Pakistan announced on Friday the arrest of four individuals connected to a suicide bombing in Islamabad, an attack allegedly orchestrated by a group based in Afghanistan. The bombing, which occurred outside court buildings on Tuesday, was claimed by a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The attack resulted in 12 fatalities and left dozens injured. According to a government statement, the network responsible for the bombing was ‘handled and guided at every step by the high command based in Afghanistan.’ The arrested individuals include the cell’s alleged commander and three other members, though the specific locations of the arrests were not disclosed. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the Senate that the bomber, identified as Usman alias Qari, was a resident of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. Investigations are ongoing, with more revelations and arrests anticipated. The Islamabad bombing marks a resurgence of militant violence in Pakistan, which officials attribute to armed groups allegedly sheltered in Afghanistan. This incident follows a recent attack on Cadet College Wana, a military-linked school in northwest Pakistan, in which Afghan nationals were reportedly involved. The Taliban government has not directly addressed Pakistan’s allegations but expressed ‘deep sorrow & condemnation’ over both attacks. The accusations have exacerbated the already strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul, leading to recent cross-border clashes that resulted in over 70 deaths, including dozens of Afghan civilians. Despite agreeing to a fragile ceasefire, negotiations to finalize its details have stalled, with each side blaming the other for the impasse. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing parliament, condemned the Islamabad bombing as a ‘horrific act of terrorism’ and emphasized Pakistan’s desire for peace, urging Afghanistan to be a partner in combating terrorism.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
From ‘Ren’ to reality: Dong Yuhui explains China’s culture of hospitality
At the prestigious World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, Dong Yuhui, a renowned livestream influencer and former English teacher, shed light on the profound cultural ethos of hospitality in China. Addressing a global audience, Yuhui delved into the concept of ‘Ren’—a cornerstone of Confucian philosophy that emphasizes benevolence and harmonious coexistence. He articulated how this ancient principle continues to shape the Chinese approach to interpersonal relationships, fostering a societal inclination towards peace rather than confrontation. Yuhui’s insights not only highlighted the enduring relevance of traditional values but also underscored their practical application in contemporary Chinese society. His discourse served as a bridge between historical wisdom and modern-day practices, offering a nuanced understanding of why the Chinese people prioritize amicable interactions in both personal and professional spheres. This presentation at the summit was a testament to the global appeal of China’s cultural heritage and its potential to inspire harmonious living worldwide.
-
Shanghai to revoke licenses of school meal supplier
In a significant move to address food safety concerns, Shanghai authorities have announced the revocation of licenses for Shanghai Green Jie Industrial Development Co., following a series of violations uncovered during an investigation. The probe was initiated after complaints from parents regarding contaminated shrimp and scrambled egg dishes served to students on September 15. The investigation revealed multiple illegal activities, including improper food handling, bid rigging, and systematic cover-ups by the company. The company’s operator, surnamed Zhang, along with eight other individuals, has been arrested. Additionally, Bright Food (Group) Co Ltd, a state-owned enterprise, has taken over meal provision for 484 schools across the city since September 23. The investigation team discovered that Green Jie staff failed to wash shrimp before cooking, leading to the discovery of worms in the food. Managers reported the issue to Zhang, who ordered the destruction of all shrimp distributed to 211 schools that day but concealed the incident. Further investigations revealed improper handling of frozen shrimp in seven school kitchens and a history of unreported food safety issues. Due to its organized efforts to falsify and destroy evidence, the company’s food business license will be revoked, and key personnel face fines and a five-year ban from the food industry. Shanghai’s education and market authorities have pledged to strengthen supply chain management and enhance oversight of school meals to prevent future incidents.
-
Fears of ‘catastrophic consequences’ in Gaza as rain floods tents
A severe winter storm has brought heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to Gaza, flooding the makeshift tents of displaced Palestinians and raising fears of catastrophic consequences for nearly two million people without adequate shelter. Thousands of families in displacement camps awoke on Friday to find their tents submerged in water, according to local media reports. The Palestinian Civil Defence has issued urgent warnings for residents, particularly the displaced, to take precautions against potential destruction from the storm. The Palestinian Meteorological Department has also alerted the region to the risk of flash floods in low-lying areas and valleys across the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, with strong winds and heavy rain expected in the coming days. Adnan Abu Hasna, spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), emphasized that the storm could have devastating effects on the already vulnerable displaced population. In the al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza alone, over 900,000 displaced individuals are living in tents, with their safety at risk due to the lack of flood-prevention barriers. Across the Gaza Strip, hundreds of thousands more are displaced, many living in cramped conditions with limited access to basic services. The situation is exacerbated by the extensive damage caused during the two-year conflict, with 83% of structures, including homes, schools, and hospitals, destroyed or damaged. The Global Shelter Cluster reports that more than 282,000 homes have been razed or rendered uninhabitable. Despite a ceasefire agreement last month, Israel has restricted the entry of essential shelter supplies and equipment, leaving at least 259,000 families without adequate protection this winter. While the agreement required Israel to allow the entry of tents and mobile shelters, heavy restrictions on relief materials have persisted, with only 150 aid trucks entering Gaza daily—far fewer than the 600 agreed upon. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as displaced Palestinians struggle to cope with the harsh winter conditions.
-
Stunning aurora borealis observed over farm in Heilongjiang
On the evening of November 12, 2025, the night sky over Changshuihe Farm in Heilongjiang province was transformed into a canvas of natural wonder as the aurora borealis made a rare and mesmerizing appearance. The phenomenon, characterized by vibrant red and purple hues, captivated both local residents and professional photographers alike. Located in Heihe city, the farm is a subsidiary of the State-owned Beian Company under the Beidahuang Group, making the event even more extraordinary given its geographical setting. The aurora’s ethereal glow provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for stunning photography, leaving onlookers in awe of nature’s grandeur. This rare occurrence in Northeast China has sparked widespread interest and admiration, highlighting the region’s unique potential for witnessing such celestial displays.
-
‘Children are not machines’: UAE billionaire reiterates call for shorter school days
The ongoing debate over school timings in the UAE has intensified as Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, a prominent billionaire and head of Dubai’s Al Habtoor Group, reiterates his call for shorter school days. Speaking on November 14, 2025, Al Habtoor emphasized that the quality of education should not be measured by the number of hours students spend in classrooms. This is not the first time he has raised this issue; a similar appeal in May sparked widespread discussions among parents, many of whom agreed that extended school hours are detrimental to children’s energy, health, and family life. Al Habtoor argued that prolonged school schedules often lead to student fatigue, diminished enthusiasm, and a loss of focus, turning education into a burden rather than a joyful experience. He urged the UAE’s Ministry of Education and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to reconsider school hours, not to reduce learning but to enhance its quality. Citing Switzerland’s successful educational model, Al Habtoor highlighted how Swiss students benefit from shorter, balanced academic blocks with regular breaks, allowing their minds to rest and function effectively. He also pointed out that many of the UAE’s founding leaders were educated in schools with shorter hours, yet they achieved remarkable success through determination, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. The debate has gained traction as Dubai residents grapple with increasing traffic congestion, further fueling calls for reforms in school timings.
-
Shenzhou XX mission crew returns after debris delays landing
The Shenzhou XX mission crew successfully returned to Earth on Friday afternoon, marking the end of an extended stay aboard the Tiangong space station. The landing, initially scheduled for November 5, was delayed by nine days due to a suspected space debris impact that caused a cracked window on their spacecraft. The re-entry capsule, carrying mission commander Senior Colonel Chen Dong and crew members Colonel Chen Zhongrui and Colonel Wang Jie, touched down at the Dongfeng Landing Site in Inner Mongolia at 4:40 pm. The astronauts had to use the Shenzhou XXI mission’s re-entry capsule after their own vessel was deemed unsafe. Ground recovery personnel from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center conducted initial safety checks and assessed the crew’s health. The Shenzhou XXI mission crew had already taken over the space station on November 4, ensuring a smooth transition. This incident highlights the challenges of space exploration and the importance of contingency planning.
-
Ariana Grande left shaken after fan charges at her; serial invader sparks safety concerns
Pop sensation Ariana Grande experienced a harrowing moment during the yellow carpet premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good’ in Singapore on November 13, 2025. A man, identified as a notorious Instagram creator known as ‘Pyjama Man,’ breached security and lunged towards Grande, leaving the cast and crew visibly stunned. The incident occurred as Grande posed alongside co-stars Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, and director Jon M. Chu. Security responded swiftly, but it was Erivo who acted first, pushing the intruder away and pulling Grande into a protective hug, while Yeoh closed in from the other side. The cast quickly formed a human shield around the shaken singer. Videos of the incident, now widely circulated online, show the man charging at Grande. Hours later, he reposted the footage on social media with a message thanking Grande for the encounter. This incident has sparked global outrage, as it was revealed that ‘Pyjama Man’ is a serial intruder who has previously breached security at events featuring celebrities like Katy Perry, The Weeknd, The Chainsmokers, and even hugged cricketer Virat Kohli during the India–Australia World Cup final. Singapore police have taken him into custody, and the incident has intensified discussions around celebrity safety and event security. The alarming trend of content-driven boundary crossing has raised significant concerns within the entertainment industry.
-
GMU’s Thumbay College of Management & AI in Healthcare launches UAE’s first Thumbay AI Clinic
Gulf Medical University (GMU), a leading private medical institution in the region, has unveiled the Thumbay AI Clinic, a pioneering initiative aimed at revolutionizing healthcare education and clinical practice through artificial intelligence (AI). Officially inaugurated by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, founder president of Thumbay Group, the clinic represents a significant milestone in the digital transformation of healthcare. The facility, powered by Zoom’s AI Companion and HP | Poly’s advanced technologies, introduces cutting-edge features such as AI-generated clinical notes, automated meeting summaries, and context-aware collaboration tools. These innovations are designed to enhance precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes while ensuring secure, HIPAA-compliant hybrid care models. The Thumbay AI Clinic serves as a hands-on innovation hub, enabling students, faculty, and healthcare professionals to explore AI’s role in diagnostics, telemedicine, and collaborative care. Dr. Moideen emphasized that the clinic embodies GMU’s mission to prepare future healthcare leaders for an AI-driven world, stating, ‘The future of healthcare lies at the intersection of knowledge, compassion, and technology.’ Professor Manda Venkatramana, vice-chancellor of GMU, highlighted the clinic’s transformative impact on education and research, noting that it creates intelligent ecosystems that mirror real-world healthcare dynamics. This initiative underscores GMU’s commitment to integrating technology into healthcare learning, fostering professionals who excel in both clinical expertise and digital fluency.
-
5 Chinese nationals killed, 8 injured in traffic accident in Indonesia’s Bali
A devastating traffic accident in Bali, Indonesia, has resulted in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and left eight others injured. The incident occurred early Friday in Buleleng Regency, located in the northern part of the island. According to the Chinese Consulate General in Denpasar, the accident involved a single vehicle, though specific details regarding the cause remain under investigation. The consulate has promptly initiated emergency response measures, providing necessary assistance to the injured and coordinating with local authorities to ensure the deceased are repatriated with dignity. This tragic event underscores the importance of road safety and the need for heightened awareness among tourists navigating unfamiliar terrains. The Chinese government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and is closely monitoring the situation to offer further support.