Author: i2wtc

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks in Doha, both sides said on Sunday, after a week of fierce border clashes, the worst violence between the South Asian neighbours since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. The ceasefire “has been finalised”, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif posted on X on Sunday, saying both sides would meet again on October 25 in Istanbul to discuss “detailed matters”. Pakistani delegation, led by Khawaja Asif, including other senior officials. On the Afghan side, the talks were headed by Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives. Pakistani…

On govt formation and 26th Amendment, especially in Punjab, promises remain unfulfilled, says Sherry Rehman Meeting of PPP Central Executive Committee chaired by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Photo: Express The Pakistan Peoples Party has given one-month deadline to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led federal government to fulfill the commitments made during the formation of the coalition. The PPP has warned that the party will reassess its position and determine its future course of action if the promises remain unmet. Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC), senior party leader Senator…

More companies are announcing AI-driven layoffs from Salesforce to Accenture.Mathisworks | Digitalvision Vectors | Getty ImagesFrom tech to airlines, large global companies have been slashing staff as the real-world impact of artificial intelligence plays out, spooking employees. But critics say AI has become an easy excuse for firms looking to downsize.Last month, tech consultancy firm Accenture announced a restructuring plan that includes quick exits for workers that aren’t first able to reskill on AI. Days later, Lufthansa said it was going to eliminate 4,000 jobs by 2030 as it leans on AI to increase efficiency.Salesforce also laid off 4,000 customer…

NSO, for years, has been accused of facilitating human rights abuses through its flagship hacking tool, PegasusUS judge issues permanent injunction blocking NSO Group from hacking WhatsApp messaging platform. PHOTO: PIXABAY A US court has ordered Israel’s NSO Group to stop targeting Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp messaging service, a development the spyware company warned could put it out of business. In a 25-page ruling, handed down Friday, US District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton imposed a permanent injunction on NSO Group’s efforts to break into WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used communications platforms. Hamilton also handed NSO a significant break…

Order also enforces complete ban on exhibition of weapons, limits use of loudspeakers except for Azaan, Friday sermons The Punjab Home Department has announced a seven-day extension in the enforcement of Section 144 across the province a day after provincial cabinet forwarded a summary to the federal government seeking a formal ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. The decision taken during the 38th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order extending the restrictions that were first imposed on October 8. The government cited growing security threats and terrorism concerns as the main reasons for the extension, warning that large…

Tarar says the cricket governing body must remain impartial and avoid political entanglementsInformation Minister Attaullah Tarar. PHOTO: FILE Information Minister Atta Tarar has categorically rejected the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ‘selective, biased, and premature’ statement regarding the deaths of three Afghan cricketers, which claimed they were killed in an ‘airstrike in Paktika’. The Afghanistan Cricket Board, in a statement, had said that three local cricketers were killed in a military strike in Paktika province and announced its withdrawal from next month’s tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Later, in a statement, the ICC condemned the attack, saying it stands…

Guests watch a performance staged by a song and dance troupe during the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)This photo shows a view of the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry,…

Sources say next round of talks will continue on Sunday (today) to deliberate on cross-border coordination mechanismsAfghan Taliban fighters patrol near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province in Afghanistan on October 15. Photo: Reuters Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries, operating from Afghan soil, during Doha talks as first round of discussions concluded. The second session is scheduled for today (Sunday). Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif including other senior officials. On the Afghan side, the talks were headed by Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives. Pakistani officials raised the issue…

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir warned India that in a nuclear environment, there is “no room for war” between the two countries, reaffirming that Pakistan’s Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend every inch of the motherland. Speaking at the passing-out parade of cadets from the 152nd Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course, 37th Technical Graduate Course, 71st Integrated Course, and 26th Lady Cadet Course at the PMA Kakul on Saturday, the Field Marshal said, “the military, with the nation’s full support, has left no stone unturned in the external and internal defence of the motherland”. The…

A general view of a U.S. State Department sign outside the U.S. State Department building in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 11, 2025. Annabelle Gordon | ReutersThe U.S. State Department said Saturday that it has “credible reports” that Hamas could violate the ceasefire with an attack on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.If the attack takes place, it “would constitute a direct and grave violation” of the agreement forged by President Donald Trump to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas, the statement said.No further details were disclosed about the potential attack.”Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to…