ISLAMABAD: A senior Pakistani diplomat at the United Nations urged technology-producing nations on Friday to remove restrictions on the equitable spread of scientific knowledge and equipment, saying it would help advance developing countries. Access to emerging technologies in the Global South is often influenced by geopolitical concerns, as international relations and trade policies can dictate the availability and distribution of these resources. This geopolitical gatekeeping not only restricts technological advancement in less developed nations but also perpetuates global inequities in access to cutting-edge tools and innovations. In case of Pakistan, US export controls limit access to high-end technologies, particularly those with dual-use capabilities that might be diverted for military purposes. Ambassador Jadoon mentioned Pakistan’s concerns about the unregulated military applications of emerging technologies and supported calls for establishing legally-binding norms to regulate their use, ensuring regional and global stability.

NEW YORK: Disturbing surveillance video published on Friday shows Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, corroborating allegations she made in a now-settled lawsuit late last year. Combs is the target of several civil lawsuits that characterize him as a violent sexual predator who used alcohol and drugs to subdue his victims. In the video, Ventura leaves a hotel room, after which Combs, appearing to wear only a towel, chases her, throws her to the ground, and assaults her. “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Ventura sued Combs in federal court last fall.

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (DNA): Member of parliaments have called the tobacco consumption as a menace for the youth and the nation and stressed for the joint efforts to reduce the consumption in the country by increasing taxes on tobacco products. She also said the entire nation and all stakeholders have to show responsibility to discourage tobacco consumption in the society. Shehla Raza emphasized the importance of effective tobacco control measures in safeguarding public health and promoting societal well-being. Mr. Azeem emphasized the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address tobacco consumption and its detrimental effects on public health and the economy. The findings underscore the effectiveness of high tobacco taxation as a vital measure in combating tobacco consumption, as is advocated by WHO.

This wasn’t an ordinary state visit, it was a declaration by both nations of the “end of US hegemony”, and the beginning of a “democratic, multi­polar world”. Such strong, prophetic language is by choice, as the world sleepwalks into mushrooming global conflicts, with the US-led Western alliance at the heart of each disparate conflict, the Russian-Chinese al­liance is demonstrating that it is willing to fight this status quo till the end. In the Middle East, Israel’s brutal genocide has exposed the rhetoric of the “rules-based order” and the narrative of “democracy” and “human rights” used to enforce that order. In reaction, popular protests against imperialism are sweeping the world, with the younger generations overwhelmingly opposing US foreign policy. At this crucial moment in history, two of world’s greatest powers affirming a “no limits” alliance, backed by military, economic, tech­nological, and cultural, exchange, in opposition to the US-led world order will send seismic shocks across the globe.

The arrest took place in Manghopir where authorities recovered a hand grenade from the suspect’s posses­sion. A CTD Sindh spokesperson re­ported that the joint operation was conducted near Naurus Chowrangi, Manghopir, leading to the capture of Yousuf Khan alias Gul Yousuf. During the operation, the agen­cies seized a US-made hand grenade from Yousuf Khan. According to the spokesperson, Yousuf Khan has been a member of the TTP since 2006 and has participated in attacks on the Frontier Corps (FC) in South Wa­ziristan. On the other hand, DCSP Hyderi, Paras Bakhrani recovered a stolen motor­cycle of Gul Hasan Brohi, the stolen money and mobile phones.

PayFast, Pakistan’s leading and commercially licensed payment service provider (PSP), has achieved another milestone by becoming the first payment gateway to go live with Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) services. Through Raast, PayFast’s partner businesses can accept payments from their customers through new, faster, and cost-effective payment modes, offering significant benefits for them and their customers. P2M, the next phase of the initiative, allows consumers to make payments directly to merchants using their Raast ID (IBAN). PayFast, through Raast P2M, offers:E-Commerce: Integration of Raast as a payment method alongside existing methods such as credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and bank accounts on PayFast Checkout. “PayFast has achieved yet another significant milestone with Raast P2M.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Japan have agreed to further expand the spectrum of bilateral relations and bolster the cooperation in diverse fields. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister applauded the services of Japan International Cooperation Agency in the progress of Pakistan, adding that both countries have a long lasting relationship of friendship and cooperation. The Minister emphasized the government’s efforts to expand the tax base, as well as the introduction of reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue. Matters related to the prevention of fake news and expansions of cooperation in media between both countries were also discussed. In his part, the Japanese Ambassador said that business friendly initiatives taken by the Government of Pakistan will make country a more attractive destination for Japanese investors.

The experts underscored that criticism of the judiciary is a longstanding issue, with champions of democracy voicing their concerns every time. Hussain recalled how opposition figures urged Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to seek legal recourse, claiming they too had faith in the judiciary. Express News Bureau Chief in Islamabad, Amir Ilyas Rana, concurred with Hussain's viewpoint, emphasising the importance of strengthening the judiciary. Specifically, the bureau chief questioned whether the judiciary is prepared to dispense justice impartially to all, rather than showing favouritism to any particular party or individual. Express News Bureau Chief in Lahore, Mohammad Ilyas, emphasised that criticism of the judiciary and conflicts between institutions are detrimental to the country.

The army and the people are not brought face to face,” he said while talking to the media in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. On negotiations with the government, Imran said that there is no point in negotiating with those who have no power. When asked about his wife Bushra Bibi’s medical test, Khan said he does not trust the PIMS hospital’s reports. I don’t trust PIMS reports. The medical staff refused, so she didn’t give samples.” Khan reiterated his plan to write to the army chief.

RAWALPINDI, May 17 (APP): Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir on Friday, commending the Pakistan Hockey team over outstanding performance, on Friday said the hockey team had brought immense pride to the nation. The Army Chief received the Pakistan Hockey team at General Headquarters whereas the meeting was also attended by President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Tariq Hussain and other PHF officials, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said. During the interaction, the COAS said : “We are committed to providing them with comprehensive support to ensure their continued success.” He also extended his best wishes to the players for their future endeavors. The President of PHF expressed gratitude to the COAS for the opportunity to meet and interact with the team.

The Punjab government has announced its plan to introduce hybrid and electric buses in Lahore, the provincial capital, and other cities in year end. This announcement was made during a session of the Punjab Assembly chaired by Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar on Thursday. Transport Minister Bilal Akbar revealed that Lahore was slated to receive 27 electric buses, while other cities will be provided with hybrid buses. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman presented the annual reports of the Punjab Information Commission and the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). Following the completion of the agenda, Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal adjourned the session until Friday at 2 pm.

After managing the affairs according to their wishes through this fraudulent process, now the sham exercise of Lok Sabha elections has been held in the occupied valley. Interesting and pertinent is the fact that the United Nations rejected this position 70 years ago and rejected it unequivocally. The United Nations Security Council gave its decision 68 years ago on March 30, 1951 and again in November 1956 with precision and clarity. According to the principles of the right of self-determination will not be considered exercise. This assembly declared that: “Kashmir is an integral part of India and will always remain an integral part of India.”The drama of Lok Sabha election has nothing to do with the exercise of the right of self-determination.

WHILE military forces must be used to address terrorist threats on the battlefield, long-term success against violent extremists necessitates action by civilian law enforcement. However, as a new research points out, provincial counterterrorism departments lack the capacity to appropriately address the terrorist threat. The document, produced by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, identifies major shortcomings in CTD performance. It should be highlighted that ‘capacity building/strengthening of CTDs’ is one of the areas addressed in the new National Action Plan. The current wave of terrorism, which gained speed after the collapse of the truce with the proscribed TTP, has taken a heavy toll on security personnel, with the militant threat particularly acute in KP and Balochistan.

AGRA, India: Born at the bottom of the Hindu faith’s rigid caste system, voters like Anil Sonkar will determine whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns to power next month. But Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has established itself as India’s dominant political force with a different pitch: think of your religion first, and caste second. Construction of the temple fulfilled a long-standing demand of Hindu activists and was widely celebrated by Hindu voters, whatever their caste group. The BJP has been able to unite a broad array of caste groups into a single bloc of support, but caste discrimination remains a fact of life both in politics and society at large. “Our lawmaker is from our caste and from the BJP,” said farmer Patiram Kushwaha, a Modi supporter reconsidering his allegiance.

Several months ago, a man, burdened by inflation and unable to provide for his family, tragically took his own life. His family was left destitute and homeless. Instances like these are not uncommon in our country, Pakistan, with inflation being the primary culprit. It entails ensuring that the rights of all individuals within a city or country are upheld. I implore the government to take immediate action to alleviate inflation and secure Pakistan’s future.