One such find has been dubbed the Buddhist equivalent of the Jewish “Dead Sea Scrolls” of Gandhara. The aforementioned manuscripts that Dr. Allon et al are working on are birch bark scrolls containing texts in Gandhari language and Kharoshthi script. Now, we have proof that Gandhara indeed gave birth to the oldest Buddhist writings and manuscripts. More importantly, these scrolls appear to be of local compositions rather than texts translated into Gandhari from works composed elsewhere. Beyond conservation and translation of the manuscripts, Dr. Allon’s initiative is also creating curatorial facilities for the conserved manuscripts at the Islamabad Museum.

Nation observes mourning day in solidarity with PalestineThe nation is observing mourning day across the country today in solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters and to condemn the ongoing Israeli brutalities. The meeting, also decided to present a resolution in the Parliament to express full solidarity with the people of Palestine. The participants of the meeting strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli brutalities in Palestine for last nine months, and expressed full solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters. The Prime Minister said assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is condemnable. He, however, appreciated the countries, which have condemned the ongoing Israeli oppression in Gaza.

They further maintained that after its constitution, the commission must reconvene and consider the appointment of the senior most judge of the Lahore High Court as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court. They further objected to whether judicial appointments, made in violation of the seniority principle, are a threat to the faith and confidence that the public places in the judiciary. Thereafter, the JCP convened a meeting to consider the nominations of three judges for the position of Chief Justice of LHC, including acting Chief Justice Shujaat Ali Khan, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, and the now Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Justice Aalia Neelum. At this juncture, it is pertinent to highlight that Justice Neelum was the most junior amongst the three candidates for the post of Chief Justice of LHC. The seniority principle, as laid out in the seminal judgment of Al-Jehad trust, is also a constitutional convention.

Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, was shockingly assassinated early on Wednesday in Tehran, leaving the Middle East in the dark and raising the possibility of a regional conflict. There is little doubt as to who is behind this heinous provocation, even though Israel has not taken ownership of it. In the center of the so-called “axis of resistance,” Israel has struck one of Iran’s closest supporters. Regarding the Haniyeh murder, the supreme leader of Iran, who has the last word on all significant policy matters, declared that it is “our duty to avenge his blood”. Naturally, the chances of a truce seem to have been permanently destroyed by the Haniyeh assassination.

It is another symbol of Israeli aggression to the loss of regional and global peace. Although there is no state posing a significant threat to Israel, it has been pursuing aggressive policies toward all regional states, including the defenseless people of Palestine. Israel has been a threat to the international system and global peace and security since its establishment in the wake of World War II. Knowing this reality, many Jews, especially those living in the United States, refuse the aggressive and expansionist Israeli policies against the Palestinians. The numbers prove that Israel poses a threat to the global system.

Florida State saw four players selected to the All-ACC preseason team on Thursday, with offensive tackle Darius Washington, center Maurice Smith, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer and punter Alex Mastromanno all earning spots by way of media vote. Florida State, who was voted to repeat as conference champion, had four selections last season as well. The full release from Florida State:TALLAHASSEE – Four Florida State football players were named to the preseason All-ACC team Thursday after a vote of attending media at last week’s ACC Kickoff. Behind Mastromanno, Florida State ranked third nationally in net punting average, with 26 punts inside the 20-yard line and just three touchdbacks. Florida State, the defending ACC Champions, will open the season August 24 at 12:00 p.m.

Pakistan’s central bank announced on Wednesday that the country will repay a total of $24.8 billion in foreign debt and interest payments for the fiscal year 2024-25. On Monday, the central bank had estimated repayments at $26.2 billion, including $4 billion in interest. The detailed breakdown reveals that Pakistan was scheduled to repay nearly $5 billion in July alone, including $437 million in interest. Despite these notable payments, the country’s foreign exchange reserves decreased by only $400 million in the week ending July 19, marking a rare drop in the past month. Additionally, the anticipated approval of the IMF loan programme would unlock further multilateral and bilateral inflows, helping the country meet its foreign debt obligations on time.

Israel and Pakistan are fake, artificial countriesBy Justice KatjuSince some people called me ‘controversial’ because many of my ideas were strange and novel, and many offensive to a large number of people ( e.g. As mentioned in the title, I regard Israel and Pakistan as having this in common : both are fake, artificial countries, and will not last forever. Also, it will infuriate many Pakistanis as I have lumped together these two countries, when most Pakistanis are totally hostile to Israel. Before creation of Israel in 1948, 90% people living in the present territory of Israel were Arabs. Without military help from USA and other Western countries, Israel cannot survive for more than a few days.

- Advertisement -ISLAMABAD, Aug 1 (APP): The government allied parties on Thursday decided that the nation would observe a day of mourning across the country on August 2 (Friday) in solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters and to condemn the Israeli state-sponsored terrorism in Palestine. The participants of the meeting strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli brutalities in Palestine for last nine months, and expressed full solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters. They were of the view that the Hamas leader’s assassination incident was a conspiracy to sabotage the efforts to get stopped the ongoing Israeli atrocities on the Palestinians and establish peace in the region. The prime minister termed the ongoing Israeli state-sponsored terrorism in Palestine a tragedy for the Muslim Ummah. Leaders and senior representatives of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Pakistan Muslim League Zia and National Party attended the meeting.

In an interview with Voice of America (VOA), he said no democracy in the world could support a party that engaged in destructive politics and undermined national interests for political gain. When asked about the possibility of banning PTI, the minister mentioned that recent information suggested PTI’s social media had connections with anti-state elements abroad. Ahsan Iqbal said the PTI was banned or not, but it was evident that the party’s politics were a ‘direct attack’ on national interests. He added that some political parties were also trying to exploit the current situation while the country was recovering economically. In response to another question, the minister said Pakistan wanted to strengthen trade relations with all friendly countries, as the country’s economic future depended significantly on increasing exports.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) is determined not to go down without a fight. Despite the decision of the apex court on the reserved seats verdict, the PML-N is adamant about having its say. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the Election Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the National Assembly, proposing amendments to the election law. The bill suggests that a po­litical party should not be allocated seats reserved for women and non-Muslim candidates if it fails to submit its list for the reserved seats within the prescribed time. However, with the PML-N deter­mined to see this through, we should not expect them to give these considerations much weight.

In a surprising turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has challenged Tesla CEO Elon Musk to a fight, which Musk accepted. Musk responded to the video with, "I accept," and further engaged with another user suggesting a cage fight, reminiscent of the much-publicized but unrealized Musk vs. Zuckerberg bout. I accept — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 31, 2024I’m coming for you Maduro! Adding to the international dimension, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Maduro on what has been described as a rigged election win. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has accused Maduro and 14 current and former Venezuelan officials of narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking.

RIYADH: Concert promotor Live Nation Arabia will manage operations at Maraya Hall in AlUla after a deal was struck with the company responsible for boosing tourism in the area. The Public Investment Fund-backed AlUla Development Co. signed a three-year partnership agreement with the entertainment firm, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The deal will enhance Maraya Hall’s position as a major complex that hosts various events, including concerts, cultural performances, exhibitions, and conferences, according to the report. This falls in line with AlUla Development Co.’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the cultural and natural heritage of the governorate. Fabien Toscano, the CEO of AlUla Development Co., said: “We are delighted to partner with Live Nation Arabia to unleash Maraya’s full potential as a hub for world-class entertainment and cultural experiences.”Toscano added: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to showcasing AlUla’s natural beauty and rich heritage to the world.

Fishermen in Karachi are demanding an immediate subsidy on fuel, as rising costs threaten to prevent them from going to sea and earning crucial foreign exchange. Historically, fishermen celebrated the end of the ban by preparing for a lucrative fishing season that extended through August, September, October, and beyond. Many vessels, docked since May, remain stationary, as their owners struggle to cover the escalating costs of operating. He called for fish stock surveys and a stipend for fishermen during the annual June-July ban, which is imposed to allow for fish breeding and protect against flooding. He also stressed the need for a comprehensive survey of all boats and vessels, which currently number over 10,000.

The number of US visas issued to applicants from Pakistan is expected to reach a record high in 2024. Aa per reports, the US consulates in Karachi and Islamabad have been processing over 10,000 visa applications each month. Embassy officials stated that 2023 saw the highest number of visas issued by the US embassy in Islamabad and the Karachi consulates. Officials announced that by October 2024, the number of visas issued is anticipated to surpass last year's record, as applications from Pakistan have increased. For those who have already submitted visa applications, the embassy has implemented a system for case reviews via email.