Russia frees US journalist Gershkovich in major prisoner exchange

US journalist Evan Gershkovich and a Russian intelligence colonel jailed for a Berlin murder were among two dozen prisoners freed Thursday in the biggest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War. The intricate multinational deal that freed the Wall Street Journal reporter and others including former US marine Paul Whelan involved months of secret negotiations, and finally ended with a dramatic exchange on the airport tarmac in Turkey’s capital Ankara. Overjoyed family members appeared at the White House alongside US President Joe Biden, who said they’d been able to phone…

Gwadar protesters call off sit-in after successful negotiations

GWADAR: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) activists have called off their sit-in after successful negotiations with officials of the local administration in Gwadar district on Thursday night. BYC announced ending its sit-ins in Gwadar and across the province after an agreement was signed by Dr Mahrang Baloch— from the protesters’ side — and Gwadar district’s deputy commissioner. According to a declaration issued by the Balochistan Home Ministry, internet services have been restored after an agreement was reached between the BYC and the local administration. “The ministry vowed to open all…

Pakistan U19 to play tri-series ahead of ACC Asia Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed that Pakistan U19 will play a seven-match ODI tri-series against the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan from 13 to 26 November. In a press release, the PCB also revealed that the series will be hosted by UAE and the venues for the matches will be revealed later. The series opener will be played between Pakistan U19 and hosts UAE U19 on November 13.  The top two teams after the culmination of the first six games will progress to the final on November…

Karachi experiences heavy rain as more showers expected

KARACHI: Heavy rainfall hit the port city on Wednesday night inundating roads and low-lying areas as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast heavy downpours across the country over the next few days. Different parts of the port city, including Saddar, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Baldia Town, Defence and North Karachi received Intermittent showers last night. It is pertinent to mention here that the PMD forecast torrential monsoon rain across the country from August 1 to 6 with occasional gaps. In Sindh, according to the Met Office, areas to experience the monsoon…

US election: Trump hesitates on debating Harris as she gains ground

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a packed Atlanta arena on Tuesday, and teased her competitor Donald Trump for not deciding yet if he’ll join their upcoming debate. “The momentum in this race is shifting,” the Democratic nominee said. “And there are signs Donald Trump is feeling it.” Earlier, the 45th president was eager to debate with Harris; however, he’s deciding on stepping back from his decision, Chicago Tribune reported. “Probably will debate her, but can also make a case for not doing it,” he said. Following Trump’s statement, the Democratic candidate said…

Three martyred as terrorists target police checkpoint in Khyber

KHYBER: At least two police personnel and a civilian were martyred Wednesday after terrorists targeted a checkpoint in Khyber district’s Charwazagai area, said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police. Terrorists, according to District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas, launched a gun attack at a police checkpoint on the Pak-Afghan highway near the Landi Kotal Bazar. Those martyred in the attack, as per the police, included Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Alamzeb, while the injured included one policemen and a civilian. Following the attack, the terrorists fled the scene. According to the police, the civilians martyred and injured…

Biden proposes Supreme Court term limits, binding code of conduct

US President Joe Biden announced plans Monday for urgent reforms to the conservative-dominated Supreme Court, in a bold but long-shot move as he seeks to make a mark in his last six months in power. The 81-year-old Democrat is calling for a constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court’s recent ruling backing Donald Trump’s claims of presidential immunity, according to the White House. The Democrat is also calling for term limits for Supreme Court justices, who currently serve for life, following shock rulings such as the repeal of the nationwide…

Imran Khan endorses GHQ protest call statement despite PTI’s rebuttal

Despite rebuttal by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan has endorsed his earlier statement that he directed his party works to stage a peaceful protest outside the military’s General Headquarters (GHQ)in Rawalpindi before his arrest last year.  The incarcerated former prime minister had recently admitted to giving a call for a protest outside the GHQ before his arrest on May 9, 2023. The PTI leadership had refuted the media reports about Khan’s admission, claiming that the party founder “didn’t say what is being reported in the media”. “We [categorically] deny…

Harris campaign gains momentum with $200mn raised after Biden’s exit

Nearly a week after US President Joe Biden exited the 2024 presidential race and endorsed his deputy Kamala Harris as his successor, the Vice President’s campaign has raised USD 200 million, Al Jazeera reported. The campaign announced its latest fundraising total on Sunday, highlighting that 66 per cent of the donations came from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, over 170,000 volunteers have signed up to assist the Harris campaign with phone banking, canvassing, and other voter outreach efforts. “The momentum and energy for Vice President Harris is real —…