A large-scale drug lab discovered in Syria has unveiled the intricate networks involved in the illicit trade of Captagon, a drug that has surged in production since Syria’s civil war began in 2011. The drug, which was once produced in smaller, rebel-held areas, is now being manufactured in industrial facilities controlled by the Syrian regime. The trade involves not only local actors but also international criminal syndicates, and it has expanded beyond the Middle East to North Africa and Southern Europe. The Syrian government plays a key role in this illicit market, which has become a significant part of the…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has stated that the best way to restore order in the country is to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. His remarks came ahead of a parliamentary vote regarding Yoon’s short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3. Although the military rule was rescinded within six hours, it led to a constitutional crisis, and calls for Yoon’s resignation grew as many saw it as a violation of the law. Yoon has insisted on fighting back against the opposition, blaming them for government paralysis, and even accusing the opposition of manipulating the results of the April…
Iran has confirmed that it has allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to increase inspections of its nuclear program. Mohammad Eslami, Iran’s nuclear chief, stated that with increased capacity, the number of inspections should naturally rise. The move comes after Iran agreed to the IAEA’s request to enhance monitoring at the Fordo uranium enrichment plant. Iran maintains that it seeks nuclear energy solely for peaceful purposes and denies ambitions to develop nuclear weapons. Tensions have increased since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Five people have died after a boat carrying migrants, including several Pakistanis, capsized off the southern Greek island of Gavdos. So far, 39 people have been rescued and transferred to the island of Crete. The incident was reported on Friday night, and search operations are still ongoing, with many individuals still missing. Various vessels and naval aircraft are involved in the search efforts, as authorities work to locate the missing migrants.
During an important meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), Justice Mandokhail responded to Justice Shah’s concerns, confirming that the suggestions he had provided regarding the draft rules of the JCP had already been incorporated. The meeting discussed several crucial topics, including judicial independence and the procedural reforms needed for constitutional appointments. Justice Mandokhail clarified that the draft was now complete and being finalized. He emphasized that all feedback was considered and that the new rules are designed to enhance the judicial system’s effectiveness. The commission members collectively agreed on the necessity of these reforms to ensure judicial independence…
Political leaders and residents of Murree have staged a protest against the government’s development plan. They argue that the proposed projects will not only affect the natural beauty of the region but also cause hardships for the local community. Protesters have called for the suspension of the development projects and for the preservation of Murree’s cultural identity. The government has initiated various development projects in the area, including road construction, building tourist centers, and improving other infrastructure. However, local residents contend that these projects may have adverse effects on the environment and their daily lives. They are urging the government…
The Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has stated that a joint parliamentary session is likely to be called on December 17 to address the ongoing deadlock between the government and JUI-F over the madrassa registration bill. JUI-F has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s delay in approving the bill. The party has warned that if the government does not act swiftly, it may resort to organizing a march in Islamabad. Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly assured JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman that all concerns regarding the bill will be addressed. The bill, which aims to establish new guidelines for…
Mahmood Khan Achakzai has urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to postpone its civil disobedience movement. He emphasized that considering the current political instability, launching such a movement at this time would not be in the best interest of the country. He further stated that delaying the movement could help maintain law and order and prevent public harm. Achakzai also suggested that PTI should adopt a more constructive approach to advancing their demands on a public level. His appeal represents an effort to bring both the government and opposition together, aiming to restore political stability in the country.
The Government of Pakistan has introduced a Digital Identity Bill aiming to modernize and streamline services for citizens through a secure digital infrastructure. This bill proposes to digitize citizens’ information for efficient access to government services such as ID cards, passports, and other official documents. Key objectives include: Eliminating long queues and reducing waiting times for services. Strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure to ensure security and efficiency. Enhancing inter-agency communication for better decision-making. Simplifying the process for citizens by making identity-related services accessible digitally. This initiative aligns with the government’s goal of fostering transparency, improving service delivery, and embracing modern…
Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party, has expressed concerns over the newly proposed Madrasa Registration Bill. He fears its implementation may have detrimental effects on Pakistan, including the continuation of its status on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and potential withdrawal of the GSP+ (Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus) status. These developments could severely impact the country’s trade and financial stability. Zardari accused the government of attempting to enforce the bill unilaterally without engaging opposition parties and other stakeholders. He argued that such actions undermine democratic processes and tarnish Pakistan’s image on the global…
