Lahore holds the sad record of being the most polluted city in the world. The health of 127 million inhabitants is at risk. Hospitals are overwhelmed with respiratory diseases, with children most at risk. Experts say it is ‘no longer’ just a ‘seasonal’ problem. Drastic and coordinated action is needed, but the government is failing to act.
In a statement, a group representing Australia’s Pakistani community described the incident as a "horrific act of violence" that "shocked our community." The Bondi Beach attack in Sydney was allegedly the work of a father and son of Pakistani origin who had ties to the Islamic State. The hero who risked his life to disarm them was from Syria. In Pakistan, political leaders slammed the attack, saying that their country is “also victim of terrorism." For Pope Leo, “Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence!”
Drones and heavy weapons were used against the peacekeeping base in the Abyei region. Eight more soldiers were wounded. Rescue and medical operations are still underway. Guterres says the "alarming" attack might constitute a war crime. Bangladesh has been involved in peacekeeping missions since 1988, earning global recognition and an excellent reputation.
Retired General Faiz Hameed, former director of Pakistan's intelligence services, was court marshalled for abuse of power and conspiracy related to the May 2023 violence, when hundreds of people protested demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This is the first time a former intelligence chief was formally convicted. The sentence is part of a reorganisation of relations between the military and political leaders, following the recent strengthening of the military's role, raising concerns about the rule of law.
The chairman of the Bangladesh Election Commission has announced the schedule for the upcoming parliamentary election. The deadline for nominations is 29 December with the final list published on 21 January. Excluded from the vote, the Awami League slams the commission as “illegal”. John Gomes (BNP) hopes the vote will be “free and fair”. The election is a test for the country's future.
The Supreme Court has asked states and the central government to urgently identify and repeal all obsolete provisions that continue to contain discriminatory references to people with leprosy. According to the National Human Rights Commission, there are nearly 100 laws that limit the rights and access to services of even those who have been cured.
