israel revokes entry
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Israel revokes entry permits of US Jewish activist…

JERUSALEM: Israel has withdrawn the entry permits of several American Jewish activists who took part in protests in the occupied West Bank against attacks on Palestinians and damage to their property, according to a report by US Jewish publication The Forward.

Among those affected was activist Sam Sherman, who said his travel permit was canceled while he was participating in a seven-week volunteer programme in Masafer Yatta, where he had been working alongside Palestinian residents.

Sherman told the publication that several members of his group received cancellation notices within minutes of one another. He said Israeli soldiers, police and armed settlers had photographed his passport during confrontations that he described as being initiated by settlers.

According to Sherman, the activists had been peacefully spending time with local Palestinians but were treated by Israeli authorities as though their presence itself constituted a serious offence.

The reported permit cancellations come amid continued tensions in the occupied West Bank, where confrontations involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers and security forces remain a major source of concern.

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    14 security personnel martyred, 27 injured in suic…

    TANK: At least 14 security personnel were martyred and 27 others injured in a major suicide attack on the Manjhi Khel Joint Check Post in Tank district after terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the facility late Thursday night, triggering a massive blast. According to security and police sources, the powerful explosion caused extensive destruction to the check post, completely demolishing seven to eight rooms and damaging nearby houses. Shortly after the blast, an intense exchange of gunfire erupted between the attackers and security forces and continued for a considerable period. Sources said all attackers were killed during the ensuing security operation. A clearance and search operation remains underway as authorities continue removing debris and recovering bodies. The martyred personnel reportedly include two police officials, seven members of the security forces, and one Forest Guard. Among the police personnel who embraced martyrdom were Constable Bilal and driver Tala Muhammad. The injured include four police officials Constable Ismatullah Akbari, Constable Jasim, Constable Muhammad Dawood, and Constable Pir Ghulam along with other security personnel. All the wounded were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Tank, for medical treatment. According to sources, two of the attackers were wearing uniforms resembling those of the Pakistan Army in an apparent attempt to deceive security personnel. Preliminary information suggests the suicide attack was carried out using a Datsun/Mazda vehicle loaded with approximately 1,500 kilograms of explosives. Sources also claimed that a white Toyota Corolla GLi was used by the attackers, apparently to facilitate their movement after the explosion. Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a large scale search and clearance operation. Officials are collecting evidence to determine the full circumstances of the attack. However, an official statement confirming the casualty figures and operational details is still awaited. Meanwhile, the funeral prayers for the martyred personnel are expected to be attended by Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Shahab Ali Shah. In response to the security situation, the district administration has imposed a district-wide curfew in Tank from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with all entry and exit routes to the city closed until further notice. Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and avoid unnecessary travel during the curfew.

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    Fourth International Punjabi Conference to be held…

    LAHORE: The fourth International Punjabi Conference will be held in Lahore from Nov 27 to 29, bringing together writers, academics, artists and other professionals from Pakistan and abroad, organisers announced at a press conference. The event is being organised by the Punjabi Parchar Organisation in collaboration with Punjabi Lehar and the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC), where the three-day conference will take place. Chief organiser Ahmed Raza Punjabi said the event would be held on a large scale, following the three previous editions of the conference. According to the organisers, thousands of participants from Pakistani Punjab and more than 50 foreign delegates from nine countries are expected to attend. The international participants will include writers, intellectuals, politicians, scientists, journalists, film artists, businesspeople and farmers. Mr Ahmed said the conference aimed to promote Punjabi language and literature while providing a platform to discuss issues facing Punjab and Punjabi communities around the world. He said prominent figures from Pakistani Punjab and successful members of the Punjabi diaspora would be invited to discuss those challenges and propose possible solutions. Conference focal person Dr Zaheer Wattoo said 10 panel discussions would be organised on Punjabi language and literature, the environment, agriculture, politics, sports, film and Punjabi nationalism. Academics from leading universities around the world would also present research papers during the three-day event, he added. Dr Wattoo said separate committees had been formed for different fields. These committees would select speakers from Pakistan and abroad for the panel discussions. The programme will also feature Punjabi cultural performances, live music and theatre. According to the organisers, nine Punjabi singers from different countries will perform during the conference. Several competitions aimed at connecting Punjabi with younger generations will also be held. These will cover public speaking, modern technology, short films, social media reels, singing, poetry and scientific innovation. Two Punjabi books will be launched on each day of the conference, including works by authors from Pakistan, the United States and Canada. On the final day, 16 awards across eight categories will be presented to individuals for their contributions to Punjab and Punjabi culture. Eight recipients will be from Pakistani Punjab, while the remaining awards will go to Punjabi personalities from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. A number of Punjabi literary and cultural figures from Lahore attended the announcement and presented suggestions regarding the conference programme.

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    ‘Never felt this helpless’: Dr Summaiya speaks…

    Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed has expressed deep concern over developments in the Mir Raza Ali case, saying she has never felt so helpless during her four-year tenure as Karachi’s police surgeon and head of medico-legal services. In a post on social media platform X, Dr Summaiya said she had frequently faced obstacles while trying to establish the truth and ensure justice. However, she said the situation surrounding the Mir Raza case had left her extremely exhausted. “During my four-year tenure as Karachi’s medico-legal services/police surgeon, I have never felt this helpless,” she said. Dr Summaiya added that although difficulties had often come her way in the pursuit of truth and justice, she had now reached a point of extreme exhaustion. The police surgeon had earlier written a letter to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East regarding the Mir Raza Ali case. In the letter, she pointed out what she described as serious shortcomings in the post-mortem report prepared by Dr Usama Sheikh. Her concerns have raised questions about the findings recorded in the post-mortem report and the medico-legal procedures followed in the case. The matter has consequently drawn attention to the importance of accurate documentation and proper medical examination in sensitive cases. Dr Summaiya’s latest remarks indicate her continued concern over the handling of the case. Her public statement has also highlighted the difficulties she says she has encountered while carrying out her professional responsibilities and seeking truth and justice.

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    Independence day celebrations continue across Balo…

      QUETTA: Independence Day celebrations continued across different parts of Balochistan as people from various communities came together to mark the country’s Independence Day with enthusiasm and national spirit. A number of rallies and public events were organised at different locations across the province, attracting large participation from citizens. People from different backgrounds joined the celebrations to express their love for Pakistan and reaffirm their commitment to national unity. Rallies were organised in Turbat, Kharan, Taftan and several other areas of Balochistan. The processions were decorated with Pakistani national flags, while participants carried flags and displayed them on vehicles and along the routes of the rallies. The celebrations reflected a strong sense of national pride, with citizens participating in activities designed to mark the significance of Independence Day. Participants raised slogans in support of Pakistan and expressed their commitment to the country’s peace, stability and development. In Turbat, residents took part in an Independence Day rally, with people gathering in different parts of the city before joining the procession. National flags were prominently displayed, creating a festive atmosphere across the area. Similar celebrations were also held in Kharan, where citizens participated in a rally to commemorate the occasion. Participants carried national flags and expressed their solidarity with the country. Families, young people and other members of the community took part in the celebrations. In Taftan and surrounding areas, Independence Day activities also continued throughout the day. National flags were displayed at public places, vehicles and buildings, while residents participated in rallies and other activities organised to mark the national occasion. The rallies provided an opportunity for citizens to express national unity and remember the historical significance of Pakistan’s independence. Participants highlighted the importance of maintaining unity, harmony and cooperation among people from different communities and regions. Independence Day is observed across Pakistan every year on August 14 to commemorate the country’s independence in 1947. The occasion is traditionally marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, rallies, public gatherings and cultural activities. Across Balochistan, citizens used the occasion to celebrate the country’s independence while also expressing hopes for peace and prosperity. The widespread display of national flags added to the festive atmosphere, while the participation of people in different cities demonstrated their enthusiasm for the national event. Local communities also used the celebrations to promote messages of unity and collective responsibility. Speakers and participants at various gatherings stressed that national development requires cooperation and active participation from citizens. The celebrations in Balochistan were part of nationwide Independence Day activities taking place across Pakistan. From major cities to smaller towns and remote areas, people organised events to commemorate the country’s independence and celebrate their national identity. The rallies in Turbat, Kharan, Taftan and other parts of the province brought together citizens who wanted to mark the occasion collectively. The participants’ display of national flags and expressions of solidarity reflected the importance attached to Independence Day across the province. As the celebrations continue, various parts of Balochistan remain decorated with national flags and other Independence Day decorations. Citizens are expected to continue participating in events throughout the day, with celebrations aimed at highlighting national unity, patriotism and hopes for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.

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    Netflix finally unveils Pakistan’s biggest series

    Pakistan’s first original Netflix series, “Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo,” is reportedly set to premiere by the end of 2026 after facing repeated delays that left fans uncertain about its future. The series is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by acclaimed writer Farhat Ishtiaq. First published as a serialized story in 2009, the novel later appeared in book form in 2013 and became one of Pakistan’s most popular contemporary romance novels. The project marks a major milestone for Pakistan’s entertainment industry as it is the country’s first original production created specifically for Netflix. Unlike several Pakistani television dramas that were added to the streaming platform after airing locally, this series was developed exclusively as a Netflix original. The drama features one of the biggest ensemble casts in Pakistani television. It stars Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Bilal Ashraf, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Hania Aamir, Iqra Aziz, Sanam Saeed, Ahad Raza Mir, Nadia Khan, along with several other well-known actors. The series has been directed and produced by Momina Duraid. The project was initially expected to debut in 2025, but its release was postponed without any official explanation. The delay led to widespread speculation among viewers, with many questioning whether the series would ever reach the streaming platform. Fresh reports now suggest that post-production work is nearing completion. The final editing process is said to be underway, while promotional activities involving the cast are expected to begin in the coming weeks ahead of the planned release. Despite the latest update, many fans remain cautious after the long wait. Social media users have expressed excitement about the possibility of finally watching the series but say they will believe the release only when Netflix officially announces the premiere date and makes the episodes available. If released as expected, “Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo” is likely to become one of Pakistan’s biggest digital entertainment launches, introducing local storytelling to a wider international audience through one of the world’s leading streaming platforms.

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    CDA launches Rs5.07bn Six-Lane Road project from Faizabad to Koral Chowk

    The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has accelerated plans to construct a new six-lane carriageway along Service Road East, approving a project worth Rs5.072 billion aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion on the Islamabad Expressway and improving connectivity between Faizabad and Koral Chowk. The 9.25-kilometre road will run parallel to the Islamabad Expressway, extending from Faizabad to Koral Chowk near Gulberg Housing Society. Once completed, the new corridor is expected to provide motorists with an alternative route, reducing travel time on one of the capital’s busiest transport arteries while facilitating smoother traffic movement for commuters travelling to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Officials said the project forms part of the CDA’s broader strategy to upgrade the capital’s road infrastructure in response to increasing traffic volumes and rapid urban expansion in surrounding residential and commercial areas. According to official sources, the new carriageway is expected to improve access to several housing societies and neighbourhoods located along the eastern side of the Islamabad Expressway. Authorities believe the project will not only ease traffic bottlenecks but also stimulate commercial development by increasing the value of properties and attracting new businesses along the corridor. To facilitate construction, the CDA has earmarked approximately Rs500 million for the relocation of critical utility infrastructure. This includes fibre-optic networks operated by the Islamabad Police Safe City Project, the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), and the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). Sources said extensive utility shifting will be required before the main construction work can proceed at full pace. The project involves relocating 11kV electricity distribution lines, shifting 242 electricity poles, and relocating 248 graves that fall within the road alignment. Earthwork activities have already begun at selected locations. The road project also incorporates environmental protection measures. Officials said engineers have planned the preservation of 22 underground water channels, natural streams, and stormwater drains located along the proposed route to minimise environmental disruption and maintain the area’s natural drainage system. A breakdown of utility relocation costs shows that around Rs406 million has been allocated for IESCO infrastructure, Rs87.3 million for shifting Safe City fibre-optic networks, and approximately Rs6 million for relocating SPD facilities. Work on these utility relocation components is expected to commence after the completion of technical and administrative formalities. A senior CDA official said the authority has revised the project’s completion timeline, reducing the original target of 12 months to between six and eight months. However, the official acknowledged that the timely relocation of utilities remains the biggest hurdle and will largely determine whether the revised deadline can be achieved.

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