Baltimore bridge collapse: Search suspended as six missing presumed dead

The search operation for six people who went missing after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore fell down, has been suspended as they have been presumed dead  following 18 hours of search operation, CNN reported. “I’d like to announce tonight that based on the length of time that we’ve gone in this search, the extensive search efforts we’ve put into it, the water temperature, that at this point we do not believe that we’re going to find any of these individuals still alive,” Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath told reporters…

IHC judges seek SJC guidance on spy agencies’ ‘interference with judicial functions’

ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the Islamabad High Court judges have sought guidance from the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) over alleged interference of members of the executive, including operatives of intelligence agencies, in judicial affairs. In a letter to the SJC, six judges of the IHC — Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Fafat Imtiaz — sought guidance from the council on the “interference” of the spy agencies in courts’ affairs. “We are…

Moscow Concert Hall attack: Putin reiterates claim of Ukraine involvement

For the first time, Russian President Vladimir Putin has attributed the recent assault on a concert hall near Moscow to “radical Islamists,” while also implying some involvement from Ukraine.  Russian authorities have arrested at least eleven individuals in connection with the Crocus City Hall attack that occurred last Friday. Armed assailants, disguised in camouflage, invaded the Crocus City Hall, opened fire on the audience, and set the building on fire.  The tragic event resulted in the death of no less than 137 people. Russia has charged four men for their…

Tarar sees ‘forward bloc’ in PTI amid ‘internal rifts’

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar Monday said that a “sheer power struggle” within the ranks of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) may lead to its disintegration or creation of a forward bloc. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, Tarar said that top PTI leaders like Gohar Ali Khan and Sher Afzal Khan are taking contradictory stances on different issues. He regretted the “childish attitude” put up by the PTI which is a national party. He advised the PTI leaders to shun their internal politics and play its due role in…

Simon Harris poised to become Ireland’s youngest-ever PM

After sudden resignation of outgoing Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, his ruling party Fine Gael has chosen Simon Harris as their new head, paving way for him to be the country’s youngest-ever Prime Minister. At 37 years old, Harris would be the youngest Taoiseach, ever since Irelands ever had. Varadkar (who resigned because of both personal and political reasons) became famous in 2017 when he succeeded young king at the age of 38 and it time became the youngest prime minister in Irish history. As Chairperson of a Fine Gael…

Islamabad admin refuses to grant permission to PTI March 30 rally

The Islamabad district administration on Sunday formally rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) application seeking permission to hold a public rally against the “massive rigging” in February 8 polls, post-poll result manipulations, and “deviation from the Constitution” in Islamabad on March 30, citing “law and order situation”. The development came before the expiry of a two-day deadline set by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the district administration to make a decision on the Imran Khan-founded party’s plea seeking permission to hold a public gathering in Islamabad in end-March. The former ruling…

Pakistan to consider resuming trade with India: FM Dar

LONDON: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan will mull reviving trade relations with India years after they were suspended due to Narendra Modi-led government’s decision to abrogate the semi-autonomy of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “Pakistani businessmen want trade with India to resume,” the foreign minister said while addressing the media at the Pakistan High Commission in London at the end of his visit to the UK and Europe on Saturday. Pakistan downgraded its ties with India after the Modi-led government unilaterally changed the special status of…

Prince William, Kate Middleton issue joint statement after major news

Prince William and Kate Middleton are touched by the love and support they have received from around the world following the revelation on Friday. On Saturday, a Kensington Palace spokesperson shared a statement with People Magazine that “the Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the U.K., across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.” The statement continued, “They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for…

School bus crash claims two lives in Texas

A cement truck rammed into a school bus carrying young children, resulting in the death of two, including a student.  The mishap took place on Friday afternoon along West State Highway 21 near Caldwell Road in Bastrop County, just outside Austin. The bus of the Hays Consolidated Independent School District was carrying 44 pre-kindergarten students from Tom Green Elementary School and 11 adults returning from a field trip.  Reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety revealed that the bus collided with a concrete truck and another car on State…