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Showing posts from June, 2025

Rod Stewart joined by Ronnie Wood and Lulu in Glastonbury legends slot

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British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart was joined by Ronnie Wood, Lulu and Mick Hucknall for his sun-drenched “legends” slot at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday afternoon. Stewart, aged 80, entertained a huge crowd on the Pyramid Stage with hits including ‘Maggie May’, ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About It’, and ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’, shouting “next” between songs to cram as many as possible into his allocated 90 minutes. Hucknall duetted on ‘If You Don’t Know Me by Now’, the song his group Simply Red took to the top of the charts in 1989. Rolling Stones’ guitarist Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart’s former bandmate in the Faces in the 1970s, joined him for ‘Stay With Me’, before Scottish singer Lulu came on stage at Glastonbury Festival for ‘Hot Legs’. Michael Eavis, who founded the festival that would become Glastonbury Festival over five decades ago on his Somerset dairy farm, was pushed onto the stage in his wheelchair during the set to cheers. Aged 89, he waved to the crowd and was embraced b...

K-Electric said its monsoon response prevented major disruptions

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KARACHI:  As Karachi faces its initial round of rains, K-Electric monsoon operations continue to be in full steam to guarantee a continuous electricity supply and public safety across the city. Despite thunderstorms and heavy winds, over 1,800 of K-Electric’s 2,100+ feeders remained operational. A few disruptions were reported in some areas, that too for a temporary time period, due to illicit connections, safety violations, and tampering with infrastructure. However, K-Electric monsoon operations quickly prepared field teams to restore power in troubled spots. K-Electric gave priority to core infrastructure, including the Dhabeji and North East Karachi (NEK) Old Pumping Stations. While NEK II and III remained completely operational, a technical fault at NEK Old impacted the water supply in some areas. K-Electric teams quickly resolved the issue, although waterlogging at Dhabeji faced challenges to repair efforts. K-Electric spokesperson Imran Rana condoled over the unfortuna...

Pakistan’s passport breaks into top 100 in global ranking

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s passport has marked a significant achievement by entering the top 100 of the Henley Passport Index 2025, according to the latest global rankings released by Henley & Partners, ARY News reported. The Pakistani passport now ranks 100th, a notable improvement from its 113th position in 2021. This ranking grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries, reflecting growing international mobility for Pakistani citizens. Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, congratulated the nation on this progress and credited the accomplishment to the support of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Interior Secretary. He emphasised that modern security upgrades, including the rollout of e-passports equipped with contactless NFC chips compliant with ICAO standards, have enhanced the passport’s global credibility. To further ease international travel, e-gates will soon be introduced at all major airports in Pakistan, streamlining the im...

China rolls over $3.4 billion loans to Pakistan, say sources

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KARACHI: China has rolled over $3.4 billion in loans to Pakistan, two senior Pakistani government officials told Reuters on Sunday, in a move that will help boost Islamabad’s foreign exchange reserves, a requirement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Beijing rolled over $2.1 billion, which has been in Pakistan’s central bank’s reserves for the last three years, and refinanced another $1.3 billion commercial loan, which Islamabad had paid back two months ago, the sources said. The officials asked not to be named as they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly ahead of an official announcement. Another $1 billion from Middle Eastern commercial banks and $500 million from multilateral financing have also been received, one of the officials said. “This brings our reserves in line with the IMF target,” he said. The loans, especially those from China, are critical to shoring up Pakistan’s low foreign reserves, which the IMF required to be over $14 billion at the end ...

Henry Golding isn’t sold on becoming next 007 — Here’s why

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While many actors dream of playing James Bond 007, however, the Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding has a different take. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at The Old Guard 2 premiere in Los Angeles on June 25, Golding admitted that stepping into the shoes of James Bond might not be as glamorous as it seems. Calling the idea “every actor’s kind of nightmare,” Henry Golding explained that the cultural weight and expectations tied to the iconic role make it incredibly daunting. Though he acknowledged the thrill of joining a major franchise, he added, “I think I would love it more if there wasn’t that overhanging pressure.” Read More: Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland frontrunners to become new James Bond Henry Golding also floated a fresh idea for the franchise rather than focusing on just one Bond, why not expand the world with more secret agents or other “00s”? It would, he believes, allow for more creativity and less constraint. As fans await the next chapter in the long-running spy sag...

SpaceX says debris recovery attempts hindered after Starship explosion

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SpaceX said on Thursday its debris recovery efforts after last week’s Starship explosion have been hindered, and it has sought cooperation from Mexico, whose president has raised the possibility of legal action against the company. A massive Starship spacecraft by SpaceX exploded into a dramatic fireball during testing in Texas last week, which Elon Musk’s space firm attributed to a “major anomaly.” The Starship rocket appeared to have experienced at least two explosions in rapid succession, lighting up the night sky and sending debris flying, according to video capturing the moment it exploded. “Despite SpaceX’s attempts to recover the anomaly related debris, which is and remains the tangible property of SpaceX, these attempts have been hindered by unauthorized parties trespassing on private property,” the company said in a post on social media platform X. “We have requested local and federal assistance from the government of Mexico in the recovery,” it said, adding that...

Michael Bay reportedly developing new Transformers installment

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Michael Bay may be gearing up for a return to the Transformers franchise with a brand-new live-action movie. The action-packed film series, known for its giant robot battles and explosive visuals, could soon have Bay back in the director’s chair — or at least very close to it. Bay directed the first five Transformers movies, beginning with the 2007 original starring Shia LaBeouf. He followed it with Revenge of the Fallen in 2009, and Dark of the Moon in 2011, the latter of which remains the franchise’s most successful entry, grossing over $1.1 billion worldwide. According to a new report , Michael Bay pitched a new Transformers film to Paramount Pictures last year. He is reportedly involved as a “hands-on producer,” and could even take on directing duties once again. Read More: Sydney Sweeney, Michael Bay join hands for OutRun film adaptation Bay has already brought in screenwriter Jordan VanDina to develop the script, though specific plot details and character information ...

Lisa Kudrow’s acclaimed comedy ‘The Comeback’ gets season 3 after 11 years

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Fans of The Comeback have something to celebrate as HBO has officially announced a third and final season of the beloved comedy series, starring Lisa Kudrow, which will air in 2026. It has been nearly 11 years since the second season of The Comeback ended in 2014, and over 20 years since the show first began in 2005. According to People , the new season marks the end of a long and unique journey for the show and its characters. Lisa Kudrow will return as Valerie Cherish, the show’s central character a fading TV actress trying to revive her career in a media-obsessed world. She will be joined once again by fellow returning cast members Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman and Damian Young. Read More: Ryan Gosling’s upcoming movie Project Hail Mary unveils first poster The Comeback is co-created by Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, best known for Sex and the City . Both will return as executive producers for this final chapter, along with John Melfi and Dan Bucatinsky. Productio...

Street Fighter movie casts Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki

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The upcoming Street Fighter movie has reportedly found its Dan Hibiki as comedian and actor Andrew Schulz will take on the role of the over-the-top fighter in the live-action adaptation. The Street Fighter movie, which is currently in development at Legendary Entertainment, is based on Capcom’s famous video game series. It will be directed by Kitao Sakurai, best known for his 2021 comedy film Bad Trip . Dan Hibiki, who first appeared in Street Fighter Alpha in 1995, is a fan-favourite character known for being arrogant, flashy, and not very skilled in actual combat. His exaggerated personality and comedic moves have made him a standout in the games. As per Deadline , the choice of Andrew Schulz, with his strong comedy background, seems a perfect fit for the role. The Street Fighter movie is expected to balance action with humour, and Schulz’s casting suggests that the Dan Hibiki character will provide comic relief while possibly getting involved in some fight scenes. Read More: ...

Karachi receives moderate to heavy rainfall

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KARACHI: Karachi experienced varying intensities of rain across its regions Thursday night, with light to heavy showers, ARY News reported. Many Karachi areas including Malir, Gulshan-e-Hadid, Memon Goth, Shah Latif Town, Razzaqabad, Bhens Colony, Saddar, and surrounding localities received rain. Steel Town, Pipri, Port Qasim, Ghaffar Phatak, and nearby areas also saw downpours. Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, University Road, and adjacent regions, while Tariq Road, Bahaduraabad, Hasan Square, P.I.B., Jail Road, and their vicinities experienced showers. Other areas include Safura, Saadi Town, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Scheme 33, Incholi, Gulberg, and Garden. Thunderstorms accompanied rain in Kathore, Gudap, and along the M-9 Motorway, while heavy rain was recorded near the airport. Meanwhile, different cities in Sindh faced either rain or dust storms. In Qasimabad, Latifabad, Thandi Sarak, and Auto Bhan Road, waterlogging occurred due to accumulated rainwater. from ARY NEWS https://i...

Mbappe files harassment complaint against PSG

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Kylian Mbappe has accused his former club Paris Saint-Germain of moral harassment in a legal filing, the Paris prosecutor’s office told AFP on Thursday as it confirmed an investigation had been opened. France captain Mbappe is also embroiled in a court battle with PSG to obtain the 55 million euros ($64.4 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses he says the club owes him. Mbappe’s latest grievance is related to the way he was treated by PSG at the start of the 2023-24 season, when he was made to train with players the club were trying to offload. He believes he was sidelined by the club after refusing to agree a new contract, a practice which has also affected other footballers and prompted the French players’ union to lodge a complaint last year. Mbappe was not invited to a 2023 pre-season tour of Asia and missed the first game of that season but was later restored to the team after holding talks with the club. Read more: Real Madrid share latest update on Kylian Mbappé’s condition ...

PM Shehbaz directs immediate launch of power transmission projects

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the immediate start of initiatives to enhance the country’s electricity transmission and distribution network. The prime minister chaired a meeting in Islamabad to assess ongoing improvements in the power sector. PM Shehbaz said that delivering relief to citizens and ensuring a steady power supply to industries through eco-friendly and cost-effective energy projects remains the government’s highest priority. PM Shehbaz ordered the speedup of privatizing power distribution companies and noted that the second and third phases of the auction for unprofitable generation firms should be finalized shortly. The prime minister mandated the swift completion of smart meter installations and requested a report once the process is concluded. PM Shehbaz also directed to pace up the process of establishment of electric vehicle charging stations across the country. He said that solarization of tube wells in Balochistan by the...

Will Jensen Ackles be the next Batman? Actor responds to DCU casting buzz

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Fans have been buzzing with excitement over the idea of Jensen Ackles playing Batman in James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe film, The Brave and The Bold . Now, the Supernatural and The Boys star has finally opened up about the possibility—and he’s definitely interested. In a recent interview with Collider , Jensen Ackles was asked what kind of live-action Batman he would want to portray if given the chance. The actor, who has already voiced Batman in DC’s animated Tomorrowverse, didn’t hide his excitement but acknowledged the challenge the role presents. “Oh, man. I don’t know. It would be hard to carve out something truly unique amongst all of the performances as Batman,” Jensen Ackles said. Read More: Supernatural reunion officially happening in The Boys season 5 He added that if he were to take on the role, he would lean heavily on James Gunn and the creative team to help shape a fresh take on the iconic superhero. Ackles also talked about the weight of playing such a legend...

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom reportedly part ways

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Singer Katy Perry and Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom may have quietly ended their relationship after several years together. According to TMZ , Orlando Bloom is now “a single man” and may be making his solo debut at the upcoming wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The outlet claims a source close to Bloom said, “He’s the life of the party and he’s gonna hit the dance floor hard!” This has only fuelled further rumours that his relationship with Katy Perry has come to an end. Katy Perry is currently busy with her global Lifetimes tour and was recently performing in Perth, Australia. Although Orlando Bloom was also spotted in Perth with their four-year-old daughter Daisy, the couple were not seen together. Read More:  Katy Perry left off guest list as Orlando Bloom takes solo trip to Bezos wedding Bloom was photographed carrying Daisy while dressed casually, while Perry lit up the stage at Perth’s RAC Arena on the same night. Notably, Katy Perry is reportedly...

PM Shehbaz lauds Bilawal, his team for exposing India’s propaganda globally

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has praised Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his team for their ‘effective’ diplomatic visit to the United States and Europe, successfully countering India’s recent propaganda against Pakistan. PM Shehbaz spoke during a meeting with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who visited him in Islamabad on Tuesday. At the meeting, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed PM Shehbaz on the discussions held by the diplomatic delegation dispatched to the United States and Europe. The Prime Minister also hosted dinner in the honour of the Pakistani diplomatic delegation. Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz commended the entire delegation for effective and excellent representation of Pakistan’s stance at the global level. He said the delegation fought Pakistan’s case with great national zeal and returned victorious. The prime minister, while mentioning the delegation members Sherry Rehman, Dr. Musadik Malik, Hina Rabbani Khar, Se...

Oil prices fall 5% after Iran attack on US military base

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Oil prices sank more than five percent Monday after Iran attacked a US military base in neighboring Qatar in retaliation for US weekend strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Near 1745 GMT, futures for West Texas Intermediate fell 5.3 percent to $69.96 a barrel, while Brent oil futures fell by similar amounts. Kuwait said it was closing its airspace “until further notice” on Monday after a similar move from Bahrain as Iran attacked a US base in Qatar in retaliation for American strikes in Iran. “In the interest of the country’s security and safety, and in light of the precautionary measures taken in a number of neighbouring countries, which include the closure of their airports and airspace, the State of Kuwait announces the temporary closure of its airspace as a precautionary measure, effective today until further notice” the Kuwaiti Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in a statement. Iran launched missiles at US military bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday evening, official...

Punjab cabinet to strengthen Muharram security framework

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LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, led by Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, assembled in Lahore to conclude Muharram security arrangements across the division, ARY News reported. Senior officials attended the meeting, including the Home Secretary, AIG Special Branch, DIG Counter-Terrorism Department, the Divisional Peace Committee and religious scholars’ representatives. The Punjab cabinet committee sorted the comprehensive security plan for Muharram security in Lahore, guaranteeing that all processions and religious gatherings will be conducted peacefully. Specific districts are prohibited for a total of 76 Zakireen and speakers from entering, while 71 individuals have been forbidden from delivering public speeches during the holy month. Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted that all security measures have been finalised in consultation with procession organisers. Read More: Punjab bans pillion riding in Muharram under section 144 “We are ensuring uninter...

What are the main US military bases in the Middle East?

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June 22: U.S. forces have struck Iran’s key nuclear sites, drawing threats from Tehran to retaliate, with U.S. military installations in the region a potential target. Following are significant U.S. military bases or facilities in the Middle East: BAHRAIN: Home to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, whose area of responsibility includes the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. QATAR: The 24-hectare Al Udeid Air Base, in the desert outside the capital Doha, is the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command, which directs U.S. military operations in a huge swathe of territory stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. The Middle East’s largest U.S. base houses around 10,000 troops. KUWAIT: Several sprawling military installations include Camp Arifjan, the forward headquarters of U.S. Army Central and the Ali Al Salem Air Base, roughly 40 kilometers from the Iraqi border and known as “The Rock” for its isolated, rugged environ...

KP unveils new age relaxation policy for govt jobs

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PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially unveiled an extensive age relaxation policy for candidates seeking to pursue their career in the public sector, ARY News reported. The Chief Secretary highlighted in the notification that the new policy lets a general age relaxation of up to 10 years for several government job groups. According to the revised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa age relaxation policy, candidates applying for Grade 17 and above positions are qualified for a 10-year upper age leniency. Likewise, Secretariat posts of Grade 16 and below will also benefit from the same concession. For non-Secretariat roles, the authority to grant age relaxation lies with the Administrative Secretary and relevant departmental heads. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa age relaxation policy also includes special provisions for the families of government employees martyred in acts of terrorism. Widows and children of such employees will receive additional consideration under the new rules. ...

NDMA issues advisory ahead of predicted rain, thunderstorms

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ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory ahead of the predicted rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms in different parts of the country from June 20 to 23. The NDMA urged preventive actions as a fresh wave of rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms is forecasted to affect Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period. Strong winds, dust storms and thunderstorms pose a threat to vulnerable trees, mud structures, and poorly constructed buildings, particularly in the aforementioned regions. The NDMA has advised the public to park vehicles in covered or secure areas. It also cautioned that during storms and strong winds, reduced visibility may lead to accidents, urging people to remain vigilant. The NDMA has directed all concerned institutions to implement necessary preparations to manage any possible emergency. Meanwhile, the public is encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and potential risks through t...

Pakistan urges UNSC for diplomatic solution to Israel-Iran conflict

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NEW YORK:  Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), strongly denounced Israel’s recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, urging for a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Iran conflict, ARY News reported. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad called Israel’s aggression a “grave threat” to regional and global peace, reiterating Pakistan’s resolute solidarity with Iran, emphasising the need for swift easing of tension and a return to diplomacy. Ambassador Iftikhar showed appreciation to the UN Secretary-General’s diplomatic efforts and repeated his message for global responsibility in addressing the Israel-Iran conflict. “Diplomacy is not optional, it is essential,” he stated, requesting all parties to support international law and the UN Charter. The Pakistani diplomat warned that Israel’s actions, including attacks on Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, represent a pattern of unilateral belligerence that demoralises in...

Europe foreign ministers see ‘perilous’ moment, urge Iran to talk to US

European foreign ministers urged Iran on Friday to engage with the United States over its nuclear programme after high-level talks in Geneva aimed at opening negotiations for a new nuclear deal ended with little sign of progress. The talks between the foreign ministers of Germany, Britain, France and the EU with their Iranian counterpart sought to test Tehran’s readiness to negotiate despite there being scant prospect of Israel ceasing its attacks soon, diplomats said. “The Iranian Foreign Minister has expressed his willingness to continue discussions on the nuclear program and more broadly on all issues, and we expect Iran to commit to the discussion, including with the United States, to reach a negotiated settlement,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Click here for all updates about Iran-Israel war Britain’s foreign minister David Lammy said the European countries were eager to continue talks with Iran. “This is a perilous moment, and it is hugel...

Islamabad Police unveil Taxi Verification App for safer rides

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ISLAMABAD: In a step toward public safety, the Islamabad Police have formally launched the Taxi Verification App, a digital tool designed to protect passengers by verifying taxis before their journey begins, ARY News reported. The initiative was led by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, executed under the leadership of IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, to create a protected travel for all citizens, especially women, children, and late-night commuters. The Taxi Verification App lets users scan a QR code presented inside registered taxis. Once scanned, the app rapidly confirms whether the vehicle and driver are registered with the Islamabad Police database. Verified taxis prominently display the driver’s name and photograph, promoting transparency and accountability. In the event of any discrepancies, users can easily report issues through the app’s emergency feature. At the moment, the app is available for download from the official Islamabad Police website, with plans to lau...

James Gunn reveals cutting ‘Superman’ scene after backlash

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DC Studios chief James Gunn has revealed cutting a scene from ‘Superman,’ starring Hollywood actor David Corenswet, after facing social media backlash. To Read Lifestyle Stories in Urdu – Click Here During a recent interview to promote the upcoming film, the filmmaker discussed the impact of social media as he mentioned a scene being cut from the finished film. The scene in question was from a ‘Superman’ TV spot, giving a POV look at David Corenswet flying as Superman. Several social media fans lambasted the fully focused shot on the Hollywood actor’s face, while others were left stunned by what they called ‘gimmicky’ and unfinished effects. James Gunn has now admitted that the shot in ‘Superman’ was not a finished take. “It was a photograph of his face and him flying. It was a photograph of a drone flying in front of an actual background. So all the pieces were real, but it was incorporated in kind of a funky way. I didn’t love the shot, so it’s not even the shot that’s in the ...

Govt likely to impose carbon levy on petrol, diesel vehicles

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ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance has recommended the imposition of a carbon levy on all locally manufactured and imported petrol and diesel vehicles with engine capacities above 1300cc, ARY News reported. The decision was made during a recent meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance with Pakistan People’s Party MNA Syed Naveed Qamar in chair. The committee endorsed a 2 percent carbon levy on petrol and diesel vehicles with engine capacities ranging from 1300cc to 1800cc, applicable to both locally produced and imported units. For vehicles exceeding 1800cc, a 3 percent carbon levy has been approved for both local and imported petrol and diesel models. Read More: IMF ‘asks’ Pakistan to impose carbon levy on petrol, diesel Meanwhile, the committee rejected proposals to impose a 2 percent carbon levy on hybrid vehicles with engine capacities between 1300cc and 1800cc, as well as a 3percent levy on hybrid vehicles above 1800cc, as pa...

Guess what Dakota Johnson said about Chris Evans before working with him

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Chris Evans has opened up about an old remark made by Materialists co-star Dakota Johnson, admitting that she once said she didn’t like his face. The two now star together in the new romantic comedy Materialists , but their working relationship got off to a slightly awkward start — at least in Evans’ mind. In a recent interview with Access Hollywood , Chris Evans shared that Dakota Johnson made the comment years before they worked together. “Dakota said she didn’t like my face in an interview in years prior,” Evans revealed, adding that it made him nervous to meet her.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Access Hollywood (@accesshollywood) “I was scared that Dakota wouldn’t like me,” he admitted. “I just thought Dakota was this really cool person, and I don’t know why, I just got a vibe that she wasn’t going to like me.” During the interview, the two stars joked that their on-screen chemistry in Materialists was a ...

Reese Witherspoon hit drama series is now streaming for free

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A hit drama series based on a best-selling novel is now available to watch for free in the UK. Little Fires Everywhere , starring Reese Witherspoon, which originally aired on Amazon Prime in 2020, has just dropped on Channel 4, meaning viewers can now stream it without any cost. Based on Celeste Ng’s novel of the same name, Little Fires Everywhere quickly became a major success when it was first released. The story explores the lives of two very different families whose worlds collide in unexpected and life-changing ways. The eight-part series stars Reese Witherspoon as Elena Richardson, a journalist and mother of four, and Kerry Washington as Mia Warren, a mysterious artist and single mother. The show moves between two time periods the late 1990s, when the Richardsons’ house burns down, and four years earlier, as Mia and her daughter move into their lives. Little Fires Everywhere dives deep into themes such as motherhood, race, identity, class, and secrets. It also tackles a cu...

Ishaq Dar warns of strict action against overpricing of food items

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ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday warned that the government would take strict action against any malpractices of hoarding, artificial shortage of food items and overpricing. The deputy prime minister was chairing a high-level meeting to review the supply and availability of essential food commodities especially sugar. He directed the authorities concerned to fully implement the government’s policy of supply of essential food items to common men at affordable prices. The meeting was attended by the Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Industries and Production, Member of Federal Board of Revenue, DG Federal Investigation Agency and representatives from Pakistan Sugar Mills Association and provincial government departments. Read More: Pakistan’s weekly inflation drops by 0.11 percent Earlier, Pakistan’s weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), decr...

Field Marshal Asim Munir to meet US President Trump at White House

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WASHINGTON: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is slated to confer with President Donald Trump on Wednesday during his official sojourn to the United States, as per intelligence sources. The midday repast between Trump and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir is set for 10 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST) in the White House Cabinet Room, according to the president’s publicized itinerary. This engagement coincides with the army chief Asim Munir’s U.S. visit, during which he addressed the Pakistani diaspora in Washington, D.C., the previous day. Generalissimo Munir extolled the expatriates’ pivotal contributions to Pakistan’s economy and international stature through remittances, investments, and exemplary achievements across various fields, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). IRAN ISRAEL WAR NEWS TODAY The visit carries profound implications amid the Trump administration’s instrumental role in negotiating a ceasefire between Islamabad and New Delhi foll...

Budget 2025-26: Govt proposes revised tax on cash withdrawal from ATM

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ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is expected to increase the tax-free cash withdrawal limit to Rs. 75,000 from Rs. 50,000 per day for non-filers, under the Finance Bill 2025-26, ARY News reported. Earlier, non-filers were able to withdraw up to Rs. 50,000 without suffering an advance tax charge. During a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, FBR authorities proposed that, according to the new cash withdrawal limit, Rs. 75,000 will have a 0.8% withholding tax after withdrawal, raised from the earlier 0.6%. The step aims to promote adherence to tax laws and documentation. Moreover, new tax measures for e-commerce businesses are yet to be introduced by the Finance Bill, imposing a 2% income tax on online clothing sales and 0.5% on electronics. A 1% tax will be imposed on online businesses, other than clothing and electronics. Customer billing details will be required for registered e-commerce businesses to present as part of their tax returns. ...