تازہ ترین

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    US announces visa curbs on cybercrime suspects

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals accused of involvement in cybercrime, online fraud and other cyber-enabled criminal activities. The new measures will apply to people who are directly involved in such crimes or who knowingly assist criminal networks. The policy specifically covers online scams, cyber fraud and sextortion. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the policy was introduced as part of the Trump administration’s broader campaign against cybercrime and fraud targeting American citizens. The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump aimed at combating cybercrime, financial fraud and schemes that exploit US citizens. According to the US State Department, online investment scams have become a major threat to Americans. The department said US citizens lost at least $10 billion to scams in 2024. Officials also raised concerns about criminal organisations operating across borders. Some scam operations are allegedly linked to transnational criminal groups and are associated with money laundering, corruption and human trafficking. The US government also highlighted the growing threat of sextortion. American children have reportedly been targeted by overseas criminals who use online platforms to manipulate and blackmail victims. Under the new policy, visa restrictions can be imposed on foreign nationals found responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and cyber-enabled criminal activities. In certain cases, immediate family members of individuals involved in such activities may also face visa restrictions. The policy has been introduced under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. The administration said visa restrictions would form part of a wider effort to disrupt international scam networks. Other measures could include sanctions, criminal prosecutions, asset seizures and extradition requests. Washington also plans to strengthen cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle criminal networks operating across borders. Rubio said the United States would pursue individuals who target Americans through cybercrime and fraudulent schemes. The administration said the new restrictions were intended to increase the consequences for criminals and those who help them operate

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    Health Professionals, Community leaders strongly condemn transfer of renowned surgeon

    ByJustpaste.in

    THATTA — Senior medical professionals and community representatives have strongly condemned the sudden transfer of eminent surgeon Professor Dr. Mashooque Ali Hajani from Civil Hospital Makli to Civil Hospital Sujawal, calling the decision an unjustified move and a conspiracy against the hospital’s recent healthcare advancements. In a joint statement, prominent health leaders—including Dr. Sugra Parveen Uqaili, Dr. Ahmed Khan Zardari, Dr. Habib Jokhio, and Dr. Gul Qazi—expressed grave concern over the transfer, warning that it will derail the major improvements made in the Surgical Ward and cause severe hardship to poor and underprivileged patients who rely heavily on these services. The medical fraternity pointed out that prior to Dr. Hajani’s arrival, the surgical unit in Thatta District was severely under-resourced and largely limited to minor procedures such as circumcisions. Through Dr.Mashoque’s tireless dedication and technical expertise, the department was rebuilt into a fully functional unit capable of performing major and complex operations, including laparotomies, directly within the district. “The transfer of such a sincere, highly capable, and dedicated surgeon is detrimental to both the institution and the public interest,” the statement read. “Depriving Civil Hospital Makli of his services will only result in medical delays and hardship for patients who cannot afford private or out-of-district care.” The delegation has urgently appealed to the senior leadership of the Health Department and relevant authorities to immediately revoke the transfer order, allowing Professor Dr. Mashooque Ali Hajani to continue his transformative work at Civil Hospital Makli.

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    Thank you for calling us Cockroaches’: activist reacts to Indian Education Minister’s resignation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Following the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief Abhijit Dipke addressed a protest rally at Jantar Mantar and thanked those who had referred to young people as “cockroaches.” Speaking at the demonstration, Dipke directly addressed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, saying that if the chief justice had not used the term, he would not have returned to India and the protest movement would never have begun. According to Indian media reports, the youth-led campaign began after a Supreme Court hearing on May 15. During a case concerning the designation of senior advocates, Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly compared some young people to cockroaches, saying they struggled to find employment and opportunities in their professions. The chief justice later clarified that his remarks were directed at people holding fake law degrees and were not intended to describe unemployed youth generally. However, the statement quickly spread across social media and triggered widespread criticism. The following day, Abhijit Dipke, a student based in Boston and a former communications strategist for the Aam Aadmi Party, announced the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party in a satirical social media post. Dipke presented the group as a platform for young people who considered themselves “cockroaches” — including unemployed youth, active social media users and those critical of the existing system. The campaign gained momentum as public anger increased over allegations surrounding a National Eligibility Test (NET) paper leak. Dipke returned to India in early June and began leading protests at Jantar Mantar. The protesters’ main demand was the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations. The movement later received wider attention when social activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28. He ended the hunger strike after 26 days following written assurances from the government. The assurances included a commitment that peaceful protesters would not face criminal cases. The government also agreed to consider examination reforms and accountability measures in Parliament. It further agreed to consider a proposal for compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the reported paper leak. Despite the end of Wangchuk’s hunger strike, the Cockroach Janta Party continued demanding Pradhan’s resignation. The protests continued even after demonstrators were reportedly subjected to a baton charge on July 20. Growing pressure eventually led to Pradhan stepping down. In his resignation, Pradhan said he was leaving his position with the future of students in mind. He also said the decision was necessary to prevent anti-national elements from taking advantage of the situation at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere across the country.

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    PMDC faces Senate heat over “misleading” MDCAT advertisement that created panic among overseas medical students

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A major controversy has erupted over a Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) advertisement after a Senate committee accused the council of creating unnecessary fear among students planning to study medicine abroad by publishing unclear and misleading information about the MDCAT examination. During a meeting of the Sub Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Senator Anusha Rahman questioned PMDC officials over a newspaper advertisement that appeared to suggest that every Pakistani student going abroad for medical education must first pass the MDCAT. The senator said the advertisement created confusion among thousands of students, including those planning to join top international universities in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia. She questioned why students who had already decided to study abroad were being pushed towards the MDCAT exam because of unclear wording in a public advertisement. “Through this advertisement, you told a student who wants to go to Harvard or Cambridge that they must also appear in MDCAT,” Senator Anusha Rahman said while questioning PMDC officials. She said such a major policy message could not be communicated incorrectly because it directly affects students’ futures. The controversy started after PMDC published a public alert for students planning to study medicine and dentistry abroad. The advertisement mentioned several requirements for Pakistani students going overseas, including academic qualifications, recognition of foreign institutions, PMDC registration and other conditions. However, the committee pointed out that the wording of the advertisement gave the impression that MDCAT was compulsory for all students going abroad, while PMDC officials later clarified that this was not the actual intention of the policy. PMDC President admitted during the meeting that the matter needed to be reviewed and said the requirement was actually meant for specific situations, including certain universities based on rankings or countries placed under special concerns. Senator Anusha Rahman questioned why the advertisement was not written clearly according to the approved policy. She demanded that PMDC present the original policy approved by the council and publish the correct version for public understanding. The senator also questioned accountability inside PMDC and asked whether any official was questioned for preparing and releasing the confusing advertisement. She asked officials why no one had been held responsible when everyone agreed that the newspaper advertisement contained an incorrect line. PMDC President admitted that no such inquiry had been conducted. The committee expressed concern that thousands of students may have suffered unnecessary stress because of the confusion. Senator Anusha Rahman said students preparing for overseas medical education were already under pressure and the unclear announcement pushed many of them towards MDCAT preparation and private coaching academies. She said the advertisement may explain why many A Level students were suddenly seen joining local academies for MDCAT preparation. The senator said she personally observed many A Level students in academies and believed the confusion created by the advertisement could be a main reason. She urged officials to visit academies and listen to students who were facing anxiety because of the uncertainty. The senator said students and parents were receiving late night calls filled with fear and frustration because they did not know whether their future plans would be affected. The committee directed PMDC to immediately issue a correction advertisement. Senator Anusha Rahman said a simple addendum would not suffice because the original notice was published prominently in newspapers. She directed PMDC to publish a proper clarification on the front page of newspapers, clearly explaining which students are required to take MDCAT and which students are not. She said the corrected advertisement should appear in newspapers so students preparing to travel abroad could get immediate clarity. PMDC officials suggested issuing an addendum, but the senator rejected the idea and said the correction must be given the same importance as the original announcement. She said students going to countries such as the UK, US, Canada and Australia must clearly know whether the MDCAT requirement applies to them. According to the PMDC public alert, students going abroad for medical and dental education were informed about requirements including minimum academic marks, foreign institution recognition, PMDC registration before departure, course duration requirements and passing the National Registration Examination after returning to Pakistan. The notice also stated that students who fail to meet required conditions may not be allowed to appear in the National Registration Examination. However, the Senate committee said unclear communication created unnecessary confusion among students and demanded that PMDC ensure future announcements are accurate and easy to understand. The committee warned that policy mistakes involving education can directly affect thousands of young people because admission timelines, travel plans and university opportunities depend on timely decisions.

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    Hamza Shehbaz takes charge at PM House

    ByJustpaste.in

    Former Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz has taken charge of his office at the Prime Minister’s House. His new office will be located on the sixth floor of the PM House. According to party sources, Hamza Shehbaz has already started engaging with federal ministers. He held meetings with several federal ministers a day before formally beginning his office work. The meetings focused on political and administrative matters. Hamza Shehbaz is expected to begin his regular office responsibilities from Monday. He will coordinate with government officials and oversee matters assigned to him. Party sources said Hamza Shehbaz will also look after affairs related to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The committee deals with matters involving government spending, public funds and financial oversight. He is also expected to establish a committee to address the concerns and problems of party workers. The committee will work on resolving issues raised by workers and improving coordination within the party. His appointment at the PM House is expected to increase his involvement in federal-level political and parliamentary affairs. It will also provide him with a formal platform to coordinate with ministers and other government officials. Hamza Shehbaz has previously served as Punjab chief minister and has remained active in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). His new responsibilities are expected to further strengthen his role in the party’s political and organisational affairs. He will formally start handling his office matters from Monday, while meetings and consultations with government and party officials are expected to continue in the coming days.

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    MQM-P raises Sindh representation, census demands

    ByJustpaste.in

    MQM-Pakistan Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of creating an ethnic divide in Sindh. He said the province had not simply been divided into urban and rural areas. Instead, he claimed that a linguistic and ethnic division had been created. Speaking at a public gathering in Hyderabad, Siddiqui said Muhajirs were settled in 21 cities across Sindh. He said his party had always preferred political and peaceful struggle over confrontation. Siddiqui warned that if the people participating in the political movement were directed towards the Chief Minister’s House, the situation could reach a decisive point. However, he stressed that MQM-P had never called for fighting. He said the party wanted different communities to recognise and respect each other. The MQM-P chief said the cities of Sindh belonged to the descendants of people who had contributed to the creation of Pakistan. He said they had brought their share of Pakistan with them and had continued to remain committed to the country. Siddiqui also spoke about abandoned properties in Sindh. He claimed that the Muhajir community had not received even 10 per cent of what he described as its rightful share. He said the community’s love for Pakistan and desire for peace should not be considered a weakness. He said MQM-P would continue raising the rights of the people regardless of the number of votes it received. Siddiqui claimed that the party was bigger than the assemblies and said its presence represented Pakistan. The MQM-P chairman also urged the federal government to take the party’s demands seriously. He said one of the party’s major demands was the establishment and empowerment of effective local governments. Siddiqui argued that strong local governments were necessary to solve problems at the grassroots level. He said people should have greater control over decisions affecting their cities and communities. The MQM-P leader also demanded a fair and accurate population census in Sindh. He said every person must be properly counted to ensure fair political representation and distribution of resources. Siddiqui warned that those responsible for failing to count people accurately would eventually have to answer for it. He claimed that two sections of society were currently contributing to the state’s economy in Sindh but were not receiving proportionate representation. He argued that a transparent population count could resolve many of the grievances surrounding political representation. According to Siddiqui, if the people of Sindh were properly counted, the demand for a separate province would no longer remain necessary. His remarks come amid an ongoing political debate in Sindh over population figures, ethnic representation, local government powers and the distribution of resources. The MQM-P has repeatedly called for stronger local governments and greater representation for urban areas. The party maintains that accurate population data is essential for determining political representation and ensuring a fair share of development resources.

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    NDMA issues 48-hour flood alert as Chenab rises

    ByJustpaste.in

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of an elevated flood risk in several parts of Pakistan as heavy monsoon rains continue across the country. The authority has placed relevant departments on alert and warned that the next 24 to 48 hours could bring flooding in riverine, urban and mountainous areas. The NDMA said medium-level flooding has been recorded in the Chenab River at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. The Palkhu Nullah in Wazirabad is also experiencing medium-level flooding. Low-level flooding has been reported at several other locations. These include Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River. Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab are also experiencing low-level flooding. Similar conditions have been observed at Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River and Nowshera on the Kabul River. The situation along the Chenab remains a major concern. The NDMA said water levels are expected to rise further over the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Water levels at Trimmu Barrage are also expected to reach medium flood levels during the same period. The authority has warned of possible flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of northern Balochistan over the next two days. Several cities are also facing the risk of urban flooding due to continued heavy rainfall. The areas at risk include Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore. The NDMA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas. Motorists have been urged to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. The authority has directed provincial and district administrations to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable locations. Emergency response teams have also been asked to remain ready for immediate deployment. Authorities have been instructed to restore roads quickly if flooding or other weather-related incidents cause closures. The NDMA also warned about landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods in mountainous areas. People have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, steep slopes and narrow mountain passages where landslides or falling rocks could occur. Citizens have also been warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, streams or rapidly moving water. The authority stressed that even shallow floodwater can sweep away vehicles and people. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued similar warnings. It said most major rivers are currently flowing at normal or low flood levels, while the Chenab at Qadirabad and Chiniot remains at medium flood level. The weather department also warned that southeastern Sindh could face urban or rainwater flooding over the next 24 to 36 hours. Flash flooding is also possible in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.

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    Naqvi vows full support for Balochistan security

    ByJustpaste.in

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured Balochistan of continued federal support to improve security and restore lasting peace in the province. Naqvi visited Quetta on Saturday. He met Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. The two leaders jointly chaired a high-level meeting on the province’s law and order situation. The meeting reviewed the latest security situation in Balochistan. Officials also discussed ongoing security operations and future plans to deal with terrorism. Chief Minister Bugti briefed the meeting on the challenges facing the province. He also explained the measures being taken to improve security and maintain peace. The meeting decided to further strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Force (CTF) and Balochistan Police. The participants agreed that the professional capabilities of both forces must be improved. The authorities also agreed to speed up decisions aimed at strengthening the provincial police force. The federal government assured Balochistan that it would provide the required resources and support. Naqvi said the federal government would continue to provide every possible assistance to Balochistan. He said restoring peace required immediate and effective implementation of a comprehensive security plan. The interior minister also called for greater use of the experience of former Balochistan police chiefs. He said their expertise could help authorities develop a stronger and more effective security strategy. Naqvi stressed the importance of modern technology in counterterrorism operations. He also highlighted the need for better intelligence and stronger coordination between security institutions. He said the federal and provincial governments were working together to address the security challenges. According to Naqvi, coordinated efforts are essential for establishing lasting peace in the province. Chief Minister Bugti also reaffirmed his government’s determination to fight terrorism. He said the provincial government would remain prepared to respond to threats on every front. Bugti made it clear that the government would not surrender to pressure from terrorists. He said the writ of the state would be established across Balochistan. The chief minister said no space would be allowed for terrorists to operate. He also stressed that security agencies would continue taking steps to protect citizens and public institutions. Bugti said the government’s strategy would not focus only on security operations. He said improving opportunities for young people was equally important. According to the chief minister, education, skills development, employment and positive activities could help young people build better futures. He said promoting merit would help restore the confidence of the province’s youth. He added that young people should receive equal opportunities to succeed. Bugti also highlighted the strong connection between peace and development. He said security, progress and prosperity must move forward together. He said the provincial government would continue working with the federal government to improve law and order. Development projects would also be accelerated across the province. The meeting came as Balochistan continues to face serious security challenges. Several attacks have occurred in the province in recent months. Security forces and law enforcement agencies have increased operations against militant groups. The Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police have also continued joint efforts in affected areas. Officials believe stronger intelligence sharing and better coordination can help prevent future attacks. Modern equipment and improved training are also being considered important parts of the security strategy. The federal and provincial governments have therefore agreed to combine security measures with development initiatives. They say improving employment, education and skills opportunities for young people is essential for long-term stability.

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    UN extends Volker Turk’s term as Rights Chief

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United Nations General Assembly has approved a second four-year term for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. The decision was made despite strong opposition from the United States, Russia and Israel. The 193-member General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of the extension. A total of 144 countries voted for the proposal. Ten opposed it, while 13 abstained. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had proposed Turk for another full term. His current term is due to end in October. The vote came amid growing tensions between Washington and the United Nations. The US administration has reduced funding for several UN agencies. It has also withdrawn from a number of UN bodies. Washington had asked the General Assembly to delay the vote. US officials said more time was needed for consultations and review. The United States also warned that it could reconsider its relationship with the UN if the proposal was approved. US Representative for UN Management and Reform Jeff Bartos criticised the process before the vote. He said the decision did not allow enough time for discussion and oversight by member states. Bartos warned that the US could reassess its engagement, participation and funding of the United Nations. Despite the warning, most member states supported Turk. The European Union backed the extension. Several African and Latin American countries also voted in favour. China supported the proposal as well. Russia strongly opposed Turk’s reappointment. Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dmitry Chumakov accused the rights chief of bias against Moscow. He also criticised Turk for making what Russia described as unfounded allegations against the country. Russia had proposed a shorter extension for Turk. Its plan would have kept him in the position only until the end of 2026. The General Assembly rejected that proposal by a large majority. Israel also opposed the decision. The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticised Guterres’ proposal and said the decision should have been left to the next UN secretary-general. Turk has faced criticism from several powerful countries because of his strong position on human rights issues. He has criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine. He has also raised concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. Turk has further called for investigations into deaths involving people held in US immigration custody. Human rights organisations have defended his position. They say the UN human rights chief must be able to challenge powerful countries when fundamental freedoms are threatened. The position has become increasingly important as conflicts and restrictions on civil liberties continue in different parts of the world. Turk is an Austrian lawyer. He has worked with the United Nations for decades. His UN career has included senior positions in Geneva. He has also served in field locations, including Kosovo. With the General Assembly’s latest decision, Turk will become the first UN human rights chief to serve two complete four-year terms. His reappointment is likely to keep human rights at the centre of international debate. It may also further test relations between the United Nations and countries that have opposed his approach.

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    DG Khan victims await CM’s compensation

    ByJustpaste.in

    By MIR HUNBAL BIRMANI A heartfelt public appeal has been made to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on social media , urging her to announce financial compensation for the families of the four children who were killed and sixteen injured in the Little Scholars School tragedy in Dera Ghazi Khan on May 7, similar to the relief package announced for victims of the recent Kahna, Lahore academy roof collapse. Parents of deceased children of little scholar school roof collapse incident expressed profound grief over the tragic incident in Kahna, Lahore, where the collapse of an academy roof claimed the lives of innocent children and left several others injured. They offerd prayers for the departed souls, strength for the bereaved families, and a speedy recovery for the injured. Referring to reports that the Punjab government has announced Rs2 million each for the families of the deceased and Rs500,000 each for the injured in the Kahna tragedy, the public appeal on social media describes the decision as commendable. However, it argues that the absence of a similar announcement for the victims of the Little Scholars School tragedy in Dera Ghazi Khan has created a perception of unequal treatment . The statement notes that both incidents involved the collapse of classroom roofs, resulting in the deaths and injuries of schoolchildren. It stresses that negligence and carelessness cannot be overlooked in either case and that the victims in Dera Ghazi Khan deserve the same compassion and support extended to those in Lahore. The appeal further points out that while the Chief Minister promptly announced relief for the Kahna victims, no compensation has yet been announced for the families affected by the Dera Ghazi Khan tragedy, nor did the Chief Minister visit the city to offer condolences. It says this has caused disappointment among the bereaved families and residents of Dera Ghazi Khan. Questioning the perceived disparity, the appeal states that if the Chief Minister considers herself a mother to all the children of Punjab, then the victims of both tragedies should receive equal treatment. The appeal concludes by urging Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to announce a compensation package for the families of the deceased and injured children in the Little Scholars School tragedy. It emphasizes that while no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a child or heal the grief of the parents, such assistance would demonstrate that the government stands with all citizens equally. The statement also calls upon elected representatives from Dera Ghazi Khan and the district administration to formally recommend to the Punjab government that financial assistance be provided to the affected families.