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  • Saudi crackdown on anti-Israel social media comments intensifies

    Saudi crackdown on anti-Israel social media comments intensifies

    In recent months, Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested a growing number of citizens for criticising Israel on social media.

    This surge in arrests comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has triggered widespread condemnation and protests across the Middle East.

    According to a report by Bloomberg, among those detained is a high-ranking executive involved in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic development initiatives, including the ambitious Vision 2030 project.

    Another detainee is reported to have urged Saudi citizens to boycott American brands operating in the Gulf Kingdom, while a third is a media figure who publicly stated that Israel should never be forgiven for its actions in Gaza.

    A source close to the Saudi government, who requested anonymity, stated that these arrests are driven by concerns about national security and the potential influence of pro-Iranian groups in Saudi Arabia.

    However, there are no official figures indicating how many individuals have been arrested since the Israeli offensive in Gaza began on October 7, 2023.

    The crackdown on dissent coincides with efforts by the United States to broker a deal for the normalisation of ties between Riyadh and Tel Aviv.

    During a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that negotiations have brought both parties “potentially very close to completion.”

    However, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly emphasised that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until an independent Palestinian state is recognised.

    Meanwhile, Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza has had devastating consequences.

    According to the Wafa news agency, more than 34,500 Palestinians have been killed and over 77,000 wounded since the start of the conflict.

    The United Nations reports that 85 per cent of Gaza’s population has been internally displaced due to the violence, and 60 per cent of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure has been severely damaged or destroyed.

    Critical shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies have compounded the humanitarian crisis.

    Israel has been accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In January, the World Court issued an interim ruling ordering Israel to halt genocidal acts and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians.

    South Africa, which initiated the case against Israel, has since accused the country of disregarding the court’s ruling. Israel has denied all allegations against it.

    As tensions continue to rise, the arrest of Saudi citizens for criticising Israel reflects the broader geopolitical complexities in the region.

    The outcome of US-led negotiations and the humanitarian situation in Gaza will likely have significant implications for the future of Saudi-Israeli relations and the stability of the Middle East.

  • Foreign Office laments German envoy incident at AJ Conference

    Foreign Office laments German envoy incident at AJ Conference

    Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday expressed regret over the incident faced by German Ambassador Alfred Grannas during an event in Lahore.

    Last week, the German envoy was heckled and booed by pro-Palestine protestors over Germany’s complicity in Israel’s genocide against the people of Gaza.

    In the footage, it could be seen that the activist shouted, “Why your country is brutally abusing the people speaking for the rights of Palestinians,” addressing the German envoy.

    However, Ambassador Grannas, who was visibly taken aback, began shouting while asking the protesters not to shout. He also gestured at the students while waving his left hand in the air, asking them to “go out”.

    Mumtaz also rejected allegations of former advisor to Prime Minister Shehzad Akbar’s claims that he was attacked by the state of Pakistan.

    “We categorically reject the allegations made by Shahzad Akbar against the state of Pakistan, its institutions and agencies. These claims are baseless and politically motivated. As we have said in the past safety and security of Pakistani nationals, wherever they are, are a matter of priority for Pakistan,” said the FO spokesperson during her weekly press briefing.

    She reiterated that Pakistan does not have a policy of targeting citizens abroad. Baloch said several dissidents are living in foreign countries but Pakistan has never engaged against them.

    Even though, “Some of them have (even) maintained links with terrorist entities inside Pakistan,” the spokesperson said.

    On April 29, Akbar served a copy of his legal action to the Pakistan High Commission in London. It names several Pakistan government officials as responsible for the attack.

    Akbar had initiated legal action against the Pakistani government over an acid attack in 2023 that left him “scarred for life”.

  • Bella Hadid stops modeling: ‘I won’t pretend anymore’

    Bella Hadid stops modeling: ‘I won’t pretend anymore’

    Supermodel Bella Hadid is stepping back from her glamorous career and starting afresh in Texas with her partner, Adan Banuelo.
    “After 10 years of modeling, I realized I was putting so much energy and love into something that, in the long run, wasn’t necessarily giving back to me,” Hadid told Allure magazine, as reported by ‘The Hollywood Reporter’.


    She explained that her life in Texas is different now, with a strong group of friends. She said that she enjoys her time with them without feeling the need to overdo it when getting ready for a night out.


    “For the first time now, I’m not putting on a fake face. If I don’t feel good, I won’t go. If I don’t feel good, I take time for myself… And I’ve never had the opportunity to do that or say that before,” she said.


    Hadid emphasized that when people see her in pictures and say she looks happy, she genuinely is. “I am feeling better; my bad days now were my old good days,” she added.


    Over the past year, Hadid has been quietly working on her mental and physical health. She has opened up about her battle with Lyme disease on social media and has shared that she is “finally healthy.”

  • ECP once again raises concerns over PTI’s intra-party polls

    ECP once again raises concerns over PTI’s intra-party polls

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has raised concerns over the recent intra-party polls of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The electoral body asked PTI to submit a response in written form.

    The PTI’s political future is at risk as the ECP raised concerns that the party is holding central meetings without intra-party polls.

    The ECP asked how various PTI party organisations are working if the intra-party polls have not been held for five years. It was the opinion of the commission that PTI has no structure and no electoral symbol.

    It also objected to the PTI’s new intra-party elections. After the initial hearing on April 30, they told the PTI to submit its response

  • Why have PIA flights to UAE been suspended?

    Why have PIA flights to UAE been suspended?

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has issued travel guidelines for passengers planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as air operations to Dubai and Sharjah have been severely affected by heavy rains.


    In response to the adverse weather conditions in the UAE, a PIA spokesperson told Samaa News that air operations of various airlines, including PIA, will remain suspended until further notice. Some flights of the national airline are experiencing delays and cancellations due to the inclement weather, he added.
    Passengers booked on affected flights are advised to contact the PIA call centre for updates and information regarding their travel arrangements. PIA remains dedicated to providing timely assistance and support to its passengers during this challenging period, the spokesman said.


    Two-day holiday in Dubai


    In view of the forecast of rain on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the United Arab Emirates, Thursday and Friday have been declared holidays in the educational institutions of Dubai.

  • National cricket team’s doctor Sohail Saleem resigns

    National cricket team’s doctor Sohail Saleem resigns

    Pakistan cricket team’s doctor Sohail Saleem has resigned from his post.

    According to Samaa sources, the director of medical and sports sciences has sent his resignation to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the medical panel was accused of irresponsibility in dealing with the injuries of the players.

    The case of Multan Sultans’ player Ihsanullah’s injury led to Ali Tareen accusing the medical panel of misdiagnosis. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi formed an independent committee, while Ihsanullah is currently in England for treatment.

  • China says to take ‘necessary measures’ after fresh US sanctions

    China says to take ‘necessary measures’ after fresh US sanctions

    Beijing on Thursday said it would take “necessary measures” after the United States announced fresh sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s military and industrial capabilities, punishing companies in China and elsewhere that help Moscow acquire weapons for its war in Ukraine.

    “The Chinese side urges the US to stop smearing and containing China and stop wantonly implementing illegal and unilateral sanctions,” a foreign ministry spokesman said in a message to AFP.

    “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely uphold the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies,” he added.

    In a sweeping package announced by the US Treasury Department on Wednesday, Washington targeted nearly 300 entities in Russia, China and other countries accused of supporting President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

    Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her department had “consistently warned that companies will face significant consequences for providing material support for Russia’s war”, and that its “actions will further disrupt and degrade Russia’s war efforts”.

    China has never condemned Russia’s attack on Kyiv, and stands accused of indirectly supporting the war through its strategic partnership with its neighbour Moscow.

    Beijing insisted again on Thursday it was “neither a creator nor a party” to the crisis in Ukraine, and said it had the right to develop “normal” trading relations with all countries, including Russia.

    “China has always resolutely opposed the United States implementing illegal and unilateral sanctions against Chinese enterprises and exercising ‘long-arm jurisdiction’,” the spokesman said.

  • Punjab main koora tax?

    Punjab main koora tax?

    Express News has reported that the Punjab government has decided to hire local private companies instead of municipal services for waste management of 37 districts in the province.

    The government also intends to put a waste management tax on the public but it is unclear that what kind of tax it’ll be.

    The government plans to start waste management services in the next five to six months.

    Express News reported that there are no private waste management companies in some districts such as Sahiwal so the government has instructed authorities to facilitate private companies.

    In the past, the Punjab government in Lahore had given these contracts to foreign companies which became a burden on the national exchequer due to payments in dollars.

    That is why this time Punjab government intends to hire local companies.

    Rural areas will be provided with better waste management services as well.

  • After EMIGALA honor, Mahira Khan thanks family and fans

    After EMIGALA honor, Mahira Khan thanks family and fans

    After winning the ‘Artist in Fashion’ title at the EMIGALA event in Dubai, Mahira Khan shared her excitement on social media. She posted a picture wearing a beautiful blue gown that grabbed everyone’s attention. In her Instagram caption, she expressed gratitude for the positive energy at the event.

    “In moments like this, I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude,” wrote the star. Mahira included everyone and everything she could think of in her short but heartfelt note. She expressed thanks for life, courage, family, friends, and both big and small blessings, especially saying “Alhamdulillah” for the tender ones.

    Continuing her theme of gratitude, Mahira shared a video of herself holding her award at the gala and giving her acceptance speech.
    “When women support other women, and when people support each other, miracles happen. Magic happens. Sometimes we think we should keep something for ourselves, but the real magic is when we share.”


    She then talked about her career in film and television, saying, “My lifelong dream has been to see myself on the big screen, and I hope to keep doing that. But another important purpose in my life is to do what my parents taught me – to pay it forward. If we’re fortunate enough to be in the positions we’re in, then I believe our job is to help others in any way we can.”

  • Maryam’s advice to critics on TikTok videos doesn’t sit well with social media

    Maryam’s advice to critics on TikTok videos doesn’t sit well with social media

    Responding to criticism for regularly posting her daily activities on social media, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz challenged her political opponents to come out of their “comfort zone” to work for the betterment of the country and let people make videos.

    One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote in a post that “Hum bahir nikaltay hain tou ap police peechay laga daiti hain.”

    Another user wrote on X that Maryam Nawaz gave “interesting” advice to political rivals.


    One social media user wrote on X that “TikTokers ka gham bahot achi tarah samajhti hain Maryam Nawaz”.

    Another user wrote in one post sarcastically that “Tik Toker ban’nay k leye Mehnat Karna parti hai, field main nikalna parta hai”.

    In one of the posts on X it was written that “All govt office holders come out of the air-conditioned rooms but they don’t flaunt branded suits and Gucci shoes and bags. So they go unnoticed.”

    A day earlier, on Wednesday, the chief minister said at an inauguration event in Lahore that people have continuously criticised her for her presence on TikTok and other social media platforms.

    She responded to the criticism, saying, “I also want these people to come out of their comfort zone […] come out of their air-conditioned rooms and do some work, so you would appear on TikTok videos and get eligible for media coverage too. You should also come out to serve the masses, but you have to leave your comfort zone.”