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10 dead, 22 injured in fire at Karachi’s commercial high-rise
KARACHI: Ten persons lost their lives while 22 other sustained injuries in a blaze at RJ Mall on Karachi’s Rashid Minhas Road on Saturday, Karachi mayor said. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said, “I can so far confirm 10 casualties and 22 persons have been injured”. Sharea Faisal Station House Officer (SHO) Raja Tariq Mehmood said the building was a commercial high-rise, housing shopping centres, call centres and software houses. 11 killed & 35 injured as fire caught a mall in Karachi. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said he has sought a report on the incident from the city commissioner.
Source:Pakistan Today
November 26, 2023 07:09 UTC
Energy and Food Security
The dynamics of energy and food security in Pakistan are quite complex, and therefore warrant close scrutiny. While discussing the complex connection in Pakistan between energy and food production, we shall examine how the intensifying demand for food exacerbates the strain on the state’s energy system. The complexity of the interplay between energy and food security has far-reaching economic consequences. Enhancing Storage and Distribution: Enhanced investment in cold-storage facilities and improved food supply security can significantly curb food loss due to spoilage and inefficient transport systems. Research and Innovation: Such innovation may be realized through investment in research and development in agriculture and renewable energy technologies that seek to address food security and sustainable energy for all.
Source:The Nation
November 26, 2023 06:22 UTC
Nation to hear good news about economy soon: PM Kakar
Nation to hear good news about economy soon: PM KakarCaretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said that the nation will hear good news in the coming weeks with respect to economy of the country. In an interview with a private TV channel, he lauded the Special Investment Facilitation Council saying that it is ensuring consistency of the economic policy. He said that projects with ‘sizable figure’ of investment under Special Investment Facilitation Council would be signed before end of the current caretaker setup. He said government will ensure transparent elections and there is no restriction on any political party including PTI for organizing election-related activities. Replying to a question about provision of level playing field to the political parties, he said there is no favorite of the caretaker government and the political party which would be mandated by the people, would form the next government.
Source:The Nation
November 25, 2023 17:56 UTC
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Jaaved Jaaferi shares 'Hamaslighting' post
Renowned Indian actor and comedian Jaaved Jaaferi has emerged as a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause, utilising his social media platforms to shed light on the issue. The post defined "Hamaslighting" as a “form of gaslighting used to distract or confuse when a country, specifically Israel, carries out genocide against innocent Palestinians. The post also cited the statement, "Israel has a right to defend itself," as an example of "Hamaslighting" as well. In one post on X, Jaaved shared two screenshots of news articles. ‘Palestinians Are Not Numbers, They're Human' | Piers ... https://t.co/AwPMQaIWaQ via @YouTube — Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) November 15, 2023On Instagram, where he has a following of 159,000, Jaaved has continued to amplify Palestinian voices.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 25, 2023 17:28 UTC
Nawaz links country’s ills to booting out PMs
Those who had dropped the axe on him had never thought about Pakistan, he added. Also read: Nawaz Sharif denies fourth power bidIn 1993, he pointed out that the country was experiencing significant economic growth. He playfully quizzed Ishaq Dar, present at the gathering, about his stint in prison, prompting laughter throughout the conference room. Continuing, Nawaz highlighted the disparity in export refinance rates during his tenure compared to the present, citing a rise from three per cent to 19 per cent. He said twice the Indian premier visited to Pakistan during his tenure.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 25, 2023 17:13 UTC
Iran says it facilitated Friday’s release of 10 Thai hostages
BANGKOK: Iran facilitated Friday’s release of 10 Thai hostages from Gaza, providing a list of names to Palestinian group Hamas after a request to do so by Thailand’s Foreign Ministry and parliamentary speaker, Iran’s embassy in Thailand said on social media on Saturday. A Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters that: “we have provided lists since the beginning to everyone,” including Qatar, Egypt, Israel and Iran. A group of Thai Muslim politicians had travelled to Tehran and met senior Hamas officials in October. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara also held talks with senior officials in Cairo and Doha over the release of Thai hostages. About 30,000 Thai nationals work in Israel, forming one of its largest groups of migrant workers, many in agriculture.
Source:Pakistan Today
November 25, 2023 16:43 UTC
BRI benefits partner nations with vast opportunities
XIA’N: Pomegranate, introduced to China over 2,000 years ago from Central Asia, has become a symbol of free trade propelled by the Silk Road. Now a sought-after fruit in Xi’an, the capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, pomegranate-made products from Azerbaijan, one of the fruit’s main producers, drew attention at the 7th Silk Road International Exposition, which ended on Monday. The previous six editions of the Silk Road International Exposition had welcomed more than 10,000 overseas exhibitors from over 190 countries and regions, with the total value of contracts signed for foreign investment projects exceeding $45.3 billion. China has signed more than 200 documents with 152 countries and 32 international organizations on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), covering 83 percent of the countries with which China has established diplomatic relations. The expo’s role as a platform for BRI partner countries to tap into the huge, ever-expanding Chinese market is becoming more prominent.
Source:The Nation
November 25, 2023 16:10 UTC
FSU soccer dominates Pitt to advance to fourth straight College Cup
For the fourth consecutive season, Florida State Seminoles soccer is headed to the Women’s College Cup. The Seminoles earned their spot by taking down the Pitt Panthers on Friday, riding a second-half surge to dominate the scoreboard 3-0. Florida State outshot the Panthers 20-13 (9-5 shots on goal), with FSU goalkeeper Cristina Roque logging five saves on the night. Onyi Echegini capped things off with a goal just a minute later, solidifying the win for the Seminoles. Florida State is now 12-4-2 all-time in the NCAA quarterfinals (80-19-5 in the NCAA Tournament Overall).
Source:The Nation
November 25, 2023 14:21 UTC
No. 7 Texas 57, Texas Tech 7: Five observations and Sunday chat
The defense had as many negative plays as they had points allowed against Texas Tech. How about another fun stat for how dominant the Texas defense was on Friday? You combine that with how Texas didn’t allow the Texas Tech passing game get out of neutral, then you get the result we saw on Friday. Fortunately, Texas has a kicker who is on an absolute heater right now and thankfully the Texas defense was absolutely suffocating. That was not the case on Friday against Texas Tech.
Source:The Nation
November 25, 2023 13:32 UTC
Inclusive examinations
The question of increasing the upper age limit in Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) combined competitive exams warrants careful consideration. This analysis delves into the merits and demerits of extending the upper age limit in SPSC examinations. Inclusivity and Diversity: Extending the age limit accommodates candidates with delayed entry into the job market, promoting diversity and enriching the talent pool. Competitive Disadvantages for Younger Candidates: A higher age limit may disadvantage younger candidates, potentially undermining fair competition. In conclusion, the decision to increase the upper age limit in SPSC exams is complex, with both advantages and disadvantages.
Source:The Nation
November 24, 2023 23:09 UTC
Power Rollback
Average inflation in Pakistan surpasses that of other South Asian countries, leaving our society vulnerable to the whims of a select few elites who prioritise power politics over the welfare of the people. Despite a reduction in petroleum prices, there has been no corresponding relief in electricity prices, with indications pointing towards further increases in the pipeline. Historically, those in power have focused on self-enrichment rather than addressing the fundamental problems faced by the public. The continuous surge in electricity prices and the burden of taxes have disproportionately affected the common man compared to capitalists, leading to a 40% increase in production costs. The closure of thousands of power looms has brought businesses to a standstill, resulting in widespread unemployment.
Source:The Nation
November 24, 2023 20:14 UTC
Diplomatic Breach
The alarming revelation not only sheds light on India’s clandestine manoeuvres but also emphasises the urgency for transparent and responsible conduct in international relations. India’s espionage network extending to orchestrating plots abroad raises serious questions about state sovereignty and responsible behaviour in international affairs. Such intrusive activities beyond borders undermine the sovereignty of other nations, jeopardising global stability and mutual trust among states. India’s reckless conduct, violating international law and the UN principle of state sovereignty, demands a unified and concerted effort among nations to hold accountable those engaging in such activities. Upholding international law, respecting state sovereignty, and fostering transparent conduct in international relations must take precedence to prevent such detrimental activities from jeopardising global peace and stability.
Source:The Nation
November 24, 2023 20:14 UTC
Pakistan emerges victorious over India, secures UNESCO Vice-Chair position for 2023-2025 term
ISLAMABAD: In a resounding victory over India, Pakistan on Friday was elected as Vice Chair of UNESCO Executive Board from the Asia Pacific Group for the 2023-2025 term. The elections were held at the 218th Session of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Executive Board in Paris, a Foreign Office press release said. Of the 58-member Executive Board, Pakistan secured 38 votes as compared to India’s 18. She said that Pakistan would carry out its responsibilities with a deep sense of commitment, credibility, honest dialogue and mutual respect. Earlier during the UNESCO General Conference, Pakistan had been successfully re-elected to the Executive Board at the elections held on November 15.
Source:Pakistan Today
November 24, 2023 19:39 UTC
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Junaid Akram faces backlash over 'classist' take
Comedian and content creator Junaid Akram has drawn flak for sharing his compilation video on Karachi beaches, mocking common visitors on the site. Akram captioned the video with “Beaches be like”, questioning the crowd that Karachi’s seaside pulls in. Internet users flocked to Akram’s post, disproving his documentation of people partaking in harmless fun and compiling it into an allegedly disparaging edit. https://t.co/PIACoO8go8 — Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ذوالفقار علي ڀٽو (@BhuttoZulfikar) November 23, 2023The post further called out Akram for staring at people. let them do whatever makes them happy https://t.co/kXEf1YRcQj — Aima 🇵🇸 (@Aimaimrankhan) November 23, 2023Underscoring the classist implications of Akram’s comedy, another jibed, “How dare these people enjoy themselves?
Source:The Express Tribune
November 24, 2023 17:09 UTC
Resilient nation
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend an amazing TEDxLUMS event where I got to listen to Dr Faisal Sultan, former special assistant to the PM on health, who spoke about Pakistan’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Faisal said that data-driven decisions played a key role in ensuring we took sprinklers where there were fires instead of hosing down the entire building. He shared that one day, Mr. Asad Umar, the Chair of the NCOC at the time, gave them the seemingly impossible task of administering around 300,000 COVID-19 vaccines in a day. However, despite multifaceted challenges, from procurement to delivery, on peak day, the team managed to administer 2.3 million doses. I think this represents a great example of our resilience as a nation and shows that we can overcome any challenge if we set our minds to it and if our institutions work collectively towards a unified goal.
Source:The Nation
November 24, 2023 08:35 UTC