KURRAM: The warring factions in the Kurram tribal district agreed on Wednesday to extend their ceasefire for an additional 10 days, despite intermittent clashes in the area. The fragile truce, which was set to end on November 30, came following a jirga held in the Alizai area, Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud reported. Key Developments As per the agreement, both parties will vacate their trenches on Thursday, allowing army and paramilitary forces to take control. The ceasefire terms also include an exchange of bodies and hostages during the extended period. Continued Clashes Despite the agreement, sporadic violence was reported in…
Author: Web Desk
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench dismissed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s request to take suo motu notice of the casualties during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest in the federal capital. This request was made during a hearing on a petition addressing the existential threat posed by climate change. The KP Additional Advocate General urged the court to address the reported casualties on both sides of the protest, citing constitutional relevance. However, Justice Aminuddin Khan, leading the bench, clarified that the court could not consider matters outside its current scope. Justice Musarrat Hilali criticized the law officer for bringing political…
Cascais: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that unchecked social media networks and artificial intelligence (AI) are amplifying the darkest aspects of human nature, giving hate speech unprecedented speed and reach. Addressing the United Nations’ Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) 10th Global Forum in Portugal, Guterres stated that these digital platforms, combined with AI, have allowed misinformation and hate to spread faster and wider than ever before, often leading to real-world violence. He emphasized that the proliferation of deepfake technology has made it easier for false information to gain credibility quickly, making it a dangerous tool for spreading prejudice, including anti-Semitism,…
Karachi has been enduring significant internet disruptions for the past three days, affecting daily routines and causing financial losses for those reliant on online services. The outages, which have impacted Wi-Fi, mobile data, and social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, have created immense challenges for residents. Disruptions Linked to Protests and Transportation Issues The ongoing political protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters marching toward Islamabad have worsened the situation, with barricades and roadblocks contributing to further connectivity problems. Karachi, despite being a bustling metropolitan city, struggles with an inefficient public transportation system. As a result, many residents…
A recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Pakistan reveals that nearly 90% of bankers in the country consider cybercrime the biggest threat facing the banking sector. The findings, based on input from over 75 respondents including Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) and business heads, show a growing concern about financial crimes, with fraud (70%) and terrorism financing (60%) also highlighted as significant issues. As banks in Pakistan operate within an ever-evolving financial crime landscape, the survey stresses the increasing need for vigilance. With criminals swiftly adopting new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in banking systems, financial institutions must adapt and stay ahead in…
In a significant shake-up in the ICC men’s ODI bowling rankings, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan has dethroned Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi from the top spot. The new rankings, released on Wednesday, highlight this change as Afridi, who had claimed the number one position following his outstanding performance during Pakistan’s historic ODI series win over Australia, is now second. Afridi’s impressive eight-wicket haul with an average of 12.62 was a key factor in his rise to the top. However, he has been rested for Pakistan’s ongoing series against Zimbabwe, which has contributed to his drop in rankings. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf, Afridi’s bowling…
Political Unrest in Capital Delays Final Matches The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka ‘A’ series have been postponed due to the ongoing political turmoil in Islamabad. The matches, originally scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, will now be rescheduled for later dates. Shaheens Lead the Series The Pakistan Shaheens are currently leading the series, having won the two four-day matches 1-0, as well as the opening 50-over game by a commanding 108-run victory on Monday. Violence and Protests Grips Islamabad The postponement coincides with…
Meeting Scheduled to Address Key Concerns About the Tournament The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called an urgent board meeting on November 29, 2024, to deliberate on the future of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan next year. The meeting will be held online, with board members having received the agenda in advance, as confirmed by an ICC spokesperson. Challenges Surrounding India’s Refusal to Participate The major topic of discussion will be India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the tournament, raising significant concerns over the event’s viability. The ICC board will consider several…
Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Pakistan Amid the political turmoil in Islamabad, several U.S. lawmakers and Amnesty International have voiced their concerns regarding the Pakistani government’s handling of protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. These protests were organized to demand the release of PTI’s founder-chairman, Imran Khan, who has been in custody for over a year. US Lawmakers Condemn Violent Crackdown Rashida Tlaib highlighted the repression of protesters as an attack on democracy and human rights, expressing solidarity with the demonstrators. Greg Casar condemned the use of live fire and tear gas, urging authorities to permit peaceful protests. Barbara…
Bhattacharya’s Role in COVID-19 Lockdown Debate and His New Appointment President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a prominent Stanford University health researcher, as the next Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya, known for his outspoken criticism of COVID-19 lockdowns, co-authored the “Great Barrington Declaration” which advocated for focused protection for vulnerable groups instead of widespread lockdown measures. In a statement, Trump expressed confidence in Bhattacharya’s ability to lead the NIH and address major health challenges in the United States, particularly chronic illness and disease. “Together, Jay and RFK Jr. will restore the…
