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  • Taliban government in Kabul urges Islamabad to show restraint over Afghan migrants

    Taliban government in Kabul urges Islamabad to show restraint over Afghan migrants

    Taliban authorities urged Pakistan on Thursday not to make a unilateral decision on repatriating Afghan migrants, saying they shouldn’t be “harassed,” after reports Islamabad would renew an eviction campaign.

    More than half a million Afghans fled Pakistan last year after the former government ordered undocumented migrants to leave or face arrest as Islamabad-Kabul relations soured over security.

    Islamabad initially set a November 2023 deadline but official sources, who asked not to be identified, told AFP in March that Pakistan is gathering data on Afghan migrants – including those residing legally in the country – ahead of a renewed push slated to start after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

    A final decision has not been made on a repatriation push, according to Pakistan officials, but the Afghan deputy minister for refugees urged restraint in a meeting with a top Pakistani diplomat in Kabul.

    “The issue of refugees is bilateral and decisions regarding them should be made through an understanding between both countries,” said Abdul Rahman Rashed, according to a ministry statement on social media platform X on Thursday.

    “They shouldn’t be harassed until a joint mechanism is reached.”

    Taliban authorities have urged Afghans to return home since taking power in 2021 but they also have condemned Pakistan’s actions, saying nationals are being punished for tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, and have called for people to be given more time to leave.

    Millions of Afghans have poured into Pakistan over the decades, fleeing successive conflicts and political upheaval.

  • Famous Pakistani golfers get married

    Famous Pakistani golfers get married

    Pakistani international golfer Hamna Amjad and professional golfer Syed Raza Ali have gotten married.

    The wedding ceremony took place in Lahore yesterday, with relatives of the bride and groom attending the ceremony, while the valima will be organized after Eid-ul-Fitr.

    Hamna can be seen in a golden dress in pictures on social media, with light makeup and jewelry while the groom Raza Ali is wearing a cream colored sherwani.

  • South African footballer killed during robbery

    South African footballer killed during robbery

    South African professional footballer Luke Flores has been shot dead during a car robbery incident.

    According to foreign media reports, local police officials said that a tragic incident took place at a petrol station in the suburbs of Johannesburg on Wednesday night when 24-year-old national football player Luke Flores was shot dead by suspects during a car robbery.

    Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Mawela Masondo told local media that the suspects pointed a firearm at him and pulled him out of his vehicle, later shooting him.

    The club said the police are handling the matter and more details will be communicated in due course.

    Flores joined the Kaizer Chiefs club last year and previously played for Supersport United. He also represented South Africa in Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

    Luke Flores started his career in 2013 at the Ubuntu Cape Town Academy.

  • Turning tide? UAE reportedly suspends diplomatic ties with Israel as White House finally shows action

    Turning tide? UAE reportedly suspends diplomatic ties with Israel as White House finally shows action

    In the aftermath of Israel’s assassination of seven WCK aid workers, including westerners, the tide finally seems to be turning against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

    Hours after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja broke fast with Israeli President Isaac Herzog – a move that garnered heavy criticism- the Gulf nation reportedly suddenly suspended diplomatic ties with the country.

    The move comes in the immediate aftermath of the White House finally showing real anger at Israel. First, in a press briefing, National Security Advisor John Kirby, who one day earlier had defended Israel on the killing of the WCK aid workers, ominously said, “If we don’t see changes from their side there will have to be changes on our side.”

    A White House readout on a call between American President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the former told the latter that US policy on Gaza will depend on an assessment of Israel taking immediate action on implementing “a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.” The read out further elaborated that Biden told Netanyahu that US policy on Gaza will hinge on Israel taking steps to protect aid workers: “He made clear that US policy…will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.”

    This turning of the tide also took place after Muslims refused to attend and walked out of the White House Iftar that is an annual affair at the American Presidency. The backlash was so intense that the Biden administration had to cancel the iftar altogether after meeting Muslim leaders.

    Israel wantonly targeted WCK workers earlier in the week, striking their vehicles thrice to ensure that each one was killed. The workers were from Australia, Poland, UK, and US/Canada.

  • SBP’s foreign exchange reserves rise by $18.5 million

    SBP’s foreign exchange reserves rise by $18.5 million

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) saw an increase in its foreign exchange reserves, rising by $18.5 million or 0.23 per cent week over week (WoW), reaching $8.04 billion by the week ending March 29, 2024, according to the latest data released by the central bank on Thursday.

    However, the country’s overall reserves took a dip, decreasing by $48.7 million, or 0.36 per cent of WoW, and settling at $13.38 billion. 

    This decline is attributed to a drop in reserves held by commercial banks, which fell by $67.2 million, or 1.24 per cent of WoW, reaching $5.34 billion.

    It’s important to note that in the current fiscal year, total liquid foreign reserves have increased by $4.22 billion, or 46.06 per cent. 

    Additionally, the ongoing calendar year has seen an increase of $0.71 billion, or 5.57 per cent.

  • Gold price reaches all-time high of Rs241,100 per tola

    Gold price reaches all-time high of Rs241,100 per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan have hit a fresh record high, with the 24-karat gold reaching Rs241,100 per tola in today’s trading session. 

    This marks an increase of Rs2,200 per tola compared to the previous session’s close.

    It’s important to highlight that the previous peak for 24-K gold stood at Rs240,000, noted on May 10, 2023. 

    However, the all-time intraday high for gold has not been surpassed yet. According to the Karachi Sarafa Association, the highest intraday price recorded stands at Rs242,700.

    The current surge in domestic gold prices has been ongoing since March, with the precious metal seeing a significant increase of Rs19,100 in line with the rise in international gold prices.

    The association also reported that the price of 24-karat gold reached Rs206,704 per 10 grammes, marking an increase of Rs1,886 compared to the previous session. 

    Similarly, the price of 22-karat gold saw an uptick, reaching Rs189,480 per 10 gramme.

  • Apple explores making personal robots: report

    Apple explores making personal robots: report

    Apple engineers are working on making personal robots, a report said on Wednesday, just weeks after the iPhone-maker abandoned its efforts to develop an electric car.

    The tech titan has people working on a robot that would follow people around at home and be helpful, according to Bloomberg that cited unnamed people familiar with the situation.

    The project was in a nascent stage and it was unclear whether it would lead to a product sold by Apple, the report indicated.

    Apple did not reply to a request for comment.

    The California-based company has been looking for new ways to make money beyond its iPhones and the digital content and services it sells to users.

    Apple recently abandoned its ambitions to produce an electric car, according to US media reports, ending a struggling decade-long project.

    It has never publicly disclosed its EV plans, despite a steady drip of media leaks over the years.

    Apple is reported to have transferred employees from the shuttered car division to generative artificial intelligence projects.

    The robot project is being overseen by Apple’s hardware engineering division and its AI and machine learning group, Bloomberg reported.

    The report came as analysts are keen to hear what progress Apple is making with AI at the company’s annual WWDC developers gathering at its Silicon Valley campus in June.

    Around the world, major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon are rapidly pursuing the development and deployment of AI products.

  • Ishq Murshid’s OST breaks records

    Ishq Murshid’s OST breaks records

    The drama ‘Ishq Murshid,’ written by Abdul Khaliq and directed by Farooq Rind, has won over audiences with its complex story. The talented Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan Saleem portray the enchanting love tale of Bilal Abbas and Durefishan at the center of the show, making it a fan favorite. Viewers are drawn into a world filled with love, mystery, and thrill due to the compelling storyline and exceptional performances.
    The OST of Ishq Murshid, sung by Ahmed Jahanzeb, has made history by becoming the fastest Pakistani OST to reach 100 million views on YouTube. The song perfectly captures the enchanting love story depicted in the drama, earning praise for its melodious composition and heartfelt lyrics.

    Despite the storyline slowing down, Ishq Murshid continues to attract high ratings and views on digital platforms due to its dedicated fan base. Bilal Abbas Khan’s portrayal of Shahmeer has been particularly acclaimed, adding depth to the character.

    With the OST surpassing 100 million views, it showcases the drama’s immense popularity and enduring appeal. As viewers eagerly await each new episode, the captivating melody of ‘Ishq Murshid’ continues to enchant audiences, reminding them of the timeless allure of love and romance depicted in the drama.

  • Doctor refutes allegations of poisoning Bushra Bibi

    Doctor refutes allegations of poisoning Bushra Bibi

    Doctor Asim, Bushra Bibi’s physician, has said that she’s not being poisoned, contrary to her recent allegations.

    Former First Lady Bushra Bibi had earlier alleged that her food was poisoned due to which she was in poor health.
    She is currently incarcerated in a sub-jail at her husband Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence where she had passed the remarks.

    On Wednesday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership demanded that a full medical checkup of Bibi should be conducted. Even Imran Khan, former Prime Minister, told the court that his wife was being poisoned and that she had marks on her skin and tongue.

    He also requested in court that Dr Asim Yunus of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre should medically examine Bushra Bibi.

    Today, her physician Dr Asim examined her and briefed the media that there were no symptoms of food poisoning at the moment.

    He stated that Bushra Bibi’s health was not 100 per cent fine and detailed tests should be done. “If there was anything two months ago, I did not see it but her health is better now,” Dr Asim declared.

  • ‘Shocking increase’ of children denied aid in conflicts: UN

    ‘Shocking increase’ of children denied aid in conflicts: UN

    A growing number of children caught up in armed conflicts around the globe are being denied access to critical humanitarian aid, a United Nations official warned Wednesday, as relief operations come under attack or are blocked by governments.

    The last report by the UN secretary-general on the rights of children in conflicts, published in June 2023, recorded nearly 4,000 confirmed cases of aid being denied to children, from Gaza to Yemen, Afghanistan and Mali.

    “Data gathered for our forthcoming 2024 report shows we are on target to witness a shocking increase of the incidents of the denial of humanitarian access globally,” Virginia Gamba, the secretary-general’s special representative for children and armed conflict, told the Security Council Wednesday.

    She said last year’s figure already represented an “exponential” increase since 2019.

    “Cases of denial of humanitarian access are linked to the restriction of humanitarian activities and movements; interference with humanitarian operations and discrimination of aid recipients; direct and indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure; disinformation and detention, violence against, and killing of, humanitarian personnel; and looting,” Gamba said.

    She did not specify which countries would be singled out in the 2024 report, set to be released this summer.

    Nearly half of the cases in last year’s report — 1,861 — were of Israeli forces denying aid to children in Gaza.

    That report came before the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel and the ensuing all-out war in Gaza.

    The UN has since repeatedly denounced restrictions Israel has put on aid entering the war-torn territory.

    “As a result of these constraints, children cannot access age-appropriate nutritious food or medical services and have less than two to three liters of water per day,” UNICEF deputy executive director Ted Chaiban told the Council.

    “The consequences have been clear,” Chaiban said, noting that one in three children in northern Gaza  under two years old suffer from acute malnutrition, “a figure that has more than doubled in the last two months.”

    Apart from Gaza, he also highlighted the threats to children’s access to humanitarian aid in Sudan and Burma.

    In addition to access to humanitarian aid, the UN’s report on children and armed conflict also lists the number of children killed and wounded, as well as attacks on hospitals and schools.

    From all the data points, the report draws up a “list of shame” of government forces and other armed groups responsible for the violations.

    Last year’s report listed Russia’s military over its attacks on Ukraine, but excluded Israel, angering several NGOs which have called for its inclusion for years.