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Punjab AI curriculum ready

The Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) has rolled out a comprehensive artificial intelligence curriculum within a 60-day timeline set by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.The first draft of the curriculum was presented to the provincial school education minister and the parliamentary secretary by PECTAA Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Musa Ali Bokhari.According to officials, the framework is designed to...


Pope Leo praises Iran war ceasefire after criticizing Trump threat

Asharq Al Awsat Pope Leo on Wednesday praised the two-week ceasefire in the Iran war, hours after calling US President Donald Trump's threat against the population of Iran "unacceptable". The pope, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of ‌the war in recent ‌weeks, said he welcomed ‌the ⁠announcement of the ceasefire ⁠with satisfaction and urged continued negotiation to bring a full end to the regional conflict. "In light of these past hours of...


Ministry launches third environment report, outlines key sustainability challenges

AMMAN — The Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), on Thursday launched the third State of the Environment Report in Jordan.Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman said the report documents rapid environmental changes in Jordan in recent years, driven by population growth, urban expansion, regional challenges and the growing impacts of climate...


Mother died after driving into path of HGV after becoming distracted by her phone, inquest hears

Chloe Lightfoot had been travelling home to Spennymoor in Durham on the morning of August 26 when her self-converted Citroen Berlingo campervan collided with a lorry on the A66.


Basant festival lights up Khanpur Dam

A two-day Basant Festival was held at the scenic and touristic spot near the ancient Jamia Masjid Rajgan, on the banks of Khanpur Dam.The sky turned colourful as locals and tourists flew brightly coloured kites.The sound of kite flyers' cheers took over the area, intermingling with music and adding to the lively atmosphere.Festivalgoers danced to the beat while chanting slogans and enjoyed tasty food. Families did barbeque and ate mutton karahi...


Prime Minister, Saudi Foreign Minister stress need to uphold ceasefire

DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud.During the call, the latest developments in the region were reviewed, particularly those related to the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the need...


Chilling moment child missing for weeks was found in car with 37-year-old man

Joshua Magraff was pulled over for speeding in Florida when police discovered a missing child in his car. The girl, who was only 16, was reported missing last month.


Forensic report confirms substance recovered from Matiullah Jan was not drugs

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday received a forensic report stating that a substance allegedly recovered from senior journalist Matiullah Jan was not drugs.A two-judge bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Inam Amin Minhas was hearing the matter to determine whether charges under narcotics laws could be formally framed. After reviewing the report, the court referred the case back to the trial court for further...


New arrest over Golders Green 'arson' on Jewish ambulance charity - as three appear in court

The arrest took place at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning, and was announced by prosecutor Emma Harraway during the hearing.


Roads drown as alerts fall on deaf ears

Despite repeated alerts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Government of Sindh, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board remains largely inactive, leaving residents across the city grappling with overflowing sewerage and disrupted daily life.Near Safari Park on University Road, stagnant sewage has persisted for several days, eventually spilling over to NEPA Chowrangi. The resulting congestion has severely affected traffic, making...


Gas industry calls for ramping up production

The local gas industry has welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire by terming it a gateway to substantive future progress in international oil and gas trade, which will lower global inflation and fiscal pressure by normalising trade routes.The regional development will also lead to significant progress in Pakistan's oil and gas sector and the overall economy.Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, a leading entrepreneur in the energy and gas sector, has praised Prime...


POA honours Rizwan Aftab

The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has honoured Rizwan Aftab Ahmed in recognition of his contributions to the development and welfare of athletes in Pakistan, officials said on Sunday.Rizwan has emerged over the years as a committed supporter of Pakistani athletes, providing financial, medical and nutritional assistance aimed at improving performance at elite levels. His support has been particularly notable in the case of Olympic gold...


Countries where polygamy is legal

The world is full of diverse traditions and cultural beliefs. The idea of marriage, for instance, can take on many fascinating forms. Some of these extend far beyond the concept of two individuals pledging a lifelong partnership in a monogamous union. In certain societies, polygamy has flourished for centuries, and they are often shaped by ancient customs and religious principles. In these countries, having multiple spouses is not only accepted, but sometimes celebrated as part of their cultural identity. But despite the fact that more than 42 sovereign nations have legalized polygamy, only about 2% of the global population actually lives in polygamous households. Still, that’s about 164 million people worldwide! Curious? Click through this gallery to see which countries have laws that allow marriages like these.


One dead, eight wounded in Iranian attack on residential building in Manama

Asharq Al Awsat Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said early on Tuesday that a 29-year-old woman was killed and eight others were wounded as the result of a blatant Iranian attack on a residential building in the capital Manama. The Bahrain Defense Force General Command confirmed that air defense systems continue to confront successive waves of what it described as Iranian terrorist attacks, noting that since the start of the aggression they have...


Abu Dhabi authorities respond to incident involving falling debris in Sweihan Street, resulting in two fatalities, three injuries

ABU DHABI, 26th March, 2026 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems.According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the incident resulted in two fatalities, three injuries, and damage to a number of


Hegseth unleashes at reporter over Iran ceasefire question

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth snapped at a reporter during a Wednesday morning press conference after being pressed on Donald Trump and Iran's ceasefire deal.


New Yorkers step out in their extravagant Easter creations and take over the streets of Manhattan

New Yorkers spilled onto the streets of Manhattan in their most extravagant creations for the 2026 Easter Bonnet Parade.


Mother says she is proud of armed son who was fatally shot by Florida sheriff's deputy at Walmart

Jairus Jones, 16, was fatally shot by a Florida deputy in an armed shoplifting incident at a Walmart. His mother, Naporsha, has since spoken out about her son's character.


Attack on Altman home sparks alarm

Police in San Francisco arrested a 20-year-old man after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the home of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, in an attack that was followed within an hour by threats against the company’s headquarters, according to police statements and OpenAI. No injuries were reported, but the episode has sharpened concerns over the security risks facing senior technology executives as arguments over artificial intelligence grow...


Cyclone Maila kills 11 people in Papua New Guinea

PORT MORESBY, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) -- At least 11 people were killed as severe flooding and landslides triggered by Tropical Cyclone Maila struck Papua New Guinea, devastating entire villages after hitting coastal areas with force.The National Broadcasting Corporation in Papua New Guinea reported that preliminary estimates indicate more than 10,000 people have been affected, while around 20,000 others are in urgent need of assistance across...


Saudi Arabia opens Black Gold Museum with 350 artworks from 30 countries

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the Black Gold Museum, a new cultural destination that presents the story of oil through a contemporary artistic and human lens.The museum was launched by the Museums Commission and is located at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh.According to the Commission, the Black Gold Museum reinterprets the history of one of the world’s most prominent natural resources through...


Interior minister inspects Aqaba services, border crossing upgrades

AMMAN — Interior Minister Mazen Farayah on Thursday conducted a field visit to Aqaba Governorate, where he inspected several administrative and service facilities, including the governorate headquarters, the specialised civil defence centre in the Southern Industrial Zone, and the Durra Border Crossing.The minister commenced his tour at the governorate’s headquarters, holding a meeting with Aqaba Governor Ayman Awaysheh in the presence of local...


Mother aged fourteen crashed her car and killed her one-year-old under the influence

A one-year-old Virginia boy named Ma'Khai was tragically killed when his 14-year-old mother drove under the influence and crashed a car in a late night collision, police say.


Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre opens registration for 'Writing for Young Adults' workshop

ABU DHABI, 7th April, 2026 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has opened the registration for the ‘Writing for Young Adults’ workshop, with applications accepted until 14th April, 2026.The workshop is part of the ‘Qalam Creative Writing Programme’, which is dedicated to supporting Emirati authors, enabling them to hone their writing skills, and encouraging them to produce distinguished literary works.Supervised by writer Hooda...


Morocco dismantles terrorist cell suspected of committing crimes motivated by extremism

Rabat - Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), dismantled on Sunday and Monday (April 5-6) a terrorist cell consisting of six extremists for their alleged involvement in criminal acts motivated by extremism, including theft, robbery, and the laundering of criminal proceeds, according to the principle known as "legitimization of spoils". Suspects were arrested...


Canberra on edge after woman randomly bashed and threatened by another female in racist attack

A Chinese woman claims she was racially abused in Canberra before a knife was pulled on her.


GCC welcomes Lebanese Cabinet decision on state authority in Beirut

RIYADH, 10th April, 2026 (WAM) -- The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Albudaiwi, welcomed a decision issued by the Lebanese Cabinet calling on the army and security forces to strengthen the state’s full control over the governorate of Beirut and restrict weapons exclusively to legitimate authorities.Albudaiwi said the decision represents an important step toward reinforcing Lebanon’s sovereignty and strengthening its...


US, Iran teams in Pakistan ahead of 'make-or-break' talks

Asharq Al Awsat Senior US and Iranian leaders were in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Saturday for negotiations to end their six-week-old war, although Tehran threw the talks into doubt by saying they could not begin without commitments on Lebanon and sanctions. The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance and including President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, landed in two US air force planes at...


Casio frames a tougher elegance for women

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiCASIO has introduced the G-SHOCK GMA-P2126W in the UAE, extending its analogue-digital range with a women-focused model that ties compact proportions and rugged performance to an International Women’s Day campaign centred on confidence, independence and everyday resilience. The launch, handled by CASIO Middle East and Africa, brings to the local market a watch that leans on the familiar 2100-series octagonal design while...


Pakistan blames Israel for 'dangerous development' amid US-Iran talks

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday blamed Israel for trying to spoil Islamabad's efforts to facilitate ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran by attacking Tehran when 'both sides were in a stage to sit down'.'We were very optimistic [about talks] before [Monday] night,' Dar told lawmakers in the Senate, adding that Iran and the US had agreed on Pakistan's facilitation, with both sides accepting talks to...


Ambassador Hilale meets Moroccan contingent in Bangui: A living testament to Kingdom's commitment to peace in Central African Republic

Bangui - During his visit to the Central African Republic, Ambassador Omar Hilale, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), met with officers from the Moroccan contingent stationed in the CAR. He was accompanied by a high-level UN delegation. On this occasion, Hilale paid a heartfelt tribute to the exemplary commitment of these officers, emphasizing that their...


Stepmother maintains silence as she appears in court charged with holding disabled stepson captive

'Wicked stepmom' Kimberly Sullivan appeared in court with new charges, after she was accused of abusing her son and keeping him captive for 20 years.


'Held in motion': Emerging artists explore identity

A new art exhibition titled "Held in Motion" has opened at Sanat Art Gallery, bringing together a diverse group of emerging artists whose works delve into human identity, memory, and lived experiences. Featuring artists including Behzad Ahmed Warsi, Laiba Abid, Ronaque Ali and Shahzad Baloch, the exhibition runs from April 7 to April 16, with an evening reception held earlier this week.The exhibition presents a compelling mix of visual...


Widow who won £4m Omaze Highland mansion sells property after slashing £800,000 from asking price

Patricia Moule, 81, from Southampton, scooped the dream home after entering the Omaze prize draw with a £25 ticket.


War hits Lebanon dollar lifeline, remittances fall sharply

Beirut: A Lebanese mother described the sharp decline in one of her last sources of income, once a pillar of her financial stability, as remittances from her son abroad dwindled in the wake of the war.“My son used to send me $600 a month. I lived on it, covered my medication and basic needs. After the war, the transfer does not exceed $200,” she told Asharq Al-Awsat.Her account reflects a broader trend among Lebanese households, in which...


Pakistan pledges highest support for US, Iran talks after ceasefire

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday pledged “highest support” to expected delegations from the United States and Iran, as Islamabad prepares to host talks aimed at ending the conflict.During a meeting with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Sharif praised the “commitment of the parties involved in the process” and wished them success in advancing peace efforts.The two leaders reviewed progress in Pakistan’s mediation...


Dubai Police respond to 56,608 emergency calls with 97% answered within 10 seconds

DUBAI, 28th March, 2026 (WAM) -- Dubai Police call handlers at the Command-and-Control Centre operated around the clock with dedication and precision, responding to 56,608 emergency calls during the recent unstable weather conditions.Working continuously over a 24-hour cycle, the team ensured rapid response to calls received via 999, swiftly assessing incidents and directing patrols and specialised teams to handle emergencies and water...


Housing crisis deepens as 63% lack shelter

Housing quality and living conditions in Pakistan reveal a stark contrast between urban and rural areas, reflecting not just numbers but the everyday realities faced by millions of families across the country.While homeownership rates stand at 52% in urban centres, providing many with a sense of security and stability, only 39% of rural households own their homes. For those who rent in rural areas, this insecurity is especially acute, made even...


Govt enhancing youth's skills for job market PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the government was taking multiple steps to equip young people with professional skills and integrate them into the workforce, saying youth are the future of our nation.According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), while chairing a review meeting on measures to increase job opportunities for youth, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction and stated that the government was...


Restaurant bosses jailed for 3 years after cooking up £700,000 VAT scam

Two restaurateurs who cooked up a VAT fraud of almost £700,000 have been jailed.


Traumatized Canadian school shooting survivors say they cowered for two hours

Police said at least seven students at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School were shot dead on Tuesday afternoon, with two other people also found dead at a residence in Tumbler Ridge.


Farmer exposes lax government waste system by registering cow as rubbish disposer

Ann Maidment, 42, who works on her family's cattle and horse farm in north Wiltshire, said it took just five minutes and £184 to sign up her prized animal, Beau Vine, as a legitimate rubbish disposer.


The tragic reason behind a woman's alleged hospital hammer attack on a man, 63, is revealed

Viki Graham, 46, is accused of striking the 63-year-old man while he slept in a ward at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown at 12.15am on Thursday.


Trump slams right-wing commentators who oppose Iran war

US President Donald Trump on Thursday angrily lashed out at multiple well-known conservative commentators who have criticized his war against Iran, slamming his onetime allies as attention-seeking "NUT JOBS." "They're stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!" Trump wrote in a nearly 500-word social media diatribe. In the president's crosshairs were Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly -- two former Fox News...


Diplomatic breakthrough earns global praise

The world leaders on Wednesday praised Pakistan after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States and Iran had reached a two-week ceasefire, marking a temporary but significant halt to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.In a post on X, Shehbaz wrote, "With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate...


Easter celebrations bring joy

The Christian community in the twin cities celebrated the religious festival of Easter on Sunday with great enthusiasm, devotion, and respect.Special prayers were held in churches of all sizes across the twin cities, where pastors highlighted the significance and importance of Easter, stating that it teaches peace, brotherhood, and helping one another. They also prayed for an immediate end to the Iran-US conflict.Churches were beautifully...


Calls for Labour to designate Islamic Revolutionary Guard as terrorist organisation

EXCLUSIVE: The IRGC, the feared military arm of the Iranian regime, is already designated a terrorist organisation by the US, Canada, Australia and the European Union.


Iranian leader plots for doomsday as Trump prepares for Iran strike

Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei is undoubtedly plotting for a doomsday scenario as President Donald Trump has set a new deadline for nuclear negotiations with the nation.


IHC CJ's wife appointed as tribunal member

The government appointed the spouse of IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar as a member of the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue."In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 130 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, the Federal Government is pleased to appoint Ms Zahida Sarfraz (IRS/BS-20) officer of Inland Revenue Service as Member (BS-21) in the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, Bench-IV, Islamabad initially for a period of...


High-speed TGV collides with truck in France, leaving one dead and 27 injured

A high-speed TGV train collided with a truck at a level crossing in Bully-les-Mines, northern France, at around 7 am local time this April 7, killing the driver and injuring 27 people. The train, carrying around 350 passengers, partially derailed after the impact. Emergency services responded quickly, while rail traffic was disrupted. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. Serious train accidents like this have been recorded since the mid-19th century. Whether caused by brake failures, derailments, accidental fires, or human error, rail crashes are traumatic and often fatal events. Fortunately, such incidents are rare thanks to advances in railway safety technology. But they can, and do, still happen. Click through to revisit some of the most dramatic train crashes in history.