Blaze News - Pakistan

Born two months premature as war raged in Gaza, Palestinian baby Yehia Hamuda was evacuated to southern Gaza after Israeli forces raided the hospital where he was being cared for in the north. Stuck in the north, his parents have not seen him since then. His mother Sondos and father Zakaria scrolled through photographs of Yehia, now five-months-old, on a mobile phone at their home in Jabalia in northern Gaza, severed from the south by Israeli military checkpoints. Sondos said it was too dangerous to make the 30-km (20-mile) journey from Jabalia to Rafah. A girl kisses the hand of Yehia Hamuda, a Palestinian infant, who was evacuated to south Gaza as a premature baby after Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza Strip and is currently separated from his parents due to an Israeli checkpoint that separates north Gaza from the south, at Al-Emirati hospital, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, April 24, 2024. PHOTO: REUTER "There are tanks and bulldozers. My husban...

In a major development, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday issued legally-binding instructions to the relevant departments to block mobile phone connections of over half-a-million non-filers, as its campaign to voluntarily register retailers also falls apart with only 75 retailers availing the scheme. The tax machinery also faced another setback on Tuesday when its 10-month tax collection fell short of the goal by around Rs40 billion. Against the July-April target of Rs7.414 trillion, the FBR provisionally collected over Rs7.38 trillion. There was a 31% increase in the collection during the 10 months period. The developments came on the heels of growing resentment within the tax machinery over the government’s decision to remove 25 allegedly corrupt and inefficient officers. The general body of the customs officers met on Tuesday and the 450 officers from grade 17 to 22 considered the options to either go on strike or file en masse applications to go on leave. The FBR has is...

The Punjab government has released Rs60 million to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) for the silt cleaning of 15 small and large rain drains spread throughout the city before the onset of the monsoon season. The agency had requested Rs70m for the purpose. Additionally, the WASA has demanded Rs80 million for the cleaning of the eight-kilometre stretch of Nullah Leh in urban areas. A summary has been sent to the Punjab Cabinet for consideration in the next meeting. Credible sources told The Express Tribune that there are indications that funds amounting to Rs60m will be released to facilitate the silt cleaning of Nullah Leh. However, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board and Chaklalahla Cantonment Board will release the funds for silt cleaning within 10km of the Nullah Lai in the cantonment areas. Furthermore, the Cantonment Boards have formally requested a grant of Rs50m from the federal government. Sources in WASA confirmed to have received Rs60m after Rs10m was cut for the silt cleanin...

In a bid to foster innovation and technology-driven progress, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) and the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) have declared the Pakistan Digital City (PDC) Haripur a ‘special technology zone’. The move is being dubbed as a ‘pivotal stride’ in advancing the region's technological landscape. Under this agreement, PDC Haripur is poised to enjoy tax incentives, rendering it a tax-exempt zone for entities operating within its premises. “This strategic measure is expected to bolster the growth of IT businesses associated with PDC Haripur, offering them a 10-year tax exemption period that fosters a conducive environment for technological advancement,” a statement issued in this regard read. The event, attended by dignitaries including Special Assistant to the K-P Chief Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Latif Khan alongside representatives from the STZA and KPITB, underscores the significance of PDC Haripur as the large...

A CCTV footage capturing a glimpse of a goat roaming inside the security fence of the motorway and a patrolling official catching the mammal by ear and dragging her became viral on social media. The incident took place near Fateh Jang. According to the motorway police, a local brought the cattle inside the protective fence of the motorway’s territory, risking an accident. Officials took protective custody of the goat and later returned to the owner who conceded his mistake. In the viral video, a motorway police officer could be seen grabbing a goat by its ear from among other cattle grazing a few feet below the motorway. Another man in plainclothes could also be seen helping the unformed cop and putting the goat in a motorway police vehicle. The makers of the video could be heard describing the action of the motorway police as goat theft and visiting the office to bring the animal back. Interestingly, some other cattle could be seen grazing within the same fence regardless of the situa...

Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi Monday said the capital police had launched an aggressive campaign for adopting a zero-tolerance policy against street crimes and drug abusers. Talking to a private news channel, he vowed that the capital police with its full dedication will improve their performance and take innovative steps to further improve the overall law and order situation to curb street crimes by concentrating on the hotspots. He urged the citizens to come forward and lodge their complaints against such policemen, who would not be tolerated in the police force. He said a seven-day special campaign should be started to eliminate crimes. All police officers will target criminal groups and expedite crackdowns on drug trafficking and a special campaign will be launched against professional beggars. Replying to a query, he said Islamabad police have launched a special awareness campaign titled “Nasha Ab Nahe” to eradicate narcotics from the federal cap...

As temperatures soared, Karachi experienced its hottest day of the year on Sunday, with the mercury hitting a scorching 37 degrees Celsius, Express News reported. Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted that Sunday marked not only the hottest day in the port city but also one of the most humid, with sea breezes disrupted. The humidity levels reached 45 per cent, making the heat more intense than the recorded temperature. The maximum temperature in the city was recorded at 37 degrees Celsius, marking a significant increase of 2.9 degrees compared to the previous day's high of 34.1 degrees. Read: Bangladesh reels under longest heat wave in 76 years Warnings from the PMD's early warning system have indicated that Balochistan may face a temporary heatwave, attributed to the influence of northern winds. The mercury is forecasted to rise to 39 degrees Celsius on Monday in the region. In Sindh province, PMD highlighted the likelihood of hot and dry weather prevailing. Despite t...

Following an alarming rise in hepatitis cases in Rawalpindi's Fauji Colony area, extensive awareness and testing initiatives have been launched to shield residents from the growing health threat. The Local Hepatitis Elimination and Prevention Program (LHEAP) has spearheaded this campaign, introducing testing and vaccination services to diagnose and combat hepatitis effectively. One of the key focal points has been addressing hygiene lapses in establishments like barber shops, dental clinics, and tyre shops along Bokra Road, a bustling business hub adjoining the affected union council. The officials from the LHEAP programme have taken swift action, sealing off eleven barber shops, a dental clinic, and a tyre shop in response to their use of non-sterilised tools. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to enforce cleanliness protocols and mitigate the spread of hepatitis within the community. The prevalence of hepatitis in Fauji Colony has been alarming, with roughly one in every ...

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi delivered a resolute message on Friday to his critics, both within and outside the ranks of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He emphasized that any attempts to sow discord between him and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were bound to falter. Naqvi underscored in his statement that his bond with the prime minister extended back over 25 years, portraying Shehbaz not only as a mentor but also a cherished friend. Personally, the minister expressed a preference for nurturing personal connections over acquiring governmental positions. “To those who seek to sow seeds of division between us, their efforts are futile. Ministries hold no significance for me compared to the depth of our relationship,” the statement quoted the minister as affirming. “My association with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif spans a quarter-century, and he is akin to an elder brother to me.” Naqvi’s response came after various statements, both publically and privately, from PML-...

A female pedestrian was killed while 15 others sustained injuries when the driver of a private university bus lost control of the vehicle before colliding with a roadside wall and overturned on Abid Majeed Road in the RA Bazaar area of Rawalpindi on Thursday. According to the details, the driver of the bus of the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), carrying the varsity employees, suddenly lost control of the vehicle on Abid Majeed Road and drove it on the sidewalk before ramming into the sidewall and overturning as a result. Following the incident, the diesel started to flow from the vehicle, prompting fears of the vehicle catching fire. Meanwhile, a team of rescue officials rushed to the scene and gave first aid to the 15 injured, including the bus driver, before shifting them to a local hospital. Quoting the eyewitnesses, the officials said the bus was plying at a high speed and it hit an electric pole before overturning. Cantt Deputy Superintendent of Police Mir...

The Pakistan-Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) held a public hearing of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the construction of 132 KV Grid Station and its feeding transmission lines to be established at the Cabinet Division Housing Society at E-16 Sector of the federal capital on Thursday at Margalla View Marquee. The EIA public hearing is mandatory for any development project in the federal capital before seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the public development authority under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997 and Review of IEE/EIA Regulations, 2000. The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) under its 7th STD programme intends to install a grid station in the Cabinet Division Housing Society (CDHS), Islamabad to provide a reliable supply of power to Roshan Pakistan, Dhok Doray, Dohk Pind Padian, Gulshan Sihat, Dhok Paracha, Engineers Housing Society, Farming Housing Society, Itifaq Housing Society, Sector D-12, Sangjani and ...

To create awareness about the need for environmental protection, the US Embassy organised a clean-up campaign along the shores of Rawal Lake in Islamabad. The event was held in connection with Earth Day marked on April 22 across the world. This year's theme, "Plastic vs Planet," underscores the urgent challenge of plastic pollution. In alignment with this theme, the American mission spearheaded a clean-up initiative at Rawal Lake. US Deputy Ambassador to Pakistan, Andrew Schofer, actively participated in the drive by collecting garbage. This year's theme, "Plastic vs. Planet," underscores the urgent challenge of plastic pollution. In alignment with this theme, the American mission spearheaded a clean-up initiative at Rawal Lake. The event was held in collaboration with WWF, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. Several university students also took part in the drive and they diligently worked to clear the lake's banks of litter. Addressing the media, ...

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Tuesday offloaded and detained a passenger travelling to Italy via the New Islamabad International Airport on fake travel documents. In another operation, cell phones and laptops worth Rs7 million were recovered from two passengers coming from abroad. According to officials, a passenger named Sajid Abbasi from Mandi Bahauddin reached the airport to travel on flight number TK711 to Italy. The immigration officials found his Italian resident card fake, offloaded him and transferred him to the Anti-Human Trafficking circle. The suspect disclosed during the initial investigation that he got the Italian visa from an agent. Separately, the FIA officials frisked the luggage of passengers Mohammad Suleman and Mohammad Abid, who came from Dubai on flight number ED211, and found five iPhone 15 Promax, three iPhone 13, three Samsung Galaxy S24 and eight laptops with a total value of Rs7m in the secret boxes of their luggage. The suspects, who belong to Ka...

After the lapse of several weeks and an alarming spike in street crime, the Islamabad police finally got a new police chief at the Central Police Office. Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, recently appointed as the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad, officially assumed his duties on Monday following his transfer from the Punjab government to the federal government three weeks ago. Upon taking charge, IG Rizvi identified three major challenges facing the Islamabad police, affecting their overall effectiveness. The first challenge highlighted was the rising incidents of street crimes, posing a significant hurdle for law enforcement. He emphasised the need to enhance patrol system efficiency rather than solely focusing on apprehending criminals. The second challenge addressed covert networks involved in theft, robbery, and street crimes. IG Rizvi introduced measures empowering investigating officers to apprehend culprits and recover stolen items, providing relief to citizens. The third challenge invo...

Plastic pollution in the natural ecosystems of Islamabad is a complex issue that demands stakeholder-inclusive interventions. This was said by US Embassy Islamabad Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Andrew Schofer Monday while addressing the World Earth Day cleanup activity at the Kinara Park near Rawal Lake, organised by the US Embassy, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and Friends of Margalla Hills National Park. The US envoy demanded enhanced mass mobilisation and education to take responsibility for protecting natural ecosystems dwindling due to increased anthropogenic activities. Earth Day recalls mankind's efforts to recognise its responsibility towards environmental conservation and preservation. It started back in 1970 after the adverse impacts of industrialisation began to degrade land, air, water and soil. The theme for this year is Planet Vs Plastics as the menace of plastic pollution has cast mind-blowing impacts on human health, ecology and marine life at large as ...

When Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visits Pakistan on Monday, experts believe that the two issues foremost on his mind, which he will want to discuss with his Pakistani counterpart President Asif Ali Zardari, will be border security and the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. “This visit comes at the most troubling time for the region,” Inter Press Service (IPS) quoted Senator Mushaid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Islamabad-based Pakistan-China Institute, as saying. He pointed to the war in Gaza and the resurgence of terrorism from Afghanistan, which borders both Pakistan and Iran. Added tension comes after retaliatory strikes by Israel and Iran. A suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria at the beginning of the month was followed by a retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel on April 13. US officials say Israel responded, despite a plea by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for restraint. The gas pipeline will be an uneasy conversation to hold for Zardari...

The Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) operations to Dubai and Sharjah on Saturday were restored after 31 flights had been cancelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the past four days because of the unprecedented torrential rains in the Gulf region. Sources said eight PIA flights fly to Dubai on a daily basis. However, they added that 21 flights to Dubai were cancelled in the past four days. Heavy rains in the famous Gulf destination from April 16 severely affected the PIA’s operations to the region. In an open letter to customers from Emirates President Tim Clark, he wrote that the ongoing week had been one of the toughest for the airline operationally, as record storms hit the UAE. “I would like to offer our most sincere apologies to every customer who has had their travel plans disrupted during this time,” he added. Read also: Dubai airport diverts flights as 'exceptional weather' hits Gulf Clark noted that on April 16, the UAE experienced its highest rainfall in 75...

The hallowed halls of parliament found itself embroiled in a bizarre incident on Friday as thieves slipped past security, leaving officials and journalists in a barefoot bind. Security personnel were left scratching their heads when shoes mysteriously vanished from the parliament premises, sparking a flurry of concern. Upon learning of the incident, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq promptly intervened, demanding a report from the security detail. The drama unfolded as worshippers, including MNAs, journalists and parliamentary staff gathered at the mosque within the Parliament House for Friday prayers. However, as the faithful bowed their heads in prayer, miscreants seized the moment to make off with over 20 pairs of shoes from the mosque’s doorstep. Also read: Beggars’ territorial dispute lands in Karachi court Reports indicate that over 20 pairs of shoes vanished during the prayer session, leaving worshippers dismayed as they concluded their prayers and prepared to depa...

The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department Punjab has recommended departmental action against the Medical Superintendent of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Gujar Khan and other staff for being declared guilty of misconduct and dereliction of duty. The hospital is currently working under the District Health Authority (DHA). The action has been recommended against the MS under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline, and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, while the action has also been recommended against the hospital's junior pharmacy technician, female pharmacist, in-charge nurse and pharmacy manager under departmental rules. A warning has also been issued to the female head nurse, the director of emergency and a doctor not to show any neglect in their duties in future. Earlier, departmental action was proposed against the said officials by the Khushab Chief Executive Officer under the PEEDA Act. In a complaint filed by one Qamar Shehzad, the attendant of patient Sabir H...

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Pakistan has launched the ‘Starting Cleanliness’ initiative in ICT government schools to create awareness and cultivate a sense of civic responsibility among the students. Information Secretary Mohyuddin Wani inaugurated the drive on Wednesday. “I am excited to announce the launch of the initiative in ICT government schools. I commit to participating in a daily cleanliness campaign in one school,” he said, adding that it was essential to lead by example, involving both ourselves and the students in maintaining a clean environment. The information secretary said that education is being fused with civic responsibility to maintain cleanliness on school premises. Effective immediately, every government school and college will mandate participation in campus cleaning activities for both staff and students. The ministry officials will visit two schools daily to oversee implementation. On Wednesday, Wani visited G62 School and joined...

The capital city has embraced normalcy, with the majority of natives returning after celebrating the religious festival of Eidul Fitr in their inbred towns with relatives to join their daily engagements. After celebrations of Eidul Fitr, following the conclusion of the holy month of Ramazan, the natives as well as the locals are now transitioning back to their routines, as significant attendance was observed in the public and private offices and educational institutions. Although many of the employees and students have resumed their official and academic engagements, respectively, many still could not join their daily activities due to tiredness after travelling back from their ancestral towns. The majority of the population of Islamabad, comprised of people belonging to different parts of the country who are settled here for jobs, education, or business purposes, prefers to celebrate the festivals of Eid with their relatives in their home towns. The three Eid holidays from Wednesday t...

Three days of continuous torrential rain have paralysed life in the Hazara division, severing many road connections and triggering landslides that have blocked several roads, including the Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Kohistan. Flash floods have engulfed residential areas in Abbottabad. According to reports, the persistent heavy downpour in the upper Hazara division, including Abbottabad city, Galyat, Kaghan, Naran, Kohistan, Battagram, and Thandyani, has resulted in numerous road blockages due to landslides. Flash floods have also breached defences, entered homes and caused widespread destruction. In Havelian, Abbottabad, Qalandar Abad, and Manshra, the KKH has been blocked at multiple points by flash floods, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded in the water. Heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, has caused significant damage to electricity transmission lines and telecommunication systems across most parts of the Hazara division. Several link roads throughout the division have bee...

Amir Sarfaraz alias Amir Tamba, an accused involved in the murder of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh in Kot Lakhpat jail in 2013, has died during treatment for gunshot wounds in a hospital on Sunday. He was shot by two unidentified suspects at his residence in Islampura earlier in the day. Junaid Sarfaraz, the younger brother of Amir, said that his brother was inside the house on the first floor at Ganga Street and the gate of the house was open. Suddenly, two unidentified motorcyclists approached and shot the victim. One of the unidentified suspects was wearing a face mask while the other was wearing a helmet. Amir received serious bullet injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment but he succumbed to his wounds. Reportedly, Amir had received four bullet injuries, two in the chest and two in the legs. In 2013, Amir along with another suspect Mudassir had been accused of murdering an Indian death row prisoner Sarbajit Singh detained in Kot Lakhpat jail convicted for ...

The District Health Authority (DHA) has swung into action against mushroom growth of quacks on footpaths, roads and streets, and in neighbourhoods of the city and the rest of the district. These quacks are seen treating eye, tooth, nose, ear, throat, stomach, liver and kidney diseases at the cost of human health. And often uneducated and less-educated segment of society falls prey to these unqualified medical practitioners and so-called herbalists. The visitors are generally unaware that the quacks don't cure the illness properly and the latter become victims of even more dangerous diseases due to hazardous treatment, non-sterilised instruments, and consumption of spurious medicines. The quakes treat eyes with traditional medical substances, leading to acute infections like visual impairment. Similarly, in the treatment of teeth, the use of non-sterilised equipment and chemicals for cleaning and placing new teeth could expose the patient to the risk of contracting hepatitis. Simila...

Lightning strikes accompanied by heavy rains on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 25 people in Punjab and Balochistan provinces, Express News reported. In Punjab alone, 17 people succumbed to the deadly strikes, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Lightning struck multiple areas including Muzaffargarh, Rahimyar Khan, Rajanpur, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar. Heart-wrenching accounts emerged from the Faqeer Wali area near Haroonabad, where a father and his two sons lost their lives, while the mother and another son sustained injuries. Rescue 1122 confirmed nine fatalities in Faqeer Wali, with reports of further casualties in Bahawalpur and Lodhran. Read: Rain, thunderstorm expected in Karachi on April 13 and 14 In another tragic incident, a family consisting of a husband, wife, and their two children perished in Rahim Yar Khan city. In Balochistan, eight individuals fell victim to the strikes following torrential rainfall. ...

The decades-old manual swings dominated the streets and parks in Rawalpindi in the first three days of Eidul Fitr after a manifold increase in the rates of electric swings.   The operators of up to 70-year-old manual swings returned to the city areas to attract street children and earned a good number of bucks. The families found it difficult to pay for electric swings in the parks of twin cities after operators increased the prices of tickets 500 times for swings like chairlifts. A large number of street children enjoyed these manual swings, which are said to have been manufactured before the partition. The modern days’ swings like dodging cars and computerised games could be a dream of the past times when manual swings were seen in every street and neighbourhood on the occasions of fairs, Eids and national festivals. Before the establishment of Pakistan, till the mid-80s, the swing operators used to swing the children in exchange for flour, sugar, rice, and wheat. Later, the...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are diving deeper into their partnership with Netflix, bringing forth two new shows under their Archewell Productions banner, founded by the couple in 2020.  According to Netflix, Meghan will oversee the first series as executive producer. The show will explore cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship, offering a multifaceted look into lifestyle topics. Meanwhile, both Meghan and Harry will serve as executive producers of the second series, which will follow the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, and offer a look at the competition and the polo industry's social scene.  Titles and release dates for both shows will be released “in the coming months”, according to Netflix. However, the streaming service has confirmed that both series are in early production. The new series follow other projects from the couple, including the 2022 Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan. Since stepping back as senior members of the British...

President Asif Ali Zardari, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi, assured that Pakistan would continue to work with Iran in all areas of mutual interest to further bolster bilateral cooperation. The president also underlined the need to enhance the exchange of information to overcome the security challenges being faced by the two countries. During the phone call, President Zardari also exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. Zardari offered his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus. He also expressed his concern over the humanitarian crisis and the genocide being committed by the Israeli forces and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The president extended an invitation to the Iranian President to visit Pakistan and also wished the Raisi and his family continued well-being, health and happiness. ...

OJ Simpson, the American football star and actor who was acquitted in a sensational 1995 trial of murdering his former wife but was found responsible for her death in a civil lawsuit and was later imprisoned for armed robbery and kidnapping, has died at the age of 76. Simpson, cleared by a Los Angeles jury in what the U.S. media called "the trial of the century," had died on Wednesday after a battle with cancer, his family posted on social media on Thursday. Simpson avoided prison when he was found not guilty in the 1994 stabbing deaths of former wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles. Simpson later served nine years in a Nevada prison after being convicted in 2008 on 12 counts of armed robbery and kidnapping two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel. Nicknamed "The Juice," Simpson was one of the best and most popular athletes of the late 1960s and 1970s. He overcame childhood infirmity to become an electrifying ...

Few doubt Narendra Modi will win re-election in India's marathon polls starting this month -- the question is how far the prime minister will succeed in wooing the wealthier and better-educated south. After a decade in power, Modi hopes to significantly increase his Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 55 percent parliamentary majority -- and to do that requires winning in southern states. Modi's Hindu-nationalist BJP won 303 of 543 seats in the lower house of parliament in 2019, but mainly from the populous, poorer, Hindi-speaking north. Holding repeated rallies across the south, Modi has sought to win new voters, offering his "topmost respect" to the south's Tamil culture and language, including wearing the region's traditional white wrap, waving from open-topped convoys in flower-strewn parades. Modi has also launched a social media handle in Tamil, to win over those who see the BJP dominated by northern Hindi speakers. Read:India election official quits befo...

An Israeli strike Wednesday killed three of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's sons in Gaza, the Palestinian leader and Israel's military said, as war rages in the occupied Palestinian territory despite ongoing truce negotiations. Hamas said in a statement that three of Haniyeh's sons and four of his grandchildren were killed in the air strike. Israel confirmed the killings, claiming the sons were "Hamas operatives" who were "on their way to carry out terrorist activities". The strike came as talks in Cairo aimed at a ceasefire and a hostage release deal dragged on without signs of a breakthrough. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar, suggested the strike was an attempt to shift Hamas's negotiating stance, but insisted it would not work. US President Joe Biden meanwhile said Hamas "needs to move" on the latest truce proposal, which the resistance group has said it was considering. The United States has also been ramping up press...

In a heartfelt message to the Pakistani people, US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, extended warm wishes for Eidul Fitr, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramazan, in a video message on Wednesday. Ambassador Blome began his message with the traditional greeting of "Aslam o Alaikum" and conveyed "Eid Mubarak" on behalf of the US mission to Pakistan and the American people. Ambassador Blome expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and warmth extended to him by the Pakistani people, particularly during the month of Ramazan. He acknowledged the significance of this auspicious occasion in fostering bonds of friendship and community between nations, emphasising the enduring ties between the United States and Pakistan. "As the holy month concludes," Ambassador Blome remarked, "let us continue to cherish the bonds of friendship and community between our countries." Eidul Fitr, a joyous festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide, symbol...