Author: Sajjad Ali

KABUL: A United Nations report on Afghanistan documented a surge in attacks by anti-Taliban armed groups and ongoing internal tensions among Afghan leaders. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) quarterly assessment, submitted by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Security Council, documents a 55% increase in security incidents compared to the same period in 2023, totaling 2,505 incidents. While the Taliban’s territorial control has not been significantly challenged since their return to power in August 2021, the report notes activity from groups like the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) and the National Resistance Front (NRF). These groups primarily targeted Taliban security…

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman recently met to discuss the country’s political climate and law and order situation. The two leaders expressed deep concern over the deteriorating peace and security, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where incidents of lawlessness have been on the rise. They concurred that a military operation is not the solution to these issues. Instead, they stressed the importance of political parties collaborating to restore peace in the province. To this end, they decided to form a joint political committee from their respective parties to address these concerns…

According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp, a Meta-owned app, is introducing a new in-app dialer feature for some beta testers. This feature, accessible via a new floating action button in the calls tab, allows users to quickly place calls directly from the app. The in-app dialer simplifies the process of making calls, as users no longer need to add contacts to their address book or manually open conversations. Furthermore, after typing a number into the dialer, users can easily save it as a new contact or add it to an existing contact card. The dialer screen also includes a…

Pat Cummins’ joy of claiming consecutive hat-tricks was short-lived as Afghanistan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history, defeating Australia by 21 runs in their Super 8 tie on Sunday. Chasing 149 to win, Australia struggled despite Glenn Maxwell’s valiant 59 off 41 balls. Gulbadin Naib’s impressive 4/20 and Naveen-ul-Haq’s 3/20 bowled them out for 127. This victory came almost eight months after Afghanistan nearly defeated Australia at the ODI World Cup last November, making their triumph in Kingstown even more momentous. Unreal scenes unfolded as Afghanistan celebrated their victory over Australia at the T20…

RAWALPINDI:The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rawalpindi has issued 15-day detention orders for four Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. The leaders, Shahryar Riaz, Ajmal Sabir, Ameer Afzal, and Taimur Masood Akbar, will be arrested and detained at Adiala Jail, following a recommendation from the police department citing security concerns. Earlier, the Islamabad police registered cases against Shoaib Shaheen and 80 others for a violent protest outside the National Press Club. The cases, filed under the terrorism act and charges of attempted murder, robbery, and vandalism, targeted PTI leaders Amir Mughal, Ali Bukhari, and others.…

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)- a major ally of the ruling coalition- has retracted its decision to boycott the parliament’s budget sessions following significant progress in negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has instructed all party members in the National Assembly to attend the budget session. This decision came after the first meeting of the new negotiation committees, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto, which took place at the Prime Minister’s House. The PPP’s written proposals on implementing a power-sharing agreement were discussed for four hours, but the meeting ended without…

Tajikistan officially banned the wearing of hijabs and other foreign garments, as the country’s parliament passed a new law regulating Islamic clothing and Eid celebrations. The bill, approved by the upper house of parliament, Majlisi Milli, on June 19, follows a decade-long unofficial crackdown on the hijab in this Muslim-majority nation. Under the new legislation, individuals wearing hijabs or other prohibited religious attire may face fines of up to 7,920 somonis (approximately $700). Companies allowing employees to wear these garments could be fined 39,500 somonis ($3,500). Government officials and religious leaders found in violation face even steeper fines of 54,000-57,600…

KOHISTAN: At least 11 passengers were injured on Saturday when a bus overturned at Bankad Chakki in Lower Kohistan. The accident occurred as the bus, traveling from Rawalpindi to Gilgit, lost control and overturned on the road. Rescue 1122 Lower Kohistan quickly responded, arriving on the scene with ambulances and medical teams to provide initial assistance to the injured. The injured were then transported to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Bisham. Three of the injured were later referred to Ayub Medical Complex in Abbottabad for further treatment. The injured passengers have been identified as Liaquat from Mardan, Naseem from Attock, Saddam…

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a meeting of the apex committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for today (Saturday) at the PM office. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead the Apex Committee meeting, which will include Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir along with other key military and civilian leaders. According to sources, the Apex Committee meeting will ratify the decisions made by the Executive Committee. Additionally, sources indicated that the meeting will review various investment projects in the country. Discussions will also cover projects related to investments from China and Gulf countries.

NEW YORK: Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to take a decisive action against terrorism in Afghanistan to stop cross border attacks. Ambassador Munir Akram, the permanent mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, made this demand during the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan. Munir Akram highlighted the dangers of allowing impunity for terrorist groups in Afghanistan. He emphasized that goals such as investment, social and economic development, and infrastructure projects cannot be achieved as long as these groups operate freely within and from Afghanistan. Akram added that TTP is the most direct and serious threat to…