In a surprising turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has challenged Tesla CEO Elon Musk to a fight, which Musk accepted. Musk responded to the video with, "I accept," and further engaged with another user suggesting a cage fight, reminiscent of the much-publicized but unrealized Musk vs. Zuckerberg bout. I accept — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 31, 2024I’m coming for you Maduro! Adding to the international dimension, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Maduro on what has been described as a rigged election win. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has accused Maduro and 14 current and former Venezuelan officials of narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking.

RIYADH: Concert promotor Live Nation Arabia will manage operations at Maraya Hall in AlUla after a deal was struck with the company responsible for boosing tourism in the area. The Public Investment Fund-backed AlUla Development Co. signed a three-year partnership agreement with the entertainment firm, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The deal will enhance Maraya Hall’s position as a major complex that hosts various events, including concerts, cultural performances, exhibitions, and conferences, according to the report. This falls in line with AlUla Development Co.’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the cultural and natural heritage of the governorate. Fabien Toscano, the CEO of AlUla Development Co., said: “We are delighted to partner with Live Nation Arabia to unleash Maraya’s full potential as a hub for world-class entertainment and cultural experiences.”Toscano added: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to showcasing AlUla’s natural beauty and rich heritage to the world.

Fishermen in Karachi are demanding an immediate subsidy on fuel, as rising costs threaten to prevent them from going to sea and earning crucial foreign exchange. Historically, fishermen celebrated the end of the ban by preparing for a lucrative fishing season that extended through August, September, October, and beyond. Many vessels, docked since May, remain stationary, as their owners struggle to cover the escalating costs of operating. He called for fish stock surveys and a stipend for fishermen during the annual June-July ban, which is imposed to allow for fish breeding and protect against flooding. He also stressed the need for a comprehensive survey of all boats and vessels, which currently number over 10,000.

The number of US visas issued to applicants from Pakistan is expected to reach a record high in 2024. Aa per reports, the US consulates in Karachi and Islamabad have been processing over 10,000 visa applications each month. Embassy officials stated that 2023 saw the highest number of visas issued by the US embassy in Islamabad and the Karachi consulates. Officials announced that by October 2024, the number of visas issued is anticipated to surpass last year's record, as applications from Pakistan have increased. For those who have already submitted visa applications, the embassy has implemented a system for case reviews via email.

A delegation from Mutahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif today (Thursday). Sources indicate that the delegation will include Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mustafa Kamal. As per details, the agenda for the meeting is expected to cover topics such as electricity bills and the payment of non-development charges to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The MQM will demand a review of the contracts with the IPPs and the elimination of non-development charges. Additionally, the meeting will address the allocation of special development funds for urban areas and the provision of interest-free loans for youth.

Beyond the abhorrent threats, this situation underscores the existential threat extremist forces pose to the nation and the state’s vulnerability to these groups. Pakistan finds itself in this precarious situation largely due to decades of ill-advised state policies regarding extremist groups. The authorities have either ignored the growth of jihadist, sectarian, and extremist groups or, in some cases, actively supported them. The state must take decisive action against extremist groups, as outlined in the National Action Plan, to prevent them from gaining further power and destabilizing the nation. The nation has already suffered significant losses, such as the assassination of Salmaan Taseer, due to accusations of blasphemy.

Action taken by Israel should be boycotted by all nations; Ali Azad, Today again we are seeing a World War One situation, Senator Humanity MohmandIslamabad: PML-N leader Tahira Aurangzeb’s conversation with SK Niazi on Sachi Baat programme said America has never given any positive statement on such incidents, if such an incident happens to a guest of any country, it is a very sad place, dozens of people in Ismail Hania’s family have also been martyred, Pakistan strongly condemned the incident and also submitted a resolution in the National Assembly, all political parties of Pakistan will strongly protest against Ismail Hania incident. ‘After the Supreme Court’s decision, the implementation consequences will be very severe, enacting legislation in the face of Supreme Court decisions would be tantamount to sitting the court, Malicious legislation will not last long, without implementing the decision of the Supreme Court, you can’t go left or right,’ said President Islamabad High Court Bar Association State Ali Azad. ‘Our constitution is like the dried flowers lying in the books, how can a government which does not have its own legs legislate, the court remarks that it is very difficult to hold elections according to the constitution, you have to break every rule to get a man, then what can a common man do, during the Tehreek-e-Insaf period, the country’s GDP remained stable at 6%,’ PTI leader Senator Humayun Mohmand. The PML-N government has ended the health card program, Nepra is also saying why Narowal Coal Power Plant has been installed, there is one power plant which has received 2 trillion rupees, if the NAB amendments are lifted, it will be seen how they have benefited themselves,The best friend is one who tells you wrong and not flatters you, Senator Humayun Mohmand. Terrorism control and load shedding was zero in Mian Nawaz Sharif’s government, Tahira Aurangzeb.

Since Tuesday evening until early Wednesday, the Middle East witnessed two assassinations, including of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli strike on a southern suburb of Beirut and Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital, Tehran. The Palestinian resistance group Hamas announced early Wednesday that Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in Tehran. The Israeli army also claimed Tuesday that it killed key Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in a drone strike. The fate of the Hezbollah leader remains shrouded in mystery following the assassination attempt late Tuesday. The assassinations come amid an ongoing Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip for more than nine months, along with an escalation involving Hezbollah on the southern Lebanese border with the Israeli army.

The event took place on Liaquat Road, with Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, addressing the participants. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/JIThousands of people attended a symbolic funeral prayer for slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh at Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) ongoing sit-in in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. The event took place on Liaquat Road, with Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, addressing the participants. Also read: Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in IranRehman recounted seeing a picture of Haniyeh with his entire family involved in the movement. He emphasised that Haniyeh's martyrdom has revitalised their cause and that many more Haniyehs would emerge.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Iran are trying to strengthen ties after recent tensions following military exchanges between Iran and Pakistan. Initially, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled to attend this ceremony. Despite the recent tensions, Iran and Pakistan have taken steps to de-escalate the situation. This agreement marked a significant step towards restoring diplomatic relations and demonstrates a mutual desire for peace and stability. The attendance of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister at the inauguration ceremony, symbolizes Pakistan’s proactive approach to diplomacy.

"What I saw made me ashamed," Rowe told a joint hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees. "As a career law enforcement officer, and a 25-year veteran with the Secret Service, I cannot defend why that roof was not better secured." But Rowe went on to tell lawmakers that the Secret Service erred by assuming that a local officials would cover the building and its roof, not the Secret Service. "Isn't that something that Secret Service should have covered, as opposed to delegating it to local law enforcement?" Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal asked Rowe: "Ultimately, doesn't the buck stop with the Secret Service?"

Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, a renowned drama and film writer, is again making headlines, this time for being allegedly kidnapped by a gang in Lahore. According to reports, Qamar was extorted for money and filed an FIR against the gang before sharing his ordeal publicly. Yesterday, an indecent video featuring Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and a woman alleged to be Aamna Arooj was leaked online. The video quickly went viral on social media, leading to widespread condemnation of Qamar. Video courtesy Muneezay Moeen YouTube channel:In response, Qamar gave his side of the story in an interview with journalist Muneezay Moeen.

The cost of basic goods has skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible for many to afford essential necessities. Rising inflation and unemployment are leaving people unable to provide for their basic needs, forcing families to sell their assets just to survive. This financial strain is leading to an increase in crime rates, divorce rates, and suicide rates as individuals struggle to cope with their circumstances. If safety measures are not taken during this critical time, a dark and uncertain future awaits the nation. Prompt and effective measures are essential to stabilize the economy, support the vulnerable, and restore hope among the people.

FGCM sentences him to 14 years in prison, besides his rank was forfeited: ISPRISLAMABAD: Retired Lieutenant Colonel Akbar Hussain has been convicted and sentenced by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, for inciting sedition among army personnel, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Field General Court finds him guilty on May 10, 2024, sentencing to 14 years’ rigorous imprisonment, says the ISPR. The court, following a thorough judicial process, adjudged him guilty and handed down a sentence of 14 years of rigorous imprisonment on May 10, 2024. Previously, Ex-Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Ex-Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi were also convicted and sentenced by a Field General Court Martial under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952. They were sentenced to 14 and 12 years of rigorous imprisonment, respectively, and their ranks were forfeited effective November 21, 2023.

However, the truth is that we are guilty of driving our kids into danger—and maybe we even do it blissfully unconscious. Recent studies reveal the startling effects of passive smoking on Bangladeshi and Pakistani school-age youngsters. According to data, a startling 95% of children in the two nations may experience health problems as a result of breathing in smoke-related emissions. We must catch up to the West and give saving the future of our children significant consideration. ForTo a great number of people, mostly children, it may come as a shock to hear that their smoking is causing medical emergencies.