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Author: News Desk

  • Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi wins Nobel Prize

    Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi wins Nobel Prize

    A jailed Iranian women’s rights advocate, Narges Mohammadi, is the winner of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women and advocacy for social reform.

    She was awarded the prestigious prize on Friday, while she is till behind bars, for her efforts to promote human rights and freedom for all”, as stated by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

    “Her brave struggle has come with tremendous personal costs. Altogether, the regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes,” head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, said in Oslo during the announcement.

    51-year-old Mohammadi is an Iranian human rights activist who has played a leading role in the campaign for women’s rights and the abolition of the death penalty in the country.

    She is currently serving a number of sentences in Tehran’s Evin prison, adding up to about 12 years of jail, including charges of spreading anti-state propaganda.

    Mohammadi is the deputy head of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, a non-governmental organisation led by Shirin Ebadi, the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

    The New York Times approached her after she was named the winner. “I will continue to fight against the relentless discrimination, tyranny and gender-based oppression by the oppressive religious government until the liberation of women,” she stated.

    “I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organised. Victory is near.”
    On the contrary, Tehran has accused the Nobel committee of politicising the issue of human rights.

    “The action of the Nobel Peace Committee is political move in line with the interventionist and anti-Iranian policies of some European governments,” Nasser Kanaani, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said.

    “The Nobel Peace committee has awarded a prize to a person convicted of repeated law violations and criminal acts, and we condemn this as biased and politically motivated,” he added in a statement carried by state media.

  • PTA and FIA collaborate to bust illegal internet service providers 

    PTA and FIA collaborate to bust illegal internet service providers 

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), executed two highly effective operations in Sargodha targeting unauthorised internet service providers.

    The initial operation unfolded in the RB Block of Rose Valley Society, while the second operation was conducted at Burj-e-Umar Plaza on Mian Khan Road, as detailed in an official press release issued on Friday.

    During these operations, law enforcement apprehended one individual, and a range of equipment used by these illicit internet service providers, such as switches, routers, laptops, antennas, and more, was seized. These entities had been offering internet services without the requisite licence from PTA, both in Sargodha and its adjoining regions.

    These successful crackdowns against unauthorised ISPs became possible due to the unwavering commitment and persistent efforts of the PTA in monitoring and addressing the issue of illegal internet services. According to ARY News, this proactive approach aims to reduce financial losses to the national Treasury caused by tax evasion and revenue misreporting.

  • Petrol price may drop by Rs41 per litre: AHL

    Petrol price may drop by Rs41 per litre: AHL

    Petroleum prices may decrease in the upcoming announcement due to a significant drop in global oil prices and the strengthening of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, according to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), a brokerage house.

    In the next fortnightly pricing cycle starting on October 16, 2023, AHL predicts a reduction of Rs41 per litre for petrol and Rs19 per litre for diesel in local prices.

    AHL’s projection is based on several factors. International oil prices have fallen considerably in the past week due to concerns about demand, a stronger US dollar, inflationary pressures, and increased oil supplies. 

    The prices of WTI, Brent, and Arab Light have dropped by approximately 9 per cent to 11 per cent compared to the previous fortnightly averages. International gasoline (MS) prices have plummeted by 15 per cent to $84.3 per barrel, while high-speed diesel (HSD) prices have dipped by 10 per cent to $110.6 per barrel compared to the previous fortnightly averages.

    Additionally, the Pakistani rupee has appreciated by 2.7 per cent against the US dollar, standing at 283.87 compared to the previous fortnightly average of 291.65. 

    AHL’s calculations, factoring in these price changes and the assumption of stable international prices and currency rates over the next 10 days, suggest that local petrol and diesel prices are expected to decrease by Rs41 per litre and Rs19 per litre starting on October 16, 2023.

    AHL also mentioned that in the previous fortnightly pricing, there was an exchange rate adjustment of Rs11.9 per litre for MS and a negative adjustment of Rs2.8 per litre for HSD. 

    Even assuming similar currency adjustments for MS and no adjustment for HSD in the upcoming fortnightly prices, AHL anticipates that MS and HSD prices will decrease by Rs28.6 per litre and Rs19.3 per litre, respectively.

    In terms of inflation, AHL revised its October CPI inflation estimate to 27.5 per cent. Last week, the interim government announced a reduction of Rs8 per litre for MS and Rs11 per litre for HSD, resulting in new prices of 323.38 and 318.18 per litre for petrol and diesel, respectively, effective from October 1.

  • US sees strongest job growth in eight months, raising rate hike possibility

    US sees strongest job growth in eight months, raising rate hike possibility

    In September, the United States experienced a significant increase in employment, marking the most substantial growth in eight months. 

    This surge in hiring was widespread, indicating a persistent strength in the labour market. This development potentially provides the Federal Reserve with the rationale to consider raising interest rates once again, although it’s worth noting that wage growth is currently decelerating.

    The Labour Department’s latest employment report, released on Friday, revealed a nonfarm payroll increase that surpassed expectations, along with substantial upward revisions to job counts for July and August. These findings solidify the belief that economic activity gained momentum in the third quarter.

    The continued resilience of the labour market and the broader economy, even after 18 months of the US central bank’s efforts to temper demand by raising rates, suggests that monetary policy may remain restrictive for an extended period. 

    Recent data also indicates an increase in job openings in August, coupled with consistently low first-time applications for state unemployment benefits in September.

  • Was there a five-ball over during the match between Pakistan and Netherlands?

    Was there a five-ball over during the match between Pakistan and Netherlands?

    Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by 81 runs in the second match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday.

    However, the match was unique because during the first innings, when the Pakistan team was batting, an umpiring error allowed a five balls over. This happened during the 14th over when Saud Shakeel scored a boundary and completed his fifty runs on the second last ball of the over. Then both standing umpires ended the over.

    The laws on Lord’s official website state that clause 17.5 of THE OVER, SCORING RUNS, DEAD BALL AND EXTRAS deals with the umpires’ miscounting, and explains that any revisions are not possible after a ball is bowled.

    Clause 17.5.1 states, “If the umpire miscounts the number of valid balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand.”

    Read More: Big blow for Indian team, star batsman infected with Dengue

    Another mistake was made by umpires in the 8th over of the innings when an extra fielder was set outside the circle. Muhammad Rizwan signaled to the umpire and the ball was given a free hit.

    This is not the first time a miscalculated over has been bowled in cricket history. During the match between Pakistan and India in the Women’s T20 World Cup, India was given an over with seven balls.

  • Two prominent Bollywood actors summoned by Indian police regarding controversial betting app case

    Two prominent Bollywood actors summoned by Indian police regarding controversial betting app case

    In India, prominent celebrities were summoned by the Enforcement Directorate regarding an online betting app Mahadev Book. Ranbir Kapoor was summoned yesterday and now Shraddha Kapoor and comedian Kapil Sharma have been called up. These celebrities were summoned after an exclusive report by India Today in September revealed many prominent Bollywood public figures were attendants at the wedding ceremony of the Mahadev app promoter Sourabh Chandrakar.

    “In February 2023, Sourabh Chandrakar got married at RAK, UAE, and for this marriage ceremony, the promoters of Mahadev APP spent around ₹ 200 Crore in Cash,” ED responded in a statement.

    According to Times of India, Pakistani singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam was among the attendees at the wedding, who may also be summoned by the ED in the coming days.

    The betting app is currently under investigation by police officials from several states after the Enforcement Department alleged the app was being used by the company to enrol new users, create ID’s and launder money through a layered web of benami bank accounts.

    Actors like Hina Khan and Huma Qureshi were summoned for allegedly promoting the app, while Kapil Sharma was called up for attending the success party held by the company in Dubai in September. Ranbir Kapoor has requested the agency to give him more time before appearing in person.

  • World Cup 2023: Pakistan defeats Netherlands by 81 runs

    World Cup 2023: Pakistan defeats Netherlands by 81 runs

    Team Pakistan started their campaign in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Hyderabad Deccan today, where Netherlands won the toss and decided to field first against Pakistan.

    In the second match of the ICC Men’s World Cup, Pakistan got off to a winning start in the event by easily defeating the Netherlands by 81 runs.

    In the first inning, Pakistan set a target of 287 runs, after having scored 286 runs in 49 overs. Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan were the top scorers, scoring 68 and 68 runs respectively. Van de Leede took four wickets each.

    The Netherlands team was bowled out for 205 runs in 41 overs. Bes de Leda scored 67 runs and Vikramjeet Singh scored 52 runs. Haris Rauf took three wickets.

    Live Update:

    Pakistan won by 81 runs

    NETHERLANDS 205 After (42 Overs)

    Haris Rauf bowled out van Makereen on 7 runs.

    NETHERLANDS 202/9 After (40 Overs)

    NETHERLANDS 186/9 After (37.1 Overs)

    Hassan Ali bowled out Aryan Dutt on 1 run.

    NETHERLANDS 176/8 After (36 Overs)

    Netherlands has lost his 8th wicket. Van de Merve run out on 4 runs by Babar Azam+Rizwan.

    NETHERLANDS 164/7 After (33.2 Overs)

    What a bowled by Muhammad Nawaz. Bas de Leede bowled out on the second ball of 34th over. He scored 67 runs on 68 balls.

    NETHERLANDS 158/6 After (32.2 Overs)

    Shaheen Afridi gets his first wicket as Zulfiqar got LBW on the first ball of 33rd over.

    NETHERLANDS 137/5 After (28 Overs)

    Haris Rauf back-to-back wickets, Teja Nadamanuru and Scot Edwards return towards pavilion.

    NETHERLANDS 120/3 After (24 Overs)

    Pakistan gets its much needed wicket of Vikramjeet Singh. Fakhar Zaman caught a good running catch on the ball of Shadab Khan.

    NETHERLANDS 98/2 After (20 Overs)

    NETHERLANDS 60/2 After (15 Overs)

    NETHERLANDS 50/2 After (11.1 Overs)

    Second Wicket down! Iftikhar bowled out Ackeremann on first ball of 12th over.

    NETHERLANDS 47/1 After (10 Overs)

    NETHERLANDS 28/1 After (6 Overs)

    Netherlands loses its first wicket as Max O’Dowd caught on 5th ball of sixth over on the ball of Hassan Ali.

    PAKISTAN 286 After (49 OVERS)

    Pakistani team all out on total of 286 runs in 49 overs. Muhammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel were top Scorer with 68 runs each. Bas de Leede took 4 wickets from Netherlands side.

    PAKISTAN 258/8 After (45 OVERS)

    PAKISTAN 227/6 After (40 OVERS)

    PAKISTAN 199/6 After (36 OVERS)

    PAKISTAN 170/4 After (30 OVERS)

    PAKISTAN 135/3 After (24 OVERS)

    PAKISTAN 78/3 After (15 OVERS)

    PAKISTAN 43/3 After (10 OVERS)

    Imam ul Haq caught out by Van Meekeren on 15 runs.

    PAKISTAN 34/2 After (8.3 OVERS)

    Pakistan loses its second wicket as Babar Azam was caught out on the 3rd ball of eighth over by Ackermann.

    PAKISTAN 18/1 After (5 OVERS)

    PAKISTAN 16/1 After (4 OVERS)

    Pakistan loses its first wicket as Fakhar Zaman was caught out on the 3rd ball of fourth over by Vaan Beek.

    Netherlands wins the toss, decides to bowl first.

  • Is Nawaz Sharif ‘fit’ to travel to Pakistan?

    Is Nawaz Sharif ‘fit’ to travel to Pakistan?

    Just days ahead of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s anticipated return to Pakistan, a new medical report has been submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday by the legal team of the former Prime Minister, Geo has said.

    Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had been granted permission by the LHC in November 2019 to travel abroad for medical treatment based on his deteriorating health.

    Since then, Nawaz Sharif has resided in London. The court, meanwhile, has ordered him to regularly submit medical reports to keep authorities updated about his health conditions.

    In September 2023, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif announced that his elder brother would be ending his self-imposed exile of four years and returning to Pakistan on October 21.

    The latest medical report, filed by Nawaz Sharif’s legal team, features insights from Professor Carlo di Mario of London’s Royal Brompton Hospital, who has been providing medical care to the former Prime Minister throughout his stay in London over the past years.

    Professor Carlo di Mario, an expert in Interventional Cardiology, detailed Nawaz Sharif’s medical history, stating, “We initially attempted medical treatment, strengthening his antianginal therapy.”

    However, due to persistent anginal symptoms and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to perform an angioplasty in November 2022 to cure a blocked left circumflex artery.

    The procedure included rotational atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, and the deployment of multiple stents under IVUS guidance. Despite these interventions, the medical report indicates that Nawaz Sharif still experiences some residual anginal symptoms, and continuous monitoring is recommended.

    The report also highlights the complexity of Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition, mentioning “diffuse distal coronary disease in a patient with diabetes and multiple other comorbidities that would require frequent follow-up investigations both in London and Pakistan.”

    With this fresh medical report submitted to the Lahore High Court, Nawaz Sharif’s health status remains a focal point as the date of his return to Pakistan draws nearer.

  • 100 killed in drone strike at Syrian military academy passing-out ceremony

    100 killed in drone strike at Syrian military academy passing-out ceremony

    100 people were killed and 240 injured in a drone attack on a military academy in the Syrian city of Homs on Thursday.

    According to Arab media, the drone attack was carried out during the passing-out parade ceremony at the military academy.

    Among the killed and wounded in the attack are military officers, personnel and Syrian civilians.

    The Syrian defense minister left the ceremony shortly before the attack.

    No militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

  • Asian Games 2023: Afghanistan defeats Pakistan by 4 wickets to qualify for final

    Asian Games 2023: Afghanistan defeats Pakistan by 4 wickets to qualify for final

    Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in the semi-final of the Asian Games in China, after winning the toss and inviting Pakistan to bat first.

    The entire team returned to the pavilion after scoring only 115 runs, after which Afghanistan needed 116 runs to win, achieving the set target with a loss of 6 wickets in 17.5 overs.

    Qasim Akram led the Pakistan team, while Umeer Bin Yusuf scored 24 runs. Arafat Minhas was unbeaten on 14 runs, Amir Jamal scored another 14 runs and Rohail Nazir scored 10 runs.

    It should be noted that earlier India had won against Bangladesh in the semi-final. Afghanistan will face India in the final.