World
politics
Heavy clashes, more deadly aid chaos in war-ravaged Gaza
GAZA STRIP, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – Heavy clashes and explosions shook Gaza, witnesses said on Saturday, as the Red Crescent reported several people killed during the latest chaotic aid distribution in the territory’s north, where famine looms.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a new round of talks on a Gaza truce between Israel and the Hamas group, after a binding UN Security Council resolution last Monday demanded an “immediate ceasefire”. A subsequent ruling by the world’s top court ordered Israel to ensure aid reaches desperate civilians.
Fighting has not eased — including around the territory’s largest hospital — and the latest toll from the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip said at least 82 more people were killed in the previous 24 hours. The Hamas press office reported more than 50 Israeli air strikes over the past day, with “civilian houses” targeted across the coastal territory, as well as tank fire in the Gaza City area and southern Gaza. Israel’s military on Saturday said it had struck dozens of targets in central and northern Gaza.
Video released by the Palestinian Civil Defence agency on Friday showed a vehicle splayed open after a strike on a street in Gaza City. Men carried two wrapped bodies to an ambulance, while others recovered items from the exposed interior of the vehicle and put them into a bag.
Meanwhile, A second vessel carrying aid to war-torn Gaza set sail from Cyprus on Saturday, an AFP correspondent said, more than two weeks after the last shipment arrived by sea. Almost 400 tons of aid is being carried to Gaza on a flotilla organised by two charities — the US-based World Central Kitchen and the Spanish Open Arms. The barge and two salvage vessels left the port of Larnaca following diplomacy by Cyprus to try to open a maritime corridor to the territory, under siege by Israeli forces since last October.
The flotilla will take around 65 hours to reach Gaza, according to the state-funded Cyprus News Agency. World Central Kitchen said the shipment contains items like rice, pasta, flour, legumes, canned vegetables and proteins. The United Arab Emirates provided a special cargo of dates, which are traditionally eaten to break the daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the charity said. A makeshift dock has been constructed for unloading humanitarian aid in Gaza.
China special team carries out emergency response in Pakistan: Lin Jian
BEIJING – China’s inter-departmental working group has carried out comprehensive emergency response work with the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and the relevant enterprises in the wake of the Dasu terrorist attack, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.
The head of the working group, Director Bai Tian of the Department of Foreign Security Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who arrived in Pakistan on March 28, met with Pakistan’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of the Interior and other officials, Lin Jian said during his regular briefing held here at the International Press Center (IPC).
Director Bai Tian asked Pakistan to thoroughly investigate the incident as soon as possible, properly handle the aftermath, effectively strengthen security measures, completely eliminate security risks, and make every effort to ensure the absolute safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan, he added.
Pakistan said that it has fully carried out investigation and follow-up work on the incident, and taken all measures to further strengthen the security protection of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions, he added.
The spokesperson said that the working group will also carry out related work during its stay in Pakistan. Five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani were killed when a vehicle from the Dasu Hydropower Project, being constructed by a Chinese company in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was attacked by terrorists on Tuesday afternoon.
Prince Harry in ‘permanent state of paranoia’ about Royal Family’s plans
Prince Harry is said to be “permanently” afraid of what the Royal Family is up to, per an expert.
Royal author Tom Quinn notes that since the Duke of Sussex is “so far away” from the family that it leaves him perpetually worried about their planning.
“Because Harry is so far away now from the day-to-day lives of the rest of the Royal family, he’s permanently in the state of paranoia about ‘The Firm’ betraying him or doing things without letting him know or planning things that will make him look bad,” Tom told The Mirror.
Harry has previously shared his thoughts on the family’s PR strategy’s affecting him and his brother Prince William in his memoir Spare.
“I had complex feelings about gaining a step-parent who, I believed, had recently sacrificed me on her personal PR altar,” he wrote. “In a funny way I even wanted Camilla to be happy. Maybe she’d be less dangerous if she was happy?”
The Duke told ITV’s Tom Bradby that Camilla had leaked one of her “conversations with William to the press.”
He claimed the Prince of Wales was “seething” over rumours that his dad King Charles, Camilla and her spin doctor were behind leaked stories about his life.
He wrote in Spare: “Pa and Camilla’s people had planted a story or stories about him, and Kate, and the kids, and he wasn’t going to take it any more. Give Pa and Camilla an inch, he said, they take a mile.”
Biden extends congratulations, commits support to new Pakistan govt
US President Joe Biden has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected government of Pakistan in a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In the letter, Biden reiterated the unwavering commitment of the US to stand alongside Pakistan in confronting the most pressing challenges facing the world and the region.
President Biden emphasised the shared vision of prioritising public health protection, economic development and education, affirming the commitment to advancing these goals together.
Highlighting the significance of the enduring partnership between the peoples of the US and Pakistan, Biden stated that this partnership was critical to ensuring the security of the world and the American people.
Biden underscored the continued collaboration between the two countries under the US-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, aiming to bolster environmental improvements and sustainable development initiatives.
He also assured continued support for Pakistan’s endeavours in sustainable agriculture, water management and recovery efforts following the devastating 2022 floods.
President Biden reaffirmed the joint commitment to upholding human rights and promoting inclusive development, signaling a strengthened partnership between the US and Pakistan.
“The close relations established between the people of the two countries will further strengthen,” added Biden.
China joins probe into deadly Pakistan suicide attack on its nationals
Chinese investigators arrived in Pakistan on Friday to join a probe into the killing of five Chinese nationals in a suicide attack, Pakistan’s interior ministry said, seeking to stem assaults threatening Islamabad’s drive to modernise the economy.
Tuesday’s incident was the third major attack in little over a week on China’s interests in the South Asian nation, where Beijing has invested more than $65 billion in infrastructure projects as part of its wider Belt and Road initiative.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met the Chinese team of investigators at Beijing’s embassy and briefed them on the investigation so far, the statement said.
In late 2022, the two allied countries started a joint investigation into an attack that year on China’s nationals and its interests, which have seen a rise in recent months.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack, in which a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a hydropower project at Dasu in Pakistan’s northwest, killing six people.
The bombing followed a March 20 attack on a strategic port used by China in the southwestern province of Balochistan, where Beijing has poured billions of dollars into infrastructure projects, and a March 25 assault on a naval air base, also in the southwest. Both attacks was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most prominent of several separatist groups in Balochistan.
Dasu, the site of a major dam, has been attacked in the past, with a bus blast in 2021 killing 13 people, nine Chinese among them, although no group claimed responsibility.
Chinese contractors suspended work on three hydropower projects in view of security concerns after Tuesday’s attack, a government official said, adding that it was a routine practice after such incidents.
Pakistan has set up a dedicated force of police and military to ensure security for Chinese activities, officials say.
UAE, Egypt conduct largest humanitarian airdrop into northern Gaza
The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry said Wednesday that it carried out the largest humanitarian airdrop operation in the northern Gaza Strip, totaling 90 tons.
The ministry said on X that it was carried out as part of Operation Birds of Goodness and was the 16th airdrop of humanitarian and relief aid in the northern Gaza Strip by joint crews from the UAE Air Force and Egyptian Air Force.
“This is the largest aerial drop, conducted through 3 aircraft carrying 90 tons of food and relief aid,” it added.
It said “the drop operation took place over buffer zones in the northern Gaza Strip that are difficult to reach.”
This brings the total aid dropped since the launch of the operation to 664 tons of food and relief aid, according to the statement.
“Birds of Goodness” comes within the framework of “Operation Chivalrous Knight,” which began on Nov. 5, 2023, based on the directives of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
On Feb. 29, Operation Birds of Goodness was launched to continue for several weeks, “aiming to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian brothers due to the war,” according to a previous statement from the UAE’s Defense Ministry.
Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on Palestinian territories since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas which killed around 1,200 people.
More than 32,000 Palestinians have since been killed and some 75,000 injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.
The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.
Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in January issued an interim ruling that ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.
Four suspects remanded in custody over Moscow concert hall massacre
MOSCOW – Four men accused of involvement in a massacre at a Moscow concert hall that killed 137 people were remanded in custody Sunday, as Russia observed a national day of mourning. All four suspects have been charged with terrorism, according to Moscow’s Basmanny district court, and face life imprisonment.
Their detention is set until May 22 but may be extended depending on the date of their trial. The court said two of the defendants had pleaded guilty, and one of them, from Tajikistan, had “entirely acknowledged his guilt”. President Vladimir Putin has vowed to punish those behind the “barbaric terrorist attack”, and on Saturday said the four gunmen had been arrested while trying to flee to Ukraine. Kyiv has strongly denied any connection to the attack. Putin has made no public reference to the Islamic State (IS) group’s claims of responsibility.
Economy (world)
PAKISTAN
Politics
President vows to safeguard minorities’ rights
President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated Christian community on the occasion of Easter which is being celebrated on Sunday.
In his message, the President acknowledged the active and positive role played by the Christian community in the development of Pakistan and expressed his gratitude for their contributions.
The President reiterated country’s commitment to safeguard the rights of minorities and taking measures for their prosperity.
The President said festival of Easter brings a message of hope, love and prosperity.
‘Ishaq Dar to return as finance minister’
Former Sindh governor and disgruntled Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Muhammad Zubair said that Ishaq Dar, who is currently serving as foreign minister, will likely get “finance ministry” again.
The minister revealed this while speaking on Saturday.
The four-time former finance minister Ishaq Dar was appointed as Pakistan’s foreign minister for the first time by PM Shehbaz Sharif, who was elected to his second term as PM last month.
Sharif appointed Muhammad Aurangzeb, the CEO of Pakistan’s largest bank, to look after the finance ministry.
Zubair said that PM has included foreign minister Ishaq Dar in committees where finance minister should have been included. “Including Dar in finance related committee, the PML-N has given clear message that the Ishaq Dar will be consulted in decision making related to economic matters.”
“Ishaq Dar might be reappointed as finance minister again as PM has already included him in CCI,” Zuabir added.
It is pertinent to mention here that the foreign minister had been included in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) while the finance minister was excluded.
According to a notification from the CCI Secretariat, dated March 25, President Asif Ali Zardari constituted the council on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advice with effect from March 21.
The newly constituted council includes the premier, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister of States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.
Punjab CM orders operation against electricity theft, smuggling
LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chairing a meeting of the Energy Department here on Saturday, directed to adopt zerotolerance policy against electricity theft, smuggling and hoarding.
The CM directed authorities concerned to conduct a grand operation across the province against electricity theft, smuggling and hoarding and to implement a policy devised in a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister yesterday.
The CM directed to fix targets in this regard, and present a compliance report on their completion after the expiry of one month deadline. Every connection including industries, factories, shops, houses, shopping malls would be checked, she stressed. The relevant authorities would be responsible in case of any failure, she warned.
The CM said whoever is found involved in power theft, smuggling and hoarding, should not be given any relief. She also directed to legislate for severe punishment and heavy fines for the complete elimination of electricity theft. She highlighted that electricity theft is already a cognizable offense. So, arrests and immediate punishment should be ensured.
The CM said that action would also be taken against government officials involved in electricity theft, adding that black sheep within the system should be identified and tried under the relevant laws.
The chief minister said the Ministry of Energy will also monitor all electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) of the province. She directed to form a task force of the experts and government representatives to devise an effective strategy to curb this menace. This task force would monitor the Ministry of Power, the performance of DISCOs and the operation against power theft.
Earlier, it was briefed in the meeting that electricity worth Rs 100 billion is being stolen in Punjab every year. She reiterated that there would be zero tolerance on electricity theft in Punjab. She added billions of rupees lost in electricity theft would be spent on health, education and development of the people.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary and Secretary Energy attended the meeting.
Pakistan Railways considers fare reductions for Eid special trains
Pakistan Railways (PR) is gearing up to offer relief to travelers planning Eid journeys. CEO Amir Baloch hinted at possible fare reductions for special Eid trains in 2024. With Eid festivities approaching, PR will operate four special trains to aid passengers.
The schedule for these special trains has already been announced. The first will depart from Karachi to Peshawar on April 7 at 6 am, followed by another from Quetta to Rawalpindi at 10 am on the same day.
On April 8, the third train will leave Karachi Cantt for Lahore at 9 pm, and on April 9, the fourth train will depart from Lahore to Karachi at 5 pm.
Additionally, the popularity of the ‘Premium Lounge’ on the Bahauddin Zakariya Express has prompted plans to extend similar facilities to Tezgam and Hazara Express.
The dining car accommodates up to 45 passengers simultaneously, offering a menu of over 40 dishes, including barbecue and pizza. An oven is also provided for freshly baked “roti.”
Pakistan wants to enhance bilateral cooperation with Russia: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday while noting the historic cordial ties between Pakistan and Russia, said that Pakistan wanted to enhance bilateral cooperation with Russia in a number of areas, particularly in energy, trade and investment.
The prime minister expressed deep condolences on the loss of precious lives in the Crocus City Hall attack outside Moscow last week and said Pakistan stood in solidarity with Russia at this tragic hour.
The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Ambassador of the Russian Federation Albert P. Khorev who called on him, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister stressed the need for early convening of the 9th session of the Inter-governmental Commission (IGC), due to be hosted by Russia later this year.
He also urged the Russian side to send a delegation to Pakistan to hold discussions with their counterparts to identify ways to enhance the existing level of trade and investment ties between the two countries.
While fondly recalling their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Samarkand in 2022, the prime minister reiterated his invitation to President Putin to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
He also thanked President Vladimir Putin for the congratulatory message sent to him on his re-election.
The Russian ambassador assured the prime minister that Russia wanted to build stronger ties with Pakistan and said that, in addition to energy, trade and investment, Russia was also keen to enhance cooperation in education and culture.
Both countries are also actively involved in SCO.
US stands with Pakistan to tackle challenges, Biden writes to Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD – United States President Joe Biden in his first communication with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after assumption of PM Office conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected government of Pakistan.
In his letter to the prime minister, President Biden reiterated the US’ unwavering commitment to standing alongside Pakistan in confronting the most pressing challenges facing the world and the region.
He also emphasised the shared vision of prioritizing public health protection, economic development, and education, affirming the commitment to advancing these goals in tandem, a press release of Prime Minister Office said on Friday.
Highlighting the significance of the enduring partnership between the peoples of the United States and Pakistan, President Biden said the partnership was critical to ensuring the security of the world and the people.
Moreover, President Biden emphasized the continued collaboration between the two nations under the USPakistan Green Alliance Framework, aiming to bolster environmental improvements and sustainable development initiatives. He also assured to continue support for Pakistan’s endeavors in sustainable agriculture, water management, and recovery efforts following the devastating 2022 floods.
President Biden reaffirmed the joint commitment to upholding human rights and promoting inclusive development, signaling a strengthened partnership between the United States and Pakistan.
“The close relations established between the people of the two countries will further strengthen,” the president added.
The US Embassy in Islamabad also shared the letter on its website The letter says, “The enduring partnership between our nations remains critical to ensuring the security of our people and people around the world—and the United States will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time.” “That includes advancing our shared vision for a future of greater health security, economic growth, and access to education for all. Through our U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework, we will also continue to strengthen our climate resilience, support sustainable agriculture and water management, and assist with Pakistan’s recovery from the devastating floods in 2022. And, the United States remains committed to working with Pakistan to protect human rights and promote progress.” “Together, we will continue to forge a strong partnership between our nations, and close bond between our people.”
ECONOMY (PAKISTAN)
