and the Iran Cricket Association agreed to explore further opportunities for collaboration, including the exchange of technical knowledge and expertise, with the shared objective of promoting and developing cricket.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Hasan takes 6-55 as Bangladesh fold Australia for 198</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623658/hasan-takes-6-55-as-bangladesh-bundle-out-australia-for-198</link>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:17:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623658</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Australia struggled against the visitors’ attack after opting to bat first]]>
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				<![CDATA[Hasan Mahmud took a career-best 6-55 as Bangladesh bundled Australia out for 198 on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin on Thursday.

Mahmud led an impressive display by the visitors&#39; seamers as Australia slumped to their lowest Test score against Bangladesh, their previous worst being 217 in Mirpur in 2017.

Hasan was the pick of the attack, but he was ably supported by fellow quicks Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, who took two wickets apiece.

Steve Smith was the only Australian to offer any resistance, scoring 71, while the rest of the batsmen looked out of sorts against the disciplined attack.

After skipper Pat Cummins chose to bat on a perfect Darwin day, a full-strength Australia were expected to dominate a Bangladesh side who were well beaten by a Cricket Australia XI in their only warm-up match.

Hasan, who troubled openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald in his opening spell, made the initial breakthrough in the 12th over with the score on 45.

Weatherald, on 23, had a huge swipe at a ball outside off stump and only managed a thick edge to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

Hasan struck again soon after, Head chopping on for 22 to leave Australia 52-2.

Bangladesh then saw a huge opportunity go begging when Smith, on two, edged Ebadot to third slip where Tanzid Hasan spilled the chance.

Smith had a second escape next over when he got a thick edge off Taskin only for the ball to fly through a vacant third slip.

Marnus Labuschagne, on one, wasn&#39;t so fortunate.

He poked at an Ebadot ball outside off stump and edged to Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto at second slip, leaving Australia 61-3.

Cameron Green came in and played some big shots before chipping Taskin to short midwicket, where Mushfiqur Rahim took an easy catch.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey looked in good touch after lunch and cruised to 19 until he played on to Ebadot with the score on 129.

Taskin then produced the ball of the day to beat Beau Webster&#39;s bat and clip the top of off stump to leave the home side struggling on 152-6.

Cummins tried to steer the hosts to tea without further loss, however Shanto brought Hasan back into the attack with immediate success, the Australian skipper getting a big edge to Litton.

Hasan got his fourth in the same fashion, Mitchell Starc getting a thin edge to the keeper with the score on 172.

Smith threw his wicket away going for a big hit before Nathan Lyon was last man out in similar fashion.]]>
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			<title>PSG down Aston Villa to retain UEFA Super Cup</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623657/psg-down-aston-villa-to-retain-uefa-super-cup</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623657/psg-down-aston-villa-to-retain-uefa-super-cup#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:09:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Goals from Kvaratskhelia and Doué earn a 2-1 victory]]>
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				<![CDATA[Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain rubber-stamped their status as Europe&#39;s top team as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue netted either side of a debut goal for Villa teenager Brian Madjo in Salzburg as PSG defended the title they first won 12 months ago against another Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur.

The Super Cup, which pits the winners of Europe&#39;s top club competition against the victorious side from the second-tier Europa League, was officiated by Somalian referee Omar Artan.

The 34-year-old referee unwittingly found himself in the media spotlight in June after being turned away on arrival at Miami International Airport, despite being part of the panel of referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup.

Ahead of the start of their respective domestic seasons, both sides named relatively strong sides.

PSG&#39;s starting XI featured nine players that lifted the Champions League trophy against Arsenal in May, including Vitinha, Joao Neves and captain Marquinhos.

French left-back Lucas Digne, who on Sunday signed for the Parisians, was on the bench against his old side.

Villa rested World Cup campaigners Ezri Konsa, Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins, but Unai Emery handed debuts to midfielder Joao Gomes and striker Madjo.

Midfielder Boubacar Kamara also started for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in January.

Kvaratskhelia show

Kamara came closest to breaking the deadlock with a low effort from distance in the 13th minute, which Matvey Safonov watched by his post.

That served to wake PSG up as Marco Bizot parried away an effort at goal, only for the French side to recycle the ball to Kvaratskhelia on the left, who cut in on 20 minutes and scored with a piledriver at the near post.

The Georgian began to overwhelm the Villa defence as minutes later he released left-back Nuno Mendes, whose cut-back somehow evaded his on-rushing teammates.

But Villa withstood the flurry and should have been level just prior to the half-hour when Madjo glanced wide a John McGinn cross.

The 17-year-old saw another couple of good chances go by as it seemed like Emery&#39;s charges would go into the break behind.

However, Madjo got his just reward as Scottish veteran McGinn picked him out again in the box in the 45th minute and this time he lashed the ball with his left boot into the roof of the PSG net.

Emery responded to the swing in fortunes by sending on Ballon d&#39;Or winner Ousmane Dembele for new PSG recruit Maghnes Akliouche at half-time.

Villa kept up their head of steam after the interval, though, as Madjo and McGinn again combined to good effect, with the 31-year-old forcing Safonov to beat away his curling effort.

France international Desire Doue raced in down the right and bent into the Villa net on 61 minutes but was initially denied by the assistant&#39;s flag.

VAR intervened, however, and found that Villa right-back Matty Cash on the far side of the pitch was playing the PSG winger onside and awarded the goal to Doue&#39;s surprise and delight.

The Premier League side had a chance to strike back instantly through 19-year-old George Hemmings but Safonov stood strong to keep the score at 2-1.

Warren Zaire-Emery then had to fling himself in front of a Gomes effort.

Luis Enrique sent on World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz with a quarter of an hour remaining to help PSG shore up the centre of the park as Villa hunted a leveller.

Their best chance came inside the final 10 minutes as Tammy Abraham was just unable to reach Alysson&#39;s cut-back inside the six-yard box.

The Qatar-backed Ligue 1 champions managed to hold on to make a winning start to their new season, which they hope will end with a third consecutive Champions League crown.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Grieving Argentine icon Messi unsure about playing on 'much longer'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623654/grieving-argentine-icon-messi-unsure-about-playing-on-much-longer</link>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:05:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[His father Jorge, died last week aged 68]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lionel Messi said he has &quot;serious doubts&quot; about continuing to play football for &quot;much longer&quot; after the death of his father Jorge, in an emotional tribute posted on social media Wednesday.

&quot;I don&#39;t know what I&#39;ll do without you, I don&#39;t know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer,&quot; the Argentinian, 39, wrote.&nbsp;

Messi&#39;s father, who was also his agent, died last week aged 68.

Messi, whose contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season, reflected on the final months of his father&#39;s life, which coincided with the 2026 World Cup.

Jorge Messi&#39;s absence from the World Cup in June had already attracted attention.

&quot;You kept asking me to play in one last World Cup, yet just days before it started, your condition took a turn for the worse. It was the first time you wouldn&#39;t be there for a tournament,&quot; wrote Messi, who returned to the United States on Tuesday night following his father&#39;s funeral on Sunday.

&quot;I kept telling you we would reach the final so you could make the trip.

&quot;Every time a match ended I waited for and missed your message. That&#39;s when I realized the situation was really bad.

&quot;We made it to the final, but you couldn&#39;t be there. I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one. I couldn&#39;t, my legs just gave out.&quot;

&quot;This time I tried to push past my physical limits, but I couldn&#39;t. I never felt right,&quot; Messi said of the 1&ndash;0 loss to Spain in the final in New Jersey.

Immediately after the World Cup final defeat against Spain, Messi returned to spend a few days with his family in Rosario, 340 km north of Buenos Aires.

Messi recalled that he noticed his father had not been able to enjoy the World Cup.&nbsp;

&quot;When I arrived, you thought we had lost the final on penalties. We couldn&#39;t talk about anything that had happened. You couldn&#39;t enjoy any of it,&quot; he said.

&quot;We didn&#39;t become champions, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play.&quot;

&#39;Father, friend and agent&#39;

Competing in his sixth World Cup, Messi scored eight goals as he steered his country to the final.

But Argentina could not emulate their 2022 success, when Messi inspired them to a third world title and first since 1986.

After bursting into tears after scoring against Algeria in a group match, Messi had admitted to dealing with &quot;a situation outside of sports&quot;.

On Sunday, the eight-time Ballon d&#39;Or winner bid farewell to his father during a private ceremony with close family and a few Argentina teammates in the town of Perez, adjacent to Rosario.

Local media reported that Jorge Messi had been suffering from cancer.

Messi highlighted his father&#39;s pivotal role in his life and career: &quot;You were a father, a friend, and an agent. You were always exactly who you needed to be in every moment, and you never put a foot wrong.&quot;

Jorge was his first coach who accompanied him in 2000 when Barcelona invited the young prodigy, then aged 13, to Catalonia to continue treatment for a growth hormone deficiency while playing for the club&#39;s youth teams.

Jorge left behind his job in Argentina, his wife, and his three other children to settle in Spain with Lionel.

His father was later the agent who negotiated contracts on his behalf, from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

&quot;You were always like that, right from when I was little. You&#39;d take me to every training session as soon as you got home from work,&quot; Messi recalled.

&quot;You never missed a single match. You suffered while watching me play, yet you enjoyed it too -- even though you never lavished me with praise.

&quot;Rest in peace, and watch over us from above just as you did down here. Thank you for everything.&quot;

On Wednesday, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo reached out to show his support for his great rival.

&quot;A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength,&quot; replied Ronaldo, 41, to the Argentine&#39;s message on Instagram.]]>
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			<title>Norwegian FM praises Pakistans' role in regional peace in meeting with CDF Munir</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623641/dar-norwegian-counterpart-discuss-bilateral-regional-developments</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623641/dar-norwegian-counterpart-discuss-bilateral-regional-developments#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 05:24:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Earlier, Dar, Norwegian counterpart review bilateral cooperation, trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs]]>
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				<![CDATA[Norway&#39;s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Thursday appreciated the &ldquo;professional role&rdquo; played by Pakistan&nbsp;in promoting regional peace and stability during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,&nbsp; the military&rsquo;s media wing said.

The meeting came during Eide&rsquo;s two-day official visit to Pakistan, which marked the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in a decade.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a&nbsp;high-level Norwegian delegation led by Eide called on Field Marshal Munir, with the two sides discussing &ldquo;matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Norway&rdquo;.&nbsp;

Eide appreciated the &ldquo;professional role played by the Pakistan Armed Forces in promoting regional peace and stability&rdquo;.&nbsp;

CDF Munir highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;perspective on global peace and regional stability&rdquo;, underscoring the importance of &ldquo;cooperation and collaborative efforts&rdquo; to address common security challenges, ISPR said.&nbsp;

The two sides also discussed regional security and bilateral relations, with both sides &ldquo;reiterating&nbsp;their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties&rdquo; and &ldquo;expand engagements in defence and security domains&rdquo;.

FM Dar, Norwegian counterpart hold press briefing&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Eide commended Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;important and constructive role&rdquo; during the recent Iran-US conflict, including the leadership and contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and CDF&nbsp;Munir, during delegation-level talks in Islamabad, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

Eide and Dar led the talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), where the two sides reviewed the &ldquo;whole gamut of bilateral cooperation&rdquo; and discussed trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education, according to the FO.

The two sides also held &ldquo;in-depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest&rdquo;. This is the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in a decade.



Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide @EspenBarthEide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, led delegation-level talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both sides reviewed the whole gamut&hellip; pic.twitter.com/2yrfD8Lm0b
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


During the talks, Pakistan and Norway &ldquo;expressed satisfaction at the warm and cordial state of Pakistan-Norway relations&rdquo; and agreed to &ldquo;further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest&rdquo;.

The two sides also recognised the &ldquo;important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway&rdquo; and agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with Dar in Islamabad after their talks, Eide said Pakistan had taken on a &ldquo;massive task&rdquo; by offering Islamabad not only as the venue but also as the facilitator of negotiations.



Joint Press Stakeout: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister H.E. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide @EspenBarthEide pic.twitter.com/3eLsqLo8Ec
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


&ldquo;I know how hard it is,&rdquo; Eide said, referring to peace mediation and facilitation. &ldquo;I know what a massive task you&rsquo;re taking on when you offered Islamabad, not only as the venue, but also as the facilitator of these talks.&rdquo;

&ldquo;What you personally, but also your prime minister, the field marshal, that you have been doing is really a service to the world, and hence also to us,&rdquo; he said.

Eide said he wanted to &ldquo;reiterate again strong support for the very important role that Pakistan has taken&rdquo; since the conflict began on February 28.

&ldquo;Norway was one of the Western countries that were clearest and earliest in stating that this war in itself is a violation of international rules,&rdquo; he said.

Eide said Norway, as a &ldquo;large shipping nation&rdquo;, shared Pakistan&rsquo;s interest in keeping sea lanes open and protecting freedom of navigation.

&ldquo;We share an interest in open sea lanes, in the ability to trade in the high seas,&rdquo; Eide said, stressing the importance of respecting the &ldquo;very important constitution of the oceans&rdquo;, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. &ldquo;Whatever emerges from this tragic and unnecessary war in the Gulf, we need to protect the principle of free passage,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m so happy that we see completely eye-to-eye on what has to be this,&rdquo; Eide added. He said that this is a global issue that the two countries have a shared interest in promoting.

&ldquo;Even if we have significant disagreements with Iran on other issues, they also have the right to be protected and sustained, as we all have,&rdquo; Eide said. He further added that Norway&rsquo;s relations with both Iran and the United States gave it &ldquo;an entry point to Iran&rdquo;, while it remained &ldquo;a close ally of the US&rdquo;. &ldquo;And knowing this field of peace mediation, facilitation, I know how hard it is,&rdquo; Eide said.

Eide said he was &ldquo;really happy and honoured&rdquo; to be in Pakistan, noting that it had been 10 years since the last Norwegian foreign minister visited the country. He said he had promised Dar many months ago that he would come, &ldquo;and today I live up to my promise.&rdquo; Describing the visit as &ldquo;short but very effective&rdquo;, Eide said it was a &ldquo;strong partnership&rdquo; between Pakistan and Norway and between the two countries&rsquo; people.

He highlighted Norway&rsquo;s &ldquo;sizable diaspora of Pakistani descent&rdquo;, saying Norwegian-Pakistani citizens held key positions in politics and society and were &ldquo;a very welcome contribution to our country&rdquo;. The diaspora, he said, also provided &ldquo;an argument for strengthening our economic ties&rdquo;.

Eide said Norway wanted to strengthen trade relations with Pakistan &ldquo;in more structural ways&rdquo;, including through the EFTA-Pakistan partnership. &ldquo;That would provide for more economic relations for mutual benefit,&rdquo; he said. Dar, speaking before Eide, said Pakistan and Norway had agreed to &ldquo;enhance relations and cooperation in all other areas of mutual interest&rdquo;, including trade, education, defence, investment, climate change, information technology and maritime affairs.

&ldquo;Pakistan greatly values relations with Norway,&rdquo; Dar said, adding that Islamabad wanted to strengthen the relationship &ldquo;in the days, weeks and months to come&rdquo;. He said both sides had agreed that bilateral trade remained below the potential of their respective economies and &ldquo;needs to be enhanced through effective measures&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Pakistan offers enormous investment opportunities to Norwegian companies,&rdquo; Dar said, pointing to Norwegian company Yara International&rsquo;s joint venture with Fauji Fertilizer in Pakistan. &ldquo;I hope this initiative will be a trailblazer for many more future projects between our two great countries,&rdquo; he said.

On technology cooperation, Dar said that Pakistan IT exports to Norway have grown more than fivefold in the last two years. The two sides had also agreed on the &ldquo;expeditious finalisation&rdquo; of agreements and memorandums of understanding being processed by their respective ministries, Dar said.

On climate change, he said Pakistan and Norway shared &ldquo;a convergence of perspectives&rdquo;, noting that the two countries had signed an MoU under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on April 1 this year. Dar also highlighted maritime cooperation, saying Pakistan&rsquo;s strategic location made it &ldquo;the most competitive and nearest recycling destination in this maritime region for ships coming from Norway&rdquo;.

He thanked Norwegian maritime authorities for helping Pakistan build capacity and providing technical training for the ship-breaking industry in line with the Hong Kong Convention.

&ldquo;Both Pakistan and Norway agreed to enhance people-to-people contacts,&rdquo; Dar said, describing such ties as &ldquo;social and cultural bridges&rdquo; between the two countries.

On labour mobility, Dar said, &ldquo;We agreed to continue work on legal pathways for Pakistan&rsquo;s skilled manpower,&rdquo; while stressing the need to combat &ldquo;human smuggling and illegal migration&rdquo;.

Dar said Pakistan and Norway shared a commitment to &ldquo;multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes&rdquo;. &ldquo;Both sides affirmed their desire to continue mutual support and consultations&rdquo; in international bodies and multilateral forums, he said.

Dar said he had also briefed Eide on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling it &ldquo;one of the long-standing unresolved international disputes&rdquo; that had remained on the UN Security Council agenda since 1948.
He said India had &ldquo;added a new dimension to an already volatile security situation&rdquo; by unilaterally announcing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty &ldquo;in contravention of international law&rdquo;.

&ldquo;We reiterate that India must end the weaponisation of water and uphold its treaty obligations,&rdquo; Dar said. He also briefed Eide on Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts to promote &ldquo;dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful settlement&rdquo; of the US-Iran conflict. &ldquo;I am grateful to His Excellency for appreciating Pakistan&rsquo;s role as a mediator in the conflict,&rdquo; Dar said.

He said the two ministers had remained in contact during the crisis, &ldquo;exchanging notes and updating each other&rdquo; on developments. Dar also discussed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, saying both sides agreed on the need for peaceful solutions to international conflicts &ldquo;in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter&rdquo;.
Eide said the two sides had also discussed regional issues including Kashmir, Afghanistan and the situation in the Middle East. He said Norway was pleased to learn more about Pakistan&rsquo;s new trilateral defence cooperation with Turkey and Saudi Arabia, describing the three countries as states with which Norway had &ldquo;very good and close relations&rdquo;.
Eide also highlighted Norway&rsquo;s work with Saudi Arabia through the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

&ldquo;Norway has always had a strong dedication to making sure that the promise of what once was the Oslo Agreement one day is fulfilled,&rdquo; he said, referring to the goal of a &ldquo;free, sovereign and independent Palestinian state living in peace with its neighbour Israel and all other neighbours&rdquo;. &ldquo;We keep working on that,&rdquo; he said, adding that Pakistan and Norway &ldquo;totally agree and cooperate&rdquo; on the issue.

On climate change, Eide said he had closely followed its impact on Pakistan, particularly the &ldquo;extreme effects on Pakistan of floods and other expressions of climate change&rdquo;.

He said the two countries had agreed that climate change was &ldquo;also a foreign policy issue&rdquo;. &ldquo;That includes combating nature loss, climate change, promoting global health and fighting poverty,&rdquo; Eide said. Dar said the visit was a &ldquo;great privilege and satisfaction&rdquo; and expressed confidence that it would &ldquo;open a new chapter in Pakistan-Norway relations&rdquo; and contribute to greater cooperation and prosperity for the people of both countries.

Earlier, the two counterparts held a restricted-format meeting, discussing the &ldquo;full range of bilateral relations&rdquo; and regional and international developments, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

According to the FO, Dar &ldquo;warmly welcomed&rdquo; Eide to Pakistan during the meeting, as the Norwegian foreign minister arrived in Islamabad for the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in a decade.

The two sides also &ldquo;reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest&rdquo;.



Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a restricted-format meeting with H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide @EspenBarthEide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.

DPM/FM warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Espen Eide to Pakistan.&hellip; pic.twitter.com/JsWI11khxq
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


Eide arrived in Islamabad earlier on Thursday for an official visit and was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali. His visit marked the highest-level visit between Pakistan and Norway in a decade.

The talks between Dar and Eide were part of a two-day visit aimed at advancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between Islamabad and Oslo.

According to a post on X, Eide, who is visiting Pakistan at Dar&rsquo;s invitation, was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali.



H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide (@EspenBarthEide), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, arrived in Islamabad this morning on an official visit to Pakistan. He was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Amb. Ayesha Ali. pic.twitter.com/Wa502xiHKD
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


He later arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), where Dar received him for talks that the Foreign Office described as the &ldquo;highest-level visit between Pakistan and Norway in a decade&rdquo;.

The two foreign ministers held delegation-level talks covering the &ldquo;full spectrum of Pakistan-Norway relations&rdquo;, according to the FO.



Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide @EspenBarthEide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The visit marks the highest-level visit between&hellip; pic.twitter.com/9edtQYeXw1
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026


The sides discussed &ldquo;avenues for further expanding bilateral cooperation&rdquo;, with particular emphasis on trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, education and people-to-people contacts.

The FO said the two sides also exchanged views on &ldquo;important regional and international developments&rdquo; during the talks.

According to an earlier statement issued on Wednesday, the FO said Eide was visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Dar and described the trip as the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade.



🔈 PR No. 2️⃣0️⃣9️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Norwegian Foreign Minister to Pakistan

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/unWEL2b9hz
&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 12, 2026


The ministry said the visit would provide an opportunity to &ldquo;further strengthen the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Norway&rdquo; and &ldquo;explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation&rdquo;.

According to the statement, Dar and Eide were expected to hold delegation-level talks covering the &ldquo;full spectrum of Pakistan-Norway relations&rdquo;.

The two sides were also expected to discuss &ldquo;avenues for further expanding bilateral cooperation&rdquo;, particularly in trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, education and people-to-people contacts.

The FO said they would also &ldquo;exchange views on important regional and international developments&rdquo;.

The ministry said the visit built on &ldquo;sustained high-level engagement between the two countries&rdquo;, including telephone conversations between Dar and Eide in March and April 2026.

It also referred to the visit of Norway&rsquo;s State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to Islamabad in May, saying the latest engagement would build on those contacts.

The FO said the visit would offer an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations while exploring &ldquo;new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation&rdquo; between Pakistan and Norway.]]>
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			<title>SHC orders high-level probe into HIV spread among children at Karachi hospital</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623645/shc-orders-high-level-probe-into-hiv-spread-among-children-at-karachi-hospital</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623645/shc-orders-high-level-probe-into-hiv-spread-among-children-at-karachi-hospital#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 06:27:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Nasir Butt]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623645</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[2 months given to determine real number of affected children, causes of HIV transmission, whether syringes were reused]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ordered a high-level inquiry into the spread of HIV among children treated at Karachi&rsquo;s Kulsum Bai Valika (KBV) Hospital, directing a committee headed by the Sindh chief secretary to establish how the infections occurred and determine the actual number of affected children.

The case concerns an outbreak at the Sindh Employees&rsquo; Social Security Institution (SESSI)-run hospital that initially emerged among children of industrial workers and their families, with allegations that unsafe medical practices, including the reuse of syringes, led to the transmission of HIV. The number of confirmed cases rose as screening expanded, while the government maintained that those found responsible for negligence would face action.

In its written order, the SHC&rsquo;s constitutional bench directed the chief secretary to constitute an &ldquo;empowered&rdquo; inquiry committee comprising two senior Grade-20 officers.

The committee was given two months to submit a detailed report, which would determine the &ldquo;actual number of affected children&rdquo;, the causes of HIV transmission and whether syringes were reused, the court said.

The bench said it would examine the report before issuing any appropriate orders. The court also directed the Sindh government and SESSI to ensure that all medical treatment required by the affected children was provided free of charge.

It ordered the chief secretary to expedite the process of providing financial assistance and compensation to the affected children and their families.

The court further made clear that children living with HIV and their families must not be subjected to any form of discrimination and that their confidentiality must be maintained.

The authorities were also directed to identify those responsible for the outbreak and take legal action against them.

Read: HIV case uproar: SHC judges retire to chambers

The court&rsquo;s order came after the proceedings over the outbreak had continued for weeks, with the petitioner and affected families raising allegations of medical negligence and shortcomings in the authorities&rsquo; response.

In its latest order, the court also issued a contempt-of-court show-cause notice to the petitioner&rsquo;s counsel Tariq Mansoor over alleged misbehaviour and sloganeering during the proceedings. It directed that CCTV footage from inside and outside the courtroom be preserved and ordered legal action against those found involved in the disorder.

The court ultimately disposed of the petition after issuing its directions for the inquiry, treatment, compensation and protection of the affected children and their families.

HIV outbreak reaches SHC

The petition was filed by Advocate Tariq Mansoor, who alleged that more than 200 children of industrial workers had contracted HIV at KBV Hospital and that nine had died. The petition claimed the outbreak was linked to the reuse of contaminated disposable syringes.

When the case first came before the SHC on July 3, the court directed the provincial government to submit a detailed inquiry report within two weeks and issued notices to senior government officials and other respondents.

The government subsequently reported a lower number of confirmed cases. Later, on July 14, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani said that more than 10,500 people had been screened at Valika Hospital and in the surrounding area, with 120 testing positive for HIV. He said 81 were SESSI beneficiaries and the remaining 39 were also receiving free treatment from the government.

Ghani said the affected children were being treated at five major hospitals and that another 10 HIV-positive cases had been identified among around 2,000 people screened at SESSI&rsquo;s Landhi Hospital.

He said show-cause notices had been issued to 37 doctors and members of staff and that those found responsible would face disciplinary and legal action.

Read More: Total HIV cases at Karachi&rsquo;s KBV hospital rise to 80 as preteen, toddler test positive

The Sindh government also established a Rs2 billion endowment fund for the treatment and welfare of HIV-affected children and their families.

The proceedings became more contentious at the August 11 hearing, when Mansoor again alleged that nine children had died and that inquiry records were being concealed. He claimed around 1,200 children had been diagnosed with HIV in Sindh and alleged that reused syringes had caused infections.

Affected families told the court that several children were being treated on a single bed and alleged that the same syringe had been repeatedly used. One father told the court that the same syringe had allegedly been used on his three children.

The SESSI counsel told the court that officials had been suspended, show-cause notices issued and Rs2 billion allocated for affected people.

The hearing ended with an uproar after the bench reserved its order, prompting the judges to retire to their chambers.]]>
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			<title>Pipeline blast disrupts gas supplies to Quetta, several Balochistan areas</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623660/pipeline-blast-disrupts-gas-supplies-to-quetta-several-balochistan-areas</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623660/pipeline-blast-disrupts-gas-supplies-to-quetta-several-balochistan-areas#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Syed Ali Shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623660</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[SSGC says an 18-inch-diameter pipeline was damaged by an explosive device near its valve assembly]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Gas supplies to Quetta and several other parts of Balochistan were suspended on Thursday after an explosion damaged a major gas pipeline near Gokurt in the Bolan area, officials said.

According to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) officials, an 18-inch-diameter pipeline was damaged by an explosive device near its valve assembly. The facility was located about 800 metres from the National Highway.

The blast resulted in the suspension of gas supplies to Quetta as well as Kolpur, Mach, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat.

Flames were reported to have emerged from the damaged pipeline following the explosion, while the affected area was secured for safety and inspection.

SSGC officials said repair teams would be sent to the site once security clearance was granted. Engineers and technical staff would assess the damage before starting restoration work.

The company had not yet announced a specific timeframe for the resumption of gas supplies to the affected areas.

The disruption raised concerns among residents and businesses that relied on the pipeline network for cooking, heating and other daily needs. A prolonged outage could further inconvenience consumers across the affected districts.

Read: Seven workers abducted as armed men raid private mining site in Balochistan&#39;s Chagai

Authorities were investigating the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the damage to the gas infrastructure.

The latest incident came months after a similar attack in March, when terrorists blew up an 18-inch-diameter SSGC gas pipeline near the Western Bypass in Harnai&rsquo;s Akhtarabad area. Explosives planted beneath the pipeline destroyed a large section of the infrastructure and disrupted gas supplies to several areas of Quetta and upper Balochistan, including Airport Road, Nawan Kali, Jinnah Town, A One City, Hazarganji, Kuchlak, Pishin, Ziarat, Bostan, Yaro, Karbala and Harmuzi.

Eyewitnesses had reported that the March explosion triggered a massive fire, with flames rising high above the damaged pipeline and causing panic in the area.

Authorities were investigating Thursday&rsquo;s explosion and the circumstances surrounding the damage to the gas infrastructure.]]>
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			<title>Body of Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi recovered from Broad Peak</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623682/body-of-pakistani-climber-sohail-sakhi-recovered-from-broad-peak</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623682/body-of-pakistani-climber-sohail-sakhi-recovered-from-broad-peak#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 10:07:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623682</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Body was recovered by a group of local volunteers from Shigar who were searching the area on their own initiative]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The body of Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, who had been missing since an avalanche struck Broad Peak on July 30, was recovered during a search operation, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday.

The avalanche struck a 10-member international expedition led by 43-year-old British-Nepali climber Nirmal Purja as the team ascended from Camp 2 to Camp 3 on Broad Peak, the world&rsquo;s 12th-highest mountain. All 10 climbers from Nepal, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, Oman and Pakistan were reported missing after contact with the expedition was lost.

According to the ACP, Sakhi&rsquo;s body was found by a group of local volunteers from Shigar who had been searching the area on their own initiative. The remains were identified as those of Sakhi, a Pakistani climber from Hunza.





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The body was first spotted by Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Bashir and Abuzar, all from Tissar in Shigar. They alerted other volunteers and, with their assistance, carried the body from Camp 1 to the base camp, the ACP said in an Instagram post.

&ldquo;If weather permits, the body will be transported by helicopter today,&rdquo; the club said. Sakhi was among 10 climbers reported missing after the avalanche struck the 8,047-metre peak in Pakistan&rsquo;s Karakoram range.

With Sakhi&rsquo;s body recovered, eight of the 10 missing climbers have now been found, while two remain unaccounted for.

Search efforts are continuing despite difficult weather conditions, with the Pakistan Army, local rescuers and other relevant authorities taking part in the operation.

Read: Bodies of Nirmal Purja team recovered from Broad Peak

On August 6, the bodies of five international climbers, including renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, were flown to Skardu by a Pakistan Army helicopter.

A week earlier, the ACP had announced that the bodies of Purja, Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa and Kilu Sherpa had been successfully recovered after what it described as an &quot;exceptionally challenging and technically demanding recovery operation&quot; and transported to the mountain&#39;s base camp.

The remains of three other members of the expedition &mdash; an American woman, an Omani woman and a Nepali climber &mdash; had already been airlifted from the mountain to Skardu earlier this month.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the global mountaineering community. The president of Nepal&#39;s National Mountain Guide Association, Tul Singh Gurung, said the climbing world had &quot;lost a generation of accomplished mountaineers&quot;.

Broad Peak, the world&#39;s 12th-highest mountain at 8,051 metres, is located in Pakistan&#39;s Karakoram range and is widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding of the world&#39;s 8,000-metre peaks. It was first summited in 1957 by an Austrian expedition.]]>
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			<title>AJK SSP says JAAC 'abducted' 8 highway police personnel, vows 'no leniency' in response</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623669/ajk-ssp-says-jaac-abducted-8-highway-police-personnel-vows-no-leniency-in-response</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623669/ajk-ssp-says-jaac-abducted-8-highway-police-personnel-vows-no-leniency-in-response#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 08:20:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623669</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says they were abducted during election duty, warns of 'decisive and the harshest possible action']]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat on Thursday said the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had abducted eight highway police personnel deployed during election duty and warned its leadership against challenging the writ of the state, saying &ldquo;the state will show no leniency&quot; towards them.

&quot;To ensure the elections remained peaceful, security forces were deployed for election duty. However, they were not only attacked by JAAC members, but eight highway police personnel were also abducted. Those personnel were tortured and remain in JAAC&rsquo;s custody,&quot; said Shaukat while addressing a press conference in Rawalakot.

The situation in AJK turned violent after the banned JAAC began protesting and staging a sit-in to demand the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Clashes have been reported between law enforcement personnel and protesters in AJK, with reports of multiple deaths and injuries circulating on social media. Several videos circulating online showed scenes of unrest, with claims of violence and casualties, though the details could not be independently verified. Both security forces and the banned JAAC claimed the loss of lives on both sides.

AJK police spokesperson during today&#39;s presser further warned that if the personnel were harmed in any way, or threats against their families continued, &ldquo;the state will show no leniency towards you&rdquo;, saying &ldquo;decisive and the harshest possible action&rdquo; would be taken against those elements.

I ask the JAAC leaders to immediately release the personnel safely. We will not accept any pressure when it comes to the lives and safety of our security personnel. If those personnel are harmed in any way, if their release is hindered in any way, or if threats against their families continue, then the state will show no leniency.&rdquo;

He said the authorities would ensure that the writ of the state, public safety and the rule of law were maintained under all circumstances.

&ldquo;The state will not accept any pressure whatsoever when it comes to the lives and safety of these personnel. If the writ of the state is challenged, state institutions&rsquo; personnel are subjected to violence, attacked or abducted, or an attempt is made to paralyse the state system, the state will fully fulfil its responsibility through legal and constitutional means,&rdquo; said Shaukat.

He also displayed pictures of the eight allegedly abducted personnel during the press conference.

He said the violent actions and objectives of the banned group had been rejected by the public and, &ldquo;By participating in the elections, the people have made it clear that they have no connection with the banned JAAC,&rdquo; he added.

Shaukat appealed to the public to completely distance themselves from what he described as &ldquo;mischievous elements&rdquo; and not become involved in violent incidents, adding that state institutions would take action &ldquo;in accordance with the law and Constitution&rdquo;.

He made a particular appeal to parents &ldquo;to keep an eye on your children and keep them away from these nefarious designs&rdquo;. &ldquo;These people, through misleading propaganda and an inflammatory narrative, are not only inciting the youth against the state but are also playing with their future,&rdquo; he said.

Shaukat warned that continued violence could damage the state&rsquo;s &ldquo;image and peace&rdquo;.

Read: PML-N to hold talks with JAAC after forming AJK govt: Sanaullah

Background

AJK&#39;s 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees &mdash; people who fled Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) &mdash; an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair.

The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest.

The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system.

Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

The matter is at a deadlock at the moment, with the JAAC calling for the abolition of the seats while the government rejects the demand.]]>
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			<title>Rathore's LA-17 Haveli victory challenged</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623577/rathores-la-17-haveli-victory-challenged</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623577/rathores-la-17-haveli-victory-challenged#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 22:41:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[M A Mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623577</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PML-N candidate seeks recount; alleges Form-24 tampered]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[PML-N candidate Chaudhry Mohsin Aziz has challenged the election result in Azad Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s LA-17 Haveli-Kahuta constituency, alleging manipulation of Form-24 and seeking a recount of votes.

The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJKEC) has admitted his application for hearing and summoned the parties at 10am on Thursday (today) in Muzaffarabad.

Mohsin has also challenged PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to agree to a recount, saying he would quit politics if he failed to win the constituency by a substantial margin after the recount.

Reacting to the notification declaring PPP candidate and AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore the winner, Mohsin alleged that the result had been altered through manipulation, turning his defeat into a victory for his rival.

&quot;The prime minister who became victorious through Form-27 is turning his defeat into victory,&quot; Mohsin claimed. He said he possessed results compiled by presiding officers from all polling stations showing him winning the constituency by a margin of 8,600 votes.

He alleged there was a &quot;huge difference&quot; between the results available with him and those submitted to the returning officer. According to Mohsin, he had approached the returning officer seeking a recount, but his request was rejected.

He further alleged that the returning officer&#39;s purported partiality had contributed to the deterioration of the peaceful atmosphere in Haveli, asserting that he would not allow what he described as the &quot;theft of his mandate&quot;.

He also alleged that the prime minister remained engaged in securing votes at polling stations throughout polling day, while armed men allegedly intimidated voters at polling stations.

He claimed that after the rival camp realised it was facing defeat, the result was allegedly altered through tampering in Form-24.

The District Returning Officer, Haveli, had issued Form-27 declaring Faisal Rathore the winner and Mohsin Aziz the runner-up. According to Form-27, Faisal Rathore secured 33,872 votes, followed by Mohsin Aziz with 32,354 votes, while independent candidate Tariq Saeed secured 12,538 votes.

The AJKEC&#39;s decision to hear the recount petition has now brought the disputed result into a formal electoral process, with the August 13 hearing expected to determine the next course of action.

Vehicles vandalised amid post-election tensions

Meanwhile, political tensions in LA-17 Haveli escalated further after several vehicles parked along a roadside in Hoter village were vandalised, with allegations that passports and cash belonging to some visitors were also taken.

Local sources alleged that workers affiliated with the PML-N and an independent candidate attacked people gathered outside the residence of Zahid Hashmi, a senior PPP leader and president of the International Kashmir Peace Forum Europe, in his native village.

Several vehicles parked along the roadside were damaged during the alleged attack, with their windows smashed, according to local residents and affected individuals.

Some of the vehicles belonged to people who had travelled from Saudi Arabia specifically to cast their votes in the closely contested constituency. The affected persons alleged that, besides damaging their vehicles, the attackers took away passports and cash.]]>
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			<title>Govt raises SC judges' perks retrospectively</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623631/govt-raises-sc-judges-perks-retrospectively</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623631/govt-raises-sc-judges-perks-retrospectively#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 04:05:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Hasnaat Malik]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623631</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[President approves summary to bring SC judges' pay at par with FCC judges]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The federal government has increased the salaries, judicial allowance and pension-related benefits of Supreme Court judges, with the revised salaries and allowances to take effect retrospectively from December 10, 2025.

President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the summary seeking an increase in the salaries of SC judges at par with those of judges of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). Under the approved summary, the revised salaries and judicial allowance will be payable from December 10 last year, meaning SC judges will receive the increased benefits for the intervening period as well.

According to the summary, the order may be called the &quot;Salary of the Judges of Supreme Court Order, 2026&quot; and &quot;shall be deemed to have taken effect on and from December 10, 2025.&quot;

The summary states that the chief justice of Pakistan will receive a monthly salary of Rs1.55 million, while every other judge of the SC will receive Rs1.5 million per month. The basic salary of a SC judge was earlier above Rs1.1 million and has now been raised to Rs1.5 million.

The government has also increased the judicial allowance payable to SC judges. The summary states that in paragraph 22 of Presidential Order No. 2 of 1997, the amount of Rs1,161,163 has been replaced with Rs1.5 million.

The relevant amendment states: &quot;In the said Order, in paragraph 22, for the words &#39;one million one hundred sixty-one thousand one hundred sixty-three&#39;, the words &#39;one million five hundred thousand&#39; shall be substituted.&quot;

The government has also revised the pension-related provisions for Supreme Court judges.

According to the summary, in the Supreme Court Judges (Leave, Pension and Privileges) Order, 1997, the word &quot;seventy&quot; has been replaced with &quot;seventy-five&quot;, while &quot;eighty-five&quot; has been replaced with &quot;ninety&quot; in the relevant provision.

The summary further provides that a SC judge shall be entitled to a monthly medical allowance of Rs150,000. President Zardari has also approved a separate summary for an increase in the salaries of high court judges.

Unlike the SC judges&#39; increase, which has been given retrospective effect from December 10, 2025, the revised salaries of high court judges will take effect from July 1, 2026.

The summary states that the revised monthly salary of a high court chief justice will be Rs1.254 million, while every other high court judge will receive Rs1.205 million per month. The basic salary of high court judges has consequently increased from Rs1.095 million to Rs1.205 million.

The approved changes also introduce a benefit for high court chief justices who have served in that position for more than two years. According to the summary, such a chief justice will be eligible, upon retirement or elevation to the SC or the FCC, to purchase a vehicle at its depreciated price.

Another provision concerns retired judges who undertake arbitration work on behalf of the federal government. The summary states that where a matter involves extensive work, the law ministry may allow a retired judge to charge fees for conducting arbitration on behalf of the federal government.]]>
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			<title>Over 317k workers seek jobs abroad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623579/over-317k-workers-seek-jobs-abroad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623579/over-317k-workers-seek-jobs-abroad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 22:41:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Talib Fareedi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623579</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Economic woes drive growing manpower exodus]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Poor economic and political conditions, repeated internet shutdowns, rising unemployment and inflation have driven over 317,000 Pakistanis to seek employment abroad, including doctors, software engineers, IT specialists, petroleum and mechanical engineers, paramedical staff and technicians.

Thousands more are preparing to leave and are being forced to visit various government offices to complete the required travel and employment documentation.

Those departing for overseas jobs are also reportedly facing difficulties at airports, including Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, as well as airports in Karachi, Islamabad and other cities. Even as they leave the country in search of employment and to contribute billions of dollars to Pakistan through remittances, they pay billions of rupees in various fees to the national exchequer.

The deteriorating employment situation, heavy taxation and lack of technological infrastructure have contributed towards a significant rise in the number of Pakistanis seeking work abroad.

According to official figures, 317,436 Pakistanis left the country for employment during the first six months of 2026, from January to June.

Saudi Arabia was the top destination, with 183,951 Pakistani workers travelling there for employment. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked second with 50,773 workers, followed by Qatar with 34,025, Bahrain with 13,329 and T&uuml;rkiye with 4,673. Cyprus, Greece, the United Kingdom and Malaysia were also among the countries attracting significant numbers of Pakistani workers.

According to the report, 316,848 workers registered for overseas employment through the Bureau of Emigration &amp; Overseas Employment (BE&amp;OE), while 588 secured jobs through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC).

Experts said the large number of Pakistanis seeking employment abroad could have a significant impact on the economy by boosting remittances. The exodus also includes a substantial number of doctors, engineers and students.

Speaking to Express News, experts said Pakistan suffers from a lack of technological infrastructure and research centers. They questioned how the country could compete globally when internet services can be suspended at any time or operate at extremely slow speeds.

They also pointed to the high cost of higher education, saying that when becoming highly educated requires millions, and in some cases tens of millions, of rupees, it becomes difficult for young people to advance.

Students who travelled to Canada, Europe and the United States on scholarships said they hoped to return after completing their higher education, but would assess whether conditions in Pakistan were conducive to doing so.]]>
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			<title>Heavy rain floods low-lying areas</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623590/heavy-rain-floods-low-lying-areas</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623590/heavy-rain-floods-low-lying-areas#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 00:52:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623590</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Woman drowns in Soan River; 114mm rain recorded in federal capital]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[At least one person was killed after torrential rain that began late Tuesday night inundated low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, with Islamabad receiving 114mm and Rawalpindi more than 55mm of rain. The woman reportedly drowned in Soan River after a low-lying area was inundated.

The water level in Nullah Leh rose to 22 feet at Katarian and 17.5 feet at Gawalmandi, triggering danger sirens.

WASA declared a high alert and rain emergency, while warnings were issued to residents of low-lying areas to evacuate.

Nullah Leh narrowly avoided becoming a major threat to Rawalpindi, while residents of low-lying areas remained fearful. Water also entered the gynaecology and paediatrics OPD of Holy Family Hospital, affecting medical services.

According to sources, a heavy spell of rain that began around 1am in Rawalpindi and Islamabad changed the situation in low-lying areas, including Nullah Leh, within a few hours. The highest rainfall of 114mm was recorded in Golra, Islamabad, followed by 71mm in Saidpur. Rainfall in Basin Main reached 76.05mm.

When a large volume of water entered Nullah Leh, its level rose to 22 feet at Katarian and 17.5 feet at Gawalmandi, following which danger sirens were sounded at both locations and evacuation began.

Heavy rain also affected several low-lying areas of Rawalpindi. Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Jamia Masjid Road, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khabba, Jan Colony, Pirwadhai and other areas were inundated as water entered homes through streets and roads, causing severe difficulties for residents.

After the rain subsided, the situation in Nullah Leh gradually improved. At 8:10am, the water level at Katarian had fallen from 22 feet to 16.5 feet, while 17 feet was recorded at Gawalmandi.

The administration ended the evacuation situation at both locations but kept the alert in place. No loss of life was reported during the flooding.

Although the water level in Nullah Leh has declined, Rescue 1122 and other departments remain on high alert due to standing water in low-lying areas and the possibility of further rain.

WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said WASA teams and machinery remained deployed in low-lying areas due to the intensity of the rain, while water was drained from low-lying locations after the rain stopped.

Meanwhile, water entered the OPD of the city&#39;s largest hospital, Holy Family Hospital, forcing patients and doctors to be shifted to other wards. Staff continued to drain water from the OPD building on an emergency basis. Rawalpindi Commissioner Salman Ghani took notice of the water entering the Holy Family Hospital OPD and directed immediate measures for its drainage.

Holy Family Hospital MD Dr Ijaz Butt said water had entered the gynaecology and paediatrics OPD, located in the old building, due to construction work on sewerage lines outside the facility.]]>
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			<title>Cops held over 'jailbreak conspiracy'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623588/cops-held-over-jailbreak-conspiracy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623588/cops-held-over-jailbreak-conspiracy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 00:52:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623588</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police allege guards helped inmate flee custody, later opened fire on police party]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Three policemen allegedly involved in a conspiracy to help an accused prisoner escape in the Mandra area have been arrested and a case registered against them.

One accomplice of the suspect has also been arrested.

Police employees and suspects have also been accused of allegedly conspiring to kill or harm the prisoner&#39;s opponents. A wide-ranging investigation has been launched.

According to sources, a case was registered at Mandra police station on the complaint of the station house officer under provisions relating to terrorism, criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, resistance to police and the Police Order, among others.

The FIR states that after accused Hamad Ali, who was involved in murder and other serious cases, was produced before a court, he was being taken in a prisoner van to District Jail Jhelum when ASI Tauqeer Hussain, Head Constable Mehboob Khan and Constable Qasim Bashir allegedly colluded with the suspects and, according to a pre-planned scheme, took him to a hotel.

Three other accomplices of the suspect also arrived there. The police employees allegedly prepared a criminal conspiracy with the accused and his accomplices to kill or harm his opponents and placed him in a private vehicle instead of the official vehicle.

The driver of the official vehicle, Raheel, informed police employees Faisal Waheed and others, who were already present at the hotel in plain clothes and having a meal, about the plan to help the accused escape. They immediately informed the authorities.

The police party reached the spot and signalled the suspects&#39; vehicle to stop. Hamad Ali and his accomplices allegedly opened fire on the police with a Kalashnikov and other weapons.

Two bullets hit the official vehicle while another struck Constable Sohail, who remained safe because he was wearing a bulletproof jacket.

The suspects fled the scene. Their intense firing on a public road created fear and panic in the area.

The police employees allegedly assisting the suspects - ASI Tauqeer Hussain, Head Constable Mehboob Khan and Qasim Bashir - and one accomplice, identified as Daniyal, were arrested. A Kalashnikov was recovered from Daniyal.

Police said the suspects, including the police employees, committed the offence by facilitating the escape of the prisoner from custody through criminal assistance and collusion and then opening fire on police on a public road.

The incident allegedly took place at the behest of Sub-Inspector Muhammad Bilal. Police registered a case.

A police spokesperson said the police personnel and the prisoner&#39;s accomplices had planned the escape in advance and placed Hamad in a private vehicle.

When Mandra police tried to stop the suspects after receiving information, the escaped prisoner Hamad and his accomplices opened fire on the police party.

Mandra police arrested one of Hamad&#39;s accomplices, Daniyal, and recovered a Kalashnikov from him.

Searches and raids by police teams at different locations are continuing for the escaped prisoner.

Escaped prisoner Hamad has a criminal record involving various serious cases.

CPO Rawalpindi Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera said Hamad and his accomplices would be arrested and brought to justice, adding that assistance or patronage of criminal elements would not be tolerated.]]>
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			<title>Debt trail emerges in Mir Raza probe</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623594/debt-trail-emerges-in-mir-raza-probe</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623594/debt-trail-emerges-in-mir-raza-probe#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 01:47:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Shahmir Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623594</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Investigators summon 10 lenders who allegedly provided more than Rs50m]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Investigators probing the murder of Mir Raza have identified 10 people who allegedly lent him more than Rs50 million and have decided to question them as part of a new line of inquiry, sources said.

According to investigative sources, Mir Raza had borrowed money from all 10 individuals whose names have been included in the list prepared by the investigators. Express News has obtained details of the lenders and the amounts allegedly owed to them.

Sources said Mir Raza had reportedly borrowed more than Rs17.5 million from a man identified as Abid, while another person, identified as Moni, had lent him Rs500,000.

Investigators have compiled details showing that the total amount allegedly borrowed from the 10 individuals exceeded Rs50 million. The people on the list will now be called in for questioning as investigators examine the financial aspects of the case.

No NCCIA complaint against Raza before July 28

No complaint, application or inquiry against Mir Raza Ali was pending with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) before July 28, 2026, according to sources familiar with the agency&#39;s records.

The sources said the NCCIA had no record of any case or inquiry against Mir Raza Ali before the said date.

According to the sources, police had approached the NCCIA to obtain information about Ali as part of the ongoing investigation into his murder.

The police asked the NCCIA to provide details of any application, complaint, inquiry or other matter concerning Ali up to July 28, provided such a matter fell within the agency&#39;s jurisdiction.

Sources said the NCCIA&#39;s records showed that no complaint, application or inquiry against Ali had been pending before July 28.

The police letter seeking information about Ali was received by the NCCIA on August 11, the sources said.

The request was made in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder case registered at Ferozabad police station.

Ride-hailing driver

recounts journey

The ride-hailing driver who took Mir Raza from his home to Gulistan-e-Johar shortly before his murder recounted the journey said Ali personally directed him through a series of routes, from Khalid bin Waleed Road and Tariq Road to Bahadurabad, Stadium Road and Gulistan-e-Johar, before he was dropped off outside a bank, in a video message surfacing on Wednesday. Driver Ehsanullah said Raza asked if there was a speaker or Bluetooth in the car. He connected his mobile and put on music.&quot;]]>
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			<title>US experts to help fight floods, smog</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623611/us-experts-to-help-fight-floods-smog-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623611/us-experts-to-help-fight-floods-smog-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 02:49:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623611</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Punjab CM, US chargé d'Affaires agree to cooperate in AI, digital assets]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[United States Charg&eacute; d&#39;Affaires Natalie Baker called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday and agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of security, artificial intelligence, digital assets and energy.

It was also agreed to engage US experts to help Punjab deal with floods and smog.

The promotion of education, security and investment in Punjab was discussed during the meeting.

A proposal to organise a Punjab-US Business and Investment Forum in Lahore was also reviewed.

Natalie Baker appreciated the holding of the Basant festival in Lahore and lauded the Punjab government&#39;s measures for ensuring its safe celebration. &quot;I like Pakistan very much, particularly the people of Punjab and Lahore, who are very lively,&quot; the charg&eacute; d&#39;affaires said.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the Basant festival would be expanded next year.

According to a statement, Baker paid tribute to CM Maryam Nawaz for her projects aimed at women&#39;s empowerment.

&quot;We are taking legal measures to empower women in Punjab,&quot; she said, adding that the provincial government was formulating policies for development and addressing environmental challenges.

&quot;Advance measures during the monsoon and the establishment of district WASAs have made it possible to drain rainwater quickly,&quot; she said.

&quot;Punjab is changing, and its cities and villages are being reformed,&quot; the chief minister said. She added that as Pakistan&#39;s first woman chief minister, she had transformed women&#39;s empowerment from a symbolic commitment into practical measures.

She said an electric scooter scheme and electrobus service had been launched to facilitate women&#39;s mobility in Punjab. &quot;Interest-free loans are being provided for small businesses to help women move towards financial independence. The Direct Pink Button and Virtual Police Station are pioneering initiatives for women&#39;s protection,&quot; she said.

The chief minister said around one million Pakistanis from Punjab living in the US were a valuable asset for the country.

In another development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed relevant authorities to expedite the launch of technology-based shrimp farming in Sargodha following successful trials in Muzaffargarh.]]>
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			<title>Right to justice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623547/right-to-justice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623547/right-to-justice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623547</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Let Imran Khan be seen to have received justice]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Judicial relief to former Prime Minister Imran Khan is overdue. The government has unnecessarily transgressed by keeping the PTI founder in solitary confinement for over eight months, thereby denying his fundamental rights and overriding the jail manual. The fact that Khan has no access to his family, lawyers and personal physicians, and is suffering from an eye infection, has thickened the plot on his well-being. Thus, the rumour mill on his indisposition is a cause for serious concern to his voters, sympathisers, as well as the party and family. The issue has repeatedly been flagged on the international media by Khan&#39;s sons who have valid reservations about the fact that their incarcerated father is being denied lawful access despite express court orders.

The least that the government can do is to provide clarity on his well-being by granting his aides an audience with him and shifting him to a private hospital for appropriate medical care. That, however, should not be seen as a favour, keeping in view past precedents for political leaders, especially one that is lawfully ordained. Rather, it should come as a goodwill gesture that can help lower the political mercury as PTI gears up for street protests on the completion of Khan&#39;s three years in prison. The crux, nonetheless, lies with the judiciary. It must uphold the law and the Constitution. A plethora of cases and appeals pending before the superior judiciary concerning Imran Khan and his spouse&#39;s relief must see the light of day. The assurance from the apex court registrar that the litigations will be on roll call next week is a positive development, and the court must now walk the talk.

The release of political prisoners and the initiation of a dialogue between the government and the opposition cannot be delayed any further. It is a sine qua non for ushering in political stability at a time when economic miseries are mounting amid an increasingly volatile regional order. Let Imran Khan be seen to have received justice.]]>
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			<title>Growth at a crossroads</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623548/growth-at-a-crossroads</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623548/growth-at-a-crossroads#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623548</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[State Bank's biannual monetary policy report says the economy should still grow between 3.5% and 4.5% this year]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The government is growing increasingly concerned about the state of the economy due to the impact of the US-Iran war and the stress it is placing on energy prices and international trade. Though official growth targets are not being touched yet, the government has added enough caveats to make them effectively meaningless.

The State Bank&#39;s biannual monetary policy report says the economy should still grow between 3.5% and 4.5% this year, and that inflation should ease and stablise on the higher side of the existing full-year estimate. The current account deficit should be below 1% of GDP, the external account should be stable, and foreign exchange reserves should be over $20 billion at the end of the calendar year. But if even one estimate is off, things will fall apart like a house of cards.

While the government has gone to great lengths to factor in the estimated cost of the US-Iran war, with a strong El Ni&ntilde;o expected to hit the country soon, rain alone could devastate the economy. Neither our farmers nor our government is prepared for yet another &#39;storm-of-the-century&#39;. It is also notable that while the State Bank tries to temper expectations by placing most of the blame on circumstances beyond its control, careful observers know that lax flood preparedness, corruption and waste are all preventable concerns that could easily have been addressed at any point over the past several years. Unfortunately, the government would rather keep the cart moving rather than deviate from flawed plans.

This unwillingness to invest in critical issues such as young doctors while investing heavily in non-essential issues could come back to bite us, as fewer doctors are available in many parts of the country. Riding out the tide will require us not only to craft a prudent monetary policy, but also to undertake genuine structural reforms. Without such intervention, the recovery will remain fragile, at high risk of collapsing under the weight of even the slightest unwelcome economic surprise.]]>
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			<title>Fatal healthcare</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623549/fatal-healthcare</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623549/fatal-healthcare#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623549</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Most absurd part of all of this is that the weapon of choice for many people who choose to end their lives]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The consequences of a worsening economy and a gradually deteriorating country are not merely fiscal. When in conversation about how Pakistan&#39;s state has affected Pakistanis, people often wander around the topic of how difficult it is to put food on the table and pay for children&#39;s education. But these struggles have equally significant consequences on a person&#39;s mental health - which are currently reflected in the recent rising suicide rates in Faisalabad.

Within just seven months of 2026, as many as 28 lives have been lost to suicide in Faisalabad. These people left behind families, many of whom relied on them for bread and butter, with a lifetime of sizeable grief. Patterns and observations highlight some of the most obvious factors driving this tragic trend: unemployment, domestic discord and family disputes. On one hand, the weight of financial struggles clearly pushes people to the brink. On the other hand, Pakistan lacks all facets of a supportive mental health infrastructure: an understanding society, accessible mental health checkups, subsidised treatments. None of this is available to the common man. The result is, unsurprisingly, a disturbing statistic.

The most absurd part of all of this is that the weapon of choice for many people who choose to end their lives - pesticide tablets - are far easier to acquire than it is to set up an appointment with a mental health specialist. Despite a ban imposed by the Faisalabad commissioner, these poisonous substances remain readily available at retail outlets.

Twenty-eight preventable deaths for a single city is not a number that should be treated lightly. It&#39;s understandable that comprehensive national reforms take time, but the government can still make immediate progress by prioritising mental health infrastructure as a vital component of the country&#39;s healthcare system.]]>
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			<title>We, the humans, are afraid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623546/we-the-humans-are-afraid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623546/we-the-humans-are-afraid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran.Jan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623546</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Idea was and ever since has been deeply internalised by the most powerful men of the world]]>
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				<![CDATA[The planet that we live on used to be considered infinite a long time ago. The flat earthers back in the day believed that the earth was flat and there was always more land out there. Many smart people around the same time believed that the earth was a sphere and not flat but that was not a popular opinion entertained in those days. Then came the Magellan&#39;s ship around 1520 AD, which circumnavigated the earth and returned with the confirmation that the earth indeed was a sphere and not flat. That in turn, led to the obvious conclusion that there wasn&#39;t infinite land out there, rather land was limited. The fear of losing the opportunity of grabbing more land caused humanity to create the idea of real property and deeds to it.

While the Agricultural Revolution around 12,000 years ago did convince mankind to stay in one place and establish cities as opposed to moving from place to place in search of the next meal, they did not lay claim to the land for the sake of ownership but rather for the control of food production. Today, man wants to own land even if it produces nothing at all and is rather expensive to keep, given the taxes to be paid and maintenance to be had.

A few hundred years later, a man named Thomas Malthus, introduced his theory called the Malthusian Theory. This was also a fear-driven idea, which basically argued that human beings were increasing their numbers at a tremendous scale compared to the life sustaining resources, which are not multiplying with the same rate. Therefore, all the human beings and their progeny would not be able to survive on this planet given the much fewer resources. The same fear-driven mindset just like after Magellan&#39;s ship.

This idea was and ever since has been deeply internalised by the most powerful men of the world, who, for the most part, have always worked in the shadows. They justify reducing the population of the world using all kinds of obscene and immoral ways including genocide and even using chemical weapons not only to kill but to also prevent certain races and nations from giving birth to more. Call me a conspiracy theorist but given what I have seen in this world and what human beings are capable of, nothing shocks me anymore.

The same elite also subscribes to another theory. It is the popular one, which we all have come across at different stages of our education: Darwin&#39;s theory of evolution &ndash; the survival of the fittest. But how we understand this theory is not how the elite in question interpret it. Fletcher Prouty, in his remarkable book JFK: The CIA, Vietnam, and the Plot to Assassinate John F. Kennedy makes the case that these secret powerful men interpret it to mean that whatever means, including bombs and destruction, necessary to kill the enemy and keep their kin alive has one meaning; that they are the fittest ones. And that they are the chosen ones.

Given the actions of Israel and the United States around the world, given the mindsets of some of the repulsive men such as Elon Musk and Benjamin Netanyahu, it is quite obvious that these filth of human beings subscribe to these ideas.

The entire ambition behind Israeli terrorism has been to acquire more land. The fear of the Palestinians and their legitimate right to that land strikes fear in the hearts of the Zionists. The limit of the resources and the ever-increasing human beings have caused some of the richest men to build underground secret bunkers. The quest to escape to Mars is driven by the same fear of annihilation or the mismatch between the sheer number of people and the resources the earth has. The authors of the American democracy designed it in such a way so as to prevent the elite from the population. Of course they named that mechanism in a nice way; indirect democracy.]]>
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			<title>Lahore's electric bike</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623550/lahores-electric-bike</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623550/lahores-electric-bike#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Dr Muhammad Ali Falak]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623550</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[City is embracing electric bikes much faster than it is preparing for their safe integration into public life]]>
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				<![CDATA[E-Bikes will pose a safety risk faster than they can help us get a clean environment in the absence of regulations. Electric bikes are becoming a familiar sight on its roads, driven by rising fuel prices, expanding food-delivery services and the Punjab government&#39;s ambition to promote cleaner, more sustainable transport.

The city is embracing electric bikes much faster than it is preparing for their safe integration into public life. While policymakers celebrate cleaner transport, little attention has been paid to the people most at risk from this transformation - pedestrians, schoolchildren, older citizens and persons with disabilities.

Anyone who regularly walks through Gulberg, Liberty, DHA, Johar Town, Anarkali or the Mall Road has witnessed the problem. Electric bikes, many operated by delivery riders racing against digital timers, frequently mount footpaths to bypass traffic, ignore pedestrian crossings and weave through crowded commercial areas. What was once the domain of motorcycles is now being replicated by quieter, faster electric vehicles.

Their silence is precisely what makes them more dangerous. Unlike conventional motorcycles, electric bikes approach almost noiselessly. A pedestrian crossing a service lane or stepping off a curb often has little warning before an e-bike is upon them. For elderly citizens or visually impaired pedestrians, those few seconds can make the difference between safety and serious injury.

Lahore has spent years trying to make its roads safer through the Safe City Authority&#39;s surveillance systems, stricter traffic enforcement and infrastructure improvements. Yet a significant gap remains. There are still no comprehensive regulations governing the operation of electric bikes, particularly those used for commercial deliveries or potential future bike-sharing schemes.

The issue is not electric bikes themselves. They are an important part of Pakistan&#39;s clean-energy future. The problem is the assumption that new technology can simply be introduced into an old regulatory framework without consequences.

The Punjab government should act before the problem becomes entrenched. First, every commercial electric bike rider should undergo mandatory registration linked to a verified identity and complete a basic road safety certification. A rider operating a vehicle capable of significant speed in dense urban traffic should understand traffic laws, pedestrian rights and safe operating practices.

Second, delivery companies using electric bikes should be required to provide third-party liability insurance for their riders. Victims of road accidents should not be left pursuing lengthy legal battles simply to recover medical expenses. Compensation mechanisms should be automatic, transparent and enforceable.

Third, Lahore needs designated parking and operating rules for electric bikes. Strict penalties should apply to riders who obstruct accessibility ramps, pedestrian crossings or public walkways.

Fourth, enforcement must match policy. Lahore&#39;s extensive Safe City camera network already monitors traffic violations across major corridors. The same technology could help identify dangerous riding behaviour, repeated offenders and commercial operators who fail to comply with safety requirements.

The city should also invest in public awareness. Riding an electric bike is not simply a cleaner version of riding a motorcycle. Its instant acceleration, silent operation and growing popularity require a culture of responsible riding that begins with education rather than punishment.

Lahore often prides itself on being Pakistan&#39;s trendsetter. Whether introducing mass transit, digitising governance or experimenting with environmental initiatives, the city has shown that innovation is possible when political will exists. Electric mobility deserves the same thoughtful approach.

A cleaner city should also be a safer one. Reducing emissions cannot come at the expense of pedestrian safety. A transport policy that encourages electric bikes while ignoring regulation merely shifts one urban problem into another. Lahore has an opportunity to become a national model for sustainable mobility - not just by promoting electric vehicles, but by ensuring they coexist safely with everyone who shares its streets.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan's alliance power</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623551/pakistans-alliance-power</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623551/pakistans-alliance-power#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 19:32:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Inam Ul Haque]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623551</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Tehran should also be part of this very important security arrangement in West Asia/Middle East]]>
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				<![CDATA[Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and T&uuml;rkiye signed their first trilateral defence pact &ndash; Makkah Joint Defence Agreement &ndash; during a summit in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), on August 7, 2026. The text of the pact stipulates that Prince MBS, President Erdogan and PM Shehbaz Sharif signed the &#39;Defence Agreement&#39;, &quot;reflecting the three States&#39; shared commitment to further strengthening their collective security and to promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond, in pursuit of a secure and prosperous future.&quot; It further states that the Agreement &quot;is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that any armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all.&quot; And the last line reiterates that the Agreement &quot;provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation&quot; among these countries.

This Agreement had been in the works for quite some time, following the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and KSA on September 17, 2025. SMDA was covered in my opinion pieces, &#39;Pak-Saudi defence pact: an old brotherhood recast for a dangerous age&#39;, published here on September 21, 2025; and &#39;Pak-Saudi defence pact: necessary elaboration&#39; on September 25, 2025. Diplomatic activity continued among Pakistan, KSA and T&uuml;rkiye, and the emergence of Quartet (Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt and T&uuml;rkiye) to facilitate the recent mediatory efforts between the US and Iran further augmented the momentum that resulted in this Agreement. Some pointers.

First, the &#39;Core Principle&#39; enshrined in the Agreement is &#39;collective security and mutual defence&#39;, patterned after NATO; hence an attack on one is an attack against the entire trilateral alliance. There are ostensibly comprehensive back-up plans. Calling it a Muslim NATO or otherwise is pure and inconsequential semantics. Later iterations by the Alliance make it open to the entire region; Egypt, Azerbaijan and perhaps Qatar may be interested in joining. Kuwait and Pakistan formally ratified a comprehensive &#39;Defense Cooperation Agreement&#39; in July 2026 to update their five-year pact signed on June 11, 2023 that focuses on military training, logistics, intelligence-sharing and capacity-building, excluding troop deployment in combat.

In an ideal environment, Tehran should also be part of this very important security arrangement in West Asia/Middle East. This may be possible after the present round of war between Iran and the US is over. Presently, Iran&#39;s strategy of raising the cost of war for the US by targeting Arab nations, and its threats of a tit-for-tat response to US strikes - indicating the targeting of these nations&#39; industrial sites - make such an inclusion unlikely. Hormuz blockade also severely affects the Arab Gulf economically.

Senior Saudi officials and Pakistan&#39;s leadership have reiterated the &#39;defensive nature&#39; of the Agreement, ensuring sustainable regional deterrence and stability, as this is not an offensive grouping, against &#39;any nation or any sectarian bloc or military axis&#39;. Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly reiterated, shortly after the deal was inked, that the Agreement is not &quot;linked to any nuclear ambitions or arms race, rather it is focused on building sustainable capabilities.&quot;

Second, the Agreement brings together Saudi financial/strategic backing and petroleum clout, T&uuml;rkiye&#39;s NATO-standard aerospace/defence technology, and Pakistan&#39;s military prowess and nuclear deterrence, especially after its demonstrated performance against much larger India in May 2025. For decades, the GCC/KSA security was outsourced to the US, and to some extent, the West Plus. The Iran War seemed to have altered these dynamics, given the declining US military capabilities reportedly due to munition crunch, especially the AD interceptors and the stand-off &#39;Beyond Visual Range&#39; (BVR) missiles. Depletion of 20-80% stocks is forcing Washington to relocate military assets from Europe etc to the Gulf. This leaves America militarily vulnerable to potential adventurism by China and Russia. CENTCOM&#39;s inability to bend Iran to its will in the planned time window has resulted in the loss of confidence in the US-led regional security architecture. Major Middle East/Gulf nations are looking elsewhere for security.

Third, T&uuml;rkiye needs to be protected from an expansionist and overconfident Israel, and Russia in distant future; KSA wants to deter Iran and possibly Israel; Pakistan needs financial clout and oil coming in case of another India-imposed conflict; and Egypt might try to enhance its deterrence vis-&agrave;-vis Israel. In one&#39;s reckoning, the agreement would not be invoked in situations short of all-out war - such as Islamabad&#39;s border skirmishes with Kabul, Saudi Arabia&#39;s Yemen or Houthi engagements, and T&uuml;rkiye&#39;s Kurdish unrest - as these are well within the means and resources of these states to handle.

Yes, signatory states could invoke the agreement to safeguard maritime trade, energy networks and other critical infrastructure. In its present formulation, the Agreement, however, is an attempt at &#39;joint deterrence&#39; rather than a muscular combat alliance. Its future direction is open-ended, given its language that leaves room for enhanced combat collaboration. Cooperation in the joint defence production is also a possible manifestation of this intent. Importantly, under present iteration, besides collective and enhanced deterrence, the Agreement would contribute to regional stability and global peace.

Fourth, as identified previously, Middle East is the only major part of the world without formal military-economic alliances, like ASEAN, SAARC, SCO, NATO, etc. Its security rests upon the US, with no alternative arrangements. Washington now might relish being absolved of Middle East&#39;s security responsibility, for which it is increasingly incapable and unwilling. However, as per an article &#39;The Multipolar Delusion&#39; published in the March-April 2026 issue of Foreign Affairs magazine, multipolarity is a dream, and the US still remains a dominant power, albeit with limitations.

The US under Trump is also consciously divesting from the regional security responsibilities, transferring these to regional powers to preserve and concentrate resources for military intervention as and when America&#39;s core interests are threatened, like in Venezuela and Iran. Additionally, peace means business, and business suits businessman Trump. This Agreement fits in the US security framework, if not coloured by Israel and the American Jewish lobby, citing religious/Islamic undertones.

Lastly, an economic alliance following joint defence collaboration and production, as stipulated, and for which there is immense scope, may usher in an unprecedented economic windfall for the agreement&#39;s signatories.

So, in a nutshell the Agreement is an epoch-making trailblazer.

With that, Happy Independence Day!]]>
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			<title>We have to keep Netanyahu 'a little bit sane', says Trump</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614354/we-have-to-keep-netanyahu-a-little-bit-sane-says-trump</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614354/we-have-to-keep-netanyahu-a-little-bit-sane-says-trump#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 26 02:21:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2614354</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[US President Donald Trump delivered a blunt critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press interview, stating their relationship is &quot;good, but we have to keep him a little bit sane&quot;

The remark came when Trump was asked by Axious, an American media outlet, about his ties with the Israeli premier amid ongoing efforts to end fighting in Lebanon.

Trump asserted he can control Israeli military actions in Lebanon because officials there &quot;do as I say.&quot;

He highlighted American military superiority, saying that the US provides &quot;the guns&quot; and &quot;B-2 bombers,&quot; and claimed that without his intervention, Israel would have been &quot;eviscerated,&quot; echoing his remarks earlier this week asserting: &quot;Without the United States, there would be no Israel.&quot;

Earlier this week, the US president said he advised Netanyahu to use a &quot;softer touch&quot; in Leb-anon, saying Israel does not have to &quot;knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that&#39;s from Hezbollah,&quot; referring to frequent Israeli bombing of Lebanon, including many residential areas.]]>
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			<title>Five dead in South Korea aerospace plant blast</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611013/five-dead-in-south-korea-aerospace-plant-blast</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611013/five-dead-in-south-korea-aerospace-plant-blast#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 26 22:32:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2611013</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Five people have died and two others were injured on Monday after an explosion and fire on a South Korean production line for rocket propellant at a factory operated by Hanwha Aerospace in the city of Daejeon, officials said.

The two survivors, including one who was badly burned, had escaped from the facility themselves, a fire official told a briefing.

&quot;Authorities have yet to identify the victims because their bodies were severely damaged,&quot; a health official told the same briefing.

A fire official said that an explosion had triggered the blaze, though the cause of the blast was still being investigated. The blast appeared to have occurred while water was being used to clean explosive material from tools making rocket propellant, a Hanwha official told a company briefing.

&quot;We bow our heads in apology to the victims and their bereaved families,&quot; said Chief Executive Officer Son Jae-il, pledging to cooperate fully with authorities to determine the cause of the accident.

The five dead included two temporary workers in their 20s and all were employed by Hanwha, the company said.]]>
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			<title>Israeli strikes kill seven in Gaza</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610261/israeli-strikes-kill-seven-in-gaza</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610261/israeli-strikes-kill-seven-in-gaza#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 26 18:45:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2610261</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Israeli strikes killed at least seven Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday including five in a refugee camp and two in a car, health officials said.

Medics and residents said an Israeli drone fired a missile at people who came out of their homes when an Israeli-backed Palestinian militia tried to storm an area east of Maghazi camp.

As well as at least five fatalities, several people were injured.

The Israeli military, which has been fighting Hamas in the Palestinian territory since October 2023, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on that incident.

Incursions by Israeli-backed armed gangs, whom Hamas brands &quot;Israeli collaborators&quot;, have escalated in past weeks.

Leaders of those groups, who operate in areas under Israeli control, say they aim to topple Hamas rule.

Later on Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike struck a vehicle in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, killing two people and wounding several others, medics said.

The Israeli military told Reuters it was a &quot;targeted strike&quot; and provided no further details.]]>
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			<title>US, Armenia sign partnership agreement</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610262/us-armenia-sign-partnership-agreement</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610262/us-armenia-sign-partnership-agreement#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 26 18:45:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2610262</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan signed a strategic partnership agreement in Yerevan on Tuesday, less than two weeks before parliamentary elections in the South Caucasus country.

Rubio&#39;s visit comes as Russia has threatened to exert economic pressure on Yerevan for its growing ties to the West by raising prices Armenia pays for Russian gas if the country turns away from integration with Moscow

On June 7, Armenia votes in an election pitting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan&#39;s Civil Contract party against an array of opposition parties, many of which are pro-Russian.

Rubio and Mirzoyan

also signed a framework agreement on critical minerals and another on cooperation on a proposed 43-km (27-mile) transit corridor across southern Armenia

that would give Azerbaijan a direct route to its

exclave of Nakhchivan

and into Turkey, Baku&#39;s closest ally.

Dubbed the &quot;Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)&quot;, the corridor is a key part of a peace agreement reached last August between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have been at war on-and-off since the late 1980s. No formal peace deal has been signed.

The route would better connect Asia to Europe - bypassing Russia and Iran - at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in critical minerals deals with resource-rich Central Asian countries to the east of the South Caucasus region. The mining of iron, copper and zinc and other minerals is also a major sector of Armenia&#39;s economy.

&quot;We are going to be able to work together to make sure that both of our

countries, both of our economies, are going to have reliable access

to these critical minerals,&quot; Rubio said at the

signing ceremony on Tuesday.]]>
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			<title>Medical check up went 'perfectly' says Trump</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610265/medical-check-up-went-perfectly-says-trump</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610265/medical-check-up-went-perfectly-says-trump#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 26 18:45:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2610265</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Donald Trump said an annual medical check-up had gone &quot;perfectly&quot; Tuesday, as the health of the oldest US president ever to take the oath faces growing scrutiny with the approach of his 80th birthday.

It was Trump&#39;s third medical examination since returning to office last year and follows mounting speculation about issues including bruising on his hands and apparent sleepiness during meetings.

&quot;Everything checked out PERFECTLY,&quot; Trump posted on his Truth Social network as he drove back to the White House from the Walter Reed Military Hospital near Washington.

But Trump has long been accused of a lack of transparency about his health -- and the chronology of his various check-ups during his second term has added to the confusion.

He referred to Tuesday&#39;s check up as a &quot;six-month physical,&quot; despite the White House billing it as an annual dental and medical examination when it announced it earlier this month.

Trump&#39;s last scheduled annual check up was in April 2025. But it was followed by an unannounced hospital visit that October, which the White House then also described as an annual physical.]]>
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			<title>Trump envoy arrives for Greenland visit</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608753/trump-envoy-arrives-for-greenland-visit</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608753/trump-envoy-arrives-for-greenland-visit#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 26 02:04:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2608753</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[US President Donald Trump&#39;s special envoy to Greenland landed in Nuuk on Sunday for a visit of several days to the autonomous Danish territory, local media reported.

Governor of Louisiana Jeff Landry arrived for his first visit in the role and is due to take part in an economic forum in the Greenlandic capital on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Organised by the employers organisation Gronlands Erhverv, the Future Greenland event will bring together investors, political and business leaders to try to encourage investment there.

Landry&#39;s visit comes after international tension over Trump&#39;s repeated claims to the territory, which sparked alarm not just in Greenland and Denmark but across western Europe.

Landry arrived accompanied by around 10 other people and drove off in a convoy of five cars, the local daily Sermitsiaq reported.

The US ambassador to Denmark is due to fly in to Greenland on Monday.

&quot;Together, they will meet with a wide range of Greenlanders to listen and learn with a goal of expanding economic opportunities, building people-to-people ties, and increasing understanding between the United States and Greenland,&quot; said a US embassy statement sent to AFP.

Trump appointed Landry to the post on December 22.

In January, Trump backed down from his repeated threats to seize Greenland, after which Copenhagen and Nuuk held a first meeting in Washington.

Trump has repeatedly argued the US needs to control Greenland because of national security concerns, claiming that if the US does not take the Arctic island then it would fall into the hands of China or Russia.

Last Tuesday, Greenland&#39;s prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said talks between the territory, Denmark, and the United States had yet to produce an agreement, even if there had been progress.]]>
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			<title>Trump rules out any deal except ‘unconditional surrender’ as Iran vows to defend its ‘dignity and sovereignty’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596085/trump-says-not-currently-considering-us-ground-forces-in-iran</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596085/trump-says-not-currently-considering-us-ground-forces-in-iran#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 26 05:23:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2596085</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Iran says some countries have begun mediation efforts amid retaliatory strikes]]>
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				<![CDATA[United States President &zwnj;Donald Trump demanded Iran&#39;s &quot;unconditional surrender&quot; on Friday and ruled out any deal, a dramatic escalation of his demands a week into the war he launched alongside Israel.

Trump made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran&#39;s president announced that unspecified countries had ​begun mediation efforts in one of the first signals of any diplomatic initiative to end ​the conflict.

&quot;After ⁠that, and the selection of a great and acceptable leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful ​and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of ​destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.&quot;



https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116182551337254643



On Thursday, Trump had told Reuters in a telephone interview that he was demanding the right to help select Iran&#39;s new supreme leader, to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed ​in the war&#39;s first day.

Israel pounded the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday after ordering an unprecedented evacuation ​of the entire southern suburbs of the city, in a major expansion of the war.

It carried out heavy air strikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut and started a &quot;broad-scale&quot; wave of attacks against infrastructure in Tehran, while Iran said it targeted the heart of Tel Aviv with missiles.

Explosions and flashes lit up the night sky over Beirut&#39;s southern suburbs. The Israeli military said it had carried out 26 waves of strikes overnight in the southern suburbs, saying targets included Iran-backed Hezbollah militia command centres and weapons storage facilities.

It also launched a new &zwnj;wave ⁠of attacks on Iran, saying 50 of its warplanes had struck a bunker beneath the destroyed Tehran compound of Khamenei, still being used by Iran&#39;s leadership after he was killed.

Iran says some countries have begun mediation efforts amid retaliatory strikes

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian revealed that some countries had begun mediation efforts as the Islamic Republic continued its retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases in the Gulf region.

&ldquo;Some countries have begun efforts at mediation,&rdquo; Pezeshkian wrote in a post on his official X handle.

&ldquo;Our response to them is clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest doubt in defending the dignity and sovereignty of our country,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;The intended audience for mediation should be those who, by underestimating the Iranian people, have stoked the flames.&rdquo;



Some countries have begun mediation efforts. Let&#39;s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation&#39;s dignity &amp; sovereignty. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict https://t.co/MxWCuNYOYR
&mdash; Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) March 6, 2026


Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Kheibar missiles were fired towards Tel Aviv as part of the 21st wave of its &ldquo;Operation True Promise 4&quot;. In a statement, the IRGC said the wave began with a combined missile and drone operation targeting sites in the heart of Tel Aviv.

Overnight, Iranian drones attacked the US Al Udied airbase in Qatar, the biggest US base in the Middle East, Qatari officials said. There were no reported casualties.

The IRGC said Iranian forces had targeted the Ramat David air base and a radar site in Israel, the Al-Adiri camp in Kuwait where US forces are stationed, and a drone attack on a base hosting US troops in Erbil, Iraq.

A Guards spokesperson said new initiatives and weapons would soon be deployed to confront Israeli and U.S. aggression, without giving details.

&quot;This was an &#39;existential war&#39; for Iran, leaving us with no choice but to respond wherever American attacks originate from,&rdquo; Iran&rsquo;s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said at the Raisina Dialogues conference in New Delhi on Friday.

Hezbollah, in a message published in Hebrew on its Telegram channel early on Friday, warned Israelis to leave towns within five kilometres of the border.

&quot;Your military&#39;s aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and safe citizens, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the expulsion campaign it is carrying out will not go unchallenged,&quot; Hezbollah said.

At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran since the fighting began a week ago, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

The Lebanese health ministry has reported 123 people have been killed and another 683 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks this week. Its figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. There have been no reported fatalities in Israel as a result of Hezbollah attacks.

Azerbaijan was preparing unspecified retaliatory measures on Thursday after it said four Iranian drones crossed its border and injured four &zwnj;people in the Nakhchivan exclave. Iran, which has a significant Azeri minority, denied it targeted its neighbour.

Ground troops in Iran

Trump said on Thursday it would be a &quot;waste of time&quot; currently to consider sending US ground troops into Iran, NBC News reported, dismissing the Iranian foreign minister&#39;s warning that such a move would spell disaster for invaders.

&quot;It&#39;s a waste of time. They&#39;ve lost everything. They&#39;ve lost their navy. They&#39;ve lost everything they can lose,&quot; he told NBC by telephone, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi&#39;s earlier remark that Iran was ready for a US or Israeli ground invasion was a &quot;wasted comment&quot;.



US President Trump said Iran is being demolished &ldquo;ahead of schedule and at levels people have never seen before&rdquo;, claiming the country now has &ldquo;no air force, no air defence&rdquo; and the air force is &ldquo;gone&rdquo;.

🔴 Follow our LIVE coverage: https://t.co/q1Q18tbGFl pic.twitter.com/ILTEFBYY5m
&mdash; Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 6, 2026


Trump also indicated he is keen to see Iran&#39;s leadership structure removed and that &quot;we want to go in and clean out everything&quot; quickly.

&quot;We don&#39;t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period,&quot; he said. He added that he had ideas for a new leader but declined to name anyone.

Trump said earlier he would &quot;have to be involved&quot; in the appointment of Iran&#39;s next leader after US-Israeli strikes killed Khamenei when the conflict began on Saturday. He rejected the possibility that Khamenei&#39;s son Mojtaba could succeed his slain father, dismissing him as a &quot;lightweight&quot;.

Heavy attacks were reported in Tehran after Israel said it was hitting &quot;regime infrastructure&quot; in a &quot;new phase&quot; of the war it launched with the US against Iran.

Read: Middle East war spreads to Lebanon, Iraq as Israel attacks Tehran

The conflict, now in its seventh day, has seen Iran target Israel, the Gulf states, Cyprus, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The violence has also spread to the Indian Ocean, where a US submarine sank an Iranian naval ship off the coast of Sri Lanka.

The Iranian ship was invited to take part in the International Fleet Review 2026 in India. The strike killed around 87 sailors.



Welcome! | خوش آمدید!

🇮🇳🤝🇮🇷 Indian Navy welcomes IRIS Dena, of the Iranian Navy, on her arrival at #Visakhapatnam to participate in #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026, reflecting long-standing cultural links between the two nations.@India_in_Iran #BridgesOfFriendship&hellip; pic.twitter.com/O77v2qNJHJ
&mdash; Eastern Naval Command 🇮🇳 (@IN_HQENC) February 17, 2026


According to former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, he wrote in a post on X that, &quot;I am told that as per protocol for this exercise, ships cannot carry any ammunition. It was defenceless.&quot;



The Iranian ship will not be where it was if we had not invited it to talk part in our Milan exercise.

We were the hosts.

I am told that as per protocol for this exercise ships cannot carry any ammunition. It was defenceless.

The Iranian naval personnel had paraded before&hellip; https://t.co/3r8bWFJn8d
&mdash; Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) March 5, 2026


Araghchi has rejected calls for a ceasefire and stated there was no reason to negotiate with the US. Despite the challenges, Iranian forces continue to retaliate against Israel and its allies. According to Drop Site News, Iran warns that it has not begun using their &quot;new&quot; weapons.

IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini said, according to Mehr News Agency, &ldquo;The enemy should expect painful blows in every operational wave,&rdquo; he said, adding that Iran&rsquo;s &ldquo;new innovations and weapons&rdquo; have not yet been used on a large scale.



⭕️ Iran warns new weapons have not yet been used

Iran is prepared for a prolonged war and has not yet deployed many of its newest weapons systems, IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini said, according to Mehr News Agency.

➤ &ldquo;The enemy should expect painful blows in&hellip; https://t.co/54Lc5YXOFe
&mdash; Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) March 6, 2026


US-Israeli escalation

On Friday morning, Iranian media reported heavy strikes in Tehran shortly after Israel&rsquo;s announcement that it was targeting Iran&rsquo;s &quot;regime infrastructure&quot;.

Israel&rsquo;s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, warned that the US-Israeli campaign had entered the next phase and would &ldquo;further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities&rdquo;.

Zamir also hinted at &quot;additional surprises&quot; to come, but declined to disclose further details. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that &ldquo;firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically&quot;.



🚨Important: IDF Chief of Staff outlines next phase of war against Iran and Lebanon

▪️On Iran, Israel will escalate strikes aimed at weakening the Iranian state:

&ldquo;We will intensify the blow to the foundations of the regime and its military capabilities. We still have additional&hellip; pic.twitter.com/rJdN0O3UmB
&mdash; Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) March 5, 2026


Iran&rsquo;s Revolutionary Guards responded by launching missiles toward Tel Aviv after an earlier explosion in central Israel caused a fire at a residential building. AFP journalists reported hearing simultaneous explosions in Tel Aviv, while rocket trails lit up the sky in Netanya, further north.

Trump backs Kurds

In the midst of the escalating conflict, Trump expressed support for Iranian Kurdish militias in Iraq, encouraging them to intensify their attacks against Iran.

Speaking to Reuters, Trump stated, &ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s wonderful that they want to do that, I&#39;d be all for it.&rdquo;

These militias, based along the Iran-Iraq border in Iraqi Kurdistan, have been in consultations with the US on launching attacks on Iran&rsquo;s western security forces.

Read more: Iran hits CIA site in Riyadh as US seeks to arm Kurdish forces against Tehran

Security sources reported two Iranian drone strikes on an opposition camp in Iraqi Kurdistan on Thursday, underscoring the rising violence. Iranian Kurdish forces have been preparing for such operations to weaken Iran&rsquo;s military while US and Israeli airstrikes target Iranian installations.

Iran&rsquo;s future leadership

Meanwhile, Hegseth sought to clarify that, despite Trump&rsquo;s comments, there were no changes in the US military&rsquo;s objectives in Iran. &quot;There&rsquo;s no expansion in our objectives. We know exactly what we&rsquo;re trying to achieve,&quot; Hegseth said.

Also read: US investigation points to likely US responsibility in Iran school strike, sources say

Azerbaijan prepares retaliation

Azerbaijan has vowed to retaliate after &quot;Iranian&quot; drones crossed its border and injured four people in the Nakhchivan exclave. President Ilham Aliyev condemned the attacks as an &ldquo;unprovoked act of terror and aggression&rdquo; and vowed to take action.

Hezbollah responds

Hezbollah, an armed force fighting against Israeli aggression in Lebanon, launched missiles in retaliation for the war.

Displaced families are seeking shelter on a beach, facing dire conditions.

Attacks across region

US forces sank an Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka that had travelled to India to take part in a parade, while Azerbaijan threatened retaliation after a drone attack on an airport. Iran also targeted US bases inside Gulf countries, including Qatar, which intercepted a drone targeting a US base in Al-Udeid. Bahrain reported an alleged attack on a hotel and residential buildings, while Saudi Arabia intercepted three ballistic missiles.

Casualties mount in Iran, Lebanon

In Lebanon, 77 have died. Thousands have fled southern Beirut, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, two paramedics have been killed in Shiraz, Iran, according to Al Jazeera.



UPDATE: Two paramedics killed in Shiraz, Iran: Report

🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/C3iSVX4pRP pic.twitter.com/CXHJVw5D20
&mdash; Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) March 6, 2026


More than 3,000 homes in Iran were damaged by US-Israeli attacks, according to the Red Crescent.

Pir Hossein Kolivand, president of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, says the US-Israeli attacks have damaged 3,643 civilian sites, including 3,090 homes. Also damaged are 528 commercial and service centres, 14 medical or pharmaceutical facilities and nine Red Crescent facilities, he said.

Most of the targets, he added, were in &ldquo;densely populated residential areas&rdquo;.

Drop Site News reports that 20 more Iranian civilians were killed and 30 injured after US&ndash;Israel strikes hit the Zibashahr residential area of Shiraz, a major city in southwestern Iran about 420 miles south of Tehran, the acting head of the political deputy office of the Fars Province governorate said, according to Islamic State News Agencies.



🚨 New: 20 Iranian civilians killed in U.S.&ndash;Israel strikes on residential area in Shiraz

At least 20 civilians were killed and 30 injured after U.S.&ndash;Israel strikes hit the Zibashahr residential area of Shiraz &ndash; a major city in southwestern Iran about 420 miles south of Tehran &ndash;&hellip; https://t.co/TRKWPIvfDd
&mdash; Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) March 6, 2026


Prolonged conflict preparation

US officials, including Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, confirmed that strikes from Iran have significantly diminished, with ballistic missile attacks decreasing by 90% and drone attacks down by 83%. However, Pentagon officials reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing campaign, emphasising the availability of sufficient munitions for a sustained effort.

Global disruptions

The conflict has disrupted global markets, energy supplies, and travel. While oil prices have surged, global logistics and air transport have been heavily affected. Iran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy chokepoint, but the US has signalled it may escort ships through the area if necessary.]]>
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			<title>Body of Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi recovered from Broad Peak</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623682/body-of-pakistani-climber-sohail-sakhi-recovered-from-broad-peak</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623682/body-of-pakistani-climber-sohail-sakhi-recovered-from-broad-peak#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 10:07:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623682</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Body was recovered by a group of local volunteers from Shigar who were searching the area on their own initiative]]>
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				<![CDATA[The body of Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, who had been missing since an avalanche struck Broad Peak on July 30, was recovered during a search operation, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday.

The avalanche struck a 10-member international expedition led by 43-year-old British-Nepali climber Nirmal Purja as the team ascended from Camp 2 to Camp 3 on Broad Peak, the world&rsquo;s 12th-highest mountain. All 10 climbers from Nepal, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, Oman and Pakistan were reported missing after contact with the expedition was lost.

According to the ACP, Sakhi&rsquo;s body was found by a group of local volunteers from Shigar who had been searching the area on their own initiative. The remains were identified as those of Sakhi, a Pakistani climber from Hunza.





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The body was first spotted by Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Bashir and Abuzar, all from Tissar in Shigar. They alerted other volunteers and, with their assistance, carried the body from Camp 1 to the base camp, the ACP said in an Instagram post.

&ldquo;If weather permits, the body will be transported by helicopter today,&rdquo; the club said. Sakhi was among 10 climbers reported missing after the avalanche struck the 8,047-metre peak in Pakistan&rsquo;s Karakoram range.

With Sakhi&rsquo;s body recovered, eight of the 10 missing climbers have now been found, while two remain unaccounted for.

Search efforts are continuing despite difficult weather conditions, with the Pakistan Army, local rescuers and other relevant authorities taking part in the operation.

Read: Bodies of Nirmal Purja team recovered from Broad Peak

On August 6, the bodies of five international climbers, including renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, were flown to Skardu by a Pakistan Army helicopter.

A week earlier, the ACP had announced that the bodies of Purja, Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa and Kilu Sherpa had been successfully recovered after what it described as an &quot;exceptionally challenging and technically demanding recovery operation&quot; and transported to the mountain&#39;s base camp.

The remains of three other members of the expedition &mdash; an American woman, an Omani woman and a Nepali climber &mdash; had already been airlifted from the mountain to Skardu earlier this month.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the global mountaineering community. The president of Nepal&#39;s National Mountain Guide Association, Tul Singh Gurung, said the climbing world had &quot;lost a generation of accomplished mountaineers&quot;.

Broad Peak, the world&#39;s 12th-highest mountain at 8,051 metres, is located in Pakistan&#39;s Karakoram range and is widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding of the world&#39;s 8,000-metre peaks. It was first summited in 1957 by an Austrian expedition.]]>
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			<title>AJK SSP says JAAC 'abducted' 8 highway police personnel, vows 'no leniency' in response</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623669/ajk-ssp-says-jaac-abducted-8-highway-police-personnel-vows-no-leniency-in-response</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623669/ajk-ssp-says-jaac-abducted-8-highway-police-personnel-vows-no-leniency-in-response#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 08:20:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623669</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Says they were abducted during election duty, warns of 'decisive and the harshest possible action']]>
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				<![CDATA[Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat on Thursday said the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had abducted eight highway police personnel deployed during election duty and warned its leadership against challenging the writ of the state, saying &ldquo;the state will show no leniency&quot; towards them.

&quot;To ensure the elections remained peaceful, security forces were deployed for election duty. However, they were not only attacked by JAAC members, but eight highway police personnel were also abducted. Those personnel were tortured and remain in JAAC&rsquo;s custody,&quot; said Shaukat while addressing a press conference in Rawalakot.

The situation in AJK turned violent after the banned JAAC began protesting and staging a sit-in to demand the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Clashes have been reported between law enforcement personnel and protesters in AJK, with reports of multiple deaths and injuries circulating on social media. Several videos circulating online showed scenes of unrest, with claims of violence and casualties, though the details could not be independently verified. Both security forces and the banned JAAC claimed the loss of lives on both sides.

AJK police spokesperson during today&#39;s presser further warned that if the personnel were harmed in any way, or threats against their families continued, &ldquo;the state will show no leniency towards you&rdquo;, saying &ldquo;decisive and the harshest possible action&rdquo; would be taken against those elements.

I ask the JAAC leaders to immediately release the personnel safely. We will not accept any pressure when it comes to the lives and safety of our security personnel. If those personnel are harmed in any way, if their release is hindered in any way, or if threats against their families continue, then the state will show no leniency.&rdquo;

He said the authorities would ensure that the writ of the state, public safety and the rule of law were maintained under all circumstances.

&ldquo;The state will not accept any pressure whatsoever when it comes to the lives and safety of these personnel. If the writ of the state is challenged, state institutions&rsquo; personnel are subjected to violence, attacked or abducted, or an attempt is made to paralyse the state system, the state will fully fulfil its responsibility through legal and constitutional means,&rdquo; said Shaukat.

He also displayed pictures of the eight allegedly abducted personnel during the press conference.

He said the violent actions and objectives of the banned group had been rejected by the public and, &ldquo;By participating in the elections, the people have made it clear that they have no connection with the banned JAAC,&rdquo; he added.

Shaukat appealed to the public to completely distance themselves from what he described as &ldquo;mischievous elements&rdquo; and not become involved in violent incidents, adding that state institutions would take action &ldquo;in accordance with the law and Constitution&rdquo;.

He made a particular appeal to parents &ldquo;to keep an eye on your children and keep them away from these nefarious designs&rdquo;. &ldquo;These people, through misleading propaganda and an inflammatory narrative, are not only inciting the youth against the state but are also playing with their future,&rdquo; he said.

Shaukat warned that continued violence could damage the state&rsquo;s &ldquo;image and peace&rdquo;.

Read: PML-N to hold talks with JAAC after forming AJK govt: Sanaullah

Background

AJK&#39;s 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees &mdash; people who fled Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) &mdash; an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair.

The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest.

The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system.

Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

The matter is at a deadlock at the moment, with the JAAC calling for the abolition of the seats while the government rejects the demand.]]>
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			<title>Pipeline blast disrupts gas supplies to Quetta, several Balochistan areas</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623660/pipeline-blast-disrupts-gas-supplies-to-quetta-several-balochistan-areas</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623660/pipeline-blast-disrupts-gas-supplies-to-quetta-several-balochistan-areas#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Syed Ali Shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623660</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[SSGC says an 18-inch-diameter pipeline was damaged by an explosive device near its valve assembly]]>
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				<![CDATA[Gas supplies to Quetta and several other parts of Balochistan were suspended on Thursday after an explosion damaged a major gas pipeline near Gokurt in the Bolan area, officials said.

According to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) officials, an 18-inch-diameter pipeline was damaged by an explosive device near its valve assembly. The facility was located about 800 metres from the National Highway.

The blast resulted in the suspension of gas supplies to Quetta as well as Kolpur, Mach, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat.

Flames were reported to have emerged from the damaged pipeline following the explosion, while the affected area was secured for safety and inspection.

SSGC officials said repair teams would be sent to the site once security clearance was granted. Engineers and technical staff would assess the damage before starting restoration work.

The company had not yet announced a specific timeframe for the resumption of gas supplies to the affected areas.

The disruption raised concerns among residents and businesses that relied on the pipeline network for cooking, heating and other daily needs. A prolonged outage could further inconvenience consumers across the affected districts.

Read: Seven workers abducted as armed men raid private mining site in Balochistan&#39;s Chagai

Authorities were investigating the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the damage to the gas infrastructure.

The latest incident came months after a similar attack in March, when terrorists blew up an 18-inch-diameter SSGC gas pipeline near the Western Bypass in Harnai&rsquo;s Akhtarabad area. Explosives planted beneath the pipeline destroyed a large section of the infrastructure and disrupted gas supplies to several areas of Quetta and upper Balochistan, including Airport Road, Nawan Kali, Jinnah Town, A One City, Hazarganji, Kuchlak, Pishin, Ziarat, Bostan, Yaro, Karbala and Harmuzi.

Eyewitnesses had reported that the March explosion triggered a massive fire, with flames rising high above the damaged pipeline and causing panic in the area.

Authorities were investigating Thursday&rsquo;s explosion and the circumstances surrounding the damage to the gas infrastructure.]]>
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			<title>Pro-Palestine campaigners urge boycott of new Spider-Man film over producer’s support for Israel</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623679/pro-palestine-campaigners-urge-boycott-of-new-spider-man-film-over-producers-support-for-israel</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623679/pro-palestine-campaigners-urge-boycott-of-new-spider-man-film-over-producers-support-for-israel#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 09:49:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Avi Arad, producer for the film holds Israeli and US citizenship, served in Israeli military between 1965-1968]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon, Jordan and elsewhere in the Arab world have called for a boycott of Spider-Man: Brand New Day over producer Avi Arad&rsquo;s support for Israel and his rejection of criticism directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the war on Gaza.

The Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel in Lebanon urged audiences not to purchase tickets for the film, arguing that financially supporting a production involving figures who have publicly backed Israel amounts to &ldquo;cultural normalisation.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Do we want to support a production involving individuals who have publicly expressed political support for Israel?&rdquo; the group said in a social media statement ahead of the film&rsquo;s release.

The campaign called on the public to avoid paid screenings and said its position reflected its opposition to normalising Israel or its policies.



📍قاطعوا Spider-Man

📌بالتزامن مع اقتراب عرض الجزء الجديد من Spider-Man في صالات السينما اللبنانية بتاريخ 30 تموز، يجدر بنا أن نتساءل: هل نريد دعم عملٍ ترفيهي يشارك في إنتاجه أشخاص أعلنوا مواقف سياسية داعمة لـ&quot;إسرائيل&quot;؟

📌يُعد Avi Arad، أحد أبرز منتجي سلسلة Spider-Man منذ عام&hellip; pic.twitter.com/auL9Wwxg50
&mdash; Boycott Campaign (@BoycottCampaign) July 28, 2026



In Jordan, the Taharrak anti-normalisation group issued a separate statement calling for the film to be boycotted and excluded from the schedules of Jordanian cinemas.

The group also urged the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, cinema operators and other relevant bodies to take a position against its screening. The calls have since been amplified by activists and content creators in other Arab countries.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, released internationally on July 31, stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Marvel lists Arad as one of its four producers alongside Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal and Rachel O&rsquo;Connor.

The campaign focuses on Arad&rsquo;s political record rather than the film&rsquo;s plot or its other cast and crew members.

Arad, a former Marvel Studios chief who holds Israeli and US citizenship, served in the Israeli military between 1965 and 1968 and was involved in the 1967 Six-Day War.

In a 2024 letter published by entertainment news outlet TheWrap, Arad rebuked then-US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after the senator described Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace and called for Israel to hold new elections.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not your war. It is not your country. And it is not you who is at risk,&rdquo; Arad wrote, arguing that Schumer had no right to influence Israel&rsquo;s electoral process. He also described himself as a proud former member of the Israeli military and rejected Schumer&rsquo;s position on a ceasefire.

Campaigners say those statements demonstrate Arad&rsquo;s support for Israel&rsquo;s conduct during the Gaza war and argue that ticket purchases contribute financially to a production associated with him.

The effect of the campaign on attendance remains unclear. The film continued to screen in Lebanon despite the boycott call, with a representative of the Grand Cinemas chain telling Lebanese publication L&rsquo;Orient Today shortly after its release that demand remained high.]]>
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			<title>Five dead as landslide buries houses in western Nepal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623680/five-dead-as-landslide-buries-houses-in-western-nepal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623680/five-dead-as-landslide-buries-houses-in-western-nepal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 09:50:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623680</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Eight people remain missing, with rescue teams struggling to reach remote area]]>
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				<![CDATA[A landslide swept away houses in the remote Thawang village of Rolpa district in western Nepal, killing at least five people and leaving eight missing, a senior official told Anadolu on Thursday.

&quot;Locals have recovered the bodies of five of the 15 people who went missing in the landslide, while two were injured. The location of the missing people is still unknown,&quot; Rishi Keshav Budha Magar, chairperson of Thawang Rural Municipality, which includes the landslide-affected area, said.

Around 8:00pm Wednesday, a landslide swept away 11 houses and sheds for cows and buffalo on sloping mountain areas.

Thawang, a remote village in the district, was once widely known as the Maoist insurgents&#39; hinterland during the insurgency, which lasted until 2007, when a peace agreement was signed.

Rescuers continue to struggle to reach the area.

Read:&nbsp;Landslides and floods kill 64 in Nepal, India

&quot;Since the landslide-affected area is not well connected to the road network, excavators mobilized for rescue couldn&#39;t reach there,&quot; Magar told Anadolu over the phone. &quot;The Chief District Officer has just arrived at the incident site. I&#39;m also walking on foot for rescue and recovery operations.&quot;

Rescuers from the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have launched a search and rescue operation to locate missing people.

Poorly developed roads and inadequate disaster preparedness lead to fatalities during each monsoon season, which begins in June and lasts until September.

As of Wednesday, 43 people had been killed in monsoon-related disasters such as landslides, floods and heavy rains, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the state-run authority responsible for disaster response.]]>
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			<title>CIA had ‘low confidence’ in Iranian threat before Trump switched planes in Turkiye: Washington Post</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623655/cia-had-low-confidence-in-iranian-threat-before-trump-switched-planes-in-turkiye-washington-post</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623655/cia-had-low-confidence-in-iranian-threat-before-trump-switched-planes-in-turkiye-washington-post#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 07:06:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623655</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Spy agency doubted threat to US president in Turkiye that prompted extraordinary secret flight]]>
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				<![CDATA[US intelligence officials had doubts about the credibility of an alleged Iranian assassination threat against President Donald Trump that was relayed by Israel and contributed to an extraordinary security operation during his departure from T&uuml;rkiye last month, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Citing current and former US officials familiar with the intelligence, the report said CIA analysts did not consider the Israeli-provided information compelling and communicated their scepticism to Trump administration officials.

One US official described the reporting as &ldquo;Israeli-derived, not US-generated, and viewed as low confidence,&rdquo; according to the Post.

The intelligence concerns add a new dimension to the elaborate security measures taken when Trump departed T&uuml;rkiye&#39;s capital Ankara following the NATO summit on July 8.

The Post previously reported that the president was moved secretly from a legacy Air Force One to a third aircraft after concerns emerged about whether a new Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted to the US by Qatar had adequate security protections for the departure.

Trump was reportedly transported from the airport&rsquo;s Air Force One aircraft to a C-32A military plane in an airport catering truck. He and a small group of aides then flew to Britain&rsquo;s Mildenhall air base. The aircraft was escorted by F-16 fighter jets.

Read: Trump boarded secret Turkey flight via catering truck due to Iran threat &ndash; media

The White House did not directly address questions about the intelligence assessment. A US official said the president has faced numerous threats, including from Iran, and that all necessary measures were taken to protect him.

&quot;As the president has said, he has faced numerous threats on his life, including ones from Iran, and every measure is taken to ensure his safety,&rdquo; a US official was quoted as saying in a statement.

&quot;The United States Secret Service&rsquo;s core mission is protecting the president, which they achieved.&quot;

The CIA declined to comment, while the Israeli Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to the newspaper&rsquo;s request for details.

Despite questions about the intelligence, US officials said the Secret Service ultimately decided that the potential threat warranted extraordinary precautions.

&ldquo;The Secret Service has had three near misses with this president, so they&rsquo;re not taking any chances,&rdquo; one official told the Post.

Trump himself said Tuesday that the Secret Service made the decision to use another aircraft.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really just up to Secret Service. I just follow what they like to do,&rdquo; he said, according to the Post. &ldquo;They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane, equal safety &hellip; I do what they say.&rdquo;

The reported doubts have also raised questions over why Israel shared the intelligence with Washington and whether the information was intended solely as a warning or could have been aimed at influencing US policy.

Read more: Trump says Secret Service ordered switch to different plane during Turkiye trip

According to the Post, some current and former US intelligence officials believed the Israeli reporting may have been intended in part to influence Trump&rsquo;s decision-making and Washington&rsquo;s approach to the region.

Israel considers Iran its most immediate regional security threat, while it has also expressed concerns about T&uuml;rkiye and the increasingly close relationship between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the newspaper reported.

It &ldquo;fit a broader pattern of Israeli intelligence reporting that some officials see as designed as much to shape presidential decision-making as to inform it,&rdquo; a former official familiar with the matter said, according to the report.

The report also said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was briefed on both the Israeli intelligence and the Secret Service&rsquo;s planned operation. According to the former official cited by the Post, Rubio nevertheless boarded the legacy Air Force One aircraft.

Another US official questioned how serious the alleged threat could have been, pointing to the tens of thousands of Turkish security personnel deployed for the NATO summit.]]>
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			<title>Eurovision bans countries at war from hosting contest under new rules</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623676/eurovision-bans-countries-at-war-from-hosting-contest-under-new-rules</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623676/eurovision-bans-countries-at-war-from-hosting-contest-under-new-rules#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 09:16:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623676</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Organisers also announce competitors must be at at least 18, up from 16, on the day of their first rehearsal]]>
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				<![CDATA[Eurovision Song Contest organisers announced on Wednesday that they were excluding any country in an armed conflict from hosting the competition and increased the mininum age of competitors.

While they did not mention any country by name, Israel, which has been at war in Gaza since 2023, came close to winning the competition in both 2025 and 2026, ultimately finishing second on each occasion.

Under the old rules, the winning country normally hosts the following year&#39;s competition.

Under the new rules, &quot;the winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host the contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region&quot;, they said in a statement.

In a first, five countries -- Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland -- boycotted the 2026 competition in Vienna over Israel&#39;s participation.

They said they could not take part alongside Israel because of its war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas&#39;s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said in a statement that the changes had been guided by feedback from member countries.

He added: &quot;These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision Song Contest so special.&quot;

Minimum age requirement 

The organisers also announced that competitors must be at at least 18, up from 16, on the day of their first rehearsal.

&quot;This change continues the work already undertaken by the contest to strengthen safeguarding and protect younger artists from the pressures associated with competing at the Eurovision Song Contest,&quot; they added in the statement.

The youngest person to win the contest was 13-year-old Sandra Kim from Belgium in 1986, according to Eurovision records.

Eurovision is a co-production of public broadcasters belonging to the European Broadcasting Union. Since the EBU includes members from outside Europe, the contest is not limited to European countries.

The EBU said it could commission an independent security assessment before deciding whether a winning country is capable of hosting the event safely.

If a winning country is found unable to host the contest, the EBU will appoint another host nation.

Under the new rules, that country will organise the concert &quot;in its own right&quot; and &quot;will not be required to stage the event on behalf of another member&quot;.

Ukraine hosted Eurovision in 2017 despite the conflict in the country&#39;s east between Ukrainian forces and Moscow-backed separatists.

But after Ukraine won the contest in 2022, it was unable to host the following year&#39;s edition because of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion.

Eurovision 2023 was instead held in Liverpool in Britain on Ukraine&#39;s behalf.]]>
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			<title>NDMA issues nationwide alert ahead of pre-monsoon rains, warns of hazards</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615432/ndma-issues-nationwide-alert-ahead-of-pre-monsoon-rains-warns-of-hazards</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615432/ndma-issues-nationwide-alert-ahead-of-pre-monsoon-rains-warns-of-hazards#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 26 14:34:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2615432</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says intermittent pre-monsoon rains expected from June 28 to July 3]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday advised citizens to stay alert as intermittent pre-monsoon rains were expected across Pakistan from June 28 to July 3.

According to NDMA&nbsp;officials talking to media channels, a dangerous combination of intense heat and expected pre-monsoon rainfall was likely to accelerate glacier melting, triggering a sharp rise in water levels in rivers and streams across Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Azad Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir.

The authority warned that vulnerable mountainous regions face heightened risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides during the forecast period due to rapidly changing and unstable weather conditions.



NDMA issues strong countrywide alert ahead of pre-monsoon rainfall spell, warns of hazards pic.twitter.com/JuCxbEGIZu
&mdash; APP (@appcsocialmedia) June 28, 2026


Residents, tourists and travellers have been strongly advised to exercise extreme caution in high-risk districts, including Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Upper and Lower Chitral and Swat, where sudden weather shifts could create life-threatening situations.

NDMA further urged the public to strictly avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams, glacial lakes and riverbanks, stressing the importance of immediate reporting of any unusual or hazardous conditions to local authorities to prevent loss of life and property.

Read More:&nbsp;Lahore swelters before monsoon

Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) have been placed on high alert with strict instructions to ensure full emergency preparedness, rapid response capability and coordinated action in case of any disaster triggered by the expected weather system.

Overall, NDMA&nbsp;stressed that timely precautions, strict adherence to safety advisories, and coordinated preparedness at all levels were essential to minimise risks, protect lives and reduce potential damage from the expected weather-related hazards.]]>
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			<title>Govt decides to end fuel subsidies after sharp decline in global oil prices</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614572/govt-decides-to-end-fuel-subsidies-after-sharp-decline-in-global-oil-prices</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614572/govt-decides-to-end-fuel-subsidies-after-sharp-decline-in-global-oil-prices#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 26 17:51:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2614572</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Committee agrees to withdraw fuel subsidies after benefit already passed on to consumers]]>
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				<![CDATA[Owing to a sharp decline in global fuel prices, the government on Monday decided to discontinue fuel subsidies provided to motorcyclists, small farmers and public transport.

The development comes after recent reductions in petroleum prices, under which petrol was cut by Rs74 per litre and diesel by Rs67 per litre, bringing them down to Rs299 per litre and Rs311 per litre respectively, following a decline in the international market after the US and Iran reached an agreement to end a conflict that had lasted over three months.

The decision was taken during the seventh meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.



Deputy Prime Minister &amp; Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 chaired the 7th meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy.

The Committee reviewed the rollout of fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, small farmers, public transport &amp; goods transport in&hellip; pic.twitter.com/I4X55tPKNV
&mdash; Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 22, 2026


The committee reviewed the rollout of fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, small farmers, public transport and goods transport across all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Noting the sharp decline in global fuel prices and that the benefit had already been passed on to consumers, the committee agreed to discontinue the subsidy, with the prime minister&rsquo;s approval.

While appreciating the committee&rsquo;s work marked by sustained interprovincial coordination, the deputy prime minister directed that lessons learnt from the exercise be documented and gaps in data and delivery be addressed to strengthen future initiatives aimed at improving public service delivery.

Also Read: Govt disburses Rs38b in fuel subsidy

The meeting was attended by SAPM Tariq Bajwa, federal secretaries of petroleum and IT, the State Bank of Pakistan governor and senior representatives from all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the oil price surge in the global market after the US-Iran conflict, the government significantly increased petroleum product prices after initially deciding to absorb the burden.

At one point, petrol prices had reached Rs458 per litre in April this year. However, days later, the prime minister announced an immediate Rs80 per litre reduction in the petroleum levy to provide relief to the public.

While announcing the relief, the prime minister also unveiled a fuel subsidy package aimed at shielding the public from rising fuel costs triggered by tensions in the Gulf region.

Under that initiative, motorcyclists were to receive a subsidy of Rs100 per litre, while goods transport, public transport and freight vehicles were also provided support for one month.

Under the same relief measures, small trucks were given Rs70,000 per month, large trucks Rs80,000 and public transport buses Rs100,000 as monthly subsidies.

The initiative also included support for small farmers, who were provided Rs1,500 per acre in assistance.]]>
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			<title>Govt moves to fully digitise passport issuance system</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614022/passport-system-to-go-fully-digital-with-e-passport-rollout</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614022/passport-system-to-go-fully-digital-with-e-passport-rollout#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 26 07:45:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2614022</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Preparatory work for home delivery of passports in Pakistan, abroad completed, service will be launched soon]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The government on Friday decided to transition its passport issuance system to a complete e-passport framework as part of sweeping reforms aimed at modernising immigration services and eliminating fraud.

According to the Interior Ministry, a high-level meeting on Passport and Immigration was held at the headquarters under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where key decisions regarding the digital overhaul of the system were approved.

A principal decision was taken to fully shift passport issuance to e-passports, with the move aimed at reducing fraud and forgery in the passport system. However, no deadline has been announced for the phase-out of existing passports.



وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کی زیر صدارت پاسپورٹ اینڈ امیگریشن ہیڈکوارٹرز میں خصوصی اجلاس
ڈی جی پاسپورٹس اینڈ امیگریشن محمد علی رندھاوا نے وفاقی وزیر داخلہ کو تفصیلی بریفنگ دی
پاسپورٹ کے اجراء کو مکمل طور پر ای پاسپورٹ پر منتقل کرنے کا اصولی فیصلہ
ای پاسپورٹ پر منتقلی سے فراڈ اور&hellip; pic.twitter.com/UlOOovm4Yv
&mdash; PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 19, 2026


The Director General of Passports and Immigration, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, briefed the minister on ongoing reforms and plans. Officials said premium service applicants will now be charged according to the actual cost of passport services.

According to the briefing, preparatory work for home delivery of passports within Pakistan and abroad had been completed, and the service will be launched soon.

From July 1, a cashless payment system will be introduced at passport offices across the country, and online passport applications will also be shifted to the Pak-ID platform.

The meeting also decided to finalise a policy for business passports in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue.

Also Read: Public cautioned over multiple passports

The ministry said the reforms are part of broader efforts to make the passport system more efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the e-Passport is a highly secure travel document. It has an electronic chip embedded in one of the passport pages, which will be used to store biometric information about the holder.

The chip contains data that will verify the passport holder&rsquo;s identity and will include the biometrics of the passport holder, the personal data found on the data page of the passport, a unique identification number, and a digital signature.

An e-passport has a contactless chip on it which means that those passports can be read electronically. The newly launched e-Passports in Pakistan are in compliance with the United Nations&rsquo; ICAO standards.]]>
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			<title>PMD forecasts drizzle, light showers in Karachi till Friday</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613639/pmd-forecasts-drizzle-light-showers-in-karachi-till-friday</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613639/pmd-forecasts-drizzle-light-showers-in-karachi-till-friday#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 26 09:51:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Aftab Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Predicts thunderstorms and heavy showers in the northern districts of Sindh]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday forecast dusty winds and light rain in Karachi till Friday, along with thunderstorms and heavy showers in the northern districts of Sindh, as a westerly weather system continued to affect the region.

The Met Office predicted intermittent drizzle, light showers and scattered rainfall in parts of Karachi during the night as the westerly system maintained its intensity.

It added that Jacobabad, Kashmore, Qambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur and Ghotki were likely to experience dusty winds, windstorms and moderate rain with thunderstorms until June 20.

The weather department also forecast light to moderate rain in Sukkur, Dadu, Khairpur, Sanghar, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad and Jamshoro during the forecast period.

Authorities advised residents, particularly those living in areas prone to strong winds and thunderstorms, to remain cautious and stay updated on the latest weather advisories.



Weekly Weather Outlook (17&ndash;23 June 2026)#WeatherUpdate #WeeklyWeather #PakistanWeather #RainAlert #Thunderstorm pic.twitter.com/OOUbIecnr0
&mdash; Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) June 17, 2026



Earlier in the week,&nbsp;PMD&nbsp;forecast widespread dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms across several parts of the country from June 16, as moist currents from the Arabian Sea were expected to penetrate upper and central regions of Pakistan.

According to the Met Office, the incoming westerly wave was likely to trigger scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms in various parts of Punjab between June 16 and 20.

Read More:&nbsp;Pakistan braces for widespread dust storms, thunderstorms from June 16

The Met office said Karachi and its surrounding areas may also experience dust storms accompanied by light rain.

It&nbsp;warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards.]]>
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			<title>Yemen's 'Spider-Man' climber dies after fall into volcanic crater</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613104/yemens-spider-man-climber-dies-after-fall-into-volcanic-crater</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613104/yemens-spider-man-climber-dies-after-fall-into-volcanic-crater#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 26 10:08:39 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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				<![CDATA[Civil defence teams recovered his body after nearly 24-hour search and recovery operation]]>
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				<![CDATA[A Yemeni free climber who gained social media fame for scaling sheer rock faces without ropes or safety equipment died after falling into a volcanic crater on Friday, according to reports by Al Jazeera

Al-Qa&rsquo;qa&rsquo; bin Antar, 30, also known as Qaqaa Antar al-Absi and dubbed the &quot;Spider-Man of Yemen&quot; online, reportedly fell on Friday while attempting to climb the 120-metre (394-foot) Haradhat Damt volcano crater in Yemen&rsquo;s southern province of Al Dhale, according to Al Jazeera.

He had become widely known for videos showing him climbing steep cliffs and volcanic formations without protective gear, sometimes marking high points on rock faces with white chalk writing.



Yemen&rsquo;s &#39;Spider-Man&#39; has died after falling while climbing the 120-metre Haradhat Damt volcanic crater without equipment.

Tributes have poured in from fans of Al-Qa&#39;qa&#39; bin Antar, who became famous for his videos attempting daring climbs. pic.twitter.com/gazsdVovGQ
&mdash; Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 13, 2026


Civil defence teams recovered his body on Saturday after a nearly 24-hour search and recovery operation, Yemen Monitor reported.

Read: Yemen&rsquo;s Houthi leader says group ready for escalation

Footage circulating online appears to show the moment he lost his grip and fell into the crater.



افضل مقطع قد تشاهده
مقطع اسطوري ومرعب للقعقاع 🫣

وهو يمارس هوايته في التسلق ويظهر فيه شجاعته وقوة تركيزة وثقته بنفسه

مقطع يخليك تخاف وانت في غرفتك فوق فرشك ويخلي أعصابك تنهار من شدة التوتر

مقطع سيجعل كبار المتسلقين في العالم يقفون مذهولين pic.twitter.com/CBLXjk3JGP
&mdash; فرفشة٢٤ farfasha24 (@MjhrMwq84778) June 13, 2026


According to Yemen Online, rescue teams deployed diving units, water rescue equipment and lighting systems to reach the difficult terrain inside the crater, where steep rock faces and hazardous conditions significantly hampered efforts.

Yemen Online also previously reported that bin Antar had cited poverty as a motivation for undertaking the dangerous climbs in an attempt to earn income.]]>
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