IHC issues notices to former generals Bajwa, Faiz over ‘misleading interviews’

Petitioner alleges that interviews tainted reputation of state institutions

October 9, 2023

PM Kakar urges India to keep politics away from sports

“We would have issued visas to Indians if the World Cup was held in Pakistan," premier says

Imran Khan protests ‘poor’ jail conditions during cipher case hearing

Special court announces to indict Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi in cipher case on Oct 17

Parliament passed law to regulate top judge powers with 'good intentions,' CJP Isa observes

Full court resumes hearing petitions challenging Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023

PM Kakar appoints PTI's former aide as special assistant on investment

Tahir Javed donated money to and campaigned for Imran Khan and PTI in US when party was in power

Forces gun down terrorist involved in targeting civilians, LEAs in North Waziristan: ISPR

ISPR says the militant was involved in terrorist activities targeting security forces and civilians

Prince Harry disloyalty crime than Prince Andrew sex offense

King Charles has soft corner for disgraced Prince Andrew over own son Prince Harry, insider

Travis Kelce disappointed over new lover Taylor Swift absence at NFL game

Travis Kelce won the game despite injury but Taylor Swift wasn't there to cheer him on

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry get a great new opportunity

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will return to New York on Tuesday

Prince William feels ‘tied up’ by Prince Harry

Prince Harry allegedly makes Prince William feel ‘entirely tied up’

Fact-Check: Unproven, false claims about cancer treatment reappear on social media

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that alleged treatments suggested in viral posts can cure or prevent cancer

Meghan Markle won’t lose royal title despite King Charles humiliating new label

Meghan Markle urged to ditch her Royal title after King Charles disrespectful move

World Cup 2023: Zainab Abbas leaves India after propaganda over her social media posts

ICC spokesperson confirms departure but states Zainab Abbas left due to "personal reasons"

Prince William hit with new challenge ahead of major event

Prince William faces another challenge as he prepares to fly solo for Earthshot Prize awards

Test match approach in ODI: What advice did Virat Kohli give to KL Rahul?

A simple advice from Virat Kohli may have helped team India smash team Australia on Monday

Netflix’s list of Top 5 trending dark thriller K Dramas to binge & stream

Netlfix unveils its ultimate of all horror K Dramas that are not for the faint of heart

Bella Hadid father shares heartfelt birthday note as she turns 27

“Bella my baby birthday week. Here she is at one of her first wins"

Top 5 must watch miniseries on Netflix to add to your list

These Netflix miniseries included a variety of genres including period romances to real crime stories

Sarah Ferguson faces backlash over latest move to support Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, despite being divorced, still live together on the Windsor estate

Rescue search continues for third day after deadly quakes in Afghanistan

Taliban government reports death toll has surged past 2,000 as rescue workers search for survivors

Wang hopes US-China ties to return to ‘track of healthy development’

China’s top diplomat's statement comes as he meets visiting senior American lawmakers led by Chuck Schumer

Foreign nationals reported to be killed in Israel as death toll surges

Foreign nationals have contacted foreign ministries back home to be evacuated from war zone

Israel orders complete siege of Gaza as clashes with Hamas enter third day

Gaza officials report nearly 500 deaths in the impoverished and blockaded enclave of 2.3 million people

Chicago North River shooting leaves 8 injured

The age of the victims of the River North shooting ranges from 23 to 43 years old

Israel, US suffer setback as discord emerges in UNSC over Hamas attack

"My message was to stop fighting immediately, to go to ceasefire, to meaningful negotiations," says Russia

US sends aircraft carrier, warships near Israel showing support amid Hamas attack

US Central Command Sunday also confirms that ships and planes started moving to their ordered position

US to send war fleet, provide ammunition to Israel amid escalating conflict

Washington will also be supplying ammunition to Israel as part of its security assistance

Shahid Afridi sees eating meat, IPL behind positive change in Indian cricket

"Their bowlers have now started eating meat, so they have gained strength," says Pakistan’s former skipper

Kim Kardashian ‘annoyed’ at ‘dishonest’ Kanye West over his marriage confirmation

Kim Kardashian reacted after Kanye West marriage to Bianca Censori was confirmed

India start World Cup 2023 campaign with easy victory against Australia

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was pick of the Indian bowlers returning 3-28 in an impressive bowling display

Prince William points out ‘biggest challenge’ of future

Prince William encourages young people to think optimistically about the future of the planet

Meghan Markle spending more time away from family home?

Meghan Markle is reportedly planning her return to Hollywood

How David Beckham, Victoria Beckham marriage stood the test of time

David Beckham, Victoria Beckham tied the knot in 1999 and share four kids, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, Harper

Shahrukh Khan's life in danger after mega success of 'Jawan'

Shahrukh Khan informed the Maharashtra police about the threats in written complaints

Simon Cowell thrashes former BGT judge David Walliams ‘embarrassing’ accusations

Simon Cowell unfollows former BGT judge and best pal David Walliams' ‘embarrassing’ accusations

Pak vs SL: Abdullah Shafique likely to replace Fakhar Zaman against Sri Lanka

Former cricketers have been advising PCB to consider giving rest to Fakhar Zaman as he is unable to perform

Greta Gerwig recalls 'sneaky behavior' during release of 'Barbie'

Greta Gerwig called the filmmaking of 'Barbie' 'the most fun experience'

Travis Kelce makes impressive comeback amid Taylor Swift's absence

Taylor Swift skipped Travis Kelce's game against Minnesota Vikings despite attending the previous ones

OGDCL finds indicators of heavy reservoirs of shale gas in Hyderabad

Over 3,000 TCF shale gas resources exist in various shale horizons of Pakistan

Ben Affleck mocked by celeb pals Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper over word game

Ben Affleck spills details of his secret celebrity group with Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper

Decoding Christian Bale's cinematic odyssey: Read More

The actor has always successfully maintained a private, tabloid-free mystique

Kim Kardashian's casual Harvard remarks ignite online firestorm

Kim Kardashian is getting labelled as 'jealous' and 'green with envy'

Matty Healy's unconventional move into girlfriend's LA home

Matty's new girlfriend is also a singer, and was a member of the band Nasty Cherry when she was known as 'Gabi'

Prince Harry was 'offended' when Meghan Markle called his family 'medieval'

Prince Harry took offence after Meghan Markle mocked the Royal Family

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle titles could change in 'royal shuffle'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could experience a change of titles

Dwayne Johnson's 'Secret Clause' in movie contracts unveiled: Read More

Dwayne collaborates with fight coordinators to ensure that he always gives as good as he gets

James Webb Telescope reveals new insights on Orion Nebula

The experts also identified brown dwarfs — too small to start the nuclear fusion at their cores to become stars

Prince William talks about 'racing' competitions with aunt Princess Anne

Prince William talks about competing against Princess Anne in Balmoral Castle

Taylor Swift's absence from Travis Kelce's NFL game leaves fans puzzled

Taylor was also absent from the celebrations of Travis's birthday

Meghan Markle 'sets up shop' in Beverly Hills hotel to work away from home

Meghan Markle is living away from home during WME work meetings

Kanye West eyes to surprise world on upcoming Friday in Italy: report

Kanye West appears to be set to perform in Italy next Friday, as per one Italian report

Ariana Grande's ex Dalton Gomez makes out with New Flame

Ariana and Gomez still respect each other and possess no hard feelings

Prince William avoided 'pressure' wedding to Kate for sake of Princess Diana

Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in Wesminster Abbey

Greta Gerwig's mysterious nightmare: What's haunting the director?

Greta appeared at the 'London Film Festival' on Sunday

King Charles Imperils Monarchy with Upcoming Action

King Charles has been renounced by a Commonwealth country ahead of his visit next year

Princess Diana would have been alive if not for ‘extraordinarily rare injury’

Princess Diana would have been alive and well in a few days after the accident

Patrick Stewart reveals potential alternate ending for Star Trek: Picard in his new autobiography

Patrick Stewart explains how he wanted the series to end in his book

Sophie Turner ‘inspired’ by Taylor Swift to exact revenge on Joe Jonas

Sophie Turner recently sued Joe Jonas for forcefully retaining their two daughters in the US

Several airlines suspend Tel Aviv flights until security conditions improve

US air carriers United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines suspended direct flights

PDM parties doing ‘drama’ over election date: Pervez Khattak

“What have these parties served the country in the last 35 years?" asks PTI-P top leader

October 8, 2023

Climate change ‘decreasing bird population at alarming rate’ in Pakistan

"One-eighth of species of birds have a high level of danger of extermination," says Dr Muhammad Azhar

Pakistan calls for international intervention to protect Palestinians against Israeli oppression

FM Jalil Abbas Jilani stresses need for establishment of sovereign Palestinian state as per UN resolutions

No restrictions on PTI as political party: caretaker govt

Caretaker information minister says interim setup has nothing to do with Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan

Pakistan vows all-out support for Afghanistan earthquake victims

FO says govt in contact with Afghan authorities for a first-hand assessment of urgent needs

Nimra Salim illuminates Pakistan's name globally

Nimra Salim says her childhood dream of venturing among the stars has come true

PTI leaders record video statements to avoid 'nefarious plan' against Imran Khan

PTI leaders were abducted and forced to record statements of abductors' choice under duress and coercion

Rupee to gain strength vs dollar with expected IMF tranche, trade surplus

Local currency continued to rise and reached 282.69 on Friday

Fazl censures political parties for opportunism amid sinking economy

“The country’s overall administrative structure is on the decline," Maulana Fazl says

Two terrorists killed in Balochistan’s Kech: ISPR

“Terrorists had been actively involved in multiple terrorist activities against law enforcement agencies,” says ISPR

Israel strikes southern Lebanon after Hezbollah attacks Shebaa farms

Hezbollah targeted three posts in Shebaa Farms “in solidarity” with Palestinian people

US likely to announce military aid to Israel as conflict enters second day

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also confirms there is no evidence of Iran's involvement in attacks on Israel

Saudi FM calls on US, EU counterparts to deescalate Israel-Palestine conflict

According to Saudi media, Prince Faisal talks to his counterparts in Egypt, Qatar and Jordan

Israel clashes with Hamas as over 350 Palestinians martyred; Hezbollah launches missiles

American official claims that Washington will send a navy fleet to ensure the safety of Israeli coastal areas

Two Israeli tourists, Egyptian guide, ‘shot dead in Alexandria’

This is the first attack on Israelis in Egypt in several decades

South Korea beat Japan to maintain gold medal streak at Asian Games

South Korea's win on Saturday secured the team exemption from compulsory military service

Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi celebrates achievement behind bars

Mohammadi's campaign for freedom of expression and women's rights has prompted her arrest several times

Indian teen from Bhopal cheers for Babar Azam & Co

"I have been a fan of Babar Azam for the past four years," says Alisha

Avalanche on Tibet's Mount Shishap­a­ngma kills two

Scientists say summit is no more safe for climbers due to global warming

Fatalities in Afghanistan earthquakes cross 2,000

A spokesman for National Disaster Authority said they expect death toll 'to rise very high'

Messi's return fails to rescue Inter Miami as Cincinnati dash their MLS playoffs hopes

Messi entered game as a substitute in 55th minute failed to score for Inter Miami that ledd to their elimination from MLS playoffs

This is your guide to small talk success and sound smarter to strangers

Lipman shows that the SIMPLEST way to impress strangers is showing genuine interest by asking for their advice

Farrell lauds team as Ireland eye historic Rugby World Cup semi vs New Zealand

Ireland extended their winning streak to 17 consecutive games in Rugby World Cup

WATCH: Donald Trump showcases how he is better stand-up comedian

Donald Trump conveys his criticism of Joe Biden’s policies in humous way maintaining full engagement of crowd

England survive Samoa scare with late Danny Care heroics

England Coach Steve Borthwick credited Samoa's brilliant performance, likening it to their own World Cup final

US calls for calm, stability as Israeli occupied forces suffer unprecedented blow

Attack commenced early Saturday when fighters caught occupied Israelis by surprise, firing 5,000 rockets

Markram mayhem in Delhi as South Africa thrash Sri Lanka

Aiden Markram smashed a 49-ball hundred, the fastest in the history of the men's 50-overs World Cup

Earthquake in Afghanistan claims 120 lives, as rescue operation continues

Official says that so far over 1,000 injured women, children, and elderly citizens have been included in our records

Shocking: Person died in 1895 buried in US

"Stoneman Willie" was the nickname given long ago to him who was declared dead in 1895 in jail

Israel Retaliates After Hamas Strikes, Death Toll Reaches 1,100

US President Biden extends support to Israel, warns no enemy of Tel Aviv should exploit attacks

Afghan Earthquakes Claim 2,445 Lives, Taliban Report, Death Toll Rising

Quakes hit 35 km (20 miles) northwest of the city of Herat, with one of 6.3 magnitude

US ‘expected’ to provide details on new military assistance for Israel later Sunday: Blinken

US considering additional military support for Israel in response to Hamas attack, says Secretary of State Blinken

The Expansion of CPEC to Afghanistan: Implications for Regional Stability

Ambassador to China said Pakistan to focus on acquiring new technologies in second phase of CPEC

Two fatalities, two unaccounted for after avalanche strikes Tibet’s Mt Shishapangma

American mountaineer and Nepali guide die in Tibet avalanche, two missing and one injured on Mount Shishapangma

Indian Flood Death Toll Rises to 77 as Waters Subside

Violent torrents struck Sikkim state on Wednesday after a high-altitude glacial lake suddenly burst

'Concerned' Pakistan calls for ending hostilities between Israel and Palestinians

Pakistan says it is concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation

October 7, 2023

Man arrested for harassing female university students in Karachi

During body search, the police also recovered drugs from his possession, say officials

PPP welcomes Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto

"It has been PPP's long-standing demand that Nawaz should return," ex-foreign minister says

'Free Rano': Activists stage art protest for release of captive bear in Karachi zoo

Bear suffers from zoochosis as she has been seen pacing relentlessly on same side of her cage for years: activist

World Cup 2023: South Africa etch their name in record books

Proteas posted the highest total in World Cup history

SA vs SL: Aiden Markram smashes fastest World Cup ton

The 29-year-old broke the record of Ireland's Kevin O'Brien who scored a 50-ball century in the World Cup 2011

Pakistan affirms support to Saudi Arabia's bid to host FIFA World Cup 2034

Pakistan wishes its Saudi brothers all success in this endeavour, says FO spokesperson

World Cup 2023: India receives threat to blow up Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

Police suspect email to be a prank or malicious play by someone sitting in a foreign nation

How much Pakistan team players will get under new PCB contracts?

Trio of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan will receive Rs6 million per month

Messi's potential return sparks hope for Inter Miami playoff bid vs Cincinnati

All eyes are on Messi when Inter Miami face FC Cincinnati, as both teams navigate final stages of MLS season

Simone Biles claims 21st world title, a historic milestone in gymnastics

Simone Biles dominated the competition in Antwerp, the city where she won her first world title a decade ago

France crush Italy 60-7, advance to Rugby World Cup quarterfinals

Damian Penaud shines as France secured a perfect Pool A record, and advance to Rugby World Cup quarterfinals

WATCH: Social media all praises for Rizwan praying during drinks break

Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan never fails to draw fans' lauds either by his performances or actions

WATCH: Chicago's 104-year-old woman sets new skydiving record

Dorothy Hoffner aims to secure a spot in the record books as the world's oldest skydiver

October 6, 2023

WATCH: This is how you can meme-ify your next party like Trish fun costume bash

Trish Belizaire's meme-themed Halloween bash took internet by storm

Fight over bag of chips: 11-year-old shoots two teens in Florida

Surveillance footage shows older teenagers pursuing 11-year-old towards his vehicle from where he takes his mother's gun

October 5, 2023

South Asia’s Female Health Care Professionals Seek Acknowledgement

Thousands of rural community health workers in Pakistan, India, and Nepal demand higher wages and labour rights

My father is disrespectful with me. How do I navigate our relationship?

"Talking to him feels like I'm walking on eggshells," says an angry daughter

October 4, 2023

Your digestive health is key to your overall well-being

The article discusses shortage of over-the-counter laxatives, Miralax and Dulcolax, and potential dangers of their abuse

INFANTICIDE? Russian doctors find needle in 80-year-old woman's brain in Sakhalin

Doctors speculate elderly woman may have been victim of failed infanticide by her parents

WATCH: Stoneman Willie, America's oldest mummy, to be buried after 128 years

Stoneman Willie's true identity remained a mystery for over a century but it would now be revealed

WHO recommends new, cheaper malaria vaccine for children

R21/Matrix-M, developed by Britain's University of Oxford, would cost between $2 and $4

October 3, 2023

Does money truly buy happiness? Dave solves dilemma at last

The perspective on money and happiness evolves as we prioritise experiences over material possessions and make lifestyle changes

Beware! Yelling at children can have lasting effects

By choosing kindness and positive communication, we can create an environment where children can truly flourish

5-foot-long python discovered taking a nap in South London home

I gave him nudge just to make sure he wasn’t aggressive, but he was calm, allowed me to pick him up, rescuer says

Las Vegas Sphere shows off 'crystal-clear' graphics on its opening night with U2 concert

U2 fans made an extraordinary memory over the weekend with a visually remarkable concert that may have messed with their brains

October 2, 2023

Japan tech startup brings Gundam to life with giant $3 million robot

The creator of the robot, inspired by a Japanese animated series, wanted to create something that says, 'This is Japan'

Famous MMA fighter from US Amber Leibrock Converts to Islam

35-year-old athlete shares her transformative journey in an Instagram post

Tech meets Wellness: Fawad Khan Shares His Seamless Experience with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system empowers individuals to manage their health with greater ease and efficiency

How many glasses of water should you drink on a daily basis?

If you think eight-glasses of water is all you need in a day, you are mistaken

October 1, 2023

Strange: Crocodile with missing jaw discovered in Florida

In an online request to help decide the critter’s name, the park urged netizens online to suggest the name

Ghost activity: Security camera captures mysterious figure spooking dog in England

Homeowners decided to place motion sensor in a room to ensure well-being of their black Labrador

Pink eye infection: Don't self-medicate, warns health expert

Dr Jamal Nasir stresses maintaining mutual distance, using prescribed eye drops, and tissues for cleansing eyes

September 30, 2023

Pink eye outbreak: Viral conjunctivitis cases spike to near 100,000 in Punjab

Highest number of pink eye cases (1,540) reported in Bahawalpur

Researchers working on implant device to cure cancer with mobile app in 60 days

One researcher says technology is applicable to cancers affecting pancreas, liver, lungs and other organs

Tarzan of Today turns eco-warrior on Mission to save Scotland's ancient woodlands

Meet Tarzan, the logging horse, who now commutes to work on a state-of-the-art barge

Want to drive Batmobile, Fast and Furious, other hot Hollywood cars? Come to Paris

The collector possesses 12 cars from "Fast and Furious" film series, eight of which are originals from movies

Norwegian family looking for lost earrings, finds ancients Viking-era artifacts instead

These artefacts are believed to have played a role in the ninth-century burial of a woman

September 29, 2023

MUST WATCH: Makkah lightning strike fills night sky with heavenly forking flashes

Makkah received significant rainfall, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology to issue 'Red Alert'

What is BIGGEST resume blunder that never lands you job? Google recruiter reveals secret

Nolan Church has seen countless resumes throughout his career, and one thing he can't stress enough is the importance of brevity

Buttons, nut bolts: Doctors treat stomach-turned hardware store as patient falls ill

"On carrying out X-ray, we found lockets, chains, nuts, bolts, earphones, many other objects inside stomach," official says

Weight loss 'miracle' drugs Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro linked to suicidal thoughts: reports

Reuters found 265 cases of suicidal thoughts or behaviour related to these drugs in the US FDA's database since 2010, with 36 involving suicide

September 28, 2023

Huge teddy bear rescued on local trip in Cambridge

The rescuer stated in her talk that it [the bear] is huge and it took up the entire size of her double bed, she says

EU, others to face court over insufficient climate action by 6 young people

Claimant says her sister gets scared when she hears helicopters flying above, reminding her of firefighters in 2017

Chinese Scientist Disputes Indian Claim of Landing on Moon’s South Pole

Pioneer of China's lunar exploration programme Ouyang Ziyuan debates significance of Indian achievement

WATCH: Family remains amazingly calm as black bear crashes picnic in Mexico

The park has warned visitors about an increase in encounters with black bears in the area

September 27, 2023

You won't believe why govt had to ban this beggar from begging

The beggar is James Chamber, a man whose life took an unexpected turn

Woman brings alligator to hotel for birthday photo shoot in Florida

Woman says she was employed at Croc Encounters in Tampa and "borrowed" the alligator without permission

Young girl breaks world record by quickly arranging chessboard blindfolded

"I was particularly drawn to idea of setting a personal goal and pushing myself beyond my limits," she remarks

Gen Munir urges women to take part in KP's 'progress, development'

COAS attends Provincial Apex Committee meeting; calls for synergy for peace and prosperity of Pakistan

Jennifer Aniston gives Kim Kardashian a run for her money with CR Fashion photoshoot

Kim Kardashian shocked her fans with new look

Sam Asghari picks up gun as Britney Spears shows knives in video

Sam Asghari and Britney recently announced to end their marriage

Johnny Depp marks key update in resurgent career after Amber Heard drama

Johnny Depp poises to return to the previous glory as he tries his luck in a role he hasn't done for 25 years

Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber's fashionable near miss at Paris afterparty

"Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber narrowly avoid an awkward encounter at a Parisian afterparty

Kendall, Kylie Jenner's monochrome magic shines at Paris Fashion Week

Kendall and Kylie Jenner turn heads at Paris Fashion Week with their striking monochrome looks

Queen Elizabeth gave Meghan Markle tough choice before Prince Harry marriage

Royal biographer reveals what Queen Elizabeth offered to Meghan Markle before Prince Harry nuptials

Dengue cases surge past 10,000 in Taiwan

CDC warns dengue fever's next hotspot is Latin America, as over 3.47 million cases were reported in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia

Kourtney Kardashian's sustainable style shines in sneak peek of Boohoo collection

Kourtney Kardashian stuns in a sneak peek of her Boohoo collection ahead of its highly anticipated launch

I feel dejected and demotivated all the time. How to get rid of these feelings?

"I've been constantly getting negative thoughts that prevent me from doing something for myself or my future"

Over 80,000 prescription errors reported in Pakistan during last year

Islamabad's chief drug inspector says medication errors sixth leading cause of death in developed countries like US

Britney Spears spooks fans with one disturbing 'habit': Watch

Britney Spears's latest antics involving knives on Instagram spark safety concerns among fans

Kanye West resumes music career in style after Venice controversy

Kanye West rebounds from Venice scandal makes a resounding return to the studio with a burst of creativity

Jennifer Aniston gives tough competition to Emily Ratajkowski amid Justin Theroux fling

Jennifer Aniston puts her diva looks on display in sizzling snaps amid Justin Theroux, Emily Ratajkowski romance

Angelina Jolie traps in midlife crisis amid Brad Pitt drama?

Angelina Jolie shares inner thoughts on life as she's locked with legal battle with estranged ex-Brad Pitt

Duchess of Edinburgh's Italy visit a snub to Prince William?

The Duchess is representing the UK at a state funeral in Italy

‘Chaotic’ Amber Heard has ‘burned’ Elon Musk

Elon Musk’s ex partner Grimes has her own thoughts about Amber Heard

Rupee continues upward trend as US dollar drops in open, interbank market

Following the government's crackdown, the greenback has shed its value by more than Rs18

Meghan and Harry caught up in new controversy over team's emails

The couple has been criticized over a visit to a New York school

Dengue cases surge past 10,000 in Taiwan

CDC warns dengue fever's next hotspot is Latin America, as over 3.47 million cases were reported in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia

ODI rankings and what does it mean for Pakistan, India ahead of World Cup 2023

Green Shirts trail behind the Men in Blue who are ranked as no.1 ODI men's side

I feel dejected and demotivated all the time. How to get rid of these feelings?

"I've been constantly getting negative thoughts that prevent me from doing something for myself or my future"

Victoria Beckham ironically talks of ‘happy family’ after public feud with Nicola, Brooklyn

Victoria Beckham shares the secret behind a ‘happy family’ after feud with Nicola Peltz, Brooklyn Beckham

Over 80,000 prescription errors reported in Pakistan during last year

Islamabad's chief drug inspector says medication errors sixth leading cause of death in developed countries like US

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry pay $12,000 to attend event hosted by Kevin Costner?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attended the event last week

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner spotted together again after cheating allegations

Ben Affleck spotted with ex-wife Jennifer Garner in Santa Monica following cosy car ride

'Euphoria' creator opens up about HBO's efforts to help Angus Cloud

Sam Levinson, the creator of 'Euphoria,' said he didn't let anyone give up on Angus Cloud

Simon Cowell faces big blow as longtime pal makes SHOCKING move

Simon Cowell suffers huge blow from long-time pal David Walliams

Kate Middleton reveals Princess Charlotte is very keen dancer

Kate Middleton said, "My daughter Charlotte likes dancing, she loves ballet and tap…Keep up the dancing!"

Amber Heard is The Joker in ‘Batman’: ‘Feeds on chaos & thrives on destabilizing’

Amber Heard has just come under fire for acting like ‘the Joker’ in Batman

WATCH: Salima Khan, Indian great grandmother, joins school at 92 in a lesson for all

"We didn't have the heart to refuse Salima Khan", school headmistress Pratibha Sharma said

Johnny Depp used ‘dirty’ tactics to manipulate Amber Heard during libel trial?

Johnny Depp team psychologically abused Amber Heard during libel trial, claim social media user

WATCH: Max Verstappen gets first-ever 'kiss-activated' trophy after Japan grand prix win

People waiting for the Japanese Grand Prix final were finally able to witness the first-ever kissable trophy in action

Travis Kelce breaks silence on rumored romance with Taylor Swift: Watch

Travis Kelce decided to discuss his personal life on the 'New Heights' podcast, hosted by his older brother

Suspects behind substandard injections that led to patients’ loss of vision arrested

Model Town SP Ammara Sherazi says suspects manufactured substandard injections at a private hospital in Lahore

Initial report on delimitation of constituencies issued as ECP inches towards elections

Voters can approach ECP if they have objections to delimitation of constituencies

Blac Chyna reveals new romance with rapper Derrick Milano: Pic

Blac Chyna reveals her heartwarming romance with Grammy-winning rapper Derrick Milano

Next year’s Hajj operations to be 'fully digitised': IT minister

Dr Umar Saif says system will help pilgrims to give their feedback digitally regarding Hajj operations, facilities

Kate Middleton, Prince William knock down Meghan Markle, Prince Harry yet again

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moved to US back in 2020

Weather update: Last monsoon spell to hit country from tomorrow

Met office predicts significant drop in temperature after rain as monsoon withdraws from country

Faizabad sit-in: Pemra files plea to withdraw review petition after IB

SC has fixed September 28 for hearing of review petitions against Faizabad sit-in

Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif reunite on big screen for 'Tiger 3': Watch teaser

Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif's 'Tiger 3' teaser offers a sneak peek into the third installment 'Tiger' franchise

Punjab announces 4-day school holiday due to conjunctivitis outbreak

Decision comes after caretaker CM spots virus-affected children during a visit to government school

Imran Khan surpasses political rivals in popularity survey: Miftah

Former finance minister says he along with Abbasi, Khokhar mulling launching a new political party

Princess Beatrice makes first public appearance amid reports she is planning for second baby

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi married on 17th July 2020

Five children among 8 killed in rocket launcher shell explosion in Sindh's Kandhkot

Interim CM Maqbool Baqar takes notice of incident, seeking detailed report from IG

WGA strikes deal to end months-long strike with AMPTP

The WGA strike concludes securing significant pay increases and streaming-related benefits for writers

What will happen when Nawaz Sharif lands in Pakistan?

"An appeal is pending before a court and Nawaz Sharif will pursue it upon return," Khurram Dastagir says

Unbe-leaf-able: ‘Doctor Dolittles’ of botanical world can talk to plants for real — But how?

Talking to plants could only be imaginably possible in fiction but it can now potentially become a reality

Abbasi disapproves of Sanaullah’s ‘warning’ to interior minister over Nawaz’s arrest remarks

Senior PML-N leader also opposes caretaker PM ‘s minus-Imran Khan fair elections statement

Megan Thee Stallion gushes over idol Beyoncé after electrifying Houston performance

Megan Thee Stallion's emotional surprise performance with Beyoncé leaves the rap sensation in tears of joy

Senate committee recommends ECP hold polls within 90 days

ECP official explains panel about need for approximately 60 days for filing and disposal of representations

Shubman Gill vs Babar Azam: Top batters vie for No 1 ranking in World Cup 2023

Pakistan captain Babar Azam's lead as the top ODI batter continues to diminish

Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Moonis Elahi in graft case

NAB urges accountability court to declare PTI leader a “proclaimed offender”

inDrive now available in five more Pakistani cities

Inclusion of these cities reflects inDrive's dedication to bringing transportation options to urban centres and suburban areas, says company

NAB 'reopens' assets beyond means case against Ishaq Dar

Move comes after SC declared NAB laws amendments null and void and ordered restoring all graft cases worth less than Rs500 million against the political leaders

No exclusive treatment to be given to Imran Khan, PTI on May 9 cases: PM Kakar

'We commit to fair election that includes giving PTI space in those polls on an equal basis,' says premier

Meghan Markle receives stern warning over snubbing Prince Harry

Meghan Markle also missed King Charles coronation in May

After much drama, Imran Khan finally moved to Adiala jail

Development comes a day after Islamabad High Court ordered to shift PTI chief from Attock to Adiala jail

Amber Heard 'toxic' and 'abusive' to Elon Musk: 'A nightmare'

Here is the inside scoop into Amber Heard’s relationship with Elon Musk

Asian Games: Nepal break record by scoring fastest fifty, century in T20

Nepal cricket team scores 314 runs with the loss of just three wickets against Mongolia

Pakistan team departs for India for showpiece World Cup 2023

National team will make a brief stopover in Dubai before taking a flight to India’s Hyderabad

England aim to make World Cup history in a bid to retain title

England's squad boasts IPL experience, providing them with familiarity ahead of their World Cup campaign

US Open Cup final: Messi's potential return adds intrigue

Messi's potential participation remains shrouded in uncertainty, with Coach Gerardo Martino yet to make a definitive call

New Zealand's Tim Southee on track for World Cup return after recovery

Tim Southee faced setback when he dislocated and fractured his right thumb while attempting a catch in ODI vs England on Sept 15

PCB, players come to terms over central contract issue

Players and the board were at odds over new contractual provisions as the previous central contracts expired on June 30 and were extended for one month

Powered by social media, Yuka Akimoto, other girls take on male-ruled rickshaw pulling

In their traditional tabi split-toed socks, Akimoto and her fellow rickshaw-pullers trek an average of 20 km daily

EXPOSED: What led cops to leash dog rapist Adam Britton for 'crimes against animality'?

Adam Britton pleaded guilty to sexually abusing over 40 dogs at his shelter in Australia

Israel's minister reaches Saudi Arabia, marking first official trip by Israeli cabinet member

Saudi Arabia's envoy to Palestinians made first visit to Israeli-occupied West Bank on Tuesday

State Dept refuses to comment on US policy on Khalistan

"We have urged India to cooperate in that investigation and we’ll continue to do so," Matthew Miller says

US Secret Service reports 11th biting incident involving Commander Biden

In one incident, the first lady “couldn’t regain control” of the dog as it charged a Secret Service staff member

Horrific blaze claims 113 lives during wedding ceremony in Iraq; scores injured

Iraq's health authorities in Nineveh province confirmed, saying that "100 individuals have lost their lives, with over 150 sustaining injuries

New York judge finds indictment-plagued Donald Trump liable for financial deception

Decision regarding Donald Trump was issued by Justice Arthur Engoron of New York state court in Manhattan

Biden makes history by joining striking US car workers

Joe Biden is the first US President to join the United Auto Workers protest

Suicidal tendencies 'everywhere' among Afghan women, UN Security Council told

Since return to power in 2021, Taliban government has used its strict interpretation of religion against women

Hunter Biden sues Donald Trump's former lawyer Rudy Giuliani for computer fraud

53-year-old Hunter Biden has requested a jury trial and unspecified damages

Vampires den or MIB HQ? NYC's windowless skyscraper raises conspiracy questions

Even renowned actor Tom Hanks called it "the scariest building I've ever seen"

Meghan Markle's memoir may add fuel to fire in her and Harry's conflict with royal family

Meghan Markle has been warned that 'all the money in the world will not repair her damaged reputation'

Prince Harry 'overshadows' King Charles in first year as monarch

Prince Harry was called out for his explosive claims while King Charles took on his first year as monarch

King Charles lavished praise for handling 'humiliating' Prince Harry

King Charles was praised for the way he handed Prince Harry's public scrutiny of the royal family

Katrina Kaif surpasses Bad Bunny with most followers on WhatsApp Channels

Katrina Kaif leaves behind Bad Bunny and Mark Zuckerberg with most number of followers on WhatsApp Channels

Jennifer Aniston makes heartbreaking plea in emotional video

Jennifer Aniston shares an emotional video

Princess Kate pairs dazzling blazer with casual updo for latest outing

Kate Middleton met with the children with special needs at a family portage session

Meghan Markle faces major 'challenge' as career edges towards 'breaking-point'

Meghan Markle has reportedly been in a 'dilemma' over her next career move

Prince William, Kate Middleton 'shut out' Harry and Meghan for good

Kate Middleton and Prince William have found a new couple to replace Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry should be offered royal security: Security expert

Prince Harry has to privately fund his own security since stepping down from the royal family

David Beckham drools over wife Victoria Beckham as she stuns in sizzling look

David Beckham hypes up his better half Victoria Beckham after she launches her perfume collection

King Charles may be 'skipped' over Prince William's soaring popularity

Prince William and Kate Middleton emerged victorious as the most popular royals over the past year

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry decide to drop royal titles to beat Kate, William in their own rights?

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have 'become celebrities in their own right'

Cher's daughter-in-law reveals singer threw her out of home: Here's why

Marieangela King explains how Cher deprived her of her belongings, per report

Jennifer Lawrence sparks plastic surgery rumours after Dior show appearace

Jennifer Lawrence's fans think the actress looked different in her recent appearance at Dior's Fashion Show

Kareena Kapoor's Jaane Jaan tops global Netflix chart: 'Good stories can go everywhere'

Kareena Kapoor's Jaane Jaan has become the number one non-English film globally on Netflix

Kendall Jenner gives insight into relationship status amid Bad Bunny romance

Kendall Jenner insisted she doesn't chase around people to date

Princess Charlotte 'getting closer' to Diana while Archie is left without family

Princess Kate revealed Princess Charlotte's favorite hobby akin to her late grandmother Princess Diana's

Dwayne Johnson details ways of combating 'daily noise'

Dwayne Johnson tells fans how to cancel ‘daily noise, toxicity'

Inside Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth secret NSFW side: 'A racy story'

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, all carried themselves with poise and grace, but had a cheeky side too

Jimmy Fallon reveals he was not first choice for 'Late Night' show

Jimmy Fallon started hosting 'Tonight Show' from 2019

Jennifer Lawrence, 'Hunger Games' successor Rachel Zegler unite at Paris Fashion Week: Watch

Rachel Zegler replaces Jennifer Lawrence in the leading role for the upcoming 'Hunger Games' prequel

The 1975's Matty Healy announces 'indefinite hiatus' following current tour

Matty Healy broke the news to the fans while performing a show in Sacramento, California

Princess Eugenie takes inspiration from Meghan Markle with major career move

Princess Eugenie’s first visit after her maternity leave appeared similar to that of Meghan Markle

Julia Fox reveals there 'wasn't any' physical intimacy with ex Kanye West

Kanye West briefly dated Julia Fox immediately following his contentious divorce from Kim Kardashian

Inside Usher's lewd plans for 'over-the-top' Super Bowl halftime show

Usher was announced as the latest headliner for the 2024 NFL Halftime Super Bowl Show last week

Meghan Markle issued warning over 'deceiving' strategy which could backfire

Meghan Makle seems to be making a wrong move in a bid to relaunch her career

'Entitled' Hailey Bieber 'gets yelled at' by French employer in Paris: Watch

Hailey Bieber was spotted on a solo outing at a museum in Paris

Britney Spears fans 'concerned' after singer appears to injure herself with knife dance

Some of the videos showed what appeared to be cuts and bruises on her skin as she danced away

David Walliams, Simon Cowell's friendship in trouble after former star sued BGT

David Walliams files legal documents at the London High Court over protection breach, per media report

Meghan Markle fails to 'save face' after 'toe-curling' moment

Meghan Markle was caught in an awkward moment while attending Kevin Costner's charity event

Meghan Markle oppresses Prince Harry's 'desperate' desires

Prince Harry’s ‘desperate’ desires oppressed by Meghan Markle

Blac Chyna confirms romance with 'best friend & lover' Derrick Milano

Blac Chyna's latest romance comes following her dramatic life overhaul

King Charles nearly lost mother Queen Elizabeth to royal rift over Camilla

The then-Prince Charles married Camilla in 2005 ceremony, and were crowned King and Queen in the Coronation this year

Taylor Swift rumoured 'Lover' Travis Kelce drops her home after City Chiefs Victory

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are on the path of budding romance

Joe Jonas looks 'unbothered' in outing amid custody battle with Sophie Turner

Joe Jonas is currently facing a lawsuit over children custody after filing for divorce from Sophie Turner

Kate Middleton brain tumour: Truth behind Princess of Wales' surgery scar

Kate Middleton reportedly had a lump in her brain

Tom Brady feels 'very fit' after shedding few pounds

Tom Brady feels healthier than ever after body transformation

Cher got her troubled son Elijah kidnapped from NYC hotel: report

Elijah Blue Allman was allegedly at the hotel to reconcile with his estranged wife

Ben Affleck gets close to Jennifer Garner 'again' after 'co-parenting duties'

Ben Affleck is currently married to Jennifer Lopez as he co-parents his three children with ex Jennifer Garner

How much Ryan Gosling was paid for 'Barbie' role?

Ryan Gosling’ starrer 'Barbie' became one of the highest-grossing worldwide

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle make significant donation to Duchess' homeland

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle detailed their support to school-going girls in Nigeria via their foundation

Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner second daughter's name revealed amidst custody battle

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s second daughter was born in July 2022, but her name had not been revealed until now

Taylor Swift jets off solo after spending weekend with Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spotted together for the first time, on Sunday after the Chief's game at Arrowhead Stadium

Pierce Brosnan reminisces good old times on wife's 60th birthday

James Bond star Pierce Brosnan recalls the precious moment when he met his wife Keely Shaye Brosnan

Travis Kelce gushes about Taylor Swift following romantic weekend

Travis Kelce addressed his rumored romance with Taylor Swift for the first time

Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber avoid each other at Paris nightclub months after feud

Selena Gomez and ex-Justin Bieber's wife Hailey were embroiled in a feud together earlier this year

Margot Robbie reveals why she almost quit acting before 'Barbie'

Margot Robbie has really hard time coping up with fame

Who got eliminated on 'Dancing With the Stars' 2023?

'Dancing With the Stars' season 32 honored late head judge Len Goodman by naming its top prize after him

Megan Thee Stallion gets candid on mental health: 'I can crack'

Megan Thee Stallion, being the biggest advocate of mental health, is giving major manifestation goals

Travis Kelce's ex Maya Benberry 'accidentally' throws shade at Taylor Swift

Maya Benberry also recently told media that Travis Kelce is ‘just using’ Taylor Swift

Tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians rush to flee Nagorno-Karabakh

Military victory by Azerbaijan over the enclave triggered one of the biggest movements of people

French ambassador to Niger leaves as relations nosedive after coup

Junta had ordered Sylvain Itte to leave the country within 48 hours at the end of August

Indian great-grandmother, 92, finally goes to school

A 92-year-old Indian great-grandmother learns to read and write, inspiring others to join her in school

Afghan economy’s revival to benefit Pakistan, says envoy to UN

<p>UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan told the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday that the massive smuggling of dollars to Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on its economy and currency, calling upon the world body to help revive the Afghan economy and the banking system.</p>nn<p>At the special UNSC session, UN Special Representative for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva urged the international community to hold talks with the country’s de facto rulers because “dialogue is not recognition” attitude was needed to resolve various issues. </p>nn<p>But the representative of the former Afghan government opposed the UN suggestion and instead urged the council to “sustain pressure on Taliban” to make them end “the apartheid” they have imposed on women and girls. </p>nn<p>“The massive smuggling of dollars from Pakistan to Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on Pakistan’s economy and currency,” UN envoy Munir Akram told the council. </p>nn<p>The ambassador pointed out that the rupee “stabilised” and regained some of its strength after Pakistan launched a crackdown on money smuggling. </p>nn<p>Underlining the impact of a weak Afghan economy on Pakistan, Ambassador Akram urged the world body to help revive the banking system in Afghanistan, release and return the country’s assets held abroad and provide financial support for development projects. </p>nn<p>“We look forward to early implementation of the shovel-ready regional connectivity projects between Pakistan-Afghanistan-Central Asia as well as Pakistan-China and Afghanistan,” he said. </p>nn<p><strong>TTP threat</strong></p>nn<p>The ambassador argued that for Pakistan, the “immediate and major threat” was posed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as it was behind a series of cross-border terrorist attacks.</p>nn<p>“We have been assured that action has been taken against TTP elements involved (in recent attacks) and further steps will be taken to prevent TTP terrorism against Pakistan,” Munir Akram said. “Pakistan will welcome these steps once credibly implemented.”  </p>nn<p>Ambassador Akram argued that unless the TTP, and other terrorist groups, were neutralised, they would continue to pose a threat to Afghanistan’s neighbours and the international community. </p>nn<p>Otunbayeva, the UN Special Representative, told the Security Council that the international community must continue to engage with Taliban in Afghanistan despite “deep disagreement” with their approach to women’s rights and inclusive governance. </p>nn<p>She cited a UN report based on more than 500 interviews with Afghan women, 46 per cent of whom said the Taliban should not be recognised under any circumstances. </p>nn<p>“The question, however, is whether to continue engaging with the de facto authorities despite these policies, or to cease engaging because of them,” she said. </p>nn<p>“Dialogue is not recognition. Engagement is not acceptance of these policies. On the contrary, dialogue and engagement are how we are attempting to change these.” </p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2023</em></p>

&amp;lsquo;Amazon running illegal online retail monopoly&amp;rsquo;

<p>WASHINGTON: A top US antitrust regulator sued Amazon on Tuesday, accusing the online retail behemoth of running an illegal monopoly by strong-arming sellers and stifling potential rivals.</p>nn<p>The highly anticipated lawsuit is another test for the Biden administration as it tries to curb the power of big tech in the face of pushback from US courtrooms.</p>nn<p>“Our complaint lays out how Amazon has used a set of punitive and coercive tactics to unlawfully maintain its monopolies,” said Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan.</p>nn<p>The FTC, which was joined by 17 US states in the case, said Amazon broke antitrust laws in two ways, both involving its “marketplace” which links outside sellers to buyers through its platforms.</p>nn<p>In the first instance, the case alleges Amazon punishes companies using its platform that sell items elsewhere at lower prices by downranking their products on the site.</p>nn<p>It also coerces sellers into signing on to Amazon’s “costly” logistics service to be exposed to Prime customers who are the site’s biggest and most catered-to users, the FTC said.</p>nn<p>“Amazon is a monopolist that uses its power to hike prices on American shoppers and charge sky-high fees on hundreds of thousands of online sellers,” said John Newman, Deputy Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition.</p>nn<p>“Seldom in the history of US antitrust law has one case had the potential to do so much good for so many people,” he added.</p>nn<p>Amazon said it firmly rejected the premise of the case.</p>nn<p>“Today’s suit makes clear the FTC’s focus has radically departed from its mission of protecting consumers and competition,” said David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy.</p>nn<p>“The lawsuit filed by the FTC today is wrong on the facts and the law, and we look forward to making that case in court,” he added.</p>nn<p>Small business groups backing the case, hailed the lawsuit.</p>nn<p><strong>‘Utterly dominated’</strong> </p>nn<p>“E-commerce should be a dynamic sector with numerous marketplaces vying to attract both sellers and shoppers. Instead, it’s utterly dominated by a single firm,” said Stacy Mitchell, Co-Executive Director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.</p>nn<p>The FTC has had Amazon in its sights for a few years.</p>nn<p>Last June, the FTC filed a complaint against Amazon for “entrapping consumers” with its Prime subscription, which renews automatically and is complicated to cancel.</p>nn<p>The FTC has also attacked the group over its respect for data confidentiality, and last May Amazon agreed to pay more than $30 million over allegations of snooping on its security camera Ring.</p>nn<p>The case is hugely symbolic for Khan, who made her name in academia for questioning whether antitrust laws were fit for purpose in the digital age in a paper titled “Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox”.</p>nn<p>Her celebrated paper was a retort to a seminal work by conservative scholar Robert Bork that said enforcers of fair competition should stand down unless a clear risk of higher prices and a threat to consumers could be proven.</p>nn<p>Written in the 1970s, that philosophy guided the government’s attitudes and influenced the judges to decide the biggest cases today.</p>nn<p>US President Joe Biden in 2021 picked Khan to lead the agency in charge of safeguarding the interest of consumers and preserving a level playing field for businesses.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2023</em></p>

25 killed in Damascus clash between Syrian, Kurdish forces

<p>BEIRUT: Fighters loyal to the Syrian government clashed with Kurdish-led forces in a mainly Arab district of eastern Syria, leaving 25 people dead in two days, a war monitor said on Tuesday.</p>nn<p>The Kurdish-led Syrian Demo­cratic Forces (SDF), who are backed by Washington, said they had “driven out the regime gunmen who had infiltrated the Dheiban area” of Deir Ezzor province in the gun battles which erupted on Monday.</p>nn<p>Earlier this month, the same area saw 10 days of fighting between the SDF and armed Arab tribesmen in which 90 people were killed.</p>nn<p>Britain-based monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the latest clashes erupted when pro-government fighters crossed the Euphrates river, which separates pro-government forces in south-western Deir Ezzor from the SDF in the northeast.</p>nn<p>It said 21 of the dead were Damascus loyalists and three were SDF fighters. A woman was also killed. The SDF said the loyalist fighters had crossed the Euphrates “under cover of an indiscriminate bombardment” of its positions.</p>nn<p>The SDF riposted by bombarding the right bank of the river which is controlled by government troops with support from Iran-backed militias, the Observatory said.</p>nn<p>The clashes earlier this month erupted after the SDF’s arrest in late August of a local Arab military commander who had previously been an ally. The SDF said at the time that it had driven out the detained commander’s supporters among the area’s Arab tribes.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2023</em></p>

Draft tax treaty with Germany signed

<p>ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Germany on Tuesday signed the first draft of an agreement for the elimination of double taxation on income and the prevention of tax evasion between the two countries.</p>nn<p>The delegates of both countries met here for the first round from Sept 18-22 to reach broader parameters of the re-negotiations of the treaty.</p>nn<p>An official announcement said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) initiated re-negotiations on the agreement and reached a mutual agreement on key articles of the draft agreement. </p>nn<p>The existing agreement for the avoidance of double taxation between Pakistan and Germany was signed in 1994 and requires revision to cater to changing tax rules and regulations as per international and domestic needs.</p>nn<p>The revised agreement once finalised will not only strengthen the existing safeguards against double taxation on the income of the residents of both countries without creating opportunities for non-taxation or reduced taxation through abusive arrangements.</p>nn<p>It will also promote economic cooperation, strengthen the existing bilateral economic relations and enhance investments in both countries while ensuring adequate certainty for taxation rules applicable to cross-border business transactions.</p>nn<p>Taxpayers of both countries will get relief from double taxation resulting in boosting the trading activities in both countries.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2023</em></p>

Trump &amp;lsquo;liable for fraud&amp;rsquo; for lying about net worth

<p>NEW YORK: Donald Trump and his family business were found liable for fraud on Tuesday by a New York judge in state Attorney General Letitia James’ civil lawsuit, accusing the former US president of illegally inflating his assets and net worth.</p>nn<p>The decision was issued by Justice Arthur Engoron of the New York state court in Manhattan.</p>nn<p>James sued Trump in Sept 2022, accusing him and the Trump Organisation of lying for a decade about asset values and his net worth to get better terms on bank loans and insurance.</p>nn<p>She has said Trump inflated his net worth by as much as $2.23 billion, and by one measure as much as $3.6 billion, on annual financial statements given to banks and insurers. The attorney general said the assets whose values were inflated included Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, his penthouse apartment in Manhattan’s Trump Tower, and various office buildings and golf courses.</p>nn<p>Lawyers for Trump and the other defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>nn<p>A Trump spokesperson also did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling.</p>nn<p>Engoron said James had established liability for false valuations of several properties, including Mar-a-Lago and the penthouse, and chided Trump for offering defenses in a deposition that were “wholly without basis in law or fact.”</p>nn<p>“He claims that if the values of the property have gone up in the years since the (financial statements) were submitted, then the numbers were not inflated at that time,” Engoron wrote.</p>nn<p>“He also seems to imply that the numbers cannot be inflated be-cause he could find a ‘buyer from Saudi Arabia’ to pay any price he suggests.”</p>nn<p>A trial is scheduled for Oct 2, and could last well into December. The ruling by Judge Engoron is being seen a setback for the former president ahead of the trial, due to begin on Monday.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2023</em></p>

Social protection through the lens of digitisation

<p>MANILA: If we have learnt one lesson from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that the world must “find ways to preempt pestilence and natural disasters” as more are to be fought, Poverty Allevi­ation Secretary Yusuf Khan said on Tuesday.</p>n<p>He was speaking at a discussion held as part of Asia-Pacific Social Protection Week, organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).</p>n<p>But it is not just Covid-19; the world has had to face other challenges — the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the economic down-turn with rising fuel and food prices, earthquakes and climate-related disasters like hurricanes, floods, forest fires and droughts — that have reinforced vulnerabilities and weakened the resilience of the people.</p>n<p>It has plunged 162 million newly poor people to the pool of already poor, which in 2017 was already more than 200 million, most of them in South Asia.</p>n<p>But through all these, as pointed out by Fatima Yasmin, vice president for Sectors and Themes at the ADB, social protection has emerged as a vital instrument to prop up not just livelihoods but lives.</p>n<p>“Social protection also has immense potential to contribute to climate change action and to support achieving a just transition to more sustainable and green economies,” she told the audience.</p>n<p>But with so much chaos, it means finding newer and out-of-the-box ways of protecting not just the vulnerable and the marginalized but also a rapidly ageing population. By 2050 there will be 1.3 billion people or one in four person over the age of 60.</p>n<p>For Rex Gatchalan, social welfare and development secretary for the Philippines, digitisation is the key. Poverty can be humiliating, especially when one has to stand in line to wait for cash dole outs.</p>n<p>“We need to go online rather than in line,” he said, adding that his country wanted to ensure that all financial assistance programmes become digital and to do away with physical vouchers and cash.“</p>n<p>Digitisation has also helped Pakistan with its social protection programme — the Benzair Income Support Programme.</p>n<p>Talking to <em>Dawn</em>, Secretary Khan explained that in the past, the programme updated its national socio-economic registry by carrying out an expensive and periodic house-to-house census.</p>n<p>“This collected information remained static till [the exercise] was repeated, often after a lapse of many years. Now, instead of going house-to-house collecting information, the beneficiaries are requested to come to their nearest BISP office and get their details revalidated, every three years.”</p>n<p>Or, in case there is death or birth in the family, they can immediately report that and get their poverty score adjusted. If any disaster has struck in their district, they can report their changed socio-economic situation.</p>n<p>“This process has eliminated the need for an expensive, house-to-house carpet sweep of the entire country, and the data remains dynamic and responsive to changes being reported by the people themselves,” he said.</p>n<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2023</em></p>

Israeli minister makes first public visit to S. Arabia

<figure class='media sm:w-11/12 w-full media–center media–uneven media–stretch'>n <div class='media__item '><picture></picture></div>n n <figcaption class="media__caption ">Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas receives the credentials of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Palestine Nayef bin Bandar al-Sudairi, on Tuesday.—AFP</figcaption>n </figure>n<p> </p>nn<p>JERUSALEM: Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for the first such high-level public visit to the country amid talks to secure bilateral ties.</p>nn<p>“Katz is the first Israeli minister to head an official delegation in Saudi Ara­bia,” his ministry said in a statement, adding he would attend a United Nat­i­ons World Tourism Organ­i­sation event in Riyadh.</p>nn<p>During the two-day visit he is due to hold meetings “with his counterparts”, Katz’s office said, without specifying which countries will be represented in such talks.</p>nn<p>The landmark visit comes as Saudi Arabia’s first ambassador to the Palestinians described a decades-old Arab land-for-peace offer as a pillar of any normalisation of ties with Israel, an apparent attempt to signal that Riyadh has not abandoned the Palestinian cause.</p>nn<blockquote>n <p>Riyadh sends envoy to occupied West Bank with assurance it has not abandoned Palestinian cause</p>n</blockquote>nn<p>Expectations of a landmark US-brokered Saudi-Israeli deal have grown over the last week, though the timing and terms remain murky.</p>nn<p>Nayef al Sudairi, who was appointed non-resident ambassador to the Palestinian territories last month, held talks with senior Palestinian officials, including President Mahmud Abbas.</p>nn<p>The diplomatic travels come as the United States presses its allies Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalise ties.</p>nn<p>Such a move would break Riyadh’s decades-long stance against recognising Israel before it resolves the conflict with the Palestinians.</p>nn<p>Among complicating factors are calls by Riyadh and Washington for the Palestinians to make diplomatic inroads as part of any deal — a prospect unpalatable to Israel’s har­dline coalition government.</p>nn<p>Saudi Arabia’s non-resident ambassador to the Palestinians _ a role it unveiled last month _ made a first visit to their seat of government in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, presenting credentials also designating him “consul-general in Jerusalem”.</p>nn<p>That title is touchy as Israel considers all of Jeru­salem its own capital and rejects the Palestinians’ claim on East Jerusalem as capital of their hoped-for future state.</p>nn<p>The ambassador, Nayef Al Sudairi, told reporters in Ramallah his visit “reaffirms that the Palestinian cause and Palestine and the people of Palestine are of high and important status and that in the coming days there will be a chance for a bigger cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the state of Palestine”.</p>nn<p>Referring to the prospect of normalisation with Israel, Al Sudairi said: “It is the normal thing among nations to have peace and stability.</p>nn<p>“The Arab initiative, which Saudi Arabia presented in 2002, is a fundamental pillar of any upcoming agreement.”</p>nn<p>That referred to a proposal aired by Riyadh, and later adopted by Arab states widely, under which Israel would get pan-Arab recognition only if it quit territories captured in the 1967 war, including lands where the Palestinians want their state.</p>nn<p>Israel has been keen to pursue more deals with Arab states without giving up land, having won normalisation from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and upgraded ties with Morocco and Sudan, in 2020 despite talks with the Palestinians having been frozen for years.</p>nn<p>Dismayed at being sidelined in the 2020 diplomacy, the Palestinians have taken a more active role in the Saudi talks.</p>nn<p>In a statement published by the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, President Mahmud Abbas said Al Sudairi’s visit “will contribute to reinforcing the strong ties between the two countries and the two fraternal peoples”.</p>nn<p>Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told a radio network on Tuesday that any Saudi normalisation deal “will be one supported by the right wing” — a reference to religious-nationalist parties in Prime Minister Benjamin Netan­yahu’s coalition that refuse to cede occupied West Bank land to Palesti­nians.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2023</em></p>

Largest, 2,000-year-old cemetery in Gaza, stuns Palestinian archaeologists

Gaza located on ancient trade routes between Egypt and Levant holds a rich history that may now be further investigated

September 26, 2023

Gen Z&amp;#039;s more vulnerable to online scams compared to Baby Boomers

Gen Z's tech ability is undoubtedly an asset, but without the right precautions, it can also be a vulnerability

Cough syrup deaths in other countries spin US into action against lax toxic testing

The FDA says it has no indication products contaminated with DEG and EG have entered the US supply chain

Kanye West hides &amp;#039;marital issues&amp;#039; with new wife Bianca Censori via indecent PDA

Kanye West 'overcompensating' with his 'lewd behaviour' to hide marital issues with Bianca Censori

Alarming: UK to have more premature deaths as result of soaring inflation

The study concludes that cost-of-living crisis in the UK is likely to have significant negative impacts on health

Cough syrup deaths in other countries spin US into action against lax toxic testing

The FDA says it has no indication products contaminated with DEG and EG have entered the US supply chain

Alarming: UK to have more premature deaths as result of soaring inflation

The study concludes that cost-of-living crisis in the UK is likely to have significant negative impacts on health

Law clipping CJP&amp;#039;s powers curtails judicial independence unconstitutionally: SCBA

Top lawyers body says parliament by enacting law violated principle of access to justice as a fundamental right

PTI free to take part in polls, clarifies minister after PM Kakar&amp;rsquo;s &amp;lsquo;minus Imran Khan&amp;rsquo; remarks

Murtaza Solangi says though all parties are free to participate in elections, punishment for crimes remains legal

Pakistan to take up issue of Afghan nationals&amp;#039; involvement in extortion

CTD arrests two TTP militants involved in extorting politicians; says they have 10 extortion-related WhatsApp groups

IHC to hold open court hearing on Imran Khan&amp;#039;s bail plea in cipher case

Court instructs FIA prosecutors to submit a separate petition for in-camera proceedings in next hearing

Intelligence Bureau moves SC to withdraw Faizabad sit-in review plea

CJP Isa-led bench to hear petitions contesting SC judgment on Faizabad sit-in case

Asian Games: Pakistan outclass India to clinch fifth spot in volleyball

For the first time in 33 years, Pakistan secure place in top five after comprehensive victory against arch-rivals

Chess grandmaster Hans Niemann denies using &amp;#039;vibrating toys&amp;#039; to cheat in Sinquefield Cup

Niemann was accused of using vibrating toy to cheat during Sinquefield Cup in September 2022

Pakistan hockey team beat Bangladesh to secure second victory in Asian Games

The Green Shirts have showcased remarkable offensive capabilities with an impressive 16-goal tally in their first two pool matches.

Former head of Chinese Football Association charged over corruption

"(He) should be held criminally responsible for… accepting bribes."

Babar Azam breaks silence on &amp;lsquo;spat&amp;rsquo; with Shaheen Afridi

"We have the same respect for each other and will remain the same. We love each other like a family," says Pakistan skipper

ICC World Cup 2023: Babar Azam says Pakistan going to India with &amp;lsquo;high morale&amp;rsquo;

Babar says team learned from mistakes in Asia Cup, vows to come on top in upcoming mega event

World Cup 2023: Pak vs NZ warm-up match to have no spectators after security agencies advice

"The spectators who bought tickets for the game will receive a full refund," BCCI says

Ireland&amp;#039;s Crowley gears up for battle against Scotland in rugby showdown

Jack Crowley added a light-hearted touch to the anticipation and excitement surrounding clash vs Scotland

Babar Azam fined for violating traffic rules in Lahore

According to traffic police, Babar Azam was fined Rs2,000 on September 17 in Lahore’s Gulberg

PCB finalises February-March window for PSL 9 next year

The Pakistan Super League season 9th will be played with six teams, final schedule to be confirmed at the next PSL governing council meeting

Australia shocked as Adam Britton, BBC croc expert, admits raping 40 dogs

Britton used to film the raping of dogs and then posted the videos online for other to see

China unveils white paper outlining President Xi Jinping&amp;#039;s vision for shared future

White paper says China aspires to establish a more equitable international order that benefits all nations

No surprise: Modi&amp;#039;s BJP top anti-Muslim hatemonger in India, report reveals

Report suggests there has been "escalating trend" of anti-Muslim speech in India since Modi came to power

After Qurans, mosque burned into ashes in Sweden; police launch arson probe

The mosque has been almost completely destroyed, nothing could be saved, mosque spokesman Anas Deneche said

Resurrection: Russian commander Viktor Sokolov &amp;#039;killed by Ukraine comes to life&amp;#039; in conference

Russian defence ministry released video and photographs of Sokolov participating in a video conference

WATCH: Donald Trump poses with 9mm Glock with his face on it in South Carolina

“I’m going to buy one. I want to buy one,” Trump said

PM Modi&amp;#039;s BJP behind 80% of anti-Muslims incidents reported in India: report

This alarming discovery highlights an uptick in anti-Muslim rhetoric since PM Modi's ascent to power in 2014

South Korea to hold first military parade after decade amid hawkish stance against North Korea

The event follows the South Korean president's hawkish stance on North Korea, focusing on weapons displays and more

Donald Trump calls for top US general&amp;#039;s execution for &amp;#039;treasonous act&amp;#039;

"This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!" says Trump

Sikhs demand expulsion of Indian high commissioner over Nijjar murder

Protesters say India openly challenged and violated Canadian sovereignty by killing Canadian national Sikh

Anti-Muslim hate speech in India concentrated around elections, report finds

Report: Over 255 hate speech incidents against Muslims in India in first half 2023, with many in election-bound states

RNA recovered from extinct animal in world first

Scientists extract RNA from extinct Tasmanian tiger, opening possibilities for de-extinction and pandemic virus study

Russian, Iranian presidents discuss situation in Azerbaijan&amp;#039;s Karabakh region

Putin, Raisi emphasize importance of resolving issues by peaceful, political and diplomatic means

Israeli minister makes first public visit to Saudi Arabia amid talks to secure bilateral ties

He will attend a United Nations World Tourism Organisation event in Riyadh

Israeli minister makes first public visit to Saudi Arabia amid talks to secure bilateral ties

<p>Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for the first such high-level public visit to the kingdom amid talks to secure bilateral ties.</p>n<p>“Katz is the first Israeli minister to head an official delegation in Saudi Arabia,” his ministry said in a statement, adding he would attend a United Nations World Tourism Organisation event in Riyadh.</p>n<p>During the two-day visit he is due to hold meetings “with his counterparts”, Katz’s office said without specifying which countries will be represented in such talks.</p>n<p>The landmark visit comes as Riyadh sent its first delegation to the occupied West Bank in three decades.</p>n<p>Nayef al-Sudairi, who was appointed non-resident ambassador to the Palestinian territories last month, held talks Tuesday with senior Palestinian officials including president Mahmud Abbas.</p>n<p>The diplomatic travels come as the United States <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1579852">presses</a> its allies Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalise ties.</p>n<p>Israel has moved closer to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco following a US-driven diplomatic initiative in 2020 which pushed for normalisation of relations.</p>n<p>Establishing ties with Saudi Arabia — home to some of Islam’s holiest sites — would be the grand prize for Israel and change the geopolitics of the Middle East.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1777627"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Last week, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said “six or seven” Muslim countries could “make peace” with Israel if it signed a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia.</p>n<p>He also stated that “peace with Saudi Arabia means peace with the greater Muslim world”.</p>n<p>“There are at least another six or seven countries that I have met with —significant Muslim countries with which we do not have relations — that are interested [in peace],” the minister added.</p>n<p>Normalisation with Israel, however, would break Riyadh’s <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1732775/saudi-arabia-links-israel-normalisation-with-two-state-solution">decades-long stance</a> against recognising Israel before it resolves the conflict with the Palestinians.</p>

Swedish police open arson case after mosque fire

<p>Swedish police said on Tuesday that they were investigating whether a fire that reduced a mosque to rubble the previous day in central Sweden was arson.</p>n<p>“The investigation into the fire is continuing. Police will question witnesses and verify whether there were security cameras in the area,” the police said in a statement on their website.</p>n<p>The fire broke out on Monday around noon in Eskilstuna, a town of 108,000 people 150 kilometres (93 miles) west of Stockholm, causing no injuries, a police spokesman told AFP.</p>n<p>There are no suspects and no arrests have been made.</p>n<p>“The mosque is almost completely destroyed, nothing can be saved,” mosque spokesman Anas Deneche told <em>AFP</em>.</p>n<p>Deneche said the mosque had been the target of several acts of violence in the past year and his family had been threatened.</p>n<p>“But it’s still too early to draw any conclusions (about the cause of the fire), we’ll have to wait for the police to do their work,” he said.</p>n<p>Police said they were investigating several leads but provided no other details.</p>n<p>Between 15,000 and 20,000 Muslims live in Eskilstuna.</p>n<p>The mosque fire coincides with a spate of public desecrations of the Holy Quran in Sweden in recent months. The burnings have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation in Muslim countries.</p>n<p>The country has condemned the desecrations of the Holy Quran but <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1766185#:~:text=freedom%20to%20demonstrate%E2%80%9D.-,Limited,-political%20support%20in">upheld its laws</a> regarding freedom of speech and assembly.</p>n<p>The government has <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1767672">vowed to explore legal means</a> of stopping protests involving the desecration of holy texts in certain circumstances, though a majority appear to be opposed to such a change.</p>n<h2><a id="call-to-ban-acts-displaying-of-religious-hatred" href="#call-to-ban-acts-displaying-of-religious-hatred" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>Call to ban acts displaying of religious hatred</h2>n<p>In July, the United Nations Human Rights Council <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1764319">approved</a> a resolution on religious hatred, which was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.</p>n<p>The resolution called for the UN rights chief to publish a report on religious hatred and for states to review their laws and plug gaps that may “impede the prevention and prosecution of acts and advocacy of religious hatred”.</p>n<p>The same month, the UN General Assembly <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1766974">adopted</a>, by consensus, a Moroccan resolution, co-sponsored by Pakistan, calling for countering hate speech and strongly deploring attacks against places of worship, religious symbols and holy books.</p>n<p>The resolution, titled ‘Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech’, won the approval of the 193-member assembly and stated: “Strongly deploring all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as any such acts directed against their religious symbols, holy books, homes, businesses, properties, schools, cultural centres or places of worship, as well as all attacks on and in religious places, sites and shrines in violation of international law.”</p>

Indian nationals who &amp;lsquo;illegally&amp;rsquo; entered Pakistan say &amp;lsquo;ready to go to jail&amp;rsquo; but not home country

<p>Two Indian citizens, who purportedly illegally travelled to Karachi last week, said on Tuesday that they were “ready to go to jail” but did not want to return to their home country.</p>n<p>According to the Karachi police, Mohammad Hasnain and Ishaq Ameer allegedly entered Pakistan through the Pak-Afghan border in a bid to seek asylum over threats to their lives due to religious persecution in India. They then reportedly found their way to Karachi.</p>n<p>Karachi Deputy Inspector General of Police (South) Asad Raza told <em>Dawn.com</em> that the father-son duo “were not suspected of being spies but were considered victims of religious bias and persecution in India”.</p>n<p>The official said both the Indian nationals had “temporarily been housed in an Edhi Shelter home”, adding that “it looks like they want to seek asylum here”.</p>n<p>Separately, a statement issued by the Artillery Ground police station today said the two men staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club on September 25 (Sunday) against atrocities faced by Muslims in India.</p>n<p>“We are ready to go to jail but not back to India,” they were quoted as saying in the police statement. “We will be killed as soon as we step on Indian land if we are deported.”</p>n<p>“If you want to kill us, kill us in Pakistan. At least we will get some land (for burial). In India, we won’t even get that,” the statement quoted them as saying.</p>n<p>The statement further quoted them as saying that they had visited the Sindh police chief’s office but their concerns were not addressed.</p>n<p>“Edhi gave us shelter for four days and will shift us somewhere else today. Our official Indian documents are with the Edhi staff,” the father-son duo were quoted as saying.</p>n<p>The statement added that the Indian nationals undertook a 14-day journey from their residence in the Gautampuri area of New Delhi before entering Pakistan.</p>n<p>The statement also shed light on how they travelled from India to Pakistan. It said both of them were facing legal issues.</p>n<h2><a id="this-is-my-story-indian-nationals-narrate-their-journey" href="#this-is-my-story-indian-nationals-narrate-their-journey" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>‘This is my story’: Indian nationals narrate their journey</h2>n<p>Speaking to media outside the press club yesterday, Hasnain had said he and his son had left New Delhi on September 5 for the UAE from where they reached out to the Afghanistan embassy for a visa.</p>n<p>“Then we travelled to Kabul from where we flew to Kandahar,” he had said. “Kandahar has a soft border through which people cross across into Pakistan. We spent one night at the border town and then continued our journey to Pakistan.</p>n<p>“This is my story.”</p>n<p>Hasnain had added that after entering Pakistan, they paid a man Rs60,000 to transport them to Karachi.</p>n<p>“The atrocities being inflicted on Muslims in India are not reported there,” he continued. “Since the Modi government came into power, newspapers, electronic and print media all have sided with Modi.”</p>n<p>Hasnain said there was a very small section in the media that highlighted the problems being faced by Muslims. “Their way is that if a Muslim is caught over something, even while protesting, they bulldoze his home saying that it is built illegally.</p>n<p>“I am not the first person to leave the country. Many have before me. But they were rich and could afford foreign citizenship in Europe, America, Britain, Germany, or Canada,” he said.</p>n<p>“Those who are well off migrated to Turkey, Azerbaijan, or Malaysia. I did not have that stature. I had less money.”</p>n<p>In reply to a question, Hasnain added that he was denied a hotel room in Karachi because he did not possess an identification card.</p>n<p>Hasnain’s son Ameer also spoke to the media. “My father is 70 years old and my age is 31. When we reached Karachi, our first stop was Orangi Town after which we directly went to the office of IG Sindh.</p>n<p>“As soon as we reached there, we kept our baggage on the side, raised our hands, and said we are here to surrender. When we were asked what are we surrendering for, we said we have fled India and come here.”</p>n<p>Ameer confirmed that they requested the police to give them refuge after telling them the entire story of how they travelled illegally into Pakistan. The police directed them to go to an Edhi shelter home.</p>n<p><em>Dawn.com</em> has reached out to the Foreign Office for comment.</p>

Anti-Muslim hate speech in India concentrated around elections, report finds

<p>Anti-Muslim hate speech incidents in India averaged more than one a day in the first half of 2023 and were seen most in states with upcoming elections, according to a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://hindutvawatch.org/hate-speech-events-india/">report</a> by Hindutva Watch, a Washington-based group monitoring attacks on minorities.</p>n<p>There were 255 documented incidents of hate speech gatherings targeting Muslims in the first half of 2023, the report found. There was no comparative data for prior years.</p>n<p>It used the United Nations’ <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.un.org/en/hate-speech/understanding-hate-speech/what-is-hate-">definition</a> of hate speech as “any form of communication… that employs prejudiced or discriminatory language towards an individual or group based on attributes such as religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender, or other identity factors”.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1665804"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>About 70 per cent of the incidents took place in states scheduled to hold elections in 2023 and 2024, according to the report.</p>n<p>Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat witnessed the highest number of hate speech gatherings, with Maharashtra accounting for 29pc of such incidents, the report found.</p>n<p>The majority of the hate speech events mentioned conspiracy theories and calls for violence and socio-economic boycotts against Muslims.</p>n<p>About 80pc of those events took place in areas governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is widely expected to win the general elections in 2024.</p>n<p>Hindutva Watch said it tracked online activity of Hindu nationalist groups, verified videos of hate speeches posted on social media and compiled data of isolated incidents reported by media.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1748285"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Modi’s government denies the presence of minority abuse. The Indian embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.</p>n<p>Rights groups allege mistreatment of Muslims under Modi, who became prime minister in 2014.</p>n<p>They point to a <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1521685">2019 citizenship law</a> described as “fundamentally discriminatory” by the United Nations human rights office for excluding Muslim migrants; an <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1597938">anti-conversion legislation</a> challenging the constitutionally protected right to freedom of belief, and the 2019 <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1498227">revoking of held Kashmir’s special status</a>.</p>n<p>There has also been <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1694558">demolition of Muslim properties</a> in the name of removing illegal construction and a <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1741201">ban on wearing the hijab</a> in classrooms in Karnataka when the BJP was in power in that state.</p>

Anti-Covid drug may have led to virus mutations: study

<p>PARIS: An anti-Covid drug widely used across the world may have caused mutations in the virus, researchers said on Monday, but there was no evidence that the changes had led to more dangerous variants.</p>nn<p>Pharmaceutical giant Merck’s antiviral pill molnupiravir was one of the earliest treatments rolled out during the pandemic to prevent Covid becoming more severe in vulnerable people.</p>nn<p>The drug, which is taken orally over a five-day course, works mainly by creating mutations in the virus with the goal of weakening and killing it. However, a new UK-led study has shown that molnupiravir “can give rise to significantly mutated viruses which remain viable,” lead author Theo Sanderson said.</p>nn<p>Sanderson, a geneticist at London’s Francis Crick Institute, emphasised that there is no evidence that “molnupiravir has to date created more transmissible or more virulent viruses.” None of the variants that have swept the world were due to the drug, he added. But “it is very difficult to predict whether molnupiravir treatment could potentially lead to a new widely circulating variant which people don’t have prior immunity to,” he added.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

General Milley regrets being &amp;lsquo;lightning rod for politicisation of US military&amp;rsquo;

<figure class='media sm:w-11/12 w-full media–center media–uneven media–stretch'>n <div class='media__item '><picture></picture></div>n n <figcaption class="media__caption ">A June 1, 2020, file picture shows ex-US president Donald Trump walking with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark A. Milley (right) and others to visit St. John’s Church in Washington after the area was cleared of people protesting the death of George Floyd.—AFP</figcaption>n </figure>n<p> </p>nn<p>WASHINGTON: General Mark Milley faced repeated crises at home and abroad during a tumultuous term as America’s top military officer, becoming one of the most well-known and controversial people to hold the position in years.</p>nn<p>Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Donald Trump’s refusal to accept his presidential election loss and nationwide protests against police brutality are just some of the events that defined his time as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which ends on Friday.</p>nn<p>“It was one crisis right after another, so we were constantly absorbed with what I would call current operations,” Milley said in an interview last month.</p>nn<p>“The challenge for me is I didn’t devote enough time — because I couldn’t — to the challenge of… reforming and modernising the military,” he said. Milley — a gregarious 65-year-old history buff — was commissioned as a US Army officer in 1980 and deployed to countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama and Haiti. He served as chief of staff of the US Army before becoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs in October 2019.</p>nn<p><strong>‘Lightning rod’</strong></p>nn<p>Milley infamously found himself in the political spotlight less than a year into his term as chairman. He was sharply criticised for participating in what was widely seen as a political show by Trump, who walked with Milley and other officials from the White House to pose with a Bible in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church in June 2020.</p>nn<p>Just before he did so, police and National Guard troops fired smoke bombs and pepper balls at people in the area who were protesting the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in Minnesota.</p>nn<p>“I should not have been there. My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of military involvement in domestic politics,” Milley said days later. He also had to contend with the chaotic end of the Trump administration, with the president refusing to concede he lost the 2020 election.</p>nn<p>He was also in contact with China before and after the 2020 election — calls his spokesman said were in keeping with his duties to convey “reassurance in order to maintain strategic stability.” But Republicans accused the general of undermining civilian control of the military and unsuccessfully pushed for him to be fired.</p>nn<p>Milley is popular with many US liberals, who credit him with helping protect the country from Trump.</p>nn<p>But he is a bete noire for various conservatives, including Trump, who recently said Milley’s retirement would be “a time for all citizens of the USA to celebrate.” Milley told lawmakers in 2021 that he had become a “lightning rod for the politicisation of the military,” despite advocating for America’s armed forces to be apolitical.</p>nn<p>“There is a deliberate attempt, in my view, to smear the general officer corps and the leaders of the military and to politicise the military,” he said.</p>nn<p>Another defining event of Milley’s tenure was the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan, which saw Taliban fighters sweep aside Western-trained Afghan troops, forcing the last US military personnel to mount a desperate evacuation from Kabul’s airport.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

Kosovo calls upon Serbia to hand over escaped gunmen after shootout

<figure class='media sm:w-11/12 w-full media–center '>n <div class='media__item '><picture></picture></div>n n <figcaption class="media__caption ">A VIEW of weapons and military equipment displayed by Kosovo police. The weapons were seized during the police operation in Banjska village, on Monday.—Reuters</figcaption>n </figure>n<p> </p>nn<p>MITROVICA: Kosovo called on Serbia on Monday to hand over ethnic Serb gunmen it said had escaped after a shootout with Kosovar police that killed four people in the restive north of the country, aggravating tensions between Pristina and Belgrade.</p>nn<p>The gunmen stormed the village of Banjska on Sunday, battling police and barricading themselves into a Serbian Orthodox monastery. Police retook the monastery late on Sunday, after three attackers and one police officer were killed.</p>nn<p>The United States condemned attacks on police and urged the governments of Kosovo, an ex-Serbian province with a 90 per cent ethnic Albanian majority, and Serbia to defuse decades of antagonism.</p>nn<p>Armed police on Monday searched houses in Banjska for any of the estimated 30 gunmen who might not have fled, a police source said. The village remained sealed off to journalists.</p>nn<blockquote>n <p>US condemns attack on police, urges govts to defuse hostility</p>n</blockquote>nn<p>Kosovar authorities said later in the day that some of the gunmen were believed to have escaped to nearby Serbia.</p>nn<p>Kosovo Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla said six wounded members of the armed group had been hospitalised in the southern Serbian city of Novi Pazar, near Kosovo’s northern border.</p>nn<p>“We are demanding from Serbia to hand these men over to Kosovo authorities as soon as possible, to face justice for their terrorist acts,” in addition to any others who had escaped to Serbia, Svecla told reporters.</p>nn<p>In the northern town of Mitrovica, Kosovar police showed reporters around 20 SUVs and an armoured truck they said were used by the gunmen. Three of the vehicles were painted with the KFOR logo — the Nato peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.</p>nn<p>Police also displayed an array of weapons and ammunition they said had been seized, including former Yugoslav army assault rifles, machine guns, sniper rifles, mortars, anti-tank rocket launchers, hand grenades, land mines and drones.</p>nn<p><strong>Lingering stand-off</strong></p>nn<p>While ethnic Albanians comprise the great majority of Kosovo’s 1.8 million people, 50,000 Serbs in its north reject Kosovo statehood and see Belgrade as their capital, 15 years after Kosovo declared independence following a guerrilla uprising. Serbia does not recognise Kosovar independence.</p>nn<p>“From yesterday, nothing can be the same anymore,” Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said at a ceremony on Monday honouring the police officer who was killed in the incident.</p>nn<p>“Afrim Bunjaku was killed during an attack on Kosovo policemen and on our state itself by a group of heavily armed and heavily equipped, professionally trained and planned, politically supported, materially financed and logistically supported by Serbia,” Kurti said.</p>nn<p>Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has denied Kurti’s allegations that Belgrade orchestrated the attack. He accuses Kurti of inciting violence by blocking the creation of an association of Serb municipalities to give more autonomy to Serbs — approved by an earlier Kosovo government in 2013 — and by launching frequent police raids in the north.</p>nn<p>Kurti has said granting northern Serbs significant autonomy would effectively partition Kosovo along ethnic lines.</p>nn<p>In a statement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called on the Kosovar and Serbian governments “to refrain from any actions or rhetoric which could further inflame tensions”.</p>nn<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia, Serbia’s traditional main ally, was monitoring the “tense and potentially dangerous” situation in Kosovo.</p>nn<p>Vucic had talks on Monday with Russian Ambassador Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko in Belgrade.</p>nn<p>“I have informed Botsan-Kharchenko that a brutal ethnic cleansing with the help of the international community is being conducted by Albin Kurti,”</p>nn<p>Vucic wrote on his Instagram page.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

Cuban embassy in US attacked with Molotov cocktails

<p>HAVANA: Cuba’s embassy in Washington was attacked by a man using two Molotov cocktails on Sunday night, the country’s foreign minister said, describing the incident as a “terrorist attack”.</p>nn<p>“The Cuban embassy in the US was the target of a terrorist attack by an individual who launched 2 Molotov cocktails. The staff suffered no harm,” said Bruno Rodriguez in a post on social media platform X. This was the second attack against the Cuban mission in Washington in recent years, after a man opened fire on the building in April 2020. There were no injuries from that attack.</p>nn<p>The Sunday night attack took place hours after Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel returned to Havana after attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York and other activities with Cubans in the US.</p>nn<p>In New York, there had been demons­trations by Cubans resident in the United States against Diaz-Canel’s presence at the UN.</p>nn<p>“The anti-Cuban groups resort to terrorism when feeling they enjoy impunity, something that Cuba has repeatedly warned the US authorities about,” said Rodriguez after Sunday’s attack.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

Thousands of ethnic Armenians flee Nagorno-Karabakh

<figure class='media sm:w-full w-full media–center '>n <div class='media__item '><picture></picture></div>n n <figcaption class="media__caption ">Khankendi (de jure Azerbaijan): In this videograb released by the Russian Defence Ministry, Russian peacekeepers help evacuate refugees from this town, also called Stepanakert. Thousands of ethnic Armenians fled the breakaway region on Monday after their fighters were defeated by Azerbaijan in a military operation.—AFP</figcaption>n </figure>n<p> </p>nn<p>GORIS: Thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh streamed into Armenia Monday as a deadly blast rocked a fuel depot in the rebel enclave and Azerbaijan and ally Turkey hailed Baku’s victory over the majority ethnic Armenian area.</p>nn<p>Meanwhile, Russia hit back at embattled Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan after he blamed Moscow for the swift defeat of the breakaway territory.</p>nn<p>Several days after the fighting, the first refugees arrived in Armenia on Sunday and 6,650 people have so far entered, Yerevan said on Monday.</p>nn<p>Reporters saw the refugees crowding into a humanitarian hub set up in a local theatre in the city of Goris to register for transport and housing. “We lived through terrible days,” said Anabel Ghulasyan, 41, from the village of Rev, known as Shalva in Azeri.</p>nn<blockquote>n <p>Over 200 injured in fuel depot explosion</p>n</blockquote>nn<p>She arrived in Goris with her family by minibus, carrying her belongings in bags.</p>nn<p>An explosion at a fuel depot wounded more than 200 people, according to Armenian separatist authorities which have been supplying those seeking to leave the territory with petrol and diesel.</p>nn<p>“As a result of the explosion in the fuel warehouse, the number of injured exceeds 200. The health condition of the majority is severe or extremely severe,” the region’s rights ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan said on social media.</p>nn<p>“The medical capacities of (Nagorno-Karabakh) are not enough,” he added, calling for air ambulances to be allowed to land.</p>nn<p>An official had earlier indicated there were fatalities without giving a toll.</p>nn<p>Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars in the last three decades over Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan.</p>nn<p>Azerbaijan launched a lightning operation on September 19 to seize control of the territory, forcing the separatists to lay down their arms under the terms of a ceasefire agreed the following day.</p>nn<p>It followed a nine-month blockade of the region by Baku that caused shortages of key supplies.</p>nn<p>The separatists have said 200 people were killed in last week’s fighting. Baku announced two of its soldiers also died when a mine hit their vehicle on Sunday.</p>nn<p>Azerbaijan’s state media said officials held a second round of peace talks with Nagorno-Karabakh’s ethnic Armenian community aimed at “reintegrating” them.</p>nn<p>But on the road heading to Armenia, more and more residents from the region appeared to be trying to get out as the witnesses said cars were snarling up in traffic.</p>nn<p>At the refugee centre in Goris, Valentina Asryan, a 54-year-old from the village of Vank who fled with her grandchildren, said her brother-in-law was killed and several other people were injured by Azerbaijani fire.</p>nn<p>“Who would have thought that the ‘Turks’ would come to this historic Armenian village? It’s incredible,” she said, referring to the Azerbaijani forces.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

Saudi Arabia plans tougher IAEA checks

<p>VIENNA: Saudi Arabia said on Monday it has decided to end light-touch oversight of its nuclear activities by the UN atomic watchdog and switch to full-blown safeguards, a change the agency has been demanding for years.</p>nn<p>Saudi Arabia has a nascent nuclear programme that it wants to expand to eventually include activities like proliferation-sensitive uranium enrichment. It is unclear where its ambitions end, since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said for years it will develop nuclear weapons if regional rival Iran does.</p>nn<p>Riyadh has yet to fire up its first nuclear reactor, allowing its programme to still be monitored under the Small Quantities Protocol, an agreement with the Internatio­nal Atomic Energy Agency that exempts less advanced states from many reporting obligations and inspections.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

Taliban looking to emulate US mass surveillance network

<p><strong>• Consult with Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei on potential cooperation<br />n• Rights groups fear resources will be used to crackdown on protesters</strong></p>n<p>KABUL: The Taliban are creating a large-scale camera surveillance network for Afghan cities that could involve repurposing a plan crafted by the Americans before their 2021 pullout, an interior ministry spokesman said, as authorities seek to supplement thousands of cameras already across the capital, Kabul.</p>n<p>The Taliban administration, which has publicly said it is focused on restoring security and clamping down on the militant Islamic State group that has claimed many major attacks in Afghan cities, has also consulted with Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei about potential cooperation, the spokesman said.</p>n<p>Preventing attacks by international militant groups — including prominent organisations such as IS — is at the heart of the interaction between the Taliban and many foreign nations, including the US and China, according to readouts from those meetings. But some analysts question the cash-strapped regime’s ability to fund the programme, and rights groups have expressed concern that resources will be used to crackdown on protesters.</p>n<p>Details of how the Taliban intend to expand and manage mass surveillance, including obtaining the US plan, have not been previously reported.</p>n<p>The mass camera rollout, which will involve a focus on “important points” in Kabul and elsewhere, is part of a new security strategy that will take four years to be fully implemented, Ministry of Interior spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani told <em>Reuters</em>.</p>n<p>“At the present we are working on a Kabul security map, which is (being completed) by security experts and (is taking) lots of time,” he said. “We already have two maps, one which was made by USA for the previous government and second by Turkiye.”</p>n<p>He did not detail when the Turkish plan was made.</p>n<p>A US State Department spokesperson said Washington was not “partnering” with the Taliban and has “made clear to the Taliban that it is their responsibility to ensure that they give no safe haven to terrorists.”</p>n<p>A Turkish government spokesperson didn’t return a request for comment.</p>n<p>Qani said the Taliban had a “simple chat” about the potential network with Huawei in August, but no contracts or firm plans had been reached.</p>n<p><em>Bloomberg New</em>s <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-25/taliban-says-huawei-to-install-cameras-to-locate-militants">reported</a> in August that Huawei had reached “verbal agreement” with the Taliban about a contract to install a surveillance system, citing a person familiar with the discussions.</p>n<p>Huawei told <em>Reuters</em> in September that “no plan was discussed” during the meeting.</p>n<p>A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said she was not aware of specific discussions but added: “China has always supported the peace and reconstruction process in Afghanistan and supported Chinese enterprises to carry out relevant practical cooperation.”</p>n<p><strong>Rights concerns</strong></p>n<p>There are over 62,000 cameras in Kabul and other cities that are monitored from a central control room, according to the Taliban. The last major update to Kabul’s camera system occurred in 2008, according to the former government, which relied heavily on Western-led international forces for security.</p>n<p>Rights advocates and opponents of the regime are concerned enhanced surveillance might target civil society members and protesters.</p>n<p>Though the Taliban rarely confirm arrests, the Committee to Protect Journalists says at least 64 journalists have been detained since the takeover. Protests against restrictions on women in Kabul have been broken up forcefully by security forces, according to protesters, videos and Reuters witnesses.</p>n<p>Implementing a mass surveillance system “under the guise of ‘national security’ sets a template for the Taliban to continue its draconian policies that violate fundamental rights,” said Matt Mahmoudi from Amnesty International.</p>n<p>The Taliban strongly denies that an upgraded surveillance system would breach the rights of Afghans.</p>n<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

Sikhs protest outside Indian missions in Canada over leader&amp;rsquo;s murder

<p>TORONTO: Canadian Sikhs staged protests outside India’s diplomatic missions on Monday, a week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776704/indian-envoy-expelled-as-pm-trudeau-links-delhi-to-sikh-leaders-deathhttps://">said</a> there may be a link between New Delhi and the murder of a Sikh separatist advocate in British Columbia.</p>n<p>Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a week ago stood in parliament to say that domestic intelligence agencies were actively pursuing credible allegations tying New Delhi’s agents to the shooting of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, in June.</p>n<p>About 100 protesters in Toronto burned an Indian flag and struck a cardboard cut-out of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a shoe. About 200 protesters also gathered outside the Vancouver consulate.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right '>n <div class='media__item '><picture></picture></div>n <figcaption class='media__caption '>Demonstrators use their shoes to hit a placard depicting Indian prime minister Narendra Modi during a Sikh rally outside the Consulate General of India, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on September 25, following the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.— AFP</figcaption>n </figure></p>n<p>In Ottawa, fewer than 100 people gathered in front of the Indian High Commissioner’s office (embassy) in the capital. They waved yellow flags marked with the world “Khalistan”, a reference to their support for making India’s Punjab region an independent state for Sikhs, a cause Nijjar campaigned for.</p>n<p>“We are really thankful to Justin Trudeau… We want no stone left unturned to get to the bottom of this cowardly act,” protester Reshma Singh Bolinas said in Ottawa. Canada should put pressure on India to “stop the killing of innocent people in future.”</p>n<p>Canada is home to about 770,000 Sikhs — the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab — and in recent years there have been many demonstrations that have irked India.</p>n<p>India labelled Trudeau’s allegations “absurd”. It <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776905/us-urges-india-to-cooperate-with-canada-in-sikh-leaders-murder-probe#:~:text=India%2C%20Canada-,update,-travel%20advisory">warned</a> travellers last week that there were growing “anti-India activities” in Canada, urging “utmost caution” but did not provide evidence or details of specific incidents.</p>n<p>The allegations have put a spotlight on Canada’s Sikh community. Sikhs make up just two per cent of India’s 1.4 billion population, but they are a majority in Punjab, a state of 30 million where their religion was born 500 years ago.</p>n<p>“The Indian government used dirty tactics and compromised the sovereignty of Canada,” said Kuljeet Singh, a protester in Toronto and a member of the group Sikhs for Justice.</p>n<p>Canada’s accusations have sparked <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776725">tit-for-tat retaliation</a>, with each nation expelling diplomats and New Delhi suspending visas for Canadians.</p>n<p>Some of the protesters in both Toronto and Ottawa called for the expulsion of the Indian High Commissioner (ambassador) to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, who earlier said authorities have been informed of the protests and were providing security.</p>n<p>Nijjar, who worked as a plumber, left the north Indian state of Punjab a quarter-century ago and became a Canadian citizen. He has supported the formation of an independent Sikh homeland. India designated him a “terrorist” in July 2020.</p>n<p>The Canadian government has amassed both human and signals intelligence in a months-long investigation into the Sikh separatist leader, <em>CBC News</em> <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sikh-nijjar-india-canada-trudeau-modi-1.6974607">reported</a> last week, citing unidentified sources.</p>n<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

Baku, Ankara eye land route via Armenia

<p>Baku: Azerbaijan Presi­­dent Ilham Aliyev hosted talks on Monday with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at which he hinted at the prospect of creating a land corridor between their two countries via Armenia, which opposes the idea.</p>nn<p>Erdogan flew into Azerbaijan’s autonomous Nakhchivan exclave, a strip of territory nestled between Armenia, Iran and Turkiye that Ankara and Baku want to link up with rump Azerbaijan by carving out a land corridor that would run thro­ugh southern Armenia.</p>nn<p>Aliyev in 2021 threatened to create such a corridor — that would create a contiguous land bridge between Turkiye and Azerbaijan and deprive Armenia of a land border with Iran.</p>nn<p>At a joint presser, Aliyev lamented that Soviet-era authorities had deemed part of what should have been territory belonging to the Azerbaijani Soviet repu­blic as land belonging to the Armenian Soviet republic.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

Sicilian Mafia boss dies, taking his secrets with him

<figure class='media sm:w-3/5 w-full media–center media–uneven media–stretch'>n <div class='media__item '><picture></picture></div>n n <figcaption class="media__caption ">Messina Denaro</figcaption>n </figure>n<p> </p>nn<p>ROME: Sicilian Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, captured in January after three decades on the run, died on Monday in hospital in central Italy, taking to the grave the secrets of his brutal reign.</p>nn<p>The 61-year-old had been treated for colon cancer while detained in a high-security jail in L’Aquila but was moved last month to hospital after his condition deteriorated.</p>nn<p>L’Aquila mayor Pierluigi Biondi confirmed the mobster’s death in hospital overnight “following a worsening of his illness”.</p>nn<p>His death “puts the end to a story of violence and blood”, Biondi said and thanked prison and hospital staff for their “professionalism and humanity”.</p>nn<p>It was “the epilogue of an existence lived without remorse or repentance, a painful chapter in the recent history of our nation”, the mayor added.</p>nn<p>Messina Denaro was one of the most ruthless bosses in Cosa Nostra, the real-life Sic­ilian crime syndicate depicted in the Godfather movies. He was convicted of involvement in the murder of anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino in 1992 and in deadly bombings in Rome, Florence and Milan in 1993. One of his six life sentences was for the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the 12-year-old son of a witness in the Falcone case.</p>nn<p>“No-one should be denied prayers. But I cannot say I’m sorry,” Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said of the mobster’s death. Messina Denaro disappeared in the summer of 1993 and spent the next 30 years on the run as the Italian state cracked down on the Sicilian mob.</p>nn<p>But he remained at the top of Italy’s most-wanted list and increasingly became a figure of legend.</p>nn<p>It was his decision to seek treatment for his cancer that led to his capture. He was arrested on Jan 16, 2023, when he visited a health clinic in Palermo.</p>nn<p>He was initially treated in his jail cell, but was moved to the inmates’ ward of the hospital in L’Aquila in August, where he remained under heavy security.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023</em></p>

From singers to sellers &amp;mdash; How Pulse9&amp;#039;s lifelike AI went mainstream in South Korea

Could South Korea actually be existing as an animation in the near future?

September 25, 2023

Over 50 rat bite wounds nearly killed 6-month-old in Indiana home

His left ring finger, among other body parts, had an exposed bone due to missing flesh

Crackdown intensifies as cases of vision loss surge in Punjab

Number of vision loss cases increased by over 70 after people were administered substandard injections

Punjab caretaker govt bans non-sterile eye injections causing vision loss

CM Naqvi announces free medical treatment to patients affected by substandard eye injections

Crackdown intensifies as cases of vision loss surge in Punjab

Number of vision loss cases increased by over 70 after people were administered substandard injections

Punjab caretaker govt bans non-sterile eye injections causing vision loss

CM Naqvi announces free medical treatment to patients affected by substandard eye injections

Uncertainty ends as India issues visas to Pakistan team for World Cup 2023

ICC confirms issuance of visas for national squad to travel to India to participate in mega event

Hundreds dead from dengue fever in war-torn Sudan: medics

<p>Outbreaks of dengue fever and acute watery diarrhoea have “killed hundreds” in war-torn Sudan, medics reported on Monday, warning of “catastrophic spreads” that could overwhelm the country’s decimated health system.</p>n<p>In a statement, the Sudanese doctors’ union warned that the health situation in the southeastern state of Gedaref, on the border with Ethiopia, “is deteriorating at a horrific rate”, with thousands infected with dengue fever.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1776395"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Though Gedaref has been spared the direct effects of the brutal war between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, it has nonetheless been impacted by mass displacement and other humanitarian crises.</p>n<p>Over five months into the war, 80 per cent of the country’s hospitals are out of service, according to the United Nations.</p>n<p>Even before the war, Sudan’s fragile healthcare system struggled to contain the annual disease outbreaks that accompany the country’s rainy season starting in June, including malaria — endemic in Sudan — and dengue fever.</p>n<p>This year, with Gedaref hosting over 250,000 internally displaced persons according to the UN, the situation is much worse.</p>n<p>“The hospital’s beds are all full but the cases keep coming in, particularly children,” a medical source told <em>AFP</em> from Gedaref Hospital, requesting anonymity out of concern for his safety.</p>n<p>“But the number of those receiving treatment at home is much more than those at the hospital,” he continued.</p>n<p>Gedaref resident Amal Hussein told <em>AFP</em> that “in each home, there are at least three people sick with dengue”.</p>n<p>Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that causes high fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and, in the most serious cases, bleeding that can lead to death.</p>n<p>Medics and the UN have repeatedly warned that the violence in Sudan, combined with the rainy season and devastated infrastructure, would cause disease outbreaks across the country.</p>n<p>More than 1,200 children have died in refugee camps since May due in part to a measles outbreak, according to the UN refugee agency.</p>n<p>In El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, “13 cases of malaria were reported in one week”, according to the health ministry.</p>n<p>In the capital Khartoum, “three people died of acute watery diarrhoea” —suspected cases of cholera — in the Hajj Youssef district in the city’s east, the local resistance committee said Monday.</p>n<p>“Take precautions to avoid infection,” urged the committee — one of many that used to organise pro-democracy demonstrations before the war and now volunteers to help those caught in the crossfire.</p>n<p>By early September, the conflict between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, had killed nearly 7,500 people, according to a conservative estimate from the Armed Conflict Location &amp; Event Data Project.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1751964"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Dozens of hospitals have been bombed or occupied by fighters, in what the UN has called “cruel disregard for civilians”.</p>n<p>The medics and aid workers that remain are themselves regularly targeted and their stocks looted, as more people demand help.</p>n<p>Even before the war, one in three Sudanese needed to walk more than an hour to get medical care, where less than 30 percent of vital medicines were available, according to the UN.</p>

&amp;lsquo;Deeply offensive&amp;rsquo;: Pakistan condemns fresh act of Holy Quran desecration in Netherlands

<p>Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned yet another incident of the desecration of the Holy Quran in The Netherlands, calling upon the European country to take swift action against such “hateful and Islamophobic acts”.</p>n<p>“Pakistan condemns in the strongest terms the latest senseless and deeply offensive act of desecration of the Holy Quran that took place in The Hague, the Netherlands in front of some embassies of OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) member countries, including Pakistan,” the Foreign Office (FO) said in a press release issued today.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1706350260623183918"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Turkish newspaper <em>Daily Sabah</em> had <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/dutch-pegida-leader-rips-quran-in-front-of-turkish-embassy">reported</a> on Saturday that Dutch far-right activist Edwin Wagensveld, who leads the Dutch branch of the far-right group Pegida, had desecrated the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish, Pakistani and Indonesian embassies in the Hague and “insulted Islam and Muslims”.</p>n<p>The FO said the “deliberately provocative and Islamophobic act” hurt the sentiments of Muslims around the world and such actions could not be condoned under the “guise of freedom of expression, opinion and protest”.</p>n<p>It added that Pakistan had conveyed its concerns to the Dutch authorities, urging them to be “mindful of the sentiments” of the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world and take active steps to prevent such “hateful and Islamophobic acts”.</p>n<p>“Pakistan believes that freedom of expression comes with responsibilities. National governments should actively prevent racist and Islamophobic acts, which incite religious hatred.</p>n<p>“It is important for the international community to raise its voice against Islamophobia and work in concert to promote interfaith harmony. That was the spirit behind the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 to mark March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia,” the FO said.</p>n<p>Separately, Saudi Arabia also issued a condemnation and denounced the incident in a statement posted earlier today on the social media platform X.</p>n<p>“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of these reprehensible and recurring acts that cannot be justified under any circumstances. Such acts clearly promote hatred, exclusion, and racism, and directly contradict international efforts to promote values of tolerance, moderation, and the rejection of extremism,” the country’s foreign ministry said.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1706021794451181585"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Meanwhile, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi called for “urgent and effective international steps to confront these aggressive and provocative actions against Muslims.”</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/GCCSG/status/1706069869332963657"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>The OIC also criticised the “provocative act” in a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.oic-oci.org/topic/?t_id=39613&amp;t_ref=26654&amp;lan=en">statement</a> issued a day ago.</p>n<p>It had called on the Dutch authorities to take necessary measures against such provocative acts and prevent their recurrence.</p>n<p>Last month, Wagensveld had <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1771028">trampled on and tore up</a> a copy of the Holy Quran at a demonstration outside the Turkish embassy in The Hague, infuriating dozens of counter-protesters.</p>n<p>The Dutch government had already condemned the holding of the demonstration ahead of the event but said it had no legal powers to prevent it.</p>n<p><a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1767672">Similar incidents</a> of the Holy Quran’s desecration have taken place in other European countries recently. In late July, two men set fire to a copy of the Quran in <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1767775">front of the Swedish parliament</a>, and similar incidents have taken place in Denmark this year.</p>n<p>Such demonstrations have provoked <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1769424">anger and condemnations</a> and sometimes unrest in several Muslim countries.</p>n<p>Muslim leaders addressing the United Nations General Assembly last week had <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1777016">berated</a> the West over torchings of the Holy Quran.</p>

Canadian Sikh group urges followers to protest outside Indian embassies

<p>A Canadian Sikh group has called on its members to protest outside the Indian diplomatic missions of main Canadian cities on Monday, a week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised the prospect of New Delhi’s involvement in the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/20/advocate-separate-sikh-state-india-shot-dead-canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-temple">murder of a Sikh separatist</a> leader in British Columbia.</p>n<p>Trudeau said last week Canada was pursuing <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1777075">“credible allegations”</a> that Indian government agents may be linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple on June 18 in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb with a high Sikh population.</p>n<p>India swiftly denied any role in the killing and described the allegations as “absurd”. The accusations have sparked tensions between the two countries, with each nation expelling diplomats, and New Delhi <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1777230">suspending visas</a> for Canadians.</p>n<p>Jatinder Singh Grewal, a director for Sikh for Justice in Canada, told <em>Reuters</em> on Sunday that his organisation will lead the demonstrations outside the Indian embassies and consulates in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver to increase public awareness about Nijjar’s killing.</p>n<p>“We are asking Canada to expel the India ambassador,” Grewal said.</p>n<p>Representatives for India’s diplomatic missions in Ottawa and Toronto were not immediately available for comment.</p>n<p>The Toronto Police Department said it was aware of the planned demonstrations on Monday but declined to disclose details of the security preparations or potential response to any violent situations that may arise during the protest.</p>n<p>Nijjar, who worked as a plumber, left the north Indian state of Punjab a quarter-century ago and became a Canadian citizen. He has supported the formation of an independent Sikh homeland, called Khalistan, to be created out of Punjab. India designated Nijjar a “terrorist” in July 2020.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1776744"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>The Canadian government has amassed both human and signals intelligence in a months-long investigation into the Sikh separatist leader’s murder, <em>CBC News</em> <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sikh-nijjar-india-canada-trudeau-modi-1.6974607">reported</a> last week, citing unidentified sources.</p>n<p>The report said the intelligence included communications of Indian officials present in Canada, adding that some of the information was provided by an unidentified ally in the Five Eyes alliance.</p>n<p>Canada is home to about 770,000 Sikhs — the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab — and the country has been the site of many demonstrations that have irked India.</p>n<p>Sikhs make up just 2 per cent of India’s 1.4 billion population but they are a majority in Punjab, a state of 30 million where their religion was born 500 years ago.</p>n<h2><a id="punjabs-sikhs-fear-row-threatens-them-at-home-abroad" href="#punjabs-sikhs-fear-row-threatens-them-at-home-abroad" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>Punjab’s Sikhs fear row threatens them at home, abroad</h2>n<p>The bitter row between India and Canada is being felt in Punjab, where some Sikhs fear both a backlash from India’s Hindu nationalist government and a threat to their prospects for a better life in North America.</p>n<p>In the village of Bharsinghpura, there are few memories of Nijjar, but his uncle, Himmat Singh Nijjar, 79, said locals “think it was very brave of Trudeau” to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of potential involvement in the killing.</p>n<p>“For the sake of one ordinary person, he did not need to take such a huge risk on his government,” the uncle told <em>Reuters</em>, sitting on a wooden bench by a tractor in his farmhouse, surrounded by lush paddy fields and banana trees.</p>n<p>Still, though, the elder Nijjar said he is worried about deteriorating diplomatic relations with Canada and declining economic prospects in Punjab.</p>n<p>The once-prosperous breadbasket of India, Punjab has been overtaken by states that focussed on manufacturing, services and technology in the last two decades.</p>n<p>“Now every family wants to send its sons and daughters to Canada as farming here is not lucrative,” said the elder Nijjar.</p>n<p>India is the largest source for international students in Canada, their numbers jumping 47 per cent last year to 320,000.</p>n<p>“We now fear whether Canada will give student visas or if the Indian government will create some hurdles,” said undergraduate Gursimran Singh, 19, who wants to go to Canada.</p>n<p>He was speaking at the holiest of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where many students go to pray for or give thanks for student visas.</p>n<p>The temple became a flashpoint for Hindu-Sikh tension when then prime minister Indira Gandhi allowed it to be stormed in 1984 to flush out Sikh separatists, angering Sikhs around the world. Her Sikh bodyguards assassinated her soon afterwards.</p>n<p>Ties between Sikh groups in Punjab and Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government have been strained since Sikh farmers led <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1663201">year-long protests</a> against farm deregulation in 2020 and blocked the capital, forcing Modi to withdraw the measure in a rare political defeat for the strongman.</p>n<p>Modi’s government has created “an atmosphere of fear”, especially for young people, said Sandeep Singh, 31, from Nijjar’s village.</p>n<p>“If we are doing a protest, parents wouldn’t like their child to participate because they are afraid their children can meet the same fate” as Nijjar in Canada, he said.</p>n<p>Kanwar Pal, political affairs secretary for the radical separatist Dal Khalsa group, said, “Whosoever fights for Khalistan fights for the right to self-determination, rights for plebiscite in Punjab. India perceived those Sikhs as their enemies and they targeted them.”</p>n<p>A BJP spokesperson declined to comment on the accusations.</p>n<p>Senior BJP leaders have said there was no wave of support in Punjab for independence and that any such demands were a threat to India. At the same time, the party says no one has done as much for the Sikhs as Modi.</p>

16 killed in fire at coal mine in China

<p>BEIJING: At least 16 people were killed in a coal mine fire on Sunday in southwest China’s Guizhou province, local officials said.</p>nn<p>The fire broke out at the Shanjiaoshu Coal Mine at around 8:10am, the Panzhou City government said in a notice posted to its website on Sunday night.</p>nn<p>“It was preliminarily determined that the conveyor belt caught fire, causing 16 people to be trapped,” it added, with no further details on what was damaged or how the fire began.</p>nn<p>Emergency personnel extinguished the blaze and temperatures at the site returned to normal, but “after preliminary verification, 16 people have no vital signs”, the notice said. The Panzhou City mine is about 3,600 kilometres southwest of the capital Beijing.</p>nn<p>China — the world’s biggest emitter of the pollutants driving climate change — operates thousands of coal mines, even as Beijing has pledged to peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.</p>nn<p>While safety standards in the country’s mining sector have improved in recent decades, accidents still frequently plague the industry, often due to lax enforcement of protocols, especially at the most rudimentary sites. Last year, 245 people died in 168 accidents, according to official figures.</p>nn<p>An explosion at a coal mine in Shaanxi province in northern China last month killed 11 people, nine of whom were trapped inside. Another two people managed to make it to the surface before they succumbed to their injuries, according to state media reports at the time.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2023</em></p>

WATCH: US woman, 71, strikes Guinness World Record title for &amp;lsquo;oldest female ninja&amp;rsquo;

"Age and inexperience should never be a barrier," Virginia Lenore MacColl said after winning the historic title

September 24, 2023

Realistic NY subway sketches earn TikTok star Devon Rodriguez his first solo show

Devon's sketches, born beneath the city's streets, now adorn the walls of a New York gallery until the expo runs till Sep 30

Compassion: Crocodile rescue mission saves a dog after it fell into river

Experts noted that the pup rescue could be a sign of the crocodiles having emotional intelligence

Substandard injections affect eyesight of 40 diabetes patients in Lahore

The injections affected the retinas of the patients, says ophthalmologist Dr Asad Aslam

Substandard injections affect eyesight of 40 diabetes patients in Lahore

The injections affected the retinas of the patients, says ophthalmologist Dr Asad Aslam

UK&amp;rsquo;s 250-year-old rose farm announces closure

"It has not been an easy decision to make," Cants of Colchester says in an email

September 23, 2023

Girl found guilty of brutally killing mother after getting kicked out of college

The 23-year-old claims she killed her mom to avoid her finding out that she had been expelled from college

Tropical storm Ophelia strengthens near North Carolina; residents brace for impact

Ophelia storm's trajectory could bring it perilously close to warm waters of Gulf Stream, offering the possibility of more strengthening

Blinken calls on India to cooperate with Canada in Sikh activist murder probe

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed near Vancouver in June, and Canada alleged involvement of India and its agents in murder

Trump Jr says &amp;#039;Hunter Biden must have hacked my account&amp;#039; on X

A hacker took over Trump Jr's account and made a series of posts on Wednesday

At the cusp of historic peace with Saudi Arabia, Israel PM Netanyahu tells UN

"Peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia will truly create a new Middle East," says Netanyahu

Is UN promoting LGBTQ rights? Turkey Erdogan confuses SDG colours with rainbow flag

Turkey's government has recently adopted a more stringent stance on LGBTQ rights and freedoms

Sara Sharif murder: New pics of 10-year-old wearing scarf released to tap public for tips

Police hope these images will encourage people to share details they may possess about Sara and her family

Karachi weather to remain hot, humid for next 3 days

The maximum temperature can go up to 36°C today in Karachi, says PMD

QAU decides to revive students&amp;rsquo; union as CJP attends syndicate meeting

CJP Isa expressed his displeasure over the presence of armed police and Rangers in the university, say sources

IHC CJ to hear Imran Khan bail plea in cipher case on Monday

PTI chief has filed post-arrest bail application after special court rejected plea

Not accountable to any govt Kakar on alleged human rights violations in Pakistan

"Country's laws are impartial, not favouring any gender, and apply to all citizens equally," says PM at UN presser

No change in Nawaz Sharif&amp;rsquo;s homecoming plan, says Shehbaz

PML-N president says he had arrived in London to discuss Nawaz’s legal, political steps ahead of his return

Jahangir Tareen advises Nawaz Sharif not to create narrative based on individuals

IPP chief says if PML-N supremo “wants to settle his matters with someone” then he should return to Pakistan

Army chief discusses defence, security affairs with Saudi counterpart

Saudi Gen Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al Ruwaili, led by high powered military delegation, calls on Gen Asim Munir

Army, Rangers to launch joint operation against dacoits in Sindh katcha area

Eight forward base camps being established in Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Sukkur districts

Parvez Elahi advises &amp;lsquo;all politicians&amp;rsquo; to get protective bail ahead of elections

PTI president also says that the delay in general elections has stopped the country’s system from working

Princess Eugenie&amp;rsquo;s husband shows true feelings for sons with latest business move

Princess Eugenie announced the new series of her podcast earlier this week

Taylor Swift mobilizes thousands of first-time voters with single Instagram post

Taylor Swift's call to action resulted in a surge of voter registrations, demonstrating her substantial influence

Shakira was warned against dissing Gerard Pique in her songs post split: &amp;lsquo;I have the right!&amp;rsquo;

Shakira discusses controversy surrounding her diss tracks targeted at ex Gerard Pique after breakup

Kevin Costner takes center stage at One805Live! Festival amidst divorce

Kevin Costner hosts the star-studded One805Live! Festival following an amicable divorce settlement

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry& friend shares incredibly painful video

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s friend shared the video from Ireland

King Charles to put forward &amp;lsquo;his terms&amp;rsquo; for forgiving Prince Harry after recent snub

Prince Harry declined King Charles invite to visit him at Balmoral for Queen Elizabeth death anniversary

Petrol price may fall after &amp;lsquo;decline in dollar value,&amp;rsquo; says info minister

Murtaza Solangi says people are likely to get the benefit of appreciation in rupee value

Travis Barker&amp;#039;s son unleashes debut single &amp;#039;Friends with Your EX&amp;#039;

Landon Barker, son of Travis Barker, makes his pop-punk debut with the release of 'Friends with Your EX'

WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo&amp;#039;s &amp;#039;smoke goal&amp;#039; fires up Al-Nassr to burn down Al-Ahli 4-3

Al-Nassr celebrated Saudi National Day with a remarkable victory over Al-Ahli during Saudi Pro League

Boga heroic goal lifts Nice over Monaco to top of Ligue 1

Nice now stand at the top of the Ligue 1 table with 12 points, edging past Monaco

Angelica Ross dishes on Emma Roberts&amp;#039; boss behavior on &amp;#039;AHS:1984&amp;#039; set

Angelica Ross opens up about working with Emma Roberts on AHS: 1984, discussing leadership dynamics

Seven Caribbean nations and US to co-host biggest-ever 2024 T20 World Cup

The 2024 T20 World Cup is poised to be biggest in cricket history, marking first time US will host a major cricketing tournament

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry reunite with Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey: Here&amp;rsquo;s why

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were all smiles as they reunited with old friends

Here is how Mohammad Haris backed injured Naseem Shah after missing WC squad

Naseem Shah will miss World Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury

Travis Barke health crisis threatens upcoming Blink-182 concerts

Travis Barker's COVID-19 diagnosis threatens his proximity to pregnant wife Kourtney Kardashian

Pakistan beat Australia to secure third win at &amp;#039;Over 40s Global Cup&amp;#039;

This is Pakistan's third consecutive win in the ongoing tournament

China blocks three Indian athletes from competing in 19th Asian Games

Reports suggest the athletes were kicked out of the Asian games because of a territory dispute

Reason behind Prince Harry declining King Charles&amp;rsquo; invitation revealed

Prince Harry reportedly rejected offer to join King Charles, Queen Camilla for Queen Elizabeth's death anniversary

Prince Harry lets go of last chance to mend bond with King Charles

Prince Harry seemingly has no intention to heal feud as he breaks King Charles’ heart with latest snub

Royal fans react as Prince Harry rejects King Charles latest olive branch

Prince Harry did not visit King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton during his visit to UK without Meghan Markle

Totally into buying Apple&amp;#039;s new iPhone 15? Don&amp;#039;t listen to these naysayers

These reviews of iPhone 15 could either save you your money or have you miss out on a unique experience

Meghan Markle&amp;rsquo;s &amp;lsquo;giving up&amp;rsquo; on Prince Harry

Meghan Markle is reportedly surrounded by whispers telling her she’s ‘better off’ without Prince Harry

Chandrayaan-3: India space agency unable to communicate with Moon lander

Efforts being made to establish communication with the Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover, says ISRO

X social media&amp;#039;s India, South Asia policy head Samiran Gupta resigns

Gupta was responsible for key content-related policy issues for X, formerly known as Twitter, in India

Asian Games: Robots takeover China&amp;#039;s host city

Hangzhou boasts robots and incredible gadgets ready to assist, entertain and enforce regulations

Meghan Markle warned of &amp;lsquo;major risk&amp;rsquo; if she follows in Prince Harry&amp;rsquo;s footsteps

Prince Harry's memoir Spare was released in January 2023

King Charles calls Diana &amp;lsquo;thorn in his side&amp;rsquo; even after death

King Charles reportedly finds Princess Diana as a 'thorn in his side' even after death

Princess Eugenie shares &amp;lsquo;exciting&amp;rsquo; news

Princess Eugenie had launched the podcast in 2022

World Cup 2023: Delay in Indian visa forces Pakistan to &amp;#039;cancel Dubai trip&amp;#039;

Pakistan are the only one out of nine teams that haven't been issued their visas yet, according to report

Leonardo DiCaprio &amp;lsquo;officially&amp;rsquo; moves on from Gigi Hadid with Vittoria Ceretti: &amp;lsquo;It&amp;rsquo;s serious&amp;rsquo;

Leonardo DiCaprio 'getting serious' with 25-year-old model Vittoria Ceretti after Gigi Hadid romance fizzled out

Prince William very & writes foreword for London Air Ambulance charity

Prince William said, “I would like to thank them for opening up and allowing us into their very personal journey"

Pakistan gold market likely to reopen on Monday as negotiations continue

Industry stakeholders, investors closely monitor developments as market prepares for potential resumption of trading

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry&amp;rsquo;s latest move about &amp;lsquo;Archetypes&amp;rsquo; podcast revealed

Meghan Markle launched ‘Archetypes’ podcast after deal with Spotify in 2022

Nepra allows Rs3.28 per unit hike in electricity tariff for six months

All Discos and K-Electric will collect nearly Rs183 billion (including GST) from power in these six months

Anti-monarchy chief reacts to King Charles speech to French senate

King Charles won a standing ovation from lawmakers after deftly mixing English and French as well as personal and political reflections.

Harry Styles introduces new ladylove Taylor Russell to mom: &amp;lsquo;It&amp;rsquo;s really serious!&amp;rsquo;

Harry Styles reportedly took new lover Taylor Russell to his home to meet his mother

&amp;lsquo;Pakistan as China&amp;rsquo;s Israel&amp;rsquo;: In defence of Kakar&amp;rsquo;s controversial remark

Kakar’s use of this analogy was meant to emphasise that Pakistan’s alliance with China is unique and distinctive, bearing its own historical and geopolitical context.

Pakistani enginering firm secures project in Saudi Arabia&amp;#039;s Neom

Project carries a budget of 46.5 million Saudi Riyals with a scheduled completion timeframe of 3 years

World Bank urges consensus on reforms to revive Pakistan&amp;rsquo;s ailing economy

Global lender recommends bringing real estate and agriculture income into the tax net to jack up the tax-to-GDP ratio

&amp;#039;Harry Potter&amp;#039; star Emma Watson enrolls in creative writing course at Oxford

Emma will be escorted by a small security team during her appearance in on-site classes

Pete Davidson finds love again with &amp;#039;Outer Banks&amp;#039; star Madelyn Cline

The pair reportedly spent a night together at the Beverly Hills Hotel

Michael Cera&amp;#039;s omitted scene in &amp;#039;Barbie&amp;#039; inspired by &amp;#039;Jaws&amp;#039;

Prieto recommends the Barbie team release the blooper reel so that fans can enjoy it

This groundbreaking therapy becomes lifeline for blood cancer patients

Myeloma, a blood cancer type, manifests symptoms like fatigue and bone pain, affects nearly 6,000 people in UK alone every year

Russell Brand resurfaces amidst controversy to &amp;#039;challenge&amp;#039; media narrative

Brand expresses gratitude towards his fans for their unwavering support

Danny Masterson, Bijou&amp;#039;s divorce for daughter&amp;#039; after assault charges

Bijou's divorce filing is speculated to be a bid to protect their daughter's future assets

Eminem, ex-wife Kim Scott set to reunite at daughter&amp;#039;s wedding

Eminem married Kim twice, once in 1999 and ending marriage in 2001 and then again in 2006 ending their relationship a year later

Guinness World Record for longest hair makes India&amp;#039;s Sidakdeep Singh Chahal haircare celebrity

“It would take [me] an entire day [ to take care of my hair] if it wasn’t for the help of my mother,” says 15-year-old Sidakdeep Singh Chahal

Hugh Jackman spends quality time with Hollywood friends amid Deborra-Lee-Furness divorce: Photo

Hugh Jackman announces his split from wife Deborra-Lee-Furness last week

Kelly Clarkson gives update on dating life a year after divorce settlements

Kelly Clarkson previously joked about being ‘single forever’ and took a break from dating following her divorce

Leonardo DiCaprio, girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti make sneaky exit from MFW after-party

Leonardo DiCaprio’s rumoured ex, Gigi Hadid, was also present at the after-party, which he attended with Vittoria Ceretti

Meghan Markle officially scraps major project amid her relaunch

Meghan Markle had been planning a big relaunch after her exit from the Royal Family in 2020

Taylor Swift&amp;#039;s request to Swifties causes unprecedented spike for voter registration

Taylor Swift earlier in her stories asks Swifties to get register for voting

Travis Barker tests positive for Covid amidst &amp;#039;cursed&amp;#039; Blink-182 world tour

Travis Barker recently returned to the tour following wife Kourtney Kardashian’s pregnancy complication

&amp;#039;Riverdale&amp;#039; star Casey Cott welcomes first child with wife Nichola Basara

Casey Cott and his wife Nichola Basara announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy

Ariana Grande loosens up her signature high-ponytail for a new hairstyle

Ariana Grande began singing and acting when she was as young as 13

&amp;#039;RHOC&amp;#039; Shannon Beador under investigation by animal control for &amp;#039;endangering&amp;#039; dog Archie

Shannon Beador crashed into a house while driving under the influence with her senior dog in the car

Alia Bhatt rubs shoulders with Kendall Jenner, Bad Bunny at Milan Fashion Week

Alia Bhatt looks stunning at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show; the first Indian global brand ambassador for the brand

Anne Hathaway reflects on postpartum recovery after second kid

Anne Hathaway shares her experience of healing process from childbirth in a new interview

Inside Justin Bieber&amp;#039;s &amp;#039;priceless&amp;#039; bejewelled anniversary gift from wife Hailey

Hailey Bieber gifted an extravagant couple's gift to husband Justin to mark their fifth anniversary

Russell Brand condemns &amp;#039;constructed narrative&amp;#039; amidst sexual assault allegations

Russell Brand was cut off by multiple broadcasting services following sexual and emotional abuse allegations

Ryan Gosling, Kylie Jenner amping up hotness at Gucci Show in Milan: See photos

Ryan Gosling oozed his inner Ken at Gucci's Milan Show

Priyanka Chopra pens heartfelt note to &amp;#039;little one&amp;#039; Parineeti Chopra ahead of wedding

Priyanka Chopra will reportedly skip Parineeti Chopra's wedding due to her work commitments

Leonardo DiCaprio skips fashion show featuring girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti and ex Gigi Hadid

Leonardo DiCaprio started dating Vittoria Ceretti one month after his split with rumoured fling Gigi Hadid

Has Margot Robbie teased the &amp;#039;Barbie&amp;#039; sequel?

Margot Robbie tells all about 'Barbie' sequel

Kendall Jenner looks confident on runway hours after debut with Bad Bunny

Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny sat together in the front row for the Gucci show at Milan Fashion Week

Travis Barker&amp;#039;s son Landon debuts new single with dad on drums

Travis Barker's son Landon Barker releases first song 'Friends with Your Ex'

Sharna Burgess says &amp;#039;yes&amp;#039; to Brian Austin Green: &amp;#039;Most perfect, Beautiful moment&amp;#039;

Sharna Burgess and Brian Austin started dating in December 2020

Emma Watson hints at career change following acting success

Emma Watson found fame portraying the intelligent and sassy Hemione Granger in 'Harry Potter' movie series

Josh Duhamel talks coparenting with &amp;#039;amazing&amp;#039; ex-wife Fergie: &amp;#039;Very lucky&amp;#039;

Josh Duhamel was married to Fergie from 2009 to 2019; the pair shares 10-year-old son Axl together

Kevin Bacon had to set fire to his farm and house out of fear of getting &amp;#039;possessed&amp;#039;

Kevin Bacon went “back and forth on this haunted house thing” with farm owner Rob Lowe before purchase

Matthew McConaughey&amp;#039;s confirms his family &amp;#039;tested&amp;#039; Wife Camila Alves

Matthew McConaughey confirms Camila Alves claims about her mother-in-law putting her ‘down a bit’

Sophie Turner spotted strolling with daughters while Joe Jonas prepares for Baltimore performance

Sophie Turner went out on a walk in NYC with daughters amid divorce and lawsuit battle with Joe Jonas

Jessica Chastain slams Joe Jonas with support for Sophie Turner

Jessica Chastain publicly supported Sophie Turner by reposting against Joe Jonas on social media

Leonardo DiCaprio dating model Vittoria Ceretti, rumours confirmed: Source

Leonardo DiCaprio’s got out with Vittoria Ceretti several times after getting out of Gigi Hadid romance rumours

Cameron Diaz &amp;#039;could cry&amp;#039; after dumping salad for cheesy chicken nachos

Cameron Diaz seems to ditch her eating principals for ‘nachos with chicken, zucchini and corn’

Gisele Bundchen &amp;#039;never dreamed of&amp;#039; Split with Tom Brady

Gisele Bundchen says she wouldn’t have life ‘any other way’ after splitting with Tom Brady last year

Jeannie Mai denies affair with Mario Lopez amid divorce, hopes for reconciliation with Jeezy

Jeannie Mai opens up about 'Devastation' over divorce filing with Jeezy

Kendall Jenner, Bad Bunny pick front row seats for romance at Milan Fashion Week

Kendall Jenner, Bad Bunny were seen sitting at front row seat at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show

Joe Jonas disappointed with Sophie Turner effort to portray him &amp;#039;horrible father&amp;#039;

Turner is pursuing legal action against her ex in an attempt to relocate their daughters

Shehbaz declares victory over cancer

In 2000, former PM was diagnosed with an extremely rare and perilous form of cancer known as Adenocarcinoid

September 22, 2023

In historic legislation, India reserves 33% parliamentary seats for women &amp;mdash; but there is a catch

Women constitute over 48% of India's population but their representation in parliament stands at 15.1%

Wedder forecast: Single in 2023? You have high chances of getting hitched in 2024

The decline in proposals is anticipated to peak this year, and engagements are anticipated to resume in early 2024

Billionaire Bill Gates cheers daughter Pheobe Gates for brightening up foundation event

Event saw presence of other notable figures, including model Karlie Kloss, Phoebe's elder sister, Jennifer Gates

US Senator Bob Menendez, wife, indicted for taking &amp;#039;hundreds of thousands of dollars&amp;#039; in bribes

The charges allege a "corrupt relationship" between the couple and three New Jersey businessmen

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow&amp;#039;s Black Sea Fleet HQ in Crimea destroyed by Kyiv missile

As Russia-Ukraine war deepens, Ukrainian attack, triggered plumes of smoke over the building in Sevastopol, as seen in videos circulated on social media

Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq released after 4-year house arrest

Mirwaiz played a pivotal role in orchestrating protests against Indian governance in the disputed region

Oldest US federal judge slaps &amp;#039;bully&amp;#039; colleagues with lawsuit after suspension over mental fitness

Judge Pauline Newman's lawyers claim her suspension is illegal while seeking review from committee overseeing judicial conduct

Biden, others raised concern over Canadian Sikh activist&amp;#039;s murder with Modi during G20

US national security advisor Jake Sullivan clarified US is not granting any "special exemption" to India

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Truce enforced after Armenia&amp;#039;s surrender

Russia-brokered meeting took place in an atmosphere described as constructive and peaceful by Azerbaijan's presidency

US backs Canada in Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar&amp;#039;s murder probe

PM Trudeau sparked diplomatic controversy by raising suspicions that India govt played role in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination

Canadian intelligence corroborates Indian involvement in Nijjar&amp;#039;s murder

Intelligence "was also provided by anonymous ally in Five Eyes intelligence alliance", states report

Canada calls on India to cooperate in murder investigation of Nijjar

Trudeau said Monday Indian agents played role in June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen

Pakistan urges world to convince India of its offer to shun arms race

PM Kakar says Islamabad believes nations develop together and it desires peaceful ties with all neighbours including New Delhi

India&amp;rsquo;s Hindutva agenda now hitting Western capitals: PM Kakar

“We will raise the issue to expose the reality hidden behind the face of Hindutva’s political agenda,” says premier

PPP suspends senior leader Latif Khosa&amp;#039;s party membership

Secretary General Nayyar Bokhari also suspends Khosa's membership in Central Executive Committee

PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar to address UNGA session today

Premier to share Pakistan’s perspective on relevant regional and world issues as well

Shujaat &amp;#039;advises&amp;#039; PML-N, PPP to avoid conflict

Asif Zardari says PPP doesn't want confrontation with anyone; Shujaat to speak to Nawaz as well

Ban on pillion riding announced in Karachi, other Sindh districts

Pillion ban, however, will not be applicable to women, children below the age of 12 years

PM Kakar criticises West for dismissing India&amp;#039;s &amp;#039;reality&amp;#039; for &amp;#039;economic, strategic reasons&amp;#039;

"Many players in the Western capitals chose to ignore this fact and reality," caretaker prime minister says

KU teachers boycott classes from today over financial, administrative crisis

Teachers’ strike in the evening programme has been ongoing since September 14

CJP Isa-led bench to hear Faizabad sit-in review pleas on Sep 28

In 2019 ruling, SC had ruled that intelligence agencies must not exceed their respective mandates

World Cup 2023: Here&amp;#039;s the breakdown of $10 million mega event&amp;#039;s prize money pool

Winning team will take home $4 million, teams to get $40,000 for every victory in the group stage

WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo dances with Al-Nassr teammates in traditional Saudi garb

The Saudi National Day will be commemorated on September 23

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard to receive &amp;pound;120,000 weekly in five-year contract with club

"It was an easy decision for me," said the 24-year-old midfielder who committed his long-term future to Arsenal

Naseem Shah to undergo surgery

Naseem suffered a shoulder injury during Asia Cup 2023 in a match against India on 11 September

WATCH: Inzamam&amp;#039;s Kuldeep Yadav remark over Shadab Khan&amp;#039;s inclusion leaves room bursting with laughter

Indian spinner was also instrumental in his team’s victory against Pakistan in the Super 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2023

Airfares, hotel prices skyrocket ahead of Pak vs Ind World Cup match in Ahmedabad

Hotels in Ahmedabad are fully booked while some of them are offering rooms at premium rates

This symptomless disease sneaks up on you: TV doctor warns of silent killer

Disease doesn't show symptoms, but being overweight is key indicator as it results from an excess of fat in liver

&amp;#039;Doors not closed&amp;#039; for Mohammad Amir, says PCB

"If any player wants to represent Pakistan, they should perform in first class cricket," Inzamam-ul-Haq says

India chalks out detailed security plan for World Cup 2023

Security plan includes secure pathways for teams travelling from their hotels to stadiums

Pakistan World Cup 2023 squad: PCB defends Hasan Ali&amp;#039;s inclusion

"He (Ali) bowls well with both old and new ball, and is a team man," Inzamam-ul-Haq says

Hasan Ali replaces Naseem Shah in Pakistan&amp;#039;s World Cup 2023 squad

Shadab Khan retained as vice-captain; spinner Abrar Ahmed included in reserves

World Cup 2023 squad: Hasan Ali may replace Naseem Shah

PCB is all set to announce a 15-member squad for ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India

Liverpool stages comeback to beat LASK Linz 3-1 in Europa League opener

Liverpool changed their entire starting lineup for the away Europa League fixture against LASK Linz

WATCH: Inside Shaheen Shah Afridi&amp;#039;s valima reception in Islamabad

Videos show various cricketers and social personalities gracing the event with their presence

Extremely rare $10,000 bill from Great Depression-era auctioned for $480,000

Auctioneers say this $10,000 bill ranks second only to $100,000 gold certificate issued in 1934

Chickense for eggheads: AI technology translates chicken clucks with 80% accuracy

If you've been curious about the rooster's morning call, you may finally find out what he's yelling with this AI technology

This ghost town once produced one million carats of diamonds annually

This ghost town of Kolmanskop once produced one million carats of diamonds, making up 11.7% of the world's total production

Travis Scott&amp;#039;s team claims &amp;#039;phone LOST at sea,&amp;#039; Astroworld lawsuit evidence GONE

Travis Scott's lost phone is hurdle in Astroworld lawsuit evidence collection

Alessandra Ambrosio radiates glamour on way to GCDS show at Milan Fashion Week

The Victoria's Secret Angel recently split from fellow model Richard Lee

Sophie Turner grabs lunch with estranged husband Joe Jonas ahead of custody lawsuit

Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, estranged couple, is going through a messy divorce after 4 years of marriage

Milan Fashion Week: Emma Watson steps out after &amp;#039;suspected&amp;#039; stalker drama

Emma was allegedly targeted by Drew Barrymore's suspected stalker recently

Zendaya and assistant Darnell address engagement rumors with Tom Holland

Zendaya's assistant Darnell deny engagement rumors on Instagram live session

This Morning: Holly Willoughby leaves fans &amp;#039;upset&amp;#039; with sudden changes in show

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 48, will make his debut on the ITV Daytime show

Kendall Jenner &amp;#039;radiates joy&amp;#039; with boyfriend Bad Bunny during Milan Fashion Week

Kendall and Bad Bunny were first spotted together in February

Leonardo DiCaprio and Gigi Hadid&amp;#039;s Milan encounter amid &amp;#039;New Love&amp;#039; Vittoria Ceretti

Leonardo DiCaprio's arrival in Milan coincides with Gigi Hadid sparks buzz

Arnold Schwarzenegger steps out after Anna Richardson recalls &amp;#039;harassment&amp;#039; allegations

Arnold Schwarzenegger attended an Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany

Kate Middleton forced to stay out of spotlight amid King Charles France visit?

Prince William, Kate Middleton staying out of the royal spotlight since King Charles, Camilla began their visit to France

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle &amp;#039;compassionate&amp;#039; for next career move: &amp;#039;They understood&amp;#039;

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been in the works of deciding their next big career move

Who will replace King Charles?

King Charles may possibly abdicate the throne due to his advanced age

Meghan Markle&amp;#039;s unseen video singing, dancing with Sam Ryder goes viral

Sam Ryder shares his feelings for singing with Meghan Markle

Kathy Griffin criticizes Kanye West for &amp;#039;Controlling&amp;#039; Bianca Censori, deeming her &amp;#039;Voiceless&amp;#039;

Kathy Griffin accuses Kanye West exerting control over Bianca Censori

King Charles&amp;#039; &amp;#039;sausage fingers&amp;#039; unveils monarch&amp;#039;s secret health battle

King Charles' fingers notably got very swollen during his state visit to France

Pregnant Lucy Watson shares story of her &amp;#039;miracle baby&amp;#039;

Lucy and James married in a lavish ceremony in 2021

Justin Timberlake dishes out details about origin of NSYNC single &amp;#039;It&amp;#039;s Gonna Be Me&amp;#039;

Justin Timberlake along with four members of NSYNC reunited in a decade earlier this month

Bianca Censori Kanye West&amp;#039;s wife earns &amp;#039;Golden&amp;#039; opportunity at Graziella Braccialini

Bianca Censori and Kanye West visiting Graziella Braccialini in Milan

India frees Mirwaiz Umar Farooq after four years

Thousands of worshippers gather to see Kashmiri leader lead Friday prayers for the first time in 218 weeks

Trudeau calls on India to cooperate in murder probe

Canada declines to release evidence linking Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader

Abbas says Middle East peace only possible when Palestinians get full rights

Saudi, US calls for Palestinians to make gains are likely unpalatable for Israeli PM's govt

UK police appeal for clues about Sara&amp;rsquo;s death

10-year-old girl's body was discovered at her family's home in southern England on August 10

Saudi crown prince says he does not care about &amp;#039;sportswashing&amp;#039; claims

&quot;Sportswashing&quot; allegation levelled at countries perceived to be using sport to improve their tarnished image abroad

Israel on cusp of region-reshaping peace with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu says

The Israeli PM asserted that Palestinians should not be allowed to veto the regional dealmaking.

Ukraine&amp;#039;s Zelenskiy visits close ally Canada after challenges on US trip

Canada is one of Kyiv's staunchest supporters in the war against Russia

Biden raised issue of Canadian Sikh&amp;#039;s murder with Modi at G20, Financial Times reports

'Five Eyes' countries also raised the matter before the Indian PM

Colors promoting UN goals or LGBTQ rights? Turkey&amp;#039;s Erdogan complains

The Turkish president had labeled members of the LGBTQ community as &quot;deviants&quot; in the past

Israel on cusp of region-reshaping peace with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu says

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday he believed his country was on the cusp of peace with Saudi Arabia, predicting it could be clinched by US President Joe Biden and reshape the Middle East.</p>n<p>Yet, amid urging by Riyadh and Washington that the Palestinians be included in the diplomacy, Netanyahu told the United Nations General Assembly in New York that Palestinians should not be allowed to veto the regional dealmaking.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1696911"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Expectations that Israel might normalise relations with Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam’s two holiest shrines, have been ratcheted up this week. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said a deal was getting closer by the day and Netanyahu and Biden held a long-awaited meeting to discuss the prospects.</p>n<p>Netanyahu described as a precursor the 2020 normalisation accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, known as the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1663330">Abraham Accords</a> and sponsored by then-US President Donald Trump.</p>n<p>“There’s no question: The Abraham Accords heralded the dawn of a new age of peace,” he said. “I believe we’re on the cusp of a more dramatic breakthrough: A historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.”</p>n<p>Such a deal would likely require broad support among US lawmakers — a tall order with a presidential election in 2024.</p>n<p>While crediting Trump for the previous deal, Netanyahu made clear he hoped the current administration would clinch this one.</p>n<p>“I believe we can achieve peace with Saudi Arabia with the leadership of President Biden,” he said.</p>n<p>Though he voiced willingness to seek some accommodation with the Palestinians — whose statehood goals are ruled out by his hard-right government — Netanyahu said: “We must not give the Palestinians a veto over new peace treaties with Arab states.”</p>n<p>On Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the same forum: “Whoever thinks peace in the Middle East is possible before our people achieved their full right is delusional.”</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1777217"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Netanyahu, who has often used the UN podium to warn against Iran, described his country’s arch-foe as the “fly in the ointment” that would try to wreck a deal with Saudi Arabia.</p>n<p>But he cast normalisation as already in the works, citing the now three-year-old air corridor for Israeli carriers over Saudi territory and an ambitious plan, announced by Biden this month, to make both countries part of a rail and shipping network that would run from India to the Mediterranean Sea.</p>n<p>He illustrated the latter with a red line he drew across a regional map — a play on a 2012 UN speech in which he used a marker to draw a proposed “red line” for Iran’s nuclear drive.</p>n<p>“Today I bring this marker to show a great blessing,” he said, deeming normalisation with Saudi Arabia “an extraordinary change, a monumental change, another pivot of history.”</p>

India frees Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq after 4 years

<p>The Indian government freed Kashmiri chief cleric and Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday after more than <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1437419">four years of house arrest</a>.</p>n<p>The 50-year-old was <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1437419">detained</a> along with other political leaders and thousands of residents when the government cancelled held Kashmir’s constitutional semi-autonomy and <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1498227">imposed federal rule</a> in 2019.</p>n<p>A months-long internet shutdown followed as India bolstered its armed forces in the region to contain <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1514652">protests</a>.</p>n<p>Most detainees were subsequently released, but Mirwaiz remained unable to leave his residence, down the street from his Jamia Masjid mosque in Srinagar.</p>n<p>Thousands of worshippers gathered to see him lead Friday prayers for the first time in 218 weeks, with women showering him with sweets and religious slogans resounding around the 14th-century building.</p>n<p>Last week, a court asked authorities to explain his continued detention and he told the crowd that police informed him on Thursday that officials had decided to release him.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1666414"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>“This period of my house arrest and separation from my people has been the most painful for me since my father’s death,” he said, breaking down.</p>n<p>The mosque has historically been a centre of separatist politics and anti-India protests.</p>n<p>“God willing, you might think our spirit is low. No, our spirit is high,” the Mirwaiz said, calling the constitutional changes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government “unacceptable”.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1741527"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Modi “said about Ukraine that this is not the time for war. He is right,” he added.</p>n<p>“Disputes and disagreements should be resolved by talks rather than using power or unilateralism.” He called for the release of “numerous political prisoners”.</p>n<p>Held Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming the Himalayan territory in full and fighting two wars over it.</p>n<p>A violent insurgency beginning in 1989 killed tens of thousands of people, including Indian troops, militants and civilians.</p>n<p>Heavy security, including counter-insurgency police and commandos, were deployed around the mosque on Friday.</p>n<p>“Our beloved and our king of hope has returned to this mosque after so long,” regular worshipper Bashir Ahmed told <em>AFP</em> after the prayers.</p>n<p>“How can I not be weeping with joy?” Since the imposition of direct rule, authorities have curbed media freedoms and public protests.</p>n<p>Moves aimed at bringing “peace and prosperity” to the region also allowed Indians from elsewhere to buy land and claim government jobs in the territory, a policy denounced by critics as “settler colonialism”.</p>n<p>Armed clashes between Indian soldiers and freedom fighters demanding independence for the disputed region or its merger with Pakistan have significantly reduced.</p>n<p>But this month saw an uptick in violence leaving at least 14 dead, including eight security personnel.</p>

China&amp;rsquo;s Xi meets Syria&amp;rsquo;s Assad, declares new &amp;lsquo;strategic partnership&amp;rsquo;

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad on Friday, and said the two leaders would unveil a new “strategic partnership”.</p>n<p>Assad is on his <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1777219/assad-in-china-seeks-end-to-diplomatic-isolation">first official trip to China</a> in almost two decades as he seeks financial support to rebuild his devastated country, as well as rehabilitation for his regime from years of isolation over Syria’s civil war.</p>n<p>He will attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou on Saturday.</p>n<p>Xi and Assad met in the eastern Chinese city on Friday afternoon, state media said.</p>n<p>“Today, we will jointly announce the establishment of the China-Syria strategic partnership, which will become an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations,” Xi told Assad, according to a readout from state broadcaster <em>CCTV</em>.</p>n<p>“Faced with an international situation full of instability and uncertainty, China is willing to continue to work together with Syria, firmly support each other, promote friendly cooperation, and jointly defend international fairness and justice,” he added.</p>n<p>Relations between the two countries “have withstood the test of international changes”, Xi said.</p>n<p>“And the friendship between the two countries has been strengthened over time,” he added.</p>n<p>The leaders were each flanked by nine aides at a large rectangular wooden table, a <em>CCTV</em> video clip showed, as two flags from each country were set in front of a Chinese painting in the meeting room.</p>n<p>China is one of only a handful of countries outside the Middle East that Assad has visited since the 2011 start of a civil war that has killed more than half a million people, displaced millions more, and battered Syria’s infrastructure and industry.</p>n<p>China’s foreign ministry has said his visit will take ties to a “new level”.</p>n<p>“China and Syria have a traditional and deep friendship,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing.</p>n<p>“We believe that President Bashar Al-Assad’s visit will further deepen mutual political trust and cooperation in various fields between the two countries,” she added.</p>n<p>Assad’s visit is his first to China since 2004.</p>n<p>Analysts expect Assad’s visit to China will focus, in part, on funds for reconstruction. It also comes as China’s influence in the Middle East grows.</p>n<p>This year Beijing brokered a deal that saw longtime regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Damascus-backer Iran <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1741433">agree to restore ties</a> and reopen their respective embassies.</p>n<p>The detente was followed by Syria’s return to the Arab fold at a summit in Saudi Arabia in May, ending more than a decade of regional isolation.</p>

Canada has Indian diplomats&amp;rsquo; communications in Sikh leader&amp;rsquo;s murder probe: report

<p>The Canadian government has amassed both human and signals intelligence in a months-long investigation of a Sikh activist’s murder, which it has <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776725">alleged</a> was done by India, <em>CBC News</em> <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sikh-nijjar-india-canada-trudeau-modi-1.6974607">reported</a> on Friday.</p>n<p>The unprecedented tensions flared up on Monday after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776704/indian-envoy-expelled-as-pm-trudeau-links-delhi-to-sikh-leaders-death">said</a> Ottawa was “actively pursuing credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/20/advocate-separate-sikh-state-india-shot-dead-canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-temple">murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar</a>, 45, outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia in June.</p>n<p>The two countries, whose relations have been fraying in recent years over the issue of Sikh separatists, have since announced tit-for-tat <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776725">expulsions of senior diplomats</a> and issued tit-for-tat <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776905/us-urges-india-to-cooperate-with-canada-in-sikh-leaders-murder-probe#:~:text=India%2C%20Canada-,update,-travel%20advisory">travel advisories</a>.</p>n<p>Indian PM Narendra Modi’s government denied any links to the alleged murder. While calling on India to cooperate with the investigation into the murder, Canada <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/canadas-trudeau-wants-india-cooperate-murder-probe-wont-release-evidence-2023-09-21/">said</a> on Thursday it would not release its evidence.</p>n<p>Traditional Canadian allies have so far taken a relatively cautious approach to the matter. Analysts say this is partly because the United States and other major players see India as a counterweight to the growing influence of China.</p>n<p>Today, quoting Canadian government sources, <em>CBC News</em> said the “intelligence includes communications involving Indian officials themselves, including Indian diplomats present in Canada”.</p>n<p>It added that the intelligence “did not come solely from Canada” and some was also provided by “an unnamed ally in the Five Eyes” alliance — an intelligence-sharing network that includes the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCNews/status/1704978707343974827"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>The Canadian publication went on to add that the slain Sikh leader “reportedly had been warned by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service that he was at risk”.</p>n<p>The report further said that “in a diplomatic crisis that unfolded progressively behind the scenes, Canadian officials went to India on several occasions seeking cooperation” in the investigation of Nijjar’s death.</p>n<p><em>CBC News</em> said that Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser Jody Thomas was in India over four days in mid-August. Another five-day visit this month overlapped with a “<a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1775114">tense meeting</a>” between the two countries’ premiers, it added.</p>n<p>The report quoted Canadian sources as saying: “When pressed behind closed doors, no Indian official has denied the bombshell allegation at the core of this case — that there is evidence to suggest Indian government involvement in the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.”</p>n<p>“I can assure you that the decision to share these allegations on the floor of the House of Commons … was not done lightly,” <em>CBC</em> quoted Trudeau as stating yesterday after attending the 78th UN General Assembly in New York. “It was done with the utmost seriousness.”</p>n<h2><a id="not-some-special-exemption-for-india-us-says" href="#not-some-special-exemption-for-india-us-says" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>‘Not some special exemption’ for India, US says</h2>n<p>Meanwhile, the US is in touch with Indians at high levels and Washington is giving India no “<a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2023/09/21/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-and-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-8/#:~:text=is%20not%20some-,special%20exemption,-you%20get%20for">special exemption</a>” in the matter, its national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Thursday.</p>n<p>The United States has been seeking to strengthen its relationship with India. President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1761117">hosted Modi</a> for a state visit at the White House earlier this year.</p>n<p>Asked whether US concern over the incident could disrupt that process, Sullivan said the United States would stand up for its principles, regardless of what country is affected.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1704915153857433893"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>“It is a matter of concern for us. It is something we take seriously. It is something we will keep working on, and we will do that regardless of the country,” Sullivan <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2023/09/21/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-and-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-8/">told reporters</a> at the White House.</p>n<p>“There’s not some special exemption you get for actions like this. Regardless of the country, we will stand up and defend our basic principles and we will also consult closely with allies like Canada as they pursue their law enforcement and diplomatic process.”</p>n<p>Sullivan noted that the United States was in touch with both countries about the topic. “We are in constant contact with our Canadian counterparts … and we have also been in touch with the Indian government,” Sullivan said.</p>n<p>Earlier, John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council (NSC) had said it supported Canada’s efforts to investigate the killing and <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776905/us-urges-india-to-cooperate-with-canada-in-sikh-leaders-murder-probe">encouraged India</a> to cooperate in the probe.</p>n<p>Separately, another NSC spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, had denied reports that the US had “rebuffed” Canada over the matter.</p>n<p>Australia had expressed “deep concern” over Canada’s accusations while Britain said it was in close touch with its Canadian partners about the “serious allegations”.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1777104"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar had a day ago <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1777104/rising-wave-of-hindutva-a-matter-of-deep-concern-for-international-community-pm-kakar">termed</a> the rising wave of Hindutva or Hindu nationalism a “matter of deep concern” for the international community.</p>n<p>The Foreign Office had also <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.radio.gov.pk/20-09-2023/indias-network-of-extra-territorial-killings-has-now-gone-global-fo">said</a> the accusation showed that New Delhi’s “network of extra-territorial killings” had gone global while Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi said Pakistan was not surprised by the Canadian accusation.</p>

COAS Munir meets Saudi counterpart, discusses bilateral security matters

<p>Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir met the army chief of Saudi Arabia, General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al Ruwaili, on Friday and discussed various areas of mutual interest.</p>n<p>According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Ruwaili and his high-powered military delegation called on Gen Munir.</p>n<p>“During the meeting, both sides deliberated upon various areas of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation including defence and security matters,” the military’s media affair wing said.</p>n<p>It added that the delegation also met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at the Joint Staff Headquarters earlier today.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/PTVNewsOfficial/status/1705154136252273025"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>The Saudi delegation’s visit to Pakistan comes days after COAS Munir had <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1774148">apprised</a> the business community of Saudi Arabia’s decision to invest $25bn in Pakistan under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) aimed at attracting investment in the agriculture sector by offering land and ensuring exports.</p>n<p>Earlier this year, the army chief had also <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1730745">visited</a> Madina where he met the Saudi crown prince and discussed ways to improve bilateral ties between the two countries.</p>n<p>During the visit, Gen Munir had also met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1730050/coas-asim-munir-saudi-defence-minister-discuss-military-cooperation">discussed</a> the ways of strengthening cooperation between the two countries.</p>n<p>The leaders had discussed military and defence cooperation, and ways to support and enhance them, along with important regional and international issues of common interest.</p>

Zelensky wins US air defence arms, but faces aid battle

<p>WASHINGTON: Ukrai­nian President Volodymyr Zelensky won a promise of “significant” new air defence weapons from the White House on Thursday but he warned Kyiv could lose the war with Russia if Republican lawmakers cut the flow of billions of dollars in US military aid.</p>n<p>Zelensky, wearing his trademark olive green military-style shirt on his second wartime visit to Washington, also failed to get the coveted long-range US missiles that Ukraine has been seeking in the effort to beat back President Vladimir Putin’s forces.</p>n<p>The Ukrainian leader faced a vastly different political landscape compared to his first visit in December 2022, when he received a hero’s welcome and gave a speech to a joint session of Congress.</p>n<p>This time a grim-faced Zelensky met Republican and Democratic leaders locked in a bitter spending battle that could spark a US government shutdown, with a $24 billion aid package for Ukraine at risk.</p>n<p>The hard-right faction dominating the Republican Party is increasingly adamant that the aid spigot should be turned off, with Congress having already approved $100bn in aid to date, including $43bn in weaponry.</p>n<p>“To win, we must all stand together and work together,” Zelensky said on social media, adding that he counted on “constant support” from the United States against Russia.</p>n<p>The Ukrainian leader arrived right after another wave of Russian missile strikes. The attacks — hitting cities across the country — killed at least three people in Kherson and wounded many in other areas Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer, a major supporter of President Joe Biden’s pro-Ukraine policies, said Zelensky had told him “if we don’t get the aid, we will lose the war.”</p>n<p><strong>‘Significant’</strong></p>n<p>As part of his bid to win over Washington, Zelensky also went to the Pentagon where he laid a wreath at a memorial for victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and will visit the White House later on Thursday.</p>n<p>White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said he was confident that the deep US political divide would not stop the flow of aid to Ukraine.</p>n<p>“I continue to remain of the view that when all is said and done… there will be strong bipartisan support to continue funding Ukraine,” Sullivan told reporters.</p>n<p>Biden was set to announce a major new arms package including “significant air defence capabilities to help Ukraine,” Sullivan added.</p>n<p>But in a blow to Zelensky, he said Biden had rejected for now a request for longer-range ATACMS missiles that can strike up to 300 kilometres away.</p>n<p>Zelensky said he had “great dialogue” on Capitol Hill earlier, despite the lack of fanfare compared to his visit nine months ago. He got a discreet welcome from the Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, who is having trouble keeping a lid on internal party squabbling over US spending in Ukraine.</p>n<p>Some Republicans say the money could be better spent on US border security, while there are also concerns about the pace of Kyiv’s counteroffensive and that corruption in Ukraine means the money will go to waste.</p>n<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023</em></p>

High seas treaty moves closer to reality with first signatures

<p>UNITED NATIONS: Nearly 70 countries at the United Nations on Wednesday signed a first-ever treaty on protecting the international high seas, raising hopes that it will come into force soon and protect threatened ecosystems vital to the planet.</p>nn<p>“It’s an amazing moment to be here and see such multilateral cooperation and so much hope,” actor Sigourney Weaver said in New York as the signatures opened.</p>nn<p>The treaty marks change in “the way we view the ocean, from a big garbage dump and a place where we can take stuff, to a place that we take care of, that we steward, we respect,” she said.</p>nn<p>Sixty-seven countries signed the treaty on the first day, including the United States, China, Australia, Britain, France, Germany and Mexico as well as the European Union as a whole, according to the UN.</p>nn<blockquote>n <p>After 15 years of discussion, nearly 70 countries including US, China, UK and EU states signed the treaty</p>n</blockquote>nn<p>But each country must still ratify the treaty under its own domestic process. The treaty will come into force 120 days after 60 countries ratify it.</p>nn<p>“It is clear that the ocean is in urgent need of protection,” said Belgium’s deputy prime minister, Vincent van Quickenborne. Without action, “it’s game over,” he said.</p>nn<p>After 15 years of discussion, the United Nations sealed the first treaty on the high seas in June by consensus, although Russia said it had reservations.</p>nn<p>The start of signatures marks “a new chapter” of “establishing meaningful protections” for the oceans, said Nichola Clark of the Ocean Governance Project at The Pew Charitable Trusts.</p>nn<p>The high seas are defined as the ocean area starting beyond countries’ exclusive economic zones, or 370 kilometres off coastlines — covering nearly half the planet. Nonetheless, they have long been ignored in discussions on the environment.</p>nn<p>A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters — only around one percent of which are now protected by any sort of conservation measures.</p>nn<p>The treaty is seen as crucial to an agreement to protect 30 per cent of the world’s oceans and lands by 2030, as agreed by governments in a separate historic accord on biodiversity reached in Montreal in December.</p>nn<p><strong>‘Race to ratification’</strong></p>nn<p>Mads Christensen, interim executive director of Greenpeace International, voiced hope that the treaty would come into force in 2025, when the next UN oceans conference takes place in France.</p>nn<p>“We have less than seven years to protect 30 percent of the oceans. There is no time to waste,” he said.</p>nn<p>“The race to ratification has begun and we urge countries to be ambitious, ratify the treaty and make sure it enters into force in 2025.” But even if the treaty draws the 60 ratifications needed to come into force, it would still be well below the universal support for action sought by environmental defenders.</p>nn<p>Oceans are critical for the health of the whole planet, protecting often-microscopic biodiversity that supports half of the oxygen breathed by land life. The oceans are also critical to limiting climate change by helping absorb greenhouse gas emissions.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023</em></p>

Saudi ties with Israel will betray Palestinians, fears Raisi

<p>UNITED NATIONS: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has accused regional rival Saudi Arabia of betraying the Palestinians by seeking to normalise relations with Israel.</p>nn<p>“We believe that a relationship between regional countries and the Zionist regime would be a stab in the back of the Palestinian people and of the resistance of the Palestinians,” he said.</p>nn<p>“The initiation of a relationship between the Zionist regime and any country in the region, if it is with the aim to bring security for the Zionist regime, will certainly not do so,” Raisi told a news conference on Wednesday as he attended the UN General Assembly.</p>nn<p>Saudi Arabia and Israel have bonded in part over shared hostility to Iran’s clerical state, although Riyadh has moved to ease tensions with Tehran through talks brokered by China.</p>nn<p>US President Joe Biden is hoping to transform the Middle East — and score an election-year diplomatic victory — by securing recognition of the Jewish state by Saudi Arabia.</p>nn<blockquote>n <p>Tehran has ‘no problem’ with IAEA inspections</p>n</blockquote>nn<p>On Wednesday, Biden met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Biden quipped that he had “Irish optimism” on securing a deal with Saudi Arabia.</p>nn<p>“If you and I, 10 years ago, were talking about normalisation with Saudi Arabia,” Biden told Netanyahu, “I think we had to look at each other like, ‘Who’s been drinking what?”</p>nn<p>Netanyahu, who has had rocky relations with Biden, said he believed a deal was “within our reach” and credited him. “I think that under your leadership, Mr President, we can forge a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia,” Netanyahu said.</p>nn<p>Saudi Arabia’s de factor ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has said that US-brokered talks are moving forward on normalisation with Israel.</p>nn<p>In an interview with Fox News, MBS said talks were moving forward with Israel, denying a media report that the process was suspended. “Every day we get closer,” the prince said. “For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part,” he said. </p>nn<p>“We need to ease the lives of the Palestinians”, he added.</p>nn<p>Iran has no issue with the UN nuclear watchdog’s inspection of its nuclear sites, Raisi said on Wednesday, days after Tehran barred multiple inspectors assigned to the country. </p>nn<p>“We have no problem with the inspections but the problem is with some inspectors … those inspectors that are trustworthy can continue their work in Iran,” Raisi told media.</p>nn<p>Iran’s move was a response to a call led by the United States, Britain, France and Germany at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Gover­nors earlier this month for Tehran to cooperate immediately with the agency on issues including explaining uranium traces found at undeclared sites.</p>nn<p>“Tehran’s decision was in reaction to some unfair statements by the Western members of the IAEA,” Raisi said. UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi has condemned Iran’s “disproportionate and unprecedented” move.</p>nn<p>Tehran’s move, known as “de-designation” of inspectors, is allowed; member states can generally veto inspectors assigned to visit their nuclear facilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and each country’s safeguards agreement with the agency governing inspections.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023</em></p>

UK to charge five Bulgarians with spying for Moscow

<p>LONDON: Five Bulgarian nationals suspected of spying for Russia will be charged with conspiracy to conduct espionage, UK prosecutors said on Thursday.</p>nn<p>Three men and two women “will be charged with conspiring to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state”, the Crown Prosecu­tion Service said in a statement.</p>nn<p>The charges relate to alleged offences that took place between August 2020 and February 2023, the CPS added.</p>nn<p>Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, will appear at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday.</p>nn<p>Three of them — Roussev, Dzhambazov and Ivanova — were charged in February with “possession of false identity documents with improper intention”, the CPS said.</p>nn<p>The trio appeared at London’s Old Bailey court in July to face those charges.</p>nn<p>“The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command,” said the CPS.</p>nn<p>Prosecutors warned that in order to conduct a fair trial “it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023</em></p>

West&amp;rsquo;s &amp;lsquo;plundering&amp;rsquo; of Africa blamed for migrant crisis

<p>UNITED NATIONS: The head of the Central African Republic on Thursday accused the West of triggering the migration crisis on his continent by pillaging its natural resources through slavery and colonisation.</p>n<p>Taking the podium at the UNGA, Faustin Archange Touadera <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://twitter.com/Journal_UN_ONU/status/1704860558795678093">addressed</a> the migrant crisis on the Italian island of Lampedusa, where thousands of African migrants arrived last week.</p>n<p>“This escalation of the migrant crisis is one of the appalling consequences of the plundering of natural resources of countries made poor by slavery, colonisation and Western imperialism, terrorism and internal armed conflicts,” he added.</p>n<p>Touadera lauded the “solidarity and the incredible efforts” by the countries hosting the migrants, but said that Africa must be given a greater say in solving the migrant crisis.</p>n<blockquote class="blockquote-level-1">n<p>Italian PM urges UN to wage ‘war without mercy’ on human trafficking</p>n</blockquote>n<p><strong>‘Without mercy’</strong></p>n<p>Touadera’s statement contrasted sharply with comments on Wednesday by Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who blamed the crisis on migrant smugglers and charged that Africa was in fact a rich continent.</p>n<p>Meloni urged the UN to launch a “global war without mercy” against migrant smugglers while addressing at the UNGA.</p>n<p>She said that Italy, which next year heads the Group of Seven wealthy democracies, was ready to lead efforts against the “slave traders of the third millennium.” “Can an organisation like this which reaffirms in its founding document the faith in the dignity and worth of human beings turn a blind eye to this tragedy?” she asked.</p>n<p>“I believe it is the duty of this organisation to reject any hypocritical approach to this issue and wage a global war without mercy against the traffickers of human beings,” she said. Meloni put the blame on human traffickers, calling them a “mafia”.</p>n<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023</em></p>

Rupert Murdoch steps down as chair of Fox, News Corp

<p> <figure class='media sm:w-full w-full media–stretch media–uneven media–stretch'>n <div class='media__item '><picture></picture></div>n <figcaption class='media__caption '>Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch.—Reuters/file</figcaption>n </figure></p>n<p>NEW YORK: Rupert Murdoch has stepped down as the chairman of Fox Corp and News Corp, ending a more than seven-decade career during which he created a media empire spanning from Australia to the United States.</p>n<p>His son, Lachlan Murdoch, will become the sole chairman of News Corp and continue as the chair and CEO of <em>Fox</em>, the companies said on Thursday. The transition solidifies Lachlan’s role as the leader of the media empire, putting to rest questions of succession within the Murdoch family.</p>n<p>In a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/rupert-murdoch-steps-down-fox-chairman-1235595815/">memo to staff</a> on Thursday, Murdoch wrote: “Our companies are in robust health, as am I.”</p>n<p>The executive transition coincides with the annual meeting of shareholders for <em>Fox</em> and News Corp in mid-November. It also comes just months after Murdoch, 92, scrapped a plan that would have reunited his media empire by merging <em>Fox</em> and News Corp, after several top shareholders rejected the proposal on the grounds that it would fail to realise the full value of the company.</p>n<blockquote class="blockquote-level-1">n<p>In his seven-decade career, he created a media empire stretching from Australia to US</p>n</blockquote>n<p>Murdoch, who has near-controlling stakes in both companies, will be appointed chairman emeritus of both the companies.</p>n<p>Lachlan takes over the Murdoch empire as the media industry is battered by challenges ranging from the decline in traditional television viewership, to news organisations battling tech companies over alleged copyright theft in the age of artificial intelligence.</p>n<p><em>Fox News</em> continues to be the number one US cable news network, playing an influential role in US politics.</p>n<p>Earlier this year, <em>Fox</em> settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million, averting a trial in which Murdoch, his son Lachlan and Fox executives and hosts were expected to testify.</p>n<p>The trial would have put <em>Fox</em> in the crosshairs over its amplification of false vote-rigging claims in the 2020 US presidential election. Legal experts said the settlement was the largest ever struck by an American media company.</p>n<p><em>Fox</em> still faces a lawsuit from voting technology firm Smartmatic, which in 2021 sued <em>Fox</em> for $2.7 billion over similar claims, as well as shareholder lawsuits accusing Fox Corp officers and directors of breaching their duties by allowing the company to become mired in defamation claims.</p>n<p>“Many of his enterprises still produce a lot of important news which helps keep the world informed in ways that might not have occurred were it not for his leadership,” said Brian Wieser, media analyst at advisory firm Madison &amp; Wall.</p>n<p>“But it’s impossible to ignore the other side of that, where <em>Fox News</em> amplified toxicity in the US political environment, and other properties similarly impacted other territories.”</p>n<p><strong>Succession</strong></p>n<p>Murdoch, who has six children, has long desired his children to eventually take the reins of the empire. His son James had been CEO of Twenty-First Century Fox before the company’s decision to sell its film and television assets to Walt Disney Co for $71.3bn, a deal that closed in 2019.</p>n<p>James then channelled proceeds from the deal into a private investment firm, Lupa Systems. Lachlan was appointed CEO of the new Fox Corp.</p>n<p>Upon Murdoch’s death, his other children could challenge Lachlan’s power. Murdoch controls News Corp and Fox Corp through a Reno, Nevada-based family trust that holds a roughly a 40 per cent stake in voting shares of each company. He also holds a small number of shares of the companies outside the trust.</p>n<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023</em></p>

First Ukraine grain ship since Russian blockade reaches Istanbul

<p>ISTANBUL: The first grain ship to sail from Uk­raine since Russia re-imposed its Black Sea blockade in July reached Istanbul on Thursday, marine traffic monitors said.</p>n<p>Ukrainian officials said the Palau-flagged Resilient Africa vessel was carrying 3,000 tonnes of wheat when it left Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port on Tuesday.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed '>n <div class='media__item media__item–youtube '><iframe src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/b7Cfv7JZ2x4?enablejsapi=1&controls=1&modestbranding=1&rel=0' allowfullscreen='' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' width='100%' height='100%'></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>It was destined for Israel, according to marine traffic websites, representing the first successful Black Sea voyage since Russia pulled out of a UN-backed deal to export Ukrainian grain.</p>n<p>Ukraine is testing a new sea route that avoids international waters and follows those controlled by Nato members Bulgaria and Romania.</p>n<p>It had earlier successfully sent several cargo ships along that route that were not carrying Ukrainian grain.</p>n<p>These voyages became safer after Russia was forced to pull back its warships following a series of successful Ukrainian missile strikes on the Kremlin-controlled peninsula of Crimea, where Moscow’s Black Sea fleet is based.</p>n<p>Russia also stepped up attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea port infrastructure after abandoning the grain deal.</p>n<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023</em></p>

EU refuses to send observers for Bangladesh polls

<p>DHAKA: The European Union will not deploy a full election observer team to Bangladesh citing a lack of “necessary conditions”, and prompting the opposition on Thursday to declare the polls would not be fair.</p>nn<p>Bangladesh is set to hold its general election by the first week of January, and several Western governments have expressed concern over the political climate, where the ruling party dominates the legislature.</p>nn<p>The South Asian nation’s opposition has staged a series of protests demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign and let a neutral caretaker government hold the vote.</p>nn<p>Hasina’s Awami League has ruled the world’s eighth-most populous country since 2009 and has been accused of human rights abuses and corruption.</p>nn<p>EU ambassador Charles Whiteley said the bloc would not deploy a “fully-fledged” observer mission, according to a copy of a letter sent to Bangladesh’s election commissioner on Wednesday.</p>nn<p>Whitely said that while the EU took into account budget constraints, the decision also “reflects the fact that at the present time, it is not sufficiently clear whether the necessary conditions will be met”, without giving further details.</p>nn<p>It added that the EU is “exploring other options to accompany the electoral process”.</p>nn<p>Bangladesh Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam said on Thursday the EU’s decision was due to a “budgetary reason”. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party welcomed the move, saying the EU decision highlights that “there is no environment for elections” in the country.</p>nn<p><em>Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023</em></p>

Imran Khan &amp;#039;shocked, worried&amp;#039; on change of judge in Judge Zeba Chaudhry case

PTI chief’s lawyer says his client was extremely hopeless after he failed to get bail in the cipher case

September 21, 2023

World Alzheimer&amp;#039;s Day 2023: Here is all that you need to know about this brain disease

Presently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but medication can help manage symptoms

India suspends visa services for Canadians as stand-off escalates

India suspends Canadian visa services as tensions escalate over Sikh leader's murder allegations

Canada&amp;#039;s Trudeau wants India to cooperate in murder probe, declines to release evidence

The U.S official confirmed for the first time that Washington was talking to New Delhi about the matter

Relations with Russia &amp;lsquo;robust&amp;rsquo;

FO spokesperson says envoys free to meet with govt officials, visit any city

PM for sharing scientific research

Kakar says time for international community to rise to challenge and ensure better preparedness

Rising wave of Hindutva a matter of &amp;lsquo;deep concern&amp;rsquo; for international community: PM Kakar

<p>Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Thursday termed the rising wave of Hindutva or Hindu nationalism a “matter of deep concern” for the international community, including the United States.</p>n<p>Addressing the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on the sidelines of UN General Assembly, the premier linked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ideology of Hindu nationalism with Canada’s recent allegations against India pertaining to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/20/advocate-separate-sikh-state-india-shot-dead-canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-temple">killing of a separatist Sikh leader</a> on its soil.</p>n<p>“These ideologues of Hindutva, they are becoming emboldened in a manner that they are now going beyond the region,” PM Kakar said, highlighting that the “unfortunate killing” of the Sikh leader “is a reflection of that ominous tendency”.</p>n<p>“But for obvious economic and strategic reasons, many players in the Western capitals chose to ignore this fact and reality.”</p>n<p>PM Kakar also emphasised Pakistan’s continued desire for peaceful relations with India, underscoring that “our quest requires reciprocal sincerity by the Indian government”, according to state-run <em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.radio.gov.pk/21-09-2023/pakistan-ready-to-work-with-us-all-partners-for-prosperous-future-caretaker-pm">Radio Pakistan</a></em>.</p>n<p>However, he said <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1498227">measures taken by India in 2019</a> in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir had pushed the entire region into a dark alley.</p>n<p>Kakar expressed the concern of both the government and the people of Pakistan regarding the worsening human rights situation in held Kashmir, which includes attempts by the BJP government to alter the demographic landscape of the occupied region.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/GovtofPakistan/status/1704925841300267100"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>The prime minister urged the US administration to use its influence with the Indian government, emphasising that the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, was indispensable for liberating South Asia from perpetual instability.</p>n<h2><a id="not-desirous-of-any-camp-politics" href="#not-desirous-of-any-camp-politics" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>‘Not desirous of any camp politics’</h2>n<p>PM Kakar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining robust relations with both the United States and China, while emphasising the country’s steadfast refusal to engage in any camp politics.</p>n<p>The prime minister underscored Pakistan’s firm belief in the imperative connection between peace and stability in its neighbourhood and the advancement of economic prosperity and social development.</p>n<p>He stated, “In this vein, our earnest desire is to foster peaceful relations with all neighboring countries and those beyond the region.”</p>n<p>He also asserted Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate with the United States and all like-minded partners who share the vision of a harmonious and prosperous world, where cooperation prevails over conflicts.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed '>n <div class='media__item media__item–youtube '><iframe src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RIuVp7j-WnY?enablejsapi=1&controls=1&modestbranding=1&rel=0' allowfullscreen='' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' width='100%' height='100%'></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>He mentioned that Pakistan had instituted a <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1760909">Special Investment Facilitation Council</a> with the aim of transforming the country into an appealing hub for investment and innovation.</p>n<h2><a id="concerns-over-rise-of-terrorism" href="#concerns-over-rise-of-terrorism" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>Concerns over rise of terrorism</h2>n<p>Discussing the terrorism challenge, PM Kakar expressed deep concern over the resurgence of terrorist threats posed by dangerous groups such as the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), emphasising its gravity not only for Pakistan but also for the global community.</p>n<p>He called upon the international community to unite in the face of the emerging threat, highlighting past collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and security of people. He reiterated that maintaining a stable Afghanistan remained a crucial foreign policy objective for both Pakistan and the United States.</p>n<p>PM Kakar welcomed the direct engagement between the US and the Afghan government and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to encourage Afghan authorities to fulfill their obligations, including safeguarding women’s rights, promoting girls’ education, and preventing Afghan territory from being used as a base for terrorist activities against other nations.</p>

Pakistan special envoy meets Afghan foreign minister in Kabul

<p>Pakistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador Asif Khan Durrani visited Kabul on Thursday and held talks with the Taliban administration’s acting foreign minister, according an Afghan foreign ministry statement.</p>n<p>Durrani, along with a high-level delegation, met acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on an unannounced visit.</p>n<p>The visit comes amid tensions between the neighbouring countries over an uptick in terrorist attacks by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in the country.</p>n<p>Earlier this month, the Pakistan Army said the TTP used Afghan soil for <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1774386">attacks on check posts</a> in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chitral.</p>n<p>According to the military, four security personnel were martyred when a large number of the TTP fighters launched an attack on two border posts on Sept 6. During the exchange of fire, 12 TTP terrorists were killed.</p>n<p>The same day, Pakistani and Afghan forces also <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1774518/torkham-crossing-shut-as-border-forces-exchange-fire">traded fire</a> at Torkham border after a controversy surfaced over construction of a check post. The escalation had resulted in the closure of the border for nearly nine days.</p>n<p>It is believed that Pakistan has sent the delegation to Kabul to ease the tensions.</p>n<p>In a statement posted on social media platform X, Afghan Deputy Spokesman Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal said it was decided during today’s meeting that joint committees should solve security issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan while major routes should not be closed due to security and political problems.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/HafizZiaAhmad1/status/1704857903407198543"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>“Pakistani special envoy and Afghan foreign minister underlined the need to take urgent measures for the solution to the problems and to prevent untoward incidents in future,” he said.</p>n<p>“Being neighbours and Muslim nations, Pakistan and Afghanistan must avoid issuing statements against each that create a gap between the two sides,” the Afghan spokesman added.</p>n<p>He quoted the Afghan foreign minister as saying that his government would not allow anyone to spoil relations between the two countries, adding that the policy of the Islamic Emirate was based on goodwill and sincerity.</p>n<p>Meanwhile, Durrani called for both countries’ cooperation in connection to the security problems, according to the Afghan spokesman.</p>n<p>He said Pakistan would find a solution to the cross-border movement of passengers, bilateral trade and transit.</p>n<p>Pakistan, Durrani was quoted as saying, was ready for cooperation with Afghanistan in many areas. He informed the Afghan side that Islamabad would resume scholarships for the Afghan students.</p>n<p>The statement said both sides discussed security problems and arrests of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, treatment of Afghans at Chaman-Spin Boldak border and transit trade.</p>n<p>Pakistan is yet to issue a statement regarding the visit.</p>n<p>Commenting on the meeting, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Kabul Mansoor Ahmad Khan highlighted that today’s visit was the first after recent incidents of TTP attacks on army posts in Chitral and closure of Torkham crossing.</p>n<p>“Hopefully, the visit will provide an opportunity for direct interaction with Afghan government leaders and officials with a view to reach some understandings on bilateral issues, particularly cooperation in dealing with TTP fighters based on Afghan soil,” Mansoor Khan told <em>Dawn.com</em>.</p>

Canada&amp;rsquo;s Trudeau wants India to cooperate in murder probe, declines to release evidence

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday called on India to cooperate with an investigation into the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia and said Canada would not release its evidence.</p>n<p>Trudeau said on Monday that Ottawa had credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link–external" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/20/advocate-separate-sikh-state-india-shot-dead-canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-temple">murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar</a> in June, prompting an angry reaction from New Delhi. Nijjar, 45, was a Canadian citizen.</p>n<p>Traditional Canadian allies have so far taken a relatively cautious approach to the matter. Analysts says this is partly because the United States and other major players see India as a counterweight to the growing influence of China.</p>n<p>“There is no question that India is a country of growing importance and a country that we need to continue to work with … and we’re not looking to provoke or cause problems,” Trudeau said in a press conference in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1704891689746461124"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>“But we are unequivocal around the importance of the rule of law and unequivocal about the importance of protecting Canadians.”</p>n<p>“That’s why we call upon the government of India to work with us to establish processes to discover and to uncover the truth of the matter.”</p>n<p>The Indian foreign ministry said Canada had not shared any specific information about the murder. Nijjar supported a Sikh homeland in the form of an independent Khalistani state and was designated by India as a “terrorist” in July 2020.</p>n<p>“As a country with a strong and independent justice system, we allow those justice processes to unfold themselves with the utmost integrity,” Trudeau replied when asked when Canada would release the evidence it had.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1704892818987397198"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<h2><a id="india-suspends-visas-for-canadians" href="#india-suspends-visas-for-canadians" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>India suspends visas for Canadians</h2>n<p>Earlier today, India suspended new visas for Canadians and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country.</p>n<p>The Indian foreign ministry said Canada has not shared any specific information in connection with the allegations Trudeau made and that New Delhi was willing to look at it if provided.</p>n<p>A blanket suspension of new visas by India for a Western country is unheard of and marks the lowest point of India-Canada relations.</p>n<p>The announcement came hours after Canada’s high commission in India said it would temporarily “adjust” staff presence in the country after some diplomats received threats on social media platforms.</p>n<p>But Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Ottawa had been asked to reduce numbers at its diplomatic missions in India to bring parity between the missions of the two countries.</p>n<p>Bagchi said India suspended issuing new visas to Canadian citizens due to “security threats” to its staff in its consulates in Canada.</p>n<p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media–stretch media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–twitter '><span>n <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">n <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1704811820094259561"></a>n </blockquote>n</span></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>India has not provided any evidence or given details of the nature of such security threats, and Canada’s public safety minister Dominic LeBlanc said in response on Wednesday that Canada was a safe country.</p>n<p>“You are aware of the security threats being faced by our high commission and consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning,” Bagchi told reporters at a weekly briefing on Thursday.</p>n<p>“Accordingly our high commission and consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications,” he said, adding that the security situation would be reviewed regularly.</p>n<p>Canada is the fourth largest source of foreign tourists with 350,000 visitors in 2019, a number which fell following the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Indian government data.</p>n<h2><a id="risk-to-reputation" href="#risk-to-reputation" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>‘Risk to reputation’</h2>n<p>The unprecedented tensions flared up on Monday after Trudeau said Ottawa was investigating “credible allegations” about the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.</p>n<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government denied any links to the alleged murder.</p>n<p>Canadian officials have so far declined to say why they believe India could be linked to Nijjar’s murder.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1776905"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>The two countries, whose relations have been fraying in recent years over the issue of Sikh separatists, have since announced <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1776725">tit-for-tat expulsions</a> of senior diplomats and issued tit-for-tat travel advisories.</p>n<p>Bagchi said India was “willing to look at any specific information, we have conveyed this to the Canadian side, made it clear to them…but so far, we have not received any such specific information”.</p>n<p>Canada has discussed the issue with key allies such as the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance, which includes the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand, with Washington, London and Canberra expressing concern.</p>n<p>Asked if any of these countries, with whom India also enjoys close ties, had raised the issue with New Delhi, Bagchi said: “We have been discussing with them, we have conveyed our position how we see these developments.”</p>n<p>Bagchi also said Canada should be worried about damage to its reputation and not India, when asked about the risk posed by the row to New Delhi’s global standing.</p>n<p>“If there is any country that needs to look at it, it is Canada, its growing reputation as a safe haven for terrorists, extremists and for organised crime,” he said, adding that India had in vain sought action against more than 20 individuals.</p>n<h2><a id="threat-to-trade-ties" href="#threat-to-trade-ties" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" title="Permalink"></a>Threat to trade ties</h2>n<p>Canada has the largest population of Sikhs outside the northern Indian state of Punjab, with about 770,000 people reporting Sikhism as their religion in the 2021 census.</p>n<p>A bloody Sikh insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s in Punjab killed tens of thousands of people before it was suppressed. The separatists wanted the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.</p>n<p> <figure class='media sm:w-1/2 w-full media–right media–embed media–uneven'>n <div class='media__item media__item–newskitlink '> <iframen class="nk-iframe" onload="setInterval(()=>{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)"n width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:400px;position:relative"n src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1776744"n sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div>n n </figure></p>n<p>Although there is hardly any support for the insurgency left in India, small groups of Sikhs in Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States support the separatist demand and occasionally stage protests outside Indian embassies.</p>n<p>New Delhi, which remains wary of any revival of the insurgency, has long been unhappy over Sikh separatist activity in Canada.</p>n<p>Some Indian analysts say Ottawa does not curb Sikh protesters as they are a politically influential group.</p>n<p>The spat is also threatening trade ties, with talks on a proposed trade deal frozen last week.</p>n<p>Canada is India’s 17th largest foreign investor, while Canadian portfolio investors have invested billions of dollars in Indian financial markets.</p>n<p>Since 2018, India has been the largest source country for international students in Canada, with their numbers rising 47 per cent in 2022 to nearly 320,000.</p>n<p>Industry estimates show the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and India could boost two-way trade by as much as $6.5 billion.</p>