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Author: News Desk

  • ‘Sniper safaris’: Italy to investigate tourists who went to Bosnia to shoot civilians

    ‘Sniper safaris’: Italy to investigate tourists who went to Bosnia to shoot civilians

    Italian authorities have opened an investigation in Milan to determine whether claims of Italian tourists paying money to shoot civilians in Bosnia are true. 

    Citizens of multiple countries, including Italy, are at the center of explosive claims that state that they paid huge amounts to travel to Sarajevo to shoot at civilians in “sniper safaris” in the 1990s. 

     
    Milan’s public prosecutor office opened an investigation into the claims on the complaint of journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni who says there was a “manhunt” by “very wealthy people” with a passion for weapons who “paid to be able to kill defenceless civilians” from Serb positions in the hills around Sarajevo.

    Reports have claimed that different rates were charged for killing children, men and women. More than 11,000 civilians were killed in the siege of Sarajevo by Serb forces. 

    Although the allegations are not new, Gavazzeni has reportedly gathered extensive, including intelligence from Bosnian officers. 

    Italy’s counter-terrorism prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis will investigate the murder charges. 

    A Bosnian intelligence officer told the journalist that in 1994, Bosnia passed on the information to Italy’s military intelligence. 

    Italy’s military intelligence then told the Bosnians that citizens were indeed travelling from the border city of Triesto to the hills surrounding Sarajevo. “We’ve put a stop to it and there won’t be any more safaris,” the officer reportedly told the Bosnians. 

    ‘Sarajevo Safari’, a documentary film made in 2022, alleges that the killer tourists came from a host or different countries, including USSR and USA. 

    Gavazzeni alleges that many people took part in the practice, “at least a hundred” in all, with Italians paying up to €100,000 (£88,000) in today’s terms.

    Italian prosecutors have compiled a list of witnesses to talk to.

  • ‘Sri Lanka defeats terrorism’ as team decides to continue playing series despite Islamabad bombing

    ‘Sri Lanka defeats terrorism’ as team decides to continue playing series despite Islamabad bombing

    In a major win for the sport, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday rubbished calls to cancel the series, confirming that its ongoing tour of Pakistan will go ahead as planned.

    The decision that came despite Tuesday’s suicide bombing in the federal capital that left 12 people dead and 27 injured, was hailed by Pakistani officials as a show of solidarity and confidence in the country’s security efforts.

    “No player is returning home,” the manager of the Sri Lankan cricket team confirmed to a private media outlet as SLC clarified that if any player wanted to return despite assurances, he will be replaced in a bid to ensure the continuation of the ongoing series without interruption.

    It also warned of a formal assessment by the cricket board over the returning player’s actions.

    The confirmation came hours after Sri Lankan team management informed their board that some members had requested to leave Pakistan. The board said it had immediately engaged with the players, assuring them that all safety concerns were being addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities.

    Following the reservations, the PCB said security around the visiting team had been increased following the attack.

    To address the concerns, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the interior minister, will reportedly be meeting the Sri Lankan team to brief them.

    In a statement, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar thanked the Sri Lankan Cricket Team and said: “We are honoured by your presence.”

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also said: “Our special thanks to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit and for a good display of cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude.”

    PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars said the Sri Lankan team defeated terrorism.

    Earlier, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner also expressed satisfaction over the security of its team following a meeting with Naqvi in Islamabad.

    ‎During the meeting, the chief commissioner and the inspector general of Islamabad gave a detailed briefing on the security being provided to the Sri Lankan team.

    It may be noted that the Sri Lankan team’s concerns could be rooted in the bitter memories of 2009 when, for the first time, cricketers were directly targeted by terrorists in an attack on their team bus in Lahore.

    International cricket tours in Pakistan were subsequently suspended for approximately ten years, from March 2009 until late 2019 when Sri Lanka returned for a two-Test series.

  • Elon Musk tries to prove he’s ‘human’ after best-selling author slams his behaviour

    Elon Musk tries to prove he’s ‘human’ after best-selling author slams his behaviour

    Elon Musk has gone on a binge of tweets trying to prove that he is a ‘human’ with real human interests after best-selling author Joyce Carol Oates tweeted out about his odd behaviour. 

    On Saturday morning, Musk shared a video of an AI generated woman, smiling at the camera. By evening, best-selling author Joyce Carol Oates tweeted out an observation about the richest man on earth that got traction on the very platform he owns, X (formerly Twitter). 

    The 87-year-old writer said, “So curious that such a wealthy man never posts anything that indicates that he enjoys or is even aware of what virtually everyone appreciates— scenes from nature, pet dog or cat, praise for a movie, music, a book (but doubt that he reads); pride in a friend’s or relative’s accomplishment; condolences for someone who has died; pleasure in sports, acclaim for a favorite team; references to history.” 

    Joyce concluded the tweet with an incisive observation: “In fact he seems totally uneducated, uncultured. The poorest persons on Twitter may have access to more beauty & meaning in life than the ‘most wealthy person in the world.” 

    Musk’s usual X activity revolves around complaining about trans persons, retweeting anyone who praises him and agreeing with far-right extremists. 

    Oates’ diatribe, that went viral, got under Musk’s skin. He let off a furious series of tweets, calling her “an angry liar”, “demonstrably false” and “mean”. 

    Then the billionaire tried to prove Oates wrong by suddenly replying to an account dedicated to movies. He called Edge of Tomorrow a “great movie” and then wrote, “Man on Fire is great!” He also wrote another one liner about Fifth Element, offering nothing more than short sentences to show why he liked the movies. 

    Musk has previously talked about books, including Douglas Adams’ best-selling A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. But most of social media was in agreement that it seemed like he hadn’t actually read the book. 

    He also infamously made a faux-pas when he described his Tesla Cybertruck as a vehicle “the Blade Runner would have driven”. There is no character called the Blade Runner in the movie Blade Runner. 

    Joyce Carol Oates’ tweet has been viewed more than five million times and has received more than 11,000 retweets.

  • Second US crude oil shipment reaches Pakistan

    Second US crude oil shipment reaches Pakistan

    As part of strategic recalibration of Pakistan’s energy landscape, the country has received its second shipment of United States (US) crude oil, signalling a pivotal shift in the quest for energy security and economic efficiency, The News reported.

    According to reports, MT Albany tanker, laden with one million barrels of premium West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, successfully berthed at Cnergyico’s offshore Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminal near Hub in Balochistan on Nov 10.

    While the delivery is not an isolated and is part of a carefully structured energy corridor between the two countries, it follows the landmark shipment in October.

    A third cargo is scheduled for January 2026, all of which represent a strategic investment of over $200 million, moving Pakistan beyond its traditional reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The feasibility of this transcontinental energy trade hinges on a critical piece of infrastructure: Cnergyico’s deep-water SPM terminal. Unlike the shallow ports of Karachi, which are limited to smaller vessels, this terminal can accommodate massive Aframax and Suezmax tankers.

    This capability is a game-changer for vessel economics, as importing larger cargoes significantly reduces the per-barrel freight cost, making long-haul shipments financially viable.

    The economic calculus is further strengthened by the specific qualities of WTI crude. As a light, sweet crude, it is not only easier and cheaper to refine into high-value products like gasoline and diesel but also produces lower emissions. Crucially, WTI frequently trades at a discount to the Dubai/Oman benchmark, which is used to price Middle Eastern crude.

    This price differential often offsets the higher transportation costs from the US Gulf Coast, making the landed cost of American oil highly competitive. Cnergyico’s strategy to process exclusively low-sulfur crudes like WTI and Nigeria’s Bonny Light through this period underscores a dual focus on economic optimisation and environmental performance.

    It merits a mention that Pakistan and the US signed a trade and energy partnership agreement in July 2025, which included cooperation on developing Pakistan’s oil reserves and reducing tariffs for certain Pakistani exports.

    While Pakistan started importing US-origin crude oil under the same deal, the agreement was hailed by both sides as a strategic re-engagement. Critics, however, raise concerns over the feasibility of discovering massive oil reserves and potential geopolitical implications.

  • Eye witness accounts: What happened during the cadet college attack?

    Eye witness accounts: What happened during the cadet college attack?

    Five Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists attacked the Cadet College in Wana, South Waziristan, late in the afternoon on Monday.

    Operation Commander Colonel Tahir, who was part of the operation against the terrorists, revealed what happened during the attack. 

    He said that “five Afghan Khawarij” came to Cadet College, which is a very important college for the students in South Waziristan, and rammed an explosives‐laden vehicle into the main gate.

    Four more terrorists entered the college and tried to kidnap students but they were stopped by army commandos. Tahir mentions that the army managed to trap the terrorists in one administrative block of the college and late in the evening, around 10pm, an operation began against four remaining terrorists.

    According to a student who spoke to the media, students were preparing for a drill competition when they heard an explosion. He says that the army escorted them out of the college and took them to a camp and protected them. He said that the terrorists are “against education and they will never be able to stop us from getting an education.”

    A second eye-witness said that he heard an explosion and their teacher told the students not to worry and that everything would be okay. He said the army came in and then everything was fine.

    There were 550 cadets in the college at the time and all were safely evacuated.

    Information Minister Attaullah Tarar hailed it as a “huge achievement” by the Pakistan Army, saying the attack could have rivaled the 2014 APS tragedy.

  • India interested in Israel’s LORA missile system: reports

    India interested in Israel’s LORA missile system: reports

    India plans to acquire and locally produce Long Range Artillery (LORA) ballistic missiles developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), it has emerged.

    According to Israeli media reports, Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has signed with Israeli Defence Director General Amir Baram a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen defence collaboration between the two countries.

    India’s interest in Israel’s LORA was reinforced by the usage of the Rampage missile in recent military encounters with Pakistan, reports said. While Rampage, with a range near 250 kilometres and deployed from aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30 and MiG-29, is highly accurate, its shorter range exposes launch aircraft to advanced air-defence systems.

    LORA, developed by IAI’s MLM division, reportedly extends operational reach to about 400 kilometres, allowing strikes on enemy sites while keeping aircraft outside the threat envelope.

    The missile weighs 1,600 kilograms, flies at supersonic speeds, and uses satellite navigation protected against disruption. One of its outstanding features is that it is “fire and forget”, meaning that once it has been launched at the target, there is no need to guide it.

    It can carry various warheads for deployment against soft targets or against bunkers.

    India, which is the largest buyer of Israel’s defence industries according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), accounted for roughly 34% of Israel’s defence exports from 2020 to 2024.

    Reports said India is also interested in the “Ice Breaker” cruise missile, which is designed for attacks at ranges of about 300 km against land and sea targets. The missile is effective in all weather conditions, can function well in environments saturated with electronic warfare, and has infrared (IIR)-based navigation and missile guidance capabilities, which, through AI, can acquire and identify targets.

  • Hakeem wins ‘Sustainable & Inclusive Payments Excellence’ Award at APAC Payments Excellence Awards 2025

    Hakeem wins ‘Sustainable & Inclusive Payments Excellence’ Award at APAC Payments Excellence Awards 2025


    Walee Financial Services is proud to announce that its flagship Islamic digital nano-financing platform, Hakeem, has been awarded the Sustainable & Inclusive Payments Excellence Award at the APAC Payments Excellence Awards 2025, hosted by the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA) in Hong Kong.

    The EPAA Awards are among the most prestigious recognitions in the Asia-Pacific payments industry, celebrating organizations that are driving inclusion, innovation, and sustainability in the digital finance ecosystem.

    Recognized Among Global Leaders

    In the Sustainable & Inclusive Payments Innovation category, Hakeem was recognized alongside global institutions including Mastercard, RCBC, and PayNet, marking a proud moment for Pakistan’s fintech sector. Other categories featured world-leading names such as Standard Chartered, HSBC, Thunes, and Commonwealth Bank, underscoring the Awards’ stature as a benchmark for global excellence.

    This milestone follows Hakeem’s international recognition as Emerging FinTech of the Year at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2024, presented by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, further solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in ethical digital finance.

    Championing Faith-Aligned Inclusion

    At its core, Hakeem was built to make finance fair, faith-driven, and accessible for all. It stands as Pakistan’s first fully Shariah-certified Islamic digital nano-finance platform, designed to meet the financial needs of underserved communities who often remain excluded from conventional banking systems.

    Using a 100% digital model, Hakeem enables users to complete e-KYC, undergo AI-driven credit scoring, and access ethical nano-financing in minutes, no paperwork, no physical branches, and no collateral required. This model ensures accessibility across Pakistan’s rural and urban segments alike, especially for women and low-income earners.

    “Financial inclusion is not just about access to funds, it’s about restoring dignity and creating opportunity where it was denied,” said Khushba Hayat, Partner, Business Development at Walee Financial Services. “At Hakeem, every transaction tells a human story, of a woman restarting her business, a labourer bridging a tough month, or a teacher paying her parent’s medical bills. This award validates our belief that ethical finance can be both inclusive and scalable.”

    A Vision Rooted in Empathy

    Reflecting on this recognition, Noshad Minhas, CEO of Walee Financial Services, shared:

    “I have spent over two decades working in banks and financial institutions. And what I saw was that finance was built for a select few, the same people in the same circles. The vast majority were neglected, left out, or made to feel that banking wasn’t for them.

    At Hakeem, we wanted to change that. To build a solution that is truly equal, where everyone has access, not just the privileged. By using advanced technology, we are making finance simple, safe, and accessible, a system where no one feels intimidated by big banks or formal suits, but instead feels served, respected, and empowered, all from the comfort of their home. This is why Hakeem exists: to make ethical finance a reality for every community.”

    Looking Ahead

    With full Shariah certification achieved, Hakeem is now preparing to expand its suite of ethical financial solutions, including MSME financing, remittance-linked financing, women-focused financial products, and Takaful (Islamic insurance) distribution. These upcoming innovations are designed to empower individuals, strengthen small enterprises, and enable long-term, faith-aligned financial inclusion across Pakistan.

    About Walee Financial Services

    Walee Financial Services is dedicated to designing financial products that drive inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Hakeem, its Islamic nano-financing product, stands at the heart of this mission, offering rapid, ethical financial solutions to those often left out of traditional banking systems.

    About the APAC Payments Excellence Awards

    Hosted by the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA), the APAC Payments Excellence Awards recognize organizations that are revolutionizing the payments landscape. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and inclusion, the awards honor achievements that are shaping the future of payments across the region.

  • ‘Obesity Ban’; Trump restricts visas for overweight people

    ‘Obesity Ban’; Trump restricts visas for overweight people

    The US State Department has issued new guidelines that recommend that migrant visas should not be issue for overweight people. 

    The guidelines include obesity as part of a list of medical conditions that could result in the refusal of visas. The rest of the list includes cardiovascular conditions, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases and mental-health conditions. 

    Officials have been told to evaluate visa candidates on their ability to pay for lifelong care without the interjection of government funds. 

    The directive applies only to immigrant visas. Those on short term visas or non-immigrant visas, are exempt from the guidelines, a state department official has confirmed to media outlets. 


    The latest restrictions are part of large-scale changes that the US has put in place since Donald Trump became President. The administration has cracked down on H1B visas in particular, imposing a $100,000 fee on skilled workers, a move that particularly affected India. The fee will only be applicable on new visa applications, restricting the number of workers that can come into America to work. 

    H1B visas require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. 

    Trump tried to change the H1B visa in his previous term, however he was stalled by courts and legal challenges. He has repeatedly called the visas “very bad” and “unfair” for American workers. 

    Trump’s State Department has also introduced a new type of card, called the Gold Card, authorising fast-track visas for those who seek to make a ‘significabt financial gift’. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik has confirmed that the new scheme is being rolled out with 80,000 gold-cards ready for issuance. Trump said of the policy, “The main thing is, we are going to have great people coming in, and they are going to be paying.”

  • All 20 troops killed in C-130 crash: Turkish defence ministry

    All 20 troops killed in C-130 crash: Turkish defence ministry

    Turkish defence ministry has confirmed deaths of 20 soldiers as its C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed in Georgia on Tuesday.

    The C-130 Hercules is a cargo, troop and equipment carrier aircraft. It is described as a four-engine, turboprop military transport aircraft that can make use of unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings.

    Its versatile airframe has enabled it to be used for other purposes as well, including as a gunship and for airborne assault and reconnaissance operations. It is now viewed as one of the main tactical airlifters for many militaries.

    According to Reuters, the military plane had taken off from Azerbaijan for Turkey, crashing in the Sighnaghu municipality of Georgia’s Kakheti district.

    Ankara has not yet provided a reason for its deadliest military incident since 2020 but said that Turkish and Georgian authorities are inspecting the site.

    Initial footage from the scene showed chunks of twisted metal strewn across a grassy knoll while unverified footage on social media showed the plane breaking apart mid-air, corckscrewing towards the ground in a blaze.

    The leaders of Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, have all conveyed condolences. Tom Barrack, the United States (US) Ambassador to Turkey, has also expressed his country’s solidarity with Turkey after the crash.

    Earlier, Turkish Defence Minster Yasar Guler spoke to his Georgian and Azerbaijani counterparts, as well as Azerbaijan’s chief of staff, to discuss search and rescue operations.

    US firm Lockheed Martin, which makes the C-130 that is widely used by air forces around the world, expressed its condolences and said it was committed to helping Turkey in any way during the investigation.

  • ‘People expect us to perform every single time, we’re not robots,’ says Haris Rauf

    ‘People expect us to perform every single time, we’re not robots,’ says Haris Rauf

    Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf hit back at critics after his match-winning spell against Sri Lanka, saying that players are human and cannot be expected to perform perfectly in every game.

    Speaking at the post-match press conference after Pakistan’s narrow 6-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Rawalpindi, Haris said bowling in cold conditions was a real challenge. “It’s not easy to bowl in such weather,” he said. “But I always try to give my hundred percent for Pakistan. Winning for the team is what matters the most.”

    The right-arm pacer also opened up about the pressure of expectations. “People forget ten good matches after one bad performance,” he said. “They expect us to perform every single time. People think players are robots, but we’re not machines, we make mistakes too. What’s important is that we keep believing in ourselves.”

    Haris finished with figures of 4 for 49 and played a key role in defending Pakistan’s total. “If I get the chance to play Test cricket, I’ll definitely be ready,” he added.

    Pakistan produced a complete team performance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. 

    Salman Ali Agha smashed 105 to power Pakistan to 299 for 5 after a shaky start. His 138-run stand with Hussain Talat, who scored 62, turned the game around after early trouble. Mohammad Nawaz’s quick 36 helped Pakistan finish strongly.

    Hasaranga impressed with the ball, taking 3 for 54.

    In reply, Sri Lanka fought hard but fell just short, ending on 293 for 9 in their 50 overs. 

    Wanindu Hasaranga led the chase with a 59-run knock, while Sadeera Samarawickrama 39, Kamindu Mendis 38, and Charith Asalanka 32 added valuable runs.

    Haris Rauf’s fiery spell made the difference as he picked four key wickets, supported by Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf with two each. 

    Mohammad Nawaz claimed one wicket. 

    Pakistan will now look to seal the series in the second ODI as their bowlers and middle order continue to show strong form.