Maria Ressa, Nobel prize winner and co-founder of the online news platform Rappler, has been acquitted of a tax evasion charge in the Philippines on Monday.
This is another feat in her legal fight against a number of charges that were filed under the government of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“You gotta have faith,” she said outside the court.
Ressa and Rappler have been hindered by five government charges of tax evasion after the sale of Philippine depositary receipts in 2015 — a route for companies to raise money from foreign investors.
In January, they were acquitted on the other four charges.
However, Maria Ressa and Rappler have two more court cases to fight.
Ressa and Rey Santos Jr, a former colleague, have appealed for a cyber-libel conviction that carries a nearly seven-year jail sentence.
Similarly, Rappler is challenging a Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission order to close for allegedly violating a ban on foreign ownership in media. Under the country’s constitution, investment in the media is reserved for Philippine citizens or entities controlled by citizens.
“It shows that the court system works and we hope to see the remaining charges dismissed,” she said. Ressa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 alongside Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov in recognition of their efforts to “safeguard freedom of expression“.
Ressa is also an American national but has remained in the Philippines and is currently on bail pending the appeal against the cyber-libel conviction.
Maria Ressa was awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize along with Dmitry Muratov for “their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”
Pakistan cricket team’s former captain Shahid Afridi expressed disappointment at son-in-law Shaheen Afridi’s recent performance against India in a crucial match of Super 4 stage in Asia Cup 2023.
Pakistan was defeated by a massive margin of 228 runs. Chasing the target of 357 runs, Pakistani team collapsed on 128 runs in 32 overs.
Shahid Afridi said, “Shaheen would have to be consistent on his line and length. If you are not getting wickets in early two overs, you don’t have to be angry.”
The senior Afraid was of the view that Shaheen should bowl on the same length as Naseem Shah. “The pitch was good for bowling but our bowling was not good,” the former captain said.
He observed that some people were asking on social media why Pakistan had decided to bowl first. “If we ball like Naseem Shah in initial overs, the situation could have been different. Shaheen’s line and length were not good, he gets frustrated if he doesn’t get wickets in early overs because he is known as a wicket taker in the first over.”
Vice-chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Wednesday that there was and is only one Chairman of the party, putting to rest any speculation about his loyalty to Imran Khan.
Appearing before a special court in Islamabad for a hearing of the cipher case, the former Foreign Minister said that Pakistan is very dear to him. “I am confident that I have never betrayed my country,” Qureshi said as he talked to media while in handcuffs.
“The gallows are near where I am incarcerated. I am loyal to my country. If I have been disloyal, then hang me,” Qureshi told members of the press, adding that he is in solitary confinement. “I am not allowed to walk around like other prisoners are. I also eat the same food as the other prisoners, I am not allowed food from home,” he said, describing the conditions inside Adiala Jail.
Shah Mehmood said that he met his wife and children on Tuesday. “My family is going through torture,” he commented.
Talking about PTI chairman Imran Khan, Qureshi said that no one can replace him. “Speculation and confusion are being spread about the chairmanship of the party,” he commented.
The interim federal and provincial law ministers have urged all state institutions to respect the authority of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in matters related to the delimitation process and election schedule.
The statement was issued by the law ministers after a meeting chaired by caretaker Law and Justice Minister Ahmad Irfan in Islamabad was conveyed in the form of a press release today.
The meeting was held to discuss a matter related to the upcoming general elections in the country. The provincial law ministers, Kanwar Dilshad (Punjab), Muhammad Omer Soomro (Sindh), Arshad Hussain Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Amanullah Kanrani (Balochistan), attended the huddle.
The conclusion of the important meeting was that the country’s electoral authority alone can announce the election date as per the constitution.
“The Election Commission of Pakistan is an independent constitutional body,” the statement issued by the ministry read.
The law ministry issued the statement a day after caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that President Arif Alvi has no power to announce the election date.
Apple has officially revealed the iPhone 15 series, which no longer features the lightning charging port. This change was mandated by the European Union (EU). The tech giant announced this development during its annual event held on Tuesday, revealing that the iPhone 15 would adopt a USB-C cable as the new “universally accepted standard.”
In addition to the iPhone news, Apple also introduced a new series of the Apple Watch, boasting a more advanced chip. However, some analysts noted that this year’s announcements lacked the usual “headline-grabbing” updates that Apple is known for.
Ben Wood, an analyst from CCS Insight, commented on this, stating, “It isn’t a surprise given the maturity of the iPhone and Watch. It reflects just how refined the iPhone and Watch devices are and how tough it has become to deliver truly disruptive updates every year.”
Apple did provide a solution for users with existing lightning port accessories by releasing a USB-C-to-lightning port adapter priced at £29 ($36). This adapter allows users to connect their legacy accessories to the new USB-C-enabled iPhones or iPads. Notably, this marks the first time since 2012 that an iPhone will feature an alternative charging port.
The USB-C cable, already compatible with various Apple laptops and iPads, will also work with the new versions of AirPods Pro earphones and wired EarPods headphones.
The EU had mandated that Apple transition away from its proprietary charging ports to simplify the lives of consumers, reduce costs, and promote the reuse of chargers to combat e-waste. However, some critics have voiced concerns about an increase in discarded cables in the future.
In response to environmental considerations, Apple used its Tuesday launch event to make a series of commitments, including making the new Apple Watch range carbon neutral. They also pledged to increase the use of recycled materials in batteries and other components of the new Watch and iPhone.
Furthermore, Apple confirmed its decision to cease using leather in any of its accessories and aims to become a carbon-neutral business by 2030.
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, touted the iPhone 15 as the “best and most capable iPhones we’ve ever made,” highlighting improvements such as brighter screens, enhanced camera systems, and a titanium frame for the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
The Pro and Pro Max also feature an “action button” that can be customised for various functions. The new Apple Watch introduces gesture control, allowing wearers to answer or end calls with a simple double tap.
Despite these enhancements, some experts questioned whether consumers would be willing to pay the high price tags for these devices, as they may not offer significant differences from their predecessors.
The iPhone 15 starts at £799, while the iPhone 15 Pro begins at £999 in the UK.
As a country with rich history and diverse cultural heritage, Pakistan is home to a variety of museums. Too often, however, fascinating artifacts and exhibitions in these museums are overlooked. From locomotives dating back to the British Raj, to astronomical devices from the Mughal Era; there are numerous exhibits that many do not know about.
Here is a list of 5 exhibits in different museums you are bound to find interesting:
Rare Handwritten Quranic Manuscripts- National Museum of Pakistan, Karachi
An intricately decorated Quranic manuscript at the National Museum of Pakistan- Photo by Discover Pakistan
The National Museum of Pakistan was established in the 1950s. It is Pakistan’s biggest museum and contains an important collection of artifacts relevant to the country’s cultural heritage.
This museum holds 300 copies of the Quran from different times. 52 of these copies are rare, handwritten manuscripts, some of which are in early Kufic and Bahr Arabic scripts. Some of these scripts date back to the 1300s, showing the changes in Quranic manuscripts over the years as well as the intricate craftsmanship of various writers. Many pages are also embellished with different gems, copper and even silver.
The Seated Buddha Statue- Taxila Museum, Taxila
Taxila Museum opened in 1928 and holds one of the most significant collections of artifacts from the Gandhara Civilization. It is famous for its collection of Buddhist stone and stucco sculptures from Gandhara. The museum is located in the middle of numerous archeological sites, and its core collection was excavated from Taxila Valley.
The Seated Buddha statue displayed at the Taxila Museum is one of the earliest representations of the Buddha in human form. Until the 1st century CE, the Buddha was represented through various symbols, like his footprint or the Bodhi tree. This particular statue was made in the 2nd or 3rd century CE. Thus, it is considered to be one of the oldest known Buddha statues. It was found in the site of the ancient Gandhara civilization in northwestern Pakistan. The statue is also known for its intricate carvings and striking resemblance to Buddha statues found in Tibet.
Steam Engines from the British Raj- Golra Sharif Railway Heritage Museum, Islamabad
A narrow gauge steam engine at the Golra Sharif Railway Heritage Museum- Photo by Zameen.com
Inaugurated in 2003, the Golra Sharif Railway Heritage Museum has many names. It is also known as the “Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum”, or simply goes by “Golra Sharif Station”.
Located on the outskirts of Islamabad, this museum allows visitors to experience what railway stations were like during the British Raj. Various railway equipment and largely obsolete locomotives can be explored here too. The station is still active and functioning.
Among the locomotives on display, there are three steam engines and one electric engine.
These engines are also connected to coaches, which are said to have belonged to the Maharaja of Jodhpur and Viceroy Lord Mountbatten. These coaches include first-class and economy coaches. Not only can visitors view these engines from the outside, but they can also explore them from the inside! Various old equipment and tools such as guns, crockery and bells can be observed too.
The Mercedes Pullman 600 displayed at the Pakistan Monument Museum- Photo by Mariam FarooqThe Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow displayed at the Pakistan Monument Museum- Photo by Mariam Farooq
Established in 2010, the Pakistan Monument Museum focuses on the struggle for independence and pays tribute to those who took part in the Pakistan movement. The museum covers various past events, including the arrival of Islam in the subcontinent, the magnificence of the Mughal Empire and the creation of Pakistan.
In 2018, two historic luxury cars, the Mercedes Pullman 600 and the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, were added to the museum’s collection. This exhibit was inaugurated soon after an auction to sell them off was cancelled by the government of Pakistan.
During the 1970s, the Mercedes Pullman 600 was one of the most expensive cars available.
This specific model was used by president Yahya Khan as well as prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. In addition to this, the car was used by foreign dignitaries like Egyptian president Anwar Sadat, Saudi king Faisal bin Abdul Aziz, the Queen of Brunei and many other world leaders.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was built in 1976 and gifted to the Pakistani government by Saudi king Shah Khalid bin Abdul Aziz on his visit to the country. During its service with the government, the car remained in the use of prime ministers Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. It was also used by foreign dignitaries like the Queen and Prince of Brunei, Prince Karim Agha Khan, world boxing champion Muhammad Ali and Princess Diana among many others.
Astrolabes from the Mughal-Era- Lahore Museum, Lahore
The Lahore Museum opened in 1894 and is Pakistan’s oldest cultural institution. The museum is famous for its blend of Mughal and British style architecture. Its permanent collection contains almost 60,000 artifacts of prehistoric as well as contemporary times. Many artifacts displayed here are also linked with Islamic, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu and Jain histories.
Derived from Greek, the term “astrolabe” essentially means “star holder”. This device is one of the oldest scientific instruments in the world, and was used to make different astronomical calculations using the movement of the sun and other prominent stars. Many muslim scholars played a significant role in the creation and refinement of astrolabes. Between the times of Mughal emperors Humayun and Aurangzeb, Lahore was a major centre in astrolabe making.
There are two astrolabes displayed in the Lahore museum, both made in Lahore. One was made in 1640 AD, and the other in 1841 AD, making them both from the time of the Mughal Empire.
Two women have recorded statements against the school principal accused of rape and blackmail in Gulshan-e-Hadeed area of Karachi.
The case of alleged rape and blackmail of women by Gulshan-e-Hadeed School principal was heard in the court of the Judicial Magistrate of Malir. After physical remand was completed, police produced the school principal in the court.
The two women also appeared in court, with the investigating officer requesting the court to record their statements.
The investigating officer produced the Universal Serial Bus (USB) containing the videos in the court.
The statements of both the women were recorded. One of them said that Irfan gave her a job and blackmailed her by making a video.
The court extended the physical remand of the school principal for four days.
Previously, the principal was taken into custody after allegations of raping and blackmailing women after videos of the rapes appeared on social media.
The principal has reportedly admitted to raping women after promising them job opportunities, then recording their videos to blackmail them.
Additionally, it was made known that the school was not registered with the relevant authority, functioning without any legal status. Consequently, it has been sealed.
The Pakistan International Airline (PIA) faces an imminent crisis, as a high-ranking official from the national carrier has issued a warning that flight operations may be suspended by September 15th if emergency funding is not promptly secured. This concerning development, as reported byGeo News, underscores the severity of the situation.
In a statement to Geo News on Wednesday, a senior director at PIA highlighted that the operational fleet has dwindled from 23 to just 16 aircraft, resulting in the unfortunate cancellation of numerous flights. The dire financial straits of the airline have led to significant disruptions.
Furthermore, the official revealed that renowned aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, have halted the supply of crucial spare parts to PIA due to outstanding payments. This disruption, coupled with reduced flight operations, has incurred substantial daily losses running into millions of rupees for the national airline.
In a distressing incident, one PIA aircraft was temporarily detained at Dammam airport, while four others faced a similar situation at Dubai airport, all due to unpaid fuel bills. These aircraft were eventually permitted to depart based on written assurances from PIA, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reinstating PIA services following an emergency payment of $3.5 million.
The official’s somber warning emphasized that without an injection of Rs23 billion in emergency funds, flight operations may face suspension by September 15th.
In response to this critical situation, a PIA spokesperson, in a statement, assured that exhaustive efforts were underway to avert the suspension of flight operations.
Earlier reports had indicated that PIA’s financial challenges had severely impacted its flight schedule, resulting in the cancellation of both domestic and international flights. The airline had urgently requested government intervention to provide the necessary funds, and there were also reports of unpaid salaries to PIA employees.
This financial turmoil for PIA had previously prompted the grounding of five leased aircraft, with the possibility of grounding four more due to ongoing financial constraints. The airline had sought an emergency bailout of Rs22.9 billion, which was unfortunately rejected by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). Additionally, the ECC declined requests for the deferment of monthly payments to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
In another setback, last month, the FBR had frozen 13 PIA bank accounts due to non-payment of Rs8 billion in Federal Excise Duty (FED), further compounding the airline’s financial woes.
Around 3,000 people have died while 10,000 are missing and 20,000 people have been displaced since heavy floods have hit eastern Libya, multiple international news outlets have said.
Aid is being sent to Benghazi via plane carrying 14 tonnes of supplies and medical personnel even though the hard-hit areas are still difficult to reach.
Additionally, relief convoys are being sent from west to east in divided Libya as the eastern region has been deemed a disaster zone by the internationally recognised Tripoli government.
However, according to Al-Jazeera, “Authorities have struggled to reach Derna, because roads leading to the city are destroyed or cut off by flooding.” Moreover, communications with the city have been broken off, hindering information collection on casualties and damage.
According to the Benghazi administration, more than 1,000 bodies have been recovered from the Mediterranean city of Derna.
Storm Daniel
Storm Daniel hit eastern Libya on Monday, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Two dams on the Wadi Derna River were destroyed and consequently, millions of cubic metres of water swept through the area.
Al-Jazeera also spoke with National Council on Libya-US Relations who stated that “About 4sq km [1.5sq miles] at the heart of the city have been eroded completely.”
Moreover, Tamer Ramadan, a member of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation to Libya, referred to the issue of dealing with the flood that is “beyond the capabilities of the government, of the national society, of the people” and that assistance from international actors would be needed.
Benghazi Minister of Civil Aviation Hichem Chkiouat managed to visit Derna and spoke with Reuters, “Bodies are lying everywhere – in the sea, in the valleys, under the buildings.”
“I am not exaggerating when I say that 25 percent of the city has disappeared,” he added.
The president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Tuesday that PML-N head Nawaz Sharif will return to the country on October 21, Geo News has reported.
“Nawaz Sharif will reach Pakistan on October 21,” Shehbaz told Geo after a meeting of the top leadership of PML-N in London, headed by the party’s head.
While speaking to the media after the high-level party huddle in London, Shehbaz said that the date for Nawaz’s return was finalised after consultation with party members.
The former prime minister mentioned that the credit for starting big development projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and an end to load-shedding in the country “goes to Nawaz”.
“Nawaz returned with thanks the package which was offered to him for not making Pakistan a nuclear power, saying that Pakistan’s interest was much more valuable than $5 billion,” Shehbaz further said.
