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G7 finance leaders look to address inequities as trade tensions fray unity

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G7 finance ministers meeting in Paris on Monday will seek common ground on addressing global economic concerns and co-ordinating vital raw material supplies, even as geopolitical disagreements threaten to challenge the cohesion of the group.

The two-day conference followed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing that achieved few meaningful economic accomplishments as tensions over Taiwan and trade simmered behind a show of diplomatic cordiality.

The Paris agenda will focus on what French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said are “deep-rooted global economic imbalances that are creating trade friction and could result in a turbulent unwinding in financial markets.””The way the global economy has been developing for the past 10 years or so is clearly unsustainable,” he added, referring to a pattern where China under-consumes, the United States over-consumes and Europe under-invests.

UPDATE FROM THE SUMMIT US-CHINA

Lescure, who will chair the talks, said the G7 provided a chance for open discussion among allies at a time of growing disagreements with Washington.These are not easy topics. “I am not going to say that we agree on everything, including, of course, first and foremost with our American friends,” he told journalists before the meeting.

The Trump administration allowed a sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil to lapse on Saturday, and finance ministers will be seeking for an update on US-China ties after the Trump-Xi summit and on the latest US efforts to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

The success would be if the sides just accept each has some responsibility for the trade and financial flow imbalances, French officials participating with preparations said, but the US side is expected to be reluctant.

FALLOUT FROM MIDEAST CONFLICT””I’d be shocked if they’re going to sign on to the idea this is the US’s fault in some way,” said Philip Luck, director of the economics program at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Ministers are also set to examine the economic effects from the Mideast conflict and volatility on global bond markets, which are of particular concern to Japan.

Rachel Reeves will “push for coordinated action to limit inflation and supply chain pressures and restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz” at the meeting, and also reassert the government’s desire to reduce trade barriers between Britain and the European Union, Britain’s finance ministry said.

G7 divisions make it harder to show unity as ministers prepare for a June 15-17 leaders summit ​in the resort town of Evian.

CRITICAL MINERAL DEPENDENCE

A second target will be ⁠critical minerals and rare earths, where G7 governments are aiming to coordinate efforts to lessen reliance on China, which dominates supply chains important for technology from electric vehicles to renewable energy and security systems.

The G7 will call for tighter collaboration to monitor markets, anticipate disruptions and establish alternative sources, including through cooperative initiatives across allied economies, Lescure said. “The goal is to make sure that no country can ever again have a monopoly” of such materials, he said.

G7 countries are aiming to create a shared toolbox of measures to stabilise markets and boost domestic investment, possibly with price floors for manufacturers, pooled purchases and also tariffs.

Luck, who worked on the topic in the Biden administration, said the program is a long-term undertaking that would do little on the ⁠finance ministers’ ​meeting. “”This is very early innings of trying to figure this out,” he remarked. “I don’t think there is agreement on a strategy even within the U.S. government, let alone being able to articulate that in a convincing way to ​our partners in order to get them to sign on,” he said.

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Sohail Sameer Apologises For Viral Video Clip

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Actor Sohail Sameer has apologised to his fans and social media users after an old video clip of him emerged online and went viral.

The video, which surfaced on social media a few days ago, featured Sameer with a female actor. It was reported that the footage was part of a film, however certain portions faced heavy criticism from social media users.

The clip reappeared and grabbed fresh attention with Sameer taking to social media to address the topic. He said the footage was about 10 years old and apologised for upsetting people with it.

The actor apologised profusely to everyone who was offended, disappointed or uncomfortable by the viral clip.

“Looking back at the incident, I may not have thought at the moment that something from my past would come back after years and get so much attention,” Sameer added.

He added that the event made him think about his own family, saying he had a mother, sisters and kids and that it would be difficult if incorrect material concerning someone from his family were distributed in a similar way.

Sameer also admitted that he was wrong to be a part of such content no matter what the situation back then was.

He also said it takes years to develop a reputation, but it can be destroyed in an instant.

The actor claimed he was really ashamed and sad for his past action and apologised to his fans and the public.

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According to Sarah Khan, she never made a specific wish for a son.

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Pakistani actress Sarah Khan has addressed a question about whether she had hoped for a son during her second pregnancy, saying that she and her husband, singer Falak Shabir, only wished for a healthy child.

During a question-and-answer session on her Instagram account, a fan asked if she wanted a baby boy while expecting her second child.

Responding to the question, Sarah said, “We just wanted a child.”

Sarah Khan Responds to Question Regarding Son

The actress, who is the mother of two daughters, Alyana and Rania, also reflected on how motherhood has transformed her life.

When asked what she misses most about her life before marriage and children, Sarah replied that uninterrupted sleep is the only thing she misses after becoming a mother of two.

She also shared a light-hearted response when a follower asked whether she was watching the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“The only thing I’m watching these days is my daughters,” she joked.

Speaking about motherhood, Sarah described her daughters as the greatest blessing in her life.

“My life has become more beautiful. I am busier than ever. It’s the best time of my life, and I love my daughters. They are Allah’s greatest blessing upon me,” she said.

The actress added that her biggest goal as a mother is to raise kind and compassionate human beings and wished for all married women to be blessed with healthy children.

Sarah also revealed that she is “obsessed” with her husband, Falak Shabir, while joking that their daughters are even more attached to their father.

The actress recently earned praise for her performance in the drama Sher alongside Danish Taimoor and is set to appear in an upcoming Geo TV drama opposite Feroze Khan.

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Pre-arrest bail of MPA Saqib Chadhar extended again, Momina Iqbal raises issues over legal procedure

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Lahore sessions court again extended interim pre-arrest bail of Punjab MPA Saqib Chadhar and his wife as Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal questioned the legal procedure.

The court on Thursday extended the couple’s interim bail till July 13 and asked them to join the probe. A progress report was required from the prosecution at the following hearing.

Momina Iqbal took to Instagram Story after the proceedings and writing without identifying anyone explicitly, said that she earlier thought influence was restricted to Bhowana but now she feels that the full privilege of being an MPA is being used.

The actress said her reps were being harassed, followed and put under pressure in a number of ways.

Also, she sought to know whether similar treatment is given to situations involving regular residents or if the numerous adjournments are solely for powerful individuals.

The story first came to light in May when Momina Iqbal accused a provincial lawmaker of sustained internet harassment, cyberbullying and death threats.

Later, she mentioned Saqib Chadhar in her lawsuit, stating he threatened her and her fiancé after she refused his marriage proposal. She also said her sister had been getting threatening texts.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had issued a warning that no attempt to use political influence or coerce anyone in the case would be accepted.

It is pertinent to mention that on June 4, Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a case against Saqib Chadhar under cybercrime and other related sections. He was granted interim pre-arrest bail on June 5, which has been extended many times since.

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