US President Donald Trump faced questions about the security of his new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar, after he took an older jet home from a NATO summit this week.

The billionaire president has been unable to contain his excitement over the retrofitted Boeing 747-8 aircraft, which took him to Ankara on its maiden trip outside the United States.

Trump then abruptly announced in Turkey that he would send the aircraft ahead to a British airbase saying the decision was made to allow US troops to tour the luxury plane.

The New York Times reported on Friday that the new plane lacked the same security countermeasures boasted by the older jet, including anti-missile defenses. US media also reported that the Secret Service had advised the switch.

Speculation was fueled by the fact that US hostilities had flared again with Iran, which borders Turkey, and because journalists on the old plane out of Ankara were also told to keep their window blinds down, a step normally reserved for war zones.

Trump himself denied any security concerns, but after switching back to the new plane for the flight from the UK to Washington, he referred to alleged Iranian assassination attempts.

“You’re probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleazebags we have to deal with,” he said.

The New York Times said several of its journalists received subpoenas from the Trump administration on Friday, following its report on the new Air Force One.

“The appearance of federal law enforcement agents on the doorstep of news reporters should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the Constitution and the press freedom it protects,” said David McCraw, the publication’s top newsroom lawyer.

‘Every tool at our disposal’

Qatar’s royal family donated the luxury airliner last year after Trump complained about the state of the two aging Boeing 747 jets that had served as Air Force One since 1990.

The plane was then rapidly retrofitted and flew Trump for the first time on July 1, to North Dakota.

‘Real national security concerns’

ISLAMABAD  –  Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari yesterday called for population planning to be elevated as a national priority, saying it is not merely a matter of demographics but a fundamental requirement for social justice and sustainable development.

In his message on the occasion of World Population Day, Bilawal said the true strength of any nation does not lie in the size of its population but in its ability to nurture, educate, empower and protect its people.

The PPP chairman warned that a country like Pakistan cannot afford unchecked population growth and stressed the need for an effective, comprehensive and people-centric strategy to address the challenge.

He emphasized that population planning must become a key national development priority, supported by coordinated policies that ensure equitable access to essential services and opportunities for all citizens.

Bilawal said Pakistan could transform its rapidly growing population into a valuable national asset by expanding access to quality healthcare, improving educational standards, empowering women and creating dignified employment opportunities.

He noted that investing in human development would enable the country to harness its demographic potential while promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Reaffirming the PPP’s longstanding commitment to people-centred development, Bilawal said the party has always believed that investing in human capital is the strongest foundation for national progress and shared prosperity.

Recalling the vision of PPP founder and former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, he underscored the importance of adopting inclusive, welfare-oriented public policies that ensure no citizen is left behind.

Bilawal expressed hope that World Population Day would inspire the nation to renew its collective commitment to building a Pakistan where every individual has equal opportunities to live with dignity, contribute meaningfully to society and fully realize their potential.

Shangla  –  Torrential monsoon rains brought much-needed relief to residents of Shangla, ending a three-day spell of intense heat and significantly lowering temperatures across the district while increasing water flow in streams and seasonal waterways.

Heavy rainfall was recorded intermittently in both the upper and lower parts of the district, transforming the weather into cool and pleasant conditions. Residents welcomed the change after enduring several days of scorching temperatures and humid weather.

The downpour led to a substantial increase in the flow of natural springs, streams, and seasonal nullahs, reflecting the impact of the ongoing monsoon system across the region.

In Besham, Alpurai, Khwazakhela, and several other urban localities, heavy rain caused water to accumulate on roads, disrupting traffic in some low-lying areas. Although no major loss of life or property was reported, commuters faced difficulties due to waterlogging and slippery road conditions.

The rainfall also enhanced the scenic beauty of Shangla’s mountainous landscape, with lush green hills, flowing streams, and cool breezes drawing admiration from local residents. The pleasant weather provided a welcome respite from the recent heatwave that had affected daily life across the district.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, intermittent monsoon showers are expected to continue over the next few days in Shangla and adjoining areas. The forecast indicates the possibility of further rainfall as the current monsoon system remains active over the northern parts of the country.

In view of the expected weather conditions, the district administration has advised the public to exercise caution, particularly those living near rivers, seasonal streams, and mountainous areas vulnerable to flash floods or landslides. Citizens have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and to remain alert to official weather advisories.

Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation and have directed relevant departments to remain prepared for any emergency arising from continued monsoon activity.