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EU shows concern over ‘sentencing of civilians by military court’
The European Union’s (EU) has called the sentencing of civilians, involved in May 9 events, by military court inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). “In line with article 14 of ICCPR every person is entitled to a fair and public trial in a court that is independent, impartial and competent, and has the right to adequate and effective legal representation,” said a statement issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS). Furthermore, it said, Article 14 also stipulates…
Trump threatens to retake control of Panama Canal citing unfair fee
Donald Trump threatened to retake control of the Panama Canal on Sunday, accusing Panama of unfairly charging excessive fees and drawing sharp criticism from Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, Reuters reported. At a rally in Arizona, Trump said he would not allow the canal to fall into the “wrong hands,” referring to concerns about potential Chinese influence, even though China does not control the canal. A subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two key ports at the canal’s entrances. In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his…
Pakistan witnesses ‘longest’ night of year today
As winter continues to intensify in Pakistan, the country is witnessing the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, today. This is the longest night for the Northern Hemisphere region including Pakistan, a spokesperson of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) said in a statement. Winter solstice falls annually on December 21 or 22, varying from country to country, and brings the longest night and shortest daylight hours when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the sun. This astronomical event results in reduced daylight hours and…
Fatal familial insomnia: Genetic disease where patient can’t sleep at all
A rare genetic condition that causes sleep difficulties, memory loss (dementia) and involuntary muscles twitching has no cure and gets worse over time and eventually leads to death. Symptoms of fatal familial insomnia (FFI) can only be slowed through treatment temporarily, according to Cleveland Clinic. FFI affects an estimated one to two people per million every year, as per data provided by the National Organisation of Rare Disorders. It passes from parent to child and between 50 and 70 families around the world are suspected to carry the genetic mutation…
Champions Trophy: Decision on neutral venue coming today, says PCB chairman
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that a decision about the neutral venue which will host Indian team’s matches will be made today (Sunday), assuring that the board won’t let cricket to be affected. The PCB chief’s comments come a couple of days after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that its Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 would be held under a hybrid model, with India set to play their matches at a neutral venue rather than in the host country, Pakistan. “India and Pakistan matches hosted by…
High-level body formed for govt-PTI dialogue as civil disobedience threat looms
ISLAMABAD: A high-level committee comprising senior coalition government members has been formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to engage in talks with the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has warned of launching a civil disobedience movement if demands are not met. The committee includes Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Abdul Aleem Khan and Chaudhry Salik Hussain. PM forms committee for PTI talksPlay Video A committee — comprising leaders from PTI — to engage with the government,…
Daily Metro Times-21 December 2024
Federal Reserve lowers interest rates but signals fewer cuts by 2025
The US Federal Reserve reduced interest rates on Wednesday, with Chair Jerome Powell stating that further reductions will depend on progress in curbing persistently high inflation. Powell’s explicit – and repeated – references to the need for caution from here jolted Wall Street, sending stocks sharply lower and spurring a dialing back of market estimates of how far borrowing costs are likely to fall over the coming year. “I think we’re in a good place, but I think from here it’s a new phase and we’re going to be cautious…
Gwadar airport Set for Dec 30 inauguration
KARACHI: The New Gwadar International Airport is set to be inaugurated on December 30, sources told Geo News, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. The decision was taken on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the sources said. The national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), will operate the airport’s first commercial flight, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity. Final preparations are underway, with a recent five-hour meeting between PIA and the Airports Authority finalising key operational matters. The sources revealed that PIA will deploy staff and…