Pakistan Viral Series

 Pakistan has asked the US for small arms to support its ongoing Operation Azm-e-Istekham, in an attempt to strategically bolster its counterterrorism capabilities. This appeal coincides with a rise in violent incidents in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where terrorist organizations like as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatists have stepped up their attacks on both civilians and security personnel.  Launched earlier this year, Operation Azm-e-Istekham seeks to destroy these terrorist networks and bring stability back to the impacted areas. The operation demonstrates Pakistan's will to fight terrorism by using a variety of strategies, such as military action, community outreach, and intelligence-based operations. The U.S. request for small guns emphasizes how critical it is for Pakistan to provide its security personnel with up-to-date, dependable armament. Close-quarters fighting operations—which are necessary for successful counterterror...

  Karachi is facing a terrible spike in heat-related fatalities in 2024, which is a so mber turning point in the city's fight against harsh weather. According to recent news reports, hospitals are overcrowded and morgues are nearly full as a result of the extreme heat. Meteorological authorities report that Karachi has seen heat waves this summer that are exceptional, with temperatures substantially above average. Extreme weather has been deadly, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and outdoor laborers who don't have access to sufficient shelter or conditioning.   Heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition in which the body's core temperature rises dangerously, is on the rise, according to health officials. The number of fatalities keeps rising despite initiatives to increase public knowledge of heat safety, such as warnings to stay inside during the hottest parts of the day and drink plenty of water. Civil society has expressed outrage over the situa...

The Pakistani government, in a major step toward improving tax compliance, has announced harsh measures aimed at non-filers following the 2024–25 budget. Nearly two million people whose tax returns have not been filed will have their bank accounts and mobile SIM cards blocked by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This effort intends to widen the tax base and improve tax compliance among citizens. Telecom companies and banks have already received orders from the FBR to identify and stop providing services to non-filers. The telecom firms have been directed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to promptly comply with these directives, which would result in the barring of SIM cards until the relevant users file their tax returns and obtain approval from the FBR. This program is a component of the government's larger plan to raise tax income and deal with budgetary issues. Telecom firms are subject to inspections by the FBR to ensure compliance, and telecom operators are ...

In a historic move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mediation efforts has lead to a resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Using its diplomatic connections and regional influence, the UAE has become a crucial go-between, helping to open talks between the belligerent states. With this project, the UAE is demonstrating its commitment to international peace and security and taking a major step forward in its foreign policy. The UAE's participation in the cause is not an isolated incident. The UAE has always taken a diplomatically impartial stand and has acted as a mediator in conflicts both domestically and internationally. For example, the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and numerous Arab countries, including Bahrain, were successfully mediated by the UAE in 2020. This proved that it could promote calm in unstable areas. The UAE's diplomatic initiatives about the situation between Russia and Ukraine have taken many forms. President of t...

  Through the addition of additional routes and improved connectivity between the two regions, Flydubai has greatly increased the size of its network in Pakistan. The airline based in Dubai currently operates direct flights to Pakistan's locations, including Quetta, Sialkot, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Quetta. This growth is a component of flydubai's larger plan to improve relations with Pakistan and meet the significant demand for air travel between the two countries. Flydubai has announced opening four additional routes to Pakistan, expanding the airline's reach within the nation. Noting the historical and commercial ties between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, the airline's CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, underlined the significance of these routes in promoting travel and commerce links. The goal of flydubai is to improve regional connections, and this growth provides passengers with more travel options. Moreover, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and flydubai...

  The United Nations has formally acknowledged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its extensive humanitarian efforts in Sudan, highlighting the Emirates' critical role in addressing the ongoing crisis. This recognition follows the UAE's recent announcement of a $70 million aid package dedicated to various UN agencies operating in Sudan. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that this significant aid will be allocated to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP), the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). These funds are aimed at providing a holistic approach to the crisis, focusing on essential food and health services, protecting women and children, and ensuring livelihoods and shelter in emergency situations. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized the importance of this aid, noting...

  Muslims celebrated Eid across the Globe Muslims throughout the world celebrated Eid ul-Adha 2024, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” with remarkable enthusiasm and unity. Depending on local moon observations, this important Islamic holiday — which celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s fidelity to God — fell on June 16 or 17. The celebration began in Saudi Arabia on June 16 after the crescent moon was sighted. Millions of pilgrims gathered on Mount Arafat on June 15th, the Day of Arafat, to emphasize prayer and introspection during the Hajj. Mosques were packed for Eid prayers, and families performed the customary sacrifice of cattle, sharing the meat with friends, relatives, and the less fortunate. The Pakistani federal government has declared June 17– June 19 holidays, giving its people a longer time off to celebrate. People were buying new outfits and special goodies in the crowded markets as they got ready for the celebrations. The joyful atmosphere was enhanced by the announcement of e...

  UAE gains a higher rank for peace where the whole world is silent.   Due in major part to its efforts in Gaza, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently attracted notice for its considerable rise in the Global Peace Index (GPI). This increase in the index highlights the UAE's dedication to promoting peace in conflict-ridden areas, including Gaza, as well as within its own boundaries. The UAE's proactive engagement in Gaza, which focuses on infrastructure development, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic actions aimed at de-escalating tensions, is highlighted in recent headlines. The United Arab Emirates' strategy in Gaza has been complex, including diplomatic and financial initiatives to address the underlying causes of violence and advance stability.   The UAE's support in infrastructure and humanitarian aid is a major component of its operations in Gaza. According to recent reports, the UAE has made significant financial contributions to projects that aim to...

  The budget for Pakistan’s fiscal year 2024–25, which was just released, has generated a lot of national attention and controversy. The budget represents the government’s attempts to negotiate challenging socioeconomic environments while attempting to achieve growth and development. Its goals include resolving a variety of economic issues. The budget’s emphasis on social welfare measures and programs aimed at reducing poverty is one of its most notable aspects. A substantial amount of funding has been allocated to the social protection, health, and education sectors, demonstrating a dedication to enhancing the welfare of the populace. This includes more money for social safety nets to protect disadvantaged groups in society, education reforms, and infrastructure improvements in the hospital and education sectors. In keeping with initiatives to boost economic expansion, the budget proposes initiatives to encourage investment and entrepreneurship. The objectives of tax incentive and...

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates on June 12, 2024, in Abu Dhabi. The goal of this high-level conversation was to explore the increasing war in Gaza and its wider effects on regional stability. The conference demonstrated both countries’ dedication to diplomatic solutions in the face of escalating Middle East tensions. The pressing need to stop the Gaza conflict from getting worse was at the center of their conversation. The leaders of both sides underscored the significance of a ceasefire to safeguard the lives of civilians and guarantee the secure and continuous provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. They also talked about ways to stop civilians from being displaced, which is extremely important considering the dire humanitarian situation that is developing in the area. Blinken and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed examined several approaches to improve bilateral ties, coordinating their approac...

  On Tuesday, in Islamabad Supreme Court ordered the closure of all the restaurants including Monal in the vicinity of the National Park. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa presided over a three-person bench that heard petitions from the Wildlife Department and the management of Monal Restaurant. The court ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to produce original documentation pertaining to the 8,600 acres of parkland.  The additional attorney general stated that the land is allegedly owned by the Military Estate Office. Chief Justice Isa, however, questioned whether the land was owned by the CDA or by another organization and declared that it belonged to the Pakistani government. The CDA chairman was called in and the Supreme Court dismissed the CDA's report during the hearing. Chief Justice Isa questioned the CDA's honesty and denounced the inclusion of unrelated constructions in the report. To a court's question, the CDA chairman disclosed that Margalla Hills experi...

They don't call matches between Pakistan and India the "Mother of All Matches" for nothing. The rivalry between the subcontinental giants is one of the most intense and exciting in all of world sport. On June 9th at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium, we'll yet again be treated to another chapter in this epic cricketing saga as the arch-rivals go head to head in a must-win T20 World Cup clash.  As is always the case when these teams meet, interest and excitement is through the roof. Tickets to witness the action live were snapped up almost immediately, with only the most premium offerings still available at eye-watering prices like $10,000 for Diamond Club seats. But for many devoted fans, no price is too high when it comes to being part of such an momentous occasion. The stadium will no doubt be filled to the brim with passionate supporters from both nations eagerly awaiting the first ball. Both Pakistan and India arrived in New York under pressure. Pakistan suffered ...

The upcoming budget will reveal if salaries are increasing for all the people who work for the government. My sources say discussions are happening about giving employees a bump in how much they earn.   Some options on the table include raising everyone's salary between 10-15%. Workers who earn less will surely hope this helps with costs that keep rising. Higher-up bosses may see their extra payments go up too. Teachers, nurses and all the rest are waiting to hear what the budget brings. Inflation is squeezing everyone's spending money. Even if salaries do rise, will it be enough to keep up with expensive food, gas and bills?  The budget unveiling on June 12th isn't too far away. Until then, offices everywhere will buzz with people wondering and worrying. Government workers power so much of what keeps our country running each day. Hopefully the new budget shows them some help with handling high prices. We'll all find out together very soon!

The residents of Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, received a scare yesterday when tremors from an earthquake were felt across many neighborhoods. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the earthquake registered as a 3.2 on the Richter scale and struck in the afternoon.  The epicenter was located about 15km northeast of the city, at a depth of around 22km below ground. While earthquakes at this magnitude typically do little structural damage, it was enough to shake up buildings and unsettle people going about their daily activities.  In communities like Defense, Clifton and others nearby the epicenter, people reported feeling a long but gentle rolling sensation. Photos and videos shared on social media showed things swaying on shelves and lights flickering briefly. Others outdoors said they spotted trees and electric lines swaying more than usual in the windless afternoon weather. Naturally, the earthquake triggered fear and panic among many residents. As the tre...