Author: newsdesk

  • How did Israel assassinate Ismail Haniyeh?

    How did Israel assassinate Ismail Haniyeh?

    Military analyst for the Middle East, Elijah J. Magnier, has explained how Israel reached the location of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, invading the tight security of the Revolutionary Guards.

    In a Twitter post, he said that Israel tracked Ismail Haniyeh through a spying software similar to the infamous Pegasus.

    Israel planted the latest spyware in Ismail Haniyeh’s WhatsApp message, after which the spy software told the Israeli intelligence his location. “Israel reportedly planted sophisticated spyware through a WhatsApp message sent to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. This software allowed Israeli intelligence to localize his exact position within his apartment. Subsequently, Haniyeh was assassinated following a conversation he had with his son, during which his location was pinpointed,” Elijah claimed.

    Shedding light on the spy software, Elijah opined that it is the same as Pegasus, which once made headlines for its potential for surveillance. “The spyware in question is believed to be similar to the notorious Pegasus software developed by the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group. Pegasus has the capability to infiltrate smartphones, allowing the operator to access messages, photos, and location data, and even control the phone’s camera and microphone without the user’s knowledge.”

    In a press conference after the martyrdom of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital, Tehran, Hamas spokesperson Khalil Haya said that Haniyeh was neither in a secret location in Iran nor isolated from the people. Killing people with such intelligence cannot be called success.

    Khalil said that Haniyeh was martyred with the help of a missile. The results of the complete investigation are awaited. However, media reports say that those who were with Haniyeh said that the missile broke the window of the room and hit him directly.

  • ‘Held at gunpoint and forced’: Khalilur Rehman Qamar shares reason for sex tape

    ‘Held at gunpoint and forced’: Khalilur Rehman Qamar shares reason for sex tape

    Controversial writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has finally broken his silence about the leaked video that has been making headlines for weeks.

    During a call, journalist Muneezay Moeen asked Khalil Ur Rehman about sex tape, to which he responded, “I was held at gunpoint and forced into a horrific situation. They demanded that I perform an intimate act with her, which they wanted to film. I was forced to remove my shirt, but I was in a state of deep depression and couldn’t bring myself to do it. I told them it was impossible for me, and thankfully, they left me alone and didn’t force me further. It was a traumatic experience that I will never forget.”

    The video came out just as Hassan Shah, the mastermind of the honey trap that resulted in the writer’s kidnapping for ransom, was arrested. In an interview with Aik Pakistan hosted by Syed Ali Haider, the unknown man threatened that he would release the videos he has.

    The video is in clear contradiction of the misogynistic writer’s account of what happened that night. He said in a police press conference that he went to the woman’s house at 4:40 am “to discuss a drama project.” When asked by a reporter about why he went that late to an unknown woman’s house, he said that he had been advised by his doctor to avoid sunlight for five years.

    This will not be the first time that Qamar has landed himself in hot water. Qamar is known for speaking his mind, but his views often spark controversy. He has faced criticism for his comments on feminism and gender issues, and many of his statements have ignited debates and discussions.

    Hassan Shah and his accomplice, Rafiq, were taken into custody in Peshawar. Shah is accused of leading a 12-member gang, including women that allegedly trapped Qamar and then released compromising videos of him.

  • British-American journalist deported from Pakistan after attempted interview with Imran Khan

    British-American journalist deported from Pakistan after attempted interview with Imran Khan

    Law enforcement agencies in Pakistan deported a British-American journalist after he tried to interview the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Charles Glass, a 73-year-old author, journalist, broadcaster, and publisher known for his work focusing on the Middle East and World War II, has worked with renowned news platforms such as Newsweek, ABC TV, and The Telegraph. Currently, he works as a freelance journalist.

    Glass was reportedly seen outside Adiala jail with Imran Khan’s sister Aleema. Later, police forces arrived at the home of senior journalist Zahid Hussain, where Glass was present.

    On Wednesday afternoon, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP) led a team and informed Glass that his visa had been cancelled. This led to an hour-long contention, after which the ASP instructed Glass to leave the country by 5 pm.

    According to sources quoted by Dawn, the ASP had a clear order to deport the journalist.

    Glass was taken to his hotel to collect his luggage and was escorted to the earliest available flight to Abu Dhabi at 4 pm that afternoon.

  • Rising terrorism threat in Pakistan: UN report

    Rising terrorism threat in Pakistan: UN report

    A new United Nations report highlights an increase in the terrorism threat in Pakistan.

    According to the report, Pakistan faces threats from Fitnah-ul-Khawarij (TTP) and other militants who have sought refuge in Afghanistan, with Fitnah-ul-Khawarij (TTP) intensifying its attacks in Pakistan.

    The UN report also raises concerns about Fitnah Al-Khawarij (TTP) potentially increasing cooperation with Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

    In 2024, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorism. The South Asia Terrorism Portal reveals 300 terrorism-related deaths so far this year.

    During the first six months of this year alone, dozens of Pakistani security personnel have been killed in militant attacks and counterterrorism operations.

  • US Visa application expected to break all records in 2024, costs Rs. 88,000 per visa

    US Visa application expected to break all records in 2024, costs Rs. 88,000 per visa

    US Visa applications are expected to break all records this year as the offices in Islamabad and Karachi are processing more than 10,000 applications a month.

    Due to the high demand, the waiting time for the appointment has also been reduced by almost half compared to last year.

    Dawn’s Kalbe Ali reported that a senior US embassy official stated that the number of visas issued from offices in Islamabad and Karachi reached the highest ever in 2023.

    He said the number will exceed in the ongoing US fiscal year that will end in October 2024.

    The visa fee for an E-visa is 315 dollars which is almost 88 thousand Pakistani rupees.

    Waiting time reduced

    The official shared that compared to last year when the appointment waiting time peaked to 440 days, it has now been reduced by the embassy to 237 days.

    Additionally, he told Dawn that visas are issued within five days after the interview if the concerned officer approves. However, the delay in the visa applications processing time is only because each application is evaluated on individual basis.

    A total of 107,183 non-immigration visas were issued from Pakistan during the fiscal year ending in October 2023, compared to 72,082 visas issued in the previous fiscal year of 2022, according to the figures available on US embassy website.

    The official also told Dawn that the US visa section gives priority to students.

    However, the data of visa application rejection rate and the total number of applications received have not been made public.

  • South Korean shooter wins internet with her ‘Sci-Fi assassin’ style

    South Korean shooter wins internet with her ‘Sci-Fi assassin’ style

    A South Korean Olympic sharpshooter, Kim Ye-ji, who won a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol, became an internet sensation on Wednesday, recognised as the breakout style star of the Paris Games.

    Wearing her black South Korean uniform zipped up to her neck, a baseball hat, and wire-rimmed shooting glasses, the 31-year-old appeared very calm in videos showing her and her teammate achieving the two highest shooting scores in the Olympics on Sunday.

    After her win, a 27-second clip of Kim calmly aiming, shooting, and checking her record-breaking score went viral.

    This clip was first shared in a Reddit thread and shows Kim at the Baku World Cup in May, not in the Olympics.

    Even though the video kept spreading online on X (formerly Twitter), along with images of Kim from Paris, style magazine GQ quickly called Kim “the coolest style star of this year’s Games.”

    Elon Musk (Owner of X) also commented on this video, “She should be cast in an action movie. No acting required.”

    Kim will compete in the 25-meter pistol again on August 3 at the Olympics.

  • Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad dies of cancer

    Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad dies of cancer

    Former Indian cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with blood cancer.

    According to media reports, he was undergoing treatment for blood cancer at King’s College Hospital in London before returning to India last month.

    He made his Test debut on December 27, 1974, against West Indies in Kolkata and played his last Test match against England at the same venue in 1984.

    He played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1974 and 1987.

  • No bijli and bohat sara pani; record-breaking rain in Lahore

    No bijli and bohat sara pani; record-breaking rain in Lahore

    Heavy rainfall drenched Lahore in the early morning hours as the city received 350 millimetres in three hours, breaking a 44-year-old record.

    Thursday morning, heavy rains descended upon Lahore, causing rainwater to enter homes in the Tajpura area, submerging roads, and disrupt commutes. Electricity has also been suspended in multiple areas for many hours.

    But the rain wasn’t restricted to Lahore as Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Pakpattan, Kasur, Jehlum, and several other cities of the country received rain, with low-lying areas submerged.

    Geo News reported that, commenting on the situation in Lahore, Sardar Sarfaraz, chief meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, termed the rains “torrential”.

    “There were more rains in Sindh compared to Punjab. But this was expected.”

    “This spell is expected to decrease in intensity, but it will continue raining intermittently until this evening as there’s a substantial cloud mass. From August 1 to 6, several parts of the country will see rain,” he said.

    With heavy downpours suspending normal life in the city, water entered Services Hospital and Mayo Hospital’s emergency department, causing extreme distress to the patients.

    Weather department has predicted intermittent rains continue in Lahore, and the monsoon rains are likely to continue till August 6.

    According to the Meteorological Department, the highest rainfall, 337 mm, was recorded at Lahore Airport, while 250 mm of rain was recorded in Nishtar Town.

    The rainfall at Lahore Airport is the highest recorded in 44 years.

    On the other hand, LESCO officials say that more than 400 feeders have been tripped due to rain in Lahore, the restoration work will start as soon as the rain stops.

    Apart from Lahore, low-lying areas were flooded due to heavy rain in the cities of Sheikhupura, Kasur, Pakpattan, Sargodha, Jhelum, Murree, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

    Mirpur Azad Kashmir is also experiencing intermittent rain and trees have fallen due to landslides at different places.

    According to the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) spokesperson, intermittent rain continues on most national highways.

    The spokesperson told Geo News that rainfall was recorded from Motorway M2 to Pindi Bhattian, Sheikhupura, Kala Shah Kaku, and Thokar Niaz Baig, while Manga Mandi, Patuki, Renala Khurd, and Okara were also drenched in rainwater.

    Meanwhile, Motorway M3 from Faizpur to Nankana Sahib also received heavy rain.

  • Video: Virat Kohli called ‘Chokli’ by a fan

    Video: Virat Kohli called ‘Chokli’ by a fan

    Indian star batsman Virat Kohli was called ‘Chokli’ by a fan in Sri Lanka when he was practicing with teammates. The batsman looked upset and embarrassed to hear this. The video of the incident went viral on social media.

    However, some social media users say the video is fake, and the voice was later dubbed.

    The term ‘Chokli’ combines Virat’s other names ‘Kohli’ and ‘Choking’, which some fans have combined to make ‘Chokli’, a name mockingly used to address the master batsman if he does not score runs or performs poorly.

    The term first appeared after India exited the 2019 World Cup, where Kohli was bowled out for one run in a semi-final match.

  • Govt announces minor Rs6.17 per litre reduction in petrol price for next two weeks

    Govt announces minor Rs6.17 per litre reduction in petrol price for next two weeks

    In a recent development, the government has decreed a modest reduction in petrol price for the first two weeks of August 2024. The announcement, issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), reflects adjustments based on fluctuations in international oil prices and exchange rates.

    With Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval, the petrol price has been lowered by Rs6.17 per litre, bringing the new rate to Rs269.60, down from Rs275.60.

    Similarly, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) will decrease by Rs10.86 per litre, settling at Rs272.77, from its previous rate of Rs283.63.

    Kerosene oil has also seen a reduction, with its price falling by Rs6.32 per litre to Rs177.39, down from Rs183.71.

    Additionally, light diesel oil (LDO) will now be available at Rs160.53 per litre, a decrease of Rs5.72 from the existing rate of Rs166.25.