India has no right to object to Pak-China joint statement on Kashmir: FO
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday responded to the Indian statement on references made to Jammu and Kashmir in the Pakistan-China joint statement issued in Beijing, following talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 8. The Foreign Office stated, "It is an established fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally-recognised disputed territory. Read more: Indian police accuse Pakistan of instigating violence in IIOJK that killed 12“We have noted unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan. “The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are, and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India,” he added. "Instead of making baseless claims about CPEC, India should implement, at the earliest, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir,” she maintained.
Source:The Express Tribune
June 20, 2024 13:56 UTC
Saudi Arabia among leading GCC nations in Global Energy Transition Rankings: WEF Report
In its latest report, global consultancy firm Turner & Townsend highlighted that the construction activities are also driven by the Kingdom’s preparations for EXPO 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The report highlighted that despite political uncertainties, substantial investments are driving growth in the Gulf region as countries seek to diversify beyond traditional energy sources. The analysis also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract global corporate occupiers through its Regional Headquarters Program. “The global real estate market is emerging from a challenging period of inflationary pressures, volatility and disruption. The report also highlighted that implementing technology in the construction sector could help overcome various challenges faced by the industry.
Source:The Nation
June 20, 2024 10:07 UTC
At UN, Pakistan calls for disarming TTP
A senior Pakistani diplomat has called for a “concerted campaign” to recover all weapons from terrorist groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which reportedly uses safe havens in Afghanistan to launch deadly cross-border attacks inside Pakistan. The 2001 UNPoA, which was backed by all member states, provides the framework for activities to counter the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. “Terrorists and criminals do not manufacture these arms,” the Pakistani envoy told delegates, pointing out they acquire them from illicit arms markets or receive them from entities that want to destabilize a particular region or country. “It is essential to investigate how terrorist groups and criminal organizations acquire such sophisticated weapons,” Ambassador Akram said. In this regard, Ambassador Akram said the current review conference offers an important opportunity to assess progress, identify challenges, and chart the way forward.
Source:The Express Tribune
June 20, 2024 08:02 UTC
Cowboy Drake: Rapper embraces Texas lifestyle with cowboy gear shopping spree
Drake is embracing his new life in Texas after moving to the Lone Star State. The rapper was recently seen shopping for western wear at a saddle shop near his new home. On Monday, June 17, the Brenham Saddle Shop in Brenham, Texas, shared on Facebook that Drake had visited the store the previous day. The store, which offers styles for cowboys and cowgirls, posted a photo of Drake with the owner and her children. Drake recently showcased the property, including his $200,000 armoured Apocalypse Super Truck.
Source:The Express Tribune
June 20, 2024 06:49 UTC
At UN, Pakistan calls for recovering arms from terrorist groups like TTP
New York - Pakistan has called on the United Nations for a “concerted campaign” to recover all weapons from terrorist groups, such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Speaking at the UN’s Fourth Review Conference of the Programme of Action (PoA) on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) on Tuesday, Ambassador Munir Akram expressed Pakistan’s “grave concern over the acquisition and use of modern and sophisticated small arms by terrorist groups, such as [the] TTP”. According to a statement issued by the Pakistani mission to the UN, Akram highlighted the “need for a concerted campaign to recover all weapons from terrorist groups like the TTP” and also called for an investigation into how these groups acquired such sophisticated weapons. They acquire them from illicit arms markets or receive them from entities that want to destabilise a particular region or country,” Ambassador Akram emphasised. He stressed the need to maintain a balanced approach between the valid concerns over arms’ illicit proliferation and legitimate security concerns of all states.
Source:The Nation
June 20, 2024 04:10 UTC
TTP commander killed in Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD - A ringleader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was reportedly killed in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, reports coming from the neighbouring country suggested. The slain terrorist Abdul Manan alias Hakeemullah (Shura Member of ex-TTP Malakand) was killed in Chaghasarai, District Asadabad, Kunar, Afghanistan. Abdul Manan was formerly associated with the TTP Malakand Shura and was recognized as an aide to TTP leader Azmatullah Mehsud alias Azmat Lala and Wali (Malakand). His death is seen as a significant setback for the TTP and underscores the internal conflicts among various armed TTP factions operating within Afghanistan. The killing also serves as a testament to the presence of TTP in Afghanistan.
Source:The Nation
June 20, 2024 03:19 UTC
Six die in Assam floods, New Delhi heatwave kills 5 this week
Floods and landslides triggered by incessant rain in the northeastern state of Assam killed at least six people on Tuesday night, officials said. More than 30 people in the state have died since the end of May in floods and landslides brought by heavy rain, officials said. “At least 700,000 people have been stranded by flash floods and heavy rains in Sylhet district, and another 500,000 people in neighbouring Sunamganj district,” Abu Ahmed Siddique, commissioner of Bangladesh’s northeastern Sylhet district, told AFP. “More than 17,000 people have been taken to shelters only in Sylhet district,” senior local government official Sheikh Russel Hasan said, warning rivers were still rising. Floods in 2022 in Sylhet were some of the worst on record, leaving millions stranded and around a hundred killed.
Source:The Nation
June 20, 2024 03:15 UTC
ICC confirms match officials for Super 8s at T20 World Cup 2024
New York - Chris Gaffaney and Richard Kettleborough will be the on-field umpires for the USA’s historic first-ever knockout match at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. They will officiate the clash against South Africa on June 19, along with Joel Wilson, who will be the TV Umpire. Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth will officiate the clash between Australia and India, and then Illingworth and Michael Gough will oversee Australia v Bangladesh. Nitin Menon and Ahsan Raza are the on-field umpires for England’s meeting with the West Indies, with Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid as TV Umpire. He will then be one of the on-field umpires alongside Chris Brown for England’s second Group 2 game against South Africa.
Source:The Nation
June 19, 2024 23:32 UTC
Sehwag questions Babar Azam's place in Pakistan's T20 team amid World Cup exit
New York - Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has criticized Pakistan captain Babar Azam following the national team’s group-stage exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Babar Azam had a disappointing tournament, managing only 122 runs at a strike rate of 101.66, with his best score being 44 in a losing effort against the United States. I may sound harsh, but if the captain changes, Babar doesn’t deserve a place in the T20 team. His performances do not meet the demands of today’s T20 cricket.”Meanwhile, Babar Azam addressed his future as Pakistan captain after their consolation victory over Ireland. For now, it’s up to the PCB.”The Pakistan captain made it clear that any decisions about his leadership role will be transparent: “Whatever happens will happen in the open.
Source:The Nation
June 19, 2024 20:29 UTC
Eid ul Adha third day being celebrated with animals’ sacrifice
People on Wednesday continued sacrificing animals and taking part in festivities on the third day of Eid Al-Adha. The Muslims celebrating Eidul Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) with religious fervour to commemorate the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismael (AS). The faithful are slaughtering their sacrificial animals in remembrance of Sunnat-e Ibrahimi on third day of the Eid. Civic authorities of cities and towns have been on alert and have made special arrangements for disposal of offal and remains of slaughtered animals during three days of Eidul Adha. Eidul Adha is one of two Eid festivals observed by the Muslim faithful, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his own son to God.
Source:The Nation
June 19, 2024 20:00 UTC
Russia, North Korea sign Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement
Russia and on Wednesday signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, which will serve as the foundation for future bilateral cooperation, according to the Kremlin. "Last year, as a result of your visit to Russia, we have made significant progress in building our interstate relations. During the Korean War of 1950-1953, Soviet pilots flew tens of thousands of combat missions to support North Korean soldiers. Our predecessors provided a solid foundation for the development of our relations today," he said. According to Ushakov, the new agreement will reflect the significant changes in the geopolitical landscape and bilateral relations between Russia and .
Source:The Nation
June 19, 2024 16:57 UTC
Russian President Putin arrives in North Korea for 1st official visit in 24 years
Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in 's capital Pyongyang on Tuesday for his first visit to the nation in 24 years, the Kremlin said. The Russian president was invited by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who "personally met Vladimir Putin at the airport in Pyongyang," the Kremlin said in a statement. Russia and plan to sign several documents after the talks, with a joint statement expected from Putin and Kim, said Ushakov. Putin and Kim are to travel together back to the airport after a formal state reception with speeches exchanged by both leaders. The last time Putin visited was in 2000, when the country was still under the leadership of Kim Jong Il, father of current leader Kim Jong Un.
Source:The Nation
June 19, 2024 05:22 UTC
New Zealand thump PNG to end T20 World Cup on a high note
Chasing a modest target of 79, New Zealand comfortably reached the total, losing three wickets and with 46 balls to spare. Conway and Williamson added 34 runs for the third wicket before Conway was dismissed by Semo Kamea in the 10th over. Both New Zealand and PNG have been knocked out of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Player of the Match, Lockie Ferguson, Reflects on Performance and World Cup Exit. We bowled well against Afghanistan and the West Indies, but those losses ultimately cost us our World Cup run.
Source:The Nation
June 19, 2024 03:01 UTC
Submarine cable fault disrupts internet service in parts of Pakistan
Due to a fault in the global submarine cable, the internet service was affected in some parts of Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), a malfunction has occurred in the international submarine cable SMW4, which is one of the seven cables connecting Pakistan to the globle through internet web. Due to the malfunction, the users may experience slow internet service during peak hours. The PTA asserted that the teams are working to determine the fault and rectify it at earliest.
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2024 22:26 UTC
TTP's key figure Abdul Manan alias Hakimullah killed in Afghanistan
Terrorist Commander Abdul Manan alias Hakimullah has been killed in Chagasarai, District Asadabad, Kunar, Afghanistan. Abdul Manan is reported to be a close associate of TTP’s Malakand Chapter Commander Azmat Ullah Mehsood (Azmat Lala). Abdul Manan remained involved in multiple acts of terror including target killings, IED blasts against Security Forces, extortion and played a key role in facilitating terrorist activities in Bajaur. Manan’s killing is a serious blow to TTP and it’s result of internal conflicts within different groups operating inside Afghanistan. His presence in Afghanistan further reinforces TTP’s use of Afghan soil to perpetrate terrorism in Pakistan.
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2024 20:20 UTC