Blaze News - Pakistan

If you’re tired of the same old tourist-packed destinations and the endless crowds of selfie-stick-wielding travelers, it's time to rethink your vacation spots. Sure, places like Germany, Thailand, and Greece offer stunning landmarks and rich histories, but they also come with long lines, high prices, and an overcrowded atmosphere. Luckily, there are hidden gems all around the world that offer similar experiences with fewer people, lower costs, and a more authentic vibe. So, instead of falling into the well-trodden paths, check out these amazing destinations that will give you the adventure of a lifetime—without the touristy hustle and bustle. 1. Instead of Germany, Go to Poland Poland is a country of stunning contrasts, from the medieval charm of Kraków to the vibrant culture of Warsaw. If you’re drawn to Germany’s beer halls, castles, and charming villages, Poland will give you all that and more—at a fraction of the cost and with far fewer crowds. The Tatra Mountains offer jaw-dr...

In response to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer for negotiations, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shibli Faraz has rejected the suggestion of forming a house committee, stating that it is not an effective approach. He criticised the Prime Minister's stance, saying the real issue lies with the government's attitude towards other political parties. "The proposal for a house committee is not a viable solution. If the government were serious about talks, a committee would have already been formed," He remarked. He reiterated PTI’s demand for a judicial commission, emphasising that such a body would inspire public trust. "We are asking for a judicial commission because people have confidence in it. The house committee suggestion is not an appropriate one," he added. Faraz clarified that PTI's call for negotiations was aimed at alleviating the ongoing political instability in the country. "We agreed to talks to help resolve the political cr...

The cabinet division has released the Toshakhana records from March, 2023, to December 31, 2024, revealing a list of prominent figures who received gifts during this period, local media reported on Wednesday. Among the individuals listed are Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, former president Arif Alvi, former CJP Qazi Faez Isa, and several other key political and government personalities. According to the notification issued, numerous officials, including former interim prime minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Miftah Ismail, Rana Sanaullah, Aftab Tarar, Shazin Bugti, and Jam Kamal also received gifts. Other individuals listed in the notification include PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, his sister Asifa Bhutto, Senator Talha Mahmood, seasoned diplom...

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised Gaza's resilience in a speech on Tuesday, claiming the Palestinian territory had brought Israel "to its knees" following the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire, which includes a hostage-release deal, went into effect over a week ago and aims to end more than 15 months of conflict. "The small, limited Gaza brought the Zionist regime, armed to the teeth and fully supported by America, to its knees," Khamenei said during a meeting with Iranian officials in Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked US President Donald Trump's controversial plan to relocate Palestinians, suggesting instead that Israelis be moved to Greenland to "resolve the issue." Araghchi, speaking in an interview posted on his Telegram channel, quipped, "Instead of Palestinians, try to expel Israelis, take them to Greenland, killing two birds with one stone. They can ...

Viral Chinese AI app DeepSeek is offline, with its services disrupted by what the company has described as “large-scale malicious attacks.” The Hangzhou-based startup has also restricted new signups to Chinese phone numbers, effectively banning international users from accessing the platform. The outage comes after a series of technical issues in recent days, coinciding with DeepSeek’s meteoric rise. Its perceived superior performance has sent shockwaves through the global tech industry, leading US tech companies to lose $1 trillion in market value. DeepSeek: A new AI leader? Founded in 2023, DeepSeek has disrupted the AI landscape with advanced models praised for their performance and cost-effectiveness. The startup claims its models rival those from OpenAI and Meta, while being far cheaper to train. Using Nvidia’s H800 chips, the company reportedly developed its latest model for under $6 million, a fraction of what US companies spend. These revelations have prompted US tech executive...

In an era of rapid technological advancement, radio remains an unyielding pillar of communication in Pakistan, especially in underserved regions where it serves as a vital force in public discourse, cultural representation, and emergency response. Commissioner Karachi Hasan Naqvi, speaking at the culmination ceremony of the Frequency+ training program, stresses radio’s critical role in national efforts like polio eradication campaigns, voter education during elections, and crisis management during emergencies. He commended radio’s unique capacity to swiftly disseminate essential information, ensuring that even the most remote communities remain informed during times of need. The Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI), in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate Karachi, organized the Frequency+ training program for 122 radio professionals in Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Quetta from 20th-27th January 2025. Over the days, participants honed their technical and digital skills, l...

A new report released by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) on Sunday highlights a significant gender-based divergence in voting patterns across communities in the 2024 general elections. The study found that in 18% of communities, women voters chose different candidates than their male counterparts in National Assembly constituencies, despite voting in male and female-designated polling stations within the same jurisdictions. The report also shed light on party-specific trends: in the 3,884 communities where women’s choices differed from men’s, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) garnered more support from women in 1,260 communities, followed by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) in 1,027 communities and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) in 694. Regionally, PTI found strong backing from women across the country, PML-N remained dominant in Punjab, and PPPP enjoyed significant support in Sindh. In terms of constituency outcomes, women’s voting preferences in 37 constit...

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hussain, has announced plans to begin direct air services between Bangladesh and Pakistan, further strengthening bilateral ties. Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, Hussain emphasized the deep and historic relationship between the two countries and expressed the intention to initiate direct flights to facilitate travel and connectivity. He noted that such a move would enhance cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, education, and trade. The High Commissioner also highlighted the growing trade and diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, stating that these ties would continue to grow stronger. He underscored Bangladesh's commitment to freedom of expression, noting how social media has empowered the younger generation to voice their rights, contributing to a robust culture of free speech in the country. Additionally, Hussain pointed out the vast investment opportunities in Khybe...

Cody Gakpo scored twice and created another goal as Liverpool cruised to a 4-1 win over lowly Ipswich Town at Anfield on Saturday, maintaining their position at the top of the Premier League. The win took Liverpool to 53 points, six ahead of second-placed Arsenal, who defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 away. Ipswich, who remain in the relegation zone in 18th position, have 16 points, level with Wolves on goal difference. Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock in the 11th minute after Ibrahim Konate picked him out in space just outside the box. Szoboszlai cut back onto his left foot and calmly placed the ball into the bottom-right corner.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Liverpool Football Club (@liverpoolfc) Mohamed Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 35th minute, as Gakpo’s cross found him at the back post and the Egyptian lashed the ball into the roof of the net from...

Iranian police arrested two young women after publication of a video in which they danced in a Tehran cemetery without adhering to the country's strict dress code, local media reported Friday. "Not long ago, two people, in the cemetery of martyrs in Tehran, disregarding the sacred site, recorded a video clip with inappropriate clothing and movements that were outside of custom and Sharia" Islamic law, a police statement carried by Tasnim news agency said. The move "caused strong public protests, especially from the families of the martyrs and the two were arrested by the police and handed over to judicial authorities," the statement added. Under rules imposed after the 1979 Islamic revolution, women must cover their hair and neck and wear loose-fitting clothes in public. They are also not allowed to dance in public places. But many women have pushed the boundaries by allowing their head coverings to slide back and reveal more hair, especially in Tehran and other...

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, arrived in Beirut Thursday for his country’s first high-level visit to Lebanon in nearly 15 years, following a prolonged period of strained relations. The visit comes at a critical time for Lebanon, which is grappling with an ongoing economic crisis and the aftermath of the destructive 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. During his visit, Prince Faisal expressed strong optimism about Lebanon’s new leadership and their potential to drive the necessary reforms to stabilize the nation and rebuild its shattered economy. “We are greatly confident in the ability of the president and the prime minister to initiate the reforms necessary to bolster Lebanon’s security, stability, and unity,” Prince Faisal said after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. Lebanon’s parliament elected Aoun as president earlier this month, ending over two years of political deadlock. His candidacy was widely believed to have been backed by Riyadh and West...

US President Donald Trump told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to make a deal to end the grinding Ukraine war “now” or face tariff hikes and more sanctions. “If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on US President Donald Trump told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to make a deal to end the grinding Ukraine war “now” or face tariff hikes and more sanctions. anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries,” Trump said on his Truth Social network. Trump said he was “not looking to hurt Russia” and had “always had a very good relationship with President Putin,” a leader for whom he has expressed admiration in the past. “All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE.” Trump was taking a harder lin...

The ongoing water distribution dispute in Senate has intensified tensions between the government and coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), further fueled by controversial remarks from Minister Aleem Khan regarding past infrastructure failures. The debate took place during a session on Tuesday chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Syed Ali Khan; where the PPP leaders challenged the government's water distribution figures, claiming they were at odds with ground realities. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman accused the government of constructing new canals on the Indus River, which she argued would deprive Sindh province of its fair share of water. In response, Senator Irfan Siddiqui from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) dismissed the objections as unfounded, arguing that the water distribution was in line with the established formula. Minister for Water Resources Khawaja Muddasir Malik presented the government's official water distribution figures, emphasizing that...

Karachi University has introduced a formal dress code for students, aimed at maintaining decorum and ensuring a respectful academic environment, according to a notification issued by the university administration. The notice explicitly prohibits students from wearing shorts, sleeveless or tight clothing, graphic-laden apparel, and casual slippers on campus. It further advises all students to wear clean and modest clothing that upholds the sanctity of the educational environment. “Students must avoid attire that is provocative, offensive, or distracting,” the notification added. This move seeks to foster a conducive atmosphere for learning while promoting respect for academic norms and values. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/bo34azf

President Donald Trump will once again withdraw the United States from the Paris climate deal, the White House said on Monday, removing the world's biggest historic emitter from global efforts to fight climate change for the second time in a decade. The decision would place the United States alongside Iran, Libya and Yemen as the only countries in the world outside the 2015 pact, in which governments agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The announcement, in a document from the White House, reflects Trump’s skepticism about global warming, which he has called a hoax, and fits in with his broader agenda to unfetter US oil and gas drillers from regulation so they can maximize output. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is confident that U.S. cities, states and businesses "will continue to demonstrate vision and leadership by working for the low-carbon,...

As the Maha Kumbh Mela unfolds in India, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, a garland seller from Indore, Monalisa, has caught the attention of millions on social media for her striking looks and unique presence. Known for attending every Kumbh Mela, Monalisa, a young woman from Madhya Pradesh, became an overnight sensation following viral videos that showcased her selling pearl neckpieces by the ghat. In one widely circulated video, Monalisa interacts with a lady from Japan, where the two exchange their experiences at the Maha Kumbh Mela. https://ift.tt/oeQxrOh Her amber eyes, dusky complexion, and sharp features, along with her distinct way of speaking, quickly attracted attention, with numerous visitors to the event seeking photographs with her. However, what initially seemed like a moment of fame has turned into an overwhelming experience for Monalisa. In a subsequent video, the young woman expressed frustration over the constant influx of people wanting to meet ...

Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari has come under intense criticism following her recent Instagram video, where she is seen dancing joyfully. In the video, posted on the photo and video sharing platform Instagram, Bushra Ansari expresses her happiness and says she is someone who enjoys the lighter moments of life. "I am a person who likes to stay happy from the heart and enjoys the delightful moments of life," she said.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Bushra Bashir (@ansari.bushra) However, her video sparked mixed reactions from social media users. While some fans applauded her energy and positivity, others criticised the video, calling it inappropriate for someone of her professional stature. This is not the first time Bushra Ansari has faced criticism on social media. She has previously been targeted for sharing similar videos, but the actress has always expressed her det...

President-elect Donald Trump's incoming "border czar" Tom Homan said on Saturday that targeted operations to detain migrants who are in the US illegally will begin next week, and indicated they would involve several cities. Asked on Fox News if deportation raids would be launched in multiple cities, including Chicago, Homan said, "I wouldn’t categorize them as raids. There are going to be targeted enforcement operations." Asked how these operations would be received in so-called sanctuary cities, which have pledged not to use city resources for federal immigration raids, Homan suggested the incoming Trump administration would target city jails. "We want to arrest a bad guy in the safety and security of a county jail.” A source told Reuters on Friday that New York and Miami would be targeted. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would stage a week-long operation in Chicago with potentially hundreds of agents. Homa...

Outgoing US President Joe Biden has thrown his support behind efforts to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) into the Constitution, in a last-minute move to secure his legacy before leaving office. In a statement on Friday, Biden called for the long-debated amendment—banning discrimination based on sex—to be recognised as law, despite ongoing legal uncertainties. “I have supported the Equal Rights Amendment for more than 50 years,” Biden said. “We, as a nation, must affirm and protect women’s full equality once and for all.” A Legal and political battle The US Constitution does not explicitly guarantee equal rights based on sex, a gap that has fuelled decades of debate. Supporters argue the ERA is necessary to prevent courts from dismissing sex-based discrimination cases. The amendment was first introduced in 1923 but faced repeated resistance in Congress. It finally gained the required two-thirds majority in both chambers in the 1970s, but the ratification process stalled when i...

Rana Sanaullah, the political advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced Thursday that after extensive negotiations, PTI has withdrawn its demand for the return of its electoral mandate. Sanaullah revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a special committee to address the written demands submitted by the opposition. The committee will work closely with the government’s allied parties and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to ensure a comprehensive response to PTI's requests. The third round of talks between the two sides took place on Thursday, where PTI’s delegation, led by senior leaders including Omar Ayub, formally presented their written demands. One of the primary demands raised by PTI in these negotiations was the establishment of two inquiry commissions—one to investigate the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on May 9, 2023, which led to nationwide unrest, and another to probe incidents between November 24 and November 27, 2024. The demand includes investig...

In the wake of the shocking attack on Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence, his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, has made a heartfelt appeal for privacy. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is recovering in a Mumbai hospital after being stabbed multiple times by an intruder at his Bandra residence. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, leaving the Bollywood community shaken. According to Mumbai Police, the suspect entered the building through the staircase and is believed to have had burglary as their motive. The police are currently investigating the incident. Khan's wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, took to Instagram to request the media and fans to respect their family's boundaries and give them space to heal. She wrote, "It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded." She continued, "As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from...

"This land will be our home." Parents who had happily announced the following while touring the location of their future home in the New Malir Housing Scheme, would today probably be grandparents. Yet even after the passage of more than two decades, neither them nor their children could fulfil their dream of blissful living in the no man's land. Announced in 1997 by the Malir Development Authority (MDA), the New Malir Housing Scheme, a residential project located on the National Highway, had set out to provide all the facilities including schools, hospitals, mosques, parks and playgrounds to its residents. However, even after the passage of 26 years, thousands of people who had booked their plots have still not been able to build their houses due to non-permission of construction. According to sources, the MDA had allotted plots to more than 27,107 people to build their houses under this project. However, only 231 plot holders have been given physical possession in the ho...

The number of people entering the European Union by irregular crossings and illegal ways dropped almost 40 percent in 2024, according to the bloc’s border agency Frontex. Preliminary data reveal a significant 38 percent drop in irregular border crossings into the EU in 2024, “reaching the lowest level since 2021, when migration was still affected by the COVID pandemic,” Frontex said in a statement on Tuesday. However, despite the fall in total numbers, the eastern end of the EU saw a rise in irregular crossings last year. The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union saw a significant decline of 38% in 2024, according to the EU's border agency Frontex. Preliminary data reveals that just over 239,000 irregular crossings were detected, marking the lowest level since 2021, when migration patterns were still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontex attributed the drop to intensified cooperation between the EU and its partners in combating smuggling networks. The ag...

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' space venture, faced a setback as the maiden voyage of its New Glenn rocket was abandoned due to technical issues. Scheduled to lift off at 1:30 am ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the launch was delayed multiple times before being ultimately canceled. The mission marked a significant milestone in Bezos' decade-long effort to rival Elon Musk's dominance in the commercial space sector. Ariane Cornell, a Blue Origin executive, cited a "vehicle subsystem issue" as the reason for the stand-down, stating, "We are reviewing opportunities for our next launch attempt." Bezos, who recently turned 61, observed the events from the launch control room. The billionaire's goal was to challenge Musk, whose SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets lead the orbital launch market, catering to commercial needs, NASA, and the Pentagon. Musk, taking to X, offered his well-wishes, saying, "Good luck!" as the competition between the two space m...

The verdict in the £190 million reference case against PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi will be announced tomorrow at Adiala Jail. The staff of the Accountability Court has formally informed the legal team of the PTI founder regarding the decision, Express News reported. According to Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, the lawyer for the PTI founder, the staff of the Islamabad Accountability Court officially notified them that the verdict for the £190 million reference will be announced at Adiala Jail on Monday. It is noteworthy that the Accountability Court had previously postponed the verdict in this case twice. The last hearing was held on December 18, 2024, at Adiala Jail. The decision will be delivered in the presence of both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Initially, the verdict was set for December 23, 2024, but the court delayed it and rescheduled it for January 6. The new date for the decision is now set for January 13. The trial of the £190 million reference was completed within a year...

At the store on Friday, a therapy dog named Jackie Robinson greeted people at the door. Inside, they looked through racks of dresses and coats, stacks of denim, shelves of shoes and baskets of handbags. Offerings ranged from packages of fresh underwear from Target to new or lightly used Zara dresses and some Gucci and Ferragamo shoes in the mix. Cooper said she received donations and volunteer support from power players across Los Angeles, including actors, executives, lawyers, restaurant owners and moms. Her network of real estate agents in New York was sending gift cards, she said. Cooper request spread quickly through a network of powerful women. Actors including Sharon Stone and Halle Berry responded, providing sweaters, shoes, clothing, handbags, belts, pajamas and more pulled from their own collections. "I'm packing up my entire closet," Berry wrote on Instagram. "If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same. This is something we can d...

The US Supreme Court on Friday examined the controversial sell-or-ban law targeting TikTok over its ties to China. Justices raised sharp questions during oral arguments, reflecting skepticism towards the social media app's challenge against the law. The legislation, passed in April, demands TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, divest its ownership to prevent a nationwide ban scheduled for January 19. The court’s decision on whether to temporarily block the law could arrive imminently, well before resolving broader free speech implications. Concerns about TikTok’s data handling and potential Chinese government influence have been raised by both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. TikTok, however, argued these fears are unfounded and highlighted the platform's everyday content, from cat videos to recipes, as evidence of its impartiality. While the court’s debate largely revolved around foreign control and national security, First Amendment implications r...

Seth Abramson, the biographer of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has raised serious concerns about Musk's mental health, substance use, and the immense pressure he faces, suggesting that his behavior could pose a potential threat to the United States. In a series of social media posts, Abramson, a former attorney and professor, warned that Musk’s private struggles may be increasingly manifesting in public behavior that could have dangerous consequences for both Musk and the country. “I legitimately believe Elon Musk may be going mad,” Abramson stated in a tweet, referencing Musk’s admissions of mental illness, heavy drug use, and severe stress. “Given that he's admitted to all of mental illness, heavy drug use, and crippling stress, it is now reasonable to fear he is deeply unwell,” Abramson added. Abramson expressed concern over Musk’s increasing involvement in crucial industries and his growing influence, suggesting that his behavior could pose a threat to the United Stat...

Poland’s government said Thursday it would grant free access to Israeli officials wanting to attend the 80th anniversary of the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation despite an arrest warrant for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued the warrant in November over the Gaza war, prompting outrage from Israel and its allies. Poland, as a party to the ICC, would be required to arrest Netanyahu if he attended this month’s ceremony marking 80 years since the Red Army liberated the Nazi German death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. But in a resolution published on Thursday, Poland’s government said it would “ensure free and safe access to and participation in these commemorations for the highest representatives of the State of Israel”. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who signed the document, said he had information from the Israeli embassy that the country would be represented by its education minister. “Whether it will be the prime minister, the presi...

The Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit South, operating under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), has uncovered a massive money laundering scheme worth over Rs106 billion, disguised as solar panel imports. According to Express News, the operation involved seven fake companies, and the FBR has now filed cases against them. The companies implicated in the scandal include: Messrs Sky Linkers Trading Company Peshawar, Messrs Sky Linkers Business Chain Private Limited Peshawar, Messrs Bright Star Business Solution Private Limited Peshawar, Messrs Moonlight SMC Private Limited Peshawar, Messrs Pak Electronics Lahore, Messrs Solar Site (Private) Limited Lahore, and Messrs Royal Zone (Private) Limited. According to Shiraz Ahmed, Director of Customs Post Clearance Audit South, the investigation into the money laundering network led to the dismantling of a notorious cartel that used these seven fake companies to launder Rs106 billion. The counterfeit companies were involved in over-invo...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former chairman Imran Khan has condemned social media propaganda against Arab nations and distanced himself from accounts spreading such content, Express News reported. Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, shared details of a meeting with the PTI leader in jail, where Khan expressed his disapproval of the online smear campaign. He stated that he rejects any social media accounts propagating false narratives about Arab nations, his wife Bushra Bibi, or martyrs. He made it clear that these accounts have no connection with PTI or its members while stressing that these individuals are not affiliated with the party, and their actions are not reflective of PTI’s stance. Chaudhry further criticised the exclusion of PTI’s negotiating committee from important meetings, calling it an attempt to sabotage the peace talks. He also mentioned that the founder of PTI had formed a committee under the leadership of Qazi Anwar to investigate the issue of missing ...

In separate operations across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), three soldiers were martyred and 19 terrorists were killed by security forces, the military’s media wing reported on Tuesday. The operations were conducted in response to intelligence reports about the presence of Khwarij in various districts. The first operation took place in the general area of Matani in Peshawar District. During the operation, security forces engaged and neutralised eight Khwarij militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The second operation unfolded in Baizai, Mohmand District, where another intense exchange of fire led to the death of eight more Khwarij fighters. In the third engagement, security forces in Karak District targeted a Khwarij location, killing three terrorists. Unfortunately, three brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice during these operations. Lance Havaldar Abbas Ali, Naik Muhammad Nazir, and Naik Muhammad Usman were martyred in the line of duty while bravely enga...

The US Congress formally certified Republican President-elect Donald Trump's November election victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, clearing the way for him to be sworn in on January 20. The certification of the election results on Monday in the 50 states and the District of Columbia was accomplished in a brief, formal ceremony during a joint session of the House of Representatives and Senate. It was presided over by Harris, acting in her vice-presidential role as president of the Senate. The quadrennial ritual stood in sharp contrast to four years ago when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed bid to block the certification of then-President Trump's 2020 loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump continues to falsely claim that his 2020 defeat was the result of widespread fraud, and had warned throughout his 2024 campaign that he harbored similar concerns until his Nov. 5 defeat of Harris. "Congress certifies our great election vict...

Donald Blome, the outgoing US Ambassador to Pakistan, has officially completed his tenure. On his final day, Ambassador Blome visited Aiwan-e-Sadr, where he met with President Asif Ali Zardari for a farewell meeting, Express News reported. During the meeting, President Zardari expressed gratitude for Ambassador Blome's services in Pakistan, acknowledging his role in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations. Zardari also extended his hopes for continued growth in Pakistan-US relations. Blome’s tenure comes to an end after playing a significant role in navigating the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. His departure marks the conclusion of an important chapter in Pakistan-US diplomatic history. from Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/x4vuOjT

The world’s longest driverless train system is now fully operational in Saudi Arabia, with the Riyadh Metro completing its phased rollout, according to Gulf News. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has successfully completed the phased rollout of the Riyadh Metro, with the Orange Line officially commencing operations on Sunday. This marks the full operational launch of all six lines in the expansive Riyadh Metro network, enhancing connectivity across the city. The Orange Line, also known as Line 3, spans 41 kilometers, linking the eastern and western sectors of Riyadh. It connects Jeddah Road in the west to the second eastern ring road near the Khashm Al Aan area in the east. This milestone completes the phased operation plan initially set out during the Riyadh Metro’s inauguration by King Salman on November 27, 2024. The new Orange Line, operational from 6 am on Sunday, welcomed passengers at five stations: Jeddah Road, Tuwaiq, Douh, Harun Al-Rashid Road, and Al-Nase...

A New York judge presiding over President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money case set the sentencing for January 10, just 10 days before his inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan, in a ruling issued on Friday, indicated he was unlikely to impose a jail sentence, favoring an unconditional discharge instead. Trump, convicted in May of 34 counts related to falsifying business records for a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, faces a potential sentence of up to four years in prison. Despite the legal implications, Judge Merchan emphasized that both prosecutors and the court found jail time to be an impractical recommendation. Trump has signaled intentions to appeal the ruling, which could delay sentencing further. Legal experts had not expected the judge to sentence the former president to jail, and Merchan’s decision reaffirms this stance. Instead of incarceration, the judge leaned toward an unconditional discharge, which would see Trump enter the White House ...

Doctors and Experts show concern over increasing graph of infection diseases in Sindh. Speakers and Experts calls for urgent action in public health crises including diphtheria, polio, rabies and waste management. Further call for more political and social commitment to eradicate polio through full vaccination coverage. These views were expressed by experts including Dr Naseem Salahuddin President, Dr Sana Anwer, General Secretary, Dr Sumaiya Nizamuddin, Dr Ali Faisal Saleem of AKU, Dr Samreen Sarfaraz, Dr. Amna Nasim at a press conference held at KPC, Karachi. It is arranged by ‘Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Society Of Pakistan.’ They further said that infection diseases are increasing in Karachi and Sindh which are preventable. Secondly Routine cove rage is not more than 30 percent in Sindh while epi claim 90 percent coverage which is totally wrong. They suggested that vaccines is available but we need to contect EPI program with school children. It should also be co...

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the ongoing Newlands Test against South Africa due to an ankle injury. The 22-year-old twisted his right ankle while fielding on the opening day of the second Test. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Ayub’s withdrawal in an official statement, stating: “Saim Ayub has been ruled out of further participation in the second men’s cricket Test against South Africa after twisting his right ankle while fielding.” The injury occurred in the seventh over when Ryan Rickelton edged a ball between gully and backward point. Ayub and Aamer Jamal gave chase, and while Jamal slid to flick the ball back in, Ayub slipped and injured his ankle. Ayub immediately called for the physio and was later helped off the field. He was seen wearing a cast and was replaced by Abdullah Shafique. Despite prolonged treatment, Ayub was unable to bear weight on his right ankle and appeared visibly distressed as he was stretchered off.The board also mentioned that Ay...

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken a major step in the aftermath of the 2023 Libyan boat tragedy, issuing red notices through Interpol for 20 foreign-based human traffickers, according to APP. These traffickers are accused of being involved in the tragic incident that claimed the lives of over 260 Pakistanis when an overcrowded vessel sank off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos.  The tragedy, which occurred in international waters, prompted widespread attention in Pakistan to the dangers of illegal migration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swiftly called for intensified efforts against human traffickers, reflecting the gravity of the situation. In response to the tragedy, the FIA, with the help of global law enforcement agencies, has taken swift action by blocking the identity cards and bank accounts linked to the facilitators of the crime. As part of ongoing investigations, at least 144 individuals, including 16 lawyers, have been arrested by the FIA in conn...

India's prime spy agency has been repeatedly caught off guard. The sensational, but cautiously documented, revelation in The Washington Post that RAW has been working against dissident elements, busy taking them out abroad, should raise alarms. This is the second of its kind investigative report close on the heels of a story in The Guardian newspaper of Britain which had spilt the beans saying that Indian sleuths are operating in Pakistan and had murdered more than 20 people since 2020. This charge-sheet of gun-running in various foreign capitals was also seconded by American and Canadian authorities who went on record to castigate New Delhi, bringing their diplomatic ties to the brink. This orchestrated covert campaign had also led to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, and a plot to murder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US. Both the prestigious newspapers had simply pushed the envelope in professionalism, which should come as a grim reminder to t...