Author: Hasnain Abid Khanzada

More than 20 women have accused the late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed of sexually abusing female staff at his luxury London department store, Harrods. The allegations include sexual assault, rape, and coercion spanning 25 years during Al Fayed’s ownership from 1985 to 2010, as revealed by lawyers for the alleged victims on Friday. A recent BBC documentary featured these women sharing their experiences, prompting Harrods to issue a public apology. “Underneath Harrods’ glitz and glamour was a toxic, unsafe, and abusive environment,” lawyer Gloria Allred stated at a press conference. According to the allegations, Al Fayed not only sexually…

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U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has condemned a political cartoon published by the National Review that depicts her with an exploding pager, labeling it as racist and Islamophobic. Created by cartoonist Henry Payne, the cartoon references recent deadly explosions in Lebanon involving pagers reportedly used by Hezbollah members. Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress and a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions, expressed concern that the cartoon would incite further hatred and violence against Arab and Muslim communities. “Our community is already in so much pain,” she stated on social media, arguing that such portrayals normalize racism and jeopardize lives.…

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The Modi government is encountering significant opposition after proposing 40 amendments to the Indian Waqf Act, raising concerns about potential seizures of Muslim properties. The Waqf Act enables Muslims to donate land and assets for charitable purposes, governed by oversight from Muslim parliamentarians, religious scholars, and state bar councils. However, the proposed amendments would diminish the powers of Waqf boards, potentially allowing government control over these assets. Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for purposes deemed pious, religious, or charitable under Muslim law. The 1995 Waqf Act was designed to regulate these assets, termed Auqaf,…

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An official from the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., has been discovered dead under mysterious circumstances, prompting an investigation. The embassy has confirmed the death but has not provided additional details at this time. According to Indian media reports, the embassy is in contact with local authorities and the family of the deceased. “Our sympathies are with the affected family,” the embassy stated briefly. Local police and Secret Service officials are exploring all avenues in their investigation, including the possibility of suicide; however, no official cause of death has been confirmed yet. The embassy has acknowledged the tragic event but…

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Elon Musk’s SpaceX has rapidly expanded its footprint in Brownsville, South Texas, over the past five years, driving economic growth through job creation and increased investments. However, the company’s aggressive political lobbying has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and unchecked development. Since 2014, Musk, SpaceX lobbyists, and affiliated businesses have contributed over $500,000 to the campaigns of about two dozen local officials, securing support for favorable legislation and subsidies. While this financial backing has facilitated the swift development of the Starbase facility, some residents argue that such political ties have come at the cost of transparency, leading to…

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Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s ousted monarch Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, has urged Israelis to financially support civil disobedience initiatives in Iran, emphasizing their vital role in achieving regime change. Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown in the 1979 revolution after ruling for 38 years, made this appeal during a speech at the Israeli-American Council (IAC) national summit on September 20, 2024, at the Washington Hilton. His remarks were met with enthusiasm from the audience, which included Israeli-American activists and supporters. The younger Pahlavi has been a vocal critic of the current Iranian regime since it replaced his father’s rule. His speech…

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TEHRAN: Iran summoned the acting head of Afghanistan’s embassy on Friday after accusing a visiting Afghan official of disrespecting the national anthem by remaining seated during its performance. This incident follows a similar controversy in Pakistan. Standing for the national anthem is a common practice meant to show respect and patriotism, honoring a nation and its values. Pakistan recently condemned an Afghan diplomat for similar behavior during an event in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to widespread criticism on social media. The Afghan consulate downplayed that incident, explaining that the diplomat’s choice to remain seated was due to the presence of “music…

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Haiti’s gang violence is spiraling out of control as the UN-backed mission aimed at restoring order remains critically underfunded, warned UN human rights expert William O’Neill on Friday. At a press conference in Port-au-Prince, O’Neill pointed out that gangs are extending their reach into new areas while weapons continue to flow into the country despite an international embargo. “Areas previously unaffected by gang violence are now directly impacted, worsening the already dire situation marked by rising inflation, shortages of basic goods, and increasing numbers of internally displaced people,” he stated. He emphasized the growing humanitarian crisis, with many Haitians facing…

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A group of Democratic representatives has introduced a bill to restore U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential services to nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees. Led by Representatives Pramila Jayapal, André Carson, and Jan Schakowsky, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 aims to reverse the pause on U.S. aid to the agency. UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering vital relief, including food, healthcare, and education, to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Historically, the U.S. has been one of UNRWA’s largest donors, but funding…

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Sri Lankans began voting today in a crucial presidential election, marking the first significant electoral event since the country’s economic collapse in 2022. With over 17 million registered voters eligible, this election could profoundly influence the nation’s recovery from its worst financial crisis in decades. The ballot features 38 candidates, including incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB), and Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the National People’s Power (NPP). Recent opinion polls suggest a competitive race, with Dissanayake gaining support among voters eager for change. Voting commenced at 7 am local time and will…

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