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  • ‘Stop playing victim’: Pakistani ambassador bashes Israel to its face at UN Security Council meeting

    ‘Stop playing victim’: Pakistani ambassador bashes Israel to its face at UN Security Council meeting

    Pakistan has bashed Israel in the presence of its delegation at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, calling it out for its brazen and illegal assault in the wake of Doha strikes.

    As per the details, Pakistan and Israel traded barbs during the emergency meeting of the UNSC on Thursday as Islamabad’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, started his address criticising Tel Aviv for violating Qatar’s sovereignty.

    “The brazen and illegal assault is not an isolated incident, rather it is part of a broader and consistent pattern of aggression and violation of international law by Israel that undermines regional peace and stability,” he said.

    Ahmad described the attack on Doha as “yet another manifestation of systematic disregard for international law” by Israel, and its brazen policy of destabilising the region.

    When the floor was given to the Israeli ambassador, he hit back with reference to the United States (US) raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil.

    “When bin Laden was eliminated in Pakistan, the question asked was not why a terrorist was targeted on foreign soil. The question was why a terrorist was given shelter at all. The same question must be asked today,” he said and added there could be “no immunity for Hamas” just as there could be no immunity for bin Laden.

    Exercising Pakistan’s right of reply, Ambassador Ahmad rejected the analogy as “unacceptable and ludicrous”, accusing Israel of attempting to deflect attention from its own “illegal actions and violations of international law”.

    “Israel is an occupier, a serial violator of the UN Charter and international law, that threatens the international community, humanitarian organisations and even the UN itself… and does so with impunity,” Ahmad said.

    “Despite being the aggressor, it pretends to be the victim. But today, it stands fully exposed,” he added.

    Highlighting Pakistan’s frontline role in combating terrorism, Ahmad said that the international community was well aware of Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

    “Al Qaeda was largely decimated due to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, and we remain committed to this collective endeavour,” he said, reinforcing that Islamabad’s position was based on facts and international law.

    Following Pakistan’s firm response, the Israeli ambassador accused Pakistan and others of “having double standards”.

    “Maybe he was offended by my words and I apologise for that, but I make sure my speeches stick to facts. And the fact is, Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, and no one condemned the US for that. When other countries attack terrorists, no one condemns them,” he said.

  • Albania brings AI bot as minister to clean up corruption in public contracts

    Albania brings AI bot as minister to clean up corruption in public contracts

    Albania has introduced a cabinet member unlike any other. Diella, an AI-generated bot, will be in charge of awarding public contracts and managing tenders.

    Prime Minister Edi Rama, who is beginning his fourth term, unveiled Diella on Thursday, stating that she will make sure public tenders are free from bribes, political pressure, or attempts to curry favor.

    “Diella is the first cabinet member who isn’t physically present, but is virtually created by AI,” Rama told the audience. He added that Diella will help turn Albania into “a country where public tenders are 100 percent free of corruption.”

    The awarding of contracts has long been a hotspot for corruption scandals in Albania. Experts say the Balkan nation has become a hub for gangs laundering money from drugs and weapons trafficking. That reputation has slowed down Albania’s ambition to join the European Union by 2030, a goal many analysts call overly ambitious.

    The government did not explain what kind of human oversight Diella will face or how it plans to prevent manipulation of the AI system.

    Diella first appeared earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform. Wearing traditional Albanian attire, she helps citizens and businesses obtain state documents, issues electronic stamps, and speeds up bureaucratic work.

    The public remains divided. On Facebook, one user wrote: “Even Diella will be corrupted in Albania.” Another joked: “Stealing will continue and Diella will be blamed.”

    Parliament is scheduled to meet on Friday following the May elections, though it is unclear if the new government will be voted in the same day.

  • ‘You are not alone’: Ainy Jaffri opens up about sexual abuse as a child, encourages survivors to speak up

    ‘You are not alone’: Ainy Jaffri opens up about sexual abuse as a child, encourages survivors to speak up

    Actor Ainy Jaffri Rahman has taken a brave step by opening up about her own journey as someone who was sexually abused a child.

    In a video, Ainy recounted a disturbing incident that occurred when she was just five or six years old. A male servant working in her home lured her into the servant quarters by offering her a lollipop. There, he sexually assaulted her, a traumatic experience she says remains in her memory like a “horror film”.

    “I think I was five or six years old and this is one of the stories that I’m going to share. In our house… I was a little girl and was taken by a man, who was our servant. He took me to the servant quarters,” she said.

    “He gave me a lollipop and took me to the servant quarter,” she said. “He pulled down my trousers and did things to me. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew it was wrong. I just stood there, eating the lollipop.”

    Despite her young age, Ainy immediately told her mother about the incident.

    “There was no penetration… maybe he didn’t want me to scream… but thank God I had the presence of mind to go to my mother and tell her,” she said.

    In a caption alongside the video, Ainy explained why she was choosing to speak out. Her message was not meant to shock or trigger, but to help others who have experienced similar abuse understand that they are not alone, and that their trauma does not define them.

    “I’m sharing a painful part of my story not to shock or trigger, but to remind anyone who’s been through something similar: you are not what happened to you. Abuse is something done to you — it is not who you are.”

    She described the deep shame and fear that often keeps victims silent, and how therapy, speaking out and safe spaces can be essential steps in the healing process.

    “Healing begins when we talk. When we do the hard work to separate our sense of self from the abuse. It’s like an exorcism… a release, a reclaiming of yourself.”

    To the survivors, she said, “You are never broken.”

    Ainy ended her message with an urgent appeal to survivors of abuse, especially those who were still silent out of fear or shame.

    “If you’ve been through something like this, please don’t keep it bottled inside. Seek help. Speak out. Find safe places to unburden. You are never broken. What happened is part of your story, but it is not you.”

  • Internet reacts to video of Javeria Abbasi explaining ‘marriage with her step-brother’

    Internet reacts to video of Javeria Abbasi explaining ‘marriage with her step-brother’

    A resurfaced interview of veteran actor Javeria Abbasi has reignited public interest due to a revelation about her unusual family and marital history. During a candid conversation with TV host Nida Yasir, Javeria opened up about how her ex-husband, actor Shamoon Abbasi, was also her step-brother.

    The interview began with Javeria detailing her early entry into the entertainment industry. She recalled attending Express Talent as a member of the audience, where she approached the late Nayla Jaffrey for an autograph. Instead, she was encouraged to audition. That moment marked the beginning of her acting career, and she soon earned her first award for a PTV drama directed by Nida Yasir’s father.

    When asked if she was married at the time, Javeria revealed she had just gotten engaged to Shamoon. The host then shared that the couple’s unique family dynamic was the inspiration behind drama serial Hum Tum, which starred Atiqa Odho, Sajid Hassan, Aamina Sheikh, and Mohib Mirza.

    Clarifying the family ties, Nida explained, “Javeria’s mother and Shamoon’s father married, making them step-siblings.” Javeria confirmed this, adding, “People often get confused by our family setup. The rest of our siblings are from our respective parents. That’s why there’s always confusion about whether Anoushey Abbasi is my sister or Shamoon’s, she’s both.”

    Nida light-heartedly addressed the controversy surrounding Javeria and Shamoon’s relationship, saying, “So take your mind out of the gutter.” Javeria responded with humor, “He was the first man I saw, so I thought I’d just hold onto him,” she laughed, before adding, “It was more about bringing the family together under one roof. It made sense and worked for a while.”

    The actor shared that her wedding took place at her maternal uncle’s house, despite the rukhsati leading her back to her family home. The couple, who tied the knot in 1997, when Javeria was just 17 and Shamoon was 22, were married for over a decade and co-parent their daughter Anzala. They officially divorced in 2009.

    Reflecting on her marriage, Javeria noted that being married to someone within the family didn’t exempt her from the traditional “saas-bahu” struggles. In fact, she claimed it was harder. “My mother was determined to prove that her daughter was the best. While working 12-hour shifts, I still had to manage all the household chores.”

    Following her divorce, Javeria moved back in with her mother. In a happy turn of events, she found love again and married businessman Adeel Haider on March 15, 2024. The couple’s relationship began as love at first sight for Haider, who reportedly spent three years convincing Javeria to marry him.

    However, social media users were amazed to hear the story and have mixed opinions about it. One netizen said, “It might be allowed in Islam.”  While many badmouthed the actors and questioned whether they could not find someone else to marry.  Another user wrote: “This is Pakistan, anything can happen here.”

  • Asia Cup: Pakistanis troll Indians as IPL team refuses to name Pakistan in Sunday’s clash poster

    Asia Cup: Pakistanis troll Indians as IPL team refuses to name Pakistan in Sunday’s clash poster

    Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings has landed in hot water after releasing a promotional banner for the upcoming Pakistan-India clash in the 2025 Asia Cup.

    The match, scheduled to be played on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, was advertised with India’s logo and hashtag, but Pakistan’s name and logo were missing. 

    This move sparked outrage among fans, who accused the franchise of being politically motivated and disrespectful.

    Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani joined the criticism with a witty take. He wrote, “Puraanay waqto main mashriqi khawateen apne husband ka naam nahee layti thee, sharma si jaati thee. @PunjabKingsIPL ne kuch aisa hee kaam kia hai, sharma gaye woh naam lainay main.”

    Cricket fans also flooded social media with sarcastic jabs. One user wrote, “Picture ki jaga 6-0 likh data.” Another commented, “PAF vs IAF 6-0.” A third added, “India vs Rafale Hunters.”

    The reference to 6-0 points to Pakistan Air Force shooting down six Indian jets, including three Rafales, during aerial clashes in May.

    Others mocked India’s nerves ahead of the contest. One fan wrote, “India Pakistan k flag se hi khof khata dar ka mahol.” Another added, “Empty mean Punjab trophy cabinet.”

    This is not the first time politics has overshadowed a Pakistan-India game. Earlier this year, during the World Championship of Legends, India Champions refused to face Pakistan in both the group stage and semifinal, citing tensions between the two nations. Several former Indian cricketers have also pushed for boycotts against Pakistan across different forums.

    On the cricketing front, India comes into Sunday’s clash full of confidence after thrashing the UAE by nine wickets in their opener. They bowled the hosts out for just 57 runs and chased the target in only 4.3 overs. Pakistan will launch their campaign on Friday against Oman at the same venue.

    Overall, India and Pakistan have met 13 times in T20 internationals. India leads the rivalry 10–3. Their last meeting was during the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai earlier this year, where India won by six wickets.

  • Netherlands plans to ban imports from Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories

    Netherlands plans to ban imports from Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories

    Netherlands has said that it  plans to prohibit the import of goods made in Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, as calls increase for action on the genocide in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

    Foreign Minister David van Weel informed parliament on Wednesday that he has instructed his ministry to prepare a governmental decree to implement the ban. He mentioned that the action would be executed “as soon as possible,” without providing a specific timeframe.

    The decision follows months of discussions within the Dutch government about how to react to Israel’s continued flouting of international law. In July, the Netherlands enacted travel restrictions on two far-right Israeli cabinet members who advocated for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza. At that time, the government refrained from taking broader actions.

    Last month, former foreign minister Casper Veldkamp stepped down, stating he did not have sufficient backing from the cabinet to pursue additional measures against Israel. His successor, Van Weel, has adopted a different stance by moving forward with restrictions on goods associated with settlements.

    The Netherlands is among the largest European consumers of Israeli products, yet Van Weel did not reveal the specific amount of imports that are directly connected to settlements. He affirmed that this policy would focus solely on items produced in areas occupied by Israel since 1967.

    Most nations and the United Nations view Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law. In addition to officially recognized settlements, there are outposts that often initiate without governmental authorization but are frequently legitimized afterward.

    Moreover, Van Weel stated that the Netherlands would support European Commission proposals to revoke certain trade benefits that Israel enjoys under its association agreement with the European Union. The Commission is evaluating whether Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank are in alignment with the commitments outlined in the agreement.

    The Dutch government’s decision contributes to broader discussions in Europe regarding trade and diplomatic relationships with Israel. Some EU member states advocate for more stringent measures, while others are cautious about jeopardizing existing relations.

  • Lahore man confesses to stealing 80 tolas of gold from wife

    Lahore man confesses to stealing 80 tolas of gold from wife

    A man in Model Town Lahore allegedly stole gold jewelry belonging to his own wife, police said, adding that the suspect has been arrested.

    According to a private news channel, the woman who lives in Model Town married Faisal Javed from Depalpur two years ago after meeting him on social media. Their friendship eventually turned into marriage.

    When the wife returned from a visit to her sister’s home, she found that gold jewelry valued at Rs 30 million was gone, she has told the police. She immediately reported the incident to the authorities.

    At the Model Town Police Station, a theft case involving 80 tolas of gold has been filed. In her statement, the woman noted there were no signs of break-in or damage to the house, yet the jewelry had disappeared.

    Investigators initially focused on family members and later questioned the husband, who confessed to the crime within hours. 

    Police said the stolen gold was recovered from the house after the husband pointed out where he had kept it. He was taken into custody and legal proceedings have begun.

  • Court grants relief to YouTubers in channel blocking case

    Court grants relief to YouTubers in channel blocking case

    A district and sessions court in Islamabad has overturned a judicial magistrate’s order to block several YouTube channels, favoring petitions filed by various content creators. 

    The case originated from a directive issued by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah on July 8, ordering the blocking of 27 YouTube channels for featuring anti-state material. Among the channels were those run by journalists such as Orya Maqbool Jan, Aftab Iqbal, Matiullah Jan, Imran Riaz Khan, and Asad Toor. 

    Eleven affected YouTubers lodged appeals against the ruling, which were collectively considered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka. On Thursday, the court delivered its reserved judgment, partially canceling the earlier decision and declaring the blocking order invalid for the petitioners. 

    During the proceedings, Judge Majoka probed the prosecutor from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) regarding the legal basis for the restriction of the channels. He expressed discontent with the agency’s management of the situation, noting that the prosecutor was attempting to shift accountability onto the court. The judge warned against any attempts to defame members of the judiciary and requested clarification on the authority under which the channels had been removed. 

    The petitions were considered only for those who were present in court or had legal representation. The court clarified that applications without representatives would not be processed further and would be dismissed. 

    The ruling provides relief to the eleven petitioners, including prominent journalists and commentators, while the larger question of channel restrictions continues to be addressed through ongoing legal processes.

  • ‘Imaan Mazari is like my daughters’: IHC Chief Justice after heated exchange

    ‘Imaan Mazari is like my daughters’: IHC Chief Justice after heated exchange

    Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar has given clarification a day after a heated exchange took place between him and Human Rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir during the hearing of a plea filed on behalf of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch.

    Heated exchange

    During a hearing on Thursday, Justics Dogar warned Imaan of contempt of court case for allegedly calling him a “dictator”. “If I issue any order in this case, then Miss [Imaan] Mazari will go downstairs and do a programme, [saying] that a dictator is sitting [in the court],” Dogar said at one point.

    At that, Mazari clarified that “whatever I have said was in a personal capacity”, adding that “it should not affect the client’s case.”

    “If you have any prejudice against me, don’t let the client’s case be affected. I have come here with a brief, not in a personal capacity,” the lawyer added.

    “You commented that I am not a judge but a ‘dictator’. Should we not initiate contempt of court proceedings against you,”  Justice Dogar then asked.

    Mazari clarified that she had not said anything beyond the jurisdiction of the law and the Constitution. “If you want to initiate contempt of court proceedings, then please do so. The Constitution has given me the right to freedom of expression, which is what I have used,” she added.

    Addressing Mazari’s lawyer husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, the IHC chief justice then said: “Hadi Sahab, samjhay issy, kissi din ma nay pakar liya na… (Hadi sahib, make her understand; if I catch her someday…)”

    Mazari then quipped, “If we are at a stage where courts will threaten lawyers, then go ahead with contempt of court [proceedings].”

    IHC CJ Sarfraz Dogar clarification

    “Imaan Mazari is like my daughters. Yesterday, I was just advising her, as the chief justice and as an elder. A storm was created for presenting my words out of context. I had said that you can talk about my judgment, but [she] should not make personal remarks,” Chief Justice Dogar has been quoted by court reporter Saqib Bashir as saying in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

    The tweet further quoted Justice Dogar as saying, “I did not say that I will catch [her]. Hadi sahib was standing [there]. I just said grab her and take her away; otherwise, I will carry out contempt of court proceedings. If the proceeding is initiated, the child’s [Mazari] career would be ruined. I made him understand like a child, but she was not getting it, and kept saying ‘fundamental rights’. Don’t the courts have fundamental rights as well?”

  • Utility Stores Corporation terminates over 11,000 employees across country

    Utility Stores Corporation terminates over 11,000 employees across country

    The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has terminated a total of 11,406 employees under a restructuring plan, effective September 1.

    As per official records, the federal government has authorized a financial package of Rs25.5 billion to provide compensation for regular, contract, and daily wage workers, in addition to funding for widows of deceased employees and closure expenses for the organization.

    For regular staff, Rs13.18 billion has been allocated. Employees with two years or less until retirement will receive a total of Rs357 million, with each of the 230 individuals set to get approximately Rs1.52 million. Workers with over 20 years of service will be entitled to two current basic salaries for each completed year, amounting to Rs2.21 billion and averaging Rs3.44 million per person. Those with fewer than 20 years of service will receive three current basic salaries for each completed year, with Rs10.61 billion allocated, allowing each to obtain around Rs2.43 million.

    Contract workers will collectively receive Rs3.6 billion. Employees with two years of remaining service will be provided with Rs17 million in total, translating to Rs414,000 per worker. Those with over 16 years of service will receive Rs2.97 billion in compensation, with each individual getting Rs1.127 million. Workers with up to 16 years of tenure will share Rs611.5 million, equating to Rs947,000 per person.

    Daily wage employees, numbering 2,854, will be compensated with Rs2.71 billion. Those with two years of service or less will receive pay for the remaining months at a rate of Rs37,000 per month. Employees with up to 10 years of service are eligible for 15 months’ salary, while those with service between 10 and 15 years will receive 28 months’ salary. Staff with more than 15 years of service will be compensated with 30 months’ salary.

    An additional Rs5.75 billion has been set aside for administrative closure costs and financial assistance for widows of deceased staff. The plan also encompasses payments for previously laid-off contract and daily wage workers.