Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has taken a firm stance on the violation of regulations regarding the number of dishes served and the timing of marriage ceremonies.
The CM has instructed the Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to rigorously enforce these restrictions across the province, including Lahore. These rules specify that only ‘one dish’ can be served, and ceremonies must conclude by 10 pm.
Naqvi emphasised that these restrictions should be strictly adhered to without exception, even at farmhouses. He insisted on taking immediate action against any violations and discouraged leniency towards those who failed to comply.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister visited the Ghora Chowk Defence Mor flyover project to assess its progress and the construction work.
He observed the steel fixing process, interacted with the labourers, and commended their swift work.
Naqvi expressed satisfaction with the project’s continuous day-and-night progress and urged the team to maintain high construction quality standards while expediting the work.
In addition, the CM praised the security forces for thwarting a terrorist assault on the Mianwali Training Air Force Base.
He commended their timely actions, stating that they had defeated the terrorists’ sinister intentions. He paid tribute to these brave soldiers, considering them heroes of the nation, and expressed the nation’s pride in their courage.
The Pakistani rupee is anticipated to face continued depreciation against the US dollar in the upcoming week due to heightened demand from importers outweighing the supply from exporters, according to analysts.
The situation is further complicated by the visit of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation to Pakistan for a review mission, which typically results in increased volatility for the local currency.
The IMF’s review discussions with Pakistani authorities are expected to conclude on November 15, potentially leading to the disbursement of a second loan tranche of approximately $700 million from the IMF.
In the past week, the rupee experienced a 1.19 per cent decline against the US dollar in the interbank market, closing at 284.31 on Friday, compared to 280.95 at the beginning of the week. Export proceeds have slowed down, impacting the availability of dollars.
Additionally, new regulations in the forex market have limited banks’ ability to fund their nostros through buy-sell swaps, leading to higher forward premiums and challenges for importers in processing payments.
According to The News, the rupee is expected to stabilise around 285 for the coming week, with occasional fluctuations to 288 per US dollar. A potential recovery is also anticipated once the IMF completes its review.
Notably, there have been positive developments, such as a boost in exports to $2.7 billion in October and a decrease in consumer price index inflation from 31.4 per cent to 26.9 per cent.
These developments, along with a decrease in the Karachi interbank offered rate, suggest that interest rates have likely peaked in the short to medium term, which has positively impacted equity markets, with the KSE Index reaching an all-time high.
Equity traders are also optimistic about the IMF’s discussions with government stakeholders and the announcement of election dates. They are hoping for a resolution on circular debt, which has constrained many profitable companies in the index.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Abbas called for an “immediate ceasefire” and allowing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
While Blinken reassured America’s commitment to ensure humanitarian assistance and resuming essential services in the besieged Gaza, he did not call for a ceasefire.
Arab world versus the US on ceasefireA press conference was held in Amman on Saturday where US Secretary of State Blinken dismissed his Jordanian and Egyptian counterparts, Ayman Safadi and Sameh Shoukry, calling to urge Israel for an immediate ceasefire.
“We don’t accept that this is self-defence,” Safadi said. “It cannot be justified under any pretext and it will not bring Israel security, it will not bring the region peace.”
But Blinken believes that a ceasefire would “leave Hamas in place to regroup and repeat attacks”.
Attack on Maghazi refugee camp
According to Wafa news, 51 Palestinians have been killed as Israel bombed Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp.
Infectious diseases reported in UNRWA shelter
The UN’ has revealed that overcrowding in UNRWA shelters is leading to diseases.
“Overcrowding conditions continue to create severe health and protection risks,” the UN stated.
More than 530,000 Palestinians are said to be seeking refuge.
A number of cases of acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and chicken pox have been reported in UNRWA shelters.
Additionally, due to overcrowdedness in the shelters, people are sleeping in the streets around UNRWA shelters.
Israel bombs Azhar University in Gaza
Israel has bombed Al-Azhar University in Gaza.
A video was posted by Palestine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Amal Jadou on X (formerly Twitter).
URGENT: This is not a nuclear test. This is Israel bombing the campus of Al-Azhar University in #Gaza. Since yesterday Israeli attacks involved ambulance convoys, 3 hospitals, and 5 UN schools-turned shelters, causing scores of innocent casualties. No place is safe #Gaza_Genocidepic.twitter.com/399y1TanaG
Israeli army attacked 2,500 targets in GazaThe Israeli army has claimed to have attacked more than 2,500 targets inside the Gaza Strip since October 7.
Chad cuts ties with Israel
Chad is the latest country to recall its ambassador from Israel in the light of “the unprecedented tide of deadly violence” inside Gaza.
“In front of such tragedy, Chad condemns the loss of numerous innocent civilians and calls for a ceasefire for a durable solution to the Palestinian issue,” the statement read.
Thousands take to streets in Washington DC
On Saturday, tens of thousands of people gathered in Washington DC to protest against US President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s attacks on Gaza.
“Biden, Biden, you can’t hide; we charge you with genocide,” the protesters chanted on Saturday.
In the 37th match of the World Cup, India defeated South Africa by 243 runs after a one-sided match and won the event for the eighth consecutive time.
In the match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa. India scored 326 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in the allotted 50 overs, Virat Kohli remained unbeaten with 101 runs.
Apart from this, Shreyas Iyer played an innings of 77 runs which included 2 sixes and 7 fours. Captain Rohit Sharma 40, Shubman Gill 23, and Suryakumar Yadav scored 22 runs, KL Rahul was dismissed with eight runs while Ravindra Jadeja was not out with 29 runs.
For South Africa, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Kesho Maharaj, and Tabriz Shamsi took one wicket each.
In pursuit of India’s target of 327 runs, South Africa’s batting line proved to be a wall of sand and none of the batsmen could stand up to the Indian bowlers.
The entire South African team was all out for just 83 runs in the 28th over, with Marko Jansson scoring 14 and van der Dussen scoring 13. Captain Timba Bavuma and David Miller scored 11 runs each while Aiden Markram scored nine runs and Keshav Maharaj scored seven runs.
On behalf of India, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed five players, Mohammad Shami and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each while Mohammad Siraj took one wicket.
Cotton production this year is proving to be a silver lining for Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, with an impressive 83 per cent increase in production for the 2023-24 season, totalling 6.79 million bales.
According to an estimate by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Forum, cumulative production in the current season may reach around 9 to 9.5 million bales, a significant improvement from the previous year’s production of 5 million bales. This can be attributed to favourable weather conditions.
However, it’s worth noting that the production is still below the government’s target of 11.5 million bales.
According to Express Tribune, the recent 193 per cent increase in gas prices has exacerbated challenges faced by textile manufacturers and exporters, reducing the country’s competitiveness among regional textile exporters.
Another discouraging factor is for the farmers, as the market is offering them Rs7,000 per 40 kilogrammes, falling short of the government’s announced support price of Rs8,500 per 40 kilogrammes.
The government has yet to fulfil its promise of purchasing cotton to stabilise market prices.
The Caretaker Prime Minister has urged the activation of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan, but this action is contingent on approval from the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet, which has not yet occurred.
Ginners has mentioned that the increase in cotton production will save the country approximately $1 billion in import costs.
The tenure of the management committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headed by Zaka Ashraf has been extended by 3 months.
According to sources at the Prime Minister’s House, the Federal Cabinet approved the extension of the period of the Circulation Summary Management Committee. In the summary, special reference has been made to the limited powers of the PCB Management Committee.
Sources in the Prime Minister’s House say that according to the summary, the management committee will deal with the day-to-day affairs. However, the management committee will not have any appointment authority.
Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Zaka Ashraf has announced a reward of Rs 1 million for Fakhar Zaman.
Zaka Ashraf also spoke to Fakhar Zaman on the phone after the match against New Zealand and praised his aggressive innings. Zaka Ashraf also expressed his best wishes for the upcoming matches, he said that he hopes you will play more such innings.
It should be noted that in the 35th match of the ICC ODI World Cup today, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs under the Duckworth-Louis (DLS) method.
Fakhar Zaman played an unbeaten innings of 126 runs off 81 balls, his innings included 11 sixes and 8 fours. Fakhar Zaman also equaled Shahid Afridi’s record for most sixes in an innings.
Earlier, Shahid Afridi hit 11 sixes in his record-breaking innings against Sri Lanka in 1996.
Turkey has taken a diplomatic step against Israel on Saturday, recalling its ambassador back on the eve of US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken’s visit.
In a statement issued by the Turkish foreign ministry, it was said that ambassador Sakir Ozkan Torunlar was being recalled for consultations “In view of the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Gaza caused by the continuing attacks by Israel against civilians, and Israel’s refusal (to accept) a ceasefire.”
Turkish President Erdogan personally told reporters that he holds Netanyahu responsible for the huge death toll in Gaza. “Netanyahu is no longer someone we can talk to. We have written him off,” Erdogan said in a statement quoted by the media. He also suggested to Netanyahu to “take a step back and stop this”.
However he reiterated that “Completely severing ties is not possible, especially in international diplomacy,” adding that is why MIT intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin has been appointed to lead talks with both sides to mediate an end to the war.
As the War on Gaza is entering its fifth week, calls for a ceasefire and an end to genocide can be heard all around the world but the most striking is the response from the Western countries where people are principally supporting Palestine. However, their governments are either responding diplomatically or are siding with Israel.
USA
Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s testimony before the Senate committee was interrupted by protestors calling for “ceasefire now”. Blinken was there to ask for emergency funding for Israel by the administration. The demonstrators kept shouting “Save the children of Gaza, cease-fire now. Where is your pride in America. Stop the brutal massacre.” Their hands were painted red. Protesters also chanted in unison, “From Palestine to Mexico, all the walls have got to go.” They were arrested and dragged out of the hall.
This isn’t it. Hundreds of protestors have come to protest outside White House and inside the Capitol Hill building while many more are on the roads marching and protesting against Biden’s administration, questioning the aid of $14.5 billion that has been given from taxpayer money.
Our government sends Israel $10 million in American taxpayer dollars per day, but politicians want to pass hate speech laws to stop the American taxpayer from criticizing it.
If my money’s funding it, I should be able to say whatever I want about it.
The UK is seeing a very hostile political environment. Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition, is under fire for siding with Israel’s destructive tactics. He said, “I understand the calls for a ceasefire, at this stage, I do not believe that is the correct position.” Protestors gathered outside his residence and got their disapproval registered.
More than 60 Labour MPs have called for a ceasefire while one of the Labour MPs Andy McDonald has been suspended because of seeming “deeply offensive” comments at a pro-Palestinian rally. Masses are protesting in huge numbers on the road and criticising the politicians who are opposing the ceasefire.
France
France has banned citizens from pro-Palestine marches but according to the leading newspaper France24, thousands of demonstrators have joined the pro-Palestinian march in Paris, calling for an urgent ceasefire even though the President of the country flew to Israel to show his solidarity with its government. They remain uninhibited by the country’s official allegiance with Israel.
https://youtu.be/18OPeZtWgX0?si=NYF1oRB1qQW36nwx
Germany
Germany sees the pleas of Palestinians as synonymous with the activities of Hamas because it has banned all activities of Hamas from the country. This is the government’s attempt to hamper all the pro-Palestinian marches and protests. Additionally, schools in Berlin have been given permission to ban the traditional Palestinian headdress, the keffiyeh. Palestinian activists however have dubbed this as coming from a place of “historic guilt”.
Italy
Italy’s Georgia Meloni also paid a visit to Israel and stated that the real purpose of the Hamas attack was to create an “Unbridgeable gap between the Israelis and Palestinians, meaning that the target is all of us and we cannot fall into this trap, which would be very stupid.” Contrary to the opinion of the PM, Rome saw a protest of thousands chanting, “From River to the Sea, Palestine will be free.”
https://youtu.be/a07wKfUm0gs?si=7a–SbnRUkHKUlPg
Spain
Spain is one major country from Europe which has gained the ire of Israel but has persisted in calling out the atrocities befallen by Israel on the Gaza strip. Spanish Minister of Social Rights, Ione Belorra, asked for bringing Netanyahu before the International Criminal Court for all the crimes he has committed.
We ask our partner that, as the Government of Spain, we bring Netanyahu before the International Criminal Court for war crimes. Here is my official statement pic.twitter.com/Wuu8nnKfVp
The Israeli government in response accused them of siding with Hamas. Unfazed, Spain’s premier Pedro Sanchez echoed public opinion by calling for a ceasefire. Thousands of people in different cities of the country also came out in support of Palestine.
Ireland
Ireland is leading the demands as always, having supported the Palestinian state since the 1980s. Irish leadership along with the Spanish heads have raised their concerns on the grander scale of the EU in favour of Palestine. Irish PM (taoiseach) Leo Varadkar has openly called out Israel for subjecting Palestinians to collective punishment. “What I’m seeing unfolding at the moment isn’t just self-defence. It looks, something more approaching revenge,” Varadkar said.
Scotland
Scottish First Minister Hamza Yousuf has repeatedly expressed his support for Palestine. His in-laws were trapped in Gaza leaving him fearful of the situation at the strip.
The major showdown that happened was at the Celtic Park arena in a match between Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. The crowd of more than 60,000 went against the warnings of the administration and literally showed up as the “Green Brigade” holding flags of Palestine. They wanted to prove themselves to be on the “right side of history.”
The response by the West has been rather calculated and gets tweaked from time to time but the purpose here is to show that the stance of the governments is hardly a testament to public sentiment when it comes to international issues. The overwhelming response of the public manifests that better sense must prevail and that an immediate ceasefire is the need of the hour.
In the 35th match of the ICC ODI World Cup, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs under the Duckworth-Louis (DLS) method after a high-scoring thriller.
Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bow first.
The New Zealand team scored 401 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 50 overs, with opener Richan Ravinder playing an innings of 108 runs. Captain Kane Williamson was dismissed for 95 while opener Devon Conway put up 35, Daryl Mitchell 29, Mark Chapman 39, and Glenn Phillips was dismissed for 41 runs. Mitchell Santner remained not out with 26 and Tom Latham scored 2 runs.
For Pakistan, Muhammad Wasim Jr. took three wickets, while Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf took one wicket each.
In response to New Zealand’s target of 402 runs, Pakistan lost its first wicket at 11 runs when Abdullah Shafique returned to the pavilion after scoring only four runs.
After that, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman took over the crease. Zaman scored his 11th century with the help of 9 sixes and 6 fours off 63 balls, the fastest century by a Pakistani in the World Cup. Pakistan scored 160 runs for the loss of one wicket before the match was stopped due to rain.
Before the rain stopped for the first time, Pakistan had scored 160 runs for one wicket in 21.3 overs, New Zealand had scored 133 runs for one wicket in 21 overs, and Pakistan was ahead by 10 runs on the Duckworth-Louis method. Pakistan was given the target of 342 runs in 41 overs after cut off.
But the match was stopped for the second time due to rain, under the Duckworth-Louis (DLS) method, Pakistan was leading by 21 runs. In 25.3 overs, Pakistan had to score 179 runs for one wicket. The national team scored 200 runs for the loss of one wicket in 25.3 overs. Continuous rain caused the match to be abandoned and Pakistan was declared the winner by 21 runs under the DLS method.
Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam remained unbeaten. Fakhar scored 126 on 81 balls while Babar score 66 runs off 63 balls.
