UNSC report endorses Pakistan’s stance on TTP
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.
Source:The Express Tribune
July 28, 2023 17:01 UTC
‘SBP likely to raise rates again’
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.
Source:The Express Tribune
July 28, 2023 16:46 UTC
Punjab CTD arrests 10 terrorists associated with banned TTP, ISIS
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.
Source:The Nation
July 28, 2023 16:03 UTC
Yaum-e-Ashur to be observed tomorrow across country
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.
Source:The Nation
July 28, 2023 15:43 UTC
IG Islamabad meets commandant, trainers of ATTS Simli
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.
Source:The Nation
July 27, 2023 21:23 UTC
India: A threat to regional peace
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.
Source:The Nation
July 27, 2023 21:11 UTC
Jabil Unveils Findings of Global Survey on 3D Printing Technology Trends
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.
Source:The Express Tribune
July 27, 2023 19:01 UTC
Senate passes Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill 2023
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.
Source:The Express Tribune
July 27, 2023 18:46 UTC
Govt launches online registration process for artists' health insurance
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.
Source:The Nation
July 27, 2023 15:30 UTC
UN passes Pakistan-backed resolution against hate speech, Islamophobia
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.
Source:The Nation
July 27, 2023 13:03 UTC
Kareena, Masaba face backlash for using the N-word
During the conversation, Kareena asked Masaba about her experience with racist comments regarding her mixed heritage - being the daughter of actor Neena Gupta and veteran West Indies cricketer Viv Richards. BRO DID MASABA AND KAREENA JUST SAY THE "N-WORD" OUT LOUD TWICE?? !💀 😱😱😭😭😭Noooooo waaaayyyy 😱😭 https://t.co/tBru8uB8nA — Catatouille (@iswearbrofr) July 26, 2023how you're saying nword is banned while saying it? Masaba is half black idk if she can say nword or not but kareena? Masaba, in the same interview, also shared her experiences of facing discrimination as a child due to her mixed heritage.
Source:The Express Tribune
July 27, 2023 13:00 UTC
Deol trolled for wanting peace between India, Pakistan
The much-anticipated trailer launch of Gadar 2, the sequel to Anil Sharma's 2001 blockbuster cross-border drama, took place on Wednesday. At the launch, Deol, who is also a BJP MP from Punjab's Gurdaspur, cited "political blame game" as the cause of hatred between India and Pakistan, as reported by ANI. #WATCH | Actor Sunny Deol at the trailer launch of his film #Gadar2 says, "There is love on both sides (India-Pakistan). One more inquired, "He is Sunny Deol, BJP MP. Sunny Deol must have the common sense that people on this side [India] will not take this comment lightly.
Source:The Express Tribune
July 27, 2023 12:29 UTC
Armed Forces pay glowing tribute to Captain Sarwar Shaheed
Rawalpindi - Armed Forces of Pakistan, CJCsSC and Services Chiefs pay glowing tribute to Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his 75th Shahadat Anniversary today. His matchless chivalry, unwavering resolve & fortitude shall always be remembered. Captain Muhammad Sarwar, the first recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, who demonstrated indomitable courage and valour in defence of motherland and embraced Shahadat at Tilpatra (Azad Kashmir) in 1948. Captain Muhammad Sarwar’s martyrdom anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the Armed Forces of Pakistan to defend the motherland. Let us remember these heroes who have laid down their lives in defence of our motherland.
Source:The Nation
July 27, 2023 03:37 UTC
Face Trace System
The Punjab Police introduced the new Face Trace System (FTS), an artificial intelligence-powered facial recognition system that can streamline the process of identifying and arresting suspects and wanted criminals. This noteworthy initiative will definitely aid the investigative process and can make the police force more time-efficient but the AI system can come with problems of its own. The AI system will further aid the process of suspect identification and locating the wanted criminal in record time. When dealing with an AI powered identification system, authorities must remain cognizant of machine errors that have to be corrected by human interference. This will enhance the scope of the tool beyond just the capabilities of the Punjab Police Information Technology wing, or the Punjab Information Technology Board.
Source:The Nation
July 26, 2023 23:07 UTC
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity has been the center of discourse for a while in development circles, especially following the floods last year, but there is little that has been done on the ground to adapt and mitigate this challenge. With both internal and external drivers becoming even more pronounced, this should be treated as an emergency. The report’s Pakistan chapter, reveals that the country’s score has dropped from 38.1 in 2006 to 26.1 in 2022, yet the hunger level is still considered serious. There are a lot of external factors driving this trend of food insecurity, such as armed conflicts, climate change, and pandemics. Despite these external drivers, poor policy making and planning at the domestic level must be called out.
Source:The Nation
July 26, 2023 23:01 UTC