LAHORE - The 9th of Muharram is being ob­served across the country on Friday with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homage to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) the grand­son of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions in Karbala. Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A), along with 72 of his compan­ions including friends and family members, were mar­tyred at the hand of Yazid’s troops at the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 61 AH (680 AD) af­ter Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) rejected to pledge allegiance for Yazid despotic rule. On these days, religious clerics and scholars would shed light over the historical, social and religious aspects of supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hus­sain (RA). Moreover, the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his great companions would also be emphasised through ma­jalis. The remembrance of the event encourage muslims to inculcate those principles in practical life.

A recent report from a United Nations committee has supported Islamabad's position on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), stating that the TTP was emboldened by the Afghan Taliban's takeover of Kabul and aimed to control the former federally administered tribal areas. The report highlighted how other terrorist groups are using the cover of the TTP to operate in Afghanistan. The TTP, after reunifying with several splinter groups, aims to regain control of territory in Pakistan, leveraging the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan. Additionally, the report notes that there is little distinction between members of different terrorist groups, making cooperation among them quite practical, contrary to some media and intellectual circles' theories. The report points out that some sanctioned terrorist groups are providing support to the TTP as a tactic to avoid control by the Afghan Taliban.

PHOTO: APPAshura processions for Muharram 9 culminated peacefully across the country on Friday amid heavy contingents of security troops deputed along procession routes. Cellular and transport services remained suspended in various areas marked sensitive by the relevant authorities. In Islamabad, the central processions passed through Sectors G-6 and G-7, with the city police, Frontier Corps and paramilitary Rangers deployed at various points along the route. In Punjab, 13 districts were reportedly declared sensitive with mobile phone services remaining suspended or affected today and 10 Muharram (tomorrow). Mobile phone and internet services have also been suspended in Quetta for three days.

Quarterback Dane Evans is set to make his first start in orange on Saturday, following the knee injury to starter Vernon Adams Jr. in Week 7. The 29-year-old played 63 games over five seasons with Hamilton, throwing for 8,807 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions. Not available to Evans in his debut is all-star receiver Dominique Rhymes (knee), who has been placed on the one-game injured list. Rhymes has appeared in five games this season, collecting 18 receptions for 276 yards and a league-leading five touchdowns. Mizzell began the year as the starter, carrying 46 times for 246 yards and adding 10 receptions for 58 yards in four games.

The state and its institutions work closely together to achieve national interests in accordance with the constitution. National interest encompasses the overall and ongoing objectives for which a nation takes action.”In describing the national interests that nations seek to secure, a two-fold classification is generally made: vital components and variable or non-vital components of national interests. According to Morgenthau, the vital components of national interests that a foreign policy seeks to secure are survival and identity. For the majority of Pakistani people, it has remained a game of power politics without considering national interests. Hardly any government, political or military ruler, or state institution would score passing marks when tested on the touchstone of the aforementioned factors related to politics, state governance, and the achievement of national interests.

The report also highlights how other terrorist outfits are using the TTP cover to operate in the war-torn country. In reality, the report has endorsed Pakistan’s stance that the TTP was operating out of Afghanistan. “Member states assess that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is gaining momentum in its operations against Pakistan,” it says. According to the UNSC report, the TTP was focused on high-value targets in border areas and soft targets in urban ones. One member state noted the possibility of al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and the TTP merging.

In future, it will utilise Big Data and AI to improve the quality of data for measuring inflation. Photo: filePakistan’s central bank will likely raise its key interest rate again on Monday to tackle persistently high inflation, giving in to pressure from the IMF, analysts said. Sami Tariq, head of research at Pak-Qatar, said as a preemptive measure to control inflation arising out from increase in administered utility prices of gas and electricity, the central bank would raise rates by 100 bps. Most analysts believe the rate increase would be done largely to satisfy the IMF’s criteria. However, the analysts who predicted no change in rates said there was no major change in price pressures since the last policy meeting to warrant a hike this month.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police arrested 10 terrorists associated with proscribed organizations during province-wide action on Friday. As per details, the arrested terrorists were associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS and others. The raids were conducted in various districts of the province including Lahore, Attock, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Multan, DG Khan and others. Spokesman CTD said landmines, detonators, weapons, maps and copies of important buildings have been retrieved from the possession of the arrested terrorists. A spokesman said terrorists arrested from Lahore, Multan and DG Khan were planning attacks۔ Two commanders of the banned TTP were arrested from Attock.

Yaum-e-Ashur, the tenth of Moharram-ul-Haram, will be observed tomorrow across the country with due solemnity to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain Razi Allah ho Ta'ala Anho and his devoted companions in Karbala. Mourning processions will be taken out in all cities and towns of the country. Ulema and Zakireen will highlight the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.) and various aspects of Karbla tragedy. Meanwhile, in connection with the 9th Muharram today, Taazia and Zuljanah processions will be taken out in different parts of the country in memory of the martyrs of Karbala. Under a comprehensive security plan, fool proof security measures have been made including installation of CCTV cameras and surveillance with drone cameras to ensure the peaceful holding of the mourning processions.

ISLAMABAD-In a notable event at the Central Police Office, Islamabad, the Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan on Thursday met with the Commandant and Trainers of the Anti-Terrorism Training School Simli. The dedication and hard work exhibited by the Commandant and Trainers of the Anti-Terrorism Training School Simli were recognized and lauded by ICCPO Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan during the meeting. “I am immensely proud of the tireless efforts displayed by the Commandant and Trainers of the Anti-Terrorism Training School Simli. Their commitment to excellence and the meticulous training they offer is instrumental in preparing our recruits to face any challenges that come their way,” stated ICCPO Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan. As appreciation for their outstanding performance, ICCPO Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan awarded commendation certificates to the Commandant and Trainers of the Anti-Terrorism Training School Simli.

It is most unfortunate that India, the largest country in the region, remains a threat to regional peace and security. So, there should be no doubt about the fact that any belligerent action by India would provoke an equally matching response. It has made several peace overtures towards India without any positive response. Pakistan has been making these efforts fully convinced and committed to the idea of regional peace, which is only possible by orchestrating bonhomie between the two nuclear neighbors. The Supreme Court of India also held that this article had attained permanency and could not be revoked.

North Andover, MA (01845)TodayIsolated thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.

The Senate passed the Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill 2023 on Thursday with a majority, suggesting strict punishment for serving and retired servicemen involved in sharing state information. The proposed amendments in the bill, applicable only to serving and retired servicemen and have no bearing on civilians, aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing army laws. Read CJP's critical tone on military trial of civilians signals tough hearingIt also states that anyone who discloses information against the interests of the country and the Pakistan Army will be dealt with under the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act. The second provision deals with the participation of serving and retired servicemen in political activities. Serving and retired servicemen found intentionally defaming, ridiculing, or undermining the army will face punishment under Pakistan's electronic crimes laws, including the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday launched an online registration process for the artists’ health insurance. Marriyum said a health insurance scheme had already been launched for the working journalists and media workers under a transparent system. She said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would formally launch the schemes after Muharram 10 by issuing health insurance cards for journalists and artists. The minister said the government had made history by launching a health insurance scheme for journalists and artists. She urged the artists, journalists and media workers to get registered online, to avail the health insurance scheme.

NEW YORK - The United Nations, with Pakistan as a co-sponsor, yesterday adopted a resolution titled ‘promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech". The resolution has urged the global community to counter all forms and dimensions of hate speech. Pakistan Mission Counsellor Bilal Chaudhry, on behalf of the mission, expressed profound satisfaction with the resolution’s adoption. He said that the text adopted resonates with a resolution on religious hatred, adopted recently at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which was presented by Pakistan on behalf of the OIC group. Chaudhry said Islamophobia is on the rise with repeated incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran.