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  • ‘Nation grieves’: Lt Col Laiq Baig Mirza martyred by terrorists in Balochistan

    ‘Nation grieves’: Lt Col Laiq Baig Mirza martyred by terrorists in Balochistan

    Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza embraced martyrdom after being abducted by terrorists in Ziarat District, Balochistan.

    According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Shaheed Lt Col Baig and his cousin Umer Javed were kidnapped by terrorists when they were both returning to Quetta after visiting Quaid-e-Azam’s residency.

    Quick Response Force (QRF) of SSG Commandos was dispatched instantly for a search operation.

    “Resultantly, on the night between July 13 and July 14, a group of six to eight terrorists was spotted moving in a nullah in nearby mountains by one of the teams of security forces. On sensing their possible encirclement, terrorists shot Lt Col Mirza and attempted to flee,” said the military’s media wing.

    Later, the exchange of fire between the army and the terrorist group resulted in the killing of two terrorists. However, Lt Col Mirza’s cousin Umer couldn’t be recovered.

    A search operation is still underway to recover Umer Javed.

    The ISPR said that the forces are determined to recover the innocent civilian hostage. “Security Forces remain resolute to thwart such cowardly attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.”

    PM Shehbaz and CM Balochistan extend condolences

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif tweeted, “Deeply grieved over the martyrdom of Lt Col Laiq Baig Mirza in Balochistan. Our law enforcement agencies will hunt down all those who perpetrated this heinous crime and bring them to justice. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. The nation grieves with them and shares their sorrow.”

    Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also expressed sorrow at Lt Col Baig’s martyrdom.

  • ‘What Deepika did in Gehraiyaan, I did that 15 years ago but media tortured me’: Mallika Sherawat

    ‘What Deepika did in Gehraiyaan, I did that 15 years ago but media tortured me’: Mallika Sherawat

    Bollywood actor Mallika Sherawat is currently gearing up for the release of her on-screen comeback with RK/RKay. While promoting the film, the Murder star shared how a section of the industry always spoke about her body and glamour but never her acting.

    She also compared fellow actress Deepika Padukone’s performance in Gehraiyaan with her film Murder, saying that she did similar work over 15 years back.

    Deepika Padukone opens up on intimate scenes in Gehraiyaan: It's not the selling point for the film | PINKVILLA

    Talking about the changes she is seeing in the film industry, the actor said, “Earlier, the heroines were either too good, sati-savitri types who were too innocent to know anything, or they were the characterless vamps. These were the only two types of roles written for heroines. The change that we see now, shows women as humans. She can be happy or sad. She can make mistakes, she can falter, and you love them despite all of that. The heroines are more confident about their bodies as well.”

    Mallika Sherawat On Her Fight With Emraan Hashmi During Murder: We Didn't Speak & Now I Think It Was Childish - Filmibeat

    Sherawat added that she was mentally tortured by a section of the industry as they only spoke about her ‘bold image’. “Such hue and cry was created when I did Murder. People said all kinds of things about the kiss and the bikini. What Deepika did in Gehraiyaan, I did that 15 years ago, but people were too narrow-minded back then. I should tell you that a section of the industry and media was mentally torturing me. These people only talked about my body and glamour, not my acting. I worked in Dasavatharam, Pyaar Ke Side Effects and Welcome, but none talked about my acting.”

  • Hollywood move: Ahad Raza Mir bags season 2 of WWII series ‘World on Fire’

    Hollywood move: Ahad Raza Mir bags season 2 of WWII series ‘World on Fire’

    Actor Ahad Raza Mir has landed another international series as he will be joining the cast of the second season of BBC’s World on Fire.

    Watch World on Fire: Season 1 | Prime Video

    After his Netflix debut in Resident Evil, this is Mir’s second foreign series. The Hum Tum hero will be among the additions to the original cast as Rajib. Other new characters also include Mark Bonnar (Guilt, Line of Duty) as Sir James Danemere and Gregg Sulkin (Runaways, Pretty Smart) as David.

    World on Fire tells the story of World War II “through the eyes of ordinary people whose lives have been thrown into chaos”. The second season will drop six new episodes written by series creator Peter Bowker, Rachel Bennette and Matt Jones.

    The show is set in October 1940. “Lone pilots are sent to destroy German bombers prowling the skies above Manchester as the Northern Blitz begins. The true reality of war has arrived in Britain,” read the description on PBS.

    The show stars Lesley Manville as Robina, Jonah Hauer-King as Harry, Julia Brown as Lois, Zofia Wichlacz as Kasia, Blake Harrison as Stan, Eugénie Derouand as Henriette, Eryk Biedunkiewicz as Jan and Cel Spellman as Joe who will all be returning this season.

    Creator Bowker said that the “diverse cast” reflects the global nature of the conflict.

    Ben Irving, the acting director of drama at BBC, also commented on the show. “With a range of intriguing, untold stories that put ordinary people at the centre of history, and a first-rate ensemble of both new and returning characters, it’s a real pleasure to see filming on World on Fire season two, now underway.”

    The show is currently being filmed in Northern Ireland. The first season aired on MASTERPIECE in spring 2020.

    Ahad has also impressed his fans with his performance in Netflix’s Resident Evil.

  • Shah Mahmood’s son Zain Qureshi to be investigated for vote-buying practices

    Shah Mahmood’s son Zain Qureshi to be investigated for vote-buying practices

    District Monitoring Officer for PP-217, Haider Riaz, has issued orders for an inquiry against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Zain Qureshi, son of former foreign minister and PTI’s Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, for indulging in vote-buying practices during the by-election campaign in UC-44.

    A complaint initiated through social media alleged that Zain Qureshi has offered a new motorcycle to each voter who can acquire 10 votes in his favour.

    The inquiry letter states that such practices are considered corrupt and Article 218 (3) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan allows the Election Commission to guard against corrupt practices. The inquiry is headed by Sadar assistant commissioner and DRTA secretary Multan.

  • All airlines will be allowed to fly in Saudi Arabia’s airspace including from Israel

    All airlines will be allowed to fly in Saudi Arabia’s airspace including from Israel

    Saudi Arabia announced that it would open its airspace to all air carriers, allowing for more overflights to and from Israel.

    US President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to visit the kingdom today, applauded the decision.

    According to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), all airlines that fulfill the country’s overflight requirements are now allowed to use the country’s airspace, in accordance with international agreements that forbid discrimination between civil aircraft.

    As per a statement from GACA, the choice will complement the efforts aimed at consolidating the kingdom’s position as a global hub connecting three continents and to enhance international air connectivity. Some flights to and from Israel had longer flight times and used more fuel as a result of flying over Saudi Arabia.

    US President Joe Biden praised the choice, according to Jake Sullivan, the White House’s national security adviser. The security and prosperity of the United States and the American people, as well as the security and prosperity of Israel, are dependent on a more integrated, stable, and secure Middle East region, according to Sullivan.

    A source had earlier told Reuters that Saudi Arabia would soon allow Israeli airlines unrestricted overflight access and permit direct charter flights from Israel for Muslims taking part in the yearly hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.

    Saudi Arabia rejects Israel’s legitimacy and has made no mention of potential bilateral developments during Biden’s visit. Israel has likewise avoided making these connections.

    KSA had agreed in 2020 to permit flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates to pass through its territory, despite the lack of official relations.

  • Red alert: WHO, UNICEF say largest decline in childhood vaccinations in almost 30 years

    Red alert: WHO, UNICEF say largest decline in childhood vaccinations in almost 30 years

    The largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations in approximately 30 years has been recorded in official data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

    According to WHO, 18 million children did not receive a single vaccine in 2021, which is the largest decline in 29 years, due to Covid-related disruptions, emergencies and misinformation. Around 25 million children around the world missed out on routine vaccinations in 2021, which is two million more than those who missed out in 2020 and six million more than in 2019, highlighting the growing number of children at risk from devastating but preventable diseases. The percentage of children who received three doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP3) – a marker for immunisation coverage within and across countries – fell 5 percentage points between 2019 and 2021 to 81 per cent.

    The decline was due to many factors including an increased number of children living in conflict and fragile settings, increased misinformation and Covid-related issues such as service and supply chain disruptions.

    However, Pakistan returned to pre-pandemic levels of vaccination coverage due to high-level government commitment and significant catch-up immunisation efforts. WHO and UNICEF applauded Pakistan’s efforts to achieve this in the midst of a pandemic, when healthcare systems and health workers were under significant strain.

    “This is a red alert for child health. We are witnessing the largest sustained drop in childhood immunisation in a generation. The consequences will be measured in lives,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director.

    “While a pandemic hangover was expected last year as a result of Covid-19 disruptions and lockdowns, what we are seeing now is a continued decline. Covid-19 is not an excuse. We need immunisation catch-ups for the missing millions or we will inevitably witness more outbreaks, more sick children and greater pressure on already strained health systems,” added Russell.

  • Hareem Shah denies reports of being arrested in Turkey

    Hareem Shah denies reports of being arrested in Turkey

    TikTok star Hareem Shah has clarified that she was not arrested in Turkey. She also said that she will take legal action against media outlets spreading fake news regarding her arrest.

    “A [piece of] news against me has been circulating on social media, electronic media, print media and a lot of them [media outlets] contacted me as well but I was busy at the time. A few days back, there was fake news about me claiming I’d been arrested in Turkey. I stayed silent because what am I supposed to say about this kind of fake news? Every other day people spread fake news saying something against me that’s false,” she said in a video statement on her YouTube channel.

    “I will take legal action against all these channels. The way all of them — electronic media, print media and social media — were celebrating my alleged arrest. Honour and dishonour is in the hands of God and no such thing happened. I deny all false news about my arrest. You have previously spread fake news about my husband as well, ever since his name has joined mine. You used to put me down but now you have started speaking against him and spreading such fake news.”

    Earlier, media reports suggested that Hareem, along with her husband, had been arrested at an airport in Turkey after the Turkish police recovered a large amount of gold and money from them.

  • ‘This too shall pass’, Pakistani captain Babar Azam backs Virat Kohli to regain form

    ‘This too shall pass’, Pakistani captain Babar Azam backs Virat Kohli to regain form

    After the batter lost form and was benched for the upcoming West Indies series, the Pakistani captain Babar Azam spoke out in favor of the former Indian captain Virat Kohli to stay strong on Thursday night.

    Due to a groin injury, Kohli missed the first ODI against England and scored just 16 runs in the second game, which India lost by a score of 100 runs at Lord’s.

    After scoring 1 and 11 in the T20I series and failing in the rescheduled fifth Test, the right-hander has now gone 77 consecutive international innings without reaching three figures.

    Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal are both resting for the same tour, so his name is also absent from India’s T20I squad to play the West Indies.

    Fans and former greats have questioned Kohli’s place in the team because of the impending T20 World Cup and the need for World Test Championship points to stay in the running for next year’s final, but his Pakistani counterpart has expressed his support on social media.

    Few players have the same understanding of the challenges of maintaining world-class form as Pakistan’s captain, who is currently experiencing a golden period.

    Babar is ranked first in the MRF Tyres ICC batting rankings for both ODI and T20I matches, as well as fourth in Test cricket, after scoring international centuries in recent series against Australia and the West Indies as well as a T20I half-century against Australia in Lahore last month.

    Prior to the England ODIs, captain Rohit Sharma stood up for his teammate, giving Kohli additional support earlier in the week.

    “When someone is scoring consistently for so long, we can’t overlook his contribution if he is not scoring in one or two series or in one or two years.”

    “We know the importance of Virat Kohli. The experts have got all the right to talk about it but for us these things don’t matter,” he added.

  • Video: Toyota Supra brutally defeats Lamborghini Aventador

    Video: Toyota Supra brutally defeats Lamborghini Aventador

    In a recent video, a Toyota Supra was seen destroying a Lamborghini Aventador in an unexpected race.

    Supra enthusiasts have seen the legendary JDM car take down high-end vehicles before, however, this instance seems distinctive and makes you love Supra even more. The seemingly modified Supra destroyed the incredibly expensive supercar in a matter of seconds.

    The engine and modifications installed in this Supra are unknown, but when it comes to stock cars, the 2JZ-GTE is the best and most well-known of the two available engines for the 4th generation Toyota Supra.

    The letter “T,” which may not seem like much, distinguishes the two engines, the 2JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GE, and while it may not seem like much, it denotes the addition of two turbochargers to the 2JZ engine. While we’re talking about the significance of letters, the “G” stands for the performance version, and the “E” stands for electronic fuel injection.

    A 3.0-Liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the 2JZ-GTE is only capable of producing 275 horsepower in the domestic Japanese version and 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft in the American version.

    It is thrilling to watch a supercar get defeated by a Toyota every time, even though the stock engine appears impressive but is not powerful enough to defeat a Lamborghini.

  • Petrol price reduced by Rs18.50 per liter, Diesel by Rs40.54 per liter

    Petrol price reduced by Rs18.50 per liter, Diesel by Rs40.54 per liter

    In an attempt to provide relief to the masses and share the advantages of falling crude prices on the global market, the price of petrol has been slashed by Rs18.50 per liter.

    The price reductions for petroleum products were announced by the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, in an address to the nation.

    Diesel will now cost Rs236 per liter, while gasoline will now be sold at Rs230.24 per liter. The new prices for petroleum products, according to the Prime Minister, will take effect from midnight.

    He went on to explain why, after taking office, his government had to raise the price of gasoline. He continued, “We had raised fuel prices to meet the demands made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which were approved by the previous administration.

    “The government has decided to pass on the relief to the people and has therefore reduced the price of petrol and diesel by Rs18.50 and Rs40.54 per liter, respectively,” he continued.