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One Killed in Shooting Amid Mixed Response to Joint Awami Action Committee Strike in Azad Kashmir

Markets reopened in major cities like Mirpur...

One Killed in Qallan Shooting as Shutdown Eases in Major Azad Kashmir Cities

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45-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Budgam’s Branwar Area

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Pakistani Actress Hania Amir Steps Into Boxing, First Official Fight Expected Soon

The Azadi Times
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Pakistani Actress Hania Amir Steps Into Boxing, First Official Fight Expected Soon

Popular television and film star Hania Amir is receiving professional boxing training from WBO Youth World Champion Usman Wazir, with an official debut match anticipated.

Pakistani actress Hania Amir has expanded her career beyond acting and music into professional boxing, with an announcement regarding her first official fight expected soon.

Footage surfaced on social media showing the television star undergoing boxing training sessions with WBO Youth World Champion Usman Wazir. The video, which gained widespread attention across Instagram and other platforms, marked her entry into combat sports training.

Speaking to Pakistani media, Usman Wazir confirmed that the viral video is not part of a commercial, drama production, or promotional campaign, but rather reflects active, regular training. According to Wazir, Amir has shown genuine interest in the sport and is taking her conditioning seriously. He added that an announcement regarding her debut professional boxing match will be made soon.

Earlier this year in March, Wazir highlighted Amir’s athletic capabilities during a podcast appearance, noting that she possesses an energetic approach to the sport that her audience has yet to see fully. He had previously advised her to keep her training sessions private.

Alongside her acting projects, Amir recently ventured into the music industry, releasing her debut Punjabi hip-hop rap single titled “Pablo,” which she wrote and composed herself. The track also features a voice message from Indian media personality Rakhi Sawant.

Pakistan Cricketers Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq Linked to NCCIA Online Betting Inquiry

The Azadi Times
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Pakistan Cricketers Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq Linked to NCCIA Online Betting Inquiry

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency is investigating online betting and gambling links involving Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, while Rizwan’s legal challenge has been dismissed by the Lahore High Court.

Details have emerged regarding an ongoing inquiry by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) involving senior national cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.

The NCCIA issued a notice to Mohammad Rizwan stating that the agency is conducting an inquiry into online betting and gambling within Pakistan cricket and requires his statement to be recorded.

Rizwan initially approached the Lahore High Court to challenge the agency’s proceedings. However, the court dismissed his petition and directed him to cooperate with the NCCIA and present his position before the agency. Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq has already appeared before the NCCIA in connection with the matter, with both players facing detailed questionnaires regarding their financial and personal backgrounds.

The inquiry surfaced after changes were made to the Pakistan cricket team squad during a tour of England, which saw players including Rizwan and Imam released from the Test squad. Initial reports had linked the NCCIA inquiry to alleged leaks of dressing-room information or material; however, court records later clarified that the investigation focuses on online betting and gambling.

The NCCIA’s Cyber Crime Reporting Center in Lahore issued Rizwan a notice under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, summoning him to record his statement. The notice warned that failure to appear could be construed as having no defense.

A five-page questionnaire submitted by the NCCIA to the Lahore High Court includes requests for extensive personal and financial data. Investigators asked for details regarding Rizwan’s family background, social media accounts used over the past decade across platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram, and five years of income sources spanning salary, rent, business, and agricultural earnings.

The questionnaire also seeks information on bank profits, household and educational expenses, inherited properties, real estate transactions over the past five years, domestic and international travel history, and all active bank accounts, credit cards, and loans.

In his response submitted to the agency, Rizwan stated that he received the NCCIA notice on September 8 and maintained that investigators have not yet provided specific details regarding the exact allegations against him.

Rizwan argued that as an active international cricketer, any corruption-related allegations concerning cricket should be handled by the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit. He requested clear details of any specific allegations so that he could properly participate in the inquiry and mount a defense.

During the Lahore High Court hearing, assistant attorney general Rafaqat Dogar represented the NCCIA and submitted the agency’s questionnaire to the court. Rizwan’s counsel argued that his client had not been provided clear details of the accusations. Following the proceedings, the court dismissed the petition and directed the cricketer to engage directly with the NCCIA.

From ‘Tum Bin’ Stardom to Business: What Happened to Sandali Sinha?

The Azadi Times
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From ‘Tum Bin’ Stardom to Business: What Happened to Sandali Sinha?

After capturing hearts with her Bollywood debut in 2001, Sandali Sinha stepped away from the spotlight to focus on family and entrepreneurship.

Bollywood actress Sandali Sinha, who achieved overnight fame with the 2001 hit film *Tum Bin*, stepped away from the film industry shortly after her breakthrough to build a successful career in business alongside her husband.

Released in 2001, *Tum Bin* made Sinha an instant sensation, particularly among younger audiences who regarded her as a prominent national crush of her era. The film’s enduring music, notably the classic track “Tum Bin Jiya Jaye Kaise,” cemented her place in public memory.

Originally from the Indian state of Bihar, Sinha moved to Delhi with her mother and sister following her father’s passing. Her interest in acting developed there before she eventually relocated to Mumbai in pursuit of professional opportunities.

Sinha began her career in modeling, appearing in short films and commercials. In 1997, she made her television debut in the drama *Tanha*, and gained wider recognition through her appearance in Sonu Nigam’s popular music video “Koun Hai Woh Ladki” from the album *Deewana*.

Despite the massive success of *Tum Bin*, Sinha struggled to secure major lead roles in subsequent projects. She appeared in films such as *Om*, *Pinjar*, and *Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo*. In 2005, she ventured into South Indian cinema with the Telugu film *Oori Pandu*, though the projects did not achieve significant commercial success at the box office.

**Shift Toward Family and Business**

In 2005, Sinha married businessman Kiran Salaskar. In a 2001 interview with *HT City*, she noted that after marriage, she chose to prioritize her family life. She is a mother of two.

Moving away from cinema, Sinha partnered with her husband to enter the corporate world. Together, they established “Country of Origin,” an artisanal bakery and pastry brand based in Mumbai. The brand currently operates multiple outlets across upscale neighborhoods in Mumbai, while Salaskar is also involved as a co-founder in other hospitality and food ventures.

While reports have estimated Salaskar’s net worth at significant figures, those financial claims remain unverified. Sinha’s transition from a prominent Bollywood actor to a dedicated entrepreneur highlights a deliberate pivot toward family and business following a brief but memorable cinematic career.

Paris Court Awards Kim Kardashian Symbolic One Euro in 2016 Armed Robbery Case

The Azadi Times
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Paris Court Awards Kim Kardashian Symbolic One Euro in 2016 Armed Robbery Case

A Paris court has awarded Kim Kardashian and her stylist one euro each in symbolic damages following the 2016 armed robbery in the French capital.

A Paris court has awarded American television personality Kim Kardashian one euro in symbolic damages after she was targeted in an armed robbery in the French capital in 2016.

According to the Associated Press, Kardashian had previously described the incident as the most terrifying experience of her life. Last year, a French court found eight individuals guilty of involvement in the high-profile robbery.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday alongside her stylist, Simon Harouche, Kardashian expressed gratitude to the French judiciary.

“This experience was deeply traumatic, and its effects remain with us today,” the statement read. “Today’s decision is not about compensation, but about accountability and recognition. We are grateful to the court and to everyone who has supported us throughout this process.”

The court also ordered €109,000 to be paid to a former receptionist at the Hôtel de Pourtalès, where Kardashian was staying when armed robbers targeted her. The receptionist stated that he suffered severe psychological trauma during the October 2, 2016 jewelry heist and had initially sought €550,000 in damages. His lawyer, Mohand Ouidja, hailed the ruling as a victory.

Additionally, the court ordered €50,000 to be paid to the hotel and awarded €1 euro to Harouche, who was present with Kardashian during the incident.

During the 2016 robbery, two men disguised as police officers forced their way into Kardashian’s room, bound her with zip ties and tape, and fled with more than $6 million worth of jewelry, including a diamond ring she had worn earlier that evening at a Givenchy show.

English Village Votes to ‘Secede’ From UK in Protest Over Migrant Facility Plan

The Azadi Times
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English Village Votes to ‘Secede’ From UK in Protest Over Migrant Facility Plan

Residents of Piddington held a symbolic referendum after authorities proposed housing more than 1,000 asylum seekers at a former military site.

Residents of an English village numbering roughly 350 people have voted overwhelmingly in favor of seceding from the United Kingdom, staging a symbolic protest against a plan to house more than 1,000 migrants near their community.

The mock referendum took place in Piddington, a village in central England located about 25 kilometers from Oxford, following government proposals to convert an unused nearby military site into an accommodation center for over 1,200 asylum seekers.

The local parish council announced that out of 312 ballots counted, 285 residents voted to break away from the UK. While the vote carried no legal weight, it drew significant attention as an expression of local frustration.

Voters were handed ballot papers reading: “I support Piddington seeking to secede from the United Kingdom and achieve independence.” Tim McNally, chairman of the local parish council, told Sky News that the village would now be referred locally as the “Principality of Piddington.”

“For us, the real issue is numbers,” McNally said, highlighting the disproportionate impact of placing 1,250 men in a rural community of just 350 residents. He accused authorities of attempting to rush the controversial project through without adequate consideration.

Local officials and council leaders have raised multiple concerns regarding the proposed site. Tim Bearder, head of Oxfordshire County Council, warned the BBC that the location could become a focal point for far-right protests and potential security risks directed at asylum seekers.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that authorities would review the community’s concerns expressed through the referendum. However, Burnham defended the broader initiative, arguing that a strong majority of British citizens support ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers and that distributing housing facilities across different regions is a fair approach.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also defended the plan in comments to the BBC, describing the use of a former military base as a more suitable option compared to expensive hotels or rented accommodation.

The dispute highlights ongoing public anxiety across parts of the UK regarding the housing of asylum seekers and illegal immigration, an issue that has frequently triggered local demonstrations and political debate.

Canada Invites 2,000 More Temporary Foreign Workers to Apply for Permanent Residency

The Azadi Times
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Canada Invites 2,000 More Temporary Foreign Workers to Apply for Permanent Residency

The latest Express Entry draw targets skilled workers with domestic experience, aligning with Ottawa’s broader strategy to balance permanent and temporary residency levels.

Canada has invited an additional 2,000 foreign workers to apply for permanent residency, marking the latest step in the government’s ongoing effort to transition tens of thousands of temporary workers into permanent residents.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced earlier this year that it is rolling out a targeted initiative to provide up to 33,000 skilled temporary foreign workers with pathways to permanent residency across 2026 and 2027.

IRCC spokesperson Matthew Kroputch told *Daily Hive* that the initiative specifically focuses on individuals already contributing to the Canadian economy, particularly in sectors facing high labor demand.

“This initiative recognizes the strong community ties and contributions to the Canadian economy made by individuals already working here, including in rural areas and labor-shortage sectors,” Kroputch said.

Under the latest Express Entry draw under the Canadian Experience Class, the department issued invitations to 2,000 candidates with domestic work experience seeking permanent status.

Eligible candidates in the draw were required to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 519, alongside a profile submitted prior to the cutoff on March 26, 2026.

So far this year, IRCC has issued 128,732 invitations through various Express Entry draw categories, which include French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services sectors, and provincial nominee programs.

Receiving an invitation does not automatically grant permanent residency. Instead, it invites candidates to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

According to IRCC, successful applicants have 60 days to complete their applications online, submit required documentation, pay relevant fees, and provide biometrics including fingerprints and photographs.

Application fees for the Express Entry process currently total 1,500 Canadian dollars per candidate, with an additional 270 Canadian dollars required for each dependent child.

Following submission, IRCC reviews the documents to determine if the applicant meets permanent residency requirements. If approved, the candidate officially obtains permanent resident status.

The latest draw comes as Canadian authorities seek to reduce the number of temporary residents while maintaining sustainable levels of permanent immigration.

Under immigration planning targets spanning 2026 to 2028, the government aims to keep permanent resident arrivals below one percent of the domestic population, while reducing the proportion of temporary residents to under five percent of the total population by the end of 2027.

North Korea Declares Nuclear Status ‘Absolute and Irreversible,’ Dismisses Denuclearization Hopes

The Azadi Times
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North Korea Declares Nuclear Status ‘Absolute and Irreversible,’ Dismisses Denuclearization Hopes

Kim Yo Jong dismissed calls for denuclearization as “foolish,” coming as Washington signals potential openness to renewed diplomatic engagement.

North Korea’s influential political figure Kim Yo Jong has stated that the country’s nuclear status is “absolute and final,” dismissing any expectations of disarmament as foolish.

According to Agence France-Presse, Pyongyang has legally enshrined its status as a nuclear-armed state, with leadership maintaining that its atomic arsenal is permanent and non-negotiable.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un, delivered the remarks via the state-run Korean Central News Agency. She asserted that the country’s nuclear capabilities serve as a vital deterrent against external pressure.

“The DPRK’s status as a nuclear state is absolute and final, and cannot be changed by anything,” she said, describing the country’s arsenal as a crucial shield.

The statement coincided with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s general conference in Vienna, where Pyongyang dismissed ongoing international efforts toward denuclearization. Kim added that any belief in the reversibility of North Korea’s nuclear program is unrealistic.

Seoul’s Unification Ministry said authorities are closely monitoring the remarks, noting the timing aligns with recent signals from Washington regarding potential diplomatic engagement.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to reopen communication with Kim Jong Un, suggesting willingness for renewed contact. During his first term, Trump held three summits with the North Korean leader, though diplomacy stalled after the 2019 Hanoi summit ended without an agreement on sanctions relief and disarmament steps.

Since the breakdown of those talks, Pyongyang has continued to expand its nuclear stockpile. While independent estimates and official assessments vary, international monitors note that North Korea’s military capabilities have steadily advanced in recent years.

Barrister Danish Riaz Offers Free Legal Defense for Shaukat Nawaz Mir

The Azadi Times
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Barrister Danish Riaz Offers Free Legal Defense for Shaukat Nawaz Mir

Supreme Court advocate Barrister Danish Riaz has announced he will represent Shaukat Nawaz Mir pro bono, as supporters welcome the legal assistance amid ongoing political developments.

Muzaffarabad — Supreme Court advocate and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce member Barrister Danish Riaz has announced that he will provide free legal defense for Shaukat Nawaz Mir.

According to the announcement, Barrister Riaz will not charge any legal fees for representing Mir in the ongoing case. Supporters of Shaukat Nawaz Mir have welcomed the decision, describing the provision of pro bono legal assistance as a significant development for safeguarding constitutional and legal rights amid challenging circumstances.

The announcement noted that the Islamabad chamber previously provided free legal assistance for 95 detained Kashmiri youth in Islamabad, while legal efforts continue for two additional individuals.

While defendants are guaranteed the right to legal representation under standard legal frameworks, the practical application of this right and the current status of court proceedings regarding Shaukat Nawaz Mir's case remain subject to official court records and relevant statements from authorities.

Supporters expressed appreciation for the legal support, emphasizing the broader importance of access to counsel. Further details regarding the court proceedings and official positions are expected as the legal process continues.

UK Overhauls Asylum System With Shorter Protection Periods and Strict Rules

The Azadi Times
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UK Overhauls Asylum System With Shorter Protection Periods and Strict Rules

New UK policies introduce 30-month residency limits for refugees, a longer path to settlement, and tighter rules on family reunification and state support.

The United Kingdom has implemented major changes to its asylum system, introducing stricter guidelines for refugees and individuals seeking humanitarian protection.

Under the updated framework, adult applicants who are granted refugee status or humanitarian protection after March 2, 2026, will generally receive a 30-month period of leave to remain. Previously, successful applicants typically received five years of permission to stay. Authorities will review the ongoing need for protection at the end of the initial 30-month period, and status may be renewed if the risk of return persists.

The policy changes significantly alter the path to permanent settlement in the UK. Under the government’s new core protection guidelines, the standard route to permanent residency has been extended to up to 20 years. However, individuals who transition to specific work and study routes may become eligible for settlement earlier, provided they meet designated criteria.

Family reunification rules have also been adjusted. The automatic right for protected individuals to bring family members to the UK under core protection has been removed, though sponsorship remains possible under specific conditions for those who transition to work and study pathways.

Additionally, the government has proposed changes to asylum support laws, shifting current legal obligations to provide housing and financial assistance for destitute individuals into discretionary powers. Authorities indicated that applicants with financial means may also be asked to contribute toward the costs of support.

The changes encourage recognized refugees to transition into legal work or education routes by securing employment or enrolling in approved studies. Meanwhile, individuals whose asylum claims are rejected and who lack other legal grounds to remain in the UK face expedited deportation procedures.

UK immigration guidance emphasizes that asylum claims require credible evidence of a genuine risk of persecution upon return, rather than economic or personal relocation preferences. Legal experts advise that applicants navigating the revised system consult qualified immigration professionals, as regulations and exceptions vary by individual case.

British MPs Press UK Government on Human Rights and Communications in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

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British MPs Press UK Government on Human Rights and Communications in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

APPG on Kashmir Chair Imran Hussain met with the UK’s Pakistan and Kashmir minister, pressing for an end to violence and the full restoration of communication links.

LONDON — British parliamentarians have held high-level discussions with the UK government regarding the ongoing situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, pressing for immediate action on human rights concerns and communications restrictions.

Imran Hussain, Member of Parliament and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, led discussions alongside other British lawmakers with the UK’s minister responsible for Pakistan and Kashmir affairs.

According to Hussain, the meeting addressed serious human rights concerns raised by more than 80 British parliamentarians. He stated that the UK minister confirmed these issues, highlighted by the APPG and the UK's one-million-strong British Kashmiri diaspora, have been raised directly with high-level authorities in Islamabad.

Following the meeting, Hussain emphasized that acknowledging concerns is insufficient without practical improvements on the ground.

"The bloodshed must end," Hussain said, outlining key demands that include the full restoration of communication links and unhindered access to food and essential supplies. He also called for the immediate resumption of peaceful dialogue between the parties, insisting that any lasting resolution must place the fundamental human rights of Kashmiris at its core.

The diplomatic engagement follows parliamentary debates in Westminster concerning recent unrest, reported casualties, arrests, and supply disruptions in the region. British government officials previously stated they are closely monitoring developments and engaging directly with Pakistani authorities.

The UK maintains its broader position that a durable political settlement for Kashmir requires peaceful dialogue between India and Pakistan, taking into account the wishes of the local population.

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