Author: newsdesk

  • Pakistan imposes hefty exit fees on Afghan refugees

    Pakistan is being widely criticised for instituting exit fees amounting to hundreds of dollars for Afghan refugees awaiting relocation to the United Kingdom and other Western nations.

    The imposition of exit fees, totalling around $830 (PKR 236,387), for Afghan refugees seeking resettlement in Western countries has drawn strong condemnation from Western diplomats and the United Nations.

    Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry, stated that there are no current plans to modify the existing policy.

    Five senior Western diplomats in Pakistan while talking to The Guardian termed the hefty fee imposed by Pakistan as ‘unprecedented’.

    “I know it is very tough economically for Pakistan but really, to try to make money off refugees is unattractive,” said one diplomat.

    He continued by adding, “The issue has also been raised by the two UN agencies in the lead on this mess, the [UN refugee agency] UNHCR and [International Organization of Migration] IOM,” the diplomat added. “It has also been raised in capitals and headquarters. I suspect everyone has also passed the message to their [Pakistani contacts].”

    Another diplomat said that when concerns were raised regarding the imposed fee, the Pakistani officials explained that the initial proposal was to charge $10,000 per person, but it had been subsequently reduced to $830.

    A different diplomat noted that the exit permit must be paid through a credit card, which poses an added difficulty for many Afghan refugees who lack access to such payment methods. This complicates the situation further, as the fee is mandated for payment by the refugees, a considerable portion of whom do not possess credit cards.

    “I think we need a cooperative approach of working together to help the refugees and we expect Pakistan would help,” he added.

    The United States government intends to relocate nearly 25,000 Afghans within the country, while the United Kingdom has announced plans to resettle 20,000 individuals.

    Separately, the United Nations Refugee Agency has expressed apprehension regarding Pakistan’s directive for undocumented foreigners to leave, citing its adverse impact on Afghan nationals. This includes registered refugees and individuals possessing valid documents, raising concerns about the potential humanitarian consequences of the orders.

  • Emirates suspends flights to Israel for an indefinite period

    Emirates suspends flights to Israel for an indefinite period

    Emirates announced the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice on Wednesday, citing concerns related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This marks the first instance of Emirates indefinitely halting operations to Tel Aviv.

    An Emirates spokesperson while talking to Gulf News stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation in Israel and are in close contact with the relevant authorities. Customers with onward connections to Tel Aviv on Emirates flights will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.”

    The airline initially cancelled its Tel Aviv flights on October 12 due to safety concerns amidst the conflict, subsequently extending the suspension multiple times, with the latest extension lasting until November 30.

    In June 2022, the inaugural Emirates flight departed from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv, carrying 335 passengers. This milestone marked the initiation of a daily service connecting the two cities, a development spurred by the signing of the Abraham Accords.

    Separately, in a welcoming development, Israel and Hamas have brokered a four-day truce through the mediation of Qatar. As part of this agreement, 50 women and children held in Gaza will be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children currently detained in Israeli jails.

  • Kya Malik Riaz ka interview Imran Khan ko muskhkil mein daal sakta hai?

    Kya Malik Riaz ka interview Imran Khan ko muskhkil mein daal sakta hai?

    Pakistan is watching a wave of interviews and the latest twist in this unfolding drama has been disclosed by senior journalist Javed Chaudhry in a recent vlog, hinting that Malik Riaz, a property tycoon, is poised to unravel a series of explosive revelations in the days to come.

    Javed Chaudhry’s vlog, providing a sneak peek into an upcoming interview with Malik Riaz, outlined three key points that are expected to rock the political landscape.

    First and foremost, the interview is anticipated to shed light on the staggering Rs460 billion penalty imposed on Bahria Town by the Supreme Court. Riaz is expected to reveal what Saqib Nisar got in return for favors. He will also delve into the details of the 460 billion rupees fiasco.

    Furthermore, the property tycoon is predicted to make startling claims regarding the 2014 protest, alleging that influential figures orchestrated the demonstration to unseat then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    The revelations will also cover how the sit-in was sponsored and from where and how food was provided.

    Riaz will also talk about why he advised Nawaz Sharif to leave the country for three months after his resignation.

    Riaz is also anticipated to discuss his role in preventing a collaborative effort between Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif against Imran Khan, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shaped Pakistan’s political landscape.

    Riaz will also openly talk about who played what role during Imran Khan’s government and how they all benefited from it.

    While specific details of the upcoming interview were not disclosed by Chaudhry, he expressed confidence that Malik Riaz’s revelations would be nothing short of bombshells, suggesting a turbulent period ahead for Pakistani politics.

  • South Africa’s parliament votes in favour of closing Israeli embassy

    South Africa’s parliament votes in favour of closing Israeli embassy

    South African Parliament has voted in favour of the closure of Israel’s embassy in Pretoria and the suspension of diplomatic ties with the country amidst the siege of the Gaza Strip.

    The votes in favour were 248 and 91 against the motion. The action is actually symbolic because it will be up to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government to implement it. The President has already maintained that Israel is committing war crimes and genocide in the Gaza Strip. In a recent statement on X, President Ramaphosa, “We urge the international community to agree on urgent and concrete actions to end the suffering in #Gaza and establish a path towards a just and peaceful resolution of his conflict.”

    Relations between Israel and South Africa have deteriorated over the years because of the former’s apartheid of Palestine. The country has not had an ambassador in Israel since 2018.

    In the BRICS summit on Tuesday, South Africa called for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities” in Gaza.

    South Africa is the most recent country to suspend ties with Israel over the Gaza war. Others include Turkey, Bahrain, Jordan, Colombia, Chile and Honduras.

  • My Suzuki My Story is back for season four to spread happiness & joy

    My Suzuki My Story is back for season four to spread happiness & joy

    Suzuki has been a trusted companion to Pakistanis with its affordability and durability for over four decades. Over the years, Suzuki has become an integral part of countless lives by providing reliable transportation to generations, thus creating a wealth of cherished memories.

    To strengthen the bond with its customers, Pak Suzuki has launched My Suzuki My Story season four, where all Suzuki owners can celebrate and showcase their treasured moments with their Suzuki. Excitingly, this innovative digital initiative is offering exciting rewards for innovative content that evokes emotions and spark creativity.

    My Suzuki My Story is a platform for expressing and sharing stories. It can happen through any artistic format (videos, short films, paintings, pictures, narrations, songs, etc) to relive their Suzuki adventures. It can be any exhilarating memory, like the first drive with a newly purchased Suzuki, a family road trip to scenic destinations, or the unwavering companionship of a Suzuki vehicle through challenging times. Each of these stories has the essence of Suzuki’s enduring presence in the lives of Pakistanis.

    Participants have the opportunity to win attractive prizes, like a brand-new Suzuki Alto 660cc car, a Europe Trip, or a powerful GSX 125 motorcycle.

    Visit the website https://www.mysuzukimystory.com.pk/ to share your Suzuki story on the theme “Stories & Memories with Suzuki” and be a part of something special.

    Paid post

  • Court summons PM Kakar in missing Baloch students case

    Court summons PM Kakar in missing Baloch students case

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) summoned caretaker prime minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar in person on November 29 in a case pertaining to Baloch missing students.

    In today’s verdict, the court asked the federal government to present 55 Baloch missing students as per the recommendation of the Baloch Enforced Disappearance Commission.

    The court has asked the defence and interior ministers and the sectaries from both ministries to present before the court in person and has sought a report within a week from the federal government committee.

    “We are sitting in Islamabad and talking about the rights of Balochistan. I’m giving [you] seven days time to ensure the implementation,” IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani remarked.

    On the other hand, the additional attorney general for Pakistan requested the court not to summon the prime minister and federal ministers.

    IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani was not happy with the report presented before the court by the federal government.

    “This report is a matter of shame for this court,” the judge remarked. He also said that caretaker prime minister should have realised that it’s a matter of Baloch students, as he also belongs to Balochistan.

    Justice Kayani also said, “Should we send this matter to the United Nations? Should we dishonour our country?”

  • Transgender players banned from playing women’s cricket

    Transgender players banned from playing women’s cricket

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned transgender women players from playing international women’s cricket. Danielle McGahey became the first transgender woman cricketer to be allowed to play earlier this year after changes to the ICC’s gender rules meant Danielle would no longer be able to play in international cricket.

    The 29-year-old batsman hails from Australia but moved to Canada in 2020 and after transitioning from male to female in 2021, she joined Canada in the Women’s T20 America qualifiers in September 2023. McGahey met the ICC’s gender eligibility criteria at the time. McGahey has played six Twenty20 Internationals so far and has scored 118 runs at an average of 19.66 and a strike rate of 95.93.

    ICC approved new rules on Tuesday, stating, “Any player who has transitioned from male to female, regardless of surgery or gender reassignment treatment, will not be allowed to participate in women’s international cricket after the will not be allowed.”

    The ICC finalized the new policy after a nine-month consultation process. The rules are based on protecting the integrity, fairness, and inclusion of the women’s game, the board said in a release.

  • Ex PTI MPA offloaded, leaders arrested as Peshawar High Court warns government

    Ex PTI MPA offloaded, leaders arrested as Peshawar High Court warns government

    The Peshawar High Court issued a warning on Tuesday, indicating that if the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is not permitted to carry out political activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), it would summon the caretaker chief minister of the province and the chief election commissioner for an explanation.

    “Both the chief minister and CEC will be asked about their failure to fulfil the responsibility of holding polls in a free and fair manner amid the PTI’s complaints of restrictions on its activities in the province,” Justice Ijaz Anwar observed during a hearing of a petition filed by former prime minister Imran Khan’s party for contempt proceedings against the provincial government and the administration of Mansehra district.

    The court observed that if a political party is not allowed to hold a public meeting due to security concerns, it raises questions about the Election Commission of Pakistan’s ability to conduct general elections.

    Attorney General Aamir Javed informed the court that a meeting had been called to assess the security situation, and a report would be provided within two days. The court scheduled the next hearing for November 23, focusing on the contempt petition against the caretaker government and Mansehra’s district administration.

    The bench fixed Nov 23 (Thursday) for next hearing into the PTI’s contempt petition against the caretaker government and Mansehra’s district administration for “not allowing the holding of a workers’ convention despite the court’s orders.”

    The petition was filed by PTI provincial president Ali Amin Gandapur, its provincial legal coordinator Mashal Azam, and Insaf Lawyers Forum provincial vice-president Malik Arshad Ahmad, requesting the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the relevant officers, including the provincial chief secretary, Mansehra DC and DPO, and others.

    Lawyers Shah Faisal Uthmankhel, Ali Zaman, Inam Yousafzai, and others appeared for the petitioners and said a high court bench had disposed of on Oct 26 a plea of their clients after allowing the PTI to carry out political activities in the province.

    PTI MPA offloaded

    Meanwhile, in a separate incident, former PTI MPA Shaukat Ali Yousafzai was offloaded from a flight at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport.

    Yousafzai’s flight was scheduled to depart at 9:15 am on Wednesday via Emirates flight EK-637 for Saudi Arabia, where he was to perform Umrah.

    He stated that after the boarding process was completed, the airport’s security officials came and took him into their custody “without any reason”, as per Dawn.

    The PTI ex-MPA added that when he asked the officials why he was being prevented from boarding the plane, they only replied they had “orders from authorities to not let you fly abroad”.

    Yousafzai went on to say that he would approach the Peshawar High Court and file a case against the airport’s security officials for offloading him as, according to him, neither was there a first information report against him nor was his name on the Exit Control List.

    PTI leaders arrested

    In a related development, Liaqat Ali Yousafzai, PTI’s Shangla chapter president and brother of Shaukat Ali Yousafzai, along with six other party workers were arrested by the police for allegedly violating Section 144 during a party meeting in Shahpur. The PTI criticized the authorities, claiming unequal treatment compared to other political parties allowed to hold public meetings.

    The situation reflects a growing tension between the PTI and local authorities, with the Peshawar High Court intervening to address concerns of restricted political activities in KP.

  • Heartfelt reunion in Makkah: American friend helps divided families meet

    Heartfelt reunion in Makkah: American friend helps divided families meet

    On November 21, 2023, a touching reunion happened in Makkah, bringing together families who were separated during the partition. Hujra Bibi, whose family was split during India’s partition, moved to Pakistan while her sister stayed in India, BBC shared the story.

    The partition of India in 1947, led by the British, created two separate countries, India and Pakistan, causing many people to leave their homes.

    Hujra Bibi’s story is special because the reunion happened in a different country. After being separated during the partition, Hujra, now living in Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, met her sister’s family from India in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    The credit for this emotional meeting on November 20 goes to Naseer Dhillon, a native of Faisalabad, Pakistan, and his friend. Naseer, through his YouTube channel, has been actively helping families reconnect.

    Despite facing challenges from the government, the families remained determined. Hujra applied for an Umrah visa, and Hanifan, her sister’s daughter, applied from India. Naseer’s friend, Pal Singh Gill from the United States, played a crucial role in making the meeting possible.

    Naseer highlighted the importance of their efforts, mentioning that despite the distance and obstacles, love and friendship can bring families back together. Hujra BiBi and her niece finally met in Makkah, ending years of being apart. Naseer traveled all the way from Dubai to Saudi Arabia to make this reunion possible. He said, “We thanked Allah for making it happen.” This story shows how families can stay strong and connected, even when they are separated by borders and obstacles. It’s truly amazing how love and determination can bring people together.

  • ECP orders federal government to remove IG, DC Islamabad

    ECP orders federal government to remove IG, DC Islamabad

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has instructed the federal caretaker government on Wednesday to remove Islamabad Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon from their posts.

    Dr Akbar Khan is a grade 20 officer, and Irfan Nawaz Memon is a grade 19 officer in the Pakistan Administrative Service.

    ECP had earlier directed the government on October 26 to remove both officials from their posts, but the Secretary Establishment Division didn’t implement the order at that time.

    Now there is progress in the matter, as the interior ministry wrote a letter to the Establishment Division to change officials.

    Dr Akbar Nasir Khan was appointed as IGP on May 21, 2022. He was serving in the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) then.

    In October of last year, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab registered a corruption case against IGP. ACE Punjab summoned him multiple times, seeking a reply on corruption charges, accusing him of tampering with documents to award contracts and causing Rs30.5 million loss to the government.