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  • RSF digging mass graves to hide massacre in El Fasher: Experts

    RSF digging mass graves to hide massacre in El Fasher: Experts

    American experts have claimed that Sudanese paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is digging mass graves in El Fasher, the capital of Darfur, to bury victims killed during recent violence.

    Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab, told Arab media that the RSF is burying bodies to erase evidence of a large-scale massacre in El Fasher. He said, “If there is to be any real investigation into the atrocities in El Fasher, the RSF must leave the city and allow the United Nations, Red Cross, and aid agencies full access. We cannot expect the killers to investigate themselves.”

    According to media reports, the RSF took full control of El Fasher on October 26 after Sudanese army (SAF) forces withdrew. Since then, reports have surfaced of widespread killings, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, and severe human rights abuses.

    The United Nations said more than 70,000 people have fled El Fasher and nearby areas since the RSF takeover, while thousands remain trapped without access to food, water, or medical aid.

    UNHCR representative Jacqueline Wilma Par Lioulet warned that worsening security conditions have halted humanitarian operations and left thousands stranded in the city.

    Yale University’s report, released on October 28, said satellite images show traces of blood and mass burials in several locations across El Fasher. Raymond added, “The RSF is gathering bodies and digging mass graves. It is a clear attempt to cover up the large-scale killings from the massacre.”

    Sudanese journalist Abdullah Hussain told media that even before the RSF seized full control, El Fasher had been under siege for 18 months. “No aid reached the city, hospitals were closed, and now the situation has become even worse,” he said.

    According to media reports, over 2,000 people have been killed in El Fasher since the RSF seized control on October 26.

  • New York bursts into celebration as Muslim mayor elected

    New York bursts into celebration as Muslim mayor elected

    Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist who was polling at one percent just eleven months ago, has made history by winning the New York City mayoral race, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor. 

    Mamdani secured 1,035,645 votes (50.4 per cent) against former New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s 854,783 (41.6pc) and Curtis Sliwa’s 146,127 (7.1pc). His victory marks a dramatic rise from a little-known state lawmaker to one of the most prominent Democratic figures in the country.

    Born in Uganda to a family of Indian origin, Mamdani moved to the United States at the age of seven and became a naturalised citizen in 2018. His campaign went head-to-head with 67-year-old Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic nomination. The contest turned into a fierce battle of ideology and generations within the Democratic Party.

    “Hope is alive,” Mamdani declared in his victory speech. “We won because New Yorkers allowed themselves to hope that the impossible could be made possible. We won because we insisted that no longer would politics be something that is done to us. Now, it is something we do.”

    He quoted Jawaharlal Nehru, saying, “A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”

    Taking a swipe at Trump, he said, “Donald Trump, since I know you are watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up!”

    Mamdani promised to end what he called a “culture of corruption” that benefits billionaires like Trump. “We will stand alongside unions and expand labour protections because we know, just as Donald Trump does, that when working people have iron-clad rights, the bosses who seek to extort them become very small indeed,” he said.

    He vowed to represent all New Yorkers, including “immigrants, members of the trans community, Black women fired by Trump from federal jobs, single mothers struggling with rising costs — anyone with their back against the wall.”

    Mamdani pledged that his city hall would “stand steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and not waver in the fight against the scourge of anti-Semitism, where the more than one million Muslims know that they belong.”

    Ending his fiery speech, Mamdani told cheering supporters, “This power is yours. This city belongs to you,” before Bollywood song Dhoom Machale played through the speakers.

    His victory drew congratulations from across the political spectrum.

    Former president Bill Clinton wrote, “Congratulations @ZohranKMamdani on your election as the next Mayor of New York City. I’m wishing you success as you work to transform the passion of your campaign into building a better, fairer, more affordable New York.”

    Hillary Clinton said, “More people voted in New York City’s election this year than they have in 50 years. That’s a win for democracy, and a testament to @ZohranKMamdani’s inspiring campaign. Congratulations to the next mayor of the greatest city in the world.”

    Bernie Sanders hailed the victory, saying, “Starting at 1% in the polls, @ZohranKMamdani pulled off one of the great political upsets in modern American history. Yes. We CAN create a government that represents working people and not the 1%.”

    Barack Obama also congratulated him, saying, “It’s a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win. We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter.”

  • India denies visa to Nepal blind cricket coach ‘for being Pakistani’

    India denies visa to Nepal blind cricket coach ‘for being Pakistani’

    The Indian government has refused to issue a visa to Masood Jan, a Pakistani coach appointed to train Nepal’s blind women’s cricket team for the upcoming Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup.

    The tournament will begin on November 11 in India and Sri Lanka. Masood Jan, a former Pakistan international player and Pride of Performance award winner, was set to guide Nepal’s team but can no longer participate after being denied a visa. 

    According to the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), the decision has disappointed both Nepal and Pakistan. The council called it unfortunate that politics continues to affect sports events meant to promote inclusion and unity.

    The tournament will go ahead as scheduled, but the absence of one of blind cricket’s most respected figures has dimmed the spirit of the competition.

  • Winning start for skipper Shaheen as Pakistan beat South Africa in thriller ODI

    Winning start for skipper Shaheen as Pakistan beat South Africa in thriller ODI

    Pakistan on Tuesday defeated South Africa by a narrow margin in the first One-Day International (ODI) at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

    As per the details, newly-appointed captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and chose to field first.

    Batting first, South Africa posted 263 runs in 49.1 overs. The Proteas made a flying start with an impressive opening partnership headlined by veteran Quinton de Kock (63) and debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57).

    Captain Matthew Breetzke (42) and Corbin Bosch (41) added valuable runs in the middle order to lift the total.

    Pakistani bowlers put up a strong attack with pacer Naseem Shah (3/40) and spinner Abrar Ahmed (3/53) in lead. Saim Ayub (2/39) chipped in to keep the visitors in check.

    Chasing 264, Pakistan’s innings turned into a nerve-wracking affair. The top order provided a steady start with Fakhar Zaman (35), Saim Ayub (32) and Mohammad Rizwan (43) contributing useful runs, but wickets at key moments built pressure.

    All-rounder Salman Ali Agha played a match-winning knock, anchoring the chase with a crucial 62 runs and guiding the tail through the tense final overs to take Pakistan home with just two balls to spare.

    South African bowlers, led by Donovan Ferreira (2/53), fought hard to defend the total but couldn’t stop Pakistan from sealing a dramatic win.

    This thrilling victory hands Pakistan an early lead in the ODI series.

    The remainder of the series will be contested at the same venue. The second ODI is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, followed by the third ODI on Saturday, November 8.

  • Nestlé Pakistan showcases sustainability journey at SDPI’s Sustainability Investment Expo

    Nestlé Pakistan showcases sustainability journey at SDPI’s Sustainability Investment Expo

    Nestlé Pakistan’s efforts towards climate action, sustainability, renewable energy and regenerative agriculture were showcased at the 28th Sustainable Development Conference and Sustainability Investment Expo by Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Islamabad.

     

    “Nestlé Pakistan as part of its global and local obligations, believes in Creating Shared Value for the communities in which it operates,” said Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability for Nestlé Pakistan & Afghanistan, adding, “We are committed to be a force for good, and our efforts underscores our commitment to sustainability for the people of Pakistan, as we take significant strides towards finding solutions for climate change and a more sustainable future.”

     



    Nestlé, as part of its efforts to reduce emissions in line with its 2050 Net Zero commitments, as well as the Pakistan government’s UN climate change pledge, earlier invested PKR 2 billion in renewable power and sustainability initiatives, operationalizing around 9.5 MW solar power plants and a biomass boiler.

     

     

    Nestlé also continued its commitment to reduce its emissions versus 2018 by 20% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and Net Zero by 2050, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 15.

     

    Meanwhile, Nestlé Pakistan’s Clean Gilgit Baltistan Project that focuses on waste management for Gilgit-Baltistan region, was expanded to Askole, 10,000 feet above sea level and Zero Point ahead of the K2 base camp in 2025. This marks adding the fourth compressing and baling machine after those in Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu. This year, the project is expected to facilitate recycling of approximately 4000 tons of plastic waste.

     

     

    Additionally, 225 benches and bins made from recycled plastic have been installed at prominent tourist spots in the region. 

     

    Preserving water resources and regeneration is part of Nestlé’s legacy and under the Caring for Water – Pakistan initiative, drip irrigation has been operational across 243 acres in Punjab and Sindh, while smart soil moisture sensors on 724 acres. “With these efforts, Nestlé is advancing regenerative agriculture across its value chain,” said Waqar Ahmad.

     

    Nestlé also worked closely with its 11 partner schools under the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program to increase nutritional awareness in children. As of 2025, the program has reached out to 2600 teachers and 400,000 children in line with UN SDG 3.

     

    Meanwhile, through the Nestlé-BISP Rural Women Sales Program, in collaboration with Akhuwat, Nestlé is supporting rural women to achieve financial empowerment. The program now has more than 3700 trained sales agents, of which 2100 are Benazir Income Support Program beneficiaries, across 29 districts in Pakistan, in line with UN SDGs 3, 5, 8 and 17.

     

    Nestlé’s presence at the 28th Sustainable Development Conference and Sustainability Investment Expo provides an opportunity for sustainability experts, policy makers, non-profits and civil society to visit and see Nestlé Pakistan’s sustainability journey over the years from 4-7 November 2025.

     

    Nestlé is dedicated to taking collective action with stakeholders to accelerate efforts to protect, renew, and restore the planet and ensure that food systems continue to nourish people for generations to come.

  • Egg on PTI leader’s face for trying to refute May 9 video of CM Afridi near Corps Commander’s House

    Egg on PTI leader’s face for trying to refute May 9 video of CM Afridi near Corps Commander’s House

    Lawyer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Naeem Haider Panjotha landed in a pool of embarrassment for attempting to contest a May 9 video of now-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, which was played by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ikhtiyar Wali Khan live on air.

    As per the details, Khan on journalist Mansoor Ali Khan’s show played a video that purportedly showed KP CM Afridi “near” the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore on May 9, 2023 – the day it was attacked by violent PTI protesters over party founder Imran Khan’s arrest.

    Panjotha, who was appearing as a guest alongside PML-N’s Khan, attempted to refute the claim, alleging that the video in question was “fake” and “edited”.

    With the PTI lawyer going on to seek validation from another panelist – journalist Irshad Bhatti, who did not comment over it – the PML-N leader ended up finding the same video on the verified personal social media account of the KP CM.

    A viral clip of the discussion showed a visibly upset and confused Panjotha continuing to attempt and deny the veracity of the video as PML-N’s Khan laughed over what he later called was an “interesting situation” on Mansoor Ali Khan’s show.

    Khan went on to share the clip on his official X account, showing Panjotha undeterred as both the PML-N leader and host Mansoor Ali Khan tried to make him realise the video was shared by Afridi himself.

    It merits a mention that the on-air exchange came two days after Ikhtiar Wali Khan also issued a statement on the footage showing Afridi leading an armed mob during the May 9 protests.

    In the statement issued Saturday, Khan said the video raised serious questions about Afridi’s conduct and fitness for public office that he holds since after his election as the provincial chief executive last month.

    He said the videos clearly showed Afridi leading violent demonstrators and pelting stones at state officials. “The footage leaves no doubt that Sohail Afridi was commanding the rioters engaged in violence against law enforcement personnel.”

    The PML-N leader added that after the video emerged, PTI launched a campaign labeling it “fake” but insisted that truth would come out once the forensic examination of the videos was completed.

    He argued that dismissing the videos as being from another event does not reduce the seriousness of the crime. “Sohail Afridi’s actions are far more severe than those of other May 9 offenders,” he asserted.

    The PML-N leader further said that even after taking the oath as the CM, Afridi’s statements and speeches remained “deeply objectionable” and “a violation of his constitutional oath”.

  • Why Jama Taqseem has everyone saying ‘Yeh toh mere ghar ki kahani hai’

    Why Jama Taqseem has everyone saying ‘Yeh toh mere ghar ki kahani hai’

    So many people are watching the smash hit drama serial Jama Taqseem that it’s likely the most watched drama on television (and YouTube) right now. It is a drama that resonates with women and men from every strata of society. Living in a joint family, marrying for love, sisters-in-law hating the new bahu and oh no….the family is breaking up! It’s literally every other drama. But why is this one in particular making a big splash with everyone?


    The only reason is because of how real the serial it is. If you’ve lived in a joint family or been married into one, the drama has many moments that mirror the audience’s lived experience. From women chuckling that yeah, I’ve hidden milk and food from my in-laws before like the mazloom bahu Amna (Amna Malik) does for her husband to the bahu cooking competition which is pretty much universal as well. 


    The drama is at Episode 16 with Laila (Mawra Hocane) and Qais (Talha Chahour) in a strained relationship as Qais is missing his parents, who he left out of his own choice and Laila us feeling like she is getting the brunt of her husband’s sadness over his parents not speaking to him. Laila, like a well-intentioned and kind daughter-in-law (which somehow our society thinks are rare if they are modern and educated, which is exactly what her mother-in-law tells her), goes over to her parents-in-law asking them to come live with her. They, of course refuse, blaming her for their problems and their other sons leaving them as well. 


    It’s a beautiful episode to watch because again, parts of the same routine have played out in the lives of many well-intentioned women who live in joint families and face the ire of their in-laws when the sons decide to move to a home of their own. Laila asks them to come live with her and they, instead of thinking about why she’s there, lash out, blaming her for all their problems. But she doesn’t back down either.

    She says her bit, and it’s the truth, that the family never painted a ‘perfect picture’ and that happened long before she got there. She breaks the perception the parents had of their two older daughters-in-law wanting to live with them in one big happy family and they know it’s the truth because they have nothing to say in response. It’s sad but Laila shows them the mirror to what they thought they had in a kind manner, showing them a way out. Everyone is rooting for Laila because she is softly breaking stereotypes that women try so very hard to fight. She might be educated but she knows how to respect her elders, and that is what she says to Qais’ parents and that’s exactly what women, who want to live on their own lives but be a part of a family, feel as well.


    But as many women will tell you, Abba Jee (Javed Shaikh) is a universal character, who has been in their homes, loved and respected but won’t let his stubbornness allow him to be happy. 


    As it happens, he’s about to have a heart attack when he’s chatting about the issue with his friend, and then the parents realise that they need their kids after all.


    The series is also bittersweet because it is all about karma in drama and reality, isn’t it? Earlier on we see their own daughter Nudrat rave about how amazing her parents are and how her in-laws were not and she managed to get her own home for herself and her husband. When the tables turn, and her parents are left alone, her husband refuses to let her stay with them and help them, reminding her that she did the same to his parents.


    It is a look into give-and-take. What seems well-intentioned, like older bahu Rashida, who turns out to be the most bitter, what should be the safest place, home, turns out to be hell for Sidra who is molested by her older cousin living in the same house.


    We all know how the drama will end, as everyone is following the road of redemption and realisation, that all was not how it seems. There likely will not be major masala twists and turns but despite that, Jama Taqseem will keep people hooked because when they look at the very beautifully developed (and acted out) characters, they will see parts of themselves and their own lives and hope that there, in the end, they will be understood and there will be a happy ending.

  • Traffic fines in Punjab could be raised from Rs500 to Rs20,000: report

    Traffic fines in Punjab could be raised from Rs500 to Rs20,000: report

    The Punjab government could soon be increasing fines for traffic violations from a mere Rs500 to a whopping Rs20,000, registering a hike of 3900%.

    According to a City42 report, a summary proposing the hike – which would only be applicable to bigger vehicles – has entered the final stages of approval.

    While it has already received an initial nod from the provincial finance ministry among other departments, the summary will now be presented before the cabinet for a final approval.

    Bigger vehicles, reports said, have been defined as upwards of 1800cc.

    It may be noted that a meeting in May this year, chaired by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, had discussed a tenfold hike in fines to enforce road discipline across the province.

    It was also decided that in cases involving underage drivers, the parents or guardians will be held accountable, with criminal cases registered against them.

    The provincial chief executive had in the meeting directed officials to take strict legal action, including FIRs, against one-wheeling and dangerous driving. She had also ordered immediate removal of obstructions on major roads, particularly Bedian Road among others.

    The re-modelling of 372 traffic points in Punjab and 77 in Lahore to ease traffic congestion was also discussed.

    CM Maryam had also approved the installation of digital roadside screens to provide advance traffic jam alerts to commuters. A consensus was also reached on imposing hefty fines for mobile phone use while driving.

    A proposal to change the uniform of traffic police was also reviewed.

  • Pakistan rises above India’s politics of hate; welcomes Sikh pilgrims at Wagah

    Pakistan rises above India’s politics of hate; welcomes Sikh pilgrims at Wagah

    In the first major crossing since May’s military clashes, hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from India on Tuesday crossed into Pakistan for the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. 

    The pilgrims were welcomed by Pakistani officials who presented them with flowers and showered them with rose petals at the Wagah-Attari border crossing.

    The pilgrimage for Indian Sikhs begins days after Pakistan rose above India’s politics of hate and issued visas to more than 2,100 pilgrims to attend the annual celebration.


     
    According to reports, the visas were issued by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi under the 1974 Protocol on Religious Pilgrimages – an agreement between Pakistan and India allowing citizens from both countries to visit each other’s religious sites.


     
    The celebrations are being held in Pakistan from November 4 to 13 with thousands of Sikh devotees expected to join the annual festivities.


     
    During their visit, the pilgrims will travel to several sacred gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak; Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, which is one of Sikhism’s holiest sites.


     
    These historic shrines hold deep religious and cultural importance for the global Sikh community, drawing thousands of pilgrims every year for prayers and community gatherings.


     
    Earlier, Chargé d’Affaires Saad Ahmed Warraich welcomed the pilgrims at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and extended his best wishes for a “blessed and spiritually fulfilling journey”.


     
    He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Sikh pilgrims from around the world, saying such initiatives highlight the country’s dedication to interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and cultural understanding.


     
    “Pakistan will continue to extend full support to Sikh pilgrims to make their spiritual journeys meaningful and memorable,” Warraich said.

  • ‘I don’t want to be humble’: Ronaldo says Messi isn’t better than him

    ‘I don’t want to be humble’: Ronaldo says Messi isn’t better than him

    The debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time has returned with Cristiano Ronaldo once again saying that Lionel Messi is not better than him.

    In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, the Portuguese superstar, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, confidently placed himself above the Inter Miami forward.

    In a teaser for the interview, Morgan asks Ronaldo whether Messi is better than him. The 39-year-old instantly replied, “Is Messi better than me? I disagree. I don’t want to be humble.”

    As he nears the final years of his career, Ronaldo has set his sights on scoring 1,000 professional goals, a record no player has ever achieved.

    Despite his bold claim, Ronaldo has often expressed respect for Messi. He has praised the Argentine on multiple occasions, once mentioning that they share a cordial relationship and that he would like to have dinner with him someday.

    The full interview, which will explore Ronaldo’s rivalry with Messi and other moments from his life, will be released next Tuesday.

    The two legends dominated football’s biggest stage for over 17 years, battling for Ballon d’Or titles and goal-scoring records as well as European championships.

    With his latest brace for Al Nassr, Ronaldo now has 952 professional goals, sitting just 48 away from his 1,000-goal target. Messi, on the other hand, reached 891 goals after scoring in Inter Miami’s recent match against Nashville, trailing Ronaldo by 61 goals in their long-running race.

    While fans remain divided over who is better, Messi is the only among the two to have won a World Cup for his country.