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Polling has begun across Pakistan for six National Assembly and seven Punjab Assembly constituencies. According to administration officials, more than 2,700 polling stations have been set up, with tight security arrangements in place. Key contests are expected in Haripur, Faisalabad, and Dera Ghazi Khan, where prominent party candidates face strong competition.

International media, including BBC Urdu, report that President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukraine may face its hardest choices yet under Washington’s proposed peace plan. The leaked draft suggests concessions on territory, military strength, and NATO membership, raising fears that Kyiv could lose either its sovereignty or its most vital ally.

Pakistan Shaheens booked their place in the Asia Cup Rising Stars final after defeating Sri Lanka A by 5 runs in Doha. Ghazi Ghori’s unbeaten 39 and Saad Masood’s all‑round performance guided the team to a tense victory, setting up a title clash against Bangladesh A tomorrow.

Senior journalist Ajmal Jami has suggested that while the trial of former intelligence chief Faiz Hameed is complete, the decision on its outcome remains pending. He noted that the political impact could extend to Imran Khan, raising questions about whether a military trial will be linked to him.

The Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and New York’s mayor‑elect Zahran Mamdani surprised observers worldwide. Reported by BBC Urdu, the encounter shifted from expected confrontation to cooperation, raising questions about how political rivals adapt when faced with public pressure.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reignited debate over military accountability by declaring that former Army Chief General (Retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa should face a court martial for his role in the 2018 political landscape. While Asif’s remarks were fiery, senior journalist Muneeb Farooq argues that Pakistan’s civil–military power balance makes such accountability virtually impossible, leaving Bajwa’s legacy shielded by institutional protection and political realities.

The persistent “toxic discourse and agitation” ultimately shattered the hopes many had pinned on PTI’s political rise.

A senior French naval commander has acknowledged that Indian Rafale jets were unable to overcome Pakistan’s air defense during the May conflict, citing pilot skill rather than aircraft limitations.

Pakistan’s security forces eliminated 13 militants linked to cross‑border networks during two separate operations in Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan, according to ISPR.

Mexico’s Fatima Bush won the Miss Universe crown in Bangkok, closing a season marked by protests, resignations, and allegations of misconduct within the pageant.