Pakistani Passport Ranked 4th Worst in World for 4 Straight Years
It’s another disappointing year for Pakistan’s passport. For the fourth year in a row, it’s been ranked one of the worst in the world. Out of 199 passports, Pakistan came in at a dismal 100th place, the same as last year. This means people with Pakistani passports can only travel to 33 countries without getting a visa beforehand. That’s only slightly better than Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, which hold the very bottom spots. Meanwhile, countries like Singapore, Germany, and Japan are at the top of the list, with their citizens able to travel to almost anywhere in the world without needing a visa. Even the United Arab Emirates jumped way ahead, landing in 9th place. It seems like Pakistan is stuck in the same place, making it harder for its people to explore the world freely.
115 Civilians Killed in Protest Against Government in Bangladesh
Chaos and Bloodshed in Bangladesh: Students Demand Justice DHAKA: Massive protests have erupted in Bangladesh, turning deadly as students, government supporters, and armed police clash violently. The trigger? A deeply controversial civil service job quota system that many believe is grossly unfair. Dozens have been killed, and hundreds more injured as riot police unleash tear gas and rubber bullets on demonstrators. The streets and university campuses of Dhaka and other cities are swarming with angry crowds wielding sticks. The tension is palpable, and the atmosphere is electric with fury. In a dramatic turn of events, state broadcaster Bangladesh Television (BTV) went off the air after student protesters allegedly set its headquarters on fire. Calls for a nationwide shutdown are growing louder, posing a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Authorities have cut mobile and internet services, closed schools and universities, and deployed security forces to stamp out the unrest. However, human rights groups are accusing them of using unlawful force against the protesters. So, why are these students so furious? It all boils down to the government’s quota system. More than half of the civil service jobs are reserved for specific groups, with 30% set aside for relatives of veterans from the 1971 war of independence. While these roles offer job security and higher pay, many students see the system as discriminatory and biased towards supporters of Hasina’s ruling Awami League party. They demand a merit-based recruitment process. Maruf Khan, a Bangladeshi student in Australia, explains the frustration: “About 500,000 to 600,000 people are competing for 600 to 700 government jobs, and with a 56% quota, it’s not easy.” High unemployment, especially among the youth, exacerbates the anger. Despite recent economic growth, inequality has widened, leaving over 30 million people without work or education. The quota system was scrapped in 2018 after similar protests, but in June, the High Court reinstated it, sparking fresh outrage. On July 10, the Supreme Court suspended the quotas for a month to review the case. Critics argue the system creates a privileged class benefiting from their connections. Student protester Tahmeed Hossain sums it up: “The quota was logical in the past, but now it’s discrimination.” The protests began at Dhaka University on July 1 and quickly spread. Violence erupted on July 15 when ruling party supporters allegedly attacked student protesters. The situation has only worsened since, with the government deploying the paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion, notorious for human rights abuses. The nation holds its breath as the battle for justice and equality rages on.
Afghan Protestor Removed Pakistani Flag from Embassy and Humiliated it
Frankfurt Incident: An Outrageous Attack on the Pakistani Consulate FRANKFURT: Imagine this: Afghan nationals, fueled by anger, launched a vicious attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt. They didn’t just protest; they pelted the consulate with stones and showed utter disrespect by desecrating the Pakistani flag. This shocking event unfolded on a Sunday, leaving many in disbelief. Videos that have gone viral on social media paint a chaotic scene. Protesters stormed the consulate, hurling stones and forcefully removing the Pakistani flag. Some reports even suggest that these attackers tried to set the flag ablaze. Yet, despite the severity of this attack, German police have yet to make any arrests. Details reveal that a group of 8 to 10 Afghan nationals were involved in this brazen assault. After tearing down the flag, they managed to flee the scene. In a statement filled with deep concern, Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the breach of security at its consulate, highlighting the grave danger posed to its diplomatic staff. This attack isn’t just an isolated incident; it’s a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, which obligates the host country to protect consular premises and ensure the safety of diplomats. Pakistan has formally expressed its outrage and demanded immediate action from the German Government. They have urged Germany to uphold the provisions of the Vienna Conventions and to implement stringent measures to protect Pakistani diplomatic missions and staff in Germany. Moreover, Pakistan is calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this attack. They insist that any security lapses that allowed this incident to occur must be addressed. German authorities have assured Pakistani officials in Frankfurt of a thorough investigation. Following the circulation of videos on social media, several individuals have reportedly been arrested, and interrogations are underway. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of diplomatic security and the need for immediate and decisive action to prevent such breaches in the future.
Thailand Offering Visa-Free Entry to 93 Countries But Not to Pakistan
On a poignant day for Pakistan, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a significant expansion of Thailand’s visa-free scheme, now encompassing 93 countries. This initiative, set to be signed into effect on Monday, allows visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, promising seamless integration thanks to robust measures by immigration and security authorities. While this move brings joy to many, the absence of Pakistan from the list is deeply felt. The anticipation and hope of Pakistani travelers remain unfulfilled, stirring a sense of longing and disappointment. Countries Previously in the Visa-Free Scheme Country Country Country Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Bahrain Brazil Brunei Canada Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kuwait Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Maldives Mauritius Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain South Africa South Korea Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Peru Hong Kong Vietnam Saudi Arabia Newly Added Countries Country Country Country Bhutan Bulgaria Cyprus Fiji Georgia India Kazakhstan Malta Mexico Papua New Guinea Romania Uzbekistan Taiwan China Laos Macau Mongolia Russia Cambodia Albania Colombia Croatia Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Guatemala Jamaica Jordan Kosovo Morocco Panama Sri Lanka Trinidad and Tobago Tonga Uruguay This expansion, though a testament to Thailand’s embrace of global diversity, leaves Pakistani hearts yearning for inclusion. The dream of exploring Thailand’s rich culture and landscapes remains just that — a dream, waiting for the day it will become a reality.
Elon Musk to Spend $45 Million to Support Donald Trump in Elections
Recently Wall Street Journal posted a news that famous Billionaire is aiming to spend $45 million each month to support Donald Trump in President Elections of United States of America. The news spread like a wild fire and there were discussions almost on every media channel about this bold step by Elon Musk. Later Tesla CEO Elon Musk has sarcastically denied a report that he plans to give $45 million a month to support former US President Donald Trump’s presidential run, calling it “fake.” In a sarcastic post on X, Musk shared a picture of two gnus (wildebeest) with human limbs, captioning it “Fake GNUS.” He shared The Wall Street Journal’s report and sarcastically dismissed it. The Wall Street Journal had claimed Musk was planning to donate $45 million monthly to a new super political-action committee (PAC) backing Trump. This PAC, called America PAC, was formed in June and aims to boost voter registration and encourage early voting in key swing states.Musk, the world’s richest person with a fortune over $250 billion, made it clear that he has no intention of donating to Trump or President Biden’s campaigns. Despite this, The Wall Street Journal suggested that Musk has gotten closer to Trump recently.America PAC has been busy, hiring staff, registering voters, and urging people in swing states to request mail-in ballots. The PAC raised $8.75 million in contributions for the three months ending June 30, according to The Wall Street Journal.In March, Musk had stated on X that he did not plan to donate to the campaigns of Trump or Biden, reinforcing his stance against the recent rumors.
Eight Soldiers Martyred in Bannu Cantonment Terrorist Attack
In a heartbreaking attack early Monday, ten terrorists targeted Bannu Cantonment in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the tragic loss of eight brave soldiers. The military reported that the attackers tried to enter the cantonment but were stopped. They then detonated an explosive-laden vehicle, causing part of the wall to collapse and damaging nearby structures. The fallen heroes include Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, Havildar Zil-e-Hussain, Havildar Shahzad Ahmed, Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, Sepoy Arsalan Aslam, and Lance Naik Sabz Ali. The military’s swift response resulted in all ten terrorists being killed, preventing a larger tragedy and saving many innocent lives. The attack was carried out by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which operates from Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan government to stop terrorists from using their soil. Despite a rise in terrorist activities, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the Pakistan armed forces remain committed to defending the nation. Recent reports show a decline in violence and casualties, but the regions continue to face significant security challenges.
Shahbaz Govt Seeking Ban on PTI and charging Imran Khan with High Treason
Just days after the Supreme Court declared PTI a parliamentary party, the government announced plans to ban it and charge its founder with treason. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar revealed that the government will file a case to outlaw PTI and initiate high treason proceedings against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other top leaders. The Supreme Court’s decision, which granted PTI reserved seats for women and minorities, has sparked government outrage. Tarar stated that the ruling coalition would seek a review of this decision and take strict legal action against those conspiring from abroad and sabotaging the IMF bailout program. The government accuses PTI of anti-state activities, including obtaining prohibited funding and sabotaging previous IMF deals. They allege Imran Khan used a diplomatic cable for personal gain and pushed the country towards economic default. The government plans to send a reference to the Supreme Court to invoke high treason charges related to the 2022 National Assembly dissolution. Tarar also blamed PTI for the May 9 riots and for bringing back the Taliban to Pakistan, undermining the National Action Plan against terrorism. He played a leaked audio where Imran allegedly discussed manipulating the diplomatic cable, further accusing PTI of pressuring the National Accountability Bureau over corruption cases. Meanwhile, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain urged a thorough review of the government’s decision to ban PTI, warning of significant political consequences. He emphasized the need for political forces to focus on the country’s economy and the common man’s hardships.
Pakistan Stock Exchange Hits All-Time-High 81000 Points
Pakistani Investors celebrated on Monday as the benchmark KSE 100 index soared to an all-time high above 81,000, following the announcement of a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $7 billion credit line. This came despite the rising political noise after the landmark apex court ruling on reserve seats. Market optimism was further fueled by an anticipated softening of monetary policy, which drew significant buying interest, particularly from foreign investors. Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation noted that stocks closed at a record high, attributing the surge to the SLA’s boost to investor confidence. He also mentioned that the expected ease in the State Bank of Pakistan’s policy rate, resolution of the energy sector’s circular debt crisis, increased remittances, and rupee stability were key factors in the market’s performance. Topline Securities Ltd highlighted that the new Extended Fund Facility for 37 months significantly bolstered investor sentiment. Major contributions to the index’s rise came from Systems Ltd, MCB Bank, Fauji Fertiliser, Pakistan Oilfield, Hub Power, and Engro Corporation, which collectively added 599 points. The benchmark index achieved an intraday record high of 81,428.43 points and a low of 80,743.46. It ultimately settled at 79,992.35, after a remarkable rally of 1,211.51 points or 1.52% on a day-on-day basis. The overall trading volume remained stable at 441.33 million shares, marking a slight increase of 0.91%. However, the traded value improved by 15.93% to Rs27.22 billion day-on-day. Significant contributors to the trading volume included PIA Holding Company (35.75 million shares), Pak Elektron (25.83 million shares), WorldCall Telecom (24.92 million shares), Air Link Communication (21.33 million shares), and Avanceon Ltd (19.88 million shares). The shares with the most significant price increases in absolute terms were Nestle Pakistan (Rs105.00), Exide Pakistan (Rs93.45), PIA Holding Ltd (B) (Rs82.98), Sapphire Fibres (Rs72.69), and Reliance Cotton (Rs49.13). Conversely, the companies with notable price decreases in absolute terms were Rafhan Maize (Rs99.27), Pakistan Tobacco (Rs50.45), Data Agro Ltd (Rs38.57), Ismail Industries (Rs32.60), and Mehmood Textile (Rs28.92). Foreign investors were active in value-hunting, purchasing shares worth $2.76 million.
Tanks Roll in La Paz: Bolivian Army Chief Staged Coup Attempt, Arrested by Loyal Forces
President Arce Vows to Defend Democracy After Military Uprising Chaos erupted in the heart of Bolivia’s capital La Paz on Wednesday as army chief General Juan Jose Zuniga deployed troops and tanks in a brazen attempt to seize power. The dramatic scene unfolded in Plaza Murillo, the city’s central square, where soldiers surrounded government buildings, sending shockwaves through the nation. In a scene reminiscent of a bygone era, a tank lumbered towards the presidential palace, its cannon pointed ominously at the door. President Luis Arce, defiant in the face of the attempted coup, addressed the nation from a balcony overlooking the tense scene. Hundreds of supporters gathered below, chanting slogans in defense of democracy. Despite Zuniga’s claims, surrounded by his rebellious troops, that the armed forces aimed to “restructure democracy,” the world watched in condemnation. International leaders swiftly denounced the uprising, recognizing it as a clear power grab. Arce, refusing to yield, vowed to defend the democratically elected government. “No one can take away the democracy we have won,” he declared, his voice ringing out over the crowd. The drama reached a climax when Zuniga, stripped of his command, was captured and arrested while attempting to justify his actions to reporters. This decisive move by loyal forces effectively quelled the uprising within hours, leaving Bolivia to grapple with the aftermath of a dramatic day.
The Sharif Brothers: A Tale of Political Resilience
Nawaz Sharif is hoping to end his unfortunate streak of not being prime minister for a full term on four occasions, having already held the position more times than any other leader in Pakistan. Born in 1949 and 1950, respectively, Nawaz and Shehbaz have been well-known figures in politics since the 1980s. After completing his education, Nawaz joined the family firm, the House of Ittefaq (Ittefaq Group), an industrial conglomerate with interests in steel, textiles, and sugar. During General Ziaul Haq’s administration, Nawaz started his political career as Punjab’s finance minister. He was originally chosen in 1985 to serve as the province’s chief minister, and he was again chosen in 1988 following the lifting of martial law. Following Haq’s passing in August of that year, Nawaz’s Pakistan Muslim League of, divided into two groups. He assumed leadership of the PML, which subsequently evolved into the PML-N. Shehbaz, meantime, was chosen in 1988 to serve as a member of the Punjab Assembly. Shehbaz was again pushed to the sidelines as Nawaz led the PML-N’s election campaign upon his return to Pakistan on October 21. Shehbaz was found not guilty in every case in which he was tried in recent months, and Nawaz was also successful in his appeals of the decisions in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references. In light of Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution, the SC overturned parliamentarians’ lifetime ban on January 8, providing Nawaz with the necessary clearance. Other parties dubbed Nawaz the “ladla” (blue-eyed kid) of the establishment as a result of the quick acquittals; PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari claimed Nawaz was attempting to “get selected” as prime minister for a fourth time.