questions mount over
|

Questions mount over funding as violence mars London Kashmir protest

ByJustpaste.in

A protest held in central London in the name of solidarity with Kashmir has come under scrutiny following allegations over its funding and organisation, while reports of violence against a senior journalist have further fuelled controversy surrounding the demonstration.

According to claims circulating among sections of the British Pakistani and Kashmiri community, around 50 coaches were arranged to transport participants from Bradford, Manchester and Birmingham to London. Some community members have alleged that the overall cost of the mobilisation exceeded £500,000 and have publicly questioned who financed the event, calling for greater transparency over its funding and logistics.

Community sources further alleged that some families were offered a free day trip to London, including complimentary coach travel, to encourage participation in the demonstration. According to the sources, the offer attracted families who joined the trip.

Allegations circulating on social media have also suggested that foreign elements including Indian agencies may have supported the protests through there frontmen’s

Some members of the community further claimed that the number of British Pakistanis and Azad Kashmiris attending the protest was lower than expected, while participants from other communities appeared more visible.

The demonstration was overshadowed by the alleged assault on senior Pakistani journalist Murtaza Ali Shah while he was covering the protest. Reports of the incident have drawn concern from journalists and media organisations, with calls for those responsible to be identified and held accountable.

Witnesses also alleged that some protesters behaved aggressively towards members of the media, raising concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists covering public demonstrations. Media observers said any intimidation or violence against journalists undermines democratic values and damages the credibility of a protest.

The protest took place amid continuing demonstrations by sections of the Kashmiri diaspora over developments in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. While organisers described the event as a show of solidarity with Kashmir, the allegations over funding, crowd mobilisation and the reported violence have shifted attention to the conduct and organisation of the demonstration.

The organisers have not publicly responded to the allegations regarding the event’s funding, logistics or the reported assault on the journalist. Community representatives have called for full transparency over the financing of the protest and urged all parties to ensure that future demonstrations remain peaceful and respectful of media freedom.Organisers have rejected claims of Indian funding by saying there members contributed for the arrangements.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Rihanna back in the studio as A$AP Rocky confirms …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Rihanna fans may finally have a reason to celebrate after years of waiting. According to A$AP Rocky, the global superstar is officially back in the recording studio and actively working on new music. The exciting update came during Rocky’s appearance on the latest episode of The Jason Lee Show, where the rapper was asked about persistent rumors surrounding Rihanna’s long-awaited ninth studio album. Rather than keeping fans guessing, Rocky confirmed that the singer has returned to work on fresh material.  “She in the studio right now,” Rocky said during the interview. “Yeah, I said it. Sorry, babe. Like, bro, she working. She cooking, no funny s–t. Damn, I’ma get in trouble for this.”  His comments immediately sparked excitement across social media, where fans have spent years eagerly awaiting Rihanna’s next album. The Barbadian singer has not released a full-length studio album since Anti in 2016, despite remaining one of the world’s most-streamed artists. Over the past decade, she has focused on expanding her successful Fenty empire, acting projects, and raising her family with A$AP Rocky.  During the interview, Rocky also dismissed speculation that the couple is secretly working on a joint album. While he confirmed Rihanna is creating new music, he made it clear that fans should not expect a collaborative project featuring both artists. The latest update aligns with Rihanna’s own recent comments about her long-awaited album. Earlier this year, she revealed that she had finally found the creative direction she wanted and was determined to make music that truly reflects her artistic vision instead of chasing commercial trends. She has repeatedly said the lengthy wait will be worthwhile because she refuses to release anything that does not meet her expectations.  Although neither Rihanna nor her team has announced a release date or shared details about the project’s sound, Rocky’s comments are the clearest indication yet that the album is actively taking shape. Fans have grown accustomed to years of rumors and teases, but this confirmation from someone closest to the singer has renewed optimism that new music could finally be on the horizon.  The revelation has already generated widespread buzz online, with many fans expressing cautious excitement after nearly a decade without a studio album. While some remain skeptical until an official announcement arrives, others believe Rocky’s remarks suggest Rihanna’s musical comeback is closer than ever. For now, one thing appears certain: Rihanna is back in the studio, and according to A$AP Rocky, she is “cooking” something special. After years of anticipation, the wait for her next musical chapter may finally be nearing its end. 

  • | |

    Hayden Panettiere’s final moving message comes t…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Hayden Panettiere’s final public messages are taking on a deeper meaning following the actress’s sudden death at the age of 36. Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville and the Scream franchise, died on August 16, 2026, her representative confirmed. Her father, Skip Panettiere, also confirmed the devastating news. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. (ABC News⁠) In the months before her death, Panettiere had become increasingly open about the difficult experiences that shaped her life. Her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, was released in May and explored her struggles with addiction, depression, trauma, abusive relationships and the challenges of motherhood. (ABC News⁠) One of her most moving messages came during an interview while promoting the memoir. Panettiere spoke about surviving some of the darkest periods of her life and finding the strength to continue. She encouraged other people facing difficult circumstances to recognize their own resilience. In a July interview with Momé, she also discussed motherhood and the painful decision that her daughter, Kaya, would primarily live with her father, Wladimir Klitschko. Despite the emotional challenges surrounding that decision, Panettiere offered an uplifting message to other mothers, telling them they were stronger than they realized. (People.com⁠) Her words about the future are especially poignant now. In one of her final interviews, Panettiere expressed optimism about her life and said she believed she still had much more life ahead of her. She also spoke about wanting her experiences to help other people who might be struggling. (The Sun⁠) Her final Instagram post, shared on July 27, showed Panettiere smiling alongside photographer Randall Slavin. The caption, “Good times and good friends,” offered a glimpse of a lighter moment just weeks before her death. (People.com⁠) Panettiere’s life was marked by remarkable professional success as well as deeply personal struggles. She began acting as a child and eventually became internationally known as Claire Bennet on Heroes and Juliette Barnes on Nashville. Her performances earned her widespread recognition, including two Golden Globe nominations for Nashville. (The Guardian⁠) Now, her final words about strength, healing and making a difference have become part of the legacy she leaves behind. For fans, they offer a reminder of the honesty and courage Panettiere showed throughout her life.

  • | | |

    Iran defied plan to become ‘Venezuela’, says P…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is facing a difficult economic and military situation but has remained resilient, arguing that national unity prevented what he described as an attempt by Iran’s enemies to push the country towards a Venezuela-like crisis. Speaking at a ceremony, Pezeshkian said Iran was operating under what he called illegal wartime conditions while continuing efforts to provide services and support to its people. The president portrayed the country as facing simultaneous economic and security challenges, but said the Iranian public had remained united despite the pressure. According to Pezeshkian, Iran’s opponents wanted to see the country weakened and destabilised. He argued that the unity of the Iranian people had instead helped Iran emerge as a stronger force. “Today, we are in a state of economic and military war,” Pezeshkian said, while stressing that the government was continuing to work for citizens despite the difficult circumstances. His comments came as Tehran has faced intense pressure over its economic situation and wider confrontation with the United States and its allies. Pezeshkian said Iran’s adversaries had intended to turn the country into “Venezuela”, apparently referring to the severe economic and political difficulties that have affected Venezuela over the past decade. He claimed that the plan had failed because Iranians had maintained a united position in the face of the challenges. The president also referred to a memorandum of understanding reached amid the difficult circumstances. He said the agreement had been shaped by the country’s determination to protect its interests while seeking a way forward through diplomacy. According to Pezeshkian, experts had described the memorandum as being based on “prudence, dignity and wisdom”. He argued that those criticising the agreement did not fully understand the circumstances surrounding it. The remarks suggest that Iran’s leadership is attempting to present the agreement as a strategic decision rather than a concession under pressure. Pezeshkian’s comments also come against the backdrop of signals that Tehran may be seeking a way to end its confrontation with Washington from a position it considers strong. Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that any diplomatic arrangement must protect the country’s national interests and sovereignty. For Pezeshkian, domestic unity remains central to navigating the crisis. He argued that despite economic hardship and military pressure, the country had avoided the collapse that its opponents allegedly expected. The president’s message was therefore aimed not only at Iran’s external rivals but also at domestic critics of the memorandum. As pressure on Iran continues, Tehran faces the difficult task of managing economic challenges while maintaining political cohesion and determining whether diplomacy can reduce tensions. Pezeshkian’s latest remarks underline his argument that Iran’s resilience, rather than isolation, will shape the next phase of the country’s confrontation with its adversaries.

  • |

    US expands probe into cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled lettuce

    ByJustpaste.in

    US health authorities have expanded their investigation into a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis after new infections were identified in four additional states. The outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms. Officials from the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are continuing efforts to determine the full extent of the outbreak and trace all affected products. According to the FDA, confirmed outbreak-related cases have now been reported in nine states including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Health officials said nearly 2,000 people have become infected with the cyclospora parasite after being exposed to food served at Taco Bell restaurants. So far, at least 98 people have required hospital treatment, although no deaths have been reported. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify additional cases that may be connected to the contaminated lettuce. Oklahoma’s health department said it is cooperating with federal officials to determine whether more illnesses reported in the state are linked to the outbreak. Cyclosporiasis cases have been recorded in at least 41 states across the country this year. However, investigators say not every infection is connected to the current outbreak. Health officials are still examining which cases are directly linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell locations. Several states have already completed preliminary reviews and found no evidence connecting their reported cases to the nationwide outbreak. Health departments in Nebraska, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Maryland said investigations have not identified a link between local infections and the recalled lettuce. Officials stressed that cyclospora infections can result from exposure to a variety of contaminated fresh produce, making each case important to investigate separately. In New Hampshire, health authorities confirmed nine infections associated with recalled Taylor Farms lettuce that had been served in the cafeteria at Cheshire Medical Center. Officials are continuing to investigate whether additional illnesses reported in the area are related to the same source. Oregon health officials also reported two infections believed to be connected to the ongoing outbreak. Both individuals had recently traveled to states included in the nationwide recall and were believed to have consumed pre-shredded lettuce associated with the investigation. North Carolina has also seen an increase in cyclosporiasis cases this year, but state health officials said the available evidence does not suggest those infections are related to the Taco Bell outbreak. Instead, investigators found that patients had commonly consumed fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro along with lettuce, indicating different sources of exposure may be responsible. Michigan remains the state reporting the highest number of suspected infections. State officials said more than 8,000 probable cases of the intestinal illness have now been identified, with hundreds of additional cases reported within a single day. Investigators continue to monitor the situation closely as new reports are received. The outbreak prompted Taylor Farms to announce a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17. The recall covers products sold in grocery stores, supplied to restaurants and distributed to food service businesses across the United States. Federal health officials continue to advise consumers, restaurants and retailers not to use or serve any products included in the recall until the investigation is complete. An industry source familiar with the matter said Taylor Farms has temporarily suspended operations at the processing facility in central Mexico that US health authorities have linked to the outbreak. Officials hope the closure, combined with the product recall and continued public health monitoring, will help prevent additional infections while investigators work to identify the exact source of the contamination.

  • | |

    Pakistan enters AI era with inauguration of larges…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has taken a major step towards becoming a regional digital technology hub with the inauguration of Sky47 Karakoram-01, the country’s largest AI-ready data centre and cloud platform, at Capital Smart City near Islamabad. The facility was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, during a ceremony attended by federal ministers, senior government officials, business leaders, technology experts and representatives of the IT sector. Developed by Sky47 in collaboration with the Habib Rafiq Group, the state-of-the-art facility has been designed to deliver artificial intelligence computing, cloud services, secure data hosting, cybersecurity and high-performance computing infrastructure. The project is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy by enabling businesses, financial institutions, government organisations and technology companies to securely host and process data within the country while supporting the rapid growth of AI applications. The project also reinforces Capital Smart City’s ambition to become Pakistan’s premier destination for data centres, cloud computing and advanced technology investment. With its modern infrastructure, strategic location and dedicated technology zones, the city is positioning itself as a future hub for digital innovation and AI-led development. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Sky47 as a landmark project that would help shape Pakistan’s future and strengthen the country’s digital capabilities. He said the successful completion of the project within a short period reflected extraordinary commitment, professional expertise and determination. The Prime Minister said projects such as Sky47 were essential for building a dynamic, progressive and technologically advanced Pakistan. Referring to Pakistan’s recent achievements, he said that when the nation confronts challenges with determination, optimism and resilience, it is capable of accomplishing historic milestones. He described the project as an important guarantee for Pakistan’s future and said it would provide robust digital security for the country. He also paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his visionary leadership and acknowledged the support of technology partner ZTE, Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Ministry of IT and all stakeholders involved in making the project a reality. The Prime Minister announced that similar state-of-the-art facilities would also be developed in Karachi and Lahore and called for government institutions to make full use of the new infrastructure. The Habib Rafiq Group, under the leadership of Zahid Rafiq, has played a pivotal role in delivering the project and expanding Capital Smart City’s vision beyond real estate into technology-led infrastructure. Industry observers believe the initiative will help attract further domestic and international investment in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services. Speaking at the ceremony, Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the inauguration of Sky47 marked the beginning of a new era of artificial intelligence in Pakistan. She said the project would open the door to a new phase of economic growth by enabling the country to make better use of its digital resources, skilled workforce and data-driven innovation. She added that the future global AI race would depend on the secure, efficient and intelligent use of data. Sky47 Chief Executive Officer Hassan Abbas said there are around 12,000 data centres worldwide but only 22 in Pakistan, highlighting the country’s significant growth potential. He said Pakistan’s e-commerce sector is expanding by around 25 to 30 per cent annually and that Sky47 would provide a strong foundation for the country’s digital economy. The Sky47 data centre has the capability to support artificial intelligence, machine learning and high-performance computing while providing cloud computing, secure data hosting and enterprise digital services. It is also expected to play an important role in safeguarding sensitive national and commercial information. The inauguration is being viewed as one of Pakistan’s most significant technology milestones in recent years, reflecting the country’s ambition to build sovereign digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on overseas data hosting. Supporters of the initiative describe it as a major breakthrough achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the support of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and an important step towards positioning Pakistan as a regional hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and next-generation digital technologies.

  • | |

    Maryam Nawaz, Xinjiang leader discuss stronger Pun…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Secretary of the Communist Party of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee He Zhongyou held a meeting in Urumqi and discussed ways to expand cooperation between Punjab and Xinjiang. The meeting focused on strengthening economic relations and developing greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest. During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz highlighted Punjab’s importance to Pakistan’s economy and agriculture. She said Punjab has the distinction of being the country’s “food basket” because of its major contribution to national food production. The chief minister said Punjab was keen to benefit from China’s experience, technology and expertise, particularly in sectors linked to agriculture and economic development. She proposed launching pilot projects in different parts of Punjab in cooperation with Chinese partners. According to the chief minister, such initiatives could help introduce modern practices and technologies while providing practical models that could later be expanded across the province. The discussions also covered opportunities for closer economic cooperation between Punjab and Xinjiang. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening institutional links and expanding collaboration in areas that can contribute to development and economic growth. Maryam Nawaz said cooperation with China could help Punjab improve productivity and make better use of modern technology. She also stressed the importance of developing partnerships that produce practical benefits for people and businesses. The meeting is part of Maryam Nawaz’s official visit to China, during which Punjab is seeking to strengthen ties with Chinese institutions and explore new areas of cooperation. Xinjiang’s experience in agriculture, infrastructure, water management and modernisation could provide opportunities for Punjab to develop joint projects and exchange expertise. The two sides also discussed the importance of maintaining regular engagement between Punjab and Xinjiang. Greater exchanges between officials, experts and business representatives could facilitate the transfer of knowledge and encourage new investment opportunities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *