24-10-2025

Month: November 2024

White House to host Biden-Trump meeting on Wednesday

Joe Biden will meet with President-elect Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday after the US leader pledged an orderly transfer of power following the Republican’s decisive election victory.

Biden and Trump will meet at the Oval Office at 11:00 am (1600 GMT), the White House said Saturday, with the clock ticking down to the ex-president’s return to power in January.

Trump sealed a historic comeback to the White House in the November 5 election, cementing what is set to be more than a decade of US politics overshadowed by his hardline, disruptive right-wing politics.

The 78-year-old won wider margins than before, despite a criminal conviction, two impeachments while in office and warnings from his former chief of staff that he is a “fascist.”

Exit polls showed that voters’ top concern remained the economy and inflation that spiked under Biden in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

Biden, who dropped out of the race in July over concerns about his ability to continue at the age of 81, called Trump to congratulate him after his election win.

North Korea jams GPS signals, affecting ships, aircraft in South

The jamming allegations come about a week after the North test-fired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel ICBM missile, its first such launch since being accused of sending soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine.

The South fired its own ballistic missile into the sea on Friday in a show of force aimed at demonstrating its resolve to respond to “any North Korean provocations”.

“North Korea conducted GPS jamming provocations in Haeju and Kaesong yesterday and today,” Seoul’s joint chiefs of staff said in a statement on Saturday, adding several vessels and dozens of civilian aircraft were experiencing “some operational disruptions”.

The military warned ships and aircraft operating in the Yellow Sea to beware of such attacks.

“We strongly urge North Korea to immediately cease its GPS provocations and warn that it will be held responsible for any subsequent issues arising from this,” they said in the statement.

 

Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles in violation of UN sanctions.

It also has been bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons since May, in what it says is retaliation for anti-Pyongyang propaganda missives sent North by activists.

The South Korean military said Pyongyang also attempted to jam GPS signals in May, but added at the time that it did not hinder any military operations in the South.

In Friday’s drill, South Korea fired a Hyunmoo surface-to-surface short-range missile into the West Sea, which the military said was to show Seoul’s “strong resolve to firmly respond” to any North Korean threats.

The Hyunmoo missiles are key to the country’s so-called ‘Kill Chain’ preemptive strike system, which allows Seoul to launch an attack if there are signs of an imminent North Korean attack.

Experts say such jamming attacks can lead to other incidents that could escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula.

“It remains unclear whether there is an intention to divert the world’s attention from troop deployments, instil psychological insecurity among residents in the South, or respond to Friday’s drills,” Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

“However, GPS jamming attacks pose a real risk of serious incidents, including potential aircraft accidents in the worst-case scenario.”

Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP the North’s jamming could be “to shield their own communications and intelligence exchanges during critical military operations” both at home and abroad.

North Korea has become one of the most vocal and important backers of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine.

 

 

Seoul and the West have long accused Pyongyang of supplying artillery shells and missiles to Moscow for use in Ukraine.

The latest accusations, based on intelligence reports, indicate the North has deployed around 10,000 troops to Russia, suggesting even deeper involvement in the conflict and triggering outcry in Seoul, Kyiv and Western capitals.

Seoul, a security ally of Washington, said last month the presence of North Korean troops in Europe would be a major escalation.

South Korea, a major arms exporter, has a long-standing policy of not providing weapons to countries in conflict.

But President Yoon Suk Yeol said this week that Seoul is now not ruling out the possibility of providing weapons directly to Ukraine, given Pyongyang’s military support of Moscow.

On Friday, Seoul’s presidential office said cyber attacks by pro-Russian hacking groups against South Korea have increased following North Korea’s troop dispatch for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

At least 24 killed, over 40 injured in suicide blast at Quetta railway station

QUETTA: At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 others were injured in a suicide explosion at Quetta’s railway station, marking the latest incident of unrest in Balochistan.

Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion took place at the railway station’s booking office, which usually witnesses a significant number of people, resulting in the high death toll so far.

While police and rescue personnel reached the site of the blast, emergency was imposed in Quetta’s Civil Hospital, with additional doctors and support staff called in.

 

 

Meanwhile, Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat has confirmed that the explosion was suicidal in nature.

Revealing that the suicide bomber entered the station with luggage, the commissioner said that it was difficult to stop a person whose intention was to carry out a suicide attack.

Speaking to Geo News, Shafqaat urged the people to donate blood due to blood shortage.

The Jaffer Express was scheduled to depart for Peshawar at 9am, according to railway officials.

Officials informed Geo News that with several of the injured in critical condition, the death toll from the blast may rise.

Talking to the media, Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Operations Quetta Muhammad Baloch said that the explosion seemed to be a suicide blast. However, he noted that further investigation was underway.

Providing details on the death toll SSP Operations Baloch said that the death toll stood at 21 with 30 others wounded in the blast.

“The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination,” said the police officer.

 

 

The blast, which also damaged the platform’s roof, was heard far and wide in various areas of the city.

With the bomb disposal team inspecting the cordoned-off incident site, SSP operations that they would soon provide an update regarding the nature of the blast.

Talking to Geo News, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the death toll and revealed that nearly 40 people were injured in the blast — of which 10 were in critical condition.

He further said that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has summoned an emergency meeting regarding the province’s law and order situation and will shortly arrive back home after cancelling his foreign visit.

Responding to a query whether there was any specific threat regarding today’s blast, the government spokesperson responded in the negative. However, he acknowledged that a general security threat did exist in light of the prevailing law and order situation in the province.

 

 

Echoing SSP Baloch’s concerns regarding the blast apparently being suicidal in nature in light of the initial evidence, Rind said that the the nature of the explosion can be confirmed following the bomb disposal squad’s report.

Condemning the deadly incident, Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani said terrorists were enemies of humanity who targeted innocent people.

Gillani reiterated the resolve to take all possible measures for the complete eradication of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Balochistan CM Bugti has directed the relevant officials to investigate the fatal incident.

The chief minister further reiterated the resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the province.

Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah also condemned the blast. Expressing sorrow, he said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this act of terrorism in Quetta.” He added that anti-state elements are trying to create an atmosphere of fear.

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the Quetta blast and expressed sympathy with the victims. “These cowardly attacks cannot weaken our resolve,” said Iqbal.

“We will bring the terrorists to justice,” he added.

Iqbal assured that the government would conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and affirmed that there would be no compromise in the commitment to progress and peace.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also condemned the blast, saying that the rising incidents of terrorism in the country are deeply concerning.

He urged the government to ensure better arrangements for the treatment of the injured. “May Allah grant forgiveness to the deceased and patience to their families,” he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman termed the incident “truly tragic” and added that repeated acts of terrorism in Balochistan are raising questions about the country’s security.

He expressed heartfelt condolences to the affected families and called on the government to ensure the restoration of peace in Balochistan through urgent and concrete measures.

As per a report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the third quarter of the ongoing year witnessed a 90% surge in violence.

With a total of 722 people being killed, including civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, while 615 others were wounded in as many as 328 incidents recorded during the period under review, 97% of the se fatalities occurred in the aforementioned provinces.

Furthermore, over 92% of these incidents of terror attacks and security forces’ operations were recorded in the same provinces.

The total fatalities from three quarters of this year have now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for the entire 2023; the number of fatalities rose to at least 1534 in the first three quarters compared to 1523 in 2023.

Iqbal’s vision and the voices of Pakistan

Words have the power to shape or shatter the world. Our history is filled with moments influenced by powerful ideas, dreams and verses that have inspired people to change, grow and stand up for causes, both individually and collectively.

Often, these words come from the hearts of poets, capturing emotions, dreams and visions that endure for generations. Many poets — regardless of their origin — spoke for the heroes of their countries, celebrating their courage and inspiring the younger generation to embody these virtues. Their verses became a silent force on the battlefield, stirring bravery that could win or lose wars.

Today marks the birth of a legacy, Allama Iqbal — a poet, philosopher and visionary leader who holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis and all over the Muslim world. On this Iqbal Day, let’s honour his contributions to Pakistan’s cultural and national identity and also explore some renowned and lesser-known poets and writers who have contributed immensely to both children’s and adult literature. Though the list is extensive, from classical poets to contemporary voices, we have narrowed it down to a very few, whose work has significantly strengthened the foundation of prose and poetry in regional languages. Without their contributions, our national literary heritage would be incomplete.

So let me take you on a thrilling journey across Pakistan. From the breathtaking mountains of Kashmir to the golden deserts of Balochistan, from the bustling bazaars of Sindh to the green fields of Punjab, these word wizards have painted our world with rhymes, dreams and stories that make us proud, curious and inspired.

 

First we will start from the land of five rivers, Punjab, where Pakistan’s visionary, Allama Iqbal, emerged as a shining star. Acclaimed as the ‘Dreamer of Pakistan,’ Iqbal didn’t just write poems; he dreamt big for us all! He envisioned a strong, united Pakistan where people could live with pride and freedom.

His famous poem “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua” is famous across generations in most school assemblies. I remember, reading it aloud every morning in the assembly, and the feeling that it aroused every morning among us children was something I cannot forget to this day. This prayer, is for every child to be brave, kind and wise, qualities we can all aspire to possess.

Iqbal’s poetry is known for its philosophical depth, exploration of identity and call for spiritual revival. His famous works, such as Bang-e-Dra(The Call of the Marching Bell) and Bal-e-Jibril(Gabriel’s Wing), are regarded as masterpieces across the world. His poems like Shikwa (The Complaint) and Jawab-e-Shikwa (The Answer) explore the complex relationship between humans and God.

Iqbal also gave the ‘Concept of Khudi’ (Selfhood); in which he emphasised the development of self-respect, self-awareness and the power of the individual through his concept of khudi.

You may have also read that he was the one with the ‘Vision of a separate Muslim state,’ hence the title given to him, the ‘Spiritual Father of Pakistan.’ Iqbal envisioned a separate nation for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, an idea he formally proposed in his Allahabad Address in 1930. This vision eventually laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

Iqbal’s poetry speaks directly to young people, urging them to become like ‘shaheens’ (falcons), fearless, resilient and ambitious.

From the same region, Punjab, comes another marvel of words, Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum. He is famous for various other works, but mainly memorable poems which include ‘Tot Batot’ in which the use of playful language and moral messages delights not just kids but adults alike.

Among many his, Taleem-e-Bachay, collection includes poems specifically designed to educate and entertain children; while his Suno Suno Aye Doston: a famous poem encourages children to listen, learn and be aware of their surroundings.

A writer, playwright and broadcaster, Ashfaq Ahmad is a man who needs no praise, yet stands tall among the greats of Urdu literature, poetry and prose hails from the same land. His contributions to Urdu literature include novels, short stories and plays for Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan.

Ashfaq Ahmed began his literary career as a child, contributing stories to Phool, a popular magazine aimed at young readers. His early writings in this magazine helped establish his reputation as a storyteller. His works, aimed at younger audiences, reflect themes of morality, culture and human values, making them both entertaining and educational. Notably, he authored several children’s books, including Gaddarya (The Shepherd), which is well-regarded in children’s literature.

Kishwar Naheed is an outstanding poet and prolific writer, with 12 volumes of her poetry published in both Pakistan and India. Her Urdu poetry has also been published internationally. In addition to her poetry, she has written eight books for children and has received the prestigious UNESCO award for children’s literature.

More than 60 civilians dead in Sudan army air strike, say paramilitaries

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said Friday that more than 60 civilians were killed and hundreds wounded in an army air strike on a displacement camp in North Darfur.

“The heinous assault… destroyed Al-Farouq Primary School, which was sheltering over 35 displaced families in the town of Al-Kuma,” a spokesman said on the RSF’s official Telegram channel. “Hundreds were wounded as a result of the strike, which involved more than seven missiles and bombs.”

Indian diplomat meets Taliban ministers, ex-president Karzai

It said the meeting took place between the joint secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, J.P. Singh, who is in charge of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran desk, and acting defence minister of Taliban Molvi Muhammad Yaqoob Mujahid.

According to the report, the meeting took place in Kabul on Nov 5.

Mr Singh also met Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, a report by Times of India notes.

 

This was his second visit to Kabul this year.

Reports said the meeting highlighted both sides’ willingness to develop bilateral relations, especially on humanitarian cooperation and to strengthen interaction between Afghanistan and India.

India in alignment with international consensus, does not recognise the Taliban regime.

In May 2023, The Wire had been the first to report that the Taliban government tried to replace the Afghan ambassador to India, who was appointed by the previous Islamic Republic, with another diplomat, Qadir Shah, as chargé d’affaires.

Following the departure of Afghan ambassador Farid Mam­undzay and most Afghan diplomats last year, consular needs of the large Afghan community in India, including students, had been thrown into uncertainty, The Wire said.

Four soldiers martyred in gunbattle with terrorists in South Waziristan

RAWALPINDI: Four personnel of the Pakistan Army were martyred in an exchange of fire with the terrorists in general area Karama of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district, said the military’s media wing on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a fire exchange took place between the security forces and the militants on November 6 (Wednesday).

“Resultantly, five khawarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops,” said the statement.

However, the ISPR added that four brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly embraced martyrdom, during the intense exchange of fire.

The martyrs were identified as Naib Subedar Taib Shah, 38 years, resident of district Tank; Lance Naik Gulab Zaman, 30 years; resident of district Karak; Lance Naik Muzammil Mehmood, 30 years, resident of district Karak and Lance Naik Habibullah, 28 years, resident of district Orakzai.

The ISPR further said that sanitisation operation was launched to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as as the “security forces are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve”.

In a move to shift its war on terror from a physical to an ideological front, the government had categorised the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij” earlier this year.

The nation has been reeling under rising violent attacks since the Taliban rulers returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The federal cabinet in June this year approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign following the Central Apex Committee’s recommendations under the National Action Plan to root out terrorism.

PM Shehbaz to visit Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan for international summits

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan next week to attend the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh and the World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Baku.

Addressing a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the premier will visit Saudi Arabia to participate in the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit being held in Riyadh on November 11.

Being convened at the initiative of the Saudi government, the summit will be a follow-up to the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit held on November 11, last year to discuss the situation in Gaza and other occupied territories.

The heads of state and government and senior officials from Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) member countries are expected to participate in the summit.

On the sidelines of the summit, the prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from other Arab League and OIC member states.

After concluding his kingdom’s visit, Baloch said, PM Shehbaz will also visit Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit being held on November 12-13 as part of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, other cabinet members, and senior officials will accompany the prime minister who will make a robust call for climate solidarity and climate justice based on the established principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

On the sidelines of the summit, he is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with participating world leaders.

COP29 is taking place at a time when millions around the world, including in Pakistan, are facing severe adverse impacts of climate change.

As an important stakeholder, Pakistan will continue to make positive contributions to the global climate debate, negotiations, and collective action.

Last month, the premier visited Saudi Arabia to attend the eighth session of the Future Investment Initiative (FII).

He also met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as both leaders took stock of the ongoing bilateral engagements, especially in follow-up to the decisions taken in previous high-level meetings held in Makkah and Riyadh in April.

During PM’s visit, the kingdom announced adding another $600 million to its recently pledged $2.2 billion investment in Pakistan.

COAS meets Saudi crown prince, discusses defence cooperation

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Wednesday met Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and discussed bilateral issues, including defence and security cooperation, the military’s media wing said in a statement.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Saudi crown prince extended a warm welcome to the army chief — who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia — upon his arrival at the Royal Palace.

Both dignitaries engaged in a “comprehensive discussion on a range of issues of mutual interest, including regional peace, defence and security cooperation, and strategies for enhancing bilateral relations.”

During the meeting, COAS Munir expressed his gratitude to the Saudi crown prince for his “steadfast support” for Pakistan and acknowledged his significant role in fostering peace and stability across the region.

Separately, he also met Prince Khalid Bin Salman, Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They vowed to further strengthen cooperation in the domain of defence and security.

Meetings were also held with Engineer Talal Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Assistant Minister of Defence; Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh Bin Hamed Bin Raqeeb’ Al Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of Royal Saudi Armed Forces and Lieutenant General Fahad bin Saud Al-Johani, Chief of Royal Saudi Land Forces.

The meeting came days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the kingdom, where he attended the eighth session of the Future Investment Initiative (FII).

The premier also met Mohammed bin Salman as both leaders took stock of the ongoing bilateral engagements, especially in follow-up to the decisions taken in previous high-level meetings held in Makkah and Riyadh in April.

During PM’s visit, the kingdom announced adding another $600 million to its recently pledged $2.2 billion investment in Pakistan.

Last month, Islamabad and Riyadh inked several memorandums of understanding (MoUs), worth over $2 billion, to boost bilateral trade and investment during the Islamabad visit of a Saudi delegation, headed by Minister for Investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih.

Pakistan agrees with China’s approach of linking development with security: Naqvi

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong that Islamabad was fully on board with Beijing’s approach of combining development with security.

“We fully agree with the Chinese approach of combining development with security, and we will ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and projects as a top priority,” said Naqvi while expressing solidarity with Ambassador Zaidong over an incident which saw two Chinese nationals being injured after being shot by a security guard in Karachi

The interior minister’s remarks come after two Chinese nationals, as reported by The News on Wednesday, were wounded after they were fired upon at a textile mill in Karachi’s Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (Site) area.

During a meeting at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, the security czar highlighted that Pakistan places the utmost priority on the well-being and security of Chinese citizens, particularly those working on projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The minister also briefed Ambassador Jiang on the incident’s details, assured him of a swift, transparent investigation, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring justice and enhancing security for Chinese citizens in the country.

Addressing concerns surrounding the security of CPEC projects, Naqvi affirmed that Pakistan is taking “all possible measures” to protect Chinese citizens and assets linked to CPEC.

He revealed that additional security protocols are being implemented to create a safe and stable environment, especially in regions where Chinese nationals reside or work.

Security forces were actively working to bolster protective measures, particularly in Karachi, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, Naqvi noted.

The minister’s meeting with the Chinese envoy comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident of firing on Chinese nationals during his visit to Beijing’s embassy.

The PM said instructions have already been issued to provide the best medical facilities to the injured and that he was personally monitoring the investigation process to ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

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