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  • PM Shehbaz Sharif applauds power minister Awais Leghari for landmark reforms in the energy sector

    PM Shehbaz Sharif applauds power minister Awais Leghari for landmark reforms in the energy sector

    In a rare and high-impact gesture of appreciation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially lauded Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, for his leadership in driving critical reforms in Pakistan’s power sector.

    The Prime Minister’s letter of recognition praises the Power Division’s performance, highlighting a combination of fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and people-centric governance under Leghari’s stewardship.

    At the heart of the Prime Minister’s appreciation is the unprecedented reduction of Rs. 780 billion in circular debt, a longstanding burden on Pakistan’s economy. The Prime Minister commended this achievement as a testament to strong financial management and inter-ministerial coordination, calling it a “historic breakthrough.”

    The letter also references a Rs. 3.6 trillion national savings secured through the renegotiation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) — a bold and difficult move that helped stabilize energy payments and restructured liabilities for long-term relief.

    In a tangible move toward public relief, the government also introduced a Rs. 8.35/unit reduction in electricity tariffs, benefiting millions of consumers across Pakistan. The Prime Minister acknowledged this as a rare and impactful step, especially in a global economic climate where energy prices continue to rise.

    Further, the launch of the ‘Apna Meter Apni Reading’ initiative was hailed as a transformative step toward transparency and consumer empowerment. The initiative allows citizens to directly participate in meter reading, reducing billing disputes and increasing public trust in the power distribution process.

    The Prime Minister noted that these reforms were achieved within a short span of time and with institutional collaboration, crediting Minister Awais Leghari’s “commitment, leadership, and reform-focused approach.”

    This letter of appreciation marks not only a personal milestone for the Minister but also a national moment of progress, signaling renewed public confidence in the governance of the power sector — one that has long been plagued by inefficiencies and mistrust.

  • Pakistan launches advanced remote sensing satellite from China

    Pakistan launches advanced remote sensing satellite from China

    Pakistan has successfully launched a state-of-the-art remote sensing satellite into orbit on Thursday, marking a major milestone in the country’s space program.

    The launch took place at 7:38 am Pakistan Standard Time from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, with senior officials from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) present at the site.

    The event was broadcast live from SUPARCO’s headquarters in Karachi, highlighting the national importance of the achievement.

    Equipped with advanced electro-optical and hyperspectral sensors, the satellite is designed to provide real-time data for a wide range of applications including disaster prediction, agricultural assessment, environmental monitoring, and urban development.

    “This is a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s space journey,” said the Director General of SPARC, calling the launch a “major breakthrough” that will support national development and improve disaster resilience. “It will not only help us in effective disaster management but also in food security, infrastructure planning and climate response.”

    Officials say the satellite will significantly enhance the country’s ability to issue early warnings for natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides, which have long impacted communities and infrastructure. The satellite’s monitoring capabilities are also expected to play a critical role in addressing food security challenges by providing accurate crop data amid shifting climate conditions.

    Additionally, the satellite will be used to track infrastructure development, particularly projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), offering a more detailed and real-time overview of ongoing progress and compliance.

    This mission builds on Pakistan’s previous advancements in space technology. In 2018, the country launched its first remote sensing satellite, PRSS-1, alongside the Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite (PakTES-1A). These missions laid the foundation for more sophisticated satellite launches, including the recent EO-1 electro-optical satellite, which expanded Pakistan’s presence in low Earth orbit.

    The latest launch is seen as a significant step forward in utilizing space technology for national development and regional collaboration.

  • ‘Maybe Pakistan will be selling oil to India some day’: Trump announces deal with Islamabad

    ‘Maybe Pakistan will be selling oil to India some day’: Trump announces deal with Islamabad

    United States (US) President Donald Trump on Wednesday night announced that the US has concluded a deal with Pakistan, allowing both countries to work together on developing Pakistan’s vast oil reserves.

    “We have just concluded a Deal with the country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

    “We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling Oil to India someday!” the post read.

    The announcement, however, does not make reference to a possible agreement on tariffs, taxes imposed on imported goods between Pakistan and the US.

    According to the Ministry of Finance, the breakthrough came during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s meeting with the US Secretary of Commerce and the US Trade Representative. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul were also in attendance.

    The official statement said, “The purpose of the deal is to boost bilateral trade, improve market access, attract investment, and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”

    “Under the agreement, there will be a reduction in tariffs, particularly on Pakistani exports to the US, and a fresh start in economic cooperation between the two countries.

    “The two sides will focus on energy, minerals, information technology, cryptocurrency, and other key areas,” the statement added.

    Trump punishes India with 25 per cent tariff

    Hours before announcing the deal with Pakistan, the US president said in a post on Truth Social that the US has done relatively “little business” with India over the years due to its extremely high tariffs, among the highest in the world. “They have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country,” he added.

    The US president also criticised New Delhi’s continued reliance on Russian arms and energy purchases. “They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY…” the post read.

    “India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25pc, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August 1,” the post concluded.

  • Canada intends to recognize Palestinian state at UN General Assembly: Carney

    Canada intends to recognize Palestinian state at UN General Assembly: Carney

    Canada plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday, a major policy shift that drew an angry response from US President Donald Trump and was rejected by Israel.

    Carney said the move was necessary to preserve hopes of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a long-standing Canadian goal that was “being eroded before our eyes.”

    “Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025,” the prime minister said.

    This makes Canada — a G7 nation — the third country, following recent announcements by France and the United Kingdom, to signal plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

    Carney said the worsening suffering of civilians in Gaza left “no room for delay in coordinated international action to support peace.”

    Israel blasted Canada’s announcement as part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure,” while Trump warned that trade negotiations with Ottawa may not proceed smoothly.

    “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine,” the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform.

    “That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them.”

    Asked by reporters if there was a scenario where Canada could change its position before the UN meeting, Carney said: “there’s a scenario (but) possibly one that I can’t imagine.”

    Canada’s intention “is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms,” Carney said, referring to the body led by President Mahmoud Abbas, which has civil authority in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

    Carney said his plans were further predicated on Abbas’s pledge to “hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.”

    – ‘Historic’ decision –


    With Wednesday’s announcement, Carney positioned Canada alongside France, after President Emmanuel Macron said his country would formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN meeting, the most powerful European nation to announce such a move.

    The Israeli embassy in Ottawa said “recognizing a Palestinian state in the absence of accountable government, functioning institutions, or benevolent leadership, rewards and legitimizes the monstrous barbarity of Hamas on October 7, 2023.”

    The PA’s Abbas welcomed the announcement as a “historic” decision, while France said the countries would work together “to revive the prospect of peace in the region.”

    Canada’s plan goes a step further than this week’s announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    Starmer said the UK will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes various “substantive steps,” including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.

    – Two-state solution –


    Carney stressed that Canada has been an unwavering member of the group of nations that hoped a two-state solution “would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.”

    “Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable,” he said, citing “Hamas terrorism” and the group’s “longstanding violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist.”

    The peace process has also been eroded by the expansion of Israeli settlements across the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, Carney said.

    The prime minister said a two-state solution was growing increasingly remote, with a vote in Israel’s parliament “calling for the annexation of the West Bank,” as well as Israel’s “ongoing failure” to prevent humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

    He framed his decision as one aimed at safeguarding Israel’s future.

    “Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace,” Carney said.

    Canada’s support for Palestine makes trade deal ‘very hard’: Trump 

    Earlier on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that Canada’s support for Palestinian statehood makes reaching a trade deal with Ottawa “very hard”.

    “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

  • World Athletics makes gender testing mandatory for females

    World Athletics makes gender testing mandatory for females

    World Athletics has announced a new rule making gender testing mandatory for female athletes wishing to compete in women’s events at international ranking competitions.

    According to the new regulation, athletes must undergo a one-time “SRY” test to verify their gender. Only those who test negative will be eligible to participate in the women’s category.

    The policy will come into effect from September 25, during the upcoming World Athletics Championship. All athletes intending to compete must submit their test results by September 1. The responsibility for conducting and submitting these tests will lie with the respective national federations.

    Meanwhile, in the United States, the Olympic and Paralympic Committee has enforced a ban on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, in line with an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.

    The U.S. Olympics Committee stated that it will continue working with various stakeholders to ensure fair and safe competition for women, in accordance with Executive Order 14201 and the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.

    In February, President Trump signed an order aimed at barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. He further stated that transgender athletes will not be allowed to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

    The executive order also directs the Department of Justice and other government bodies to ensure the enforcement of the policy across all public institutions.

  • Pakistan advance to the finals as India withdraw from WCL semifinal

    Pakistan advance to the finals as India withdraw from WCL semifinal

    In line with its aim to politicise the game, India has once again refused to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

    This time, the Indian team has pulled out of the semifinal clash scheduled to be held in Birmingham, England tomorrow (Jul 31).

    Earlier in the tournament, India had boycotted the group stage match against Pakistan. Now, by refusing to play the semifinal, India has effectively allowed Pakistan to advance directly to the final.

    WCL, in an official statement, confirmed the development, saying, “At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world.”

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    “However, public sentiment must always be respected — after all, everything we do is for our audience. We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete. Taking all factors into consideration, the match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final,” WCL wrote in an official statement.

    Reports also suggest that five Indian players have opted out of playing the semifinal against Pakistan. These include captain Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan.

    The same players had earlier in the tournament also demanded that Shahid Afridi be excluded from Pakistan’s playing XI if the match was to go ahead.

    They had objected to Afridi’s political views and his strong criticism against Indian atrocities in held Kashmir.

    It merits a mention that the decision comes after India agreed to participate in Asia Cup 2025 at a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council chaired by Mohsin Naqvi.

    The announcement drew strong reactions from within India as certain quarters continue to push the management to completely boycott matches against Pakistan.

  • Mahira’s bold new look is all about the curls

    Mahira’s bold new look is all about the curls

    Mahira Khan has left fans speechless, this time not with a film role but with her hairstyle.

    The superstar recently revealed her brand-new perm, sharing a series of curly-haired selfies on Instagram with a caption, “I got a PERM. Yes like a perm, Perm. Two people I didn’t inform – my hairstylist and of course my Ama ‍ ”

    Known for her silky wavy locks, Mahira’s new curly look is a major change and it’s safe to say, fans are loving it.

    Mahira’s bold hair transformation sparked a wave of compliments in the comments section.

    One user wrote, “You must’ve been feeling rebellious!” adding a heart-on-fire emoji. Another commented, “This is how my natural hair looks omg I feel so validated,” showing how the actress’s new look resonated with many.

    Some praised her timeless beauty. One user said, “Age is just a number for Mahira. Absolutely gorgeous and beautiful.” Another added, “Love ittttt!!”

    A fan called her the “most beautiful actress in the world,” while someone else charmingly wrote, “Mahira our personal Moana princess.”

    While Mahira joked about not informing her hairstylist or even her mother, the internet seems to have embraced her new look with full hearts and fire emojis.

  • British Council and Scottish Government launch 10-Year Impact Report highlighting transformative role of Scotland Pakistan Scholarships for Young Women and Girls

    British Council and Scottish Government launch 10-Year Impact Report highlighting transformative role of Scotland Pakistan Scholarships for Young Women and Girls

    Over 20,000 girls have benefited from the scholarship since 2013

    The British Council, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has launched the 10-Year Impact Evaluation Country Report of the Scotland Pakistan Scholarships for Young Women and Girls, highlighting the transformative power of education in the lives of over 20,000 girls and young women across Pakistan.

    Since its inception in 2013, the programme has supported more than 18,000 girls at the school level and 2,000 at the university level, helping them overcome financial, social, and cultural barriers to education. Designed to reach some of the most underserved communities—including girls from religious minorities, persons with disabilities, and rural and remote areas—the programme has had a far-reaching impact on access, retention, confidence, and ultimately, workforce participation.

    Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, Chairman Prime Ministers Youth Program said:

    “The 10-Year Evaluation Report of the Scotland Pakistan Scholarships for Young Women and Girls highlights a decade of transformative progress. This initiative, in collaboration with the Scottish Government, has significantly expanded educational opportunities for underprivileged girls across Pakistan, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered future.”

    James Hampson, Country Director at the British Council Pakistan, said:

    “This initiative, generously supported and funded by the Scottish Government, has always been about far more than just funding education. It’s about opening doors, unlocking potential, and sending a powerful message to every girl: you matter, and your dreams are worth backing. The incredible scale of this program, reaching more than 20,000 girls and young women across Pakistan, demonstrates the profound impact we have achieved. When we invest in girls, we don’t just change their future—we change entire communities.”

     

    The evaluation, conducted using a mixed-methods approach, reveals that:

    ●        the scholarships have significantly increased enrolment and retention rates, reduced financial stress on families, and led to measurable gains in self-confidence and academic performance.

    ●        Among school-level beneficiaries, 87% of parents reported that the scholarship eased financial pressure, while 95% saw improved confidence and performance in their daughters.

    ●        At the university level, 73% of recipients said they would not have been able to continue their studies without the scholarship, while nearly 50% of eligible graduates are now in the workforce, many in socially critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and research.

     

    James McNulty, Inclusive Education Lead (International Development) at the Scottish Government, added:

     

    “Gender equality and inclusive education are at the heart of Scotland’s international development priorities. We are proud to have partnered with the British Council to deliver this impactful programme, and this evaluation shows that our investment is enabling lasting change—empowering young women in Pakistan to overcome barriers, pursue opportunity, and lead their communities forward.”

     

    The report also highlights powerful individual stories: from a young woman in Gilgit-Baltistan who became a gold medallist despite growing up in poverty, to a nurse in Karachi who rose to become a university lecturer, and a deaf student in Sindh overcoming systemic challenges through scholarship support. To read the complete report please visit https://bit.ly/3Gqpk0y .

    As Pakistan continues to face significant gender disparities in education and employment, the Scotland Pakistan Scholarships for Young Women and Girls stands as a proven model for inclusive, sustainable, and life-changing support and is an integral part of the British Council’s mission to provide women the platforms that will enable them to become leaders and changemakers for a more prosperous Pakistan.

     

     Notes to the Editor

     About the British Council

     The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.

    www.britishcouncil.org

  • Alizeh Shah takes legal action against Minsa Malik amid ongoing drama

    Alizeh Shah takes legal action against Minsa Malik amid ongoing drama

    Actress Alizeh Shah has filed a legal case against fellow actress Minsa Malik, following a defamation notice sent by Malik.

    According to the details shared by Alizeh Shah on Instagram, the lawsuit accuses Minsa Malik of using “defamatory and misleading statements” against her, with the intent to harm her reputation.

    The case mentions character assassination, reputational damage, and spreading false claims. It also includes accusations of “derogatory language” and “acknowledging hitting someone on a mass medium.”

    Shah’s legal team is demanding a written apology and a retraction within 48 hours. If not fulfilled, they plan to take further legal action.

    The notice also states that Minsa Malik had submitted a complaint earlier, only to later withdraw it—something Shah’s team describes as a “malicious attempt to damage her image and destabilize her career.”

    This legal drama comes shortly after Alizeh Shah made headlines with shocking claims about her viral on-set fight with Minsa Malik.

    She also recently went viral for accusing veteran singer Shazia Manzoor of “pushing and dragging” her during a ramp walk, which sparked debate across social media.

    Alizeh Shah, known for hit dramas like Ehd-e-Wafa, Mera Dil Mera Dushman, Dil Moum Ka Diya, Bebasi and more, claimed on social media that “Minsa Malik is giving me death threats after I exposed her wrongdoings.”

    The controversy continues to unfold as fans wait to see how Minsa Malik will respond to these serious accusations.

  • Pakistan bow out of U19 Volleyball World Championship after thriller against Poland

    Pakistan bow out of U19 Volleyball World Championship after thriller against Poland

    Pakistan’s historic run at the FIVB U19 Volleyball World Championship came to a valiant end in the Round of 16 after a 3-2 loss to Poland in Tashkent on Wednesday.

    The five-set thriller ended 25-21, 23-25, 25-17, 21-25, 16-18 in Poland’s favour, but not before Pakistan pushed one of Europe’s top youth teams to the limit. Despite the narrow defeat, Pakistan left the tournament with their heads held high.

    However, the loss did not come without controversy. According to reports, Pakistani players and officials were left frustrated by several questionable decisions from the referee, especially during the final stages of the deciding set.

    “I fail to understand why FIVB didn’t make the review system available in an event like the world championship,” a PVF official remarked after the game.

    Chaudhry Yaqoob, Chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation, confirmed that a formal protest will be lodged with FIVB over the standard of officiating in the knockout match.

    “Pakistan team’s manager asked the FIVB Control Committee to review the final point decision on available footage or computer. He came back and told him that it was foul by Poland and apologized but they couldn’t change the decision,” said Yaqoob.

    Despite the unfortunate ending, Pakistan’s campaign has been nothing short of exceptional.

    They began their debut tournament by shocking world No. 7 Belgium with a straight-sets win. This was followed by another 3-0 victory against hosts Uzbekistan. Their dominance continued with a clean sweep over Türkiye and Puerto Rico, sealing four wins in four matches without dropping a single set in the group stage.

    Pakistan suffered their only group-stage defeat in a 3-2 battle against Argentina in their final Pool A fixture, but still qualified for the Round of 16 with confidence.

    Though their journey ended against Poland, Pakistan’s performance at the U19 World Championship signals a bright future for volleyball in the country.