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                        <title>Latest News, Breaking News &amp; Top News Stories | The Express Tribune</title>
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			<title>Two WASA workers die during sewer cleaning</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612528/two-wasa-workers-die-during-sewer-cleaning</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612528/two-wasa-workers-die-during-sewer-cleaning#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 21:05:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Amir Mehmood]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612528</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Two Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) workers died after being exposed to toxic gases while cleaning a sewer line in the Jalalpur Mor area of Lodhran, prompting police to register a criminal case against three officials, including the WASA Managing Director.

The deceased workers were identified as sewermen Waseem Masih and Ikram Dogar, who reportedly entered a manhole to carry out cleaning operations when they were overcome by toxic fumes.

Final rites of the two workers were offered separately in Lodhran and Adda Bahmani Wala, drawing large numbers of residents, government officials, colleagues and community members who expressed grief and solidarity with the bereaved families.

Following the incident, City Police Station Lodhran registered FIR No. 893/26 under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code.]]>
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			<title>Four arrested in Jhang teen death case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612527/four-arrested-in-jhang-teen-death-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612527/four-arrested-in-jhang-teen-death-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 21:05:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Jhang police have arrested four suspects, including the principal accused, in connection with the mysterious death of an 18-year-old girl who died after being brought unconscious to a hospital.

Police said, the deceased, a resident of Sultan Colony, left her home on June 4 to obtain a printed copy of her examination roll number slip for her Class XI examinations. However, she did not return home.

Her family attempted to contact her by phone, but her mobile phone remained switched off.

On June 7, the girl&#39;s father lodged a kidnapping case against unidentified persons at Satellite Town Police Station.]]>
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			<title>MPAs pay tribute to martyrs in AJK copter crash</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612526/mpas-pay-tribute-to-martyrs-in-ajk-copter-crash</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612526/mpas-pay-tribute-to-martyrs-in-ajk-copter-crash#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 21:05:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rana Yasif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612526</guid>
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				<![CDATA[House witnesses heated debate on farmers' issues, quorum crisis]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday expressed sorrow over the Pakistan Army helicopter crash near Muzaffarabad and paid rich tribute to the personnel who embraced martyrdom in the incident.

Speaking during the session, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan extended condolences to the bereaved families and said the nation stood united with them in this hour of grief.

He stated that the soldiers on board had attained the highest honour of martyrdom, adding that Pakistan salutes the sacrifices of its armed forces.

The House session, which began more than two hours late under the chair of the Speaker, also witnessed heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches over farmers&#39; issues, legislative business, and procedural matters.

Opposition MPA Muhammad Ejaz Shafi strongly criticised the government for prioritising legislation while, according to him, ignoring the worsening situation faced by farmers.

He said the opposition had repeatedly demanded a discussion on the wheat crisis over the past year, but the government had avoided it.

He pointed to rising diesel prices, fertilizer costs and agricultural taxes, saying the farming community was under severe financial pressure.

During the proceedings, Ejaz Shafi pointed out a lack of quorum, prompting the Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar to order the ringing of bells for five minutes.

The government later managed to complete quorum and restore proceedings.

During question hour, lawmakers from both sides raised concerns regarding water shortages, canal system issues and illegal occupation of irrigation department land.]]>
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			<title>Nine-decade-old Minerva Club reduced to rubble</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612525/nine-decade-old-minerva-club-reduced-to-rubble</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612525/nine-decade-old-minerva-club-reduced-to-rubble#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 21:05:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khawar Randhawa]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612525</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Established in 1935, iconic social institution falls after lease expires]]>
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				<![CDATA[One of Faisalabad&#39;s most recognisable historical landmarks, the Minerva Club, has been demolished following the expiry of its lease, bringing an end to a chapter that spanned more than nine decades in the city&#39;s social and cultural history.

The district administration, assisted by police and paramilitary personnel, took possession of the property during a joint operation and handed it over to the provincial government.

Heavy machinery of the Municipal Corporation was subsequently used to demolish the club building.

According to Assistant Commissioner City Adil Umer, more than 28 kanals of government land, estimated to be worth around Rs40 billion, was vacated during the operation.

Officials said the action was taken after the lease of the property expired.

Established in 1935, the Minerva Club was among Faisalabad&#39;s oldest recreational and social institutions.

During the pre-independence era, it served as a gathering place for British officials and affluent residents of Lyallpur.

Over the decades, it evolved into a prominent social venue frequented by lawyers, politicians, businessmen and other influential citizens.

The club featured a range of recreational facilities, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, event halls and dining areas.

It also hosted weddings, social functions and community gatherings, becoming an integral part of the city&#39;s social life.

Human rights activist and lawyer Rana Sufyan Arshad expressed concern over the demolition, questioning why greater efforts were not made to preserve the site despite its historical significance.

&quot;This was not just a building; it was part of Faisalabad&#39;s identity and heritage,&quot; he said. &quot;If the lease had expired, alternative solutions could have been explored to preserve the structure as a historical and cultural landmark.&quot;

He noted that many other properties operating on leased land had survived through legal remedies or administrative arrangements and questioned why similar efforts were not undertaken in the case of the Minerva Club.

According to Arshad, the property had remained the subject of legal and administrative disputes for several years.

Various attempts were reportedly made to reclaim the land, but the matter remained unresolved until the recent operation by authorities.

The demolition has sparked debate among residents, historians and former members of the club, many of whom view the loss as a setback for the preservation of Faisalabad&#39;s architectural and cultural heritage.

The club reportedly had more than 500 members at the time of its closure.

While officials maintain that the operation was carried out in accordance with the law following the expiry of the lease, critics argue that the historical significance of the site warranted special consideration.

Many residents have called for greater efforts to protect the city&#39;s remaining heritage sites, warning that once such landmarks are lost, they cannot be replaced.

With the Minerva Club now reduced to rubble, a prominent symbol of Faisalabad&#39;s social history has disappeared from the city&#39;s landscape, leaving behind questions about the balance between land recovery, urban development and heritage conservation.]]>
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			<title>Polio transmission risk season begins</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612524/polio-transmission-risk-season-begins</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612524/polio-transmission-risk-season-begins#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 21:05:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Authorities have cautioned that sustained vigilance is essential during the ongoing high transmission season.

Speaking at a workshop organised by the Punjab Emergency Operations Centre, Chief Minister&#39;s Focal Person for Polio Uzma Kardar said the high transmission season for poliovirus has begun and will continue through October.

&quot;The current weather conditions are highly conducive to poliovirus transmission. While Punjab has achieved remarkable progress, we cannot afford complacency until polio is eradicated completely and Pakistan achieves polio-free certification,&quot; she said.

She said extensive vaccination campaigns had been conducted ahead of the season, helping reduce the positivity rate of environmental samples across Punjab to two per cent, compared to 26% at the end of 2025.

She noted that out of 200 environmental samples collected in 2026, four had tested positive for the virus, while all environmental samples collected in May were negative.

&quot;Punjab is registering important successes against polio, but these gains remain temporary as long as the virus exists anywhere in Pakistan,&quot; she emphasised.]]>
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			<title>Over 2,500 rural women get textile training</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612523/over-2500-rural-women-get-textile-training</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612523/over-2500-rural-women-get-textile-training#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 21:05:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612523</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[More than 2,500 rural women have completed training during the past two years under the &#39;She Threads&#39; skills development programme aimed at equipping them with marketable expertise in the textile sector.

According to a statement, 773 trained women have secured employment, another 1,150 are undergoing training, with plans to train an additional 1,350 women during the next phase.

The programme has been allocated a budget of Rs310 million and provides a monthly stipend of Rs15,000 along with transport allowance for participants.

Rural women aged between 18 and 45 years with at least middle-school education are eligible to enrol in the programme, which is currently being implemented in Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura and Faisalabad.

The programme offers courses in industrial stitching machine operation, fabric quality inspection, fabric cutting, apparel planning and merchandising, apparel supervision, pattern making and cutting, quality control, garment finishing and related fields.]]>
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			<title>Transplant demand outpaces facilities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612522/transplant-demand-outpaces-facilities</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612522/transplant-demand-outpaces-facilities#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 21:05:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ADNAN LODHI]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612522</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Patients face long wait despite govt scheme of free surgeries]]>
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				<![CDATA[Despite investment in the healthcare sector and expansion of the chief minister&#39;s free transplant programme, hundreds of patients suffering from life threatening organ failure face prolonged wait due to limited transplantation facilities available in Lahore.

Only a handful of government and private hospitals in the provincial capital are equipped to perform liver, kidney, bone marrow, corneal and cochlear transplant.

The shortage of transplant facilities has resulted in growing pressure on them, forcing many patients to endure delays before receiving potentially life saving treatment.

According to official figures, a total of 1,944 transplant procedures have been completed under the CM transplant programme. They include 311 liver and 960 kidney transplants carried out for eligible patients free of charge. Additionally, 601 cochlear, 40 bone marrow and as many corneal transplant procedures have been successfully performed under the government funded initiative.

However, healthcare experts and patients&#39; families argue that the growing demand for transplant services has outpaced the available infrastructure. Many patients reportedly wait for months to secure appointments, complete evaluations and receive approval for surgery.

A health department official said the majority of liver and kidney transplant surgeries in the city were currently being performed at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI).

Most bone marrow transplant cases are being handled by the Lahore Children&#39;s Hospital.

The official added that kidney transplant facilities were also operational at the Jinnah and Lahore General Hospitals, while several private institutions were also participating in the programme.

Official reports show that about Rs2.5 billion has been allocated for the transplant initiative. However, the cumulative cost of various transplant procedures conducted under the programme has already exceeded Rs4.87 billion, highlighting the enormous financial burden associated with advanced organ replacement.

Officials maintain that deserving patients continue to receive free treatment in both public and private sector healthcare facilities.

The Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC), which administers the scheme, says financial barriers are being removed for low income families unable to afford such costly procedures.

According to an official, the patients must first undergo registration and receive approval from the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA).

Once authorisation is granted, the expenses associated with the transplant are directly paid to hospitals by the State Life Insurance Corporation under the government-backed healthcare framework.]]>
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			<title>Entry of 17 religious scholars banned</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612521/entry-of-17-religious-scholars-banned</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612521/entry-of-17-religious-scholars-banned#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612521</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Abbottabad has imposed Section 144 and banned the entry of 17 religious scholars ahead of the mourning procession in Muharram. Entry to the district has been banned for scholars as part of precautionary measures to control the law-and-order situation and maintain harmony in the district.]]>
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			<title>Risky wheelie video goes viral</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612520/risky-wheelie-video-goes-viral</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612520/risky-wheelie-video-goes-viral#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612520</guid>
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				<![CDATA[A dangerous video of a motorcyclist performing one-wheeling in a private housing society of the federal capital has gone viral.

In the video, the rider can be seen carrying a girl seated on the front mudguard above the motorcycle&#39;s front wheel while performing the stunt.

Despite the installation of CCTV cameras across the housing society, police have so far failed to apprehend the rider. The motorcyclist can be seen riding on a single wheel for a considerable distance along a busy road while the girl sits on the front mudguard holding the handlebars with both hands. Other motorcyclists can also be seen watching the stunt.

Vehicles and other traffic are visible passing on the busy road during the one-wheeling. The girl is also seen making gestures with one hand while seated on the motorcycle.

Despite the viral video of the dangerous stunt, Islamabad Police have yet to arrest either the rider or the girl.

CCTV cameras are installed throughout the housing society, but the motorcyclist remains at large. SHO Lohi Bher said the motorcycle&#39;s registration number had been traced and the rider fully identified, but he was not currently in the city.]]>
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			<title>Education dept recalls bonus salaries</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612519/education-dept-recalls-bonus-salaries</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612519/education-dept-recalls-bonus-salaries#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaiser Shirazi]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612519</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Additional amount 'mistakenly' credited to 35,000 daily wage teachers' accounts]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab Education Department has recalled bonus salaries mistakenly paid to 35,000 daily wage teachers as part of their May 2026 stipends.

School teacher interns were overjoyed to see an additional amount credited to their accounts during their summer vacations until the education department declared it a result of an error in their system and ordered the recollection of the excess payments.

According to the letter issued by the department, the May 2026 stipend bills of school teacher interns were processed and the money was transferred to the bank accounts of all interns. It said that as per the approved schedule, all temporary daily wage teachers were only entitled to salaries till May 21, 2026, as summer vacations had started from May 22.

The department clarified that, due to a processing error, all 30,000 school interns had been accidentally paid a full month&#39;s stipend for the month of May, resulting in an overpayment for 10 days&#39; salary for the May 22 to 31 period.

The department has directed all concerned offices to collect the excess amount paid to the school interns under their management by June 15 and deposit it in the government treasury.

The daily wage school teachers have expressed their disappointment, saying that none of this was their fault, especially since, this year, the department had decided to give them early holidays by announcing vacations from May 22.

The teachers said that they had already used the additional amount they received to cover Eid expenses and were now worried about how they would be able to return the amount.]]>
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			<title>Pindi devises security plan for Muharram</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612518/pindi-devises-security-plan-for-muharram</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612518/pindi-devises-security-plan-for-muharram#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612518</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Security arrangements for all 4,376 majalis and 757 processions in Rawalpindi Division during Muharramul Haram have been finalised.

Orders have been issued for the district restriction of 199 firebrand speakers and gag orders against 83 others, while 312 individuals have been placed on the Fourth Schedule in Rawalpindi.

According to sources, an important meeting of the Provincial Cabinet Committee on Law and Order was held in Rawalpindi. Provincial Minister and Committee Chairman Khawaja Salman Rafique and Co-Chairman Bilal Yasin attended the meeting along with provincial ministers Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth and Bilal Akbar Khan.

The meeting was attended by Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, Additional IG CTD Wasim Sial, Chief Coordinator PFTIC Brigadier Asjad Ali, DIG Special Branch Sajjad Manj and DG Auqaf Hafiz Aneesur Rehman.

Rawalpindi Commissioner Engineer Amir Khattak and RPO Babar Sarfraz Alpa briefed participants on the arrangements.

The briefing stated that preparations for all 4,376 majalis and 757 processions had been completed. Orders have been issued for the district restriction of 199 speakers and gag orders against 83 others. A total of 312 individuals have been placed on the Fourth Schedule in Rawalpindi.]]>
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			<title>Murree's key tourist spots remain closed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612517/murrees-key-tourist-spots-remain-closed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612517/murrees-key-tourist-spots-remain-closed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Aurangzeb Abbasi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Despite the peak of the summer tourism season, the Patriata Cable Car and Kashmir Point Safari Train have remained closed for the past three months, leaving thousands of domestic and international tourists disappointed.

The prolonged shutdown of these two key tourist attractions in Murree has exposed serious administrative lapses in the tourism sector. Sources and visitors allege that poor planning, negligence, and ineffective maintenance by the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) have rendered both facilities non-operational.

According to details, millions of rupees were spent last year on the repair and maintenance of the Patriata Cable Car, including services of a foreign company. However, the system reportedly developed faults again within a short period, raising questions over the quality of work and possible financial irregularities.

Similarly, the Kashmir Point Safari Train has also remained out of service for a long time. Officials have repeatedly announced plans for its restoration, but no concrete progress has been made so far.

Tourists and local residents have expressed strong disappointment, stating that these facilities are a backbone of Murree&#39;s tourism industry. The continued closure has forced visitors to return dissatisfied, while also negatively impacting the local tourism economy.

Local business circles say the prolonged shutdown is causing financial losses to tourism-related activities in the region.]]>
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			<title>Lawyers seek local representation in IHC judge appointments</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612516/lawyers-seek-local-representation-in-ihc-judge-appointments</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612516/lawyers-seek-local-representation-in-ihc-judge-appointments#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612516</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bar representatives oppose filling vacancies through transferred judges]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lawyers in the federal capital have demanded that judges of the Islamabad High Court be appointed from Islamabad itself, saying they are not opposed to a provincial quota for the high court but believe that after appointing one judge from each province, the remaining judges should be selected from lawyers registered with the Islamabad Bar Council.

They also reiterated their demand for the rotation of district judges while alleging corruption within the district judiciary.

The lawyers rejected the Judicial Commission&#39;s decision that vacancies created by transferred judges should be filled through transferred judges as well.

Representatives of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, Islamabad District Bar Association, Pakistan Bar Council and Islamabad Bar Council addressed a joint press conference.

Islamabad Bar Council member Raja Aleem Abbasi said the loudest complaints of corruption were coming from the district judiciary and that bribery was rampant in the subordinate courts.

&quot;All district judiciary officials in Islamabad should be transferred. If justice continues to be sold, people will lose confidence in the judiciary,&quot; he said.

He urged the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court to take notice, saying justice was being undermined in the subordinate courts. &quot;Corruption is the biggest problem in the judiciary,&quot; he added.

Abbasi said honest judges should be appointed even if their understanding of the law was weak. &quot;A judge must be honest; we can teach him the law,&quot; he said, calling on the National Judicial Policy Making Committee to address the issue.

He warned that lawyers would convene a nationwide convention if their legitimate demands were not met.

Islamabad District Bar President Chaudhry Naeem Gujar said judges often claimed they were acting on instructions from above. He alleged that institutions&#39; names were being used to justify weak decisions and that district judges were seeking to avoid transfers.

&quot;There may be an occasional case involving national security, but here the names of institutions are being invoked in almost every case,&quot; he said.

He further alleged that political interference in the judiciary had increased significantly and claimed that political parties were securing appointments and promotions for their preferred individuals.]]>
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			<title>Historic Jamia Mosque Rajgan battles decay</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612515/historic-jamia-mosque-rajgan-battles-decay</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612515/historic-jamia-mosque-rajgan-battles-decay#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yawar Hayat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612515</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Erosion and weakening foundations threaten Old Khanpur's 19th-century mosque]]>
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				<![CDATA[Old Khanpur, located along the scenic banks of Khanpur Dam, is witnessing growing alarm over the deteriorating condition of its historic Jamia Mosque Rajgan, a structure believed to be more than 150 years old.

Once a proud symbol of the region&#39;s architectural heritage and spiritual life, the mosque is now rapidly falling into disrepair due to prolonged neglect and the absence of systematic conservation efforts.

Locals, historians and visitors alike have raised serious concerns over the condition of the centuries-old mosque, urging immediate intervention from the relevant authorities.

The structure, widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural landmarks of the area, is reportedly suffering from extensive weathering, structural fatigue and a lack of routine maintenance.

Residents lament that despite its historical and religious importance, the mosque has been largely overlooked by heritage conservation bodies. Set against the once-celebrated natural beauty of Old Khanpur&#39;s valleys, the site continues to embody the cultural and spiritual identity of the region, even as visible cracks, eroding surfaces and weakening foundations threaten its survival.

According to local elder Haji Saeed, the area was once renowned for its picturesque landscape, traditional settlements and vibrant cultural fabric. He expressed regret that many of its historic sites are now being left to decay. &quot;The mosque&#39;s minarets, ancient graves and adjoining shrine all narrate the story of a glorious past,&quot; he said. &quot;Unfortunately, the absence of effective conservation measures has placed this heritage at serious risk.&quot;

Adjacent to the mosque lies an historic graveyard, containing generations of burial sites and weathered gravestones dating back centuries. Residents report deteriorating boundary walls, fading inscriptions and sinking graves, all of which have intensified calls for urgent restoration and protection of the entire complex.

The site is also closely associated with the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Syed Sakhi Inayat Bukhari, whose shrine continues to attract devotees and visitors. Locals argue that the mosque, shrine and graveyard should be preserved as a unified heritage complex to safeguard the region&#39;s historical continuity and religious significance.

There are also growing appeals directed towards the descendants of the Rajgan family, whose ancestral graves are located within the premises, urging them to take a more active role in preservation efforts.

Tourists visiting Khanpur Dam have similarly expressed concern over the mosque&#39;s deteriorating condition, calling on both provincial and federal governments to declare it a protected heritage site and initiate immediate restoration measures before irreversible damage occurs.

Historical accounts indicate that Jamia Mosque Rajgan was commissioned in 1872 by Sultan Raja Jehandad Khan, the great-grandfather of the current Gakhar chief, Sultan Raja Shiraz Haider Zaman. Constructed using traditional materials such as red brick, stone and lime mortar, the mosque reportedly took a decade to complete and was built by skilled artisans from across the subcontinent.

For decades, it served as the principal centre of worship in the region, hosting daily prayers, Friday congregations and major religious gatherings attended by thousands. Although the adjoining palace was demolished during the development of Khanpur Dam, the mosque still stands as a powerful reminder of Old Khanpur&#39;s heritage.

Local citizens continue to urge the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments, along with archaeological and tourism departments, to incorporate the site into a formal conservation programme. They further propose the development of a heritage village to promote cultural tourism.

Officials from the district administration have reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured residents that the matter will be forwarded to senior authorities for consideration. For the community, however, the message remains clear: preserving the mosque is not merely about saving a structure, but about safeguarding an irreplaceable legacy of identity, history and collective memory.]]>
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			<title>Thousands of education posts abolished</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612514/thousands-of-education-posts-abolished</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612514/thousands-of-education-posts-abolished#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612514</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[In a move prompted by a severe financial crisis, the Education Department has approved the elimination of all vacant posts across scales 1 to 16 for both teaching and non-teaching staff in the education sector.

In the first phase, a notification has been issued for the abolition of 3,352 posts. Under the decision, legal authority to abolish vacant positions has been delegated to the Chief Executive Officers of District Education Authorities (DEAs).

Education authorities across all 41 districts of the province have been directed to identify and abolish all vacant posts from scale 1 to 16 during the current week and submit reports accordingly. The process has already been initiated.

The abolished posts include positions in primary, middle, and high schools across multiple categories, such as teachers, Qari teachers, clerical staff, lab in-charges, IT lab in-charges, as well as support staff.

Officials said no funds will be allocated in the upcoming fiscal budget for these posts. It has also been decided that vacancies created through retirement will not be filled through fresh recruitment.]]>
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			<title>Punjab seeks details of unused government properties</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612513/punjab-seeks-details-of-unused-government-properties</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612513/punjab-seeks-details-of-unused-government-properties#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Jamil Mirza]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612513</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[12 agencies asked to identify vacant, underutilised residential and commercial assets]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab government has sought details of vacant, unused and underutilised residential and commercial properties owned by the state from 12 institutions, including nine development authorities, to help achieve a revenue target of Rs500 billion in the next fiscal year.

According to a letter issued by the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department (HUD&amp;PHE), the director generals of the Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan and Koh-e-Suleman development authorities, along with the chief executive officer of Ravi Urban Development Authority, the director general of Punjab Housing and Planning Agency, and the chief executive officer of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority, have been directed to provide details of such properties.

The letter states that these properties may be utilised to help achieve the Rs500 billion target for the upcoming fiscal year.

Details have also been sought regarding government-owned properties that have been sold, leased, auctioned, licensed or put to any other use.

The authorities have been directed to compile records of all residential and commercial properties that are vacant, unused or underutilised. They have also been asked to identify roads, corridors and areas with commercialisation potential and provide recommendations in this regard.

The letter further directs the agencies to conduct assessments to determine land and property values, evaluate commercialisation potential, identify opportunities for revenue generation, and submit detailed action plans along with implementation timelines for achieving their respective revenue targets.]]>
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			<title>Trader abducted for Rs30m ransom in Taxila</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612512/trader-abducted-for-rs30m-ransom-in-taxila</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612512/trader-abducted-for-rs30m-ransom-in-taxila#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612512</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[A businessman and his driver were allegedly abducted along with their vehicle in the Taxila area of Rawalpindi, while the victim&#39;s son later received a ransom demand of Rs30 million from an overseas phone number.

According to police, complainant Muhammad Rizwan stated in the FIR that he is a contractor and resident of Thatta Khalil, Taxila. He said his father, Muhammad Saleem, left for work in a Land Cruiser along with his driver, Taimoor.

Rizwan said he followed his father shortly afterward.

When the vehicle reached near Dhok Panoo, another vehicle coming from behind intercepted it and forced it to stop. Five armed men got out, forcibly removed his father and the driver, and took them away in their own vehicle.

One armed suspect got into Saleem&#39;s Land Cruiser. Rizwan said he attempted to intervene but was threatened at gunpoint.

The suspects allegedly abducted his father and the driver and also took away the vehicle. Shortly afterward, a call was received from an overseas number demanding Rs30 million for the release of the abductees and the vehicle.

Police officials said a case of kidnapping for ransom had been registered and an investigation was underway.]]>
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			<title>Sehat Sahulat Program relaunched</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612511/sehat-sahulat-program-relaunched</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612511/sehat-sahulat-program-relaunched#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:43:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zaigham Naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612511</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Minister announces health programme in 42 hospitals across twin cities]]>
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				<![CDATA[Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced the resumption of the Sehat Sahulat Health Facilitation Program after years of dormancy in the federal capital to provide quality care and free treatment for the people.

The Sehat Sahulat Program has been launched in 42 hospitals of the twin cities, where deserving patients will be provided with free treatment. The programme has been revived initially for two years and in the third year, efforts will be made to provide OPD services free of charge. He also met patients during his visit to Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital.

Mustafa Kamal explained that real-time data of patients&#39; treatment and expenses was being collected to ensure that the Sehat Sahulat Program was being implemented with fairness. He said that if any hospital was found to be violating the rules and regulations set under the programme or abetting corruption, it will be immediately delisted.

He said that the population of the federation has crossed 3.5 million, while a large number of patients coming to Islamabad hospitals from Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Rawalpindi and other neighbouring areas for treatment. He noted that the influx of patients from various cities was overwhelming available services in both public and private hospitals.

He further said that according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 13 million people in Pakistan now live below the poverty line, while Rs2 billion have been expended on the treatment of patients in the last five months alone.

He also added that the total health budget of the federation and the provinces is Rs1,156 billion, but despite this, the patient satisfaction rate has remained below 10 per cent. He said that for these reasons and more, it had become necessary to lead an intervention in the health sector.

He added that a comprehensive study on universal health coverage found that basic health facilities can be provided under a budget of Rs210 billion, however, this would require 5,000 more hospitals across the country. He said that universal health coverage is a system of the future and most countries are already following this model.

During his announcement, Mustafa Kamal thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and said that he accepted the government&#39;s proposal in the public interest, as a result of which the Sehat Sahulat Program is being reactivated after many years. He expressed his determination by vowing that the government will continue to take all possible steps for reforms, transparency and provision of quality medical facilities for the public.]]>
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			<title>Grieving man attacks doctors after child's death</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612510/grieving-man-attacks-doctors-after-childs-death</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612510/grieving-man-attacks-doctors-after-childs-death#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:40:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahida Parveen]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612510</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Tragic loss turns violent as relatives assault medical staff, sparking investigation, outcry]]>
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				<![CDATA[A tragic incident unfolded at the Child Emergency Department of Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) when relatives, enraged over the death of a young patient, brutally attacked the doctors and medical staff on duty.

The child had been brought to the hospital on Tuesday evening after his condition deteriorated due to severe illness. According to hospital sources, the young patient was suffering from severe dehydration, abdominal distension, and persistent vomiting. Despite immediate medical intervention, the child could not survive.

Following the death, the grieving father lost control and physically assaulted the attending doctors and medical staff. A video of the attack quickly went viral on social media, showing chaotic scenes inside the emergency department.

In response, hospital authorities lodged a First Information Report (FIR) and called in police. An official inquiry was also ordered into the incident.

Later reports suggested that the father apologized to the medical staff at the time of his arrest.

Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim condemned the violence, stating, &quot;Attacks on doctors and medical staff are unacceptable. The child was brought in critical condition, and despite all efforts, he could not be saved. Security personnel are deployed to protect medical staff, but such acts of aggression are deeply regrettable.&quot;

He added that following discussions between the child&#39;s father and hospital administration, the matter was resolved.

The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals in Pakistan&#39;s public hospitals.]]>
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			<title>Abduction, blast spread fear in Waziristan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612509/abduction-blast-spread-fear-in-waziristan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612509/abduction-blast-spread-fear-in-waziristan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:40:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Nasruminallah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612509</guid>
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				<![CDATA[School destroyed, cop kidnapped; curfew, shutdown enter 8th day]]>
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				<![CDATA[Two serious incidents in Lower South Waziristan on Tuesday evening have sowed fear and panic across the region. In one incident, unidentified armed men abducted a police constable, while in another, a government girls&#39; high school in Janan Kot was destroyed in an explosive blast.

According to police officials, Constable Sabeel Noor Wazir was on his way home near the football ground in the Dogh area of Wana when armed men forced him into a vehicle at gunpoint and took him to an unknown location.

DSP Wana Circle Asghar Ali Shah confirmed the incident, stating that a case of abduction has been registered in the daily diary. He said investigations are underway from multiple angles to recover the kidnapped official and arrest the perpetrators. &quot;All available resources are being utilized to ensure the safe recovery of the constable,&quot; he added.

Officials said Constable Sabeel was not only a member of the police force but also a prominent player at a local football club, making him well-known in the area. Following the abduction, a sense of anxiety has gripped the region, and security personnel have increased patrolling at various locations.

In a separate incident, unidentified miscreants targeted the Government Girls&#39; High School Janan Kot in the Karki Kot area of Wana by planting explosives. Police said the explosives were placed near the main gate and boundary wall, and the blast completely destroyed the building.

DSP Asghar Ali Shah said a case has also been registered regarding this incident, and investigations have been launched. Fortunately, the school was closed at the time of the explosion, so no casualties were reported. However, the building suffered extensive damage.

Local sources said hundreds of female students were enrolled at the school, which was a key center for girls&#39; education in the area. Parents and residents have expressed deep concern over the destruction of the school, fearing for the academic future of their daughters.

On the other hand, Section 144 remains enforced in the Miran Shah tehsil of North Waziristan for the eighth consecutive day. The ongoing security operation, suspension of communication systems, closure of educational institutions, and restrictions on movement have severely paralyzed normal life.

Traffic on the main Bannu-Miranshah highway remains limited. Mobile phone and internet services are down, and residents in various areas are facing difficulties accessing food and basic necessities.

Official sources said security forces are continuing their operation in and around Miranshah, and Section 144 will remain in effect until the situation returns to normal.]]>
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			<title>Afridi presses K-P rights at NEC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612508/afridi-presses-k-p-rights-at-nec</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612508/afridi-presses-k-p-rights-at-nec#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:40:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612508</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM hails NFC progress, seeks more funds for merged districts and security initiatives]]>
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				<![CDATA[Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has said that the province strongly presented its case in the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, taking a firm stance on safeguarding its constitutional, financial, and developmental rights.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured that regular meetings will be held to update the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award within 180 days. He added that if consensus is not reached within the stipulated period, a summary will be sent to the President for the issuance of a presidential order to update the award.

Afridi described the inclusion of the financial share of the merged districts in the new NFC Award as a major good news for the people of K-P, particularly residents of the merged areas.

Regarding the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) for the merged districts, he said proposed cuts have been significantly improved following negotiations. However, the provincial government has strongly demanded further enhancements. He expressed hope that additional improvements would be made in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and AIP so that development benefits reach the people of these areas promptly.

The Chief Minister also referred to Article 151 of the Constitution, which makes it a federal responsibility to ensure the free movement of essential commodities. He stated that if implementation of this article is not possible, the relevant clause should be repealed to allow provinces to formulate their own policies.

He further disclosed that, under an agreement with PASCO, 175,000 tons of wheat will be supplied to the province at the fixed rate, and the federal government has assured that there will be no increase in wheat prices.

Highlighting the province&#39;s efforts on law and order, Afridi said K-P is making the largest investment in peace and security across the country. Since October 5, 2025, more than Rs30 billion have been spent on enhancing the capacity of the police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and Special Branch. He vowed to continue strengthening these departments to ensure the protection of life and property.

The Chief Minister emphasized that working relations with the federal government will be advanced while keeping provincial and public interests in mind. Participation in NEC and NFC meetings is essential for protecting provincial rights and public welfare.

He reiterated that education, health, and law and order remain the top priorities of the provincial government. Afridi called the Health Card a revolutionary project of Chairman Imran Khan, through which every citizen of K-P is being provided free medical treatment.

On the environment, the Chief Minister noted that K-P contributes approximately 45 per cent to Pakistan&#39;s total forest cover, with 26.7 per cent of the province&#39;s total area under forests. He announced that a special fund will be allocated for the promotion of forests. Instead of allowing the cutting of trees on private land, the provincial government will purchase them directly and compensate owners to encourage tree plantation.]]>
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			<title>PHC seeks record in May 9 cases</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612507/phc-seeks-record-in-may-9-cases</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612507/phc-seeks-record-in-may-9-cases#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:40:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yasir Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612507</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday issued notices to all concerned parties and sought relevant record on the provincial government&#39;s request to withdraw multiple cases registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers in connection with the May 9 and 10 protests that followed the arrest of the party&#39;s founder.

A single-member bench comprising Justice Kamran Hayat Mian Khel heard the appeals filed by the provincial government against the Anti-Terrorism Court&#39;s (ATC) decision to reject its withdrawal applications.

Special Prosecutor Inamullah Khan Yousafzai, appearing for the government, informed the court that the provincial cabinet had decided to withdraw the cases. He said the Home Department had also issued a formal notification after approval, and no one had challenged the cabinet&#39;s decision or the notification so far.

The prosecutor argued that the cases were registered on political grounds and lacked any evidence. &quot;Educated individuals were arrested and implicated in these cases for political reasons,&quot; he told the court.

When Justice Kamran Hayat inquired about the number of cases, the prosecutor replied that there were three separate cases involving more than 40 named individuals, none of whom had any evidence against them.

The judge remarked: &quot;How can you say these cases were made on political grounds? If the cases were not proper, was any action taken against the concerned SHO? Has the record you sought been received?

The special prosecutor informed the court that the required record from the relevant police stations had not yet been received.

After hearing the arguments, the court issued notices to all relevant parties, directed them to submit the complete record, and adjourned the hearing.

The development comes as the provincial government attempts to close cases stemming from the violent protests that erupted across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.]]>
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			<title>Young doctors to rally against govt on June 12</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612506/young-doctors-to-rally-against-govt-on-june-12</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612506/young-doctors-to-rally-against-govt-on-june-12#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:40:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[SHOAIB RAISANI]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[President of the Young Doctors Association (YDA), Dr Hai Baloch, on Wednesday strongly condemned the government&#39;s alleged lack of seriousness regarding the medical community&#39;s demands and announced a protest rally on June 12.

Addressing a press conference at a protest camp set up outside Civil Sandeman Hospital Quetta against the acid attack on Dr Mah Noor, Dr Baloch said the government&#39;s inappropriate behaviour had left them with no choice but to escalate their agitation.

&quot;The attack on Dr Mah Noor Naseer is an assault on the values of our tribal society,&quot; he said, adding that the government had neither heeded their calls nor addressed their concerns.

He announced that a rally would be held on June 12 at 2 pm from Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Mian Ghundi, to the Quetta Press Club. He also demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident at Civil Hospital Quetta and called for immediate steps to improve security for doctors and hospitals.

The YDA has decided to boycott outpatient departments (OPDs) and other services at all government hospitals across the province as part of their protest. However, they will continue working in gynaecology wards, trauma centres, and emergency units.]]>
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			<title>PPP leaders, workers from Keamari join PML-F</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612504/ppp-leaders-workers-from-keamari-join-pml-f</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612504/ppp-leaders-workers-from-keamari-join-pml-f#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:33:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612504</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[A delegation of active leaders and workers from various areas of Keamari district, previously affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), met Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Sindh Secretary General Sardar Abdul Rahim at Functional League House in Clifton and announced their decision to join the party.

Those joining PML-F included Noor-ul-Amin, Usman, Azeem, Abu Bakar Siddiq, Jafar Hussain, Muzammal Khan, Rais Khan, Muhammad Younis, Muhammad Yousuf, Ameer Hamza, Farhan, Habib-ur-Rehman, Abdul Haleem, Nasir Ahmed, Muhammad Shahzad, Zulfiqar Khan, Syed Dildar Shah, Nauman Khan, Jameel Ahmed, Imtiaz Ahmed, Zohaib Ahmed, Dilawar Hussain Shah, Daniyal Shah, Muhammad Sajjad, Muhammad Juman, Shoaib Khan, Aslam Jan, Faiq Ameen, Muhammad Ameer, Shahid, Muhammad Zeeshan and Ali Asghar, among others.

PML-F Sindh leaders Waqar Jatt and Abdul Karim Shar, Keamari District President Nazir Ahmed Rand, Muzammal Shah and other party officials were present on the occasion.

Addressing the delegation, Sardar Abdul Rahim said that those joining PML-F had made the right decision at the right time. He stated that the party follows the philosophy of &#39;United Sindh, Strong Pakistan&#39; and serves as a political platform open to people from all backgrounds regardless of ethnicity, language, colour or religion.

He alleged that the PPP-led government had deprived the people of Keamari of basic civic facilities. He claimed that drug abuse had become widespread in the district and that millions of rupees allocated for development projects had been misappropriated. According to him, many areas of Keamari still lack essential services, giving the impression that the district has been pushed back by a century.

Sardar Abdul Rahim further said that roads are in poor condition, the sewerage system has become ineffective, while healthcare and educational facilities remain inadequate.]]>
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			<title>Water-starved canals leave farmland barren</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612503/water-starved-canals-leave-farmland-barren</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612503/water-starved-canals-leave-farmland-barren#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:33:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612503</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Farmers, officials warn delayed rehabilitation threatens agri, rural livelihoods]]>
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				<![CDATA[Tens of thousands of acres of fertile farmland across Larkana division remain uncultivated as three major irrigation canals fed by the Sukkur Barrage continue to deteriorate, threatening agricultural production, rural livelihoods and water security in one of Sindh&#39;s key farming regions.

The alarm was sounded by government officials, irrigation experts and farmers&#39; representatives during a workshop of the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project, where participants stressed the urgent need to rehabilitate the Dadu, Rice and North West canals before the situation worsens.

&quot;The right-bank canals of Sukkur Barrage have deteriorated significantly over time and are now under increasing pressure due to population growth and rising water demands,&quot; Adviser to the Chief Minister on Agriculture Khair Muhammad Sheikh said. He emphasised that modernisation and rehabilitation of the ageing canal network had become indispensable for ensuring reliable water delivery to command areas and sustaining agricultural productivity.

Participants noted that the canals, constructed nearly a century ago, have exceeded their designed lifespan and are increasingly unable to meet irrigation requirements across large parts of upper Sindh.

Project Director SWAT Jamal Mangan warned that continued delays in rehabilitation could disrupt water supplies to tail-end regions and inflict further damage on the agricultural economy. He pointed out that similar problems in the Nara Canal System and Kotri Barrage canals had been successfully addressed through rehabilitation projects that improved water flows and operational efficiency.

Larkana Mayor Anwar Ali Lohar said the declining carrying capacity of the canals had emerged as a major challenge for the region. He argued that restoring the irrigation network would not only bring more land under cultivation but also generate employment opportunities and strengthen the local agricultural economy.]]>
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			<title>Modern gynae OT Block inaugurated at JPMC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612502/modern-gynae-ot-block-inaugurated-at-jpmc</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612502/modern-gynae-ot-block-inaugurated-at-jpmc#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:33:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612502</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho on Wednesday inaugurated a modern gynaecology operation theatre (OT) block at JPMC and announced that ICU services at the facility will be made operational soon.

The activation of the new OT block would improve timely access to surgical care for patients, particularly in emergency cases, the minister said while talking to the media after inaugurating the facility at JPMC. She said modern medical equipment had been installed to enhance the quality and efficiency of treatment in the gynaecology ward.

She further announced that ICU services would be launched at the hospital shortly, while a dedicated nursery and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for newborns was also being planned.

The minister said the government was expanding healthcare facilities at JPMC in phases to accommodate a growing patient load. She added that the number of beds had been increased to improve service delivery.

Dr Pechuho also said recruitment of medical and paramedical staff was underway, with some appointments already made. She acknowledged that legal and procedural delays had affected hiring in the past, but said efforts were now being made to expedite the process.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan joins regional Indian Ocean tsunami simulation drill</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612501/pakistan-joins-regional-indian-ocean-tsunami-simulation-drill</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612501/pakistan-joins-regional-indian-ocean-tsunami-simulation-drill#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:33:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Aftab Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612501</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[NSC Karachi issues 4 bulletins during exercise as coastal evacuation scenarios, early warning systems tested]]>
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				<![CDATA[A submarine earthquake and tsunami simulation exercise was conducted in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, in which Pakistan participated through the Makran Subduction Zone, officials said.

The National Seismic Center (NSC) Karachi issued four detailed bulletins during the several-hours-long exercise, providing updates on simulated tsunami intensity, potential threats, wave heights, and expected impact on coastal areas of multiple countries.

Countries including Indonesia, Australia, India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and others took part in the exercise. Some participating countries conducted full-scale drills, including simulated evacuation of coastal populations under a hypothetical emergency scenario.

The 1945 Makran earthquake-triggered tsunami had claimed more than 4,000 lives along Pakistan&#39;s coastal belt.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Amjad Hider Laghari, Chief Meteorologist Karachi and Director National Seismic Center, said Pakistan&#39;s participation aimed to strengthen coordination with regional and international partners during extreme maritime events and to test the effectiveness of service provider equipment.

He said the exercise simulated a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean and began at 11am on Wednesday. During the drill, tsunami wave intensity and propagation were monitored in a controlled environment at the NSC Karachi.

Laghari said the main objective of the exercise was to evaluate the tsunami early warning system and emergency communication mechanisms.

He said the Indian Ocean is the world&#39;s third-largest ocean, bordered by Asia to the north, Africa to the west, and Australia to the east, while Pakistan&#39;s coastline lies along its northern edge in the Arabian Sea.

Referring to historical events, he said the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a powerful earthquake in Indonesia, killed around 230,000 people across 13 countries, underscoring the importance of such preparedness exercises.

He added that Pakistan has been participating in international tsunami drills since 2008 to improve coordination and minimize risks through timely warnings. He said participating service providers included Indonesia, Australia, India, Oman, the UAE, Yemen, and other countries.

Some countries, he added, conducted full-scale evacuation drills under simulated conditions involving coastal populations.

Laghari further said Pakistan&#39;s participation also helps assess the performance of technical equipment under real-time simulated scenarios in case of future emergencies.

According to the National Seismic Center, four bulletins were issued during the exercise: the first detailing earthquake magnitude, the second assessing tsunami risk, the third providing estimates of wave height and potential impact timelines across countries, and the fourth issuing an all-clear message.

Pakistan conducts two annual coastal evacuation drills as part of international preparedness exercises - one in Gwadar and another in the Keamari area of Karachi.

The Meteorological Department has also installed tsunami warning siren towers along the coast to ensure timely evacuation and minimise potential damage in case of any high sea wave emergency.]]>
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			<title>Wife, ex-husband booked in man's murder case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612500/wife-ex-husband-booked-in-mans-murder-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612500/wife-ex-husband-booked-in-mans-murder-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:33:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612500</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Teen bride's death triggers murder case against husband in another incident]]>
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				<![CDATA[Police in Orangi Town have registered a murder case against the wife of a 30-year-old man, her former husband and unidentified accomplices after the victim was found hanging under suspicious circumstances inside his home.

Hamza, son of Zahooruddin, was found dead at his residence near Arshi Mosque in Sector 10, Orangi Town.

Initially, the incident appeared to be a suicide, but the family alleges it was a staged murder.

According to police, the case has been registered at Mominabad police station on the complaint of the victim&#39;s father, who nominated Hamza&#39;s wife, Dua Rustam - a lady police constable and mother of three - along with her former husband, Fahad, and other unknown persons.

The complainant stated in the FIR that he received a phone call from his daughter informing him that Hamza was in distress. When family members reached the house, they found his body hanging from the ceiling, with his hands allegedly tied and a cloth stuffed in his mouth. Minor injury marks were also seen on his body, according to the family.

The victim&#39;s father claimed that Hamza&#39;s wife and her former husband, along with others, were involved in his murder and had attempted to stage the scene as a suicide. He also alleged that Fahad had visited the house days earlier and was involved in a dispute with the deceased.

Husband at large in teen&#39;s murder case

The death of an 18-year-old woman allegedly subjected to repeated violence by her husband has sparked outrage, with police registering a murder case against the suspect following accusations that the young bride endured weeks of abuse before succumbing to her injuries.

The case was registered at Surjani Town police station on the complaint of the victim&#39;s mother.

The victim&#39;s family has appealed to senior police officials for protection, claiming the suspect continues to issue death threats to relatives even after the case was registered.

According to the FIR, Misbah married Shahryar Butt on March 19 in what her family initially believed to be a love marriage. However, her mother, Shehnaz, told police that the relationship quickly turned abusive and that her daughter was allegedly subjected to regular physical violence and harassment.

The complainant alleged that the suspect repeatedly demanded a new motorcycle and dowry items from the family and frequently threatened them.]]>
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			<title>Dr Mahnoor's first surgery completed after acid attack</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612499/dr-mahnoors-first-surgery-completed-after-acid-attack</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612499/dr-mahnoors-first-surgery-completed-after-acid-attack#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:33:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612499</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Dead tissue removed in eight-hour procedure as doctors begin phased treatment]]>
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				<![CDATA[The first surgery of Dr Mahnoor, who sustained injuries in an acid attack in Quetta, was successfully carried out at a private hospital in the metropolis, hospital sources confirmed on Tuesday.

According to family members, doctors removed dead skin from the affected areas during the procedure. They said her condition has improved following the surgery; however, the risk of infection persists due to the severity of the burns, and she has been kept in isolation as a precaution.

Medical sources said the treatment is being conducted in phases, involving the removal of damaged tissue as well as skin grafting. The first surgical procedure, which lasted more than eight hours, included minor grafting on the face. No major surgery has been performed so far.

A team of specialists, including plastic surgeons and ophthalmologists, is closely monitoring the patient&#39;s condition. Doctors have indicated that further procedures will be undertaken as required.

Sources further revealed that Dr Mahnoor has undergone a third comprehensive medical examination, during which multiple diagnostic tests were conducted.

Meanwhile, the governments of Balochistan and Sindh are in continuous contact with the victim&#39;s family and are overseeing the treatment process.]]>
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			<title>Camel brutality sparks outrage; six booked, two held</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612498/camel-brutality-sparks-outrage-six-booked-two-held</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612498/camel-brutality-sparks-outrage-six-booked-two-held#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:33:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Z Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612498</guid>
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				<![CDATA[One eye permanently lost, another at risk; govt orders round-the-clock treatment]]>
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				<![CDATA[A horrifying case of animal cruelty in Sindh&#39;s Tharparkar district has ignited outrage across Pakistan, after a 13-year-old female camel was allegedly abducted, starved and subjected to brutal torture that left her permanently blind in one eye and fighting to save the other.

The incident, which has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws, prompted Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to intervene directly, ordering the best available veterinary treatment for the injured animal and demanding swift legal action against those responsible.

Officials said the camel&#39;s condition has now stabilised following emergency medical intervention. According to a report submitted to the CM by Livestock and Fisheries Secretary Kazim Jatoi, the loss of vision in her right eye is irreversible.

&quot;The cruelty inflicted on this innocent animal is deeply disturbing and unacceptable in any civilised society,&quot; CM said. &quot;Those responsible for this barbaric act must be identified and brought to justice.&quot;

The case emerged from Bangal Rind village in Chachro taluka, where the milking camel, a mother to a four-month-old calf, was allegedly seized on May 25 by local residents following a dispute over grazing. According to the animal&#39;s owner, Leelo Meghwar, the camel was kept captive for two days and repeatedly beaten before being returned in a critically injured condition.

Police said a case has been registered at Khensar police station against six suspects - Hamzo Khan, Master Mukhtiar, Roshan, Mumtaz, Akhtar and Muhammad Haneef - under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Two suspects have been arrested, while raids are continuing to apprehend the remaining accused.

Investigators said the complaint was filed after a delay because the owner allegedly received threats and faced pressure from the suspects.

A technical committee formed by the Livestock Department conducted a medical examination of the animal and confirmed evidence of severe abuse. Veterinary specialists found that the camel&#39;s right eyeball had ruptured completely, causing permanent blindness, while the left eye suffered extensive swelling and trauma. Doctors said the prognosis for the remaining eye will remain uncertain until inflammation subsides and further clinical assessments are completed.

The examination also documented multiple wounds, bruises and rope marks on the camel&#39;s neck, legs and knees, indicating prolonged confinement and repeated beatings with sticks or other blunt objects. The animal was found suffering from severe weakness, exhaustion and malnutrition consistent with prolonged deprivation of food and water.

A specialised veterinary team comprising surgeons, veterinary officers and livestock staff has been stationed in the area to provide round-the-clock care and monitor recovery. According to the Livestock Department, treatment includes wound management, broad-spectrum antibiotics, pain-control medication, intravenous fluid therapy and nutritional support. Daily medical assessments are being carried out to track progress and prevent complications.

CM Shah has directed authorities to ensure uninterrupted treatment and rehabilitation of the animal, while also seeking regular updates on both the camel&#39;s condition and the legal proceedings against the accused.

Officials said the case has become one of the most high-profile incidents of animal abuse in recent years in Sindh, drawing public attention to gaps in the protection of animals.]]>
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			<title>Luxury sector seeks to recover its cachet</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612497/luxury-sector-seeks-to-recover-its-cachet</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612497/luxury-sector-seeks-to-recover-its-cachet#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:24:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Fashion giants return to craftsmanship and scarcity as growth slows and customers grow more discerning]]>
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				<![CDATA[Faced with a painful slowdown in recent years, the luxury sector is seeking to recover its mojo by juggling a back-to-basics approach with finding new ways to connect to clients.

The financial performances of the heavyweightsprofits amputated last year at LVMH and Kering, while Burberry posted a loss for its 2024-25 financial yeartestify to the fact the market has undergone a change.

The causes are multiple, including the slowing Chinese market, aspirational customers becoming more cost-conscious, and concerns about quality.

&quot;Following the Covid pandemic the luxury market was boosted by binge buying,&quot; said Eric Briones, a cofounder of the Paris School of Luxury who recently published a book about the transformation of the sector.

&quot;And when the luxury sector was confronted with that strong demand, the artisanal model came under pressure,&quot; he said, pointing to recent outsourcing scandals in Italy.

Luxury overexposed

A major part of the luxury cachet is that products are made with superior materials by skilled artisans using traditional methods, which naturally limits production. The post-Covid boom in demand was accompanied by price hikes of up to 50% for some labels, &quot;without improvements in quality, and sometimes a drop in quality&quot;, Briones said.

Not only prices increased. Volumes did too. &quot;It is a fundamental question,&quot; said Christophe Cais, chief executive at CXG, a consultancy that works with premium and luxury brands about customer experiences.

&quot;How many bags can you sell globally without becoming overexposed? Exclusivity is desirable and at the same time you want sales volume, so at what point does volume undermine exclusivity?&quot; he said. According to the consultancy Bain &amp; Company, the luxury market lost 20 million clients between 2024 and 2025, after having lost 50 million over the previous two years.

Following years of economic and geographic growth for the big luxury groups, analysts say the time has come to prune. &quot;A phase of recentring and bringing some coherence to portfolios is underway,&quot; said Lea Hubsch at Kearney. &quot;That may include stepping back or finding another partner for certain brands that aren&#39;t so much part of the DNA&quot; of a group, she added.

LVMH, the world&#39;s largest luxury conglomerate, recently sold off US label Marc Jacobs after holding it for three decades. In January, it sold the DFS duty free shops&#39; activities in China. Kering, another luxury group based in France that is undergoing a major shakeup, sold off its beauty division to L&#39;Oreal for 4 billion.

Italy&#39;s Versace bought its home turf rival Prada last year for 1.25 billion. Other deals are expected: Giorgio Armani indicated in his will that he wanted his fashion house to eventually join a luxury group like LVMH or L&#39;Oreal.

Kering&#39;s new CEO Luca de Meo was quite clear in his presentation of the group&#39;s turnaround strategy last month that consolidation was coming, but he also signalled a back-to-basics approach. He called for an upgrade in quality and efforts to restore the desirability of its leading brand Gucci, which fell victim to overexposure thanks to streetwear.

Analysts say that in addition to returning to an emphasis on craftmanship and quality, the industry is tuning into demand for experiences and tap into the wellness trend with customer service that rivals that of luxury hotels.

&quot;Desire has shifted to &#39;experiences&#39;: beauty, hospitality, transformative luxury,&quot; Briones said.]]>
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			<title>Gaming's age shift reshapes market</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612496/gamings-age-shift-reshapes-market</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612496/gamings-age-shift-reshapes-market#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:24:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612496</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Most US players now over 35, with women nearly matching men in numbers]]>
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				<![CDATA[Video games are simultaneously ageing and intensifying as a global business, with new industry data showing American players getting older even as publishers reorganise blockbuster release schedules around the looming arrival of &#39;Grand Theft Auto VI&#39;, expected to dominate the market in late 2026.

In Washington, a report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) found the average American gamer is now 37 years old, up from 29 two decades ago, reflecting both the ageing of long-time console players and a steady influx of older adults into the hobby.

The study also highlights a narrowing gender gap, with men accounting for 53% of players and women 46%, while women outnumber men among Baby Boomers, underscoring how gaming has become a mainstream pastime across generations in the United States.

Overall, 67% of Americans play video games for at least an hour a week, and industry revenues reached $60.7bn in 2025, rebounding to their highest level since the pandemic-era boom of 2021.

ESA president Stanley Pierre-Louis said the figures mirror national demographics and credited decades of voluntary self-regulation, including the Entertainment Software Rating Board system and parental control tools across major consoles.

He argued this framework has given the industry credibility with policymakers compared with social media platforms, where debates over safety, age verification and in-game spending are intensifying in both the United States and Europe.

However, scrutiny is increasing as games adopt social-media-like features, with platforms such as Roblox facing regulatory pressure and proposed legislation considering mandatory age verification and national safety standards.

Meanwhile, in Paris and at the Summer Games Fest, publishers have begun reshuffling release calendars to avoid competing with &#39;Grand Theft Auto VI&#39;, which is due on November 19 after two delays.

The long-awaited title from Rockstar Games is expected to dominate sales and attention well into 2027, prompting other studios to shift launches away from the crowded autumn window.

Industry analysts say even releasing in October, such as for major franchises like &#39;Call of Duty&#39;, risks being overshadowed, as attention is likely to concentrate on Rockstar&#39;s release cycle.

At the same time, industry events continue to showcase new titles and remakes, highlighting both reliance on established franchises and cautious optimism about new intellectual property entering the market.

The broader picture suggests a maturing industry where gaming is no longer defined by youth culture alone, but by a diverse and ageing audience whose spending power is increasingly shaping content development, monetisation strategies and platform design choices across console, PC and mobile ecosystems.

As publishers adjust to the gravitational pull of &#39;Grand Theft Auto VI&#39;, the industry faces a rare convergence of demographic change and blockbuster concentration, with both trends likely to define the commercial landscape of gaming well beyond 2026, according to analysts and trade bodies tracking global sales patterns.

They say the result is a market simultaneously expanding in audience age and concentrating attention around a small number of mega-franchises, a shift that could reshape how studios plan releases, marketing campaigns and long-term investment decisions across the sector.]]>
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			<title>Bond Girl debate enters a new chapter</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612495/bond-girl-debate-enters-a-new-chapter</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612495/bond-girl-debate-enters-a-new-chapter#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:24:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612495</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Margaret Qualley's surge in popularity underscores uncertainty surrounding the franchise's future casting plans]]>
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				<![CDATA[For decades, the identity of the next James Bond has been one of cinema&#39;s favourite guessing games but for now, even before the next 007 has been chosen, attention is increasingly turning to another coveted role: the woman who will share the screen with Britain&#39;s most famous spy.

Speculation surrounding the female lead of the next Bond film has intensified in recent weeks as online prediction markets, bookmakers and entertainment commentators attempt to forecast who might join the franchise&#39;s next chapter.

While no official casting announcements have been made, the shifting odds have generated a fresh wave of discussion among Bond fans eager for clues about the future of the long-running series. The latest buzz centres on actress Margaret Qualley.

Qualley has emerged as a leading contender in several online prediction markets. Acclaimed for her performances in &#39;The Substance&#39; and the television series &#39;Maid&#39;, Qualley has overtaken fellow Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney in some betting forecasts linked to the next Bond film.

The changing odds reflect the uncertainty surrounding a project that remains in its early stages. Although speculation is abundant, neither Qualley nor Sweeney has been officially linked to the role by the studio.

Yet the names have repeatedly surfaced because both actresses represent the type of contemporary star power that Bond films have traditionally embraced. The debate, however, highlights a broader shift in how audiences engage with major film franchises.

The conversation extends beyond Qualley and Sweeney. Actresses including Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh, Zendaya and Jessie Buckley have all appeared in various betting markets and fan discussions.

In the past, casting decisions often remained closely guarded until studios made formal announcements but today, online betting markets, social media discussions and websites create a constant stream of speculation even before the project begins.

The fascination surrounding the next Bond film has only intensified because the franchise is entering a new era. Following the conclusion of Daniel Craig&#39;s tenure in 2021&#39;s &#39;No Time to Die&#39;&#39;, the future of the series remains largely undefined.]]>
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			<title>A curious sociology of lost property</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612494/a-curious-sociology-of-lost-property</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612494/a-curious-sociology-of-lost-property#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:24:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[An annual catalogue of forgotten belongings offers insights into how people live, travel and consume]]>
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				<![CDATA[In an age when smartphones rarely leave our hands and digital technology keeps track of almost every aspect of daily life, one thing remains remarkably unchanged: people still forget their belongings. Lots of them.

The latest edition of Uber&#39;s Lost &amp; Found Index, marking its tenth anniversary, reveals not only what passengers leave behind in ride-hailing vehicles but also how those forgotten possessions have evolved into a curious reflection of contemporary culture.

Over the past decade, the annual compilation has transformed from a simple inventory of misplaced objects into a surprisingly revealing social snapshot. Some items on this year&#39;s list are exactly what one might expect.

Phones remain the most commonly forgotten possession by a considerable margin, followed by wallets, luggage, keys, headphones and clothing. These everyday essentials continue to dominate reports filed by absent-minded passengers rushing between appointments, social gatherings and airports.

Yet it is the stranger entries that capture public imagination and tell a broader story about the times. Among the most unusual items reported lost this year were dentures, breast milk, human hair, a mannequin, a dishwasher, a coffee table, a package of live butterflies and even a 75-gallon fish tank. One passenger somehow managed to leave behind two wedding gowns, while another forgot pelvis implants.

The bizarre collection highlights a simple truth: virtually anything that can fit into a vehicle has a chance of being forgotten.

Beyond the amusement, however, the index serves as an unconventional record of changing lifestyles and cultural trends. Looking back over 10 years of reports reveals how social habits, health trends and consumer preferences have shifted.

In 2021, vaccine cards and face masks became prominent among lost items as the world adapted to life during the Covid-19 pandemic. In more recent years, wellness-related products have appeared with increasing frequency.

This year&#39;s list included peptides, sea moss supplements, protein powders and various health and beauty products. Even medications associated with contemporary weight-loss trends have made appearances.

Popular culture also leaves a distinct imprint on the back seats of ride-hailing vehicles. Concert merchandise, gaming devices and collectibles frequently feature among lost possessions. The latest index notes a rise in abandoned Labubu designer toys, reflecting the global craze surrounding collectible figurines and social-media-driven consumer trends.

Fashion trends emerge just as clearly. Crocs, designer belts, luxury scarves and branded clothing items all found their way onto the list. Among the more expensive possessions left behind were Rolex watches, Gucci accessories, Dior products, Burberry blankets and Christian Louboutin footwear.

The phenomenon raises interesting questions about modern attention spans. Psychologists have long argued that multitasking and information overload contribute to forgetfulness. With many people constantly switching between phones, messages, navigation apps and social media, everyday distractions have become deeply embedded in daily routines.

The timing of lost-item reports appears to support that theory. According to the index, Sundays are the most common day for forgotten belongings, while the highest concentration of losses occurs between 9pm and midnight. Social activities, celebrations and weekend outings appear to play a significant role in absent-minded behaviour.

Certain patterns have remained remarkably consistent over the years. Monday and Tuesday continue to rank among the least forgetful days, suggesting that structured work routines may encourage greater awareness of personal belongings. Major holidays and celebrations, meanwhile, consistently generate spikes in lost items. Events such as Halloween, St Patrick&#39;s Day and New Year&#39;s Eve regularly appear among the most forgetful occasions.

Geography also seems to matter. New York City once again topped the list of America&#39;s most forgetful cities, followed by Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

High-tourism destinations have repeatedly appeared near the top of rankings throughout the decade, reinforcing the notion that people tend to be less attentive when travelling or enjoying leisure time.

The 10-year retrospective offers some particularly memorable examples. Previous years saw passengers leave behind a lobster, divorce papers, a salmon head, a large painting of Catherine, Princess of Wales, a taxidermied rabbit and even a toy poodle. Such entries have become part of the index&#39;s enduring appeal, illustrating both human unpredictability and the extraordinary range of objects transported in modern urban life.

Technology itself tells perhaps the most significant story. Smartphones and wireless earbuds have repeatedly topped lost-item reports year after year. The devices that people rely on most heavily have also become the ones they are most likely to forget. It is a paradox of modern living: the more indispensable an object becomes, the more devastatingand apparently commonit is to leave it behind.

As ride-hailing companies continue improving systems to reunite passengers with their possessions, the annual index serves a purpose beyond entertainment. It documents the changing habits, obsessions and priorities of millions of people. In a sense, every forgotten item becomes a tiny cultural artefact.

From luxury handbags and gaming consoles to dentures and fish tanks, the objects people leave behind reveal a surprisingly intimate portrait of modern life. Trends come and go, technology evolves and cultural fashions change, but one characteristic appears stubbornly constant. Human beings, it seems, remain wonderfully and irredeemably forgetful.]]>
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			<title>Another name becomes a rallying cry</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612492/another-name-becomes-a-rallying-cry</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612492/another-name-becomes-a-rallying-cry#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:24:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Celebrities and citizens rally around Eshal Fatima's case as questions over women's safety reignite national debate]]>
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				<![CDATA[The death of 17-year-old Eshal Fatima in Punjab&#39;s Jhang has triggered a fresh wave of public outrage over the safety of women and girls in Pakistan, prompting celebrities, activists and social media users to demand justice while reigniting debate about systemic failures in protecting vulnerable citizens.

Eshal, a first-year college student, reportedly left her home on June 4 after being contacted through a neighbour and told she would be taken to Multan for clothes shopping. According to the first information report filed by her father, she never returned home. Her family&#39;s attempts to reach her proved unsuccessful as her mobile phone remained switched off.

The case took a tragic turn on June 7 when family members received a phone call informing them that Eshal&#39;s condition had deteriorated and that she had been admitted to a private hospital. She later died at the District Headquarters Hospital, sparking allegations that she had been abducted days earlier.

As news of the incident spread, prominent figures from Pakistan&#39;s entertainment industry joined calls for accountability. Singer Hadiqa Kiani shared a message demanding swift justice, describing Eshal as yet another victim of violence against women. She also highlighted statistics relating to violence against women, underscoring concerns about the scale of the problem.

Actor Sabeena Farooq used her social media platform to express frustration over gender-based violence and broader societal attitudes that often place women at the centre of scrutiny rather than focusing attention on perpetrators. Her posts referenced issues ranging from harassment and acid attacks to honour killings and discrimination.

Actor Momina Iqbal echoed similar concerns, criticising what she described as a culture of victim-blaming. She argued that women are frequently judged for their choices and character while attention shifts away from those responsible for crimes. Her comments resonated widely among users who said such attitudes discourage victims and families from seeking justice.

Actor Mishi Khan questioned delays in the legal process and called for faster trials and tougher punishments for offenders. Her remarks reflected a broader public demand for reforms aimed at improving the speed and effectiveness of the justice system.

Adding her voice to the discussion, actor Mahira Khan, speaking during a visit to the United Kingdom, expressed anger over violence against women and urged men to take a more active role in condemning abuse and supporting efforts to combat it.

Meanwhile, a preliminary post-mortem report stated that no evidence of sexual assault or physical violence had been found on Eshal&#39;s body. The report also noted that she was diabetic and had been using insulin for several years.

Even so, the circumstances surrounding her death continue to fuel public concern and calls for a thorough investigation. Beyond the details of a single case, Eshal Fatima&#39;s death has become a focal point for a larger conversation about women&#39;s safety, accountability and the urgent need for stronger protections in Pakistan.]]>
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			<title>Maestro who changed the sound of cinema</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612491/maestro-who-changed-the-sound-of-cinema</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612491/maestro-who-changed-the-sound-of-cinema#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:24:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaisar Kamran]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Artists gather at NAPA to celebrate Master Ghulam Haider's enduring influence on South Asian music]]>
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				<![CDATA[Artists from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and other cities came together at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi to celebrate and honour the legacy of legendary composer Master Ghulam Haider, a man regarded as one of the pioneers of South Asian film music.

The special tribute event was organised by the Mauseeqar-e-Azam Memorial Society and curated by Pervez Haider, son of the late maestro. Among the performers was Islamabad-based singer Gulshan Jahan, who captivated the audience with renditions of songs associated with the golden era of music.

Master Ghulam Haider is remembered as one of the most influential composers in the history of the Subcontinent. Historians credit him with revolutionising film music and helping launch the careers of some of South Asia&#39;s most iconic voices, including Noor Jehan, Shamshad Begum and Lata Mangeshkar.

His compositions continue to inspire musicians and music lovers decades after they were first created. &quot;Master Ghulam Haider&#39;s songs are very difficult to sing. I am grateful to NAPA and especially to his son, Pervez Haider, for giving me the opportunity to pay tribute to such a great legend,&quot; said Gulshan Jahan.

Gulshan told the audience that performing songs composed by Master Ghulam Haider was both an honour and a challenge. &quot;When I searched for information about him online, I was amazed by the wealth of material available. I had no idea he was such a great composer.&quot;

The singer also spoke about her excitement at performing in Karachi for the first time. &quot;I was very excited before coming to Karachi. This was my first performance here and I loved the experience.&quot; Gulshan Jahan admitted she was surprised by the audience&#39;s response, particularly their enthusiasm for Punjabi songs.

The evening also featured live performances of several classic melodies, drawing applause from the audience and highlighting the enduring appeal of Master Ghulam Haider&#39;s music. For Pervez Haider, the tribute was not only a cultural event but also the culmination of months of hard work and decades of dedication to preserving his father&#39;s legacy.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said he had spent nearly three months in Karachi preparing for the event and was pleased with the successful conclusion of the programme. &quot;The support of the media and all those who stood by me played a huge role in making this tribute successful,&quot; he said.

Pervez has been organising commemorative events across Pakistan to ensure that younger generations remain connected to the contributions of the maestro. &quot;Master Sahib was a great man. I am simply a worker trying to keep his legacy alive. Whatever I am today is because of my father and the blessings of Allah.&quot;

The evening was more than a tribute concert; it was a celebration of a musical legacy that helped shape the sound of South Asian cinema. Decades after his passing, his compositions remain alive in the voices of singers and in the memories of music lovers, a testament to the enduring power of his artistry.

The tribute also served as a reminder of the extraordinary career that made Master Ghulam Haider one of the most influential figures in South Asian music.

Born in 1908 in Hyderabad, Sindh, Master Ghulam Haider worked both in India and later in Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. He changed the face of film songs by combining popular raagas with the verve and rhythm of Punjabi music and also helped raise the status of film music directors.

He got his first major breakthrough with DM Pancholi&#39;s Punjabi film, &#39;Gul-e-Bakavali&#39; (1939), starring Noor Jehan. This was followed by the film &#39;Yamla Jat&#39; (1940). Before that, AR Kardar had allowed him to compose music for the 1935 film, &#39;Swarg Ki Seerhi&#39;.

His first major hit came with &#39;Khazanchi&#39; in 1941. In particular, the song &#39;Sawan Ke Nazare Hain&#39;, sung by Shamshad Begum, caused a revolution in music composition. In Mumbai - then Bombay - he composed music for &#39;Humayun&#39; (1945) and &#39;Majboor&#39; (1948), the latter being the first breakthrough film for Lata Mangeshkar.

After the Independence of Pakistan in 1947, Master Ghulam Haider returned to Lahore, and his first Pakistani film was &#39;Shahida&#39; (1949). He composed music for many other Pakistani films, including &#39;Beqarar&#39; (1950), &#39;Akeli&#39; (1951) and &#39;Bheegi Palkein&#39; (1952).

During his illustrious career, Master Ghulam Haider created numerous unforgettable songs that shaped the history of South Asian music. His work in films such as &#39;Khazanchi&#39; (1941), &#39;Khandan&#39; (1942), &#39;Poonji&#39; (1943), &#39;Humayun&#39; (1945) and &#39;Shaheed&#39; (1948) transformed the subcontinent&#39;s musical landscape.

Master Ghulam Haider passed away on November 9, 1953, due to throat cancer at the age of 45, just a few days after the release of the Pakistani film &#39;Gulnar&#39;. He was posthumously awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in 2011 and the Pride of Performance in 2018 by the government of Pakistan.]]>
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			<title>Real Madrid's bid for Alvarez rejected</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612490/real-madrids-bid-for-alvarez-rejected</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612490/real-madrids-bid-for-alvarez-rejected#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:19:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[He is under Atletico Madrid contract until June 2030]]>
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				<![CDATA[Real Madrid said on Tuesday that Atletico Madrid had rejected the club&#39;s offer of 150 million euros ($173 million) for Argentine forward Julian Alvarez.

&quot;After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal... and has rejected it,&quot; Real Madrid said in a statement.

A World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022 and formerly of Manchester City, the 26-year-old Alvarez joined Atletico in 2024. He is under contract until June 2030, with a release clause estimated at 500 million euros.

Included in Argentina&#39;s squad for the 2026 World Cup, Alvarez scored eight goals last season in La Liga and 10 in the Champions League, where Atletico were eliminated in the semi-finals by Arsenal.

&quot;After studying and evaluating it, Atletico de Madrid thanked the club for the offer made, in keeping with the good relations between our two clubs, but rejected it,&quot; Real Madrid said in a statement. Atletico Madrid scoffed at the Real statement.

&quot;You may have confused politeness with gratitude, but to be clear: we don&#39;t thank you for anything. We neither studied nor considered any offer for Julian. You make us laugh even more than Barcelona do,&quot; Atletico said in reply to Real in a social media post.

Re-elected on Sunday as Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez had promised during his election campaign that he would make a big-name signing. Spanish media had reported that the target was Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

But the German club said they would not be selling their French international.

&quot;If Florentino Perez wants to send us an offer, which has not happened so far, he can save himself the trouble,&quot; said Bayern president Herbert Hainer.]]>
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			<title>Protesters block road to Mexican World Cup stadium</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612488/protesters-block-road-to-mexican-world-cup-stadium</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612488/protesters-block-road-to-mexican-world-cup-stadium#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:19:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Mexico is grappling with chaotic teacher protests in its capital]]>
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				<![CDATA[A protest blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City&#39;s Azteca Stadium for hours on Tuesday, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off at the venue.

As football fans flood into tournament, co-hosted by the United States and Canada, Mexico is grappling with chaotic teacher protests in its capital.

Thousands took part in Tuesday&#39;s protest, which was led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers union following a week of demonstrations that President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a &quot;provocation.&quot; &quot;As if to say, &#39;Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,&#39;&quot; she told a press conference.

A police blockade prevented the demonstrators from reaching the Azteca Stadium, which will host the World Cup opening match on Thursday.

With thousands of officers deployed and concrete barriers set up around the venue, protesters rallied on the street for around three hours before dispersing.

Mexico City&#39;s security chief Pablo Vazquez said in a statement that the movement had been peaceful.

Sheinbaum said earlier that the opening match was &quot;guaranteed,&quot; though the left-leaning leader again ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations.

Her government has favored dialogue with the protesting teachers, but to no avail.

&quot;We&#39;re going to continue our struggle,&quot; said protester Austreberto Flores.

The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week to demand a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law -- which the government considers unfeasible.

The teachers have also set up camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City&#39;s Zocalo square.

On June 1, police dispersed protesters in the area with rubber bullets and teargas.

&quot;They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that&#39;s not true,&quot; Sheinbaum has said of the protests.

The teachers have called for demonstrations on Thursday that will also include families of so-called &quot;disappeared&quot; people, who are alleged to have been killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs. The 2026 edition of the world&#39;s biggest football extravaganza is the most logistically complex ever staged.

A vast global TV audience is set to tune in to the opening ceremony and match pitting Mexico against South Africa.]]>
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			<title>PGA Tour to co-sanction AO in global push</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612487/pga-tour-to-co-sanction-ao-in-global-push</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612487/pga-tour-to-co-sanction-ao-in-global-push#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:19:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The Open has a prestigious history dating back to 1904]]>
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				<![CDATA[Golf Australia chief James Sutherland said Wednesday he envisages the Australian Open becoming one of the world&#39;s top tournaments after the PGA Tour agreed to co-sanction the event.

The Open has a prestigious history dating back to 1904 and in recent years been in partnership with the DP World Tour, formerly the European Tour.

That will continue with the US PGA Tour also on board for the first time, starting in 2027 for an initial three years.

It put to bed speculation that the Australian Open may team up with the struggling LIV Golf tour.

The PGA Tour&#39;s commitment will see the event given a distinct window in the global golf calendar and a signifiant boost in prize money to help attract the world&#39;s best players.

&quot;Our ambition is clear,&quot; said Sutherland.

&quot;We want the men&#39;s Australian Open to be recognised among the top 10 most prestigious golf tournaments globally, and everything we are doing for the event flows from that ambition.&quot;

Bumper crowds turned out in December when Masters champion Rory McIlroy was the star attraction, with the six-time major winner again heading to Melbourne this year.

But the tournament has traditionally clashed with Tiger Woods&#39; Hero World Challenge, which has kept other big names away.

&quot;This agreement with the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia strengthens the global relevance of the championship and gives us another important platform to keep growing the event year-on-year,&quot; added Sutherland.

PGA Tour senior vice president Christian Hardy said they were thrilled to finally be heading to Australia.

&quot;The Australian Open remains one of the most prestigious events in global golf and our members have long valued the opportunity to compete in Australia,&quot; he said.

&quot;We look forward to continuing to build on this relationship in the years ahead.&quot;]]>
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			<title>India's failed pursuit of Pakistan's isolation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612478/indias-failed-pursuit-of-pakistans-isolation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612478/indias-failed-pursuit-of-pakistans-isolation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:11:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Durdana Najam]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[In September 2016, standing before a rally in Kerala, Narendra Modi made a promise. India, he declared, would launch an all-out campaign to isolate Pakistan. It was the kind of thinking that plays well in a crowd - muscular, self-righteous, vengeful. A decade on, Pakistan is simultaneously engaged with Washington, Beijing, Tehran and Riyadh; has brokered a ceasefire between Iran and the United States; and has been credited by Donald Trump for saving the world from a catastrophe so many times that New Delhi has stopped counting.

To understand how this happened, one has to make sense of the strategy. It was never simply about terrorism or surgical strikes or water treaties. Those were mere instruments. The objective was larger and more ideological: the delegitimisation of Pakistan as a state, as an idea, and as the political expression of Muslim identity in South Asia.

The Hindutva project that has governed India since 2014 has always carried a deep discomfort with Pakistan&#39;s very existence, rooted in the dream of an undivided Hindu homeland. It is telling, and actually rather significant, that RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale recently called for India to resume dialogue with Pakistan - a reflection of the fact that even the ideological establishment has quietly conceded that a decade of hostility has produced nothing worth keeping.

What India built was a three-dimensional trap. Internationally, it took the terrorism label - globalised and weaponised after 9/11 - and applied it to Pakistan. It travelled to every nook and corner of the world and walked into every forum with a single, relentless message: Pakistan manufactures terror, Pakistan exports instability, Pakistan is the problem. For years this narrative worked.

Regionally, India paralysed SAARC by boycotting the 2016 summit, effectively putting South Asia&#39;s only meaningful forum of collective cooperation into a deep sleep from which it has not woken. The bus routes went silent. The cricket grounds emptied.

Domestically, India&#39;s treatment of its own Muslim population - marked by demolished mosques, discriminatory legislation and normalised communal hostility - drew its strength from the same Pakistan policy. The message, whether directed inward or outward, was identical: Muslim political identity is inherently suspect, inherently destabilising, inherently a problem to be managed.

And yet for all its isolationist ambitions, India&#39;s strategy buckled under the weight of the world&#39;s own interests.

When India launched military action following the Pahalgam incident in 2025 without presenting evidence of Pakistan&#39;s involvement, the world refused to accept this oft-repeated script. Pakistan, holding its ground militarily, exhibited a diplomatic composure that won it what analysts now describe as the global battle of narratives.

Then came the ceasefire, and with it the image that crystallised everything: Trump, over and over again, claiming credit for brokering the peace. While Pakistan thanked him warmly for the intervention, India refused to give him the credit. India&#39;s officials were busy mocking Pakistan&#39;s military leadership in the bitterest language they could find, while Trump was calling Pakistan&#39;s Field Marshal an extraordinary personality.

In the midst of this bitter politics and India&#39;s hallucinatory obsession with Pakistan, what was truly lost over this decade was not India&#39;s reputation or Pakistan&#39;s. It was South Asia itself.

India speaks grandly of leading the Global South. It presents itself as the voice of the developing world. But leadership demands actionable results, and on that count India&#39;s record is a quiet devastation.

While Southeast Asia built ASEAN into one of the great stories of regional transformation - enabling hundreds of millions of people to break free from the poverty trap through shared trade, open borders, and the patient diplomacy of former enemies learning to trust each other - South Asia remains the least economically integrated region on earth. Intra-regional trade is negligible. The infrastructure of connection - roads, rail, energy grids, visa regimes - that could have made this neighbourhood prosperous simply does not exist, because one country decided that punishing its neighbour was worth more than building a future alongside it.

No region has ever progressed through intimidation and the conflicts it breeds. Every region that has lifted itself since the Second World War has done so through integration, through choosing peace over conflict. India chose otherwise, and 1.9 billion people across South Asia are living with the consequences.

Pakistan, meanwhile, has done something that its detractors confidently said it could not.

It is engaging the Americans on minerals and regional security. It is deepening its partnership with China. Its ties with Gulf states are expanding at precisely the moment those states are reassessing their strategic alignments. Its relationship with Bangladesh has warmed considerably. It is being spoken of as a security provider - a country that major powers need at the table rather than wish away from it.

Former Pakistani ambassador Masood Khan called it astute diplomacy, but it has also been something simpler: the proof that a nation of 240 million people, nuclear-armed, positioned at the crossroads of three continents, with roots deep in the Muslim world, cannot be wished away by the electoral arithmetic of another country&#39;s domestic politics.

The tragedy of this decade is not, in the end, about winners or losers between Islamabad and New Delhi. The tragedy is the opportunity cost - the generation of Pakistanis and Indians who might have known each other, traded with each other, built things together, and did not, because the politics of one nation&#39;s ruling ideology required an enemy more urgently than it required a neighbour.

The CBMs have been turned to rubble. The bridges of goodwill are down. And South Asia, a region that should by now be writing its own story of integration - as ASEAN did, as Europe did, ancient rivals choosing a shared future - is instead left standing in the wreckage of a promise made at a rally in Kerala.

Modi promised the world an isolated Pakistan. He gave it an isolated South Asia. That is the legacy. And it will outlast the politics that made it.]]>
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			<title>Afghanistan - riddle, mystery or enigma?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612477/afghanistan-riddle-mystery-or-enigma</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612477/afghanistan-riddle-mystery-or-enigma#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:11:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Inam Ul Haque]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Winston Churchill famously described the former Soviet Union, during a radio broadcast on October 1, 1939, as &quot;a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma&quot;. That characterisation fits today&#39;s Afghanistan more than any other country. From avid opposition to Hindu India not very long ago, the so-called emirate of pious Muslims is in cahoots with the infidel Hindus, the enemies of Islam and perpetrators of brutalities in Kashmir over fellow Muslims. The same India which kept calling the pious emirate &#39;terrorist&#39; and shunned all contact throughout the First Afghan Republic (2001-2021). And ironically, Afghan Taliban in their mangled and befuddled understanding continue to champion the cause of Islam, a religion that emphasises education to the extent of asking Muslims to go to the farthest China, to seek ilm (knowledge), as the beloved Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) is frequently quoted. However, the ruling clique in Kabul continues to exclude women from public life, denying them their religious, social and moral rights to education, work, inheritance, choice and fair treatment.

The ruling Muslimist cabal is also daggers drawn with Pakistan &ndash; their neighbour, benefactor and only interlocutor; and their home and hearth in bad times. Pakistan, where they lived in peace with their families, rested, regrouped and recouped while the hated ISI and the Punjabi Miltablishment was organising jihad; first to free their Afghanistan from the Socialist sickle and hammer, and later from the stranglehold of Christian West Plus. Calling themselves the stalwarts of Pashtunwali and the torch bearers of Durrani suzerainty from Qandahar, and then violating every tenet of that great code with impunity &ndash; be it shegara (doing good in return for good), wufa/wafa (fidelity to the word and cause), toorah (bravery) or nang (honour).

The pious of the IEA make a commitment and then abandon it as quickly as they come out of Kaaba, Islam&#39;s holiest shrine and the venue for such negotiations in the past. And ironically, they see no fault and contradiction, in killing and maiming fellow Muslims &ndash; women, children and elderly &ndash; in mosques, in markets, and in their homes. They see no fault in dropping mortar bombs through quadcopters on defenceless civilians in their sleep, in border areas, killing, injuring and maiming little kids. And they feel no remorse for turning against their only benefactor, Pakistan. Afghanistan under the so-called Islamic emirate is a weird travesty of ironies, a confusing mindset of muddled thoughts and social revenge with no moral, legal or societal footing. It was the Afghanologists of this world, myself included if the definition is stretched, who tried to justify Taliban&#39;s actions against the Shooravi (the Soviet Union) or the Amrekai (the US) not long ago; and tried to find some academic justification for their behaviour. But so is the irony of our existence, that we have no benefit of hindsight.

Although presently, it is well-nigh impossible to frame the IEA actions into some sort of strategy, governance, statecraft and/or rationality; there is a dilemma. Rational Pakistan&#39;s policy response must be based on some rationale &ndash; actual, deduced or assumed from IEA&#39;s demonstrated irrationality. And for that IEA actions should be given some rational clothing. Following on from this line of argument, what could IEA and its mlatar (proxy), the TTP, try to do? Before some thoughts, comments of an Afghan official on a social media video, wherein the Ghor province, a poor, jobless and desperate father was forced to sell his girls. The cited functionary after some back and forth iterations, shrugged the situation off as exaggerated, stating &#39;poverty was also rampant in other countries&#39;. On another occasion, another Taliban official in the Food Ministry advised the protesting citizenry to seek rizq (food) from Allah, literally exonerating himself, and abdicating his role in systemic provision of food and grain to the public. One simply empathises with Afghan people, and understands their reluctance to go back from Pakistan, to live under Taliban&#39;s oppression and incompetence.

Now back to the rationality of IEA-TTP combine. TTP used to be a mlatar (a proxy militia in assistance as a force-in-being) for the Zadran Haqqanis of Loya or Greater Paktia (Khowst, Paktia and Paktika provinces and some parts of Nangarhar province). Haqqanis had hosted TTP fighters for the rainy day i.e. if and when their relationship with Qandahar soured, not an unusual Afghan scenario. However, realising Pakistan&#39;s redlines, Haqqanis unsuccessfully tried to rein in the groups, disperse them, and in the process were partly dominated by TTP, who were now getting assistance from multiple sources to destabilise Pakistan and strengthen themselves militarily. Qandahar saw the opportunity TTP presented, in: a) spoiling Haqqanis&#39; relationship with their mentors in Pakistan, for not doing enough to disarm and control TTP; and b) realising TTP&#39;s potential as a leverage against Islamabad. So, IEA patronised this mostly Pakistani conglomerate of more than 22 armed groups and encouraged the assimilation of demobilised Afghan rank and file into the enterprise. TTP provided a platform to absorb disbanded and bored Afghan Taliban cadre, after IEA assumed power in 2021. Otherwise TTP cohort will not have access to the leftover American armory like sniper rifles, night vision devices, communication equipment and other hardware, now in IEA custody.

Additionally, IEA will continue to raise the bogey of Pak-Afghan International Border (Durand Line) as a contested frontier, as they have very little to stake against Pakistan, other than TTP. Their noisy claims are best ignored, as the Afghan side has no historic, legal or social facts and resources to back their entitlement.

Some Afghans in the &#39;pious&#39; dispensation of IEA erroneously think they can: a) win against Pakistan by destabilising K-P and Balochistan; and b) take the International Border to pre-British Raj days, adjacent to today&#39;s Punjab. These fallacies are at best pipedreams and dreams can be misleading. A nimble Pakistan still hosts millions of Afghans refugees, with or without fake papers; remains a favoured destination for dispossessed Afghans for healthcare; and provides quality education to the future Afghan generations.

Upsetting this apple cart carries a deadly cost! Let the mysterious Afghan riddle not become an enigma anymore! Beating Afghan women, protesting excessive dress code in Herat on June 9, 2026, will just flare up domestic contradictions! Anyone listening!]]>
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			<title>Oh, this intrusive nuptial query!</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612476/oh-this-intrusive-nuptial-query</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612476/oh-this-intrusive-nuptial-query#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:11:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yumna Zahid Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Oh, &quot;When are you getting married?&quot; There it is. The question that refuses to die, much like my patience every time you ask it. Honestly, that patience should be studied by scientists. It could be the eighth wonder of the world at this point. Maybe it&#39;s one of the things holding Pakistani society together.

In Pakistan, there are only three certainties: death, taxes, and someone at a funeral pulling you aside to ask, &quot;When are you getting married?&quot; because apparently, a grave is the perfect place to discuss rishta. Yes, Auntie. She is here burying a loved one, but please, do go on. Nothing says respect for the deceased like treating a graveyard as your personal matchmaking networking event. Perhaps she should bring a portfolio next time. Maybe a PowerPoint presentation. Really maximise the efficiency of the occasion.

In this circus we call life, you cannot even answer a wrong number without them adding, &quot;Oh, sorry, wrong number. Also, when are you getting married?&quot;

The woman could be single-handedly solving the country&#39;s economic crisis, bringing inflation to its knees, stabilising the rupee, negotiating IMF terms with one hand while performing open-heart surgery with the other. And some Auntie would still interrupt to ask, &quot;When are you getting married?&quot; as if inflation is waiting on her nikkah. &quot;Finally, she is married. Now the dollar can drop.&quot; Yes, Auntie, the State Bank has been waiting for this moment. She was the miracle that finally arrived. The finance minister can finally rest. He has been losing sleep over this.

This is the delusion density we are contending with. At this point, she could lead a hostage rescue mission without firing a single shot, and the first question would still be, &quot;But child, who will cook for you?&quot; She could be named UN Secretary-General, and someone would yet say, &quot;Congratulations, congratulations. But your womb is it still you know functioning?&quot;

And the best part? It is never in good faith a genuine inquiry. It is a non-negotiable ruling. A brutal verdict that a woman&#39;s current existence, her degrees, her career, her sanity, her accomplishments, and her entire being count for nothing until a man signs off on it. She could have a corner office overlooking the entire city, a passport full of stamps from countries you cannot pronounce, and a bank account that makes people weep with envy, but in their eyes, she is still a burden sitting in her father&#39;s house like an unsold inventory item. Until some man with a mediocre job, questionable hygiene, and the personality of a damp paper towel shows up to &quot;take responsibility&quot;.

So here is my actual proposal: Ban this marriage question.

Not through any official rulebook, instead, put it into law alongside the most basic rights people are expected to respect in a society. Insert a &quot;Right to Not Be Asked About Weddings at Inappropriate Moments&quot;. Make it something people actually live by. Make it socially unacceptable to keep asking it. First offense: Five thousand rupees. Second offense: You must attend a seminar on boundaries where you are forced to watch a PowerPoint presentation titled &quot;Other People&#39;s Lives Are Not Your Content&quot;. Third offense: You are forced to plan your own daughter&#39;s wedding on a strict budget while she criticises every decision and invites only her friends, none of whom include you. Fair is fair. Cross the line, pay the fine.

So the next time someone asks me when I&#39;m getting married - I don&#39;t know.

But I do know exactly when you are getting blocked if you ask me again. And trust me, the block button is very, very satisfying.]]>
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			<title>Safe city!</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612475/safe-city-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612475/safe-city-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:11:06 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The figures emerging from Islamabad should alarm every citizen and embarrass every institution tasked with protecting the public. In the first five months of this year alone, police registered 432 cases of kidnapping and sexual assault in the federal capital, including 55 cases of sexual violence and 377 cases of kidnapping. Some cases involved gang rape, others the filming of assaults, while at least one kidnapping victim was later found murdered in K-P. These numbers are evidence of a society where predators increasingly believe they can act with impunity.

The most disturbing aspect of these crimes is not only their brutality but their frequency. Islamabad is the seat of the federal government, home to parliament, diplomatic missions and some of the country&#39;s most extensive security infrastructure. If hundreds of such cases can occur in the capital within months, what does that say about the situation in smaller cities and rural districts where law enforcement capacity is far weaker? Pakistan has no shortage of laws. Over the years, parliament has introduced stricter punishments for rape and child abuse. Yet the persistence of these crimes exposes weak enforcement coupled with delayed prosecutions and low conviction rates. Criminals are deterred not by the severity of punishment alone but by the certainty of being caught and convicted. Unfortunately, that certainty remains absent.

The state must first strengthen policing. Equally important is fast-tracking sexual violence and kidnapping cases, with courts mandated to conclude trials within fixed timeframes. Witness protection programmes must be properly funded as too many victims withdraw complaints because the system itself becomes another source of trauma. The rising tide of kidnappings and sexual assaults requires an uncompromising national response.]]>
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			<title>Precarious Mideast</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612474/precarious-mideast</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612474/precarious-mideast#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:11:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612474</guid>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Crests and troughs in the Middle East are surely unravelling the fragile peace. Warring parties seem to have resumed hostilities, and the diplomatic tone too is getting harsh. Iran is defiant as it wants the US to squarely account for the ceasefire &#39;violations&#39; it had carried out by raining down missiles over its mainland. Likewise, the tit-for-tat naval blockade by Washington at the mouth of Arabian Sea is taking a toll as the supply chain is increasingly getting hampered, giving rise to food and oil security concerns. Thus, the Iranian strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan have shattered peace prospects. Coupled with Israel&#39;s relentless bombing of South Lebanon, these actions present a major obstacle to reaching a permanent regional agreement.

The goalpost shifting by President Trump, ironically on an hourly basis, has made a mockery of US strategy in the region. One moment, the impulsive leader eulogises the arch-foe, Iran, for its &quot;understanding of diplomacy&quot; and hints at a deal coming soon; the next he insists that the Islamic republic has capitulated, and he is going for an all-out military solution. The point is that the US has not been able to protect its allies in the region, and the so-called military umbrella has gone for a toss. Moreover, Tehran&#39;s pushback to ensure that American interests come under fire has exposed Washington&#39;s strategic bankruptcy. To cripple it further is the Israeli intransigence that has sabotaged the diplomatic successes attained over the last few weeks.

It seems as if there is a free-for-all in the region: Yemenis have blocked the Bab al-Mandeb Strait; Pakistan has carried out strikes on terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan; Ankara has flown sorties over Iraq; and Israel is out to invade Lebanon. The situation is getting precarious all over. This calls for a grand huddle of heads and hearts on a one-point agenda of stepping back from the brink. The least that is desired is to give peace a chance with both the US and Iran recalibrating their diplomatic skills for a quid pro quo.]]>
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			<title>FIFA greed cup</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612473/fifa-greed-cup</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612473/fifa-greed-cup#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:11:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The biggest-ever FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow with a match between South Africa and Mexico, which is co-hosting the 48-nation tournament along with the US and Canada. But for all of FIFA&#39;s claims of making the tournament more accessible by adding more teams, world football&#39;s governing body is going out of its way to ensure that most average football fans can&#39;t even dream of attending any of the games.

FIFA&#39;s excuse has been that the US is a wealthy nation and fans can afford tickets. But the fact is that even the &#39;cheap seats&#39; for matches between weak teams cost more than prime seats for group stage matches between top teams at previous editions of the tournament. Meanwhile, rich tourists who can afford the tickets are also wary of going to the US because of the Trump administration&#39;s anti-immigrant policies. As things stand, the beautiful game is being turned into a grotesque spectacle of greed and xenophobia.

For the first time, FIFA has deployed a dynamic pricing model that has turned ticket sales into a casino operation. While earlier tournaments saw final tickets around $600, prices for this year&#39;s final have surged to an astonishing $57,000, with a few tickets on official reselling websites going for $2 million each. Semi-final seats now exceed $34,000.

But FIFA&#39;s extortion of its fans pales next to the Trump administration&#39;s cruelty. While restrictions on fans from Iran are unsurprising, the president&#39;s travel bans have also left supporters from Haiti, Senegal and C&ocirc;te d&#39; Ivoire watching from home. Even an award-winning Somali referee was accused of having ties to the al-Shabaab terrorist group and denied entry at Miami airport, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid visa.

But despite the contempt in which regular fans are held by FIFA and the US, the true spirit of football refuses to die. The same fans are still skimping and saving to support their teams. They will fill the stands when they can, share songs, and defy this cynical corporate-political machine. Their passion is the one thing FIFA cannot commodify and Trump cannot ban. Let&#39;s hope the football on the pitch - the artistry, the upsets, the joy - wins in the end. After all, the game has always belonged to the people, not the profiteers.]]>
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			<title>How US and Israel are the biggest losers of this war</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612472/how-us-and-israel-are-the-biggest-losers-of-this-war</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612472/how-us-and-israel-are-the-biggest-losers-of-this-war#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 20:11:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran.Jan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[When the Soviet Union lost the Cold War, it was not like it became an occupied territory where the American occupiers handled Russian slaves. But rather the Soviet Union lost the global power status and communism lost the influence it was supposed to have around the world. Likewise, when the United States lost the war in Vietnam, America did not sign some document of surrender and it wasn&#39;t like Ho Chi Minh was marching in the streets of Hanoi dictating the terms of the American defeat.

It is the fall from grace that hits the powerful states harder than actual defeat as understood in wars between non-nuclear armed countries, where territories are lost, terms of surrender are dictated, a future leader is installed, and the constitution of the defeated state is rewritten.

From any angle of rational approach, the United States and Israel are the actual losers of the war with Iran. Sure, important leaders of Iran have been assassinated and their economy has been choked by sanctions and economic terrorism, but what Iran has achieved and what the US and Israel have lost is worth paying attention to.

Iran has practically demonstrated that it is not impossible to fight back against the strongest military power in the history of mankind. What is more important than powerful weapons and money is the will and the bravery of a nation. That is what Iran has taught the world and that must be extremely disturbing for those who want to rule the world and steal its resources. The Shia population of Iran has proven true to the history of their religion where Imam Hasan and Imam Hussein stood firm and fought bravely against a mighty army.

What Israel has lost is the unshakeable bond that many Americans felt with this Zionist state. An increasing number of Americans are totally against the actions of Israel killing innocent people in Gaza, bombing Lebanon and other neighbouring countries in the region. The images of dead children brutally killed by the Israeli army with missiles over which the IDF had put their signatures, taking pride in killing children, have caused the American people to question their unquestionable love and support for this mad country. Criticising Israel inside America used to be a career killing act in politics, academia, journalism and movies. Today, any celebrity or journalist who criticises Israel becomes one of the most revered and followed personalities.

The election of Zohran Mamdani as the mayor of New York is a big testament to that. New York is where there are a lot of Jews. New York is where 9/11 happened. Yet, a Muslim man winning such a crucial election despite being critical of Israel is a strong slap in the face of Israel. Mamdani showed that you can be critical of Israel and still succeed in American politics.

What the United States lost is what the American war hawks always label as credibility, meaning if America threatens a country then it must make good on that promise or it risks humiliating itself. And that is exactly what Netanyahu did to America by dragging Trump into this war with Iran. Trump has threatened Iran countless times with words such as a &quot;whole civilization will die tonight&quot; and so forth. He also told Israel several times to stop making attacks against Iran, which Israel ignored and made America look ridiculous.

The American credibility as the American war hawks define it and the other one that the oil rich Gulf countries see as the American promise to come to their rescue if things went south, are both in question after Trump attacked Iran. The Gulf countries are going to look elsewhere for their security because they heard the American ambassador in Israel, Mike Huckabee, loud and clear when he said, &quot;it would be fine if they took it all,&quot; referring to the Greater Israel project where Israel would take over more land in the region.

In a nutshell, America is trusted much less on the global stage today and Israel is not loved as before inside America.]]>
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			<title>US imposes new wave of sanctions on Iran as Trump pledges to ramp up attacks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612470/us-imposes-new-wave-of-sanctions-on-iran-as-trump-pledges-to-ramp-up-attacks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612470/us-imposes-new-wave-of-sanctions-on-iran-as-trump-pledges-to-ramp-up-attacks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 18:38:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612470</guid>
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				<![CDATA[US Treasury blacklists nine entities, individuals accused of helping IRGC, Defence Ministry and MODAFL procure weapons]]>
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				<![CDATA[The United States on Wednesday announced a new tranche of sanctions it says targets Iran&#39;s military and weapons programs, minutes after President Donald Trump said American forces would continue to strike targets in the country.

The Treasury Department said it blacklisted nine entities and individuals accused of helping Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Defense Ministry, and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) to procure weapons.

&quot;Through Economic Fury, the Treasury Department is disrupting the foreign procurement networks that support the Iranian military&rsquo;s efforts to acquire weapons,&rdquo; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.



Today, as part of Economic Fury, Treasury&rsquo;s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned nine individuals and entities that have supported weapons procurement on behalf of Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. Treasury&hellip;
&mdash; Treasury Department (@USTreasury) June 10, 2026



&ldquo;Treasury has frozen the Iranian regime&rsquo;s assets, severely disrupted its economy, and dismantled the Iranian war machine. Treasury will not tolerate any support of the Iranian military,&quot; he added.

The designated entities include individuals and entities based in China. They include Liu Boyu, whom the Treasury Department said is the sole director of Mustad Limited, which the agency said has facilitated the &quot;IRGC&rsquo;s procurement of millions of dollars&rsquo; worth of weapons.&quot;

Two of the company&#39;s employees, Wang Hongyi and Xu Lichun, have also been sanctioned.

Read:&nbsp;Pezeshkian vows to stand firm against any pressure as Trump threatens to attack Iran &#39;very hard&#39;

In addition to Mustad and an affiliate company, the US imposed economic penalties on Domus Trading HK Limited, which it alleged &quot;works within Iran&rsquo;s clandestine banking network to facilitate payments on behalf of Iranian blocked persons and has attempted to facilitate payments for Iran&rsquo;s weapons procurement efforts.&quot;

Manuchehr Golchin, an Iranian national based in China, was blacklisted for allegedly serving &quot;as a facilitator for MODAFL&rsquo;s defense acquisitions from China.&quot; Chinese national Meng Shaopei is also being sanctioned for aiding Golchin via Hong Kong-based Solos International Limited, it said.

Minutes before the Treasury Department&#39;s announcement, Trump said the US would continue to carry out attacks against Iran, following the downing of an American Apache helicopter late Monday.

The US president said American forces &quot;hit them hard yesterday, and we&#39;re going to hit them again hard today,&quot; signaling indifference to the ramifications of further attacks on negotiations to formally end the US-Israeli war against Iran.

&quot;We&#39;re going to be attacking them, attacking them very hard. Yeah, well, we are based on the helicopter, I guess we have the right to do that, you know. They shot down a very, very incredible, actually an incredible machine,&quot; Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, alluding to the downing of the Apache helicopter.

&quot;We&#39;ll see what happens with the deal. We were really close to a deal, but they keep tapping us along, they keep playing us for suckers,&quot; he said.]]>
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			<title>New Delhi summons US diplomat over Oman vessel attack: India govt source</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612468/new-delhi-summons-us-diplomat-over-oman-vessel-attack-india-govt-source</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612468/new-delhi-summons-us-diplomat-over-oman-vessel-attack-india-govt-source#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 17:52:56 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[India’s foreign ministry says three Indian crew members are missing after an attack on a commercial tanker off Oman]]>
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				<![CDATA[India summoned the senior US diplomat in New Delhi on Wednesday to lodge a &quot;strong protest&quot; after an attack on a vessel off the coast of Oman left three Indian crewmembers missing.

The foreign ministry &quot;summoned (US) charge d&#39;affaires, lodged a strong protest&quot; over the attack on the commercial vessel, a senior Indian government official told AFP.

Earlier, in a statement, India&#39;s foreign ministry confirmed that three Indian crew members were reported missing in an attack on a commercial tanker off Oman.

Read:&nbsp;Pezeshkian vows to stand firm against any pressure as Trump threatens to attack Iran &#39;very hard&#39;

New Delhi condemned the attack on the vessel, the Settebello, saying, &quot;the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far, and three Indians are reportedly missing&quot;.

&quot;Attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation,&quot; the foreign ministry added.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported an incident 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar in Oman, saying the vessel had reported one casualty and two crew members missing.

&quot;Local authorities have reported a tanker has experienced a fire in their engine room and are on the scene assisting with the evacuation of the crew,&quot; it said.

British maritime security company Vanguard Tech said the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello had &quot;transmitted a distress call stating that its engine room had been struck by a missile while operating off Sohar in the Gulf of Oman&quot; and that there was a fire on board.

A critical waterway for global fuel supplies, the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf has been almost completely blocked since the start of the Middle East war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

Talks during a fragile ceasefire in place since April have failed to deliver a deal to reopen the strait.]]>
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			<title>Police station set ablaze, checkpost demolished in coordinated Balochistan attacks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612461/police-station-set-ablaze-checkpost-demolished-in-coordinated-balochistan-attacks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612461/police-station-set-ablaze-checkpost-demolished-in-coordinated-balochistan-attacks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 16:53:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Syed Ali Shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612461</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Dozens of armed men overpowered personnel, snatched weapons, and set fire to official facilities before fleeing]]>
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				<![CDATA[Dozens of unidentified armed men on Wednesday set fire to a police station and demolished a security checkpost in Balochistan in coordinated attacks carried out in Pishin and Qila Abdullah districts.

According to official sources, more than 50 armed men riding motorcycles carried out simultaneous attacks on a police station in areas bordering the northwestern mountains of Quetta.

The sources said the attackers targeted Sultan Police Station in the Dinar area of Pishin, while simultaneously launching another assault a few kilometres away on the Gilo checkpost in the Doolangi area of Gulistan tehsil in neighbouring Qila Abdullah.

During the twin attacks, the armed men overpowered personnel on duty, snatched their weapons and seized official vehicles. They then set fire to the police station, the checkpost and adjacent residential quarters.

The attackers also demolished the checkpost structure using an excavator before fleeing the scene, the sources added.

Soon after the incident, a heavy contingent of security forces reached the area, cordoned off the region and launched a search operation and investigation.

Security has since been tightened across both districts, with strict monitoring at entry and exit points. A sense of panic and concern prevailed among residents following the high-profile attacks.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the incident.]]>
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			<title>K-P secures major gains on NFC award, tribal districts' funding in NEC meeting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612460/k-p-secures-major-gains-on-nfc-award-tribal-districts-funding-in-nec-meeting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612460/k-p-secures-major-gains-on-nfc-award-tribal-districts-funding-in-nec-meeting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 26 16:44:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612460</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Afridi says PM assures update of NFC Award within 180 days; wheat supply also highlighted]]>
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				<![CDATA[Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that the province strongly presented its case in the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, taking a firm stance on safeguarding its constitutional, financial, and developmental rights.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the chief minister said PM Shehbaz has assured that regular meetings would be held to update the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award within 180 days. He added that if a consensus was not reached within the stipulated period, a summary would be sent to the president for the issuance of a presidential order to update the award.

Afridi described the inclusion of the financial share of the merged districts in the new NFC Award as a major good news for the people of K-P, particularly residents of the merged areas.

Regarding the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) for the merged districts, he said the proposed cuts had been significantly improved following negotiations. However, the provincial government has strongly demanded further enhancements. He expressed hope that additional improvements would be made in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and AIP so that development benefits reach the people of these areas promptly.

The chief minister also referred to Article 151 of the Constitution, which makes it a federal responsibility to ensure the free movement of essential commodities. He stated that if the implementation of this article was&nbsp;not possible, the relevant clause should be repealed to allow provinces to formulate their own policies.

He further disclosed that, under an agreement with PASCO, 175,000 tons of wheat would be supplied to the province at the fixed rate, and the federal government has assured that there would be no increase in wheat prices.

Read More:&nbsp;PM says all decisions taken in national interest in NEC meeting, praises CMs&#39; cooperation in budget-making

Highlighting the province&rsquo;s efforts on law and order, Afridi said K-P was making the largest investment in peace and security across the country. Since October 5, 2025, more than Rs30 billion has been spent on enhancing the capacity of the police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and Special Branch. He vowed to continue strengthening these departments to ensure the protection of life and property.

The chief minister emphasised that working relations with the federal government would be advanced while keeping provincial and public interests in mind. Participation in NEC and NFC meetings is essential for protecting provincial rights and public welfare.

He reiterated that education, health, and law and order remain the top priorities of the provincial government. Afridi called the Health Card a revolutionary project of Founder Imran Khan, through which every citizen of K-P was being provided free medical treatment.

On the environment, the AFridi noted that K-P contributes approximately 45 per cent to Pakistan&rsquo;s total forest cover, with 26.7 per cent of the province&rsquo;s total area under forests.

He announced that a special fund will be allocated for the promotion of forests. Instead of allowing the cutting of trees on private land, the provincial government would purchase them directly and compensate owners to encourage tree planting.]]>
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