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Year-long funeral starts for Thailand’s former queen Sirikit

Year-long funeral starts for Thailand's former queen Sirikit

BANGKOK, OCT 26 (AFP/APP): The year-long funeral ceremony of Thailand’s former Queen Sirikit started Sunday, with grieving royalists set to salute the procession bringing her remains to lie in state at Bangkok’s Grand Palace.

                  The royal family is venerated in Thailand, treated by many as semi-divine figures and lavished with glowing media coverage and gold-adorned portraits hanging in public spaces and private homes nationwide.

                  Former Queen Sirikit, the mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, died late Friday at the age of 93.

                  Digital advertising billboards in the Thai capital are displaying towering black tributes to the royal matriarch, while citizens have been asked to wear dark tones and curtail celebratory public events.

                  The former queen’s body is due late on Sunday afternoon to make the short trip from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the seat of the Thai royalty, where she will lie in state for one year before cremation.

                  Throughout her 66-year marriage to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Sirikit carved a dual reputation as a glittering fashionista and the nation’s caring mother figure.

                  Some Western media compared Sirikit favourably to former US first lady Jackie Kennedy in rapturous coverage of her tenure on the front pages of their glossy magazines.

                  Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delayed his departure to Malaysia on Saturday for a summit of ASEAN leaders where he was due to sign a peace deal with Cambodia, witnessed by US President Donald Trump.

                  But he still jetted out for a quick turnaround endorsement of the pact, made after cross-border clashes in July killed more than 40 people and forced around 300,000 to flee their homes.

                  “I send my condolences to the Great People of Thailand,” Trump said on social media, en route to Malaysia on Sunday morning.

                  “In order to accommodate everyone for this major event, we will be signing the Peace Deal immediately upon arrival.”

                  Sirikit’s husband King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s lengthy reign from 1946 until 2016 was bookended by World War II and Trump’s first inauguration.

                  Though Bhumibol’s son inherited the throne about nine years ago, many still revere him as the nation’s most steadfast figurehead — and Sirikit as his constant companion.

                  She retired from the public eye in recent years, her privacy sealed by strict lese majeste laws that limit what can be reported about the royal family.

                  Sirikit had “suffered several illnesses” while hospitalised since 2019, including a blood infection this month, the palace said in a statement.

                  But in her glamorous heyday in the 1960s she mingled with US presidents and superstars such as Elvis Presley, while at home touring Thailand to visit villagers in rural areas.

                  She was referred to as the “Mother of the Nation” and her birthday was designated the country’s Mothers’ Day.

What we know about Thai-Cambodia truce deal touted by Trump

What we know about Thai-Cambodia truce deal touted by Trump

KUALA LUMPUR, OCT 26 (AFP/APP): US President Donald Trump jetted into Malaysia on Sunday to oversee the signing of a Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire pact, after deadly cross-border clashes between the countries flared this summer.

                  Here’s what we know about their agreement to uphold a truce, Trump’s role in sealing the deal and the conflict at the heart of the matter.

                  – What’s in the deal? –

                  Thailand and Cambodia witnessed their worst cross-border clashes in decades in July, when a territory dispute boiled over into five days of open combat along their jungle-clad frontier.

                  At least 40 people were killed and 300,000 forced to flee their homes as soldiers traded gunfire, fighter jets launched sorties and rocket barrages rained down.

                  The joint declaration between the Thai and Cambodia prime ministers, witnessed by Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, contains paragraphs of broad pro-peace rhetoric and a few concrete details.

                  Both sides agreed to remove heavy weapons and landmines from the border, and to establish a ceasefire monitor team from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc chaired by Anwar.

                  They also agreed to “refrain from disseminating or promoting false information” in a bid to “foster an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue”.

                  Thailand will “promptly release” 18 captured Cambodian soldiers.

                  While the deal agrees both sides will continue a dialogue through cross-border committees, it does not resolve the core territorial dispute which caused fighting to flare.

                  – What’s Trump’s role? –

                  Thailand and Cambodia agreed an initial truce on July 28 after interventions by Trump, as well Malaysian leader Anwar and a team of Chinese diplomats.

                  But Trump hoarded credit, describing himself as “the President of PEACE” on social media at the time and recently boasting he had “proudly brokered” the armistice.

                  Both Thailand and Cambodia were courting trade deals with Washington amid Trump’s global tariff blitz when he intervened, stoking speculation that the president used economic leverage to force the truce.

                  Trump called the peace pact signing on Sunday a “monumental step”, and the White House swiftly announced new trade agreements with both countries.

                  A non-binding memorandum of understanding with Thailand outlines measures to increase cooperation on trading rare earth minerals, which are vital to tech products and of which China is the world’s leading producer.

                  The headline of the Cambodian trade deal confirms the 19 percent levy the country had already secured this summer, a let-off from the 36 percent Trump had been threatening.

                  Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a statement on Sunday repeating his claim that he has nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the conflict.

                  – Is it all solved? –

                  The Thai-Cambodia conflict flared over a smattering of border temples, contested because of a vague territorial demarcation made by Cambodia’s French colonial administrators in 1907.

                  The International Court of Justice granted Phnom Penh sovereignty over one of the most coveted temples in 1962 and a small patch of land around it in 2013, but Thailand does not recognise its jurisdiction.

                  The deal touted by Trump in Kuala Lumpur does not wade into the specifics of the territorial spat, which has sparked numerous rounds of violence over decades.

                  Khoo Ying Hooi, associate professor of international and strategic studies at the University of Malaysia, said any deal between the countries would be “more symbolic than substantive”.

                  “The border issues have been there for a long time,” she told BFM news radio.

                  Trump’s comments, though, represent the deal as drawing a line under the dispute — like many other global showdowns he claims to have put to rest.

                  “This is a momentous day for all of the people of Southeast Asia, as we sign a historic agreement to end the military conflict between Cambodia and Thailand,” he said.

                  “Today’s signing represents just one of eight conflicts that we’ve ended in eight months of the Trump presidency.”

Virat Kohli overtakes Sangakkara to become second-highest ODI run-scorer

Virat Kohli overtakes Sangakkara to become second-highest ODI run-scorer

SYDNEY, OCT 25: Virat Kohli has set another milestone in his illustrious career as he moved past Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in One-Day International cricket.

The Indian batting legend achieved the feat during India’s third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Kohli produced a composed 74 off 81 balls, guiding India to a convincing win. Despite the result, Australia secured the series 2–1.

Kohli’s latest innings (unbeaten on 74) took his career total to 14,255 runs in 305 matches, surpassing Sangakkara’s 14,234 runs from 404 appearances. He now trails only Sachin Tendulkar, who tops the list with 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs.

The 36-year-old’s ODI record remains exceptional, with an average of 57.71, a strike rate of 93.26, 51 centuries and 75 half-centuries. Among the top ten all-time ODI run-scorers, he is the only batsman with an average above 50, a mark of his consistency and control.

With this performance, Kohli also went ahead of Tendulkar in total white-ball runs in international cricket, strengthening his place among the modern greats.

The top five ODI run-scorers now stand as follows: Sachin Tendulkar (18,426), Virat Kohli (14,255), Kumar Sangakkara (14,234), Ricky Ponting (13,704) and Sanath Jayasuriya (13,430).

President Zardari approves no-confidence motion against AJK PM

President Zardari approves no-confidence motion against AJK PM

ISLAMABAD, OCT 25: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.

The decision was taken during a parliamentary group meeting of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in AJK, held under the chairmanship of President Zardari at the Presidential House.

Following the meeting, leaders told the media that the PPP is preparing to form the government in Azad Kashmir.

PPP AJK chapter information secretary Sardar Javed Ayoub has made it clear that two meetings concerning the party’s strategy were held at the Presidential House today and reiterated that the party is moving to establish its government in the region.

Earlier, it was reported that the PPP has claimed it holds the necessary numbers in the Legislative Assembly to bring its candidate as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) prime minister.

According to details surfaced on Saturday, the party has agreed to table a no-confidence motion against AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.

A meeting chaired by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday discussed the strategy for the upcoming political change in AJK. The PPP leaders from the region asserted that they have the required support in the assembly to elect their preferred prime minister.

During the session, three names were considered for the post of the next AJK prime minister: Chaudhry Yasin, Sardar Yaqoob, and Chaudhry Latif Akbar.

Former AJK Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas said that a no-confidence motion could be tabled at any time and that there was no issue regarding assembly numbers.

PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira told the media that detailed discussions were held on the current political situation in AJK and possible ways forward. He added that the party would hold further consultations with the president to finalise its approach once the government is formed.

Recommendations emerging from the consultative meeting will be presented to President Zardari. The ultimate decision on the next AJK prime minister will be taken by the president.

ANF recovers over 225 kg of drugs worth Rs 17.4 million in 5 operations

ANF busts inter-provincial drug-trafficking gang

RAWALPINDI, OCT 25 (APP/DNA): The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), conducting 5 operations across the country, recovered as many as 225 kilograms of drugs worth Rs 17.4 million and arrested 6 suspects, including 2 women, said an ANF Headquarters spokesman on Saturday.

He informed that 500 grams of weed and 200 grams of ice were recovered from a vehicle near Jaranwala Motorway Toll Plaza, Faisalabad and the accused was arrested.

The arrested accused confessed to selling drugs to students of educational institutions.

During another operation, 33.6 kg of hashish was recovered from a vehicle near Turkai Toll Plaza and 2 accused were arrested.

Similarly,9.6 kg of hashish was recovered from the possession of 2 female bus passengers near the Motorway Toll Plaza, Islamabad.

As many as 1.1 kg of opium was recovered from the possession of an accused near Hayatabad Toll Plaza Link Road, Peshawar.

In another action,180 kg of hashish hidden in bushes was recovered from Shakas Jamrud.

Cases have been registered against the arrested suspects under the Narcotics Control Act, and further investigations are underway.

Security forces stop “catastrophic” vehicle bomb attack in Waziristan

Security forces kill four terrorists in D.I.Khan

RAWALPINDI, OCT 25 /DNA/ – Security Forces foiled a major terrorist incident and averted a potential catastrophic attack. Based on credible intelligence on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij preparing a Vehicle borne suicide bomber for a major terrorist activity, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Jhallar, North Waziristan District.

During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged khwarij location and through precise and skillful engagement, destroyed the vehicle being prepared for the suicide attack and also eliminated three Indian sponsored khwarij.

Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.

Pakistan Navy inducts new hovercraft to bolster maritime defense

Pakistan Navy inducts new hovercraft to bolster maritime defense

KARACHI, OCT 25 /DNA/ – Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, visited forward posts in Creeks Area to review operational preparedness and combat readiness. During the visit, three state-of-the-art 2400 TD Hovercraft were also inducted into Pak Marines, marking another significant stride in modernizing Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities.

The newly inducted Hovercraft are capable of simultaneously operating over a variety of surfaces, including shallow waters, sand dunes, marshy and boggy littoral zones, and can ply in areas where traditional craft are neither suitable nor designed to operate. This unique capability of undertaking simultaneous operations over land and sea provides an edge to Pak Marines in the performance of their assigned tasks. It will also strengthen PN’s capabilities for an effective and decisive response against all adversaries.

While addressing officers and men on the occasion, Naval Chief highlighted that the induction of these new platforms symbolizes Pakistan Navy’s vision to modernize and reaffirm unwavering resolve in bolstering defence of country’s maritime frontiers, coastal belt particularly Creeks Area.

The Admiral further reiterated that Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and maritime security is not just a military requirement, it is a cornerstone of our nation’s sovereignty and a vital pillar of economic prosperity and stability. He emphasised that Pakistan Navy is the vanguard of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region and a significant stakeholder in regional maritime security.

“We know how to defend our sovereignty and every inch of our Maritime frontiers from Sir Creek to Jiwani”, he added.

The Naval Chief reaffirmed the nation, that PN’s defence capabilities stand as strong as our unwavering morale, from the shores to the sea.

Pakistan, Poland agree to boost cooperation on illegal immigration

Pakistan, Poland agree to boost cooperation on illegal immigration

‎ISLAMABAD, OCT 25 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi met with Poland’s Deputy Minister for Interior, Maciej Duszczyk, at the Ministry of Interior. Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the Polish Deputy Minister upon his arrival.
‎Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Poland Muhammad Sami were also present on the occasion.

‎During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. They agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields including illegal immigration, border security, and mutual legal assistance, and decided to strengthen official-level engagement to further boost bilateral ties.

‎Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that illegal immigration is a highly sensitive issue for Pakistan, and that the government is carrying out a vigorous crackdown against the mafias involved.
‎He added that Pakistan aims to strengthen the Coast Guards to ensure the security of maritime borders.

‎The Polish Deputy Minister invited Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry to visit Poland. He stated that to curb human trafficking, “we must stay one step ahead,” and appreciated Pakistan’s effective measures in this regard.

‎Additional Secretary Interior Major General Noor Wali Khan and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa were also present during the meeting.

Timely diagnosis can prevent complications in children with diabetes: experts

Timely diagnosis can prevent complications in children with diabetes: experts

LAHORE, Oct 25 (APP/DNA): Health experts have stressed that timely diagnosis and proper management of diabetes in children can prevent serious complications and ensure a healthy life. Failure to diagnose diabetes on time, they warned, can lead to life-threatening conditions.

These views were expressed during a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session, organised by the Department of Pediatrics, Lahore General Hospital (LGH), on the topic “Diabetes Management in Children” on Saturday.

Addressing the session, Ameer-ud-Din Medical College (AMC) Principal Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s health and to immediately consult a pediatrician or diabetes specialist if they observe symptoms such as excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, or frequent urination.

“A well-informed society is a healthy society,” he remarked.

In her detailed presentation, Prof. Dr. Sumaiya Aftab highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, treatment protocols, and regular follow-ups in managing childhood diabetes. She said that timely detection can help prevent long-term complications and significantly improve the quality of life for affected children.

On this occasion, MS Prof. Faryad Hussain revealed that approximately 80,000 children in Pakistan are currently living with diabetes, while around 5,000 children are receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital Lahore. He said that both Lahore General Hospital and Children’s Hospital are jointly upgrading pediatric diabetes management systems to meet modern international standards, ensuring better healthcare and improved outcomes.

Prof. Muhammad Shahid informed that treatment at LGH strictly follows international clinical guidelines and that insulin is provided free of cost to diabetic children. He said that early treatment enables children to live healthy, active lives.

A panel discussion was also held after the lectures, where medical experts shared their clinical experiences and discussed the challenges faced in managing pediatric diabetes.

Speaking to the media, Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal reiterated that early diagnosis and proper management not only help control the disease but also ensure the child’s healthy growth and development. He urged parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to work together to raise awareness about childhood diabetes, as these children represent the future of the nation.

The session was attended by a large number of pediatricians and healthcare professionals.

CDA chairman says goal is a fully digital capital

CDA chairman says goal is a fully digital capital

ISLAMABAD, Oct 25 (APP/DNA): Islamabad has formally introduced a cashless payment system at the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) One-Window Directorate, in what officials describe as a major step towards turning the capital into Pakistan’s first cashless model city.

The initiative was inaugurated by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, on Saturday alongside senior CDA officials and representatives from commercial banks and financial technology firms.

Chairman Randhawa said the move was in line with the government’s broader vision, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to modernise public services and promote digital governance.

He said the new system would make payments faster, more transparent and secure, while reducing the need for citizens to carry cash.

“Our goal is that no one in Islamabad should have to carry money in their pocket — all transactions should be digital, safe and convenient,” he said.

Officials briefed the CDA chairman on the digital transaction process, including QR code payments linked to platforms such as EasyPaisa and JazzCash.

Randhawa tested the new system himself by completing a live digital transaction, describing it as “a milestone in improving public service delivery”.

The CDA says QR-based payments have already been introduced at the city’s weekly bazaars, and the system will soon be expanded to markets, shopping centres and retail outlets across Islamabad.

Randhawa also announced plans for an “Assan Khidmat Markaz” — a one-stop service centre that will bring multiple government services under one roof.

The project is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and aims to deliver a more efficient, professional and citizen-friendly experience.

Officials say the introduction of digital payments is part of a wider effort to promote e-governance, strengthen accountability and position Islamabad as a modern, tech-driven capital.

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