Agreement eludes neighbours despite three days of talks

The third day of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul was marked by fluctuating optimism and frustration, as both sides attempted to develop a mechanism to curb cross-border terrorism.

Despite most points being mutually agreed upon, the core issue remaining unresolved was establishing a verifiable action plan against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, especially addressing the Taliban’s support for the TTP.

Early in the negotiations, there was a hopeful tone with reports of constructive engagement, but as the day progressed, optimism diminished due to Afghan Taliban resistance, particularly their reluctance to formalize guarantees or commit in writing to end support for terrorist groups.

Pakistani officials expressed frustration over Kabul's reluctance, emphasizing the Taliban’s need to end patronage of the TTP and prevent terrorism from Afghan territory, despite external influences like India and Pakistan attempting to mediate sincerely.

The Afghan delegation remained optimistic, stating that remaining disagreements were few and resolvable, and stressed that tensions benefit no one, aiming for a positive outcome from the talks.

Mediation by Turkish and Qatari officials was seen as significant, as both sides continued engagement for a third day, indicating neither wanted to let the process collapse despite no formal agreement being reached.

The discussions highlighted the persistent stalemate, but the fact that both parties sustained engagement was viewed as a positive sign, with some considering an extension into a fourth day.

Overall, the negotiations underscored the complexity of reaching an agreement on terrorism and security cooperation, with close international monitoring and diplomatic efforts ongoing to prevent the talks from unraveling altogether.

FIR registered against 9 NCCIA officials for ‘misuse of authority’ on complaint of YouTuber Ducky Bhai’s wife

A case has been filed with the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle in Lahore against nine NCCIA officers for misuse of authority and accepting bribes, including six officers who were missing for days until their arrest was announced.

The FIR, based on a complaint from Aroob Jatoi, wife of YouTuber Saadur Rehman (Ducky Bhai), relates to his case involving the promotion of online gambling apps.

The nine officers nominated include senior officials from Lahore and Islamabad NCCIA offices, such as Additional Director Sarfraz, Deputy Directors Zawar Ahmad and Muhammad Usman, Assistant Directors Shoaib Riaz, Mujtaba Zafar, and others.

The FIR accuses these officers of extorting Rs9 million from Rehman’s family, using misused authority and collusion with his lawyer, to facilitate his detention and judicial remand during an investigation.

Specific allegations involve extorting Rs6 million on pretext of providing relief, Rs3 million via cheques, and transferring large sums from Rehman’s account to personal accounts through Binance.

The officers are accused of operating as a network, taking monthly bribes to facilitate online fraud activities, and passing amounts through higher officials, with evidence of systematic abuse of power.

The FIR states that the officers misled Rehman’s family about providing him relief and engaged in criminal misconduct, including colluding with call centers and online fraud facilitators.

Significant controversy includes the recent arrest of the six officers presented before a Lahore court, with FIA seeking their physical remand for interrogation.

Their lawyers challenged the legality of their detention, citing violations of their rights under the Constitution and police procedures, and fear that suspects are being illegally confined and denied access to legal counsel and family members.

Reports indicate that Additional Director Sarfraz was removed from his position amid controversies involving media influencers and social media fraudsters, alongside issues involving legal and police disputes.

The disappearance of key officers, including Muhammad Usman, and their subsequent recovery in FIA custody highlight ongoing investigative and institutional challenges.

The Islamabad High Court has granted an extended week to locate the missing Deputy Director Muhammad Usman, amid allegations of abduction, and similar concerns are raised about his wife’s disappearance.

Overall, the case exposes systemic corruption within the NCCIA, misuse of authority, and the vulnerability of officers' legal rights during investigations, with broader implications for accountability and institutional integrity.

What’s next for released Palestinian prisoners?

Thousands of Palestinian prisoners, most detained without charge, have been released from Israeli jails as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, leading to mixed feelings of joy and sadness among families and communities.

Many released prisoners have faced harsh conditions, mistreatment, and systematic torture, which is documented through reports and testimonies, raising concerns about their treatment and the challenges of reintegration.

Several hundred prisoners were forced into exile by Israel, while others return to heavily damaged Gaza or face the risk of re-arrest in the occupied West Bank, highlighting ongoing restrictions and the complex reality under occupation.

The possibility for former Palestinian prisoners to fully embrace freedom is questioned, considering the persistent state of occupation, ongoing hostilities, and the psychological scars from Israeli detention practices.

Experts such as researchers and representatives from human rights organizations emphasize the systemic nature of Israeli detention, the dehumanizing impact of imprisonment, and the broader political and human rights implications.

The release does not signify an end to the broader Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, nor does it resolve underlying issues related to Palestinian resistance, Israeli military practices, or the ongoing conflict dynamics.

The article underscores the importance of international attention and advocacy for the rights of Palestinian prisoners, calling for accountability regarding torture and inhumane treatment.

The release pact may serve as a temporary step towards de-escalation, but significant questions remain about future political solutions, the end of occupation, and the prospects for long-term peace and justice for Palestinians.

World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Why FIFA won’t ban Israel despite Gaza genocide

FIFA is allowing Israel to resume its qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup amidst widespread protests and international demands for sanctions over its military actions in Gaza, citing an inability or unwillingness to address geopolitical issues within sporting context.

Critics accuse FIFA and UEFA of double standards, highlighting their quick sanctions against Russia in 2022 and failure to act against Israel despite reports, including UN investigations, that describe Israel’s military operations in Gaza as genocidal, with significant harm to Palestinian lives and infrastructure.

Over two years of conflict have resulted in over 67,000 deaths, including a large number of children, along with destruction of Gaza’s football infrastructure, and the killing of at least 421 Palestinian footballers, illustrating the devastating impact of the war on Palestinian sports and society. Calls for banning Israeli teams from international sport have been made by legal experts, political figures, and sports officials, including Spanish Sports Minister Pilar Alegria and former football stars like Eric Cantona, emphasizing the moral and ethical imperative to act against what is described as atrocities in Gaza. FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismisses protest calls as “geopolitical issues,” maintaining football’s role as a unifying force, yet experts perceive Israel’s continued impunity as reflective of broader political and economic interests influencing international sports governance. The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has formally accused Israel of violating FIFA statutes through its military actions and settlement-related club participation, requesting sanctions including bans, but FIFA postponed decisive action, allegedly under political pressure, including threats from the US and Israel’s allies. Israel’s historical and political isolation in football has evolved; expelled from the AFC in 1974 due to Arab protests, Israel joined UEFA in 1994, where it now competes in Group I alongside Italy and Norway—nations with internal political divisions and protests against their governments’ positions on the Gaza conflict. Countries like Italy and Norway face internal political unrest and protests, with Italy’s team under threat of losing matches if they withdraw, and Norway pledging to donate proceeds from their game against Israel to Gaza humanitarian efforts, demonstrating the complex intersection of sport, politics, and activism. The potential for protests and boycotts inside and outside stadiums complicates the sporting landscape, but the commercialization of football and diplomatic considerations limit the effectiveness of these protests in driving policy changes at FIFA or UEFA. Historically, political pressures, regional alliances, and diplomatic normalization efforts influence sport decisions; despite unity in Arab and Muslim countries against Israeli policies, broader geopolitical and economic interests, including normalization of relations with Israel by some Arab states, inhibit decisive sanctions or expulsion actions from international football bodies. Overall, experts acknowledge that FIFA’s stance reflects a broader pattern of protecting political and commercial interests, resulting in “total impunity” for Israel and highlighting the challenges of using sport as a platform for political protest amid complex global power dynamics.

Dozens killed as Pakistani army, fighters clash near Afghan border

The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack on a military convoy, which triggered a deadly gunfight near the Afghan border in Pakistan’s northwest.

The confrontation involved Pakistani security forces and armed fighters, including members of banned groups such as the Pakistan Taliban, also referred to as “Khawarij” by the military. During an intelligence operation in Orakzai district, a fierce exchange of gunfire broke out, resulting in the deaths of eleven Pakistani military personnel, including Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and Deputy Major Tayyab Rahat, along with nine other soldiers. Pakistani security officials indicated that the fighters ambushed the convoy with a roadside bomb before engaging in a firefight, with 19 fighters killed during the incident. The conflict underscores the ongoing violence in Pakistan’s northwest, attributed to militant groups seeking to overthrow the government and establish their interpretation of Islamic governance. The Pakistan Taliban has increased attacks on Pakistani security forces in recent months, leveraging neighboring Afghanistan for training and planning, a claim denied by both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan accuses India of backing and funding these militant groups, a charge both countries deny. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces’ efforts and paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives, emphasizing their service amid escalating insurgent violence. The incident reflects broader regional tensions, with cross-border militant activity complicating Pakistan’s security landscape and ongoing efforts to combat extremism.

Is it legal for Trump to put his picture on US Mint dollar coin?

The Trump administration plans to issue a $1 commemorative coin featuring Donald Trump’s image on both sides, marking the US’s 250th anniversary, despite the longstanding norm against featuring living persons, especially sitting presidents, on US currency.

While US currency typically avoids depicting living people, there have been instances where living individuals, including presidents, appeared on US paper currency, such as Lincoln, Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase, and General Winfield Scott, often through legal loopholes or special circumstances. Historically, legislation has prohibited portraying living persons on US coinage; for example, a 2007 law banning images of current or recent presidents on coins during certain periods, though this law specifically applied to a presidential series and not broadly to all coins. The legal framework for the proposed Trump coin comes from the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, signed by Trump in January 2021, which authorizes redesigns for various coins for the US’s 250th anniversary in 2026. This law explicitly prohibits images of living persons solely on the reverse (back) of coins within the series, but it does not explicitly ban portraits on the obverse (front) of the coin, potentially allowing Trump’s image on the front. From a legal standpoint, there appear to be no insurmountable obstacles preventing the creation of a Trump coin, especially if Congress does not intervene; presidential authority could potentially be exercised to produce such a coin. Experts suggest that challenging the coin’s legality might be difficult, as it’s unclear who would have standing to sue, and courts might see no direct harm resulting from its production. The longstanding tradition and norm in the US is not to feature living persons on coins, rooted in the country's republican values and historical practices, as the US sought to differentiate its currency from monarchies where reigning monarchs are depicted on coins. Despite this norm, previous examples exist where living individuals have appeared on US currency, such as a 1921 coin honoring Alabama’s first governor, a 1926 coin featuring Washington and Coolidge, a 1995 coin for the Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and a 2016 coin for Ronald and Nancy Reagan. There is also a recent example from Liberia, which in 2025 produced a coin depicting Trump as a Roman emperor, but such instances are rare and often limited to commemorative or special purpose coins. Overall, while there is some historical precedence and legal latitude for a Trump coin, such a move would break with long-standing tradition and could provoke political or public debate, but legally, it appears feasible under current legislation unless Congress explicitly blocks it.

LIVE: Israel kills 8 people in Gaza in 24 hours as talks under way in Egypt

Israel has carried out attacks killing eight Palestinians and injuring 61 others in Gaza within the past 24 hours, with total Palestinian casualties since October 7, 2023, reaching over 67,000 dead and nearly 170,000 injured.

Israeli forces also recovered two bodies from previous strikes, amidst ongoing intense military operations in Gaza. A new documentary, "Inside Gaza," features AFP journalists who were trapped during the initial Israeli attacks, highlighting their documentation of the suffering amid restricted access and discrediting efforts by Israel, with the journalists now residing in Qatar, Egypt, and the UK experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Gaza Strip faces critical humanitarian conditions with only 14 of its 36 hospitals partially operational, primarily due to shortages of electricity, water, medicine, and damaged infrastructure, forcing hospitals to endure repeated attacks and repairs.

The WHO reports that seven in ten pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gaza suffer from malnutrition, and a significant proportion of newborns are underweight or premature, pointing to worsening health crises. Humanitarian aid is severely impeded by Israeli restrictions, including the denial of access to northern Gaza to retrieve a neonatal incubator and repeated interception of aid vessels attempting to break the Gaza blockade, enhancing the humanitarian crisis. Tensions escalate as Israeli far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir provocatively entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, claiming ownership and provoking further unrest, which Palestinians and international observers condemn as a deliberate provocation. Several aid seekers near a food distribution center in southern Gaza were shot at by Israeli forces, causing injuries and deaths, further complicating efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies amid ongoing conflict. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is engaged in discussions with Hamas and advocates for Palestinian governance, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution and a ceasefire, especially following a request from US President Donald Trump. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad condemns Israel's interception of aid flotillas and wider violations of international law during the blockade of Gaza, criticizing the silence of European governments which they say encourages Israeli military actions. Additional conflicts include clashes near the Afghan border involving Pakistan's military, and international criticism of various figures' remarks on Gaza, highlighting the global and regional geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict.

Pakistan’s mediation brings Gaza ceasefire closer, says PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a ceasefire in Gaza is closer than ever since the conflict began, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people.

The statement followed Hamas’s acceptance of key parts of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, including ending hostilities, Israel’s withdrawal, and the release of hostages and captives. Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, aiming to secure the release of Israeli hostages, and has instructed the military to reduce offensive activities in Gaza. Shehbaz highlighted the development as a significant step towards peace, expressing gratitude towards Trump and Arab countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia for their diplomatic efforts. He emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic and moral support to Palestinians and committed to working with international partners for a lasting peace in Palestine. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Hamas’s response and insisted that it must now lead to an immediate ceasefire, the end of Palestinian suffering, hostage releases, and unrestricted humanitarian aid. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for establishing a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Dar engaged in diplomatic talks with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and joint efforts for a ceasefire, emphasizing regional cooperation for peace and aid delivery.

In conversations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Dar underlined the importance of a durable ceasefire, humanitarian access, and long-term peace efforts based on a two-state solution. Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia expressed support for ongoing diplomatic initiatives, highlighted the importance of an immediate ceasefire, and reaffirmed commitment to Palestine’s sovereignty, with negotiations focused on achieving a comprehensive peace settlement including East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.