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Showing posts from October, 2023

Gaza now a ‘graveyard’ for thousands of children: UN

The Gaza Strip has become a graveyard for thousands of children, the United Nations said on Tuesday, as it feared the prospect of more dying of dehydration. Israel has heavily bombarded Gaza since Hamas fighters stormed across the border on October 7. The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said the strikes have killed more than 8,500 people, mainly civilians. The UN children’s agency Unicef said there was a risk that the number of child deaths directly from bombardment could become eclipsed. “Our gravest fears about the reported numbers of children killed becoming dozens, then hundreds, and ultimately thousands were realised in just a fortnight,” Unicef spokesman James Elder said in a statement. “The numbers are appalling; reportedly more than 3,450 children killed; staggeringly this rises significantly every day.” “Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children. It’s a living hell for everyone else.” He said the more than one million children living in the Gaza Str

Women behind bars — The nightmare of prisons in Pakistan

A housewife from Sheikhupura was five months pregnant when she was sentenced to one-year imprisonment in 2021. “I felt as though I had sentenced my unborn child to a life behind bars since I did not know when they would let me out,” said the 26-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous. She served her sentence in Kot Lakhpat Jail in the neighbouring district of Lahore. Her baby was not just born in the jail hospital, he also stayed with her until she completed her sentence. She also has an older child who was taken care of by her family during prison stint. Another former inmate, whose two-year-old child stayed with her during her three-year prison stint, complained of jail food neither being sufficient nor nutritious enough for children. Education facilities too, are woefully inadequate, she said. “Teachers were unqualified and they did not take classes regularly. Books were so old and tattered that they were hardly legible,” she explained. The government, in fact, does not even provi

HRCP fears Afghan deportations can trigger a ‘humanitarian crisis’

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Tuesday expressed concern over the government’s decision to expel undocumented foreigners — most of whom comprise Afghans — and urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure protection for Afghan refugees. Earlier this month, the government gave an ultimatum to all undocumented immigrants to leave Pakistan by Oct 31 or else, risk imprisonment and deportation to their respective countries. While the decision had prompted criticism from Afghanistan and several other quarters, the caretakers insist that it is not aimed at any particular ethnic group. There are more than two million undocumented Afghans living in Pakistan, with at least 600,000 of them leaving Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. In a letter addressed to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi today, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com , HRCP Chairperson Hina Jilani said the move to expel Afghans could

Caretakers say gas hiked steeply due to circular debt

The caretaker government in a press conference on Tuesday said the reasons behind the caretaker cabinet’s approval of the steep hikes in fixed monthly charges and consumer rates for natural gas would help ease the fiscal deficit. In a press conference, Energy Minister Muhammad Ali stated that for the past decade, Pakistan has been unable to meet the local demand for gas without the help of imports, which had resulted in a significant decrease in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. “Because of rising fiscal deficit, we were prone to more borrowing,” he stressed. “These loans are making us more vulnerable to inflation.” For the past decade, most of the international companies for natural gas exploration— except for four — have left Pakistan because of losses, he said, rendering Pakistan unable to meet its demands without imports. “In January 2022 inflation was 13pc and in January 2023, it was 27pc.” ‘Increasing circular debt’ He emphasised — with the help of bar charts — the

People called on Starlink to provide internet to Gaza after Israeli blackout. But is that possible?

Gaza witnessed a total communications blackout over the weekend as Israel stepped up its operations in the besieged territory in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas . A telephone and internet blackout isolated people in the Gaza Strip from the world and from each other, with calls to loved ones, ambulances or colleagues elsewhere all but impossible as Israel widened its air and ground assault. International humanitarian organisations said the blackout, which began late on Friday, worsened an already desperate situation by impeding life-saving operations and preventing contact with their staff on the ground. Following the blackout, #StarlinkforGaza became a top trend on social media platform X, with people calling for the Elon Musk-owned company to provide internet services for the besieged enclave. On Saturday, Musk said that Starlink would support communication links in Gaza with “internationally recognised aid organisations”, prompting Israel’s communication minister to s

Army officers, judges ‘fully liable’ under NAB laws: Justice Shah

Supreme Court’s Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on Monday observed that members of the armed forces and judges of constitutional courts were “fully liable” under accountability laws. He made this observation in a dissenting note for the apex court’s September 15 verdict wherein it struck down changes to the accountability laws and ordered the restoration of corruption cases against public office holders. A three-member bench comprising then-chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Shah had announced the verdict on PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s 2022 petition challenging amendments made to the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) laws. Justice Bandial and Justice Ahsan had declared Imran’s plea to be maintainable while Justice Shah had disagreed with the majority verdict, saying that not just the corruption cases but inquiries and investigations should also be restored. In the hearings towards the end of the case proceedings, Justice Shah had r

Sheikh Rashid says he was treated well during ‘pilgrimage’

Vowing to contest the upcoming elections even if he was “arrested again”, Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid on Monday disclosed he was “treated properly and no harm was inflicted” upon him during the time he went missing. Rashid — a PTI ally — was reportedly arrested by “plainclothed” men from his residence in Rawalpindi on Sept 17. He resurfaced after a month in an interview with Samaa TV . During the interview, the AML chief had said he was on a “40-day pilgrimage (chilla)” where he studied the Holy Quran in detail and introspected. Speaking to the media today in Lahore, Rashid said: “They turned me into a new Sheikh Rashid. Even for Tahajud , they would give me warm water.” “From Sep 17 to Oct 22 I was on a pilgrimage that made me a new Sheikh Rashid. I don’t know the cold place I was kept in,” he added. The former minister went on to say that “we have never fought the army”. “You picked up my cook Haneef, Imran, Shakir, Qamar and Bilal. They all are employees ea

Asim Jamil, son of Maulana Tariq Jamil, passes away in Talamba

Asim Jamil, son of renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil, passed away in Punjab’s Talamba on Sunday, his family said. Confirming the news in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tariq said the “accidental death” had turned the atmosphere mournful. “We request you all to remember us in your prayers on this sad occasion. May Allah grant my son a high place in heaven,” he added. Mian Channu Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohammad Saleem told Dawn.com that Asim was taken to Talamba Rural Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead. The body is being moved to the family’s home from the health centre, he added. A statement from the Punjab police spokesperson said Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar took notice of the incident and sought a report from the Multan regional police officer. “The cause of death should be determined in the light of evidence and forensic report,” he said. The police statement added that the Khanewal district police

2 footballers abducted in Balochistan’s Dera Bugti recovered after over a month: official

Two footballers, who were abducted at the start of September in Balochistan’s Dera Bugti, have been recovered after more than a month, provincial authorities said on Sunday. Last month, six footballers were kidnapped by unknown armed men in the Kachhi canal area of Sui Tehsil of Dera Bugti district while they were en route Sibi to participate in the qualifying round of the All Pakistan Chief Minister Gold Cup Football tournament. They were travelling with other members of the Dera Bugti district football team when they were kidnapped by armed men in the Jani Pedi area of Sui Tehsil. Sources had told Dawn that around 24 players were on their way to Sibi when a group of armed men intercepted their vehicle and took them away at gunpoint. However, later, kidnappers released 18 players but kept six, all of whom were from Dera Bugti and Sui areas, they had added. Subsequently, an operation was launched for the recovery of the athletes. Last month, four of the six footballers were re

2 dead, 25 injured as trailer carrying Afghan families overturns in Attock

Two people died while 25 others were injured after a 22-wheeler trailer carrying Afghan families overturned near the Grand Trunk Road in Punjab’s Attock, officials said. Attock police spokesperson Naeem confirmed the injuries and casualties to Dawn.com . He said the trailer, with five Afghan families aboard, was travelling from Sangjani to Afghanistan. “The vehicle overturned after one of its tyres burst,” the official said. A statement issued by Attock’s Hazro Town police identified the deceased as 55-year-old Salman Khan and 60-year-old Bibi Gul. It said the bodies and wounded persons were immediately moved to the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Hazro. Meanwhile, four critically injured people were referred to Rawalpindi. A number of Afghan families from across the country have made the journey back to their home country in recent days as the caretaker government’s ultimatum for all undocumented immigrants to leave Pakis­tan by the end of October nears. There are more than two mill

Pakistan failing to combat rising impunity for crimes against journalists: report

Pakistan has failed to combat rising impunity for crimes against journalists despite legislation for their safety, according to Freedom Network’s Annual Impunity 2023 report released on Sunday. The report titled “One step forward, two steps back — Pakistan legislates on the safety of journalists, but still fails to protect them” was launched ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which falls on November 2. “Since the promulgation of safety laws for journalists first by the Sindh government and then the federal government in late 2021, Pakistan continues to record an alarming increase in persecution of journalists, especially by government authorities and state agencies, including kidnapping, physical assaults and serious legal cases against them including on unproven charges of sedition, treason and electronic crimes, in the two-year post-legislation period,” it said. “The Sindh Assembly passed the ‘Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Me

‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry dies aged 54: US media

Matthew Perry, one of the stars of smash hit TV sitcom “Friends,” was found dead at his home on Saturday, US media reported. He was 54. First responders found Perry unconscious in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home and were unable to revive him, law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times . The LA Times and TMZ , which first reported the news, both said there were no signs of foul play, citing anonymous sources. Perry was best known for his portrayal of the wise-cracking Chandler Bing on NBC’s wildly popular “Friends,” which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004. Perry had battled for years with addiction to painkillers and alcohol, and attended rehabilitation clinics on multiple occasions. In his memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing , published last year, Perry described going through detox 65 times, spending some $9 million in attempts to get sober. Perry experienced health problems including a burst colon in 2018 due to his drug usage, which required a se

Bangladesh police break up anti-PM protest with tear gas, rubber bullets

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at huge crowds of Bangladesh opposition supporters on Saturday to break up a giant protest against the prime minister, with one officer killed and scores of people injured in several hours of violent clashes in central Dhaka. More than 100,000 supporters of two major Bangladesh opposition parties rallied to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina step down to allow a free and fair vote under a neutral government. Live footage on the verified Facebook page of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) showed thousands of people running for safety as sound grenades went off one after another and plumes of black smoke rose from the roads. AFP correspondents said the violence spread in roads and alleys in the centre of the capital as police fired tear gas and rubber shotgun rounds, while the protesters threw stones and bricks. One officer was killed and more than 100 injured, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain, telli

Lahore police denied Khadija Shah’s physical remand

LAHORE: While an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday denied physical remand of fashion designer Khadija Shah to police in a third case relating to the May 9 riots, the Lahore High Court summoned the inspector general of police (IGP) in person to explain her arrest after securing bail in two cases . The Sarwar Road police produced Khadija Shah before the ATC to seek her physical remand in a case of torching police vehicles outside Rahat Bakery Chowk in the Cantonment area during the May 9 protests. Inspector Naveed Anjum, the investigating officer, told the court that three co-suspects had revealed that the fashion designer’s house was used for meetings to plan attacks on security installations in case of arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Ms Shah came to the rostrum and told the judge that she had been granted bail by the high court in two cases registered against her. “I have been languishing in jail for six months and unable to see my minor daughter,” she said. LHC summons IG

Rs4.1m recovered from Parvez Elahi’s residence during search, ACE tells Lahore court

The Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) on Saturday informed a Lahore district and sessions court that it had allegedly recovered Rs4.1 million from the house of PTI President Parvez Elahi in a case pertaining to illegal appointments in the Punjab Assembly. Elahi’s counsel Advocate Amir Saeed Rawn, on the other hand, disputed the claim, terming it a “bogus recovery”. Last month, the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested Elahi on charges of appointing Muhammad Khan Bhatti as his principal secretary during his tenure as the chief minister. It alleged that Bhatti’s appointment was not in accordance with the law. The PTI president has been arrested more than a dozen times in various cases since the start of June and after a statewide crackdown was launched against the party in the aftermath of the May 9 violence. On Sept 1, the Islamabad police re-arrested Elahi under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance near his residence soon after the LHC set him fre

Bowden set for 200 first-class matches

Bowden set for 200 first-class matches. New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden is set to become the first New Zealand umpire to stand in 200 first-class matches when he takes to the field for the Plunket Shield match between Auckland and Northern Districts at Eden Park Outer Oval on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Bowden has been one of the most recognizable and respected umpires in world cricket since making his first-class debut in 1993. He has umpired 85 Test matches, 211 ODI matches, and 54 T20I matches, and is known for his eccentric umpiring signals and his passion for the game. https://www.toprevenuegate.com/ntvjef6j?key=16e06c349538ae9580dbd5d730a24b48 In addition to his international career, Bowden has also been a mainstay of New Zealand's domestic competitions, standing in 377 List-A matches and 209 T20s. He is also a mentor to many young umpires, and is passionate about developing the next generation of umpiring talent. Bowden is immensely proud to reach the milestone of 200 fir

Big Boss 7: Sobha Shetty Digging Her Own Grave

Big Boss 7: Sobha Shetty Digging Her Own Grave The Bigg Boss show is known for its mix of love, hate, affection, arguments, and disagreements, but this season seems to have many conflicts, disputes, and tensions. Contestants no longer treat in-game fights as mere sportsmanship but dive headfirst into unnecessary anger and disputes. A prominent figure in this is Shobha Shetty, who seems to […] The post BB7: Sobha Shetty Digging Her Own Grave appeared first on M9.news . from Movie News – M9.news https://ift.tt/kIjnqfz

Tillu Badly Needs One, Can He?

Tillu Badly Needs One, Can He? Siddhu Jonnalagadda unexpectedly delivered a cult blockbuster with “DJ Tillu” and has since been eagerly awaiting the theatrical release of “Tillu Square.” The team has now announced the release date as February 9, 2024. The title song of “DJ Tillu” played a significant role in the movie’s success, along with other factors. However, for “Tillu […] The post Tillu Badly Needs One, Can He? appeared first on M9.news . from Movie News – M9.news https://ift.tt/0FymSnP

Aquaman Shocks Salaar, an Unexpected Twist!

Aquaman Shocks Salaar, an Unexpected Twist! Leo and Salaar, two films with unprecedented hype before their releases, saw Leo performing well at the box office, despite a lackluster second half. Now, it’s Salaar’s turn, and the fact that the U.S. distributor had to process significant refunds due to Salaar’s recent postponement highlights the incredible buzz surrounding the film. However, the Salaar […] The post Aquaman Shocks Salaar, an Unexpected Twist! appeared first on M9.news . from Movie News – M9.news https://ift.tt/E7A2SpF

Fact Behind Sreeleela’s Lip-Lock Video

Fact Behind Sreeleela’s Lip-Lock Video. Sree Leela is the most happening young actress in Tollywood now. She has more films in hand than any other of her contemporaries and the list includes biggies like Guntur Kaarama and Ustaad Bhagat Singh. Coming to the point, the actress is in the news for a very interesting reason. A few social media pages […] The post Fact Behind Sreeleela’s Lip-Lock Video appeared first on M9.news . from Movie News – M9.news https://ift.tt/EuMi3Qz

Josh Allen, Bills deliver impressive showing against the Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football

Josh Allen, Bills deliver impressive showing against the Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills made a statement on Thursday Night Football, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-10. Allen was in complete control of the offense, throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown. The Bills jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half, and never looked back. Allen connected with Stefon Diggs on a 55-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, and then found rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid for a 22-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Allen also added a 13-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. The Buccaneers defense had no answer for Allen, who was able to pick them apart with his arm and his legs. He was also able to escape pressure and extend plays, which led to several big plays for the Bills offense. The Bills defense was also impressive, holding the Buccaneers to just 10 points and 289 total yards. They were ab