The Biden administration has notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, which includes munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, and warheads. The deal must be approved by the House of Representatives and Senate committees. This move comes as part of Washington’s support for Israel amidst its ongoing conflict, which has led to tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza. The U.S. argues that it is helping its ally defend against Iran-backed groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
The US Department of State has revealed its 2023 annual report on foreign gifts, providing insights into the lavish presents received by US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and US intelligence officials, some of which are worth millions of dollars. According to the report, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gift to U.S. officials tops the list of high-value presents. Prime Minister Modi presented First Lady Jill Biden with an opulent $20,000 diamond, marking a significant gesture in diplomatic relations between the two nations. In addition, Indian officials presented items crafted in Kashmir to U.S. intelligence officers, further strengthening…
A New York court has scheduled January 10, 2025, as the sentencing date for President-elect Donald Trump in his hush-money case. The decision comes less than two weeks before Trump is set to be sworn in for his second term as president. Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over the case, indicated that the sentencing would result in an “unconditional discharge,” ruling out jail time, probation, or a fine. The court has allowed Trump to attend the hearing either in person or virtually. Trump was convicted in May of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, stemming from a $130,000 payment…
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot met with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus. This meeting marked the first visit by senior European officials following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad last month. The visit is seen as a significant policy shift by European powers, coinciding with deliberations over the potential removal of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) terrorist designation. Baerbock made it clear that while Europe is willing to support Syria’s recovery, it will not back any Islamist ideologies in governance or civil institutions. She emphasized the need for ethnic and religious…
Pakistan installed its national flag in front of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) chamber on Thursday as it began its eighth term as a non-permanent member (2025-26) of the 15-member body. Along with Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia joined as new non-permanent members, with their flags installed at the UNSC’s stakeout at the UN Headquarters in New York. These new members replaced Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland whose terms ended on December 31, 2024. Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, installed the national flag during the ceremony. In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that Pakistan…
Irfan Sharif, the accused father in the murder case of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, was attacked inside a UK prison. Reports indicate that Sharif was injured by fellow inmates using a sharp knife. Prison security guards intervened promptly, rescuing Sharif from further harm. The incident has raised concerns about prisoner safety, especially in high-profile cases. Sharif is currently under medical supervision, and authorities are investigating the attack to ensure tighter security measures in the facility. Further updates are awaited. Irfan Sharif suffered slashes to his face and body, requiring stitches. He received local care inside the prison. A Prison Service spokesperson…
Pakistan Navy ships Rasadgar and Azmat, along with Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ship Dasht, visited Port Bandar Abbas, Iran. The flotilla was led by Commodore Muhammad Umair, Commander of the 14th Destroyer Squadron. The Mission Commander held meetings with the naval leadership of Iran, discussing matters of mutual interest, Navy-to-Navy engagements, and cooperation in maritime security. Following the port call, both PN and PMSA ships conducted a Passage Exercise at sea with an Iranian Navy ship, aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two navies and promoting shared learning through coordinated activities.
A tragic plane crash on January 2, 2025, resulted in two fatalities and 18 injuries when a small aircraft crashed into a furniture manufacturing warehouse in Southern California. The crash occurred in the 2300 block of Raymer Ave, approximately 6 miles northwest of Disneyland. The aircraft, a Van’s RV-10, was on its way back to the airport when it struck the building, causing a fire. Two fatalities were reported, while ten individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, and eight others were treated on-site. The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed, nor whether they were inside the aircraft or…
India has issued visas to only 100 Pakistani pilgrims for the annual Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer Sharif, despite a quota of 500 Pakistani attendees set by the Indian authorities. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that India refused to grant visas to 400 Pakistani pilgrims, causing disappointment among those eager to participate in the religious event. The Urs, a significant religious gathering at the shrine of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti, will be held in Ajmer, India. The 100 approved pilgrims will depart for Ajmer Sharif via Wagah on January 5. The spokesperson assured…
Turbat, Balochistan: A blast in the city of Turbat, Balochistan, on Saturday resulted in four fatalities and 32 injuries. Police confirmed that five of the injured are in critical condition. However, the nature of the blast has yet to be determined. A CCTV video showed several vehicles on the road when a large flame engulfed a passenger bus after the explosion. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Zohaib Mohsin was also injured in the blast, along with six family members. According to police, Mohsin and his family were passing through the area when the explosion occurred. Security forces reported that the…
