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PM announces Rs12.5m, assistance for families of Pakistanis killed in Somalia hostage situation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced financial assistance of Rs12.5 million rupees per household, free education for children and residential accommodation for the families of the three Pakistanis who were killed during the recovery operation off the coast of Somalia in a hostage situation. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a post on X that PM Shehbaz announced that the government would also provide healthcare facilities to the children of Syed Kashi Umar, Mahmood Ahmad Ansari and Rafiullah Khan. Additionally, it would also provide one house per family to these individuals' families for residential purposes. "The prime minister said that the bereaved families will not be left alone in this difficult time, and the government will provide all possible support and assistance," the PMO said. Prime Minister @CMShehbaz has announced financial assistance, free education for the children, and residence for the families of three Pakistanis, who l...

NY governor vows to close intoxication rape loophole at Cornell University

New York's Governor Kathy Hochul vowed on Friday to close a legal loophole allowing offenders to avoid rape charges if their victims were willingly intoxicated, as in the case of an alleged gang rape at Cornell University. "It should not matter whether they chose to use drugs or alcohol. Voluntary intoxication is not a licence for sexual assault or gang rape. Period," Hochul told reporters. "I support closing this loophole, and will work with the New York State Legislature to accomplish this." New York Attorney General Letitia James has been appointed special prosecutor to investigate an alleged gang rape at Cornell University, the state's governor announced, following an outcry over prosecutors' decision not to file charges two years ago. The investigation was reopened on Monday after the alleged victim filed a civil lawsuit, fueling allegations that the elite college failed to properly hold the men accountable. Read More: Hudson Williams speak...

Avalanche kills 15 Nepali workers preparing Himalayan mountain camp for climbers

At least 15 Nepali workers were killed when an avalanche buried a mountain camp they were preparing in central Nepal for foreign climbers, a rescue official said on Thursday, in the deadliest incident of the autumn climbing season ending this month. The avalanche buried the base camp of the 7,126-metre Himlung Himal mountain in the northern Manang district over the weekend, where the Nepali workers were pitching tents and fixing ropes. One remains missing. Rescuers have so far recovered 15 bodies from the site, said Tul Singh Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA). Eight bodies were recovered from under the snow on Thursday, while the other seven were retrieved earlier this week. Read More: Sindh records country's biggest rainfall deficit "The bodies that were recovered today are expected to be brought by a helicopter to Kathmandu," Gurung told Reuters. He said chances of finding the one missing worker were dim and the rescue...

Is American democracy unresponsive?

There have been many debates about American democracy being indirect. The electoral college mechanism was inserted into the system in order to what was then called "excess of democracy". There is another thing, which I always found quite baffling. An American president is elected after making certain promises to the citizens. He then proceeds to do, in many cases, exactly the opposite of what he promised on campaign trail or does exactly similar to what his opponent stood for, opposition to which got the man elected in the first place. Bush's "read my lips no new taxes", Obama's troop surge in Afghanistan and his sickening surveillance regime, Trump's promise to release the Epstein Files and then him being the only reason they weren't are some of such examples. There is practically nothing the American citizenry can do to stop an American president from doing what they never wanted or asked for. For four years, an American president can wage w...

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stuns at Paris Fashion Week runway in regal black velvet look

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turned heads at Paris Fashion Week, stepping onto the runway in a dramatic black velvet ensemble topped with a sparkling tiara. The actor appeared in a corset-style black velvet fishtail gown, complemented by a crystal-covered cape that added a theatrical touch to her look. She completed the outfit with a dazzling jewel-encrusted tiara, dewy makeup and her signature red lipstick.         View this post on Instagram                       Photos and videos from the event quickly made their way across social media, with fans praising Aishwarya’s glamorous appearance. Aishwarya, who represented L’Oréal Paris at the event, was also spotted mingling with fellow celebrities during rehearsals. A video showing her speaking with British actress Simone Ashley and warmly holding her hands gained attention online. She lat...

Govt decreases petrol by Rs2.27, diesel by Rs3.56 for Sept 29

The federal government on Monday decreased the price of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs2.27 and Rs3.56 per litre, respectively, for September 29. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol was fixed at Rs389.03 per litre, while HSD would cost Rs404.97 per litre for Tuesday. The latest revision comes after the government increased the price of petrol by Rs2.02 per litre, while decreasing the price of HSD by Rs3.59 per litre from September 26 to September 28. Read: Govt increases petrol by Rs2.02, cuts diesel by Rs3.59 till Sept 28 On July 17, the government announced a new pricing mechanism under which petroleum product prices would be reviewed and notified daily, replacing the weekly pricing mechanism, as renewed tensions between the United States and Iran continued to drive volatility in global oil markets and raise concerns over fuel supplies. Earlier this month, PM Shehbaz...

University Road project to be completed within two months: Sharjeel

University Road is finally within touching distance of completion, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said, announcing that the entire project would be completed within two months. “Now we can say University Road has been built.” Sharjeel made the announcement while inaugurating the Mosamiyat Flyover, a key component of the Red Line BRT project, on Sunday. Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani and Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad were also present at the inauguration. Memon said work on University Road had reached the final stages and that the difficulties faced by commuters had largely been overcome. He said the Sindh government was working round the clock for Karachi’s development, with different departments engaged in infrastructure and other development projects across the city. “Those who say that no work is being done in Karachi, I want to tell them that work is taking place,” he said. The senior minister said Karachi’s size brought chal...