Author: newsdesk

  • ‘This will be a long war; the price will be high’, says Israel: What do we know about day 11

    ‘This will be a long war; the price will be high’, says Israel: What do we know about day 11

    Palestinians arrested in occupied West Bank

    Israeli forces in have arrested around 30 Palestinian workers in the occupied West Bank, as per Al Jazeera Arabic.

    Up until the Hamas attacks of October 7, around 14,000 workers from Gaza were living in Israel and were heavily examined for security purposes.

    Their employment in Israel was a part of the deal between the Gaza labour ministry and Israel which helped money come into the Gaza Strip whereas Israel benefited from cheap labour and were able to avoid Israeli labour laws.

    After the escalation of Israel’s attacks on Gaza, the workers have been “dumped” in the occupied West Bank by their employers, interrogated, and sent to refugee camps. 

    Southern Gaza: 71 reported killed in Israeli air raids

    Another night went by in the southern Gaza Strip with Israel carrying out air raids, killing 71 people.

    Many of those killed were women and children.

    Medical sources have confirmed that hundreds were wounded in the air raids while houses were also bombed in Rafah and Khan Younis.

    The Israeli military has claimed to have carried out more than 200 strikes.

    The injured are being sent to hospitals that are already overcrowded while on the other hand, many people are still trapped in the rubble of bombed buildings.

    Northern Gaza: Heavy shelling

    Currently, reports of heavy Israeli artillery shelling are being reported from different areas in the northern Gaza strip. 

    So far, there are no reports of casualties.

    11,000 people injured in Gaza

    A World Health Organization official reports 11,000 injured people in Gaza, half of whom are women and children.

    So far, 115 attacks have been made on health facilities in Gaza.

    As for casualties, 2,800 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7.

    16 journalists killed in current fighting

    The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released a statement reporting the killings of at least 15 journalists since October 7, including 11 Palestinians, three Israelis and one Lebanese.

    Eight journalists were reported injured and three others were reported missing or detained.

    Israeli captives under Hamas

    Hamas’s Qassam Brigades have claimed to have 200 Israeli captives whereas other Palestinian groups are said to be having 50 more. A spokesperson said the Qassam Brigades has stated that they will release captives with foreign nationalities “as soon as it was feasible to do so”.

    ‘This will be a long war; the price will be high’

    The defence minister of Israel, Yoav Gallant, has stated that the attack on Gaza will be “a long war” and “the price will be high”.

    A “great ally”, as described by Gallant after his meeting with Blinken, the US has been deploying aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean. 

    The minister believes that no matter the time and cost the war against Hamas takes, Israel will win.

    On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden is also expected to pay a visit to Israel to express his support  while the country prepares for the potential ground operation against Hamas in Gaza, Anthony Blinken has said. 

    A total of 500 Palestinians, including those that Israel alleges are Hamas members, have been arrested across the West Bank. 

    Iran’s strongest warning so far

    On Monday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian gave his most stern statement so far, warning of a possible preemptive strike in the coming hours.

    He asserted that Iran-backed groups will not allow Israel to commit atrocities in Gaza, mentioning Lebanon’s Hezbollah who has exchanged cross-border fire with Israel in the past week. 

    At least 55 Israeli police officers killed since war started

    The Israeli police say at least 55 officers have been killed since the war started on October 7.

    Police added the latest officer to lose his life was Mumtaz Enin Sivan, a member of the Bedouin community police unit in the Negev region of the country’s south.

    UN says concerned by risk of waterborne diseases in Gaza

    On one hand, Gaza is said to be running out of water due to Israel’s embargo while on the other hand, the UN has said that there is a risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases.

    “Concerns over dehydration and waterborne diseases are high given the collapse of water and sanitation services, including today’s shutdown of Gaza’s last functioning seawater desalination plant,” the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) said in a statement.

    Southern Gaza reportedly received water for three hours on Tuesday that could only provide for only 14 per cent of the population.

    $10m in assistance to Gaza civilians from Japan

    Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa has stated that Japan will provide $10m in assistance for the people in Gaza.

    Credit: Al Jazeera

  • Pakistani rupee finally ends 28-day winning streak, loses against US dollar

    Pakistani rupee finally ends 28-day winning streak, loses against US dollar

    The Pakistani rupee’s remarkable 28-day winning streak against the US dollar came to an end today, as it recorded losses following an initial trade opening at Rs278.5 in the interbank market.

    In the morning, the rupee had steadied, maintaining a level of Rs276 against the greenback. Subsequently, between 1:00 PM and 2:35 PM, the interbank rate dipped to Rs278 before settling at Rs277 for the rest of the day. 

    Open market rates, observed across various currency exchange counters, ranged from Rs277 to Rs279 throughout the day.

    At the close of the trading day, the PKR experienced a depreciation of 0.07 per cent, concluding at Rs277.03 after losing 20 paisas against the US dollar.

    Despite today’s setback, it is noteworthy that the disparity between interbank and open market rates has significantly decreased by Rs60 since September 4th. The rates have fluctuated between as low as Rs277 and sporadic spikes up to Rs280 today.

  • Local bodies election happening after 18 years in Gilgit-Baltistan  

    Local bodies election happening after 18 years in Gilgit-Baltistan  

    Long awaited local bodies elections are going to take place in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for the first time in 18 years. Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming polls.

    GB Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan has said that local body elections will be held in the last week of November. The process of delimitation is in progress, but the demarcation process is already complete.

    The Local Bodies Act 2014 took place on July 20, 2023, in GB. Raja Shahbaz Khan also described that, after door-to-door verification, the voter list has been compiled and will soon be made public.

    On the other hand, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has also arranged a training workshop for government officials in the region.

    The workshop’s fundamental purpose was to provide training to commissioners, deputy commissioners, and assistant commissioners from Gilgit, Diamer, and Baltistan divisions.

    While addressing the closing ceremony of the workshop, GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan said that local bodies election is the priority of the government.

  • Pakistan defeat Cambodia to register first win in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

    Pakistan defeat Cambodia to register first win in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

    Pakistan defeated Cambodia on Tuesday in Islamabad by 1-0 to register its first win in FIFA world cup qualifiers match.

    Haroon Hamid scored the first goal from Pakistan in the 67th minute of the game.

    Star forward Otas Khan was not featured in the match since he didn’t get clearance from FIFA. Khan’s eligibility is based on his parental grandfather who was born in Dehli, India. Later he moved from India to Pakistan during 1947’s partition and is now settled in Manchester, England.

    Pakistan will play next against Saudi Arabia, Tajiskistan and Jordan in the second round of group qualifiers.

  • PIA flight operation resumed after deal with PSO

    PIA flight operation resumed after deal with PSO

    Update: After intense deliberation, PIA has cracked a deal with PSO due to which flight operations are slowly restarting. The delay in reaching an agreement caused the cancellation of more than 19 flights and delayed more than 20 others. 

    According to the deal, PIA is to pay Rs.100 million to the PSO on a daily basis. Flight operations have resumed since then. 

    Previously, the feud between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) continues while the passengers bear the brunt.

    Flight operations were adversely affected with 14 flights being cancelled and four others being delayed due to a halt in the supply of fuel to the airline, over the issue of non-payment of dues.

    The domestic cancelled flights were from Islamabad to Gilgit, one from Islamabad to Quetta, one from Karachi to Sukkur, one from Islamabad to Multan and one from Karachi to Faisalabad.

    Pk 304 from Karachi to Lahore, Pk308 from Karachi to Islamabad and Pk 309 from Islamabad to Karachi were delayed due to fuel unavailability. Pk 305 from Lahore to Karachi was delayed after its delayed arrival in Lahore.

    Hundreds of people, including passengers and flight crew, are facing inconvenience in the face of these partial suspension and delays in flight operations.

    To mitigate the severe issues of PIA’s flight operations, the Airline company has already requested the Aviation Division in a letter to arrange for them a loan of over Rs 7.5 billion from banks to keep itself afloat. The letter further states that fuel supply in Jeddah and Dubai was halted due to PSO’s refusal of fuel supply. This letter has been sent by the General Manager Funds Management to the Deputy Director Division and is now directed to the Ministry of Finance, urging them to intervene.

    Interestingly, no bank has shown any interest in providing loan to the loss-making national flag carrier.

    Earlier, in the mid of September, caretaker PM Anwarul Haq Kakar had aimed to sell-off the airline but the Interim Minister of Finance Dr. Shamshad Akhtar had said that the Government would support PIA to keep it in the skies. This was followed by the Caretaker Privatization Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad announcing later on that the government would not ground the PIA. He claimed to have already worked out a plan in a press conference.

    On the contrary, a plan is currently lying on his table as shared by the PIA which involves a debt restructuring program (which has reached 260 billion), blocking tax payment to the FBR and not paying fees and charges of the Civil Aviation Authority but does not address the mammoth of issues in administrative affairs.

    Dr. Shamshad has vowed to support the airline as the government has 92% stakes in it implying the saga of PIA going downhill seems to linger on for it has also announced bonuses of 915 million for its employees amidst all of this.

    Read more on this: https://thecurrent.pk/loss-making-pia-announced-bonuses-for-employees-on-their-good-performance/

  • Schools will remain open on Wednesday: Punjab Government

    Schools will remain open on Wednesday: Punjab Government

    Caretaker Education Minister for Punjab, Mansoor Qadir, confirmed that the government has chosen not to close educational institutions in the province this coming Wednesday, October 18, taking a u-turn from the administration’s previous plan. 

    Discussions were held by caretakers about the possibility of temporarily shutting down schools and offices on Wednesdays, in addition to regular weekends, as a government measure to counter smog. 

    Recent rainfall has significantly contributed to an improvement in the air quality in Lahore, the provincial capital most affected by the smog. This positive development has prompted the ruling authorities to delay the implementation of the proposed closure.

    Minister Qadir stated during the press conference, “Schools will remain open this Wednesday. We will continue to convene meetings to address the smog issue and make future decisions accordingly.”

    During the same briefing, Caretaker Information Minister Aamir Mir highlighted the annual health risks posed by the smog. “Raising awareness about the consequences of smog is essential for the public,” he emphasized.The government has taken measures, including the enforcement of Section 144 to curb smog, and has imposed restrictions on vehicles to prevent further exacerbation of the situation

  • What’s going on in your city this weekend                                                                      

    What’s going on in your city this weekend                                                                      

    ‘Anarkali Sy Agay’, a play created by a group called Behrupiya, will be performed on October 21 – 22 in Lahore. If you like theater and drama, this could be a fun and exciting event to attend. You can enjoy the performance and be part of the audience on those dates. So, mark your calendar and don’t miss this show!

    Experience a captivating musical adventure to Ormara Beach with Mubashir Hasan and Ali Asad, alongside popular bloggers and TikTokers, happening on October 21, 2023. The concert promises a day filled with music and scenic beauty. Don’t miss out on this memorable trip!

    Get ready for a month-long Halloween extravaganza at Winterland in both Karachi and Lahore. From October 1 to October 31, Winterland promises a spooky and fun-filled experience. You’ll be immersed in a Halloween wonderland with eerie decorations, ghostly encounters, glow-in-the-dark face painting, trick-or-treat adventures, mask crafting, and a photo booth to capture all the memorable moments. Don’t miss out on this frightfully delightful event at Winterland inLahore’s Bahria Town.   

    Join an electrifying experience at the Red Bull Off The Roofevent in Islamabad on October 28, 2023. It’s not just a concert; it’s a mobile stage on wheels, bringing your favorite artists to the heart of Islamabad. Don’t miss out on this thrilling musical journey through the city.

  • Abdullah Shafiq ko hogya bukhaar

    Abdullah Shafiq ko hogya bukhaar

    Pakistan’s opening batsman Abdullah Shafique has contracted fever ahead of the national’s team match against Australia on October 20, team sources have told Geo News’s reporter Faizan Lakhani on Tuesday.

    As per team management, earlier Fakhar Zaman was suffering from knee pain, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir were suffering from fever, however, all three have now recovered.

    Reports state that the team underwent comprehensive medical examinations as part of the COVID-19 and dengue fever protocol.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday rejected media reports that claimed several players have contracted an infection.

    “Thankfully, there is no viral infection or disease,” a PCB spokesperson said after reports triggered speculations.

    The team also changed their training sessions multiple times lending credence to these reports.

    “Those who are in the stage of recovery remain under the team medical panel’s observation,” the spokesperson added.

    Meanwhile, the team also rescheduled a training session after cancelling it earlier today.

    Pakistan team will have a two-hour training session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium today (Tuesday) from 6pm to 8pm in Bengaluru.

    Assuring concerned fans, sources stated to Lakhani, “There is no concern about the health of players.”

    “Some players got fever in the past few days, and most of them have fully recovered from it. Those who are in the stage of recovery remain under the team medical panel’s observation,” said the Pakistan team’s spokesman.

    Schedule of Pakistan’s remaining matches

    October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru

    October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai

    October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai

    October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata

    November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)

    November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

    Day matches will start at 10:00am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30pm (PST).

    Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

    Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

    Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

  • Waqar Younis advises Shaheen Afridi to copy Jasprit Bumrah’s World Cup blueprints

    Waqar Younis advises Shaheen Afridi to copy Jasprit Bumrah’s World Cup blueprints

    Pakistan’s former fast-bowling great, Waqar Younis, has advised pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi to learn from India’s Jasprit Bumrah, if he wants to make an impact in the World Cup.

    Afridi has been struggling with his pace and fitness during the World Cup, putting in what fans have called unimpressive performances in all three World Cup matches, conceding 139 runs and taking only four wickets so far.

    While talking to AFP, former national pacer Waqar Younis said, “I don’t know if there is any problem with Shaheen’s fitness or not but his bowling lacks discipline and he is trying to get wickets. When you do the same thing over and over again, like Shaheen does with his yorkers in succession, the batsmen knows that and they are ready to play it”.

    Read More: ‘Reading Namaz in front of Indians’; Rizwan targeted by same lawyer who harassed Zainab Abbas

    Younis suggested that, “Shaheen follow the example set by Bumrah,” whom he described as a “top bowler”. Bumrah is putting pressure on the opposition teams, Waqar pointed out, adding that his line is above the off stumps, “as we saw, that he bowled well against Pakistan”.

    “There was a lack of discipline from Pakistan’s bowling side in the World Cup. I don’t think it’s just because of the lack of  Naseem Shah, he used to bowl with Shaheen Afridi and both of them put pressure on the opposition batsmen” Waqar Younis said.

  • Usama Mir and Fakhar Zaman may be included in squad against Australia

    Usama Mir and Fakhar Zaman may be included in squad against Australia

    Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman and leg-spinner Osama Mir have been declared fully fit before a crucial match between the green shirts and Australia, Geo News has said in a report.

    Fakhar Zaman was suffering from knee pain while Usama Mir had high fever. Both the players have recovered just in time to be considered for the match against Australia. The Pakistani team has reached Bangalore, where a practice session is scheduled to be held from 6 pm to 9 pm today. Pakistan will play its next match against Australia on October 20 on Friday.