Pakistan Allegedly Sold Weapons to Ukraine Amid Economic Crisis
Summary
According to a report, Pakistan earned $364 million in an arms deal to supply ammunition to Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war. The arms were reportedly supplied using a British military cargo plane from Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan to the British military base in Cyprus, Akrotiri, and then taken to Romania five times. Pakistan has denied providing any ammunition to Ukraine, stating its policy of “strict neutrality” in the war. The contracts were signed with American companies “Global Military” and “Northrop Grumman” for the sale of 155mm shells. Pakistan’s arms exports skyrocketed from $13 million in 2021-22 to $415 million in 2022-23.
Mass Grave at Gaza Hospital as Bodies Pile Up: 179 Buried
Summary
Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, has resorted to burying 179 people, including babies and ICU patients, in a mass grave due to lack of fuel and electricity. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has left bodies piling up, and the stench of decomposing bodies fills the facility. Israeli tanks are surrounding the hospital, claiming it conceals a Hamas command center underground. The Gaza health ministry expresses no objections to evacuating babies to other hospitals but cites the lack of a mechanism for evacuation.
Deepfakes & AI Tools Pose Threat to UK Election Security
Summary
The UK cybersecurity centre has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including deepfakes and “hyper-realistic bots,” pose a threat to the country’s next national election. The National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, also highlighted the rise of state-aligned actors as a new cyber threat to critical national infrastructure. The report also emphasized the challenge of China becoming a tech superpower, stating that efforts to raise cybersecurity resilience must keep pace. This comes as MI5 and MI6 intelligence agencies also warn about China’s rise in cyberspace.
Angelina Jolie’s Plea as Pakistan Deports Afghan Refugees: ‘Please, if you can…’
Summary
American actor Angelina Jolie expresses deep concern and sadness over Pakistan’s decision to deport Afghan refugees. Jolie criticizes Pakistan for abruptly pushing back refugees, highlighting the denial of basic rights to women in Afghanistan. She also emphasizes the global backsliding in human rights and calls for awareness. Pakistan’s decision to deport undocumented Afghan refugees faces international backlash.
Not helping North Korea evade sanctions, Russia asserts
Summary
The Kremlin has denied allegations by the US that Russia and China are aiding North Korea in evading sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold a meeting regarding the fuel and energy complex on the same day. The US Treasury Department has also sent notices to ship management companies regarding suspected violations of Western sanctions on Russian oil. The Kremlin maintains that it is acting in its own interests.
