2023’s tragedy
Nazi Germany will always stand condemned in history for the genocide of European Jews between 1941 and 1945 through mass shootings and extermination camps in Auschwitz- Birkenau, etc., in occupied Poland. The Nazis believed that Jews were subhuman, and Germany must be cleansed of them. Germany had the most powerful army, equipped with lethal weapons, while the Jews were unarmed. Similarly, the year 2023 will be remembered for hate-inspired and distorted versions of religious interpretations for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians living in occupied Gaza. It has shredded the image of many in the West, whom the world looked upon as champions of human rights.
Source:The Nation
January 11, 2024 12:42 UTC
Caretaker PM renews nation's resolve to root out terrorism with full might
Caretaker PM renews nation's resolve to root out terrorism with full mightCaretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has renewed nation's resolve to root out terrorism with full might. Addressing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Darbar in Peshawar today, he lauded Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police force for rendering matchless sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He said terrorists cannot shatter our resolve by carrying out terrorists attacks in the country. The Prime Minister reiterated government's resolve to continue war against terrorism till complete elimination of terrorists from the country. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ghulam Ali and Chief Minister Arshad Hussain Shah were also present on this occasion.
Source:The Nation
January 11, 2024 08:33 UTC
Defence Cooperation
An important trilateral defence meeting was held at General Head Quarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi, where key defence officials from Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia came together. As the platform is meant to bolster research and development in the utilisation of tech in defence equipment, this cooperation among three Muslim countries is a standard that other countries can also pick up on. Emphasising the pooling of resources amid historical ties, the three nations aim to expand the scope of trilateral cooperation. But even in addition to that, Pakistan and Turkiye relations are marked by economic initiatives like the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). Such defence collaboration platforms, though very focused on their agenda and goal, have all the potential to trickle down into other possible areas of cooperation as well.
Source:The Nation
January 11, 2024 06:26 UTC
Talladega woman killed in 3-vehicle crash
From Tribune staff reportsTALLADEGA — A multi-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, has claimed the life of a Talladega woman, according to Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. After the initial impact, the Ford then struck a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by a 52-year-old Columbia, S.C. man. “As a result of the impact, the Ford left the roadway and overturned,” Bailey said. “Williams was not using her seat belt at the time of crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”The crash occurred on Alabama 21 near Kelly Springs Road, approximately three miles north of Talladega, in Talladega County. No further information is available as Troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 11, 2024 06:15 UTC
‘Tainted’ SC judge doffs robe to ‘save face’
A day earlier, the apex court turned down Justice Naqvi’s plea to halt the ongoing SJC misconduct proceedings against him. I, therefore, effective today resign as judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” he added. Justice Naqvi may now be entitled to pension and other privileges after his resignation. Later, the judge filed a detailed response to the show-cause notice, claiming that the allegations against him were “absolutely and maliciously false”. On January 8, Justice Naqvi withdrew his objection to the three-judge bench hearing his plea challenging the issuance of a show-cause notice to him.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 11, 2024 05:54 UTC
Center Point man, 68, killed when tree falls on vehicle
From Tribune staff reportsBIRMINGHAM — A Center Point man was killed Tuesday when a tree fell on his vehicle, according to Jefferson County Deputy Chief Coroner Bill Yates. Cedric Ralph McNeal was identified by Yates as the victim. The incident occurred at 10:55 a.m. in the 5900 block of Crestwood Blvd. According to the coroner’s report, McNeal was the driver and lone occupant of a motor vehicle involved in a single vehicle wreck when his vehicle was struck by a falling tree. The Birmingham Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 10, 2024 23:08 UTC
Fiorentina 0 (5)-0 (4) Bologna: Player grades and 3 things we learned
Player gradesOliver Christensen—7.5: Made 5 saves, including a couple of huge ones late on against Lewis Ferguson and Riccardo Orsolini. Some iffy distribution in the first half, sure, and celebrated Stefan Posch’s missed penalty like he’d saved it himself, but that kind of lunacy is good and proper for a goalkeeper. Maxime Lopez—6.5: Pesky performance, winning the ball really well in midfield and helping control the game, especially after the subs came on. Missed two fantastic chances to win it, including a free header in extra time that he somehow missed by about 10 feet. Giacomo Bonaventura—6: Helped Fiorentina establish a midfield presence by slowing the game down and twisting away from defenders.
Source:The Nation
January 10, 2024 17:59 UTC
PTI’s Yasmin Rashid, others get green signal from election tribunals
Following today’s deadline for filing appeals against the decisions of the returning officers, election tribunals across the country are hearing pleas against rejections. The tribunal overturned the decision of the RO and gave the green light to Rashid to contest from the constituency against the PML-N supremo. Appeals of Azam Khan Niazi and PTI’s Mian Mehmoodur Rashid from Lahore were also accepted, hence clearing their path to contest in upcoming general polls. In Islamabad, the election tribunal of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) approved the nomination papers of Nayab Ali, a transgender and human rights activist, and declared her eligible. The election tribunals will today announce decisions on all the appeals filed against earlier decisions by ROs.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 10, 2024 16:55 UTC
PC okays 51% PIA stake sale
The financial advisors proposed selling the shares along with management control. The advisor’s report on PIA –the Avion project – remains incomplete on account of the valuation of the PIA assets, including its local and international routes. The sources said that the advisors proposed that the new buyers should have the right to fire employees after one year. The money proposed to be parked in the new entity includes the Rs161 billion debt of the federal government and Rs281 billion debt of the commercial banks. The financial advisors proposed that the Rs83 billion payments to the lessors of the aircraft should be picked up by the federal government.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 10, 2024 16:43 UTC
Inflation struggle
I am highlighting a pressing concern: the high inflation rate in Pakistan, posing numerous challenges for our citizens. According to official statistics, inflation in Pakistan averaged 12% per year between 1990-91 and 1995-96, although many economists believe it exceeded 20%. Inflation, defined as the persistent rise in general prices across the country, significantly impacts the financial status of a nation. Currently, inflation in Pakistan has entered a phase of crumbing inflation, introducing various difficulties to the country’s survival. The high rate of inflation continues to increase instead of decreasing, presenting multiple challenges to the nation’s finances.
Source:The Nation
January 10, 2024 16:42 UTC
Markets confident about approval of IMF tranche
Pakistan’s financial markets express unwavering confidence in the forthcoming approval of the second tranche, valued at $700 million, by the International Monetary Fund executive board. Post-approval, the subsequently elected government is anticipated to secure a larger and longer-term loan programme from the IMF to stimulate economic growth, liberalise imports, and generate essential job opportunities. Habib said, “IMF is happy with the performance of the caretaker government in the review.”Anticipation is high for Pakistan to secure yet another IMF loan programme, potentially valued at $6-8 billion and lasting at least three years. The new IMF loan programme is expected to support the economy, allowing a slight widening of the current account deficit to sustainable levels. With optimism surrounding the next IMF loan programme, analysts project continued outstanding performance in the capital and financial markets throughout 2024.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 10, 2024 15:45 UTC
China for building ‘even closer Sino-Pak community’
It provides the fundamental guideline and guidance for action for advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. “In this significant process, we stand ready to strengthen mutual learning, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen multilateral coordination with Pakistan, to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and make new and greater contribution to building a community with a shared future for mankind,” he wrote. Read: Vital trade road to be constructed under CPEC“We stand ready to work with Pakistan to enrich the vivid practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind. And the two leaders reached important consensuses on deepening China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperation and promoting CPEC construction. The CPEC construction has entered into a new stage of high-quality development, which injects new impetus into the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.”
Source:The Express Tribune
January 10, 2024 06:05 UTC
Basketball weekly review and preview: Hewitt-Trussville, Clay-Chalkville, Shades Valley and Center Point
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports EditorHewitt-TrussvilleBoys: The 15-6 Huskies had wins over Gadsden City and region foe Chelsea last week. Girls: The Lady Huskies, 17-5, defeated Gadsden City and Chelsea last week before falling to Mill Creek (GA) Saturday. The Lady Huskies host Oak Mountain Tuesday and Spain Park Friday. Clay-ChalkvilleBoys: The 15-7 Cougars defeated Mountain Brook and Pinson Valley last week. Girls: The Lady Eagles are 3-11 after losing to Mcadory and defeating FultondaleThe Lady Eagles host Gardendale Tuesday afternoon.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 09, 2024 17:28 UTC
Nation commends heroic sacrifices of police: Feroze Jamal Shah
PESHAWAR, Jan 09 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker Minister for Information and Public Relations Barrister Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel on Tuesday paid tribute and expressed the nation’s profound gratitude for the unwavering sacrifices made by the Police. During this occasion, Barrister Kakakhel commended the resilient spirit and high morale displayed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police men. Barrister Kakakhel emphasized the nation’s collective admiration for the sacrifices made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Force. Barrister Kakakhel conveyed the unwavering support of both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and its people, standing steadfastly by the side of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and security agencies. In closing, Barrister Kakakhel extended heartfelt prayers for the elevation of grades of Police Shuhada.
Source:The Nation
January 09, 2024 16:06 UTC
Imran, Bushra indicted in Toshakhana case
PTI chief Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi appear in court. Photo: screengrabPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were indicted in the Toshakhana case on Tuesday. During today's session, accountability court Judge Muhammad Bashir conducted the hearing of the Toshakhana and the £190 million caseBushra was also provided copies of the £190 million reference. The Toshakhana is a state department which retains gifts given by state officials, foreign diplomats and heads of different governments. Read: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452601/lhc-to-hear-plea-against-toshakhana-ruling-from-jan-12According to the Constitution of Pakistan, the recipient of the gifts must report them to the cabinet division and pay an appropriate amount if they wanted to keep it personally.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 09, 2024 15:54 UTC