Start me up: Rolling Stones kick off North America tour in Houston

The Rolling Stones kicked off their North America tour at a sold-out venue in Houston on Sunday, with people travelling from various cities to watch one of the world’s most enduring rock bands amid worries that this could be their last tour.

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The show was the first of 16 performances, set across the U.S. and Canada through July.

Fans flocked to the NRG Stadium in Houston in Rolling Stones T-shirts showcasing the band’s iconic lips and tongue logo.

The band, formed more than six decades ago, opened with ‘Start Me Up’ with Mick Jagger walking onto the stage in a shiny striped jacket, a grey sequined shirt and black jeans. People immediately started to dance along to the 1981 classic.

 

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Jagger, who is 80, danced, skipped and ran across the stage while showcasing his vocal range.

“Hello Houston, it’s good to be back in the lone star state,” Jagger said, adding that the band visited NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston and made quips about Texas-based convenience store chain Buc-ee’s.

He performed alongside Keith Richards, 80, and Ronnie Wood, 76, the surviving core of the band.

“Every time I see them, it’s such a joy. They’re amazing. They take such true joy in playing,” said Greta Brasgalla, 56, who travelled from El Paso, Texas, to watch the band for the seventh time. She also plans to watch the Rolling Stones in Atlanta in June.

The band attracted people of all ages to the stadium, with a significant proportion of the audience over 60.

The 18 songs played over two hours included a mix of classics and three from the latest record ‘Hackney Diamonds’, the Stones’ first album of original material since 2005 and the first recording since drummer Charlie Watts died in 2021.

Other songs they played included ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ and ‘Out of Time’, all to massive applause.

Richards, whose songwriting partnership with Jagger is one of the most enduring and successful in rock, sang ‘Little T&A’.

The Stones closed the show with ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’. They head to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for a special performance this week.

Fans, however, worried that this could be one of the last tours by the Stones.

“Every time we see them, we wonder if it’s going to be the last. That’s our fear,” said Savannah Welch, who travelled from Austin and brought along her son Charlie.

Rolling Stones launch new album ‘Hackney Diamonds’

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Pakistan working tirelessly to eradicate polio from country, PM tells Bill Gates

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates, wherein he called for a sustained effort by all the partners to reach the ultimate goal of a polio-free Pakistan.

In the meeting held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting, the prime minister highlighted that Pakistan was working tirelessly to eradicate polio from the country, a PM Office press release said.

Earlier, both leaders had featured in a WEF high-level panel discussion titled “Redefining the Global Health Agenda.”

The prime minister thanked Bill Gates for sending him a warm congratulatory letter upon his re-election. Bill Gates recalled the immunization and polio vaccine program in Punjab province under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif as chief minister and emphasized replicating the same practice across the country to make the immunization program a success.

While fondly recalling their interactions during his previous tenure, the prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to continue working closely with Bill Gates to ensure a stronger partnership between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation.

He thanked the BMGF for its longstanding support for polio eradication in Pakistan. Bill Gates also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and said polio eradication was vital to protect future generations from this crippling disease.

In addition to polio, Prime Minister Shehbaz and Bill Gates also discussed progress on ongoing activities between Pakistan and the Foundation in the areas of immunization, nutrition, and financial inclusion.

The prime minister said that the Gates Foundation was a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and sought collaboration in other areas including IT, STEM education and disaster management.

Recalling Bill Gates’ visit to Pakistan in February 2022, the prime minister extended an invitation to him to visit Pakistan again at a time of his convenience.

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Biden at White House correspondents’ dinner, amid Gaza conflict protest

WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden poked fun at himself but took sharp aim at his election rival Donald Trump Saturday at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, as protesters outside demonstrated against the conflict in Gaza.

Guests arrived in black-tie attire as more than 100 protesters confronted attendees in front of the Washington Hilton hotel chanting “shame on you” and other slogans.

Inside, the topic of Gaza was far from the lips of Biden and the evening’s comedian, Colin Jost of “Saturday Night Live,” who roasted Biden for his age and occasional stumble on the Airforce One stairs.

Both Jost and Biden struck a more serious tone in addressing what many Americans feel is a politically fraught moment, with Biden telling attendees Trump’s rhetoric was a danger particularly after the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, and that “the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

Biden’s appearance at the banquet is in keeping with longstanding tradition for the event, in which the president and the national media gather for a roast of the US leader — an annual gala that was interrupted during the Trump administration.

“The 2024 election is in full swing and yes age is an issue,” Biden quipped. “I am a grown man, running against a six-year-old.”

If it was all laughs inside, the scene outside the hotel remained serious, with protesters at one point unfurling an enormous, multi-story Palestinian flag from a top-floor window, as others congregated on the road below holding placards, chanting and shouting from bullhorns.

Biden’s every move has been shadowed for months by protesters angry over US support for the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. He has been met by shouts of “Genocide Joe” and noisy calls for an immediate ceasefire.

More than two dozen Palestinian journalists this week issued an open letter urging their American colleagues to boycott the dinner.

“You have a unique responsibility to speak truth to power and uphold journalistic integrity,” said the letter. “It is unacceptable to stay silent out of fear or professional concern while journalists in Gaza continue to be detained, tortured and killed for doing our jobs.”

According to the New York-based Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), at least 97 journalists — including 92 Palestinians — have been killed since war erupted on October 7 with Hamas’s invasion of southern Israel. At least 16 others have been wounded.

The Washington Metropolitan Police Department told AFP it was “prepared to facilitate any safe and peaceful demonstration” but that guests would also be able to access the event.

The gala dinner and a surrounding series of society events took place as the Gaza protest movement has been spreading to colleges across the country, and as police crackdowns on some campuses have led to hundreds of arrests.

The annual dinner has been organized since 1920 by the influential White House Correspondents’ Association, which honors top reporters and awards journalism scholarships.

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Most wanted BLA suspect arrested from Lyari: DIG South

KARACHI: A most wanted terror suspect, affiliated with the outlawed BLA, has been arrested from Lyari, citing DIG South, ARY News reported on Sunday.

DIG Karachi-South Asad Raza has said that arrested terrorist Mairaj alias Mama was used to conduct Reiki for the banned outfit. “He was providing information to Commander Jalal of the banned terror organization,” police officer said.

The banned group was used to attack the security forces based on the information provided by Mairaj Mama, Asad Raza said. “The terrorist was involved in Reiki of a military vehicle in 2017, going to Gwadar from Turbat,” he said.

“Arrested man also made information gathering of a military camp in Nasirabad, Balochistan,” DIG-South said. “Several personnel were martyred in the terrorist attack,” police officer said.

“Four cousins of an intelligence officer were killed in result of the terrorist’s information gathering,” DIG Asad Raza said.

He was also involved in Reiki and attack on Gwadar airport and Pakistan Navy airport, DIG South said.

Arrested terrorist was also involved in attack on military personnel in Nushki, police chief disclosed.

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Pakistan recovers Rs86bln from power thieves, defaulters in crackdown

Pakistan has recovered Rs86 billion during a countrywide power theft across the country, according to the data revealed by Power Division on Sunday, ARY News reported. 

To minimize the losses in the power sector, the caretaker government and military leadership of the country in September decided to launch a countrywide crackdown on power thieves.

Pakistan has so far recovered Rs86 billion fine during a countrywide crackdown on the power pilfers while over 65,000 people have been taken into custody from September 1 till date.

Read more: Mardan becomes Pakistan’s first power theft-free city

In a separate development, the federal government has finalised a plan to privatize profit-making power distribution companies (Discos), said sources.

Sources in the power division told ARY News that the Shehbaz-led coalition government has finalised the plan to privatize five profit-making power companies.

The power companies include Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO).

In the first phase, the government has decided to constitute a new board for power companies, they say, adding that the privatization ministry has sent a summary to the cabinet regarding the formation of a high-powered 12-member board for Discos privatization.

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Rain lashes Lahore, other parts of country, girl die in lightening strike

ISLAMABAD: Fresh rain spell lashed various parts of the country with sporadic rainfall in Lahore and other parts of Punjab, ARY News reported on Saturday.

The Met Office earlier forecast that a westerly wave likely to grip upper parts of the country by 26th April.

Rainfall continuing in Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Narowal, Pasroor and other Punjab districts.

Lightning strike during rainfall in the vicinity of Gujranwala left a girl dead.

Rain with thunderstorm also lashed Jhang, Cheechawatani, Sheikhupura, Daska, Okara and Khanpur.

Rainfall with thunderstorm continuing in various districts of Balochistan. Several mud huts collapsed during heavy rainfall in Chagai.

Flashflood wreaked havoc in Taftan, while heavy rainfall at Kohlu, Nushki and adjoining areas caused flooding in local rivers and streams.

The Met Office has forecast rainfall in Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and other other parts of the country today.

Hailstorm also predicted at some areas during the rain spell today.

Hot and dry weather will prevail in Karachi and several other districts of Sindh today.

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China unveils first Hangor-class submarine builit for Pakistan

The launching ceremony of the first Hangor-class submarine constructed for the Pakistan Navy took place in China’s Wuhan. 

The ceremony, held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group’s (WSIG) Shuangliu Base, was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

While addressing the ceremony he highlighted the importance of maritime security under the prevailing geo-strategic environment in the region and commitment of Pakistan Navy to contribute to ensuring safe and conducive maritime environment for all.

He added that Hangor-class submarines with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors will play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

While acknowledging the tireless efforts of China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC), he expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress. He also highlighted that the project will surely add a new dimension to the ever-tested Pakistan-China friendship.

The statement said that the government of Pakistan signed a deal with CSOC of China for acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan.

Under the contract, four submarines will be built in China whereas the other four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under Transfer of Technology (ToT).

These submarines will be fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to engage targets at standoff ranges.

The launching ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from Pakistan and China including representatives of Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd.

Last year, the PN inducted two newly built Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates

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Govt launching Trail Patrol for Islamabad’s Margalla hills

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday said the government is launching Margalla Trail Patrol to protect the beautiful trails of Margalla Hills in Islamabad.

In a statement on social media platform X, he said the step has been taken especially for the safety of foreigners, who love to visit these beautiful places.

The Interior Minister said our security cover includes trail bikes, horse and foot patrols.

We’re launching the *Margalla Trail Patrol* to secure the beautiful trails of Margalla, especially for the safety of foreigners who love exploring them. Our tri-pronged security cover includes Trail Motorcycles, mounted Police (horses), and foot patrolling. pic.twitter.com/4emEH1u6wP

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) April 25, 2024

Earlier, the Wildlife Department confirmed the presence of five leopards at Islamabad hiking trails and National Park.

The Capital Development Authority also closed hiking trail 3 of the Margalla hills Islamabad after sightings of leopards in the area.

Spokesperson Wildlife Protection Board said the sightings of the leopards in the area were confirmed and the trail was closed for public safety.

Related: Islamabad: Margalla hills trail 3 closed after confirmation of leopard sightings

Prior to this, a venomous snake was spotted in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills whereas the administration warned that the reptile could be dangerous if provoked.

Watch video here:

Guess who came to visit our visitor information centre on trail 5? Yes it’s a Krait: venomous, neurotoxins which induce paralysis. Krait not aggressive unless you mess with it! Venom can kill a human being in hours though. They come out in rainy season! ⁦@WildlifeBoard⁩ pic.twitter.com/bGXYQk5y7c

— Rina S Khan Satti (@rinasaeed) September 8, 2021

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Elephant Madhubala to be shifted to Safari Park next month

Madhubala, a 16-year-old elephant in Pakistan, undergoing solitary confinement at Karachi Zoo will be relocated to Safari Park next month, said the zoo administration on Thursday.

According to the zoo administration, arrangements to shift the lone elephant at the Karachi Zoo have been completed and she will be shifted to the Safari Park next month, where she will unite with other elephants Sonia and Malika.

The training of the elephant’s entering and exiting the container has been completed, the KMC administration said and added that a new sanctuary for the elephant is being made ready with the collaboration of Four Paws.

The sanctuary will be completed in 15 to 20 days and the Madhubala elephant will be shifted to Safari Park in May, the KMC said.

Read more: Pakistan’s Madhubala elephant gets relief after years of dental pain

With the arrival of the Madhubala elephant at Safari Park, the number of elephants will be three.

Madhubala is one of four African elephants treated in Karachi by an eight-member team from the global animal welfare group Four Paws in 2022.

The elephant was suffering for years from a dental infection and pain caused by a broken tusk.

The Four Paws also relocated Kaavan – an elephant dubbed the world’s loneliest – to Cambodia from Islamabad in 2020.

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Norway oil giant Equinor’s profit falls on lower gas prices

OSLO: Norwegian energy giant Equinor said on Thursday that its net profit dropped by 46 percent during the first quarter, dragged down by falling gas prices.

The decrease continued last year’s trend, when the group’s net profit sank by 59 percent to $11.9 billion over 2023.

First quarter profit in 2024 stood at $2.67 billion, compared with $4.96 billion during the same period last year, the group said in a statement.

The drop was mostly due to a fall in gas prices in the United States and Europe, which fell by 38 percent and 55 percent, respectively.

Adjusted earnings, which exclude certain exceptional elements, dropped by 37 percent to $7.53 billion, it said.

Global energy giants saw their profits fall in 2023, as oil and gas prices receded after surging in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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CM Maryam approves Punjab ‘Apna Chat Apna Ghar’ project

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved ‘Apna Chat Apna Ghar’ project in five major cities of the province including Lahore, ARY News reported.

Chairing a meeting in Lahore today, she directed to make the best houses at minimum cost and also directed to launch these projects near the cities.

The meeting decided that the Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planning would be consulted for the maps of the houses.

Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz okayed the provision of a 1Kv Solar system to 50,000 families in the province.

Read More: CM Maryam okays provision of 1kv solar kits in Punjab

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz to review energy projects in the province.

The 1kv Solar system will be provided to the protected power consumers who are using under 100 electricity units per month. Two solar plates, batteries, inverter and wires would be provided to the families eligible under the project.

CM Maryam Nawaz stressed the administration to ensure quality products to the masses so they can get rid of expensive electricity problems.

The Punjab CM directed the administration to initiate the pilot project in the province.

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‘All cricketers are brothers to me…’: Nazish Jahangir issues clarification

Showbiz starlet Nazish Jahangir issued a clarification regarding her surprising response to a supposed marriage proposal from star cricketer Babar Azam.

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Actor Nazish Jahangir has termed all national cricketers her ‘bros’ after her previous statement, involving Pakistan cricket team’s skipper Babar Azam, angered the fans of the star player.

It happened so when Jahangir said during an interactive session on her Instagram handle that if the top-order batter would propose to her for marriage, she would excuse herself. After facing the wrath of the cricketer’s loyal fan base on social media, the ‘Berukhi’ actor clarified in the following story, “Babar bhai hum sab k bhai hain but un k fans MA dil khol k negativity phila rahy hain (Babar is like a brother to us but his fans are spreading negativity all across).”

“Na meri cricketers se leni na deni (I have nothing to do with cricketers), all are bros to me tbh [to be honest],” she added. Jahangir also mentioned, “I have no issue with cricketers nor do I pass any statement or judgement for them, so keep your negativity to yourself.”

Pertinent to note here that the recent controversy emerged days after Jahangir affirmed that she would never marry anyone from the showbiz industry. “I will never marry someone from the industry, that’s very clear. It would be even better if he is from outside Pakistan. I’ve never given a thought over it, but definitely, if given an option, I will settle anywhere abroad after marriage, be it U.S.A, Dubai, Canada or even London,” she had said.

After Nawal Saeed, Momina Iqbal reveals cricketers slid into her DMs

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Hania Aamir reunites with cross-border friend Badshah in Dubai

Pakistan showbiz’s A-lister Hania Aamir has once again reunited with her cross-border friend, Indian rapper Badshah, as the latter hosts a private concert for her, in Dubai.

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Divided by borders but connected at heart, the cross-border friends, Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and Indian rapper Badshah are having a gala time together, as they met each other once again and hang out in Dubai.

Taking to her Instagram handle on Sunday evening, Aamir posted a three-visual gallery of their outing. “Rescue arrived from Chandigarh,” read the caption on the post, featuring a mirror selfie of the buddies, as well as a brief, goofy snippet and a capture of the dinner spread.

 

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A post shared by Hania Aamir 哈尼亚·阿米尔 (@haniaheheofficial)

Minutes later, the actor also shared a new reel on the feed, with the caption, “concert time,” as she got lucky with a private gig of her best friend, featuring some fun BTS of the celebrities.

Viewed by more than 7 million Instagrammers on Aamir’s profile, in less than 24 hours, her Instagram posts are now going viral on social media, grabbing all the attention of netizens and fuelling the dating rumours once again.

 

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A post shared by Hania Aamir 哈尼亚·阿米尔 (@haniaheheofficial)

Pertinent to note here that this friendship started earlier last year when the Indian rapper shared his affection for Aamir, confessing to be following her on Instagram. He said during an outing, “Bari mast bandi lagti hai mujhe, (I find her very interesting). Mood uplift hojata hai ek dum se uski post dekh ke (The minute I see her posts, it just uplifts my mood instantly).”

Replying to him, the ‘Mere Humsafar’ star had said, “Ap bhi bohat mast ho (You’re also very amazing).”

Later, the two met for the first time in Dubai and spent a good time together.

‘Partner in chaos’ Badshah sends birthday wishes to Hania Aamir

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Woman killed as trolley overturns in Rahim Yar Khan

LIAQUATPUR: In a tragic accident, a woman was killed when a trolley overturned on the National Highway near Turna Muhammad Pannah, Liaquatpur tehsil of Rahim Yar Khan, ARY News reported.

As per details, rescue sources said that the speeding trolley lost control and turned over. The woman who lost her life was working in the nearby field when the speeding trolley hit her.

Earlier, two individuals dead, 10 others injured after a bus full of passengers overturned on National Highway due to dense fog.

The rescue officials reported that a bus carrying passengers was overturned on the national highway due to heavy fog and low visibility near Kot Khalifa, leaving two dead and multiple passengers injured.

Meanwhile, the rescue officials are busy taking the injured individuals to the nearest hospital for medical assistance.

Read more: Two dead, four injured after bus overturned at National Highway

In a separate incident, at least five people died and nine others sustained injuries as a bus collided with a truck in Bahawalpur.

As per details, the accident occurred on the national highway where a truck collided with a bus and took the lives of five people.

The rescue sources said that the truck caught fire right after the accident however the rescue team arrived on the spot of the incident.

In a separate incident, at least seven people were killed and several injured, when a speeding truck collided with a passenger van in Kandhkot.

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Sugar prices increases by Rs4/kg

LAHORE: Sugar prices increased by Rs 4/kilogram taking the price to Rs142/kilogram, ARY News reported on Saturday.

As per details, the dealers association said that the wholesale price of sugar is set at Rs 144 per kg whereas it is being sold at Rs 150 / kg in the local market.

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) yesterday reported that the weekly inflation measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), witnessed a decrease of 0.79 percent for the combined consumption groups during the week ended on April 18.

According to the PBS data, during the week, out of 51 items, the prices of 22 items increased, 11 items decreased and 18 items remained stable.

It is pertinent to mention here that Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan convened significant meetings with representatives from the Sugar Mills Association and Ethanol Manufacturer Association separately to address pressing concerns affecting their industries.

The meeting, aimed to foster dialogue and find feasible solutions to the challenges faced by these sectors. The associations appreciated the act of calling stakeholders before making any major decisions.

Read more: Pakistan’s weekly inflation dips by 0.79 percent

During the discussions, Minister Jam Kamal assured the industrialists of his commitment to advocate for their interests and address their concerns to support the local industry while simultaneously enhancing export volume to increase foreign reserves.

The Sugar Mills Association voiced apprehensions regarding the anticipated increase in tariffs for Molasses exports. Members of the association highlighted the importance of encouraging Molasses exports to bolster foreign reserves.

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Israël a lancé une attaque contre l’Iran

Israël a lancé une attaque de drones près de la base militaire d’Ispahan, au centre de l’Iran, jeudi soir (heure de l’Est). La défense aérienne iranienne affirme avoir intercepté cette riposte, qui survient moins d’une semaine après l’offensive de Téhéran contre l’État hébreu.

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PTI founder’s interim bail extended in three cases

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan in three cases including Jinnah House attack case till April 26, ARY News reported.

As per details, the ATC judge heard the interim bail pleas in three cases pertaining to attack on Jinnah House, Askari Tower and Shadman Police Station.

The court sought arguments from the lawyers on next hearing and directed to make sure the attendance of PTI founder Imran Khan via video link from Adiala Jail.

Its worth mentioning here that LHC was informed earlier, Punjab government allocated seven cells for convicted PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, while 14 security personnel have been appointed for his security.

Related: PTI founder’s jail security costs Rs1.2m per month, LHC informed

“An accommodation of six cells had been made for Imran Khan in addition to his cell to ensure proper security for him,” AGP Punjab Khalid Ishaq told the court.

“One personnel is deployed on security of 10 inmates in Adiala jail, however, 14 police personnel have been deployed for Imran Khan’s security in Adiala Jail, the report added.

May 9 events

Violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan were arrested at the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

The protests were held in remote and major cities as the party workers were agitated due to their chairman’s arrest, with Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad summoning the armed forces to ensure law and order.

Army installations and Corps Commander’s house in Lahore, also known as Jinnah House, came under attack during a protest by ‘PTI workers’.

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US stops UN from recognizing a Palestinian state through membership

The United States on Thursday effectively stopped the United Nations from recognizing a Palestinian state by casting a veto in the Security Council to deny Palestinians full membership of the world body.

It vetoed a draft resolution that recommended to the 193-member U.N. General Assembly that “the State of Palestine be admitted to membership” of the U.N. Britain and Switzerland abstained, while the remaining 12 council members voted yes.

“The United States continues to strongly support a two-state solution. This vote does not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood, but instead is an acknowledgment that it will only come from direct negotiations between the parties,” Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood told the council.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the U.S. veto in a statement as “unfair, unethical, and unjustified.”

Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour, at times emotional, told the council after the vote: “The fact that this resolution did not pass will not break our will and it will not defeat our determination. We will not stop in our effort.”

The Palestinian push for full U.N. membership came six months into a war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and as Israel is expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, which the U.N. considers to be illegal.

Read more: Israel attacks Iran with missiles: US media reports

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz commended the United States for casting a veto.
Addressing the 12 council members who voted in favor of the draft resolution, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan said: “It’s very sad because your vote will only embolden Palestinian rejectionism even more and make peace almost impossible.”

‘START WITH GAZA’

The Palestinians are currently a non-member observer state, a de facto recognition of statehood that was granted by the U.N. General Assembly in 2012. But an application to become a full U.N. member needs to be approved by the Security Council and then at least two-thirds of the General Assembly.

“We believe that such recognition of Palestinian statehood should not come at the start of a new process, but it doesn’t have to be at the very end of the process. We must start with fixing the immediate crisis in Gaza,” Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward told the council.

The U.N. Security Council has long endorsed a vision of two states living side by side within secure and recognized borders. Palestinians want a state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, all territory captured by Israel in 1967.

Algeria’s U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama argued before the vote that admitting Palestinians to the United Nations would strengthen rather than undermine the two-state solution, adding: “Peace will come from Palestine’s inclusion, not from its exclusion.”
The Palestinian Authority, headed by Abbas, exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank. Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority from power in Gaza in 2007.

Hamas condemned the U.S. stance in a statement and called on the international community to “support the struggle of our Palestinian people and their legitimate right to determine their destiny.”

Israel is retaliating against Hamas in Gaza over an Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

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Foreigners come under attack in Karachi’s Landhi

Karachi police on Friday foiled a terrorist attack on a vehicle carrying foreigners in Landhi, ARY News reported.

As per details, a van carrying foreigners was targeted by the terrorists in Landhi’s Mansehra Colony. SSP Malir Tariq Elahi said the foreigners were targeted when they were on their way to the Export Processing Zone.

He said the police retaliated the attack and shot dead one of the terrorists in the gunfire, while another blew himself up.

The police said the foreigners remained safe in the attack, however, two security guards and a passerby sustained wounds in the attack.

The police have also recovered a bag from the custody of the dead terrorists, which had grenades.

Read more: ‘Bisham attack culprits to be brought to justice’, Naqvi assures Chinese team

The police official said that another vehicle and motorcycle were also damaged in the explosion.

The injured are being shifted to the nearby hospital, according to police while the nationality of the victims has not been ascertained so far.

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Israel attacks Iran with missiles: US media reports

Israeli missiles have hit a site in Iran, ABC News reported late on Thursday, citing a US official, while Iranian state media reported an explosion in the center of the country, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the reports.

Iran’s Fars news agency said an explosion was heard at an airport in the central city of Isfahan but the cause was not immediately known. Iran suspended flights over the cities of Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran, state media reported.

Several Iranian nuclear sites are located in Isfahan province, including Natanz, centerpiece of Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport was closed to all flights until 0700 GMT, according to a notice to airmen posted on a US Federal Aviation Administration database.

Some Emirates and Flydubai flights that were flying over Iran early on Friday made sudden sharp turns away from the airspace, according to flight paths shown on tracking website Flightradar24.

Israel had said it would retaliate, opens new tab against Iran’s weekend attack, which involved hundreds of drones, opens new tab and missiles in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria. Most of the Iranian drones and missiles were downed before reaching Israeli territory.

Read more: Iran warns Israel against retaliation, global powers urge restraint

Analysts and observers have been raising concerns about the risks of the Israel-Gaza war spreading into the rest of the region.

Iran told the United Nations Security Council on Thursday that Israel “must be compelled to stop any further military adventurism against our interests” as the U.N. secretary-general warned that the Middle East was in a “moment of maximum peril.”

Oil prices and jumped on the reports of the Israeli strike. Brent crude futures rose 2% to $88.86 a barrel, the dollar gained broadly, gold rose 1% and S&P 500 futures dropped 1%.

Israel’s assault on Gaza began after Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s military offensive has killed over 33,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.

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German Far-Right Leader Goes on Trial for Nazi Slogans

Björn Höcke, a prominent German far-right leader, appeared in court on Thursday, accused of using prohibited Nazi slogans during political gatherings. The employment of National Socialist slogans and symbols is a criminal offense in Germany, which, due to its historical context, has a stricter stance on free speech than democracies like the United States. Höcke leads the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state of Thuringia, and both he and the state branch he leads have been classified as right-wing extremist and are under surveillance by domestic intelligence.

 He is being tried for using the slogan "Everything for Germany" in a speech in Saxony-Anhalt, which was the motto of the National Socialist paramilitary group, or Storm Troopers, and was engraved on their knives. Höcke has claimed that he was unaware of the phrase's Nazi connotations, but critics argue that this is unlikely, given his background as a history teacher. The trial is taking place in Halle.Read more