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Lahore’s Iconic Liberty Cinema Gears Up for Grand Revival

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Lahore is set to welcome back its legendary Liberty Cinema, located in the historic heart of the city, as renovation work is now underway. Once known as the “Showplace of the Nation,” the single-screen theatre aims to revive communal film culture for grown-ups and new audiences alike.

The restoration is viewed as a nostalgic nod to the Golden Age of cinema, as well as an effort to offer affordable and accessible screenings amid rising multiplex ticket prices. While reopening timelines and programming details haven’t yet been released, buzz is building. The revitalized venue is expected to feature both classic film screenings and contemporary releases—bridging generations through the shared love of the big-screen experience.

Lahore’s historic Liberty Cinema is undergoing renovation and preparing to reopen, reviving its reputation as a beloved single-screen venue. The project seeks to restore communal spectacle, offer affordable cinema access, and screen a mix of classics and new releases. Excitement and nostalgia are growing among local audiences.

heritage cinema, Lahore city news, cultural revival

Government Shortlists 30 Candidates for Top Roles in Key Ministries

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The federal government has finalized a shortlist of 30 individuals for top-level appointments across crucial ministries and divisions. These candidates were selected based on qualifications and experience from a larger pool of applicants. The selection process is part of ongoing efforts to bring competent professionals into leadership roles to improve governance and institutional performance.

The selected candidates are now under final review before formal appointment. These roles include strategic positions in finance, planning, energy, and other vital sectors. Officials emphasized transparency and merit in the selection procedure, which aligns with the government’s broader institutional reform agenda.

The federal government has shortlisted 30 candidates for senior positions in key ministries, aiming to boost governance through merit-based appointments. These candidates, chosen from a large pool, will undergo final review before official confirmation. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance institutional efficiency and leadership quality.

government appointments, civil service reform, key ministries

Babar, Rizwan Back for West Indies ODIs

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The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled the ODI squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies, marking the return of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to the national setup. Both players were rested during the previous ODI assignment but now rejoin to bolster the team’s batting strength.

Young pacer Shahnawaz Dahani and spinner Usama Mir also make a comeback, while the squad reflects a mix of experience and emerging talent. Selectors aim to strengthen the team’s preparation for future ICC events, focusing on player fitness and form ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Head Coach Gary Kirsten expressed confidence in the squad’s composition, emphasizing the value of consistency and leadership brought by returning seniors. The ODI series is expected to serve as a platform for testing combinations and refining strategies.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan return to Pakistan’s ODI squad for the West Indies series, strengthening the batting lineup. Shahnawaz Dahani and Usama Mir also rejoin the side. The selection blends experienced players with new talent, aiming to prepare a balanced team ahead of major international cricket tournaments.

cricket news,pakistan vs west indies,babar azam

Govt Considers Dissolving NAPHDA, Jeopardizing Low-Income Housing Projects

The government is reportedly planning to dissolve the National Affordable Housing Development Authority (NAPHDA), raising concerns about the future of low-income housing projects across the country. Established to facilitate affordable housing under various schemes, NAPHDA’s dissolution could halt ongoing developments and undermine efforts to provide shelter to marginalized communities.

The move is said to be part of a broader restructuring plan within the housing sector, aimed at reducing administrative overlaps and financial burdens. However, critics argue that such a decision could delay or derail housing commitments made to the public, particularly under flagship welfare programs. Stakeholders are urging the government to reconsider or provide a clear alternative to ensure the continuity of affordable housing initiatives.

The government plans to dissolve NAPHDA, a key institution for affordable housing, sparking fears about the future of low-income housing projects. The move, part of a sectoral overhaul, may stall ongoing development and disrupt shelter initiatives for underprivileged communities unless alternative frameworks are swiftly introduced.

NAPHDA dissolution, affordable housing crisis, government restructuring

Shaheen Afridi Set for Pakistan T20I Comeback as Selectors Finalize Plans

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Shaheen Afridi is likely to return to Pakistan’s T20I setup, with selectors close to giving the left-arm pacer the green light for the next international window. He has reportedly cleared fitness assessments and shown sharp form in domestic cricket, while the management prepares a workload plan to ease him back.

The selection committee is understood to be aligning with medical and coaching staff on how many matches he should play initially, aiming to balance impact with long-term fitness. His inclusion would immediately bolster Pakistan’s powerplay and death-overs options, areas that have lacked consistency lately.

An official squad announcement is expected soon, once final consultations with team management are complete.

Shaheen Afridi is poised to rejoin Pakistan’s T20I squad as selectors finalize plans for the next window. The left-arm pacer has cleared fitness tests and impressed domestically, with workload management guiding his return. An official PCB announcement is expected soon, pending final medical clearance and captaincy consultations with team management.

Pakistan cricket, Shaheen Afridi, T20I squad

AirSial to Launch Weekly Flights to Dubai from Sialkot Airport

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AirSial is expanding its international network by introducing weekly direct flights between Sialkot and Dubai. This new route aims to improve travel options for passengers from Punjab’s export hub, offering greater convenience for both business and leisure travelers. The service is set to enhance connectivity and support regional economic activity.

AirSial will start weekly direct flights from Sialkot to Dubai, aiming to boost travel convenience for passengers from Punjab. This move supports business and leisure travel, strengthens regional connectivity, and reflects AirSial’s growing international presence.

aviation, AirSial expansion, Pakistan-UAE flights

PIA Introduces Direct Flights to Saudi Arabia from Quetta

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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expanding its international operations by launching direct flights from Quetta to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This move aims to facilitate passengers in Balochistan, particularly for religious travel and business purposes. The first flight is scheduled for July 28, with weekly services planned every Sunday.

The initiative marks a significant step toward improving connectivity for Quetta residents, reducing their need to travel to larger cities like Karachi or Islamabad for international flights. Officials hope this addition will boost regional economic activity and offer greater convenience for pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj.

PIA is also focusing on improving service quality and restoring passenger confidence by expanding its route network. The airline continues to explore more international destinations from different cities across Pakistan.

PIA is launching weekly direct flights from Quetta to Jeddah, starting July 28, to improve travel access for Balochistan residents. The initiative supports religious and business travel while boosting local connectivity. This expansion is part of PIA’s broader strategy to revitalize its international operations.
PIA expansion, Quetta-Jeddah flights, Saudi travel Pakistan

Border Tensions Erupt into Gunfire Between Thai and Cambodian Forces

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Armed clashes broke out between Thai and Cambodian soldiers along their disputed border, escalating long-standing territorial tensions. Both sides exchanged gunfire near a contested area claimed by each nation, with reports of injuries but no confirmed fatalities. The skirmish triggered local evacuations and prompted calls for restraint from both governments.

Officials from both countries have accused each other of initiating the confrontation. Military reinforcements have been deployed, and diplomatic channels have been activated to prevent further escalation. The border dispute, rooted in historical claims, has been a recurring flashpoint, though full-scale conflict has been previously avoided.

Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged gunfire along a disputed stretch of their shared border, reigniting regional tensions. While casualties remain unconfirmed, both countries have blamed each other for the incident and dispatched reinforcements. The skirmish highlights the volatility of long-standing territorial disputes in Southeast Asia.

border clashes, Southeast Asia tensions, Thailand-Cambodia conflict

Iranian Helicopter Warns Off US Warship Near Persian Gulf Waters

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An Iranian military helicopter issued a warning to a US Navy warship that had approached Iranian territorial waters in the Persian Gulf. The incident, described as a defensive action, involved the helicopter flying close to the American vessel and delivering a verbal warning in both Farsi and English. Iran’s military emphasized that its forces are on full alert to prevent any unauthorized entry into its waters, citing sovereignty concerns.

The U.S. Navy has not officially commented on the encounter, but the situation highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries amid heightened regional security concerns. Iran maintains that it will respond swiftly to any perceived violations of its maritime boundaries.

An Iranian military helicopter confronted a US warship near Iranian territorial waters in the Persian Gulf, warning it to change course. The encounter underscores rising tensions and Iran’s firm stance on protecting its sovereignty amid increased military presence in the region.

military tensions, Iran-US relations, Persian Gulf confrontation

Trump’s Ties to Epstein Resurface Amid Ukraine Protests and Legal Battles

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Newly unsealed court documents have reignited scrutiny around Donald Trump’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing deeper links than previously acknowledged. The files, stemming from a long-running lawsuit, mention Trump multiple times, including social interactions with Epstein and a reference to Mar-a-Lago, where one of the alleged victims claimed to have been recruited. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and distanced himself from Epstein for years.

This legal development coincides with ongoing turmoil in Ukraine, where mass protests have erupted over government corruption and stalled democratic reforms. Citizens are demanding greater transparency and accountability, particularly in the wake of leaked communications implicating high-ranking officials in mismanagement and foreign influence.

Meanwhile, Trump faces a growing list of legal issues on multiple fronts, including election-related investigations and civil lawsuits. The revival of Epstein-related allegations adds another layer of complexity to his already contentious public and political standing, especially as the 2024 election cycle continues to influence public discourse.

Donald Trump’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein resurface in newly unsealed court files, adding to his ongoing legal troubles. At the same time, Ukraine is rocked by mass protests over corruption and foreign interference, escalating political tension across borders as global scrutiny intensifies on both Trump and the Ukrainian government.

Trump legal troubles, Epstein court files, Ukraine corruption protests