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  • Photos: Kites, victory cries fill Lahore skies as Basant festival returns after long ban

    Photos: Kites, victory cries fill Lahore skies as Basant festival returns after long ban

    The ancient city of Lahore witnessed a spectacular cultural renaissance as the traditional Basant kite-flying festival returned to its skies after an 18-year prohibition. On Friday, the vibrant tapestry of colorful kites transformed the atmosphere above Pakistan’s cultural capital, accompanied by triumphant shouts of “bo-kata!” echoing across rooftops as enthusiasts severed opponents’ strings.

    The spring heralding festival, banned in 2008 due to safety concerns after several fatalities involving metal-coated kite strings, was reinstated last year following substantial public demand. The official commencement occurred at midnight with Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari ceremoniously launching the inaugural kite.

    Throughout the night, families and friends crowded onto rooftops throughout the Walled City and surrounding neighborhoods, creating a carnival atmosphere with drumbeats and enthusiastic celebrations. Abdul Aziz, 57, described the emotional significance: “Today, when I dropped the first kite in air, I felt as if there was a space in my life that was now filled.”

    Authorities implemented comprehensive safety measures including QR code tracking systems on all kites and strings, prohibition of metallic or chemical-coated materials, and mandatory safety rods for motorcyclists. Approximately 4,600 producers registered with authorities to sell festival materials, while officials conducted rooftop inspections and restricted access to non-compliant structures.

    The festival’s economic impact proved substantial, generating an estimated 3 billion rupees ($10 million) in kite-related commerce alone. Hotels reached full capacity while poultry demand surged to levels typically seen during major religious festivals. At Mochi Gate, Pakistan’s largest kite market, supplies were rapidly depleted with vendor Zubair Ahmed reporting complete sell-outs within two days.

    The celebrations were somewhat tempered by security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed 31 lives. In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the cancellation of Saturday’s Liberty Square concert originally scheduled as part of the Basant festivities.

  • India rejects ‘baseless’ allegations of involvement in Pakistan mosque bombing

    India rejects ‘baseless’ allegations of involvement in Pakistan mosque bombing

    India has issued a formal rejection of allegations linking it to Friday’s devastating suicide bombing at an Islamabad mosque that resulted in 31 fatalities and over 170 injuries. The Ministry of External Affairs characterized the accusations as “baseless and pointless” while simultaneously condemning the attack and expressing condolences for the loss of life.

    The deadly assault unfolded when an attacker opened fire at the gates of the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah mosque before detonating explosives among worshippers. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif identified the bomber as having traveled to Afghanistan and directly accused India of sponsoring the terrorist operation. This represents the most severe attack in Pakistan’s capital in over a decade.

    Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene depicted horrific carnage, with bloodied bodies scattered across the mosque’s carpeted floors amid shattered glass and debris. Panicked survivors tended to the wounded in the compound’s gardens as emergency services struggled to respond to the scale of the tragedy.

    The bombing has further strained relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with India’s swift denial reflecting the sensitive nature of cross-border terrorism allegations. The incident occurs against a backdrop of longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan, though direct accusations of state-sponsored terrorism remain relatively uncommon in recent diplomatic exchanges.

  • White House removes racist Trump post, says was staff error

    White House removes racist Trump post, says was staff error

    In a significant incident on Friday, February 6, 2026, the White House attributed a racist social media publication from President Donald Trump’s official account to an administrative error by a staff member. The controversial post, which depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama using dehumanizing monkey imagery, was swiftly removed following its publication.

    A White House official confirmed to AFP that the content was posted erroneously and emphasized its immediate removal from the platform. This explanation contrasted sharply with the response from President Trump’s personal spokeswoman, who had previously dismissed public criticism of the post as ‘fake outrage’ before the White House’s official statement.

    The incident occurs amidst ongoing political tensions and highlights the sensitive nature of official communications from the highest levels of government. The rapid removal suggests internal recognition of the post’s inappropriate nature, though the conflicting narratives from different administration officials have created ambiguity regarding the incident’s origins and the administration’s stance on such content.

    This event raises questions about social media protocols within the White House communications team and the vetting processes for content published under the president’s official designation. The response demonstrates the ongoing challenges in managing official government communications in the digital age, where content can spread rapidly before proper review mechanisms can be implemented.

  • UAE drafted map to build ‘temporary UAE housing complex’ in Israel-controlled Gaza

    UAE drafted map to build ‘temporary UAE housing complex’ in Israel-controlled Gaza

    The United Arab Emirates has developed preliminary blueprints to construct a temporary housing complex for Palestinians within the Israeli-militarily occupied sector of Gaza, according to a Reuters report. This initiative positions the wealthy Gulf state in opposition to regional powers and Palestinian factions who perceive such moves as facilitating the de facto partition of the territory.

    The proposed ‘UAE Temporary Emirates Housing Complex’ is mapped for an area adjacent to Rafah, near Gaza’s sealed border with Egypt. While still in early planning stages, the proposal carries significant geopolitical implications, potentially straining the UAE’s relations with Egypt, which formally opposes any partition of Gaza. Furthermore, regional heavyweights Qatar and Saudi Arabia remain skeptical about funding reconstruction efforts while the threat of permanent Israeli occupation persists.

    This development signals a notable divergence between the UAE’s public diplomacy and its operational stance. Despite official statements from Abu Dhabi denying involvement in Gaza’s civilian administration and rejecting participation in peacekeeping forces, these plans suggest a deeper comfort with the current Israeli-controlled status quo than previously indicated.

    The initiative is reportedly being coordinated with the Trump administration and its ‘Board of Peace,’ with former UN official Nickolay Mladenov—now employed by the UAE—serving as a key liaison. The proposal emerges alongside discussions about developing Gaza’s offshore gas reserves and contrasts with Jared Kushner’s recent remarks at Davos downplaying partition concepts in favor of unified development plans.

    As Israel maintains a strict blockade and controls humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing, these housing plans underscore the UAE’s emerging role as Israel’s preferred partner in navigating Gaza’s complex post-conflict landscape, even as ceasefire violations continue and Hamas refuses disarmament without full Israeli withdrawal.

  • Death toll in illegal Indian ‘rat-hole’ coal mine blast climbs to 23: Official

    Death toll in illegal Indian ‘rat-hole’ coal mine blast climbs to 23: Official

    A catastrophic explosion has ripped through an illicit coal mining operation in northeastern India, claiming the lives of 23 individuals and casting renewed scrutiny on the persistent dangers of outlawed extraction practices. The tragedy unfolded Thursday in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, where rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover victims from the devastating blast.

    Senior district official Manish Kumar confirmed the rising death toll to AFP on Friday, stating: ‘Today we recovered four more bodies. We will resume rescue operations again tomorrow.’ Among the fatalities was one injured individual who succumbed to wounds while receiving medical treatment.

    The disaster occurred in what locals term a ‘rat-hole’ mine – a hazardous configuration of deep vertical shafts branching into narrow, claustrophobic tunnels where workers risk their lives extracting coal and minerals. Despite a comprehensive ban imposed by India’s federal environment court in 2014, these illegal operations continue to proliferate across Meghalaya, particularly in the mineral-rich East Jaintia Hills region.

    District police chief Vikash Kumar indicated preliminary investigations suggest the explosion likely resulted from improperly handled dynamite, a common tool in these unregulated mining activities. The 2014 prohibition came after sustained complaints from local communities about severe water source contamination and perpetual safety hazards endangering both miners and residents.

    This incident echoes similar mining tragedies globally, including a recent massive landslide in DR Congo that reportedly claimed hundreds of lives, highlighting the universal dangers of unregulated resource extraction practices that prioritize profit over human safety.

  • ‘Unhinged, sick individual’: Fury after Trump posts video of Obamas as monkeys

    ‘Unhinged, sick individual’: Fury after Trump posts video of Obamas as monkeys

    A firestorm of bipartisan condemnation erupted Friday after President Donald Trump shared a racially inflammatory video on his Truth Social platform depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama with monkey features. The controversial post, which surfaced during Trump’s second term, represents one of the most overtly racist communications ever originating from a sitting U.S. president’s official account.

    The one-minute video, promoting debunked conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, superimposed the Obamas’ faces onto primate bodies while playing ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ in the background. It recycled false allegations about Dominion Voting Systems orchestrating Trump’s electoral defeat to President Joe Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the post as an ‘internet meme depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King,’ dismissing criticism as ‘fake outrage.’ This defense emerged despite immediate and severe backlash from both sides of the political aisle.

    House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned Trump as a ‘vile, unhinged and malignant sick individual,’ demanding universal Republican condemnation. Remarkably, Senator Tim Scott, the chamber’s sole Black Republican and former presidential contender, described the video as ‘the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House’ and urged its removal.

    The incident continues Trump’s longstanding pattern of racially provocative behavior toward the Obamas, beginning with his promotion of the ‘birther’ conspiracy theory questioning Barack Obama’s citizenship. This latest controversy coincides with the administration’s systematic dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, reversing decades of civil rights progress.

    Analysts note the video represents an escalation in Trump’s use of AI-generated content, with the same creator responsible for previous deepfakes showing Obama arrested and fighter jets dumping waste on protesters. Critics including former Obama advisor Ben Rhodes predicted history would remember the Obamas as ‘beloved figures’ while judging Trump ‘a stain on our history.’

  • Republican senator demands Mamdani explain antisemitism strategy or risk federal funding

    Republican senator demands Mamdani explain antisemitism strategy or risk federal funding

    A significant political confrontation has emerged between Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani regarding civil rights protections for Jewish students. Senator Cassidy, serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), has formally demanded explanations for Mamdani’s decision to revoke two executive orders originally implemented by former Mayor Eric Adams in December.

    The rescinded orders specifically addressed anti-Israel boycotts in municipal environments and established restrictions on protests near synagogues. Cassidy’s letter expresses profound concern that these reversals potentially endanger Jewish students and may violate federal civil rights protections. The senator emphasized that New York City’s access to $2 billion in federal education funding remains contingent upon compliance with federal civil rights statutes.

    Cassidy has requested Mayor Mamdani’s response to six critical questions by February 19th, including inquiries about the administration’s definition of antisemitism, specific protection plans for Jewish students, and the mayor’s personal stance on the Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment (BDS) movement. The senator specifically referenced the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, previously adopted by the Trump administration.

    This political dispute occurs against a complex backdrop. The BDS movement, approximately twenty years old, advocates for non-violent pressure on Israel regarding its occupation of Palestinian territories, apartheid allegations, and military actions in Gaza. Thirty-eight U.S. states have enacted legislation opposing BDS activities. New York City itself hosts substantial Jewish and Muslim populations, each numbering approximately one million, creating a delicate demographic balance that influences policy decisions.

    The original executive orders stemmed from a November incident outside Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue, where protesters demonstrated against an event promoting Jewish migration to Israeli settlements in the West Bank. These settlements are considered illegal under international law. The protest included chants such as ‘Death to the IDF’ and ‘globalise the intifada,’ referring to Israel’s military and the concept of Palestinian uprising against oppression.

  • US sanctions 15 entities, 14 ships for trading Iranian oil, State Dept says

    US sanctions 15 entities, 14 ships for trading Iranian oil, State Dept says

    The United States government has escalated its economic pressure campaign against Iran by imposing comprehensive sanctions targeting 15 entities and 14 vessels allegedly involved in facilitating Iranian oil exports. The announcement came directly from the State Department on Friday, February 6, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of indirect diplomatic discussions between the two nations mediated by Oman.

    State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott articulated the administration’s position, stating that President Donald Trump remains ‘committed to driving down the Iranian regime’s illicit oil and petrochemical exports’ as part of the ongoing maximum pressure strategy. The newly designated entities and vessels represent what officials describe as Iran’s ‘shadow fleet’ – a network of operations designed to circumvent existing international restrictions on Iranian energy exports.

    The timing of these sanctions is particularly significant as they follow closely behind the conclusion of indirect negotiations between American and Iranian representatives. These talks, facilitated through Omani intermediaries, concluded earlier on Friday without apparent breakthrough. This diplomatic sequencing suggests a calculated escalation by the Trump administration, reinforcing its hardline approach toward Iran despite ongoing diplomatic channels.

    The sanctioned entities span various sectors connected to the petroleum supply chain, including shipping companies, trading firms, and financial intermediaries accused of enabling Iran’s oil exports. The vessels targeted are allegedly part of a sophisticated network that uses ship-to-ship transfers, disabled transponders, and other evasion techniques to move Iranian crude to international markets.

    This development represents the latest chapter in the prolonged tension between Washington and Tehran, which has persisted despite occasional diplomatic engagement. The maximum pressure campaign, initiated by the Trump administration, continues to target Iran’s primary revenue source despite criticisms about its humanitarian impact and effectiveness in achieving broader policy objectives.

  • Lawyers say jury-tampering claims in Palestine Action trial ‘dangerous’ and ‘misleading’

    Lawyers say jury-tampering claims in Palestine Action trial ‘dangerous’ and ‘misleading’

    A contentious legal battle surrounding Palestine Action activists has concluded with significant acquittals at Woolwich Crown Court, sparking debates about judicial integrity and jury independence. Six defendants—Leona Kamio (30), Samuel Corner (23), Fatema Rajwani (21), Zoe Rogers (22), Jordan Devlin (31), and Charlotte Head (29)—were cleared of aggravated burglary charges following a raid on an Elbit Systems weapons plant near Bristol in August 2024.

    The jury delivered mixed outcomes: full acquittals on violent disorder charges for all defendants, while remaining deadlocked on criminal damage allegations despite five defendants admitting to destroying military equipment. The case further complicated when jurors couldn’t reach a verdict regarding Corner’s alleged grievous bodily harm against a police officer with a sledgehammer.

    Post-verdict controversies erupted when Lord Walney, former government adviser on political violence, alleged jury tampering through posters displayed near the courtroom promoting ‘jury equity’—the principle allowing jurors to acquit based on conscience. This prompted calls for retrial and investigation.

    Defense lawyer Audrey Cherryl Mogan countered these claims as ‘misleading and dangerous,’ noting similar displays are common in protest trials. She referenced the historic Bushell’s Case plaque at Old Bailey that commemorates the 1670 ruling establishing jury independence.

    The trial revealed deeper tensions regarding judicial guidance on moral justification. Justice Johnson initially instructed jurors to disregard Middle East context, but jurors subsequently inquired whether they could acquit based on defendants’ genuine belief in life-saving actions. This intersected with ongoing legal debates about jury independence, recently tested in climate protester Trudi Warner’s contempt case.

    Former government lawyer Tim Crosland highlighted potential influence attempts by political figures, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp who publicly characterized unproven allegations as fact. Defend Our Juries campaign group formally requested contempt proceedings against Philp for potentially prejudicial statements.

    Evidentiary complexities emerged during trial, including missing security footage from critical areas and contradictory bodycam evidence showing security guards assaulting unarmed defendants. The prosecution’s narrative of ‘meticulously organized’ action was challenged by defense accounts of chaotic circumstances and self-defense motivations.

    The acquittals have intensified discussions about protest rights, judicial oversight, and the balance between legal evidence and moral justification in politically charged trials.

  • Andrew tried to have Epstein introduced to the UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed

    Andrew tried to have Epstein introduced to the UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed

    Newly disclosed court documents reveal that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then serving as Britain’s special trade envoy, actively attempted to facilitate an introduction between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and senior United Arab Emirates leadership during a 2010 state visit. The correspondence shows the then-Prince Andrew communicating directly with Epstein about arranging meetings with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and now President of the UAE, and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed.

    In a November 24, 2010 email with the subject line ‘Abdullah,’ Andrew enthusiastically informed Epstein that the UAE foreign minister ‘thinks you are great’ and expressed interest in introducing him to the future president. The email exchange occurred while Andrew was accompanying Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and Foreign Secretary William Hague on an official visit to the Emirates.

    Epstein responded by suggesting a joint vacation, while in previous correspondence he had explicitly asked Andrew to emphasize his ‘financial expertise’ and status as a ‘funder of extreme science’ when making introductions. These revelations contradict Andrew’s long-standing claims that he severed ties with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

    The documents further expose extensive connections between Epstein’s network and UAE figures, including arrangements involving sacred religious artifacts and communications with Emirati business associates. The files also contain a 2019 email from former Trump adviser Steve Bannon alleging UAE involvement in the handling of another convicted sex offender, George Nader, who served as an adviser to Sheikh Mohammed.

    The emerging evidence has intensified the fallout for Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles by King Charles last year and has recently been forced to vacate his Windsor residence amid growing controversy. Reports indicate he now faces difficulties securing household staff willing to work for him.