Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Indian journalists, opposition leaders ‘targeted by state-sponsored attackers’

    Indian journalists, opposition leaders ‘targeted by state-sponsored attackers’

    Several prominent leaders from India’s opposition parties, including members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), have recently been alerted about potential security breaches concerning their Apple devices.

    Indian National Congress’s Shashi Tharoor and Pawan Khera, Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, Trinamool Congress’s Mahua Moitra, and Aam Aadmi Party’s Raghav Chadha are among those who received warning emails from Apple, highlighting the threat of state-sponsored attacks targeting their iPhones.

    The news broke when The Wire, an online publication, revealed that even Siddharth Varadarajan, the founding editor of The Wire, and Samir Saran from the Observer Research Foundation, were also on the list of individuals who received the warning emails.

    The situation prompted immediate action from various quarters, including the media, with several journalists and opposition leaders reportedly receiving similar notifications from Apple about potential state-sponsored attacks.

    Shashi Tharoor, Pawan Khera, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Siddharth Varadarajan confirmed the receipt of the warning emails during the late hours of Monday night and early Tuesday morning.

    Tharoor, who noticed the email on Tuesday morning, emphasized the importance of making these threats public, citing the necessity of transparency in safeguarding security. Expressing his concern, Tharoor highlighted the misuse of public funds and the urgent need to address more significant national security threats.

    The situation escalated further when The Wire alleged that the language used in the warning emails was similar to previous alerts from Apple, although this claim could not be independently verified by Newslaundry.

    Tharoor took to Twitter, sharing that the emails were sent from “threat-notifications@apple.com”.

    Mahua Moitra, a member of the Trinamool Congress, later added that individuals within Rahul Gandhi’s office had also been targeted.

    In response to the unfolding events, Apar Gupta, the founder of the Internet Freedom Foundation, provided a detailed analysis emphasizing the importance of not dismissing these alerts as false alarms.

    Seeking clarification from Apple, Newslaundry contacted the company’s official spokesperson, seeking information about the origin of the alleged attacks and the number of affected users. Apple responded, stating that while they do not specifically attribute the notifications to any state-sponsored attackers, the detection process is complex and evolving.

    Notably, the alerts were not limited to India alone, as it was discovered that individuals from nearly 150 countries had also received similar threat notifications from Apple.

    These developments have emerged approximately two years after reports of India’s alleged use of Israeli spyware for targeted surveillance, indicating a continued focus on digital security concerns within the country.

  • ‘Bat laga hai ya pad’; commentators laugh at Rizwan’s question to batsman

    ‘Bat laga hai ya pad’; commentators laugh at Rizwan’s question to batsman

    During Tuesday’s ICC ODI World Cup match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Shaheen sent the ball to Taskin Ahmed, who was caught behind by wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan.

    Shaheen Afridi thought that the ball was ‘caught behind’, meaning Rizwan caught the ball after it hit the bat and the batsman was out.

    He appealed for an out verdict from the umpire but did not get it. Shaheen, along with captain Babar Azam, asked Rizwan whether a review should be taken or not.

    Rizwan then turned and asked batsman Taskin Ahmad, “Is the ball on the pad or on the bat,” in response to which the Bangladeshi batsman replied, “On the pad.”

    Rizwan turned to Babar and Shaheen and said “He is saying that the ball is on the pad.”

    Commentators were forced to laugh Rizwan’s question.

    The video of the hilarious interaction is going viral on social media.

  • ‘Zaka Ashraf Sahab Apnay Kaam Say Kaam Rakhein’; Twitter loves Shahid Afridi’s statement

    ‘Zaka Ashraf Sahab Apnay Kaam Say Kaam Rakhein’; Twitter loves Shahid Afridi’s statement

    Former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi has lashed out at the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Zaka Ashraf, while talking in program Zor Ka Jor on Samaa TV.

    Shahid Afridi criticized PCB management committee for mishandling cricket affairs amid the Men in Green’s below-par performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.

    Afridi believes that Ashraf should focus on his job rather than giving pointless statements.

    “Zaka Ashraf is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, not of a club. I’m surprised why is he calling owners of media houses about people who are talking against him,” Afridi said.

    “For God’s sake, you are the chairman, just deliver results and do your job. People are only talking about you because you are giving them this opportunity. Zaka Ashraf Sahab, stick to what you are supposed to do. The team is playing a World Cup and you are giving one statement after the other. Sometimes it is about Babar and sometimes it is about someone else,” he added.

    Social Media users took to X (formerly Twitter) and supported Shahid Afridi’s statement.

    Senior Editor, ESPNCricinfo, Osman Samiuddin tweeted, “Don’t hold board elex, throw own team under bus, leak whatsapp messages from captain, live for junkets & photo ops, be in charge of absolute clown admin, get away with all of it.”

    Aspiring Cricket analyst Syed Ali Imran tweeted, “Media houses kay owners ko phone? Shahid Afridi hits back at Zaka Ashraf who most probably exerted pressure on him via Aleem Khan owner of SAMAA TV.”

    Farid Khan, COO CricketRPlus tweeted, “Shahid Afridi grills PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf once again! What a statement by Lala “

    X user Maham Gillani tweeted, “A very clear message from Shahid Afridi to Zaka Ashraf. Lala is always behind Babar Azam. Off the field sixer from Boom Boom Afridi.”

  • Bollywood legend Javed Akhtar lends voice against Israel bombing of Gaza

    Bollywood legend Javed Akhtar lends voice against Israel bombing of Gaza

    Israel forces bombed the Jabaliya refugee camp in Northern Gaza on Tuesday afternoon, leaving at least 50 dead, bringing the death toll to 8,525, including 3000 children. According to a report by the New York Times, Israeli officials justified the bombing to US counterparts by citing the 1945 Atomic bombs dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Israeli officials further explained that the mass civilian casualties were an “acceptable price” in its campaign against Hamas.

    Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar expressed outrage over Gaza’s comparison to Hiroshima, tweeting:

    “So now Israel is justifying its indiscriminate round the clock bombing on helpless civilians of Gaza by giving example of Hiroshima and Nagasaki . !!! .. and the so-called civilised world is listening . They are the same people who teach us human rights .”

    A few days ago Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu lent her voice in calling out the atrocities taking place over Gaza by sharing a screenshot of two Palestinian children crying over their dead mother. In the caption she begged her followers to understand that children should be sparred during wars.

    READ MORE: After Sonam, Bollywood star Bipasha Basu speaks out against Gaza genocide

  • 6 more deaths despite the ceasefire in Kurram Agency

    6 more deaths despite the ceasefire in Kurram Agency

    The sectarian clashes between the two groups in Kurram have claimed six more lives taking the death toll to 55 in nine days. A total of 105 people are injured. 

    Despite the efforts made by the local jirgas of the ceasefire the clashes between different other groups have erupted, pushing the region to be blocked from the rest of the world with no services of communication and internet along with lack of law and order.

    A ceasefire has been made between Sadda and Balish Khel while the fights between eight other group is still going on.  

    Read more: Kurram Agency’s sectarian clashes leave 50 dead before peace-deal

  • Shaheen Afridi become No.1 ODI bowler in new ICC rankings

    Shaheen Afridi become No.1 ODI bowler in new ICC rankings

    Pakistan left arm pacer Shaheen Afridi become the Number one bowler in ODI (One Day International) rankings.

    Shaheen Afridi is now on the first spot with 673 points, followed by Australia’s Josh Hazzelwood on second spot with 663 and India’s Muhammad Siraj on third spot with 656 points. Shaheen Afridi also became the fastest pacer to complete 100 wickets in ODI’s during the match with Bangladesh, a feet he achieved in 51 matches.

    In the ODI batting rankings, Babar Azam is still on top with 818 points while India’s Shubman Gill is just two points short with 816 points.

  • Lahore smog: Court orders government to impose emergency

    Lahore smog: Court orders government to impose emergency

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) held the interim government responsible for the current situation of smog in Lahore, directing authorities to impose an emergency in the city.

    The LHC issued an order after reviewing applications demanding action.

    Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhwa and other officers appeared before the court in today’s hearing.

    The court ordered the caretaker government not to unseal factories that are emitting black smoke.   

    LHC judge Shahid Karim said that “previously, smog started to affect the city at the end of November and December, but now it has started in October.”

    While ordering an imposition of an emergency in the city, he said, “The government is responsible for the current situation of smog.”

    The judge directed officers to fulfil their responsibility as the owners of the city and to take care of Lahore.

    The judge then adjourned the hearing till November 3.

  • Senate of Pakistan stands with the people of Gaza, demands immediate ceasefire

    Senate of Pakistan stands with the people of Gaza, demands immediate ceasefire

    In a resolute effort to address the dire situation in Gaza, the Senate of Pakistan has passed a resolution, urging the Muslim Ummah to actively intervene and provide urgent assistance to innocent Muslims caught in the crossfire of the Gaza-Israel conflict.

    The resolution, tabled by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, highlighted the collective silence of the Muslim world, emphasizing the need for immediate action to curb the escalating violence.

    During the impassioned debate, Senator Siddiqui expressed disappointment over the lack of proactive measures from influential organizations like the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), urging them to stand up to Israel.

    He underscored the stark contrast between the vast geographic expanse of Muslim-populated lands and the Israeli state, yet the discrepancy in action remained striking.

    During his address to the Senate session, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani raised concerns about the broadening extent of Israeli attacks, encompassing the West Bank and other areas, and expressed alarm regarding the loss of lives resulting from continued bombardments in Gaza strip and beyond.

    Jilani highlighted that the United Nations has compared Gaza to a “graveyard” due to the substantial loss of life.

    Mushahid Hussain Sayed took to X (former Twitter) and said, “Drafted unanimous resolution passed by Senate of Pakistan regarding GazaGenocide! Took a strong position reflecting full, unwavering & unconditional on supporting Palestine & beleaguered children, women & men of Gaza!”

    Office of the Chairman Senate’s account tweeted, “I, strongly condemn the reprehensible airstrike on Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp by Israeli Terrorists. The senseless and barbaric act of taking innocent women and children’s lives is a horrific atrocity that shocks the conscience of humanity.”

    Moreover, Senator Saadia Abbasi and Nisar Ahmed Khuhro emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Palestine, condemning the establishment of the state of Israel as illegal and underscoring the historical context of Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause.

    Senator Hafiz Abdul Kareem made his speech in Arabic, after obtaining special permission granted by the Chairman of the Senate.

    Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan made a speech to appreciate the people of Hamas and Gaza.

    Their unified voices condemned the ongoing violence as nothing short of the systematic genocide of the Palestinian people.

    The resolution was supported by a heartfelt speech delivered in Arabic by Senator Hafiz Abdul Kareem, condemning the atrocities committed by Israel.

    Additionally, senators urged the expulsion of Israeli diplomats from Islamic countries, expressing the belief that such a move could pave the way for the resolution of the Palestine issue.

    Amidst the session, the Senate Chairman emphasized the significance of preserving the resolution in the Senate records, solidifying Pakistan’s commitment to the cause.

    The senators called for increased financial and humanitarian aid to be extended to the embattled people of Palestine.

    In a gesture of solidarity, Senator Ahmed Omar Ahmadzai strongly denounced the killing of innocent civilians and children in Gaza, emphasizing the need for active protection from Muslim countries.

    Saleem Mandviwalla commended the Turkish President’s support for the Palestinian people, while Muhammad Qasim highlighted the alarming scale of the atrocities perpetrated against the Palestinians, labeling it as nothing short of genocide.

    This resolution serves as a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to seeking justice and peace for the affected people of Gaza.

  • PCB forms committee to collect player’s agents’ details

    PCB forms committee to collect player’s agents’ details

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formed a committee to collect the data of approved agents associated with the national cricket team players.

    The five-member committee regarding the PCB’s team selection process and conflict of interest, related sources say that this committee has started working today. After completing the investigation, the committee will submit its report and recommendations to Chairman Zaka Ashraf.

    The five-member committee formed by the PCB includes Colonel Khalid, Colonel Akhtar of the Anti-Corruption and Vigilance Unit, Director Media Alia Rashid, representatives of the Legal Department and Auditor Finance.

    This committee will not be able to ask any questions from the Pakistan cricket team’s players because they are currently playing the World Cup in India, and also not from Umar Kalsom who is now PCB’s media head manager and was recently replaced by Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi during the world cup.

    According to the sources, “Player’s agent’s records are available but the committee didn’t find which agent associated with which player”.

    It should be noted that a few days ago, the case of Inzamam-ul-Haq being a shareholder with a company named Yazoo International Ltd. came to light, however, Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned from the post of Chief Selector before the formation of the committee.

  • ‘Show more mercy’: Sanam Saeed calls for Pakistani government to stop deporting Afghan refugees

    ‘Show more mercy’: Sanam Saeed calls for Pakistani government to stop deporting Afghan refugees

    The Pakistani government is set to deport more than 90,000 Afghan refugees by November 1, prompting protests among civil rights activists. Actors, too, are condemning the expulsion. Viral videos show Afghan children in tears as they say goodbye to their friends, expressing sadness over being deported.

    Actress Sanam Saeed has appealed to the government of Pakistan asking that in light of circumstances around the world, Pakistanis must extend their kindness to people seeking shelter in this country.

    “Deporting refugees who seek shelter here will not make our fundamental issues go away. It looks like we are deflecting blame from challenges that the govt or the country overall is facing. At a time like this in the world right now, we need to show more mercy.”

    Veteran actress Nadia Jamil expressed her outrage over a post showing how Afghan children were taken to court and treated as criminals. She shared Osman Khalid Butt’s post and wrote “Statelessness. Their crime is their families Afghan refugee past. Most of them were born here.”

    Columnist Fatima Bhutto shared a video of an Afghan child tearfully saying goodbye to his classmates as he was set to be deported. In the caption she wrote:
    “This is just wrong of Pakistan. It’s inhumane. We must protect the Afghan refugees of this country and allow them a chance to rebuild their lives.”