Hope Renewed
This noble act of international solidarity is not merely a grant; it is a lifeline extended to a region where access to quality education is teetering on the brink of collapse. Pakistan has found itself at the crossroads of an educational crisis, with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally. The obstacles preventing children from receiving a quality education are numerous, ranging from inadequate infrastructure to economic challenges. The youth of Sindh are often denied the opportunities that education can provide, resulting in a bleak future. Japan’s commitment is not just a financial contribution but a promise to illuminate the path to a brighter future for Pakistan’s children.
Source:The Nation
October 20, 2023 09:46 UTC
Air exercise ongoing in Pakistan with participants from 14 nations including Saudi Arabia, UAE
Mustafa, 50, and his family of eight are among 1.7 million undocumented, illegal Afghans in Pakistan who face a Nov.1 deadline by the government to leave or be forcibly expelled. Pakistan has hosted the largest number of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979. After the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021, another 600,000 Afghan refugees have fled to Pakistan, according to the UN Refugee Agency. “It’s so bad that when I go out, they [police] say you don’t have a card, or they confiscate it and cut it, throw it away, and tell me to leave [Pakistan]. What should we do?”Khalil said his family would be devastated if he ended up in jail during the ongoing crackdown against illegal Afghans.
Source:The Nation
October 20, 2023 09:32 UTC
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Fatima Bhutto is sickened by actors 'gunning for genocide'
It signified her approval of Israel cutting off Gaza's food and water supply. Bhutto tweeted, "Israel doesn't need to supply Gaza with water and electricity, according to Sarah Silverman, acknowledging that it's run as a veritable concentration camp. Israel doesn't need to supply Gaza with water and electricity, according to Sarah Silverman, acknowledging that its run as a veritable concentration camp. https://t.co/BAb6Npvm2f — fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) October 19, 2023The post Silverman shared read, "PSA: There is a very strange thing happening. If that isn't enough for you: ISRAEL DOES NOT NEED TO SUPPLY GAZA WITH THESE RESOURCES (which they do, for FREE).
Source:The Express Tribune
October 20, 2023 09:15 UTC
Multi-nation air drills vital in pursuit of common aims: COAS
Multi-nation air drills vital in pursuit of common aims: COASArmy Chief General Syed Asim Munir visited an operational air base of Pakistan Air Force to witness the on-going aerial exercise Indus Shield-2023. The Air Chiefs of Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Hungary were also among the distinguished guests who witnessed PAF's 14 nation mega air exercise. Addressing the exercise participants, Chief of Army Staff accentuated the paramount importance of multinational air exercises in the pursuit of common objectives amidst the ever-evolving dynamics of air warfare. General Syed Asim Munir acknowledged that the Centre's expertise and dedication have contributed to the development of highly skilled and proficient air warriors, who are ready to meet the challenges of modern warfareHighlighting the significance of the exercise, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, emphasized that exercise Indus Shield offers a unique opportunity for participating air forces to showcase their unparalleled skills and operational capabilities.
Source:The Nation
October 20, 2023 08:46 UTC
Senior jurist SM Zafar passes away at age of 93
LAHORE: Senior Pakistani jurist and former Senator Syed Muhammad Zafar, popularly known as SM Zafar, passed away at the age of 93, his family members in Lahore confirmed on Thursday. The caretaker information minister said SM Zafar was not only an eminent jurist but also a humble human being. He said the services of SM Zafar (Late) will always be remembered. Saddened to hear SM Zafar has passed away. Roshaneh sincerest condolences on the loss of your father the great Senator SM Zafar.
Source:Pakistan Today
October 20, 2023 05:51 UTC
Govt efforts to lower fuel prices, strengthen rupee lauded
HYDERABAD-Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries (HCSTSI) President Muhammad Farooq Shaikhani congratulated the caretaker government on its continuous efforts, resulting in the reduction of petroleum products prices by Rs.40 and the dollar has also decreased by 25 rupees. According to a press release issued here on Thursday, he said that there has been no reduction in the prices of food items and transport fares in the country. He further said that the main reason for the power crisis was the theft of electricity as well as the contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and these contracts need to be reviewed after a clear drop in petroleum product prices. He called for devising a mechanism that the benefit of reduction in petroleum prices should reach the masses immediately However, the reduction in fuel prices did not affect transport fares and food items as well.
Source:The Nation
October 20, 2023 02:38 UTC
Elite capture
Now international lenders, who in the past avoided airing their views on the Pakistani economy, are openly calling a spade a spade. The IMF representatives continue to repeat their resolve in public that the Pakistani government(s) should tax untaxed sectors. The World Bank country director was more candid while passing scathing comments about powerful vested interests, including the military and political elite, not allowing reforms. Then how would these vested interests take action to tax themselves? The elite capture is pushing the economy and the common people to the precipice.
Source:The Nation
October 19, 2023 23:31 UTC
Bangalore's eccentric jail-themed restaurant
Initially established in Jayanagar in 2016, Central Jail Restaurant relaunched to the Hosur Sarjapura Road (HSR) Layout last year. According to reviews on food websites and blogs, the restaurant has been received with enthusiasm by Bangalore’s food lovers. “I had the tomato soup at Central Jail and it was really good. Service was very fast and the container and packaging was really good. In a video review shared by Central Jail Restaurant’s official Instagram account, another customer toured the dining facility and complimented its ambiance.
Source:The Express Tribune
October 19, 2023 22:06 UTC
Israel-Hamas war: Pakistan has no intention to send Army to Gaza: FO
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and clarified Pakistan has no intention to send troops to Palestine. She said Pakistan has no intention to send troops to Palestine amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. The talks revolved around the pressing matter of Gaza, as Pakistan seeks to build regional consensus for a peaceful resolution. To demonstrate Pakistan’s solidarity with Palestine, the government has dispatched a special plane carrying vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. To ensure the efficient delivery of aid, Pakistan’s assistance to Palestine will be routed through Egypt.
Source:Pakistan Today
October 19, 2023 20:04 UTC
Six terrorists killed, four soldiers martyred in Waziristan encounters
Four soldiers were martyred and six terrorists killed in two fierce encounters took place in North and South Waziristan districts. The Inter Services Public Relations in a statement said the first engagement occurred in general area Gharyoum, North Waziristan district. It said the troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location as a result of which six terrorists, including a high value target, terrorist ringleader Hazrat Zaman alias Khawarey Mullah, were killed. However, during the operation, three soldiers – Lance Naik TabbasumuI Haq, Sepoy Naeem Akhtar and Sepoy Abdul Hameed, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom. In another intense fire exchange between own troops and terrorists in general area Asman Manza, South Waziristan district, Sepoy Farman Ali paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.
Source:The Nation
October 19, 2023 17:14 UTC
PIA cancels another two dozen flights
On Wednesday, the cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had to cancel a total of 24 domestic and international flights due to a limited supply of fuel by Pakistan State Oil (PSO). According to official sources, on Wednesday, PIA paid Rs150 million to PSO for fuelling these 26 flights. On Tuesday, PSO had provided fuel for only 13 PIA flights, including 10 international and 3 domestic routes, upon payment of Rs125 million. Read also: Financial crisis takes a toll on PIA passengersA senior official at PSO said the state-owned fuel supplier was "providing fuel only for flights that PIA has prioritized." This week, PIA agreed to pay the oil firm Rs100 million every day to cover its dues, the PSO official said.
Source:The Express Tribune
October 19, 2023 14:55 UTC
Joran van der Sloot admits he killed Natalee Holloway, pleads guilty to wire fraud, extortion
According to the Department of Justice, the guilty plea and sentencing of Joran Andreas Petrus van der Sloot, 36, occurred before U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco. Van der Sloot pleaded guilty to extortion and wire fraud and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to the plea agreement, in 2010, van der Sloot solicited money from Beth Holloway, Natalee Holloway’s mother, on promises he would reveal the location of her daughter’s remains in Aruba and the circumstances of her 2005 death. In his admittance, he plead that he killed Natalee Holloway and hid her body in the water. “Today, the United States held Joran van der Sloot accountable for his scheme to exploit a mother looking for information about her missing daughter,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said.
Source:The Express Tribune
October 19, 2023 13:35 UTC
King Charles, Queen Camilla make ‘passionate’ request to nation in speech
King Charles, Queen Camilla make ‘passionate’ request to nation in speechKing Charles and Queen Camilla recently addressed the nation in a speech and made a request. The King emphasized with his wife Queen Camilla beside him for tolerance and understanding, “even in the most fractious of times” in a speech valuing British values. He persisted that “the temptation to turn ourselves into a shouting or recriminatory society must be resisted” as advised the nation on both sides of the debate to be “passionate, but not pugnacious”. Th speech comes after the increased Middle East issues following the attack on Israel by Hamas militants, which sparked several retaliation strikes. At approximately 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Charles and Camilla arrived at Mansion House for the customary supper and event honouring the efforts of the City of London civic organizations and Livery Companies, the district's historical and modern trade guilds.
Source:The Nation
October 19, 2023 13:17 UTC
E-commerce platforms, delivery services violating anti-smoking laws
KARACHI-E-commerce platforms and delivery services have been found to violate the country’s anti-smoking laws. A notable case is observed with a popular mart, where smuggled cigarettes available are being sold violating track and trace guidelines and evading FED duties that discourages people from smoking and enhances government revenue. The sale of cigarettes to minors is prohibited by the country’s legal framework. However, popular platforms have inadvertently made it considerably easier for minors to access cigarettes by selling smuggled and tax evading brands at considerably low prices. It is imperative that government agencies take immediate notice of this issue and enforce strict adherence to the nation’s laws by all e-commerce platforms and delivery services.
Source:The Nation
October 19, 2023 12:58 UTC
Global Collaboration
One of the significant outcomes of this meeting is Pakistan’s invitation to Russian investment in its energy sector. As a key player in this transformative initiative, Pakistan’s engagement with Russia adds a new dimension to regional dynamics. It highlights Pakistan’s role as a bridge between East and West and signifies the growing importance of the Eurasian region in global affairs. The positive interactions among world leaders at the Belt and Road Forum reflect a shared commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development. It is heartening to see leaders from diverse nations coming together to discuss mutual interests and seek common solutions to global challenges.
Source:The Nation
October 19, 2023 07:40 UTC