The recent visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Islamabad for the SCO summit marked a significant departure from the usual acrimony that has characterized Pakistan-India relations in recent years. Jaishankar’s visit came amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Indian government’s decision to participate in the SCO summit, despite the strained bilateral relations, suggests a potential shift in its approach towards regional cooperation. The resumption of cricketing ties, a topic reportedly discussed during Jaishankar’s visit, could serve as a catalyst for improved relations. While the road to normalization is long and fraught with challenges, Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad represents a tentative step in the right direction.

DUBAI - South Africa pulled off a stunning upset by knocking six-time champions Australia out of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, securing a dominant eight-wicket victory in the semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Proteas, led by Laura Wolvaardt, avenged their 2023 defeat to Meg Lanning’s Australia in Cape Town, where they lost by 19 runs in the final. With this win, South Africa defeated Australia for the first time in eight T20 World Cup meetings and snapped the Aussies’ impressive 15-match winning streak in the tournament. Khaka was the standout bowler for South Africa, finishing with figures of 2/24 in her four overs, while Marizanne Kapp and Mlaba chipped in with one wicket each. Chloe Tryon also bowled economically to contain Australia’s batting lineup.South Africa’s victory sets the stage for an exciting final, as they aim for their first Women’s T20 World Cup title.

First, it planned to extend the tenure of its preferred Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Later, it was suggested that the retirement age of every superior court judge be extended by two years. It was also proposed that a Federal Constitutional Court be formed to exercise jurisdiction under articles 184(3), and 185. Jaferii states that after failing of form a constitutional court, the government is creating the same creature within the Supreme Court itself. This is the original malice, out for all to see," the lawyer lamented.

LAHORE - The Al Baraka Bank Jahangir Khan Squash Championship 2024 is scheduled to take place from October 18 to 21 at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex. Jahangir Khan expressed his satisfaction with personally overseeing the Al Baraka Bank tournament. Recently, four PSA satellite tournaments were successfully organized, with no entry fees charged to participants. Jahangir Khan emphasized that such events provide players with ample opportunities to enhance their performance. The final of the event will be played on October 21, with players from across Pakistan participating in the competition.The squash legend also thanked Al Baraka Bank for sponsoring the tournament.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA & THE UNITED NATIONSØ Pakistan envoy to US Rizwan Sheikh begins visit to Texas in effort to expand economic ties https://www.app.com.pk/global/pakistans-envoy-to-us-rizwan-sheikh-begins-visit-to-texas-in-effort-to-expand-economic-ties/#google_vignette Ø US urges nations to respect state sovereignty amid SCO summit in Pakistan https://tribune.com.pk/story/2503189/us-urges-nations-to-respect-state-sovereignty-amid-sco-summit-in-pakistan#google_vignette Ø Why India and Canada Expelled Each Other’s Top Diplomats https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/10/15/india-canada-expel-diplomats-sikh-separatist-assassination-nijjar/ Ø A Year After October 7, the Middle East Crisis Has No End in Sight https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/10/year-after-october-7-middle-east-crisis-has-no-end-sight Ø The new US strategy on the Lebanon conflict: Let it play out https://www.reuters.com/world/caught-between-competing-goals-lebanon-us-stays-sidelines-2024-10-12/ Ø 360° Reactions: One Year Since October 7 https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/360deg-reactions-one-year-october-7 Ø Nearly two million severely malnourished children at risk of death globally due to funding shortages for therapeutic food https://www.unicef.org/pakistan/press-releases/nearly-two-million-severely-malnourished-children-risk-death-globally-due-funding Ø ‘Yet another’ Israeli strike on peacekeepers’ position in southern Lebanon https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155801 Ø Lebanon war: Essential services in south facing collapse, warns UN https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155771 Ø Ukraine: Time to recognise ‘tremendous potential’ of demining https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155746 Ø Gaza: UN chief condemns rising civilian casualties in the north https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155711 Ø Security Council meets on north Gaza as ‘supplies for survival’ run out https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155776

HYDERABAD - A seminar was held on Thursday at HM Khawaja Auditorium Hall in Shaheed Benazirabad to raise awareness about polio. The seminar was organized by the Divisional and District Administration of Shaheed Benazirabad in collaboration with the College Education Department and UNICEF. Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad Division Syed Muhammad Sajjad Hyder and Deputy Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad Shehryar Gul Memon attended the seminar as guests. They emphasized that polio is a deadly disease that can only be prevented by administering polio drops to children. The officials appealed to parents to participate in the polio campaign and get their children vaccinated, demonstrating responsible citizenship.During the seminar, certificates were distributed to students who won positions in an essay competition on polio eradication.

LAHORE - The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has completed the conservation project of the Kashmiri Gate, which is one of the 13 gates in the Walled City of Lahore. WCLA Conservation Director Najam ul Saqib said that in the conservation project, the process of surface rendering had been done on the gate. Moreover, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) had also worked on the electricity of the region. About the renovation of Kashmiri Gate, WCLA Media and Marketing Director Tania Qureshi, said, “Our efforts on the Kashmiri Gate have focused on retaining its authentic structure and appearance. Kashmiri Gate, which once facilitated vibrant commercial exchanges, stands out as a heritage landmark.

Mental health disorders are on the rise in Pakistan, with increasing rates of suicide driven by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and family breakdowns, senior Pakistani and international mental health experts warned on Thursday. Speaking at a World Mental Health Day seminar at the Karachi Press Club (KPC), University of Toronto's senior psychiatrist and professor Dr Farooq Naeem warned that Pakistan is facing a looming mental health crisis, as psychiatric and personality disorders affect vast segments of the population. "The first and most pressing issue in Pakistan is suicide prevention," said Dr Naeem, explaining that suicides are often linked to emotional instability, anger issues, and the inability to cope with small, everyday problems that feel insurmountable. He noted that poverty, job insecurity, and the disintegration of traditional family structures, alongside excessive use of social media, contribute to the mental health decline. Dr Naeem further cautioned that mental health disorders are rarely discussed openly in Pakistan, exacerbating the problem.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, walks past India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India on September 10, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERSIndia slammed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday as “cavalier” over his handling of the disastrous diplomatic fallout following the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist in Canada. But Trudeau, at a parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday, said Canada had “clear… indications that India had violated Canada’s sovereignty”. “Canada has presented us (India) no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats,” he said in a statement. US prosecutors charged an Indian citizen last November over a foiled attempt in New York to kill an advocate for a separate Sikh homeland.

At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar delivered remarks that raised eyebrows and sparked debate. He stated, “Terrorism, extremism, and trade can’t go together,” prompting questions about the implications of his words. If this distant country has felt compelled to raise its voice against Indian terrorism, it becomes evident who the real terrorist force in this region is. However, we feel it is necessary to do so at this time due to the significant threat to public safety in our country. The information collected for the Government of India is then used to target members of the South Asian community.

Indian-held Kashmir’s bifurcation and absorption into the Indian union certainly violated UN Security Council resolutions. India-held Kashmir voted in the first local elections since the cancellation of its special semi-autonomous status in sparked fury in the valley. The party got four more seats than in the 2014 elections but that was not the result the BJP wanted. Currently, Kashmir is a union territory, meaning the Centre is directly controlling it. One thing is clear Kashmiris have given a referendum on Modi’s policies.

- Advertisement -ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi Thursday felicitated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the nation for successfully hosting Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. He appreciated the exemplary role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Police, and all relevant institutions in making the event a success. Naqvi said that the SCO summit has improved Pakistan’s image globally, adding that hosting such a major international conference after a long time reflects the government’s successful foreign policy. He emphasized that the successful hosting of the SCO summit was made possible through remarkable inter-ministerial and institutional cooperation. He underscored that Pakistan will reap the benefits of this summit in the coming days.

The has announced a holiday for all public and private universities and colleges on Friday, October 18, as per an official notification issued on Thursday. The government has also imposed Section 144 across the province for two days, October 18 and 19, banning all protests and rallies. The decision aims to maintain law and order following widespread protests triggered by the alleged rape of a college student in Lahore, which has led to demonstrations across the province. The government stated that the measures are in place to protect human lives and property amid the unrest.

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photo: fileA Chinese investment corporation has agreed to provide $1 billion to Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) for its upgradation project, a move aimed at transforming the refinery's production capacity. However, the Chinese company has stated that such controls should be eliminated to ensure smooth repayment of the loan. Sources within the Petroleum Division revealed that PRL has assured the Chinese Investment Corporation that it will generate the required dollars through the export of petroleum products, which will then be used to repay the Chinese firm. Additionally, PRL, along with other refineries, was set to sign a supplemental agreement with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) under the new refinery policy. The amended "Pakistan Oil Refining Policy for Up-gradation of Existing/Brownfield Refineries 2023" has already been notified for implementation.