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  • Who Banned X (former Twitter) in Pakistan? We finally have an answer

    Who Banned X (former Twitter) in Pakistan? We finally have an answer

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) disclosed to the Sindh High Court (SHC) that the nationwide ban on the social media platform X, implemented on February 17, was executed upon directives from the Ministry of Interior, citing intelligence agency reports.

    Since February 17, the X website and application have remained predominantly offline, with sporadic service restorations, primarily occurring following statements made by former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta alleging election irregularities.

    PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman announced his intention to address the disruption of X with the interior ministry during a telephonic conversation with Dawn.com.

    Rehman emphasized the need for clarity or accountability regarding the platform’s closure, highlighting that such actions are typically directed by the Interior Ministry.

    During a hearing, a two-member SHC bench, comprising Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi and Justice Abdul Mubeen Lakho, consolidated four petitions filed by lawyer Jibran Nasir, journalist Zarrar Khurho, and others concerning internet disruptions at various instances.

    In court, the PTA presented a copy of a letter dated February 17 from the Ministry of Interior instructing the telecommunication authority to block social media platform X.

    The letter sent by Muhammad Hashim Shah, section officer FIA, to The Chairman PTA stated, “It is, therefore, social media platform i.e. X (formerly Twitter) may be blocked immediately till further orders.”

    The PTA further revealed that these orders stemmed from intelligence agency reports.

    Expressing dissatisfaction over the interior ministry’s failure to provide a written response, Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi urged Deputy Attorney General Khaleeq Ahmed to submit a “serious response,” prompting the latter to later present a written reply on behalf of the interior ministry. The response stated that services were disrupted on May 9, following orders from all provincial governments, citing concerns for state and citizen security. However, it refrained from commenting on other aspects of the case.

    Following the inclusion of the ministry’s response in the case record, the bench adjourned the hearing until April 17, awaiting further proceedings.

  • Ex-Army Chief Bajwa threatens PML-N’s Khawaja Asif

    Ex-Army Chief Bajwa threatens PML-N’s Khawaja Asif

    Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed on Shahzeb Khanzada’s show last night that former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa threatened him that he would hold a press conference against him after the minister’s criticism about the previous army chief’s policy of rehabilitating Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants back into the country.

    Khawaja Asif pointed out that when the former army chief previously gave a briefing to the parliament,
    “A rosy picture was painted that if the Taliban were to return to Pakistan, it would usher in a new era of peace and brotherhood.”
    He further said “Its not wrong or blasphemous of me to suggest that they return to the same forum and explain.”

    Asif said that he did not insult anyone by asking that Bajwa and Gen (ret.) Faiz Hameed be summoned before the national parliament to give a briefing about their flawed policy. He reiterated, “What Pakistan is currently going through is basically a ‘continuity’ of that infamous briefing that the ex-generals gave us.”

    When the anchor asked him whether he received any advice from his party to stay away from this topic, he replied that they did not, and it is a matter of principle for him.

  • Mission Impossible; Tom Cruise sits on top of the world

    Mission Impossible; Tom Cruise sits on top of the world

    Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise climbed the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, USA. He wore a black t-shirt, pants, and shoes while shooting for a Mission: Impossible movie. Cruise, famous for his action roles, including Top Gun, showed his abs during filming. He’s known for doing risky stunts and is now working on Mission Impossible 8.

    The movie’s shooting almost got delayed because of heavy traffic near the studio. But Tom Cruise saved the day by arranging helicopters for everyone to reach Surrey when the roads were blocked last weekend. Even though the M25 closure caused trouble for others, Cruise had solutions for every problem to keep filming on track.
    Sources say the Hollywood star had helicopters ready in London, UK, to fly his crew to Longcross.
    Cruise will also reprise his role as Navy pilot Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in the third Top Gun movie, after Paramount gave it the go-ahead.

    The action star first played the character in the movie Top Gun in 1986. The second movie came out in 2022 and made $1.496 billion worldwide.
    Paramount asked Ehren Kruger, who worked on Top Gun: Maverick, to write the script for another sequel.
    Originally, Mission: Impossible 8 was supposed to come out in 2024. But Hollywood writers and actors went on strike, delaying it till 2025.
    Now, news from entertainment sources outside the US says that Christopher McQuarrie’s film has a new release date: May 23, 2025.

  • Canada FM confirms halting arms shipments to Israel

    Canada FM confirms halting arms shipments to Israel

    OTTAWA: Canada will halt all arms shipments to Israel, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly’s office confirmed Wednesday, a decision that has drawn the ire of Israeli leaders facing growing international scrutiny over the war in the Gaza Strip.

    The besieged Palestinian territory is facing a mounting humanitarian crisis, and months of war have pushed hundreds of thousands of Gazans to the brink of famine.

    Canada, a key ally of the United States, which provides Israel with billions of dollars a year in military aid, had already reduced its shipments to Israel to only include non-lethal equipment, such as radios, following the October 7 Hamas attack.

    “Since January 8th, the government has not approved new arms export permits to Israel and this will continue until we can ensure full compliance with our export regime,” said a statement from Joly’s office.

    “There are no open permits for exports of lethal goods to Israel,” it added.

    Export permits approved prior to January 8, however, would “remain in effect,” Joly’s office said, explaining that canceling them risked “important implications for both Canada and its allies,” including NATO and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

    A senior Canadian official had on Tuesday told AFP that “the situation on the ground makes it so that we can’t” export any equipment that could have a potential military use.

    Israel slammed the decision, with foreign minister Israel Katz saying it “undermines Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas terrorists.”

    “History will judge Canada’s current action harshly,” he said in a post on social media platform X.

    US Senator Bernie Sanders welcomed the move, saying in his own post on social media: “Given the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including widespread and growing starvation, the US should not provide another nickel for (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s war machine.”

    The issue of arms deliveries to Israel has triggered legal proceedings in several countries around the world.

    In Canada, a coalition of lawyers and citizens of Palestinian origin filed a complaint against the government in early March to suspend arms exports to Israel, accusing Ottawa of violating both international and domestic law.

    Israel has historically been a top receiver of Canadian arms exports, with Can$21 million worth of military materiel exported to Israel in 2022, according to government data, following Can$26 million in shipments in 2021.

    That places Israel among the top 10 recipients of Canadian arms exports.

    Israel offensive in Gaza has killed at least 31,923 people, most of them women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

    While affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken an increasingly critical stance toward Israel as civilian deaths have mounted in Gaza.

    On Monday, the Canadian Parliament passed a nonbinding resolution calling for the international community to work toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

  • Maya Ali inspired by children battling cancer

    Maya Ali inspired by children battling cancer

    Maya Ali is known for her amazing acting in TV shows and movies, but the actress is also a softie at heart.

    Besides acting, Maya Ali really loves cricket. Recently, she cheered for her favorite team, the Quetta Gladiators, at the National Stadium in Karachi during a PSL match. Maya is the brand ambassador for the Gladiators.
    But Maya Ali isn’t just passionate about acting and cricket. She also cares about helping others.

    She recently met children battling cancer at the stadium in Karachi. Moved by their bravery, she shared a video on social media. In the video, she said, “It was literally the happiest moment for me to see these little warriors happy, and battling cancer with a big smile on their faces. The strength they show is something we can all learn from. I have made new friends who taught me that no matter what, life is beautiful and we just have to count our blessings and be grateful. May ALLAH bless them all with good health, Ameen”

  • PPP did not join federal cabinet as government will not last long, says Imran Khan

    PPP did not join federal cabinet as government will not last long, says Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) did not join the federal government because it will not last long.

    The former prime minister spoke to journalists in Adiala jail on Wednesday, stating that the “establishment, caretaker government, and the Election Commission are all one, and everything is based on lies.”

    Terming Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja a “liar,” Khan said the CEC is still occupying the office despite five reports issued by election watchdogs on election irregularities.

    The founder of PTI also claimed that the new government will not last more than five to six months. However, inflation will increase in the country after signing a new deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Imran Khan, who is currently in Adiala jail, stated that he is mentally ready to stay incarcerated.

    Regarding strain ties with the establishment, he responded to a question, saying: “Attempts are under way to create differences between us and the army.”

  • Naseem Shah is one of the most expensive player of The Hundred

    Naseem Shah is one of the most expensive player of The Hundred

    Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah is now among the most expensive players in England’s Cricket ‘The Hundred’ Players Draft.

    Birmingham Phoenix acquired Naseem Shah for £125,000, making him the first Pakistani to come in the most expensive category of GBP 125,000. His remuneration in Pakistani currency will be around 4.5 crore rupees.

    Pakistan’s Imad Wasim and Shaheen Shah Afridi have also been selected for The Hundred.

    Imad Wasim was acquired by Trent Rockets for £100,000 while Welsh Fire have signed Shaheen Shah Afridi for the second season in a row for £100,000.

    Haris Rauf was retained in the squad by Welsh Fire and Usama Mir by Manchester Original.

  • Indian actor fasts for sixth straight Ramzan

    Indian actor fasts for sixth straight Ramzan

    Indian TV actor Vivian Dsena, who announced his conversion to Islam in 2019, has explained why Ramazan is important to him, narrating that he’s been fasting for the entire month for six years now.

    The actor said, “Ramadan is very special to me because I embraced Islam during this month. This year is my sixth Ramadan, and by God’s grace, I’ve been fasting every year. Fasting for the whole month is important in Islam, it’s one of the five main things we do. I fast for 30 days unless I have a reason like being sick, then I can skip a day.” he explained.

    Dsena added, “At first, I was really worried about fasting, especially since water and coffee are important for me. Even my family and friends wondered how I could go without water or caffeine for 13 or 14 hours. But God has been kind to me, and fasting has been going quite smoothly.”
    The actor spends Ramazan with his family in Bahrain where he enjoys Iftar meals, especially the ones his wife cooks at home. His favorite Middle Eastern desserts are Basbousa and Kunafa.
    Vivian Dsena had confirmed his marriage to Nouran Aly when he announced he accepted Islam. They have a daughter who is one year old.

  • Seven BLA militants killed storming Gwadar port: officials

    Seven BLA militants killed storming Gwadar port: officials

    Security forces killed at least seven militants on Wednesday as they tried to storm the offices of a Pakistan port considered a cornerstone of China’s investment in the nation, officials said.

    Pakistan has for decades battled a simmering insurgency in southwestern Balochistan province, where separatists hostile to Islamabad have often targeted foreign investment projects.

    Local official Saeed Ahmed Umrani told AFP seven militants had been killed in an attempt to “infiltrate” the compound of Balochistan’s Gwadar Port Authority.

    Gwadar Port, which sits on the Arabian Sea, is managed by a Chinese firm and considered the crown jewel of Beijing’s investment in Pakistan under its gargantuan Belt and Road infrastructure project.

    An army source who asked to remain anonymous also said seven militants had been killed, alongside four soldiers defending law-enforcement posts inside the compound.

    “The terrorists attacked with grenades, rocket launchers and Kalashnikovs,” he said. “The area is cleared now.”

    Chief minister of Balochistan province Sarfraz Bugti said on social media platform X that eight militants had been killed.

    The attack was claimed by separatist group the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in an email statement, and spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said military intelligence offices had been targeted.

    “The operation was launched at 3:30 pm (1030 GMT) and is still underway”, he said in a message sent early Wednesday evening.

    Last August, the BLA also claimed an attack on a convoy carrying Chinese engineers to the port.

    Ethnic Baloch separatists have long claimed their communities are not getting a fair share of wealth from the region, which sits atop huge reserves of natural resources.

    They have frequently targeted Pakistani security forces protecting foreign investment projects.

    China has inked over two trillion dollars in contracts around the world under its Belt and Road scheme, but projects in Pakistan have been plagued by security concerns.

    In 2022, a BLA suicide bomber killed four people, including three Chinese language teachers, in Karachi city.

    A year earlier, a bus carrying engineers to a construction site near a dam in northwestern Pakistan was hit by a bomb, killing 13 people including nine Chinese workers.

    Islamabad has been accused of committing abductions and extrajudicial murder of Baloch citizens in retaliation for their campaign of separatism.

    bur-jts/sco

    © Agence France-Presse

  • Virat or Babar? Javed Minadad has surprising choice for greatest batsman

    Virat or Babar? Javed Minadad has surprising choice for greatest batsman

    Pakistan’s former legendary batsman Javed Miandad has revealed that who he thinks is the greatest batsman in cricket history till now.

    In a recent interview on YouTube with Ajmal Jami, Miandad was asked by the host, “Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Sachin Tendulkar, or Sunil Gavaskar, who is the greatest batsman ever in cricket?”

    In response, Javed Miandad said, “See, Sunil Gavaskar is class, look at his height and the point is if you have to make a comparison, then you will make a comparison in such a way that who you have faced. Whom you have faced then, and whom am I facing today? If you will judge, you will know that the old player was better, he has performed so much.”

    The host asked again, “It means you saying that Sunil Gavaskar was greater than, Babar, Virat, Sachin, Richard?”

    Javed replied, ” Yes, of course, he is one of the greatest batsmen ever.”

    Former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar is known as one of the greatest opening batsman of all times, with particular talent against fast bowling. He was named Little Master by commentators in the 1970s.