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  • World Cup 2023: India defeats Afghanistan by eight wickets

    World Cup 2023: India defeats Afghanistan by eight wickets

    In the ninth match of the ICC ODI World Cup, India won their second consecutive victory on Wednesday, defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets.

    Afghanistan scored 272 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 50 overs, Heshmatullah Shahidi was the top-scorer with 80 runs.

    India easily chased down Afghanistan’s target of 273 runs for the loss of two wickets in 35 overs, with captain Rohit Sharma scoring 131 off 84 balls, including five sixes and 16 fours. Ishan Kishan chipped in with an undefeated 47 runs, Virat Kohli remained not out with 55 runs while Shreyas Iyer scored 25 runs.

    Read More: World Cup 2023: Grand ceremony to be held before Pakistan-India match

    Rashid Khan dismissed two players for Afghanistan, and Rohit was given the Man of the Match award for his brilliant batting.

    India will play their next match against Pakistan on October 14.

  • Pakistan expected to export cars to Kenya

    Pakistan expected to export cars to Kenya

    Master Changan Motors, a noteworthy Pakistani-Chinese collaboration, has initiated the export of its Oshan X7 mid-size crossover to Kenya.

    The sight of containers laden with Oshan X7 vehicles en route to the port in Karachi has confirmed this export venture.

    Reliable sources affirm that a substantial quantity of Oshan X7 SUVs will soon grace Kenyan roads.

    While the official announcement of this export endeavour is yet to be made, it is anticipated to be unveiled at a ceremony scheduled for October 12, hosted at their Karachi manufacturing facility.

    In the past, Changan Pakistan’s CEO, Danial Malik, articulated the company’s intention to export right-hand drive vehicles initially designed for the Pakistani market to various other regions.

    Historically, the parent company produced left-hand drive vehicles exclusively for its domestic clientele.

    Danial Malik also emphasised that Changan’s Pakistan-assembled vehicles would find their way to distributors in South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries where right-hand drive vehicles are customary.

    This development unfolds against a backdrop of considerable economic challenges confronting Pakistan, including soaring inflation and the burdensome cost of conducting business. Exacerbating the situation, interest rates are presently at historic highs, resulting in decreased demand for automobiles.

    Furthermore, car prices within Pakistan have surged significantly, amplifying the financial strain on hard-pressed consumers.

    In response, the government has been strongly encouraging the automotive sector, which is heavily reliant on imported materials, to bolster its exports. The initial objective was to achieve 2 per cent of the total imports, a target unmet in FY23.

    According to Samaa, in May 2022, Pakistan marked a milestone by exporting its first vehicle crafted by Master Changan Motors under the newly implemented Auto Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP 2021-26). Notably, Pakistan stands as the sole country outside China to manufacture the latest Changan Oshan X7 model.

    Concurrently, the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) disclosed on October 11 that car sales in Pakistan had risen by 10 per cent in September compared to the preceding month, with a total of 8,312 units sold. 

    Nevertheless, this apparent short-term upturn can be attributed to improved access to raw materials, whereas the year-on-year data indicates a substantial 26 per cent decrease in sales for the corresponding period.

  • Pakistan faces worsening financial woes as state-owned enterprises suffer losses

    Pakistan faces worsening financial woes as state-owned enterprises suffer losses

    Interim Prime Minister (PM) Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar conveyed on Wednesday that Pakistan is grappling with financial challenges, exacerbated by the continuous losses incurred by state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

    The PM presided over a high-level meeting specifically addressing the issues plaguing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). 

    During this meeting, comprehensive briefings were presented on various aspects of PIA’s operations.

    Key figures, including Caretaker Minister for Privatisation Fawad Hassan Fawad, Adviser to the Prime Minister Ahad Cheema, and other relevant authorities, were in attendance.

    PM Kakar articulated his concerns regarding the protracted decision-making process concerning PIA’s issues.

    He highlighted the urgency of expediting the privatisation of PIA and other state-owned enterprises that are incurring losses, highlighting that these financial setbacks should not be shouldered by the public through tax money.

    PM Kakar underscored that reforming the aviation sector could lead to improved services for the public.

    Furthermore, he stressed the importance of transparency in the privatisation process and the need to assign responsibility for the losses to facilitate corrective actions and prevent further financial setbacks.

    The meeting received updates on PIA’s financial situation and the progress of its privatisation process.

    The PM directed that the privatisation of the national flag carrier be expedited to relieve the burden on the national treasury.

  • Over 60 dead due to instant loan app scam blackmailing with nudes

    Over 60 dead due to instant loan app scam blackmailing with nudes

    A widespread blackmail scam, originating in instant loan apps, has ensnared victims in India and across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with at least 60 Indians resorting to suicide after relentless abuse.

    The BBC conducted an undercover investigation that unveiled the culprits profiting from this pernicious scheme in India and China.

    Bhoomi Sinhaa, a Mumbai-based lawyer, fell victim to this ruthless scheme when she borrowed approximately INR 47,000 ($565; £463) from several loan apps.

    These apps, promising swift loans, often extract personal data and use it to extort users when repayments are delayed. Recovery agents, part of the gig economy, are then tasked with harassing individuals into paying back, resorting to insults and humiliation.

    Bhoomi’s debt spiralled, leading to relentless abuse, threats, and even the release of a manipulated, humiliating photo to her contacts.

    The BBC investigation revealed that at least 60 individuals have taken their own lives due to harassment by these loan apps, with most being young victims who suffered in silence.

    The culprits have managed to stay largely anonymous. However, the BBC did uncover a former debt recovery agent who exposed the system’s brutality.

    Rohan, an ex-employee, recorded over 100 incidents of harassment and abuse, capturing the extortion on camera.

    The most egregious behaviour was observed at Callflex Corporation, where agents were not going rogue but following directions from supervisors, including one named Vishal Chaurasia.

    The recovery process often involves painting victims as fraudsters and thieves and pressuring their contacts.

    The scheme’s sinister nature extends beyond India, involving a Chinese connection. Li Xiang, a Chinese businessman, operates in India through loan apps and recovery services, flouting local laws and resorting to shame to extract repayments.

    He emphasised that their approach is akin to exposing customers to their vulnerability, leaving them “naked” in front of the scammers.

    The emotional and psychological toll on victims like Bhoomi Sinhaa is profound. The shame and ostracization they experience have lasting consequences, with friends, family, and colleagues often distancing themselves from the victims.

    Despite the victims’ efforts to seek justice through police reports and media exposure, the culprits remain elusive, with denials and a lack of cooperation from the companies involved.

    Majesty Legal Services, another implicated company, refuted the allegations, while Li Xiang defended his operations, denying predatory practices.

    This investigation underscores the urgent need for authorities to address this alarming issue, protect vulnerable borrowers, and bring those responsible to justice, all while raising awareness to prevent further harm.

  • Supreme Court upholds Practice & Procedure Act 2023

    Supreme Court upholds Practice & Procedure Act 2023

    The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a verdict in favour of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, dismissing petitions challenging its validity.

    Headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the SC full bench consisted of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Naqvi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Mazhar, Justice Ayesha, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Rizvi, Justice Waheed and Justice Musarrat Hilali.

    The decision was upheld by 10-5 majority.

    While reading out the order, CJP Isa noted that five members of the full court bench — Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ayesha A Malik, and Justice Shahid Waheed — had opposed the law.

    The decision on the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, case was delivered after the completion of all arguments. Attorney General Mansoor Awan presented a comprehensive case in favor of the act, leading to the full court’s decision in support of the legislation.

    The SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, has been a subject of considerable debate and legal scrutiny, with various petitions seeking its annulment. However, the apex court has preserved the Act, emphasising its continued relevance in the legal system.

    However, by an 8-7 decision, the majority of judges have decided against the provision of law wherein retrospective right of appeal was given in the Act.

    The Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023, which has been at the centre of legal debate and judicial proceedings, introduced several crucial provisions, reshaping the functioning of the Supreme Court of Pakistan:

    1. Sou Motu Notice: The Act granted the power of taking suo motu notice to a three-member committee, consisting of senior judges, including the Chief Justice. This provision aimed to facilitate the initiation of legal proceedings in the apex court and ensure transparency. It also included the right to appeal.
    2. Constitution of Benches: According to the Act, every case, matter, or appeal brought before the Supreme Court would be heard and decided by a bench formed by a committee comprising the Chief Justice and the two most senior judges. Decisions of the committee would be made by a majority vote.
    3. Original Jurisdiction: When exercising the apex court’s original jurisdiction, the Act mandated that any matter invoking the use of Article 184(3) must first be presented before the committee.
    4. Interpretation of the Constitution: In cases where the interpretation of the Constitution was necessary, the Act stipulated that the committee would assemble a bench consisting of no fewer than five Supreme Court judges.
    5. Right to Appeal: In instances where a decision was made by a Supreme Court bench exercising Article 184(3) jurisdiction, the Act allowed for an appeal to be filed within 30 days of the bench’s order. This appeal would be scheduled for a hearing within a period not exceeding 14 days.
    6. Retrospective Right of Appeal: The Act also extended the right of appeal retrospectively to individuals who had been affected by an order made under Article 184(3) before the commencement of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, provided that the appeal was filed within 30 days of the Act’s implementation.
    7. Choice of Counsel: Parties involved in legal proceedings were granted the right to select their counsel for filing a review application under Article 188 of the Constitution.
    8. Urgency and Interim Relief: The Act outlined that any application claiming urgency or seeking interim relief in a case, appeal, or matter would be scheduled for a hearing within 14 days from the date of filing.
  • Did Hamas actually decapitate Israeli children and women? No, they did not.

    Did Hamas actually decapitate Israeli children and women? No, they did not.

    False news has been circulating on social media pertaining to the on-going Israel-Palestine war.

    This wave includes fake or old videos, photos and misleading information reshared across social media platforms.

    The latest fact-check done by various journalists has, once again, unveiled the clear pro-Israeli narrative of various news platforms across the globe — including renowned names like BBC and The Independent.

    Without any proof, it had been reported that Israeli women and children have been beheaded by Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades.

    Anadolu Agency reached out to the Israeli spokesperson on Tuesday who stated that the Israeli army has no information confirming allegations that “Hamas beheaded babies.”

    “We have seen the news, but we do not have any details or confirmation about that,” she added.

    Hamas has asserted that it “does not target children,” stating that the Western media should be factual and “not blindly side with the Zionist narrative, which is full of lies and slander”.

    In a statement, it said the resistance and Al-Qassam Brigades targeted the “Zionist military and security system”.

    “We … categorically affirm the falsehood of the fabricated allegations promoted by some Western media outlets, which unprofessionally adopt the Zionist narrative full of lies and slander against our Palestinian people and their resistance, the latest of which was the claim of killing children, beheading them, and targeting civilians.”

    Journalists also busted the disinformation on social media, criticising reporters and news agencies for their lack of research and open biasness. 

  • iPhone users perturbed by mysterious shut down issue

    iPhone users perturbed by mysterious shut down issue

    iPhone users are reporting a mysterious glitch causing their phones to unexpectedly shut down at night.

    The issue isn’t limited to the latest iPhone 15 models, it affects a wider range of devices which implies that this issue is not linked to a beta version. Most affected users were using iOS 17.0.3 extending beyond iPhone 15 models to older devices like the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Mini, affecting users worldwide.

    Face ID remained inactive until the code was entered. Checking their battery statistics, users noticed a blank period between 3 and 7 AM, suggesting the phone had powered down and rebooted.

    Among many theories, one plausible reason could be a kernel panic or overheating, ranging from software bugs to battery management issues causing a reboot and subsequent boot loop. However, absence of battery statistics during the “off” period raises questions.

    A response from Apple remains awaited.

  • Israel is dropping white phosphorus bombs on Gaza: what we know about Day Five

    Israel is dropping white phosphorus bombs on Gaza: what we know about Day Five

    Use of white phosphorus

    The official channel of Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates have posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Israeli military attacked the Al-Karama neighbourhood in Gaza with white phosphorus bombs.

    White phosphorus bombs burn up oxygen and suffocate people in the area. Moreover, white phosphorus causes burns and can spread fire over an area of hundreds of square yards.

    Power supply to deplete

    Authorities have claimed that the electricity supply in Gaza can shut down “within hours” as “it is running out of fuel”.

    Palestinian enclave houses more than two million people. Hospitals and shelters are currently operating without electric power.

    Additionally, an ambulance in Gaza was attacked, killing two. The health ministry has accused Israel of “deliberately targeting” medical workers.

    Attacks on Gaza

    Hamas has stated that in the span of one night, at least 30 people have been killed and hundreds wounded after Israel launched hundreds of air raids.

    According to Salama Marouf, who spoke with AFP news agency, dozens of residential buildings, factories, mosques and shops were hit.

    On the contrary, the Israeli military has claimed to have hit several Hamas targets at night.

    Displaced, wounded, dead

    According to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, more than 260,000 people have forcibly fled their homes following the Israeli attacks.

    “Over 263,934 people in Gaza are believed to have fled their homes,” and “this number is expected to rise further”.

    Whereas the Palestinian health minister has reported that the death toll has reached 950 with more than 5,000 wounded.

    Moreover, at least 260 children have also been killed due to attacks on Gaza.

    As per the Palestinian foreign ministry, since Saturday, Israeli air strikes have destroyed more than 22,600 residential units and 10 health facilities and damaged 48 schools.

    Israel refuses food, medical supply

    The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) requested the delivery of food and medical supplies into Gaza “but Israel refused”.

    “We call on international humanitarian institutions and the international community to intervene urgently to stop the aggression and allow the entry of relief materials and restore electricity and water, because the Gaza Strip is facing a major humanitarian catastrophe,” PLO official Hussein al-Sheikh said on X.

    Israeli death toll rises to 1,200

    An Israeli military spokesperson has confirmed that the Israeli death toll has now risen to 1,200, with more than 2,700 injured.
    Biden’s speech in support of Israel

    The US president Joe Biden gave a speech on Tuesday, condemning the attacks by Hamas and deeming them as “sheer evil”.

    “Let there be no doubt: The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself — today, tomorrow, as we always have. It’s as simple as that,”

    He noted that 14 US citizens are also among those who died in Israel while others have been taken captives.

    Biden has committed to giving more military assistance to Israel, adding that the US has altered its military disposition in the region to warn anyone “seeking to take advantage” of the conflict.

    Biden said that he spoke with Neyhanyatu, “We also discussed how democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law,” Biden added.

    What’s next?

    Jonathan Conricus, a spokesman for the Israeli military has announced that hundreds of thousands of troops are assembling near the Gaza Strip for the war with Hamas.

    In a video posted on X, he stated that Israel has sent infantry, armoured soldiers, artillery corps and soldiers — 300,000 in total.

    “And that is to make sure that Hamas, at this end of this war, won’t have any military capabilities by which they can threaten or kill Israeli civilians,” he said.

    Courtesy: Al-Jazeera

  • Customs successfully hampers smuggling of Phones worth more than Rs20 million

    Customs successfully hampers smuggling of Phones worth more than Rs20 million

    In a bid to thwart the smuggling of expensive phones in the country, Pakistan Customs Department has arrested a family at the Jinnah International Airport terminal who reached Karachi after performing Umrah via a connecting flight from Dubai, PA-417.

    Acting vigilantly on the tip-off, the collectorate stopped some of the passengers and scanned their luggage which had empty boxes of cell phones. The passengers could not provide any satisfactory answers and this led to a body search. Police then found 51 expensive iPhones they had tied around their waist and legs near the ankles. The recovered iPhones include 25 units of 15 ProMax 12 units of 14 ProMax, 14 units of 11 Promax and 12 units of ProMax. The value of these mobile sets is estimated to be around Rs27.6 million. Taxes of Rs8.8 million could be evaded by smuggling the phones into the country.

    The collector informed the media that smugglers have now started to take advantage of the facility of faster airport arrival services for Umrah pilgrims. These groups entice pilgrims to bring up to 10 iPhones for which they are offered cheap tickets and money.

    Remand was obtained for the family of three and a case has been registered against them under the Customs Act .

  • Court reserves verdict on Practice and Procedure Act 2023

    Court reserves verdict on Practice and Procedure Act 2023

    The Supreme Court (SC) has reserved its decision on petitions that challenge the 2023 SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, which restricts the authority of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa led the full-court bench consisting of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha A Malik, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, and Justice Musarrat Hilali are hearing the case.

    “We will discuss amongst ourselves [now]. If there is a consensus, then we will announce it, otherwise, the decision will be reserved,” Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa said at the end of today’s hearing.

    During the hearing, the CJP emphasised the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between the Parliament and the SC.

    “Do not pit the Parliament and Supreme Court against each other,” he remarked, insisting on the idea of “live and let live”.

    “Why do we see each other’s institutions negatively? Why can’t it be said that one institution legislated for the betterment of another?” CJP Isa questioned.

    All the petitioners, including all political parties, concluded their arguments in today’s hearing. The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, also gave his arguments today.