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ISLAMABAD: For more than seven decades, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a key player in Pakistan’s development, channelling nearly $30 billion into infrastructure, education, healthcare, and governance. But operative projects worth $169 million come to an abrupt halt, and Pakistan faces a moment of reckoning: Will this crisis propel the country toward self-reliance, or will the vacuum left by USAID deepen economic and social vulnerabilities?The decision to freeze funding is already sending shockwaves across Pakistan’s development sector, where thousands of workers employed by NGOs and civil society organizations now find themselves at risk of joblessness.“Pakistan…

IGF delighted to reveal big news ahead of Meghan, Prince Harry’s major joint appearancePrince Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation is delighted to reveal big news ahead of Meghan Markle and the duke’s joint appearance in Canada.The IGF revealed the news on its official X, formerly Twitter handle and its official website. It tweeted, “The Invictus Games Foundation is delighted to reveal official broadcasters for the #InvictusGames Vancouver Whistler 2025”The IGF has partnered with broadcasters in France, Germany, Netherlands and New Zealand for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.Sam Newell, Director of Communications at the Invictus Games Foundation, shared: “As we confirm…

Allison Holker opens up on Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Ellen DeGeneres feudDancer Allison Holker, widow of late Stephen Boss, famously known as tWitch, has addressed rumours relating to her husband’s relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. In her new memoir, This Far, released on February 4th, Holker refuted claim that Boss and DeGeneres had grown apart after The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluded, dismissing the claims as “not true.” She emphasized that DeGeneres was a “support system” for Boss, and described their bond as “special.””Ellen’s wonderful, and she’s just been a support system. If anything, she was a great example to Stephen,” Holker said. She…

PTA to issue Fixed Satellite Services licences To enhance telecom services across Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced the issuance of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licences. The telecom regulator has released a structural draft outlining the rules and regulations for granting these licences.A week after announcing the provision of FSS licences, the PTA is now advancing its plan to issue them, excluding Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.These non-exclusive licences will allow companies to establish Fixed Earth Stations, Fixed Gateway Earth Stations, and Fixed Terminal Earth Stations. Additionally, they will support the installation of essential terrestrial transmission facilities…

Tech giant says in updated ethics policy that it will use AI in line with ‘international law and human rights’.Google has dropped a pledge not to use artificial intelligence for weapons or surveillance in its updated ethics policy on the powerful technology. In its previous version of “AI Principles”, the California-based internet giant included a commitment not to pursue AI technologies that “cause or are likely to cause overall harm”, including weapons and surveillance that violates “internationally accepted norms”. Google’s revised policy announced on Tuesday states that the company pursues AI “responsibly” and in line with “widely accepted principles of…

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri decree appointing Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi as an honorary head of the Sharjah neighborhood for creativity …

Front door of the Islamabad High Court building. — IHC website/ FileJudges request CJP to postpone meeting of judicial commission.New seniority list issued after transfer of three judges to IHC. Separate representations likely to be filed by two more judges.  ISLAMABAD: A group of five judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has once again voiced concerns over judicial seniority, as they formally submitted a representation to the IHC chief justice, objecting to the revised seniority list that was issued following the transfer of three judges. A copy of their concerns has also been forwarded to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi. The…

The seal of the Central Intelligence Agency is shown at the entrance of the CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia, US, September 24, 2022. — ReutersThe Central Intelligence Agency offered buyouts to its entire workforce Tuesday, citing an aim to bring the agency in line with US President Donald Trump’s priorities, according to two sources familiar with the matter.A CIA spokesperson said in a statement the moves were meant to align the agency with the goals of new CIA Director John Ratcliffe. “Director Ratcliffe is moving swiftly to ensure the CIA workforce is responsive to the Administration’s national security priorities. These…

Prince Harry expresses doubt as Meghan Markle plans getawayPrince Harry is reportedly at odds with Meghan Markle as she plans a luxurious getaway to Bahamas after deadly California wildfires.According to a latest report, the Duchess of Sussex things she and Harry needs time away from the ongoing media scrutiny to reconnect with each other. However, the Duke of Sussex is a bit skeptical about her plans given the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, an insider split to Heat Magazine.“Harry was initially hesitant about how it may look to jet off to their friend’s private island, but Meghan’s told him they…

Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins at a practice session, Melbourne, December 24, 2024. — AFPAustralia captain Pat Cummins is all but ruled out of the Champions Trophy while fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood is also a doubt for the ODI tournament, coach Andrew McDonald said on Wednesday.Cummins missed the Test tour of Sri Lanka due to the birth of his second child but has been troubled by an ankle injury that flared up after the Test series win over India at the beginning of last month. “Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling so…