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  • Together again: Bushra Bibi going from Banigala sub-jail to Adiala jail

    Together again: Bushra Bibi going from Banigala sub-jail to Adiala jail

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered on Wednesday to transfer former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, from Banigala to Adiala jail, Geo is reporting.

    IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb announced the decision on Bushra Bibi’s plea seeking her transfer from Banigala to Adiala jail. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is also currently in Adiala jail.

    IHC reserved a verdict on Bushra Bibi’s petition on May 2 after hearing arguments. On the other hand, the Adiala jail superintendent said that they can’t accommodate Bushra Bibi as the jail is already overcrowded and there are security concerns.

    Bushra was placed under house arrest at her residence in Bani Gala on January 31, following her conviction in the Toshakhana case. Authorities had declared the Bani Gala residence a “sub-jail” to confine the former first lady at the request of the Adiala jail superintendent.

  • Video: Shakib Al Hassan allegedly tries to beat a fan for taking a selfie

    Video: Shakib Al Hassan allegedly tries to beat a fan for taking a selfie

    A video of Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has gone viral in which he can be seen abusing one of his fans ago is trying to take a selfie.

    The incident took place ahead of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) 2024 match between Sheikh Jamal Dhanmundi Club (SJDC) and Prime Bank Cricket Club.

    In the video, it can be seen that before the toss, Shakib Al Hassan is talking to the head coach, Sheikh Salahuddin. A young man tries to take a selfie with Shakib Al Hasan while Shakib Al Hasan tries to take away his mobile phone. The fan is pushed back, grabbing him by the neck, then at the same time try to slap him.

    Shakib was previously involved in controversies with players and umpires.

    In 2015, in Bangladesh Premier League, Shakib vented his anger on an umpire, after which he was banned for one match also a fine of $250 was imposed on him.

    On October 2010, Shakib threatened to hit a member of ground staff with a bat for moving the sightscreen in front of him during a Bangladesh-New Zealand ODI.

    On October 2019, Shakib was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for failing to report an approach from a bookie. He returned after the ban in January 2021.

  • Iraqi court suspends Kurdistan election preparations

    Iraqi court suspends Kurdistan election preparations

    Iraq’s highest court on Tuesday temporarily suspended preparations for June 10 parliamentary elections in the autonomous northern Kurdistan region, a source of tension between the two main Kurdish parties.

    The Federal Supreme Court suspended procedures related to “the registration of lists of candidates”, while it decides on another case linked to legislative elections in Kurdistan, a statement on the court’s website said.

    Kurdistan’s prime minister, Masrour Barzani, had filed an appeal to the supreme court arguing the “unconstitutionality” of the division of electoral constituencies planned for the vote.

    While awaiting a verdict, Barzani requested “a halt and suspension of the procedures of the electoral commission”.

    “The proceedings are suspended from today until the verdict,” an electoral commission source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

    The suspension comes amid a long-running conflict between the region’s two historic parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

    The court issued a ruling in February to reduce the number of seats in the Kurdish parliament from 111 to 100, effectively eliminating a quota reserved for Turkmen, Armenian and Christian minorities.

    In response, Barzani’s KDP said it would boycott legislative polls and did not register candidates.

    Since then the KDP pushed for postponement of the June 10 elections, which had initially been scheduled for October 2022, but were pushed back several times.

    The PUK has opposed any delay in holding the elections.

    Tuesday’s verdict comes as Kurdistan’s president, Nechirvan Barzani, is visiting Iranian leaders in Tehran, after meeting senior politicians in Baghdad.

    The KDP is the largest party in the outgoing parliament, with 45 seats against 21 for the PUK.

    The Kurdistan region has been autonomous since 1991, and presents itself as an oasis of stability favourable to foreign investment in Iraq.

    However, activists and opposition figures denounce what they say is corruption, repression of dissident voices and arbitrary arrests in the region.

  • Two terrorists linked with RAW caught in Karachi

    Two terrorists linked with RAW caught in Karachi

    Karachi police and intelligence agencies caught two terrorists connected to India’s main intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), during a targeted operation, Korangi Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hasan Sardar confirmed on Monday.

    Korangi police and agencies worked together to stop a major terrorist plan targeting a city.

    The SSP confirmed that police found two hand grenades, a 9mm gun, and bullets from the arrested terrorists.

    In the past, there have been several incidents where RAW agents were caught infiltrating Pakistani territory for intelligence gathering and terrorist activities.

    Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi exposed the “sophisticated and sinister” Indian campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings.

  • Pro-Palestinian student protests spread in Switzerland

    Pro-Palestinian student protests spread in Switzerland

    Pro-Palestinian protests on Tuesday spread to three universities across Switzerland — inspired by similar student demonstrations that began in the United States.

    For weeks, students around the world have been calling for their universities to cut ties with Israeli institutions over the war in Gaza.

    Students at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) were the first to mobilise in Switzerland, with several hundred occupying a hall Thursday evening to demand an end to partnerships with Israeli universities.

    UNIL responded in a statement that it “considers that there is no reason to cease these relations”. Protesters and the rector will meet later Tuesday.

    On Tuesday, the movement spread to the prestigious EPFL university in Lausanne, where a group of students occupied the university’s hall, an AFP photographer observed.

    The students are demanding “an academic boycott” of Israeli institutions and “an end to censorship at EPFL”, and called on other universities to join in.

    Tens of students protested in the entrance hall of the ETH Zurich shortly before midday on Tuesday, shouting “Free Palestine” and rolling a poster onto the floor that said “no Tech for Genocide” before being removed by police, according to news agency Keystone-ATS.

    In Geneva, the Palestine Student Coordination – University of Geneva (CEP-UnigGe) took over a hall at the university with sofas, chairs and tables around midday, the Swiss agency reported.

    Numerous Palestinian flags and banners were hung on all floors of the building. An assembly is scheduled for Tuesday.

    In a letter to the university’s rector, the group called for “an immediate end to links between the University of Geneva and Israeli universities” and called on the rectorate to encourage the admission of Palestinian students.

    Students across Europe have launched pro-Palestinian protests on campuses in Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

  • Pakistan cricket team reaches Ireland under leadership of Babar Azam

    Pakistan cricket team reaches Ireland under leadership of Babar Azam

    Pakistan’s 17-member cricket team has reached Ireland to play a three-matchT20 series under the leadership of Babar Azam.

    The national cricket team will rest today and the first training session will be on May 9. The T20 matches will be played in Dublin on May 12, 10 and 14.

    The Pakistan cricket team will reach England after completing the tour of Ireland to play a four match T20 series before T20 world cup. This series will start from May 22 to May 30.

    Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan are included in squad.

  • Toshakhana luxury car case: Nawaz wants to be declared not guilty

    Toshakhana luxury car case: Nawaz wants to be declared not guilty

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif asked an accountability court on Tuesday to drop charges against him in the Toshakhana reference.

    Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Rana Muhammad Arif Khan filed the petition. President Asif Ali Zardari and former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani are also accused in the same case.
    The prosecutor representing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) stated in court that he would forward the application to NAB headquarters.

    After that, the court issued a notice on Nawaz’s plea for May 23 and adjourned the hearing till June 3.
    Earlier this month, NAB cleared the PML-N leader of any wrongdoing in a case about him getting a luxury car from the Toshakhana (gift repository).

  • Apple unveils new iPad Pro with M4 chip at ‘Let Loose’ event

    Apple unveils new iPad Pro with M4 chip at ‘Let Loose’ event

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, described the recent “Let Loose” event as “the biggest day for iPad since its introduction.”

    The tech giant introduced significant updates to the iPad Air and iPad Pro, along with the launch of a new Apple Pencil Pro and an updated Magic Keyboard, tailored specifically for these new iPads.

    iPad Air: Two display sizes and new color options

    The latest iPad Air now comes in two sizes, an 11-inch model and a larger 13-inch version, both powered by the advanced M2 chip.

    Other enhancements include the addition of spatial audio for immersive sound and the relocation of the front-facing camera to the landscape edge, facilitating better video calls.

    Alongside the classic space grey and starry finishes, Apple has introduced new blue and purple color options, offering a wider variety of choices.

    iPad Pro: A leap in display technology and performance

    Apple’s updated iPad Pro features a revolutionary display technology called Tandem OLED, available in both the 11-inch and 13-inch models.

    The iPad Pro now boasts the powerful M4 chip, providing a substantial performance boost.

    Apple claims that this new chip makes the iPad Pro “four times faster” than its predecessor, a surprising leap given that these advanced chips were expected to debut in the Mac series.

    The iPad Pro will be available in space black and silver finishes.

    Apple Pencil Pro: Precision and new features

    The new Apple Pencil Pro is designed to offer greater precision and control, thanks to its built-in gyroscope that allows users to fine-tune their tools.

    A unique squeeze feature enables users to quickly switch between tools, adding a new layer of functionality.

    Additionally, the Pencil Pro now integrates with Apple’s FindMy feature, providing a simple way to locate the Pencil if it is misplaced.

    As with the previous model, the Pencil Pro is magnetically charged and can be attached to the iPad for easy transport.

    Magic Keyboard: Lighter and thinner for enhanced portability

    Apple has redesigned the Magic Keyboard to be lighter and thinner to complement the new iPad Pro’s sleek profile.

    It features an aluminium trackpad, a row of function keys, and comes in two color options to match the iPad Pro.

    The Magic Keyboard will be available in two sizes: the 11-inch model priced at $299 and the 13-inch model at $349.

  • Govt plans to increase retirement age to reduce pension spending

    Govt plans to increase retirement age to reduce pension spending

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has announced that the government is set to introduce pension reforms as part of a broader strategy to implement structural changes ahead of signing a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The proposed reforms aim to bring pension expenses under control and extend the retirement age, reflecting a shift in societal perceptions about aging.

    Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Information Minister Atta Tarar, Aurangzeb highlighted the need to manage growing pension costs.

    He suggested that raising the retirement age is a key component of the reforms.

    “Age is now just a number. 60 is the new 40,” Aurangzeb remarked, pointing out that many individuals remain productive well into their 60s.

    He cited his previous role as CEO of Habib Bank Limited (HBL), where the retirement age was increased from 60 to 65, illustrating the benefits of extended career longevity.

    To address the rising pension expenditures, Aurangzeb stated that changes to the civil service structure are needed.

    In the fiscal year 2023-24, Pakistan allocated Rs801 billion for superannuation allowances and pensions, representing a 31 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year’s allocation of Rs609 billion.

    Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar noted that implementing pension reforms would require legislation, as it impacts a wide range of sectors, including civil servants, armed forces, judicial organs, and executive branches.

    Tarar added that a committee has been established under the chairmanship of the finance minister to propose recommendations for pension reforms. “The recommendations, when finalised, will be shared with the public,” he assured.

    In other news, Aurangzeb discussed the recent visit by a Saudi delegation to Pakistan, which he described as a “confidence booster.”

    The discussions with the Saudi delegation were positive, reinforcing the country’s commitment to moving in the right direction.

    Looking ahead, Aurangzeb announced that the IMF mission would arrive in Pakistan this month for key talks on structural reforms.

    These discussions will focus on several crucial areas, including increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio from the current 9 per cent to a more sustainable 13-14 per cent, reforming the energy sector, and privatising State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

    The finance minister also highlighted the need to reduce non-development expenditure and commended the Sindh government’s Public-Private-Partnership model as a successful strategy that could be replicated at the federal level.

  • Israel shows no sign of accepting ceasefire

    Israel shows no sign of accepting ceasefire

    The ceasefire. The one that Palestinians still in Rafah were waiting for. Hamas had agreed to the ceasefire terms but Israel has once again, delayed any possibility of peace in the region.

    Israel’s unapologetic dissent comes despite global pressure calling for an end to the seven-month genocide of Palestinians which has now killed more than 34,000 people.

    As per the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the three-phase ceasefire is in ‘contradiction with Israel’s demands’ and a delegation will reportedly be sent to Cairo for talks.

    On the other hand, according to sources from Al Jazeera, Hamas claims that Netanyahu deliberately undermined the recent discussions while reports in the Israeli media of Hamas accepting a deal is also being discredited, deeming it as a “ruse designed to make Israel look like they had sabotaged the deal”.

    Ironically, at the same time, Israeli military has invaded the Rafah crossing.

    “By deciding to close the Rafah and Kerem Shalom [Karem Abu Salem] border crossing, Israel is leading the region toward a disaster and continues its policy of starvation and persecution of [Palestinians],” said Hamas.

    Hamas has also called for “international intervention” to prompt Israel into accepting the ceasefire.

    Previously, Hamas deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya confirmed to Al Jazeera that US President Biden personally committed to the implementation of the ceasefire deal.

    He told the Qatari news network that Egyptian and Qatari mediators had told Hamas that the United States president was committed to making sure that the agreement was enforced.

    However, there hasn’t been confirmation of this from the American side.

    The US confirmed that work was being done ‘right now’ to ensure peace. State Department spokesperson Miller didn’t give a timeframe for how long the details of the ceasefire would take but he said that the CIA director is “literally working on this right now”.

    “It’s something that is a top priority for everyone in this administration from the president on down,” Miller said.

    “Everyone is focused on this. Everyone is trying to get a deal over the line.”