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  • UN Chief António says climate change has attacked wrong targets

    UN Chief António says climate change has attacked wrong targets

    United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has said that Pakistan was one of the countries most severely affected by climate change despite its minimal contribution to the phenomenon.

    “Pakistan has had little contribution to climate change but [it] is one of the most dramatically impacted by the consequences of climate change,” Guterres said.

    Guterres during a briefing at the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Secretary General said that there was “no memory of anything similar to what has happened with the impact of climate change in Pakistan”.

    Pakistan needs massive financial support

    “The numbers are appalling. But beyond the numbers, I see the families that have lost their loved ones, houses, crops, jobs and are living in desperate conditions,” he expressed.

    “Pakistan needs massive financial support to respond to this crisis as according to initial estimates the losses are around $30 billion,” observed Guterres.

    “Effective solidarity and justice is shown by mobilising massive support,” the UN chief said.

    Nature has attacked the wrong targets

    “It is like nature has attacked the wrong targets. Those that are more responsible for climate change should have to face these kind of challenges,” he stated.

    Guterres stressed that it is the international community’s obligation to drastically reduce emissions and support countries that need to invest in resilience and recovery.

    “My voice is entirely at the service of Pakistan and its people. We know our contribution is limited […] but we are totally committed.”

    Challenge is absolutely beyond human capacities, yet humans have to handle it and we are

    Speaking at the briefing, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the UN chief’s empathy and support was great encouragement for Pakistan, as he expressed gratitude towards the visiting dignitary.

    “The government of Pakistan, along with the provincial governments and all stakeholders […] are working together to provide relief and rescue to millions,” the premier said.

    PM Shehbaz said that efforts were underway and flood affectees were being moved to safer areas while also being provided food and shelter. “The challenge is absolutely beyond human capacity, yet humans have to handle it and so we are.”

    UN chief in Pakistan on solidarity visit after catastrophic flooding

    The prime minister had welcomed the UN secretary general as he arrived at the PM House along with his delegation.

    Guterres arrived in the capital during the early hours of Friday. The secretary general had announced his plan for a solidarity trip to Pakistan soon after the launch of the $160 million UN Flash Appeal for helping the people most affected by the floods caused by what he had called “monsoon on steroids”.

    He will be back in New York on September 11 where the 77th session of the UN General Assembly is starting on September 13.

  • Afghan players had to take sleeping pills after Pakistan defeat

    Afghan players had to take sleeping pills after Pakistan defeat

    Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi has revealed that the team took sleeping pills after losing Wednesday’s high stakes game to Pakistan.

    Afghanistan started Asia Cup 2022 with back to back wins in group stage against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. However, in the Super Four stage, they lost all their matches.

    After the toss against India on Thursday, Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi revealed that after losing to Pakistan, his team mates left the ground right after the match. They had green tea and took sleeping pills after reaching the hotel.

    “Left the ground straight after the team talk, had green tea, and then took some sleeping pills! [laughs] All round the boys have played really well,” Nabi said after winning the toss against India on Thrusday.

    Afghanistan came within a hair’s breadth of victory on the September 7 game, picking up 9 of Pakistan’s wickets in 19 overs. Pumped up for the win, the Afghan players watched the game slip out of their hands as Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah hit two back to back maximums in the first two balls of the last over and took the match away from them.

    Read more: ‘People have forgotten that I am also a bowler’: Naseem Shah

    After losing to Pakistan, Afghanistan lost their chance to qualify for the Asia Cup 2022 final.

    They faced India the very next day and were defeated by 101 runs with Kohli’s stellar knock of 122 on 61.

    Bhuvneshwar Kumar achieved his career best figures of 5-4 in his four over spell against Afghanistan.

    Read more: Virat Kohli dedicates 71st century to wife Anushka Sharma

    Bhuvneshwar Kumar achieved his career best figures of 5-4 in his four over spell against Afghanistan.

  • Prince Philip body to be moved next to Queen, was kept in a vault till her death

    Prince Philip body to be moved next to Queen, was kept in a vault till her death

    Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband of 73 years, will be buried next to the monarch’s grave once she is interred at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin has been temporarily resting in the Royal Vault within St. George’s Chapel since almost 18 months.

    Prince Philip’s funeral took place on April 17, 2021, amid a virulent wave of the pandemic. The service was attended by a limited number of people due to Covid restrictions. A poignant picture of the Queen sitting alone in the church went viral after the service, showcasing how the monarch followed the rules set by the government.

    Prince Philip was privately interred in the Royal Vault of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The internment, however, was temporary, as following royal tradition, he was to be interred with his wife. His remains are still at the Royal Vault.

    The Queen will be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel within St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and her husband Philip will be transferred to be by her side. The memorial chapel was built by Queen Elizabeth in 1969 as an addition to St. George’s Chapel especially to house the grave of her late father, King George VI, whose body was also placed in the Royal Vault for 17 years. Fifty years after his death, his wife’s coffin and his younger daughter, Princess Margaret, ashes were also interred with him.

    In the past few centuries, St. George’s Chapel, has become the preferred burial ground for the Royal family. Before St. George’s, most royals were buried at Westminster Abbey. Among other members of the royals, the chapel houses the graves of Henry VIII, his wife Jane Seymour, King George VI, Princess Margaret, Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary of Teck.

    Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, breathed her last on Thursday in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom (UK) at the age of 96.

  • ‘Kaptaan dar gaya, bhaag gaya’: Bilawal takes jibe at IK over PTI member withdrawal from by-election

    ‘Kaptaan dar gaya, bhaag gaya’: Bilawal takes jibe at IK over PTI member withdrawal from by-election

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson and the incumbent Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took a jibe at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

    Reacting to the PTI candidate Shakoor Shad’s resignation for NA-246, the PPP chairperson said, “IK running away from by-elections. Kaptaan dar gaya, Kaptaan bhagaya”. (Imran Khan is scared, he has run away.)

    Bhutto took to Twitter and termed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) postponement act as “special treatment” for Khan.

    In his tweet, Bilawal asked, “How long will Khan remain a favourite”, adding that PPP candidates from Multan and Karachi are frustrated by the sudden postponement of the by-elections in constituencies of Sindh and Punjab.

    Replying to him, PTI’s Meher Bano Qureshi accused Bhutto’s party of the postponement.

    “We aren’t the ones running away. Let’s go to the polls on the 11th as scheduled. Your government put in a request for the postponement. Maybe check with the allies before tweeting”, she said. Qureshi is contesting the by-elections from NA-157, Multan.

    PPP’s Syed Ali Musa Gillani also took to Twitter to express his reservation over the postponement. He said, “We are all set for the election on Sunday. This decision of ECP will not be acceptable. It is against the constitution. The people of the constituency must not be deprived of their representation. Polling staff has been nominated stations finalised.”

    “We will challenge if any notification is issued in this regard, delaying the election last minute”, he added.

    Gillani, son of former Prime Minister (PM) Yousaf Raza Gillani, is contesting against Meher Bano Qureshi, the daughter of former Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on NA-157 in Multan.

    Earlier, the ECP announced its decision to postpone the by-election in 13 constituencies. The by-elections were set to be held on September 11, September 25, and October 2.

    By-elections on nine seats of the National Assembly were scheduled to be held on September 25, with Imran Khan contesting on all of them as PTI’s candidate.

    ECP has said that the decision to postpone the by-elections had been taken after getting feedback from the Ministry of Interior according to which Pakistan Army, Rangers, and the Frontier Corps are engaged in relief work for the flood-affected people, maintaining internal security, and thwarting out terrorist activities in the country.

  • You won’t believe how much money King Charles will inherit

    You won’t believe how much money King Charles will inherit

    Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, breathed her last on Thursday in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom (UK) at the age of 96.
    “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” a display message on the official website of the Royal family reads.
    “The official website of the Royal Family is temporarily unavailable while appropriate changes are made.”

    Who is the new King?

    Charles, as the queen’s eldest child, inherited both the title of sovereign and the job as head of the Commonwealth, along with other assets such as land and property.
    Charles, 73, is the longest-serving heir in British history after waiting decades to get to the throne.

    The queen and her late husband, Prince Philip, had four children, with Charles being the oldest. He became Britain’s heir apparent at age 3 when his mother succeeded to the throne at the age of 25. Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, and Earl of Carrick were some of Charles’ titles while he was the heir to the throne.

    The title of Prince and Princess of Wales was given after Charles wed Diana Spencer in 1981.

    They had two children; William, who is now the heir presumptive, and Harry, now the fifth in line to inherit the crown. Charles and Diana separated in 1992. In a few years, they were divorced. Charles wed Camilla Parker Bowles, who is now known as the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005.

    How much money will the new King inherit?

    King Charles inherits not just the crown but also his mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s private fortune, without having to pay inheritance tax.

    King Charles had a net worth of $100 million before succeeding to the throne. Now, Queen Elizabeth II has left a fortune of $500 million in personal assets to the future King, bringing his total net worth to $600 million.

    He will also recover the annual Sovereign Grant. which was $116.7 million in 2021.

  • Hindu man fearing the police jumps in well, dies

    Hindu man fearing the police jumps in well, dies

    Alam, a Hindu resident of Wahi Pindi in Sindh, jumped into a well which resulted in his death in Tando Mohammad Khan on Thursday.

    The 35-year-old man reportedly jumped into the well to escape the rage of a policeman who was chasing Alam, allegedly, to beat him.

    According to the victim’s family, the man took the extreme step after being subjected to violence by Qadir, a policeman.

    Civil Hospital where he had a heated conversation with the policeman who was on duty there. The family said that Alam had a fever that’s why he had been visiting the hospital for two days.

    Moreover, his family claimed that the policeman had beaten him, with a video of the alleged beating having been recorded. Alam then ran away from the hospital in an attempt to hide from the cop and jumped into the well, losing his life.

    The family has demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the policeman.

  • Apple honours Queen Elizabeth II by removing iPhone 14 from homepage of its official website

    Apple honours Queen Elizabeth II by removing iPhone 14 from homepage of its official website

    On Thursday, Apple changed the homepage in memory of Queen Elizabeth II. The Cupertino-based tech giant has added her photo and a tribute statement to its homepage in memory of her.

    Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, also offered his condolences to the citizens of the UK and the Commonwealth.

    The longest reign of any British monarch was that of Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled for 70 years. She passed away at the age of 96.

    Here’s how Apple’s landing page currently appears:

    Apple.com landing page

    Importantly, Apple just announced the iPhone 14 series one day before Queen Elizabeth II passed away, and all of the new products were displayed on the landing page of the company’s website. However, the Cupertino-based technology company immediately updated the home page and included a photo of Queen Elizabeth II.

    Read more: Here are the official prices of all iPhone 14 models

    Apple is one of the few tech behemoths to have changed its website, surprisingly at this key moment when the company is promoting its recently announced products, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 8 and AirPods Pro 2.

  • PM Shehbaz to leave ‘no stone unturned’ in missing persons case

    PM Shehbaz to leave ‘no stone unturned’ in missing persons case

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif assured the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday, September 9, that all-out efforts will be made to recover missing persons.

    “I cannot say that all of the missing persons will be recovered, but we will leave no stone unturned,” he assured the court “I will not give any lame excuse,” said the premier to the IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah.

    Justice Minallah during the last hearing had instructing PM Shehbaz to ensure that missing persons — whose cases were being heard in the court, had to be produced before IHC on September 9 (today) and warned that the failure to do so would require the premier to appear in person on the said date and give an explanation.

    Justice Minallah stressed that the state’s responsibility should be fulfilled, regretting that in cases where missing persons were recovered, no further action was taken.

    Political leadership has to solve this issue

    “The political leadership has to solve this issue,” he said. “The court has no other way but to only ask the executive [about the issue].”

    Justice Minallah also stressed on the fact that no impression must be created that implies that law enforcement agencies were picking up citizens. The CJ reminded Sharif that national security was his responsibility.

    “This impression affects our national security,” he added. Addressing PM Shehbaz, he continued, “This court trusts you. Give [us] a solution for this [issue].”

    He asked who the court should hold responsible for enforced disappearances.

    PM Shehbaz replied that solving the issue was his duty.

    “Court will hold the chief executive responsible,” Athar Minallah warned, stressing that “people going missing is intolerable.”

    He said no entity was above the Constitution in the country, adding that this court would ensure civil supremacy, as well as the supremacy of the Constitution.

    Making people go missing biggest form of torture

    Justice Minallah then termed the practice of “making people go missing the biggest form of torture” and a “deviation from the Constitution”.

    “This court is a constitutional court … This court will look at the Constitution. There is no bigger issue than this,” he further remarked.

    He asked PM Shehbaz what the court should tell a small child approaching it for justice. “He also met the erstwhile prime minister,” Justice Minallah said, apparently making a reference to missing journalist Mudassar Naru’s son meeting former prime minister Imran Khan in December last year.

    PM Shehbaz told the court that a child of a missing person asked him to reunite him with his father. “His sentence is very disturbing for me,” he said.

    Saying that he was answerable to the courts and the people of the country, he added, “I am not here to play blame games.”

    Require two months to resolve the issue

    Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar then asked the court if he could speak about a few matters.

    In response, the IHC CJ said that he does not want to hear that the government has formed a committee and is probing the case. “I am telling you, no missing persons case should be filed again in this court,” he told the government in no uncertain terms.

    The law minister said that the government was holding meetings in this regard every week and that it required two months to resolve this issue and not a week.

    The court accepted the law minister’s plea to resolve the case within two months, adjourning the case till November 14.

  • 1926-2022: Queen Elizabeth’s life in pictures

    1926-2022: Queen Elizabeth’s life in pictures

    Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, breathed her last on Thursday in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom (UK) at the age of 96.

    Have a look at the Queen’s life, in pictures:

    1926: The Duke of York, the eventual King George VI and his wife Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, with the future Elizabeth II in a christening robe that has been in the royal family for generations

    Sitting on a garden seat with two dogs in 1936. Her love of dogs continued till the very end.

    During World War II, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service at the age of 18 in 1945, with the rank of subaltern. She became the first female royal to join the army. By the time the war ended, she had become a junior commander.

    In 1947 she married a distant cousin, Philip Mountbatten, who became Duke of Edinburgh. Their marriage lasted 73 years.

    1951: Elizabeth and Philip with their two older children Charles and Anne

    Elizabeth’s coronation in June 1953, after the death of her father, King George VI.

    December 1953: The Queen makes her Christmas broadcast from Government House in Auckland, New Zealand

    July 1969: With her eldest son Charles during his investiture as Prince of Wales, at Caernarfon Castle

    1972: The royal family at Buckingham Palace.

    1978: With Prince Philip as their train departed during a royal visit to Canada

    1973: The royal family wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the wedding of Princess Anne and Capt Mark Phillips.

    1977: Queen Elizabeth II poses for a silver jubilee portrait in the throne room of Buckingham Palace

    1992: the Queen and a firefighter inspect the damage after a fire at Windsor Castle, damaging more than 100 rooms.

    September 1997: The Queen and Prince Philip look at floral tributes outside Buckingham Palace in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales

    2011: Queen Elizabeth at Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding day

    2016: Queen on her 90th birthday

    2018: At the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

    2021: Queen at the funeral service of Prince Philip, who died aged 99.

    September 8, 2022: Queen appointed the fifteenth prime minister of her reign, Liz Truss.. The picture is one of the last public images of the Queen.

  • Virat Kohli dedicates 71st century to wife Anushka Sharma

    Virat Kohli dedicates 71st century to wife Anushka Sharma

    Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli finally smashed his maiden T20I and 71st International century against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2022 Super 4 match on Thursday.

    The master batsman scored an international century after a gap of 1020 days. He now holds the record of second highest number of centuries across all formats. Kohli has also become the 4th Indian to smash a century in all three formats after Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul.

    The superstar batsman is now the fastest to achieve the 71 centuries mark. Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting achieved this feat in 523 and 652 innings while Kohli took 522 innings.

    During the innings break, Kohli said, “I feel very blessed, very grateful right now. The last 2-2.5 years have taught me a lot. I am going to turn 34 this November. These celebrations are all from the past. I’ve put a lot of things in perspective. Actually, I was a bit shocked because this was the format I least expected a century in. But look, it’s all god’s blessing. I’ve been working hard. It was a moment that was very special for me and for the team as well.”

    While taking about moral support, he dedicated his 71st century to his wife Anushka Sharma.

    Kohli went on to say, “When you have someone next to you, having conversations, putting things in the right perspective like I have been and Anushka [Sharma] has been by my side through all these times… time away from the game has taught me a lot of things. When I came back I was not desperate. I was grateful for what God has blessed me with. People were talking about me not getting a hundred. But I was looking at how much he’s given me already. So that really calmed me down. That relaxed me. I was just happy to come back. Six weeks off, and I was refreshed. I realized after taking a break how tired I really was physically and mentally. Your competitiveness doesn’t allow you to take that call but I think it was a blessing in disguise for me. I wanted to be the best version of myself for the team and when I came here and batted in the nets, I felt my old rhythm coming back and it was just about getting those performances in the middle as well.”

    Kohli looked at his absolute best in the match against Afghanistan. He completed his half century in 32 balls. He then accelerated and smashed out a century in just 53 balls. With his stellar knock of 122 on 61 balls, Kohli has surpassed Rohit Sharma’s 2017 record of 118 against Sri Lanka.