Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has started registering cloud service providers (CSPs) to ensure that services meet required standards and safeguard national and public data security. The government had announced strict accreditation criteria for CSPs under the Pakistan Cloud First Policy (PCFP). So far, six applications have been received by the ministry for accreditation. IT Minister Shaza Fatima told Dawn that strict security criteria and quality standards have been set for CSPs, and that they must pass a rigorous security check and an audit by a third-party auditor registered with the Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) to ensure that the data of Pakistanis and government data remain secure from hackers. “For the first time, the policy ensures that Pakistan’s sensitive data is stored on servers physically located within the country, which will help keep national data under Pakistan’s legal control,” she said. “Under the PCFP, all public sector...

KARACHI: The Central jail authorities on Tuesday requested Civil Hospital Karachi to depute a medical team for the examination of alleged drug queenpin Anmol alias Pinky following complaints of kidney issues. In an application dated May 26, the jail superintendent requested that a medical team be deputed for the prisoner after she was recommended for further evaluation following an initial medical examination at the prison clinic on May 23. “Her ultrasound findings were: an echogenic area seen in one kidney at the lower pole, likely suggestive of a benign ileology (angiomyolipoma),” the application read. The examining physician advised a “re-scan with proper fasting, along with further work-up and laboratory tests.” It also added that the accused needs a gallbladder evaluation for calculi (kidney stones) as well, directing that she be sent to the Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT). However, the jail administration maintained that, given the prisoner’s “high-profile” status, transporting her t...

With temperatures hitting 45°C in Makkah this week, Saudi health workers have increasingly relied on drones to supply a vast array of medical clinics treating heat-stressed pilgrims during the Haj. The rituals at the Haj have been a constant for centuries. But technology is rapidly changing the experience for pilgrims and officials alike — with artificial intelligence, drones and mobile apps providing crucial services, logistical support and helping manage the mammoth crowds. Rather than relying on congested roads filled with over 1.5 million pilgrims, drones in particular have proven to be a technological remedy for helping keep the 127 clinics spread across Makkah, Mina and Arafat adequately provisioned. “The main goal is to provide fast service to the guests of God during the season,” Fahd Al-Bathi, the chief operating officer at the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), told AFP. Preparations for the medical needs of the Haj season began nine months ago. Standing before a colour-coded map of medic...

US President Donald Trump demanded several Muslim countries join the Abraham Accords recognising Israel as part of a deal with Iran, but the plan appears doomed to failure, experts said. Trump’s surprise demand on Monday came at the height of the latest negotiations with Tehran and hours before an American strike on southern Iran piled pressure on a fragile ceasefire. Trump, apparently eyeing a grand bargain to calm the turbulent Middle East, named five countries that already have relations with Israel along with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan — which are considered highly unlikely to take such a step. It was unclear whether Trump really believes the countries will join. Analysts said he may be trying to demonstrate support for Israel or seeking a political win to justify an unpopular war. What are the Abraham Accords? Washington brokered the Abraham Accords during Trump’s first term, seeking to build bridges between Israel and the Arab world. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco were signatories, ...

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on Tuesday departed Pakistan after completing a week-long visit, during which he met the country’s top political leadership and affirmed his commitment to development in the country. He was seen off at the Nur Khan airbase by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who posted on X that Prince Rahim’s visit would play an “important role in further strengthening cooperation, friendship, and partnership between Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network”. The minister said the Aga Khan was presented with a photo album containing “memorable pictures” from his visit. He added that the government of Pakistan valued the welfare projects of the Aga Khan Development Network in the country and commended the organisation’s services in the fields of education, health, social welfare and economic development. “A strong partnership for shared development, prosperity and public welfare guarantees a bright future,” Chaudhry said. Prince Rahim arrived in Pakistan on Wedne...

Israel’s military on Tuesday announced the dismissal of its former top lawyer, months after she resigned amid a scandal involving a leaked video appearing to show soldiers severely abusing a Palestinian detainee. The case, which sparked international outrage as well as protests within Israel, focused on footage taken at the high-security Sde Teiman military base in southern Israel in 2024. The scandal led to the resignation last year of military advocate general, MG Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who in her resignation letter acknowledged that her office had leaked the abuse video to the media. “From the moment suspicions arose regarding the former Military Advocate General in the ‘Sde Teiman’ affair, the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, decided to immediately suspend her from IDF service,” the military said in a statement. “In light of the prolonged criminal proceedings, and given the severity of the alleged actions and suspicions, the Chief of the General Staff has decided to dismiss the ...

Joint statement after PM's visit stresses diplomacy Both sides vow trans-boundary water cooperation

Supreme leader invites all Islamic countries to friendship; Tehran claims downing US drone

Calls for restraint, diplomacy and UN-led conflict resolution

Pilgrims pray for forgiveness as sermon stresses brotherhood, global Muslim unity

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Spiegel reports fewer strategic bombers, warships available to alliance in crisis

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Jewish state faces mounting calls to probe flotilla mistreatment

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Authorities order the Delhi Gymkhana Club to leave prime site

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Tuesday warned against “water aggression” and efforts to undermine international water-sharing agreements, urging India to respect the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960. Addressing a high-level international water conference — the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028) — in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe, the minister warned that attempts to undermine such agreements could jeopardise the rights of downstream countries. He accused India of seeking to politicise shared water resources in violation of longstanding international commitments. The minister added that unilateral actions affecting transboundary rivers could create serious global challenges related to water security, food production and climate resilience. Malik said water aggression was unacceptable, stressing that no country should be allowed to use water as a weapon or suspe...