Karachi: Pakistan’s revolutionary 2D hand-drawn animated film, *The Glassworker*, has been chosen as the country’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards. The film, directed by Usman Riaz, will compete in the International Feature Film category at the 97th Oscars. Usman Riaz shared the exciting news on Instagram, expressing his joy and gratitude. Currently being screened in cinemas across Pakistan, *The Glassworker* marks the first-ever animated film from the country to achieve such a nomination. The film tells the story of a young glassmaker navigating love and life amidst the turmoil of war and political unrest.
Author: Hasnain Abid Khanzada
Mumbai: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced itself from remarks made by its Member of Parliament and actress Kangana Ranaut regarding India’s repealed farm laws. BJP National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill dismissed Kangana’s statements as baseless and illogical, saying they were harming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts and contributions toward Punjab. “Kangana Ranaut’s unwarranted and unfounded remarks, especially against the farmers and Sikh community of Punjab, are damaging the welfare work that Prime Minister Modi has done for Punjab, its people, and their culture,” Shergill stated. Kangana recently made the controversial comment that the three repealed farm laws should be…
Geneva: An American woman has become the first person to intentionally end her life using a controversial “suicide pod.” The incident took place on Monday in Switzerland, prompting authorities to arrest several individuals on charges of inciting and assisting suicide. The 64-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, utilized a 3D-printed portable chamber known as Sarco to end her life. This device allows the user to initiate the process by pressing a button. The use of this device has sparked a debate, raising significant legal and ethical concerns surrounding assisted suicide. Swiss authorities confirmed that the Sarco pod was…
Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the recent killings of high-ranking commanders in Israeli attacks will not weaken Hezbollah, asserting that the group cannot be brought to its knees. In a meeting with military officials and veterans of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged the loss of several key and valued members of Hezbollah, noting that while such losses are certainly damaging, they will not incapacitate the organization. He emphasized that Hezbollah’s organizational strength and the resilience of its fighters far exceed the impact of these losses, declaring that their authority, capability, and power remain undiminished. Khamenei…
Washington: Qatar has made history by becoming the first Gulf nation to gain visa-free access to the United States. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the removal of visa requirements for Qatari citizens wishing to enter the country, making Qatar the first Gulf partner to enjoy visa-free entry into the U.S. American officials stated that Qatar met the stringent conditions and requirements necessary for visa exemption, leading to its inclusion among visa-free countries.
Washington: The American Muslim group, Emgage Action, has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, stating that former President Donald Trump poses a significant threat to their community. According to a report by Reuters, the Muslim advocacy group highlighted Trump’s past promises to impose travel bans that would primarily affect Muslim-majority countries. In the 2020 election, the group initially supported Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders before endorsing President Joe Biden, claiming to have mobilized 1 million Muslim voters during that presidential campaign. Kamala Harris has already garnered support from several smaller Muslim groups, including the Black Muslim Leadership Council Fund and American…
New York: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for the UN Security Council to take on its fundamental responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. Speaking at a high-level Security Council meeting on Ukraine at the UN headquarters in New York, Wang Yi stated that all parties must genuinely commit to promoting peace negotiations. He presented three key proposals: first, recognizing the severity of the crisis to improve the situation; second, enhancing a sense of responsibility to promote peace talks and persuade all parties involved; and third, emphasizing the necessity of immediate awareness to contain the spillover effects…
Tel Aviv / Beirut: The relentless bombardment by the Israeli military on Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of 600 individuals, including women and children, and injured more than 2,500 over the past four days. The death toll is expected to rise further. According to international news agencies, the indiscriminate shelling by the Israeli forces continues in southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in the tragic loss of 50 children and 94 women among the deceased. Additionally, key commanders of Hezbollah, both regional and central, have also been killed in the attacks. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that over 2,500…
Muslims across India are rallying against Islamophobia, with thousands marching towards Mumbai under the banner of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). In India, minorities, particularly Muslims, are facing discrimination and hostility from extremist Hindu groups. The rise in incitement against Muslims and religious extremism has become alarmingly evident. Targeted by Prime Minister Modi’s rhetoric of hatred and religious fanaticism, Muslims have begun to speak out against communal intolerance. AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel is leading a march with over 12,000 Muslims towards Mumbai. The protesters are demanding action against BJP MLA Nitish Rane and Hindu follower Ram Giri Maharaj for their…
Washington: Former President Donald Trump has expressed concerns over a serious threat to his life from Iran. In a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Republican presidential candidate mentioned that he has been receiving threats from Iran, emphasizing, “My life is in serious danger due to Iran.” He noted that while Iran has previously attempted such actions, they have not succeeded. Trump further stated that the U.S. military is aware of the threat to his life from Iran and is on standby. He thanked Congress for approving additional funding for the Secret Service, adding with irony,…
