Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Afghan president takes a shot at Pakistan for supporting Taliban

Afghanistan is still reeling from a series of attacks that hit the nation in the past few weeks, and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani feels Pakistan should take stringent measures to stop the Taliban from working out of its soil.

In a televised speech to the nation, Ghani said slammed Pakistan for supporting Taliban and said the center of Taliban terrorism is in Pakistan. Reportedly, Afghanistan has presented to Islamabad evidence of Pakistan's involvement in Taliban attacks. Arrested insurgents are said to have admitted to being trained in Islamic seminaries in Pakistan.


"The Afghan nation is waiting for clear action" from Pakistan, said Ghani.

The United States has also been blaming Pakistan for providing terrorists safe havens on its soil, and on Friday, the United States Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan emphasized that eliminating terrorists' safe havens was important to overcome the conflict in Afghanistan.

"We have made clear to the Pakistani government our expectations for them to take action against terrorists that are in sanctuaries in Pakistan to reduce the pressure and the threat of violence in Afghanistan and to contribute to a lasting and enduring peace in Afghanistan and in the region,” Sullivan told reporters.

The US was committed to the efforts of the Afghanistan government to bring peace and prosperity to their country, and it can only be achieved if the Taliban agrees to join the Afghan peace process, he said.

Despite the recent tragic events where innocent lives were lost in three separate attacks by the Taliban, the Afghanistan government was ready to work with the Taliban to ensure peace. "Unfortunately, at this stage everyone but the Taliban appears ready for peace. The Taliban's reprehensible attacks targeting innocent civilians demonstrate that they are not ready to enter into good faith peace negotiations,” said Sullivan.

In January, the US suspended close to $2 billion in military aid to Pakistan for allegedly failing to shut down terrorist safe havens in its soil. President Trump also tweeted that Pakistan has given nothing to the US other than “lies and deceit” and providing “safe haven” to terrorists in return for $ 33 billion aid over the last 15 years.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less