Global Pulse

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  • Libya to try a gang member linked to a mass grave of 21 migrants for human trafficking

    Libya to try a gang member linked to a mass grave of 21 migrants for human trafficking

    Libyan authorities have initiated judicial proceedings against a criminal network member implicated in human trafficking operations, following the grim discovery of a mass grave containing 21 migrants. The Attorney General’s office announced the referral to court on Friday via an official Facebook statement, revealing evidence of organized illegal migration activities centered in al-Kufra (southeastern Libya) and Ajdabiya (eastern Libya).

    The investigation uncovered that the criminal organization had detained 195 migrants under torturous conditions to extort ransom payments from families. While one suspect remains in custody, manhunts continue for additional gang members. The statement deliberately withheld identifying information about the criminal network.

    Libya’s strategic position as a primary migration corridor has intensified since the 2011 civil war that ousted dictator Moammar Gadhafi, creating power vacuums exploited by trafficking syndicates. The country remains fractured between rival eastern and western administrations—Prime Minister Ossama Hammad governing the east and Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah leading the western Tripoli-based government—both supported by armed factions and international allies.

    Forensic analysis continues to determine the circumstances and timeline of the 21 deaths. Officially released images depict victims wrapped in black plastic bags with partial soil coverage, though independent verification remains pending.

    This case emerges amid escalating migrant tragedies in the Central Mediterranean. Recent data from the International Organization for Migration’s Missing Migrants Project indicates over 1,000 deaths since January 2025, including 500+ disappearances off Libya’s coast. A separate capsizing incident alone claimed至少 42 lives, highlighting the extreme perils faced by those attempting sea crossings to Europe.

  • Pakistanis in UAE, other nations barred from used car imports under ‘personal baggage’ scheme

    Pakistanis in UAE, other nations barred from used car imports under ‘personal baggage’ scheme

    Pakistan has implemented significant restrictions on vehicle imports by its overseas citizens residing in the UAE, Gulf nations, and other countries. The Ministry of Economy has amended its Import Policy Order 2022 through Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) 61 (I)/2006, effectively eliminating the “personal baggage” scheme for car imports.

    The new regulations now permit vehicle imports exclusively under two categories: “transfer of residence” and “gift schemes.” Vehicles imported through these channels face a mandatory one-year ownership transfer restriction from their import date. Additionally, vehicles brought into Pakistan under the transfer of residence scheme must originate from the same country where the overseas Pakistani resides.

    The policy changes affect approximately 9 million Pakistani diaspora members worldwide, including 5.5 million throughout GCC nations and 1.7 million specifically in the UAE. The ministry has concurrently extended the import timeframe from 700 to 850 days from the date of the last Goods Declaration filing.

    All imported vehicles must now meet minimum safety standards, environmental requirements, and regulatory measures equivalent to those governing commercially imported used vehicles. These standards will be enforced by the Ministry of Industries and Production and the Engineering Development Board.

    The decision follows the Federal Cabinet’s approval of the Economic Coordination Committee’s December 9, 2025 resolution, which authorized the import of used vehicles up to three years old under the revised schemes. This policy shift occurs alongside a 46% increase in domestic car sales during the first half of 2025, with over 13,200 units sold.

  • Myanmar military-backed party extends lead ahead of final election round

    Myanmar military-backed party extends lead ahead of final election round

    BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has significantly advanced toward securing a parliamentary majority following the second phase of the country’s staggered general election, according to official data released Friday by the state election body.

    The latest figures, broadcast by state media MRTV, indicate the USDP captured 86 of 100 contested seats in the lower house during Sunday’s voting. Combined with previous results, this brings the party’s total to 182 seats—exceeding the required majority in the 330-member elected lower chamber—with one final voting round scheduled for January 25.

    The electoral process has faced intense criticism from human rights organizations and opposition groups who denounce it as neither free nor fair. They contend the military junta, which seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government in February 2021, is using the polls to legitimize its authority. The coup triggered widespread civil disobedience that has since escalated into full-scale civil war.

    Myanmar’s political structure consists of a bicameral legislature totaling 664 seats, with the military automatically allocated 25% of seats in both houses under the constitution. The party achieving a combined parliamentary majority holds the power to select the president, who subsequently appoints a cabinet and forms the new government.

    The election is being conducted in three phases due to ongoing armed conflicts across the country. The initial two rounds occurred on December 28 and January 11 across 202 of Myanmar’s 330 townships. The final phase will include additional townships, though 65 will remain excluded from voting due to security concerns and active combat.

    Military government spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun confirmed Sunday that parliament will convene in March, with the new government assuming duties in April. Over 4,800 candidates from 57 political parties are competing for legislative positions at both national and regional levels.

    The electoral process has been marred by suppression of dissent under a new Election Protection Law that imposes severe penalties for public criticism of the polls. Authorities have recently charged more than 330 individuals for leafleting or online activities deemed critical of the election.

    Meanwhile, armed resistance groups have conducted attacks against polling stations and government buildings during both completed voting phases, according to military officials. Only six parties are contesting seats nationwide, with one—the People’s Pioneer Party—facing potential dissolution after its leadership encountered legal scrutiny for unauthorized meetings with foreign embassy representatives.

    Final results for all national and regional legislative seats are anticipated by late January.

  • Dubai: Gang of five to stand trial over Dh3-million office robbery

    Dubai: Gang of five to stand trial over Dh3-million office robbery

    Dubai judicial authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against an organized criminal network allegedly responsible for a meticulously planned office robbery amounting to approximately 3 million UAE dirhams ($816,000). The sophisticated operation targeted a trading company situated within a commercial high-rise in Deira, marking one of the most significant commercial theft cases recently handled by Dubai law enforcement.

    According to official court documentation, the criminal investigation commenced following an emergency alert received by Dubai Police regarding an active robbery incident. Specialized patrol units and forensic investigation teams were immediately dispatched to secure the crime scene and initiate evidence collection procedures.

    Investigative findings reveal that the perpetrators specifically targeted a Turkish national who was conducting business alone within the office premises. Surveillance footage obtained from the commercial tower captured the moment the victim responded to a door inquiry, subsequently being confronted by multiple individuals who forcibly accessed the premises. The assailants proceeded to extract a substantial sum of cash from the company’s secure storage facility before making their escape.

    Through comprehensive digital forensic analysis and coordinated international investigative techniques, authorities identified five primary suspects originating from Eastern European nations. The criminal network demonstrated advanced operational coordination both preceding and following the commission of the offense. Current investigations indicate three suspects remain in custody while two accomplices have reportedly fled UAE jurisdiction.

    Notably, Dubai law enforcement successfully intercepted and recovered approximately 300,000 dirhams ($81,600) of the stolen funds, which have been formally seized and deposited with the Public Prosecution as material evidence. The arrested individuals now face multiple criminal charges including organized robbery, illegal confinement, and handling criminal proceeds. Judicial authorities continue collaborative investigations with international law enforcement agencies to facilitate the apprehension of remaining suspects and complete legal proceedings.

  • Mashriq Elite set to deliver over 1,200 residential units in two years

    Mashriq Elite set to deliver over 1,200 residential units in two years

    Dubai-based real estate developer Mashriq Elite Real Estate Developments has unveiled an ambitious delivery timeline for over 1,200 residential units across multiple projects in Dubai over the coming two years. The company, celebrating its third anniversary, confirmed that 380 apartments are slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026, located primarily in the Arjan and Discovery Gardens districts.

    With a cumulative project portfolio valued at AED 1.5 billion encompassing 1,525 units, Mashriq Elite successfully handed over its inaugural development, Floarea Residence in Arjan, comprising 206 units, last year. The developer’s current pipeline includes Floarea Grande in Arjan (222 units) and Floarea Vista in Discovery Gardens (158 units), both scheduled for completion in 2026.

    CEO Kamran Muhammad emphasized the company’s disciplined growth strategy, stating: ‘2025 marked a significant year with the launch of four prime property developments, including our debut project in Dubai Islands. We are now entering a robust delivery phase that will expand our footprint to over two million square feet across Dubai’s most active residential areas.’

    The company’s portfolio currently consists of eight projects: five under active development, one completed, and two new developments set to launch in Q1 2026. Ongoing construction includes Floarea Skies in Jumeirah Village Circle (192 units), Floarea Oasis in Dubai Land Residential Complex (257 residences), and Floarea Breeze in Dubai Islands (48 apartments and 4 townhouses), with delivery timelines extending through 2027-2028.

    Muhammad revealed strategic expansion plans into Meydan and Dubai Production City (IMPZ), citing infrastructure development and competitive pricing as key attractions for investors. Both new projects are scheduled for launch in early 2026.

    The CEO noted sustained demand from global, regional, and local buyers, including both end-users and investors, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a premier real estate investment destination. Mashriq Elite leverages its leadership’s cross-sector experience in real estate and telecommunications across Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the UAE to maintain its focus on quality and innovation in property development.

  • China warns of ‘catastrophic disasters’ from unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions

    China warns of ‘catastrophic disasters’ from unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions

    Beijing has delivered a stern caution regarding Japan’s accelerating military expansion, characterizing it as a dangerous trajectory threatening regional stability. Chinese defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang articulated these concerns during a Friday press briefing, asserting that unchecked militarist ambitions would inflict “catastrophic disasters” upon the Japanese populace and constitute a severe threat to neighboring Asian nations.

    The remarks came in response to inquiries about internal Japanese political criticisms directed at Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Zhang noted that discerning observers within Japan are increasingly recognizing the perils associated with their government’s contentious policies.

    According to the defense official, Japan’s right-wing conservative factions have demonstrated escalating assertiveness in recent years, aggressively pursuing military enhancement and national remilitarization. This strategic shift, China contends, represents a hazardous deviation from post-war pacifist principles.

    Zhang reaffirmed China’s commitment to collaborative international efforts aimed at countering militarist resurgence. The nation stands prepared to partner with peace-oriented countries to preserve the historical achievements of World War II’s Allied victory and ensure continued regional and global security. This multilateral approach, Beijing maintains, serves as a critical bulwark against destabilizing nationalist agendas in East Asia.

  • ‘Utensils for olive oil’: Inside the West Bank’s deepening economic collapse

    ‘Utensils for olive oil’: Inside the West Bank’s deepening economic collapse

    In the occupied West Bank, a disturbing new economic reality has emerged as Palestinian families resort to trading household possessions for basic sustenance. What began as community Facebook groups for exchanging surplus items has transformed into a digital marketplace of desperation, where mothers now offer furniture, children’s clothing, and kitchenware in exchange for olive oil and za’atar—staples that have become symbols of deepening poverty.

    The economic collapse, accelerating since October 2023, represents what economist Dr. Haitham Oweida describes as “voluntary economic displacement” affecting all societal layers. With unemployment reaching 28% and GDP contracting by 13%, the territory faces a hunger crisis defined by consistent inability to secure nutritious food rather than total deprivation.

    Three primary economic pillars have crumbled simultaneously: the loss of 200,000 Palestinian workers from Israeli employment (eliminating $460 million monthly income), the collapse of domestic tourism from Palestinian citizens of Israel (another $460 million monthly loss), and the instability of clearance revenues from Israel to the Palestinian Authority ($260-310 million monthly). International aid has simultaneously declined to approximately $740 million annually.

    The consequences are starkly visible in both macroeconomic indicators and human tragedy. Palestinian workers now risk their lives daily attempting to cross separation barriers, with 38 confirmed deaths and over 1,500 injuries reported since October 2023—though actual numbers are believed higher due to underreporting.

    One such casualty was Jihad Qazmar, 58, who told his brother before his fatal attempt: “I have no choice left but to beg for my family’s food outside mosques.” Similarly, Salim Rajab al-Far perished after being detained and beaten by Israeli soldiers during a crossing attempt, leaving behind a wife and seven children who had exhausted all savings and sold jewelry before his final journey.

    As military checkpoints increased to 898 alongside 300 military gates according to UN OCHA, internal movement and trade remain largely paralyzed. The Palestinian Authority struggles to pay full public-sector salaries while approximately 50% of private-sector institutions report significant operational impacts. With no effective government intervention in sight, families continue trading their last possessions simply to survive another day.

  • South African national park closed due to floods

    South African national park closed due to floods

    South African authorities have taken the unprecedented step of closing Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves, in response to catastrophic flooding conditions sweeping across the country’s northeastern regions. The park administration announced the complete suspension of all tourist activities and access routes as emergency teams assess extensive damage to infrastructure and potential threats to wildlife.

    The closure comes as meteorological services report continuous heavy rainfall across Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, where rising water levels have transformed normal riverbeds into dangerous torrents. Park officials confirmed that several critical access roads and bridges have been either submerged or structurally compromised, creating potentially life-threatening conditions for visitors and staff alike.

    Environmental specialists express particular concern for animal populations within the 7,500-square-mile reserve, noting that sudden flooding can displace species from their natural habitats and disrupt delicate ecological balances. Conservation teams are monitoring the situation closely, though current conditions have hampered ground-based assessment efforts.

    The tourism industry anticipates significant economic repercussions from the closure, as Kruger typically attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually. Local safari operators and hospitality businesses have begun implementing emergency contingency plans while awaiting further updates from park management. Government disaster response units have been deployed to affected regions, prioritizing human safety while developing strategies for eventual recovery operations.

    Climate scientists note this event continues a pattern of increasingly extreme weather phenomena affecting Southern Africa, with current flooding representing some of the most severe hydrological conditions recorded in the past decade. Park authorities have established emergency communication channels and pledged daily updates as the situation evolves.

  • Chinese vice-premier to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, visit Switzerland

    Chinese vice-premier to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, visit Switzerland

    BEIJING – China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng will represent the nation at the prestigious World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, followed by an official state visit to the Swiss Confederation from January 19-22. The diplomatic mission was formally announced on Friday by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Vice-Premier He, who simultaneously serves on the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is undertaking the visit following joint invitations extended by both the World Economic Forum organization and the Swiss federal government. The high-level participation underscores China’s continued engagement with global economic governance platforms and its commitment to multilateral dialogue.

    The Davos gathering, scheduled for January 20-23, will convene world leaders, corporate executives, and influential thinkers to address critical global challenges under the theme ‘Collaborative Innovation in a Fragmented World.’ Vice-Premier He’s attendance marks China’s continued high-level participation in the forum following the country’s post-pandemic reopening and economic recalibration.

    His Swiss itinerary is expected to include bilateral meetings with Swiss government officials and business leaders, potentially covering topics ranging from financial cooperation to technological innovation. Switzerland was among the first European nations to establish diplomatic relations with China and remains a significant economic partner within continental Europe.

    The vice-premier’s delegation is anticipated to present China’s economic outlook and policy directions while engaging in discussions about global economic stability, climate finance, and artificial intelligence governance. This diplomatic mission occurs amid evolving global economic dynamics and China’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships despite geopolitical tensions.

  • All options against Taiwan separatists remain on the table, ministry says

    All options against Taiwan separatists remain on the table, ministry says

    China’s Ministry of National Defense has emphatically reaffirmed its position regarding Taiwan, declaring that all necessary measures remain available to address separatist activities. The statement came during a Friday press briefing where ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang addressed international media speculation about potential Chinese actions toward Taiwan.

    Zhang specifically countered recent comparisons between China’s Taiwan policy and the United States’ approach toward Venezuela, dismissing such analogies as fundamentally flawed. He emphasized that the Taiwan question represents an exclusively internal matter for China, not subject to external interference or comparison with other nations’ foreign policies.

    ‘The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. How to resolve it is a matter for the Chinese people, which brooks no interference from external forces,’ Zhang stated unequivocally during the digital press conference.

    The defense spokesman employed vivid terminology to characterize potential actions against separatist forces, suggesting that dealing with ‘Taiwan independence’ armed elements would be comparable to ‘catching turtles in a jar’ – indicating the certainty of success should such measures become necessary.

    This latest statement reinforces China’s consistent position that maintains all options, including punitive measures, remain available to preserve national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry’s comments come amid ongoing discussions in international media about cross-strait relations and China’s policy approaches.