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Author: News Desk

  • Iran confirms fresh nuclear talks with European powers

    Iran confirms fresh nuclear talks with European powers

    Iran confirmed fresh talks with European powers to be held on Friday in Istanbul, the country’s state media reported, the first since the United States attacked Iranian nuclear facilities a month ago.

    Iranian diplomats will meet counterparts from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, after the trio warned that sanctions could be reimposed on Tehran if it does return to the negotiating table over its nuclear programme.

    Western nations and Israel have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran has consistently denied.

    “In response to the request of European countries, Iran has agreed to hold a new round of talks,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai, as quoted by state TV on Monday.

    The subject of the talks will be Iran’s nuclear programme, it added.

    A German diplomatic source had told AFP on Sunday the E3 were in contact with Tehran and said “Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon”.

    “That is why Germany, France and the United Kingdom are continuing to work intensively in the E3 format to find a sustainable and verifiable diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear programme,” the source said.

    Israel launched on June 13 a wave of surprise strikes on its regional nemesis, targeting key military and nuclear facilities.

    The United States launched its own set of strikes against Iran’s nuclear programme on June 22, hitting the uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, in Qom province south of Tehran, as well as nuclear sites in Isfahan and Natanz.

    – Kremlin meeting –

    Iran and the United States had held several rounds of nuclear negotiations through Omani mediators before Israel launched its 12-day war against Iran.

    However, US President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities effectively ended the talks.

    The E3 countries last met with Iranian representatives in Geneva on June 21 — just one day before the US strikes.

    Also Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a surprise meeting in the Kremlin with Ali Larijani, top adviser to Iran’s supreme leader on nuclear issues.

    Larijani “conveyed assessments of the escalating situation in the Middle East and around the Iranian nuclear programme”, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of the unannounced meeting.

    Putin had expressed Russia’s “well-known positions on how to stabilise the situation in the region and on the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear programme”, he added.

    Moscow has a cordial relationship with Iran’s clerical leadership and provides crucial backing for Tehran but did not swing forcefully behind its partner even after the United States joined Israel’s bombing campaign.

    – Snapback mechanism –

    Iran and world powers struck a deal in 2015 called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which placed significant restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

    But the hard-won deal began to unravel in 2018, during Trump’s first presidency, when the United States walked away from it and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

    European countries have in recent days threatened to trigger the deal’s “snapback” mechanism, which allows the reimposition of sanctions in the event of non-compliance by Iran.

    After a call with his European counterparts on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Western allies had “absolutely no moral (or) legal grounds” for reactivating the snapback sanctions.

    He elaborated in a post to social media Sunday.

    “Through their actions and statements, including providing political and material support to the recent unprovoked and illegal military aggression of the Israeli regime and the US… the E3 have relinquished their role as ‘Participants’ in the JCPOA,” said Araghchi.

    That made any attempt to reinstate the terminated UN Security Council resolutions “null and void”, he added.

    “Iran has shown that it is capable of defeating any delusional ‘dirty work’ but has always been prepared to reciprocate meaningful diplomacy in good faith,” Araghchi wrote.

    However, the German source said Sunday that “if no solution is reached over the summer, snapback remains an option for the E3”.

    Ali Velayati, an adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said last week there would be no new nuclear talks with the United States if they were conditioned on Tehran abandoning its uranium enrichment activities.

  • Shahzaib Rind becomes KC Lightweight World Champion

    Shahzaib Rind becomes KC Lightweight World Champion

    Shahzaib Rind claimed the KC Lightweight World Championship at KC 56, delivering a dominant performance against Brazil’s Luis Rocha, extending his undefeated professional record to 8-0.

    As one of Pakistan’s fastest-rising MMA talents, Rind showcased his technical precision and calm demeanour in the octagon. In front of a packed crowd, he dictated the pace of the fight, outclassing Rocha in key exchanges to secure a decisive victory and the world title on Sunday.

    This win not only establishes him as the new KC Lightweight World Champion but also signals Pakistan’s growing presence in the global MMA arena. 

    Rind became Pakistan’s first-ever world champion after winning the Karate Combat KC‑49 title in Singapore in 2024, where he defeated Brazil’s Bruno Roberto De Assis in the final. He is also a six-time national Wushu champion and previously secured the Combat League title in the United States.

  • 11 arrested after viral ‘honour’ killing video shocks Pakistan

    11 arrested after viral ‘honour’ killing video shocks Pakistan

    Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has announced that 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a couple in a remote desert area of the province. 

    The case sparked widespread outrage after a disturbing video of the honour killings went viral on social media.

    The video shows a group of men escorting a couple out of vehicles into a desolate desert region in Balochistan before shooting them with pistols and then firing at their bodies once again.

    Activists and political leaders criticized the incident as honour killing.

    The video, filmed in a desert amid pickup trucks, shows the woman being given a copy of the Quran. She then tells a man: “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.” 

    The man follows her for a few steps when she says, “You are allowed only to shoot me. Nothing more than that.” The man then aims the pistol at her and shot her three times. 

    The woman did not cry or seek mercy but simply dropped to the ground after the third shot. The video then showed the bloody corpse of a man lying on the ground beside her. The men are then shown shooting at both bodies.

    CM Bugti confirmed that the victims had been identified in a post on X, which stated that the awful incident occurred a few days prior to Eidul Azha this year. 

    “Taking immediate notice of the viral video of the murder of a woman and a man on all social media, orders were issued to Balochistan Police for action,” the CM wrote. 

    “A terrorism case has been registered on behalf of the state, and one suspected killer has been arrested; the law will take its course in this heinous matter.”

    Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, speaking at the Karachi Press Club, said efforts were underway to trace and apprehend the remaining suspects. 

    “The two affected families had not filed any report of the incident; however, the state has registered a case,” he stated. 

    “The tribes and individuals seen in the video have been identified; however, their names are not being disclosed at this stage as part of a strategic approach,” Rind added.

    He further confirmed that the location in the video had been identified but was not being disclosed. “Whether it is the killers or those who possibly held a jirga, strict legal action will be taken against all of them,” Rind warned.

     “An FIR has already been registered based on the facts revealed in the video, and now the investigation will be taken to its logical conclusion.”

    Rind also conveyed CM Bugti’s message: “Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has said that such brutal acts are not only intolerable but are also a serious insult to social values and human dignity. CM Bugti has made it clear that those who challenge the rule of law will be dealt with strictly and no one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands.”

    Political leaders and activists strongly condemned the video after it went viral. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly denounced the murder, calling the suspects “beasts,” and demanding justice.

     “I have faith that the criminals involved in this murder will be brought to justice soon,” he said. “This murder should be a test case for the Balochistan government, as it is gender terrorism.”

    He further highlighted how the Constitution protects women’s right to marry the men of their choosing under Islam.

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also shared the video on X, addressing the people of Balochistan. Referring to the province’s militancy, he said: “Those who have taken up arms against the state, start by raising your voice against the unjust system that surrounds you.”

    Senator Sherry Rehman, the vice president of the PPP, condemned the act as an “unforgivable crime.” “Crushing the right to marry is a violation of fundamental human rights. Killing in the name of tribal decisions is a despicable act. The cycle of brutality in the name of honour must be stopped,” she wrote on X. 

    “By mercilessly killing the married couple, not only have law and justice been insulted, but the authority of the provincial government has also been challenged,” she added. “The chapter of oppression and barbarism under the guise of jirgas must be closed.”


    Sammi Deen Baloch, a local activist, also criticized the murder and urged tribal elders to honour the autonomy of women. “As a woman, this chilling incident is deeply painful and heart-wrenching for me,” she wrote on X. 

    “Killing any woman in the name of honour is not only a heinous crime but also the worst humiliation of humanity. I appeal to Baloch and Pashtun tribal elders, influential sections of society, and intellectuals to respect women’s decisions. Today’s woman is the same woman who is educated, aware, and fully capable of making decisions about her future.”

    She called for an open and thorough investigation to ensure justice and prevent such barbaric acts in the future.

    The woman, identified as Sheetal, had chosen to marry a man of her choice, which reportedly led to the incident. According to officials and activists, murder suspects include her father, brothers, and other relatives who accused her of violating tribal customs. They handed her a copy of the Quran before carrying out the killing, which they claimed was to preserve “honor.”

  • Judges’ Rest House staff faces action for using crockery

    Judges’ Rest House staff faces action for using crockery

    An internal inquiry commenced by the Lahore High Court (LHC) has recommended a minor penalty of “censure” for four members of janitorial and services staff at the Judges Rest House, GOR-I (Government Officers’ Residences), for using ‘forbidden’ crockery.

    A Christian waiter, among the staff, has been issued a final show-cause of dismissal from service on another charge of ‘misconduct’.

    According to reports, the staff were found using crockery designated for the “honourable judges” on December 3, 2024, while having lunch in Suite No. 6 of the Rest House, despite prior warnings.

    Samuel Sandhu (bearer/waiter), Faisal Hayat (dusting coolie), Shahzad Masih (sweeper), and Muhammad Imran (counter staff) are among the staff who have been accused in the inquiry.


    In their defence, the staff maintained that they were having lunch on plates meant for gunmen and drivers of the judges. 

    The inquiry report suggests that waiter Sandhu also displayed inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour towards his seniors when confronted about the matter, a charge Sandhu has denied.

    The inquiry officer, Additional Registrar (Examinations) Usman Ali Awan, found Sandhu guilty of misconduct, recommending the major penalty of “Removal from Service” under Rule 23 (6) of the High Court Rules & Orders.

    While other staff members admitted to using the crockery and were recommended for the minor penalty of censure, Sandhu’s alleged aggressive behaviour and use of rude language were considered enough to justify his dismissal, it said.

    The inquiry report further stated that evidence, including witness testimonies and video footage, supported the charges against him.

    The final notice- issued on July 11- provides Sandhu with 10 days to respond and defend himself, and failure to do so will result in the presumption that he has no defense to offer, leading to the imposition of the recommended major penalty.

    The report also cites witness statements and video evidence to support the misconduct charges against Sandhu.

    Although the complainant/caretaker reiterated that a number of times instructions have been passed to the staff, an LHC official, told a leading English newspaper that no clear written policy about crockery restrictions was visible in the Rest House, adding that the rules were often enforced arbitrarily.

    The official added that the case underscores the need for clear internal protocols and equal application of disciplinary procedures to prevent both misconduct and perceptions of bias, particularly in highly sensitive environments like judicial premises.

  • 8.2 million award for history-making U16 volleyball champions

    8.2 million award for history-making U16 volleyball champions

    Pakistan’s U16 men’s volleyball team returned home to a hero’s welcome on Sunday night after making history by clinching their first-ever Asian U16 Volleyball Championship title in Thailand. 

    The team defeated defending champions Iran in a dramatic 3-2 final, bulldozing through the tournament without losing a single match.

    Fans, officials, and family members gathered at Lahore airport to receive the young champions. Draped in Pakistani flags and garlands, the players were met with loud chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” and applause, highlighting the pride and excitement their victory sparked across the country.

    In recognition of their remarkable achievement, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has announced a total cash reward of Rs8.2 million under its revised 2024 Cash Award Policy.

    According to the PSB, each of the 12 players will receive Rs600,000, making a total of Rs7.2 million. Additionally, the team’s head coach will be awarded Rs1 million for his role in guiding the squad to continental glory.

    “These young athletes have brought immense pride to Pakistan,” said a PSB spokesperson. “Their achievement deserves to be recognised, not only through celebration but by ensuring they are supported and rewarded for their excellence.”

    The PSB further stated that gold medallists in team events at the continental level are entitled to 30 percent of the individual award value per athlete, while coaches receive 50 percent of the team’s total prize money.

    With the Asian title secured, the young squad will now set its sights on making a mark at the global level.

  • ‘One bad egg spoils everything’: Shahid Afridi reacts to India pulling out of WCL match

    ‘One bad egg spoils everything’: Shahid Afridi reacts to India pulling out of WCL match

    Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has reacted to the cancellation of the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

    The match was scheduled to take place on Sunday in Birmingham but was called off following opposition from Indian players over Afridi’s inclusion in the Pakistani lineup.

    Speaking after the match was called off, Afridi said the tournament had been going well and praised the team. “The WCL was planned for three weeks, and it’s wrapping up in two, but we’ve enjoyed it. I’ll give full credit to Kamil Khan (owner of Pakistan Champions), who led the team under pressure for two months and helped us build a solid combination. We won our first match, and there was a lot of excitement for the second. Today, we were supposed to be on the field in front of 17 to 18 thousand fans. It would’ve been a great match to watch, and that’s a big disappointment.”

    Commenting on the controversy that led to the match being called off, Afridi said, “I think the Indian team was disappointed because of just one player’s objection. They came here to play, and it’s upsetting that such a situation arose. That’s why I keep saying that if you’re a country’s ambassador, then act like one. Don’t act like you’re not. Ambassadors have fans an followers, and they represent their people.”

    Afridi said he often travels abroad and meets communities that are eager to see cricket grow. “I’ve had great interactions with cricket-loving communities in places like the US. We’ve improved relations in the past through cricket, even when political conditions weren’t ideal. I always say there’s nothing better than sports diplomacy. It brings people closer.”

    He added, “If you bring politics into everything, how will you move forward? Until we sit together and communicate, problems will only increase. The reason we come to play cricket is so that we can meet one-on-one, have conversations, and connect. But sometimes, one bad egg spoils everything.”

    When asked how he felt knowing that the match may have been cancelled because of him, Afridi responded, “If I had known the match was being stopped because of me, I would have stayed away from the ground. But the match should have happened. Cricket is important. It’s bigger than us. It comes before everything. If one person refuses to play against Pakistan, then don’t play, but the sport must go on. Sports is bigger than any one individual.”

    The clash was officially cancelled after tournament organizers issued a statement expressing regret over the development. According to sources, Indian players including Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh opposed the match, demanding that Afridi not be included in the playing XI.

    Indian media also stirred up controversy, questioning the need for such a match. Under growing pressure, the organizers eventually decided to cancel the fixture.

    Despite the setback, the WCL will continue as planned. Pakistan, led by Mohammad Hafeez, defeated England in the opening fixture.

  • Pak-India World Championship of Legends clash cancelled after India opposes Afridi’s inclusion

    Pak-India World Championship of Legends clash cancelled after India opposes Afridi’s inclusion

    A much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India in the ongoing World Championship of Legends has been cancelled following objections from the Indian side over the inclusion of Shahid Afridi in the Pakistan squad.

    The match was scheduled for today in Birmingham but has officially been called off.

    In an official statement, tournament organizers expressed regret, saying they were disappointed that the high-profile encounter could not take place. They assured fans who had purchased tickets that full refunds would be provided and the process would be facilitated promptly.

    Pakistan had kicked off their campaign with a win over England under the leadership of Mohammad Hafeez.

    According to media reports, controversy arose when it was allegedly demanded that Shahid Afridi be dropped from the playing XI. Indian players Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh reportedly refused to participate in the match.

    Indian media also questioned the need for staging the match amid rising tensions between the two arch-rivals. With pressure mounting, the organizers ultimately decided to cancel the fixture.

    Despite the setback, the remainder of the tournament will continue as scheduled.

  • Shah Rukh Khan injured while performing his own stunt for King

    Shah Rukh Khan injured while performing his own stunt for King

    Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was recently injured while shooting for his upcoming film King and has since been moved to the United States for treatment.

    According to Indian media, the incident took place on the film’s set in Mumbai during an intense action sequence, where Khan hurt his back. While the injury has not been reported to be serious, doctors have reportedly advised him to rest for at least a month to ensure a full recovery.

    The production team has temporarily halted the filming of the movie. Industry insiders say this delay could increase the film’s overall budget, but the producers have decided to prioritise Shah Rukh Khan’s health over deadlines.

    The scene was a high-energy stunt which Shah Rukh chose to perform himself. A close source was quoted as saying, “Shah Rukh Khan has been injured several times during the shoot, but he always returns to work quickly after recovery.”

    In 2017, he injured his neck while shooting for Zero and underwent treatment in the US.

    Filming for King began last year, with the film aiming for an early 2026 release. Originally set to be directed by story writer Sujoy Ghosh, the film is now being helmed by Pathaan director Siddharth Anand.

    Adding to the excitement, King will feature Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter, Suhana Khan, in a story said to explore a strong father-daughter bond. Meanwhile, Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan is also set to play a key role, adding to the film’s star power.

  • Hania Aamir celebrates as Sardar Ji 3 breaks box office records in Pakistan

    Hania Aamir celebrates as Sardar Ji 3 breaks box office records in Pakistan

    Pakistani actress Hania Aamir is celebrating the massive success of her Punjabi debut Sardar Ji 3, which has become the highest-grossing Indian Punjabi film in Pakistan.

    The film has earned over Rs310 million at the local box office, surpassing the record set by Carry On Jatta 3.

    Instagram Post
    Instagram Post
    Instagram Post

    Hania took to Instagram to celebrate the massive success and shared glimpses from a surprise celebration arranged for her. Dressed in a comfy white shirt and flaunting a natural no-makeup look, the actress looked truly overwhelmed with joy.

    One of the highlights of her post was a room filled with colourful balloons and huge flower bouquets. 

    Her fans filled the comments section with love and praise.

    One user commented, “You truly deserve all the happiness!” Another wrote, “Mommy Gurlee, Sardar Ji 3 is a big achievement ❤ .” A third fan added, “The fit is so cute and you’re the CUTEST! Masha Allah!”

    While the film has seen massive success in Pakistan and earned $6 million overseas, Sardaar Ji 3, part of the hit Punjabi comedy franchise, stars Diljit Dosanjh as the beloved Sardaar Ji and marks Hania Aamir’s big Punjabi film debut.

    Directed by Rohit Jugraj and produced by White Hill Studios and Rhythm Boyz Entertainment, the film mixes romance, comedy, and light supernatural elements. It also features veteran actors Jaswinder Bhalla and BN Sharma, who add to the film’s charm.

    Despite the unfortunate ban on its release in India following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, the film is gaining attention worldwide. The producers, along with Diljit Dosanjh, decided not to release it in India out of respect for public sentiment. However, this hasn’t stopped it from becoming a major success internationally.

  • Pakistan Sports Board demands full record of PHF officials’ foreign trips, expenses

    Pakistan Sports Board demands full record of PHF officials’ foreign trips, expenses

    The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has officially asked the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to submit complete details of the foreign trips taken by its president and secretary, along with the financial expenditures involved.

    According to reports, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) recently issued a letter to the PHF stating that it is the federation’s responsibility, not the board’s, to cover the travel and daily allowances (TA/DA) of players and officials during foreign tours.

    The letter specifically mentioned the Nations Cup held in Malaysia, where the issue of unpaid TA/DA to national players was raised. The PSB noted that PHF has still not provided a detailed account of the funds it received last year, despite repeated verbal and written reminders sent to the federation’s top officials.

    The PHF acknowledged in a written statement on May 30, 2025, that it had sufficient funds in its bank account, yet players were not paid their daily allowances. On June 20, the PSB formally sought clarification on the matter, but no response has been received to date.

    The PSB has now asked the PHF to submit a full financial record, including bank statements for the past six months, as well as detailed information on all foreign trips undertaken by the president and secretary during that time and the expenses incurred.

    Additionally, the PSB has requested information about the establishment of PHF’s new office in Islamabad, including proof of approval from the federation’s executive board.