REGARDED as a wily cricket captain during his playing days, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan appeared on Sunday (3) to have stumped his political opposition as well.
The country's president dissolved the national assembly just hours after the deputy speaker declined to accept a no-confidence motion that would likely have seen Khan booted from office, meaning the country will go to the polls within 90 days.
Whether he gets a second innings remains to be seen.
Khan enjoyed genuine popular support when he became premier in 2018, but critics say he has failed to deliver on promises to revitalise the economy and improve the plight of the poor.
The 69-year-old's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was voted in by millions who grew up watching him play cricket, where he excelled as an all-rounder and led the nation to World Cup victory in 1992.
The PTI overturned decades of dominance by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) - two usually feuding groups that have now joined forces to oust him.
Khan's vision was for Pakistan to become a welfare state modelled on the Islamic golden age of the seventh to 14th centuries, a period of cultural, economic and scientific flourishing in the Muslim world.
But he has made little headway in improving Pakistan's financial situation, with galloping inflation, crippling debt and a feeble rupee undermining economic reform.
A deteriorating security situation, particularly since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan last year, has also happened on his watch.
Tiptoed into politics
The Oxford-educated son of a wealthy Lahore family, Khan had a reputation as a playboy until his retirement from international cricket.
For years he busied himself with charity projects, raising millions to build a cancer hospital to honour his mother.
He tiptoed into politics and for years held the PTI's only parliamentary seat.
But the party grew hugely during the military-led government of General Pervez Musharraf, becoming a genuine force in the 2013 elections before winning bigger five years later.
Running the country proved more difficult than sitting in opposition, however.
Double-digit inflation has driven up the cost of basic goods, and while the economy is forecast to grow four per cent this year, it has been stagnant for the last three.
Pakistan has also had to borrow heavily just to service nearly $130 billion (£99.13 bn) of foreign debt.
The increasingly volatile security situation exemplified by the Taliban's return to power across the border in mid-August has also contributed to Khan's downfall.
The hardline Islamists' victory was initially seen as a victory, both for Pakistan - long accused of supporting them - as well as for a prime minister dubbed "Taliban Khan" for his consistent advocacy of dialogue and criticism of US policy towards Kabul.
But attacks by Pakistan's own Taliban - as well as the local Daesh group and Baluch separatists - have increased despite Kabul's assurances that Afghan soil would not be used for such purposes.
Pakistan's army is key to political power, and some analysts say Khan lost its crucial support - claims both sides deny. Certainly, he could not have pulled off Sunday's manoeuvre without the military's knowledge, or support.
Closer to China, Russia
Khan's efforts to position Pakistan as a key non-aligned regional player have not been successful either.
Ties with the United States have frayed, with Khan accusing Washington of working with the opposition for regime change.
Islamabad has moved closer to China, even though the important work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has slowed down.
He has also moved closer to Russia, angering the West by continuing a visit to Moscow on the same day as the invasion of Ukraine.
Khan did have some domestic successes.
He is credited with bringing Pakistan relatively unscathed through the global Covid-19 pandemic, and a free universal health scheme he pioneered is slowly being rolled out across the country.
Khan frequently rails against Western permissiveness, sparking outrage among rights groups by repeatedly linking rape to the way women dress in a country where sexual violence is widespread.
Married three times, his current wife Bushra Bibi comes from a conservative family and wears a veil in public.
Often described as being impulsive and brash, he draws frequently on cricket analogies to describe his political battles.
"I fight till the very last ball. I never quit whatever the result may be," he said in an address to the nation last week.
(AFP)
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Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern
Mar 29, 2025
Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.
Allegations in the lawsuit
According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.
Stern claims that Tate struck her in the face and head, choked her to the point where she nearly lost consciousness, and threatened to kill her. She alleges that after the incident, she acted as though nothing was wrong in order to leave the hotel safely the following morning. She later sought medical attention and was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome.
The lawsuit also states that Tate sent her a message warning, "If you ever betray me you will regret it." Stern reportedly waited until Tate had left the country before reporting the alleged assault to law enforcement.
Tate’s legal team responds
Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit, calling it a "blatant cash grab" and accusing Stern of making the allegations for "money and attention." In a statement to the BBC, McBride asserted that Tate's legal team is prepared to defend him in court and that the allegations are baseless.
McBride also criticised Stern’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, who is currently representing multiple plaintiffs in sexual assault cases against music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. McBride referred to Buzbee as a "lowlife bottom feeder."
Tate’s legal challenges
This lawsuit adds to Tate’s existing legal troubles. In 2022, he and his brother, Tristan Tate, were arrested in Romania on charges of forming a criminal organisation, with Andrew Tate also facing rape charges. The brothers have also been accused of sexual assault in both the United States and the United Kingdom, though neither has been convicted of any crimes.
Stern’s lawsuit describes a pattern of alleged manipulation and grooming that began when she met Tate in Romania while visiting for a modelling job in mid-2024. She claims Tate initially presented himself as charming, promising financial security if they were together. However, the complaint alleges that his behaviour soon turned demeaning, with him referring to her as his "property" and verbally abusing her.
Legal actions and requested damages
Stern is seeking punitive damages, legal fees, and additional relief as determined by the court. She has also requested a restraining order against Tate, hoping the legal action will prevent him from continuing "a pattern of using and abusing women."
The lawsuit does not specify a monetary amount for damages but asks for statutory compensation and court costs.
Following the filing, Stern released a statement on Instagram acknowledging her struggles in coming to terms with the alleged abuse. Despite the allegations, she stated that she still loved Tate and found it difficult to accept what had happened.
As of now, Tate has not personally commented on the lawsuit.
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Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom
Mahesh Liloriya
Mar 29, 2025
The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.
Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.
An enlightening beginning: Voices of Faith Day 1
The festival opened with a mesmerising Indian classical prelude by celebrated musicians Soumik Datta and Gurdain Singh Rayatt, setting a contemplative and harmonious tone for the proceedings. The inaugural address was delivered by H.E. Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, alongside Vindi Banga and Sanjoy K. Roy, who underscored the significance of interfaith dialogue in an era marked by socio-political divisions. Lord Jitesh Gadhia also shared his thoughts.
Vikram Doraiswami
The keynote address was delivered by Andrew Quintman, a distinguished scholar of Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayas, and an associate professor at Wesleyan University. Quintman captivated the audience with his reflections on the omnipresence of religion in human civilisation. He emphasised how religious traditions have shaped architecture, literature, politics, and human consciousness throughout history.
Quintman also highlighted the evolving academic understanding of religion, explaining how the term itself is a relatively modern construct developed in the West. He explored the Sanskrit concept of dharma, illustrating its varied interpretations from moral duty to philosophical ideals, and how it forms the bedrock of Buddhist traditions.
Andrew Quintman
The power of faith in song and poetry
Drawing from centuries-old spiritual traditions, Quintman explored the role of poetry and music in religious devotion. He referenced the 11th-century Tibetan sage Milarepa, whose deeply evocative songs of meditation and enlightenment continue to inspire spiritual seekers. Milarepa’s verses, rich with imagery of nature and solitude, exemplify how music and poetry have long served as conduits for expressing faith and attaining spiritual awakening.
Lord Jitesh Gadhia
A platform for thought and reflection
Day 1 of Voices of Faith provided a compelling glimpse into the diverse religious traditions and their role in shaping human understanding. The discussions underscored how faith, in its myriad forms, offers solace, guidance, and wisdom amid life’s uncertainties.
Saturday’s schedule features an evening session, followed by a full-day programme on Sunday, 30 March, where more in-depth discussions and musical performances will continue to illuminate the path of faith and wisdom.
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Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case
Mar 29, 2025
A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.
The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.
The original tribunal judge, Leanne Turner, ruled last June that the man would likely face prosecution and imprisonment in Pakistan for his "uncontrollable alcohol consumption," as alcohol is banned for Muslims in the country. She decided that deporting him would breach his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
However, appeal judge Soraya Reeds has now overturned this decision, finding that Turner had "speculated" and "started from the assumption" that the man would continue drinking after deportation and subsequently be jailed.
"Given that there are likely to be Muslims in Pakistan who drink and possess alcohol, the assertion that all will be arrested, prosecuted and indeed receive imprisonment is not evidenced," Reeds said.
The man first came to Britain in 2010 and was granted residency through marriage to a British resident. Despite their divorce in 2018 following his conviction for assaulting her, he was allowed to stay because of his relationship with their British-born son.
Court records, however, revealed a pattern of serious offending. In 2020, he was jailed for a year after drunkenly assaulting emergency workers. While on bail for that offence, he committed another sexual assault. The Home Office issued a deportation order later that year.
In 2022, he received another one-year sentence for sexually assaulting a girl under 13, prompting his appeal against deportation on human rights grounds. During those proceedings, a psychiatrist noted his alcohol dependency, which reportedly developed after his divorce.
The man told the tribunal he would be "punished" in Pakistan, claiming authorities would likely imprison him in conditions that were "inhuman and degrading."
The Home Office successfully argued on appeal that it was the man's responsibility to "comply with the law" and "change his behaviour."
The case will now return to the lower tribunal for a fresh hearing.
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Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar
Mar 29, 2025
INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.
A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.
Prime minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing, expressing condolences and pledging India's support. "As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour," Modi said on social media platform X.
In addition to the initial aid flight, India has decided to deploy 80 personnel from its National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) led by a Commandant-rank officer.
The NDRF team, equipped with specialist rescue gear, is expected to arrive by Saturday evening. This marks only the third time India has deployed the NDRF abroad, following similar missions during the 2015 Nepal earthquake and 2023 Türkiye quake.
The earthquake, described as the biggest to hit Myanmar in decades, caused widespread destruction across the country, with severe damage reported in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. The tremors were powerful enough to damage buildings in Bangkok, hundreds of kilometres away from the epicentre.
Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar indicated that more aid would follow as India continues to monitor developments in its neighbouring country, with which it shares a 1,643-kilometre border.
In Mandalay, journalists saw a centuries-old Buddhist pagoda that had been reduced to rubble by the quake.
"It started shaking, then it started getting serious," said a soldier at a checkpoint on the road outside the pagoda. "The monastery also collapsed. One monk died. Some people were injured, we pulled out some people and took them to the hospital."
The head of the main Buddha statue in the monastery fell off and was placed on the platform at its feet.
"Everyone at the monastery dares not sleep inside, as we heard there could be another earthquake. I have never felt anything like this in my life," said the soldier.
Guards at Mandalay Airport turned away journalists. "It has been closed since yesterday," said one. "The ceiling collapsed but no-one was hurt."
Damage to the airport would complicate relief efforts in a country whose rescue services and healthcare system have already been ravaged by four years of civil war sparked by a military coup in 2021.
(Agencies)
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Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings
Mar 29, 2025
THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.
Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.
Finland continues to shine as the world’s happiest country for an eighth consecutive year, with Nordic nations dominating the top rankings.
Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden occupy the second, third, and fourth positions respectively, showcasing the region’s consistent approach to social welfare and quality of life.
Experts said the UK’s dramatic drop reflects growing concerns about the national quality of life and economic uncertainty. This decline comes amid broader trends of social isolation and economic pressures impacting developed nations’ overall sense of wellbeing.
Pakistan was a relative bright spot in south Asia rankings, in 109th place out of 147 surveyed countries. The regional happiness hierarchy showed Nepal performing best at 91st place, followed by Pakistan, while India was ranked 118th, Sri Lanka 133rd, and Bangladesh at 134th.
India is far below its neighbours Nepal, Bangladesh, and China. The drop is linked to growing mental health concerns, exacerbated by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing economic pressures.
Researchers discovered that strangers are nearly twice as kind as people typically perceive them to be. Moreover, sharing meals demonstrated a strong correlation with individual wellbeing, even as the number of people dining alone in the US has increased by 53 per cent over two decades.
Loneliness was also mentioned in the report, especially among young people.
In 2023, 19 per cent of young adults worldwide reported having no one they could count on for social support – a significant 39 per cent increase compared to 2006. This isolation appears to be having broader societal implications, potentially influencing political attitudes and social cohesion.
Costa Rica and Mexico made their first appearance in the top ten, demonstrating that happiness is not solely determined by economic wealth, but by complex social and cultural factors.
The report also highlighted intriguing political dimensions, noting that declining life satisfaction is driving an increase in anti-system political votes. Interestingly, individuals with low trust tend to be attracted to far-right political movements, while those with high trust gravitate towards farleft ideologies.
Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country in the world, with ongoing humanitarian challenges significantly impacting national wellbeing. The report reflected how political instability, and economic hardship can undermine a population’s sense of happiness and security.
Researchers stressed that the happiness index goes beyond traditional economic indicators. The rankings consider factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
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