Multi-nation air drills vital in pursuit of common aims: COASArmy Chief General Syed Asim Munir visited an operational air base of Pakistan Air Force to witness the on-going aerial exercise Indus Shield-2023. The Air Chiefs of Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Hungary were also among the distinguished guests who witnessed PAF's 14 nation mega air exercise. Addressing the exercise participants, Chief of Army Staff accentuated the paramount importance of multinational air exercises in the pursuit of common objectives amidst the ever-evolving dynamics of air warfare. General Syed Asim Munir acknowledged that the Centre's expertise and dedication have contributed to the development of highly skilled and proficient air warriors, who are ready to meet the challenges of modern warfareHighlighting the significance of the exercise, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, emphasized that exercise Indus Shield offers a unique opportunity for participating air forces to showcase their unparalleled skills and operational capabilities.

LAHORE: Senior Pakistani jurist and former Senator Syed Muhammad Zafar, popularly known as SM Zafar, passed away at the age of 93, his family members in Lahore confirmed on Thursday. The caretaker information minister said SM Zafar was not only an eminent jurist but also a humble human being. He said the services of SM Zafar (Late) will always be remembered. Saddened to hear SM Zafar has passed away. Roshaneh sincerest condolences on the loss of your father the great Senator SM Zafar.

HYDERABAD-Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries (HCSTSI) President Muhammad Farooq Shaikhani congratulated the caretaker government on its continuous efforts, resulting in the reduction of petroleum products prices by Rs.40 and the dollar has also decreased by 25 rupees. According to a press release issued here on Thursday, he said that there has been no reduction in the prices of food items and transport fares in the country. He further said that the main reason for the power crisis was the theft of electricity as well as the contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and these contracts need to be reviewed after a clear drop in petroleum product prices. He called for devising a mechanism that the benefit of reduction in petroleum prices should reach the masses immediately However, the reduction in fuel prices did not affect transport fares and food items as well.

Now international lenders, who in the past avoided air­ing their views on the Pakistani economy, are openly calling a spade a spade. The IMF represen­tatives continue to repeat their re­solve in public that the Pakistani government(s) should tax untaxed sectors. The World Bank country director was more candid while passing scathing comments about powerful vested interests, includ­ing the military and political elite, not allowing reforms. Then how would these vested inter­ests take action to tax themselves? The elite capture is pushing the economy and the common people to the precipice.

Initially established in Jayanagar in 2016, Central Jail Restaurant relaunched to the Hosur Sarjapura Road (HSR) Layout last year. According to reviews on food websites and blogs, the restaurant has been received with enthusiasm by Bangalore’s food lovers. “I had the tomato soup at Central Jail and it was really good. Service was very fast and the container and packaging was really good. In a video review shared by Central Jail Restaurant’s official Instagram account, another customer toured the dining facility and complimented its ambiance.

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and clarified Pakistan has no intention to send troops to Palestine. She said Pakistan has no intention to send troops to Palestine amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. The talks revolved around the pressing matter of Gaza, as Pakistan seeks to build regional consensus for a peaceful resolution. To demonstrate Pakistan’s solidarity with Palestine, the government has dispatched a special plane carrying vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. To ensure the efficient delivery of aid, Pakistan’s assistance to Palestine will be routed through Egypt.

Four soldiers were martyred and six terrorists killed in two fierce encounters took place in North and South Waziristan districts. The Inter Services Public Relations in a statement said the first engagement occurred in general area Gharyoum, North Waziristan district. It said the troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location as a result of which six terrorists, including a high value target, terrorist ringleader Hazrat Zaman alias Khawarey Mullah, were killed. However, during the operation, three soldiers – Lance Naik TabbasumuI Haq, Sepoy Naeem Akhtar and Sepoy Abdul Hameed, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom. In another intense fire exchange between own troops and terrorists in general area Asman Manza, South Waziristan district, Sepoy Farman Ali paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.

On Wednesday, the cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had to cancel a total of 24 domestic and international flights due to a limited supply of fuel by Pakistan State Oil (PSO). According to official sources, on Wednesday, PIA paid Rs150 million to PSO for fuelling these 26 flights. On Tuesday, PSO had provided fuel for only 13 PIA flights, including 10 international and 3 domestic routes, upon payment of Rs125 million. Read also: Financial crisis takes a toll on PIA passengersA senior official at PSO said the state-owned fuel supplier was "providing fuel only for flights that PIA has prioritized." This week, PIA agreed to pay the oil firm Rs100 million every day to cover its dues, the PSO official said.

According to the Department of Justice, the guilty plea and sentencing of Joran Andreas Petrus van der Sloot, 36, occurred before U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco. Van der Sloot pleaded guilty to extortion and wire fraud and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to the plea agreement, in 2010, van der Sloot solicited money from Beth Holloway, Natalee Holloway’s mother, on promises he would reveal the location of her daughter’s remains in Aruba and the circumstances of her 2005 death. In his admittance, he plead that he killed Natalee Holloway and hid her body in the water. “Today, the United States held Joran van der Sloot accountable for his scheme to exploit a mother looking for information about her missing daughter,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said.

King Charles, Queen Camilla make ‘passionate’ request to nation in speechKing Charles and Queen Camilla recently addressed the nation in a speech and made a request. The King emphasized with his wife Queen Camilla beside him for tolerance and understanding, “even in the most fractious of times” in a speech valuing British values. He persisted that “the temptation to turn ourselves into a shouting or recriminatory society must be resisted” as advised the nation on both sides of the debate to be “passionate, but not pugnacious”. Th speech comes after the increased Middle East issues following the attack on Israel by Hamas militants, which sparked several retaliation strikes. At approximately 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Charles and Camilla arrived at Mansion House for the customary supper and event honouring the efforts of the City of London civic organizations and Livery Companies, the district's historical and modern trade guilds.

KARACHI-E-commerce platforms and delivery services have been found to violate the country’s anti-smoking laws. A notable case is observed with a popular mart, where smuggled cigarettes available are being sold violating track and trace guidelines and evading FED duties that discourages people from smoking and enhances government revenue. The sale of cigarettes to minors is prohibited by the country’s legal framework. However, popular platforms have inadvertently made it considerably easier for minors to access cigarettes by selling smuggled and tax evading brands at considerably low prices. It is imperative that government agencies take immediate notice of this issue and enforce strict adherence to the nation’s laws by all e-commerce platforms and delivery services.

One of the significant outcomes of this meeting is Pakistan’s invitation to Russian investment in its energy sector. As a key player in this transformative initiative, Pakistan’s engagement with Russia adds a new dimension to regional dynamics. It highlights Pakistan’s role as a bridge between East and West and signifies the growing importance of the Eurasian region in global affairs. The positive interactions among world leaders at the Belt and Road Forum reflect a shared commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development. It is heartening to see leaders from diverse nations coming together to discuss mutual interests and seek common solutions to global challenges.

The Western hemisphere’s acolytes of liberty and freedom have tacitly denied any support to Palestinians’ right to freedom and are at the forefront of the occupier Israel’s defence. - Advertisement -Despite the UK ban on the Palestinian flags and chants, people unwavering rallied to support Palestinians and their right to self-determination. The UN once again has failed to maintain peace during an escalation and fix a problem that’s long been on its agenda. Despite the negativity and propaganda spread against Gaza, people around the world are out in the streets in support of the Palestinians. The resistance has never been halted by fake propaganda, atrocities, and repressions.

Brian Bly, age 54, of Pinson, AL passed away October 8, 2023. Brian graduated from Winfield High School. Brian loved spending time with DeeDee, being selfless and considerate, and historical events. Brian was preceded in death by his wife DeeDee and father Jimmy Bly. He is survived by his mother Kay Rengers, sons Chris and Chase Bly, daughter Julia Hartley, step-daughter Mandee Rogers, grand-son Holden Hartley, sister Karen Ridley (John), and niece Bonnie Shoemaker.

He also aims to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, where millions of Palestinians are surviving with scant food, fuel and water due to Israel’s siege. Guterres appealed to Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and to Israel to allow immediate unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for Gaza. After a rocket strike on a Gaza hospital killed hundreds on Tuesday, Hezbollah called for a “day of rage”. WHO urges against healthcare centre attacksThe World Health Organisation has urged against any attacks on healthcare centres, a day after a Gaza hospital strike that killed almost 500 people. The European Commission president told EU lawmakers the “facts need to be established” on the overnight strike on the Gaza hospital.