A Meta employee has sparked debate over job security and work-life balance after saying repeated layoffs and restructuring have made her afraid to start a family. Writing anonymously on Blind, a workplace platform that verifies users through corporate email addresses while keeping identities hidden, she said: “I gave up on having kids while I’m at Meta.” Read More: Want to Travel More? This 9-to-5 Employee Shares Her Formula She said the decision followed a conversation with her husband and fears that she could lose her job during pregnancy or maternity leave. “There is absolutely zero guarantee I’ll still be employed here by next year, let alone by the time I’d actually return from mat leave,” she wrote. The account cannot be independently verified. However, it comes amid broader reports of employee anxiety at Meta following major job cuts and a rapid shift toward artificial intelligence. Layoffs and AI Restructuring Fuel Anxiety Meta cut about 10% of its workforce, close to 8,000 jobs, in May 2026. Reuters reported that the company also reassigned around 7,000 employees to AI-focused projects. That followed a February 2025 performance-based round targeting about 3,600 jobs. Some affected workers later disputed Meta’s description of those cuts as focused on low performers. Meta Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth later acknowledged the strain. He said morale was “probably one of the worst it’s ever been,” according to a report on an internal June meeting. Read More: Meta’s New Plan Could Transform 1,000 Pakistani Businesses Blind told Fast Company that 83% of Meta posts discussing AI had turned negative since late 2025. Meta’s culture rating on the platform had also fallen to 2.23 out of five. Employee Says Job Insecurity Changed Family Plans “It’s insane that I’m even writing this, but after a talk with my husband, the realization finally hit me… I have to give up on having a kid while I’m at Meta,” the woman wrote. She blamed “the company’s dynamics, entirely unstable TC, and complete lack of job security” for making family planning feel impossible. “My biological clock is ticking and it’s ticking fast. What if because of this stupid job I’m never able to have kids?” she added. Blind later shared the post on X, where it triggered discussion about work-life balance and delayed family planning. “This has been happening for a long time. It’s why birth rates are low,” one user wrote. Others advised the employee not to put major personal decisions on hold because of professional uncertainty. Meta Says No More Company-Wide Cuts Expected Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg told employees in May that he did not expect further company-wide layoffs during the rest of 2026. Reuters later reported that he acknowledged mistakes during Meta’s AI workforce transition. Read More: Microsoft Announces 4,800 Layoffs. Here’s What Employees Get The workplace concerns have also reached the courts. In July, 26 Meta employees sued the company, alleging that AI-assisted performance systems unfairly disadvantaged workers who had taken medical, parental or family leave. Meta rejected the allegations and said organisational and workforce decisions were made by people, not AI. The Blind post represents one employee’s experience rather than the views of Meta’s entire workforce. Still, it adds to wider evidence of declining confidence and morale as the technology giant restructures its workforce around AI.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye Sign Historic Defence Pact
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on Friday. It creates a framework under which an armed attack on one will count as an attack on all three. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the pact reflects commitment to collective security and regional stability. “The agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression, and stipulates that any armed attack against any one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all,” it said. The agreement also provides for stronger defence cooperation in all areas. Pact Comes Amid Middle East War The pact comes during the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28. Iran and allied groups have attacked Gulf states and disrupted energy routes. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply. Meanwhile, Houthi threats have increased pressure on Red Sea shipping. Pakistan has played a mediation role between Washington and Tehran. Last month, Islamabad reiterated “unwavering support” for Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity after Houthi threats. The trilateral pact follows the Saudi-Pakistan mutual defence agreement signed in September 2025. That deal also treated aggression against one country as aggression against both. 🔈 PR No. 2️⃣0️⃣4️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mIzASADmau — Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 7, 2026 Turkiye has NATO’s second-largest military. Saudi Arabia is a major oil exporter, while Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority country. Reuters reported that the trilateral deal followed nearly a year of negotiations. Analysts See Wider Regional Significance Defence analyst Brigadier retired Waqar Hassan called the signing a “historic and landmark day”. He said three major Islamic nations with distinct positions had “decided to manage security matters themselves”. Hassan linked the foundation of the agreement to last year’s Pakistan-India standoff. “The world witnessed how Pakistan managed that situation and defeated a major power, which led to a rise in Pakistan’s military prestige.” He said the pact could become a “magnet” and pointed to the benefits of “collective security” seen in Europe and NATO. “A major message is being sent from East to West: regional countries will now look after their own security. There is no need for a hegemonic power, whether it be Israel or India, which issues threats daily,” Hassan added. Defence analyst Syed Mohammad Ali said the three countries showed awareness of regional security challenges and their own responsibility. “They intend to collaboratively address the threats posed to peace and stability. This is a highly positive and timely initiative that will significantly assist in fostering peace, stability, and security throughout the Muslim world generally, and the Middle East specifically,” Ali said. “It demonstrates that the leaders of the Muslim world are now stepping forward to tackle existing challenges, recognising that to combat internal discord, terrorism, and aggression, it is vital for these nations to combine their experience, resources, and insights into a unified strategy to enhance stability and peace.” Ali added that Pakistan was demonstrating responsible and balanced strategic thinking through diplomatic efforts, including military diplomacy.
Samsung Expands Spotify Premium Offer Across Pakistan
Samsung Electronics has announced a new regional partnership with Spotify. The collaboration will give eligible users in Pakistan up to three months of Spotify Premium with select Samsung devices. The partnership covers the Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye and Pakistan. It also connects Spotify with Samsung smartphones, tablets, TVs, sound devices and wearables. In Pakistan, customers who buy eligible Samsung products can receive three months of Spotify Premium. The offer covers selected QLED, Mini LED and UHD TVs. It also includes Galaxy A series smartphones and tablets, selected sound devices, Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch models. Customers can access the offer through retail stores and Samsung’s official website. They can then redeem the benefit through the Samsung Promotion app or Samsung Members app. Meanwhile, Samsung says the partnership will create a more connected listening experience. For example, a user can start a track on a Galaxy smartphone while travelling with Galaxy Buds. Later, the same music can move to a Samsung TV and soundbar at home. Users can also control playback through a Galaxy Watch. Samsung and Spotify already have a long-running global partnership. In 2022, Spotify expanded a three-month Premium offer to eligible Samsung users across 85 markets, including Pakistan. Samsung Focuses on Connected Music Experience “Technology should bring people closer to the things they love, and few things connect people the way music does,” said Omar Saheb, Regional VP of Marketing and Online Business at Samsung Electronics MENA. He added: “Partnerships like this one with Spotify allow us to offer customers more than great technology, giving them an easy way to discover, stream, and enjoy the music they love across our entire ecosystem, and a genuine reason to choose Samsung for the experience, not only the product.” Spotify Premium offers several additional features. These include ad-free listening, offline downloads and higher audio quality. In addition, Spotify offers Jam. The feature allows friends to create and manage a shared listening queue during gatherings. Samsung has also linked Spotify promotions with Galaxy devices in other markets. Earlier in 2026, the company introduced three-month Premium promotions for eligible Galaxy A series users in parts of Latin America. Young Listeners Drive Regional Streaming Young audiences remain a major part of the regional streaming market. According to Spotify data cited by Samsung, nearly seven in ten streams across MENA, Türkiye and Pakistan come from listeners aged 18 to 34. “At Spotify, we are always working to make every listening moment feel more personal, meaningful, and worth it,” said Rami Jamal, Head of Partnerships at Spotify for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa. He added: “Our partnership with Samsung extends that experience into more everyday moments across the devices people use throughout their day, giving listeners across the region a richer, more effortless way to enjoy the music they love with Spotify Premium.” However, the offer varies by market and device. In Pakistan, the three-month benefit applies only to eligible Samsung purchases. Therefore, users should check the promotion and eligibility terms before redeeming it. Samsung says the collaboration goes beyond a short-term promotion. Instead, the company sees Spotify as part of a broader strategy. Through this approach, Samsung aims to connect premium services with the devices people already use every day.
5 Supplements for Travel Sickness: What May Help
Getting sick while travelling can quickly disrupt a trip. Changes in sleep, diet and unfamiliar environments can expose travellers to new health risks. Physician Dr Kunal Sood addressed the issue in an Instagram post on August 6. He highlighted five supplements: vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, probiotics and elderberry. However, he stressed that none can guarantee protection from illness. The CDC advises travellers to rely on proven precautions, including safe food and water, hand hygiene and insect-bite protection. Its 2026 Yellow Book calls travellers’ diarrhoea one of the most predictable travel-related illnesses. What the Evidence Says About the Five Sood said vitamin D supports normal immune function, but travellers should not treat it as a last-minute shield against infection. “Correcting deficiency is worthwhile, but it is not a last-minute travel infection preventive,” he said. He also discussed zinc, which supports immune cell function. Routine supplementation has not clearly prevented common colds. “Oral zinc lozenges started within about 24 hours of symptom onset may modestly shorten a cold, while intranasal zinc products should be avoided because of smell-loss risk,” Sood stated. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says oral zinc may shorten a cold when people start it within 24 hours of symptoms. Sood also urged caution over vitamin C. Read More: KFC and McDonald’s Make Unhealthiest Fast-Food Ranking “Regular vitamin C does not usually prevent colds, but it may shorten their duration slightly. Starting vitamin C only after symptoms begin has generally not been helpful, and high doses can cause gastrointestinal side effects.” Some probiotic strains may modestly reduce respiratory infections, Sood said. Still, the benefits can vary by strain. “Current CDC guidance considers the evidence insufficient to recommend probiotics for preventing travellers’ diarrhoea,” he pointed out. CDC guidance says studies on probiotics for travellers’ diarrhoea have produced conflicting conclusions. Researchers have not established the ideal strains, doses or duration. Sood offered another caution on elderberry. “Elderberry has not reliably prevented colds, even in an air-travel study. It may modestly shorten illness or reduce symptom severity once a cold develops, but evidence remains limited.” NCCIH says preliminary research suggests elderberry could ease some upper respiratory symptoms. Stronger clinical evidence remains limited. Basic Travel Precautions Still Matter Sood warned travellers against combining supplements in the belief that they provide stronger protection. “These supplements have not been shown to work better when combined, and they should not replace safe food and water practices, insect precautions, or hand hygiene,” he stated. Read More: Big Bird Foods Makes Major Retail Move With Imtiaz Partnership CDC guidance similarly emphasizes safe food, safe drinking water and frequent handwashing. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol can help when soap is unavailable. Travellers should speak with a healthcare professional before starting supplements, especially if they take medication or have health conditions. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Unilever Pakistan Brings CCP In for Competition Law Training
Unilever Pakistan hosted senior officials from the Competition Commission of Pakistan at its head office on August 6 for a dedicated employee training session on competition law. The company said the session formed part of its efforts to strengthen ethical business practices, regulatory compliance and accountability across the organisation. CCP officials discussed how competition law supports fair markets and a transparent business environment. They also gave employees practical guidance on identifying conduct that can raise competition concerns. “Integrity is at the heart of everything we do. Continuous learning is essential to fostering a culture of accountability. We thank CCP for sharing its expertise on practices that promote fair competition,” Unilever Pakistan CEO Amir R. Paracha said. Farid Ahmad Tarar, Chairman of the CCP, also stressed the role of awareness in helping companies meet their legal responsibilities. “Competition compliance begins with awareness. We commend Unilever Pakistan for reinforcing compliance through knowledge and engagement,” Tarar said. Tarar has led the CCP since March 2026. The federal government appointed him chairman after a career spanning public financial management, regulatory reform and economic governance. Training Covers Key Areas of Competition Law The session covered the CCP’s mandate and several major areas of Pakistan’s competition framework. Officials discussed deceptive marketing, mergers, abuse of dominant position and prohibited agreements. An interactive question and answer session followed the presentations. Pakistan’s Competition Act, 2010 gives the CCP powers to promote free competition, improve economic efficiency and protect consumers from anti-competitive conduct. The law applies to public and private undertakings across the economy. Section 3 deals with abuse of a dominant position, while Section 4 covers agreements that restrict or distort competition. Section 10 prohibits deceptive marketing practices. The law also gives the CCP authority to review mergers that could substantially reduce competition. The commission says competition compliance helps businesses understand legal risks before problems emerge. Its advocacy work also encourages companies to adopt voluntary compliance practices and build stronger internal awareness. CCP Expands Competition Awareness Efforts The Unilever session follows other CCP outreach initiatives aimed at businesses, students and professional organisations. In March, the commission held an awareness session at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Officials discussed abuse of dominance, prohibited agreements, deceptive marketing and mergers. Tarar told participants that distorted competition harms businesses as well as consumers. The CCP has also taken enforcement action in cases involving Unilever Pakistan. In January 2026, the Competition Appellate Tribunal upheld the commission’s findings against Unilever Pakistan and Friesland Campina Engro over advertising frozen desserts as ice cream. In April, the CCP said it had recovered penalties from both companies in that matter. Unilever Pakistan said the latest training reflects its commitment to maintaining high standards of ethics and transparency. The company said continued learning and engagement with regulators can help strengthen a culture of compliance throughout the organisation.
Spotify Wants Atif Aslam Fans to Find Their ‘Aadeez’ Identity
Spotify has launched a new interactive experience that allows Atif Aslam fans to discover their personal “Aadee persona” inside the music streaming app. Called “Discover Your Inner Aadeez,” the feature takes inspiration from Aslam’s latest album, Subah Aye Na. Spotify designed it around the different ways listeners have connected with the Pakistani singer throughout his career. Some listeners have followed Aslam for decades. Others discovered his music through playlists, friends or social media. Spotify says those different relationships inspired the personalized experience. The feature comes as Aslam begins a new musical chapter with Subah Aye Na, his first studio album in nearly two decades. Spotify says the singer has accumulated almost 8 billion all-time streams and attracts more than 30 million monthly listeners. Around 96 percent of his streams come from outside Pakistan, highlighting his global audience. “Music means something different to every listener, and that’s what inspired us to create this experience,” said Talha Hashim, Spotify’s Marketing Manager for Pakistan. “’Discover Your Inner Aadeez’ celebrates the many ways fans connect with Atif Aslam’s music, transforming those listening habits into something personal, interactive, and made to be shared. It’s another example of how Spotify continues to create fan-first experiences that bring listeners closer to the artists they love.” Four Aadee Personas for Fans Spotify divides participants into four Aadee personas based on how they engage with Aslam’s music. Borderless Aadeez represents listeners whose playlists cross genres and geographical boundaries. They explore sounds from different places and select music according to their mood. Moonrise Aadeez describes fans who return to Atif Aslam’s songs during quieter moments, particularly as the day slows down. Read More: Netflix Partners With Warner Music for Major Documentary Deal The OG Aadeez represents longtime fans who have followed the singer since his early career. For them, older songs bring back memories while every new release adds another chapter. The Early Discoverer Aadeez suits listeners who quickly find new releases and rarely allow a new Atif Aslam song to remain undiscovered for long. Spotify said it developed the personas by examining listening patterns and fan culture. Each persona also has its own visual identity and personalized share card. How Fans Can Discover Their Aadee Persona Spotify Free and Premium users can access the experience globally in English through the latest version of the mobile app. Listeners can open Spotify on iOS or Android and tap the “Discover Your Inner Aadeez” banner on the Home screen. They then choose their favorite song from Subah Aye Na. Read More: Bite, Lick, Listen: The Musical Lollipop That Stunned CES 2026 That choice helps Spotify determine the listener’s Aadee persona. Bespoke animations reveal the result before the app creates a personalized share card. Fans can save the card, share it on social media and return directly to the album. Spotify said the project aims to turn music discovery into a more personal fan experience. It also gives Aslam’s global Aadeez community another way to celebrate its connection with his music.
First Sikh Student Secures Position in Lahore Board’s History
Sikh student Onkar Singh has made history in the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Lahore’s Secondary School Certificate First Annual Examination 2026, securing second position in the boys’ science group with 1,189 marks. The achievement makes Onkar the first Sikh student to secure a position in BISE Lahore’s history, according to reports published after the matric results came out on August 6. Onkar, a student of Crescent Model Higher Secondary School in Lahore, has built a strong academic record over the past two years. His school also lists him among its notable students. Speaking after his latest result, Onkar said he plans to study medicine and become a doctor to “serve humanity.” He credited his success to consistent hard work, his parents’ prayers and the guidance of his teachers. He also used the moment to highlight challenges facing young Pakistanis. Onkar called for reforms in the education system and urged the government to create better employment opportunities for young people. He said stronger opportunities could help reduce unemployment and give students greater confidence about their future. Strong Academic Record Before Matric Result Onkar had already attracted attention for his performance in the Lahore Board’s ninth-grade examinations in 2025. Reports at the time showed that he scored 550 out of 555 marks. He secured 98 out of 100 in Islamiyat and 49 out of 50 in Translation of the Holy Quran. Read More: From College Student at 10 to Record-Breaking Professor at 18 His result card also showed full marks in English, mathematics, physics and chemistry. He scored 59 out of 60 in biology. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat publicly praised his performance after the result. That earlier record had already placed Onkar among Lahore Board’s standout students. His latest result has now taken that success further. By securing second position in the boys’ science group, he has joined Lahore Board’s highest-performing matric students of 2026. Message on Minorities and Education Onkar also spoke about the position of religious minorities in Pakistan. He said minorities enjoy “complete freedom and protection” in the country. His achievement has attracted attention both for his academic performance and for the milestone it represents for Pakistan’s Sikh community. Medicine remains his preferred career path, with his stated goal of serving people through healthcare. Read More: How Faysal Bank Is Helping Talented Students Study at LUMS At the same time, Onkar stressed that education reform should go alongside better employment opportunities. His comments highlighted concerns facing students who compete intensely in education but often remain uncertain about jobs afterward. For Onkar, however, the immediate milestone is historic. With 1,189 marks and second place in the boys’ science group, he has become the first Sikh position holder in BISE Lahore’s history and has now set his sights on becoming a doctor.
NYC Mayor Warns Retailers of $2,000 Fines Over Illegal E-Bikes
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has launched a crackdown on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, ordering 42 online retailers to stop selling non-compliant vehicles to city residents. The cease-and-desist notices target Amazon, Walmart, Temu and Target. Reports also name Best Buy and Wayfair. Retailers have until August 18 to comply or could face fines of $2,000 for each illegal sale. The action targets high-speed, non-compliant devices rather than legal e-bikes and e-scooters used across the city. ABC7 cited city data showing more than 500 e-bike collisions and 795 scooter collisions this year, up more than 28 percent from the same period last year. “As we continue to focus on this work, we will let New Yorkers know what the next steps are. For now, cease-and-desist orders are our focus,” Mamdani said at a press conference. The 34-year-old democratic socialist is New York City’s first Muslim mayor. Teen’s Death Intensifies Safety Debate The crackdown came one week after 17-year-old Gabriel Nacato died in a crash near City Hall while riding a Deepower QS7. The manufacturer advertises the model with a 1,500-watt peak motor and a top speed of 30 mph. That performance puts the vehicle beyond New York City’s definition of a standard powered bicycle. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection defines an e-bike as having a motor below 750 watts and a maximum design speed of 25 mph. Read More: Zohran Mamdani Faces Awkward Snub at Army Sergeant’s Funeral Separate operating rules set a lower limit. The Department of Transportation says e-bike and e-scooter riders cannot exceed 15 mph on any city street. Mamdani said retailers have sold vehicles that can travel far beyond legal limits. His administration is initially focusing on companies supplying such devices rather than a broader crackdown on riders already using them. City Council Plans Wider Review The New York City Council has also announced a “comprehensive review of existing laws” as officials search for additional street-safety measures. Council Speaker Julie Menin said: “Every New Yorker deserves to move around our city freely and safely, regardless of how they get around. But too many people have been seriously injured or killed in crashes involving illegal e-bikes, e-motos, and e-scooters.” “New Yorkers should never have to wonder whether a walk through their neighborhood or bike ride to work will end in an accident,” Menin added. Read More: Why Did NY Mayor Zohran Mamdani Reject a $47,000 Pay Raise? Council members are considering limits on sales of high-speed e-bikes, tougher action against unregistered mopeds and stronger penalties for riders who leave crash scenes. Other proposals include additional insurance requirements for delivery platforms and a trade-in program for illegal bikes. The crackdown marks a new phase in Mamdani’s micromobility policy. In March, his administration ended criminal summonses for low-level cycling and e-bike traffic violations while keeping civil enforcement.
Birth Tourism Banned as Trump Signs Fresh Citizenship Orders
US President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on August 6, renewing his attempt to restrict birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court rejected his earlier policy on June 30. The White House said the measures target “birth tourism”, where foreigners travel to the United States to give birth and secure citizenship for their children. Trump urged Congress to act after the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling but later returned to executive action. Executive orders direct federal agencies but lack the force of laws passed by Congress. His 2025 order told agencies to deny citizenship to US-born children when neither parent was a citizen or lawful permanent resident. The policy covered children of immigrants living in the country illegally or temporarily. The administration says the new orders address narrow historical exceptions and therefore fall outside the Supreme Court ruling. Birth Tourism Targeted “That practice of birth tourism is, as of the signing of this order, hereby banned,” White House aide Stephen Miller said at the Oval Office ceremony. The Center for Immigration Studies estimated in 2020 that between 20,000 and 25,000 mothers came to the US for birth tourism during 2016 and 2017. The US recorded 3.6 million births in 2025. The orders also restrict rights for children of foreign government employees and people the government classifies as alien enemies. They could affect US territories if Congress approves a proposed law ending automatic citizenship there. Read More: $37.5 Billion Spent on Iran War as Trump Seeks $90 Billion More Trump called the Supreme Court ruling a “very unfortunate decision” and said “people are building businesses around” birth tourism. “That’s not the way it’s supposed to work. It’s a disgrace. They’re buying their way in, and we’re not going to let it happen,” Trump said. “This was done for a different reason.” Trump continued: “This was done right after the Civil War.” He then asked: “This was for the babies of slaves, and what’s happening now?” Fresh Court Fight Expected Legal experts expect fresh challenges to the orders. The ACLU predicted they would fail in court. “Just five weeks ago, the Supreme Court made clear that birthright citizenship is not subject to a president’s whims, it is a constitutional guarantee that has stood for more than 150 years. Today’s executive orders are nothing more than an attempt to get around that ruling,” said Deborah Fleischaker, a former Biden administration official now with UnidosUS. Zain Lakhani of the Women’s Refugee Commission said the measures could trample pregnant women’s rights “in one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives”. She urged the government to establish guidelines honoring the Supreme Court ruling. Courts have long interpreted the 14th Amendment as guaranteeing citizenship to nearly everyone born in the United States. Narrow exceptions cover children of foreign diplomats and members of an enemy occupying force. Read More: Birthright Citizenship Stays: Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Executive Order Chief Justice John Roberts wrote: “Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights – to freely participate in our political community. We keep that promise today.” The Citizenship Clause states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” US authorities have no official figures showing how many foreigners enter the country specifically to give birth or what the practice costs taxpayers.
