Latest

UN Adds Israel to List of Parties Accused of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

New York: Israel has been included for the first time in a United Nations list of parties accused of committing conflict-related sexual violence, according to a report issued by the office of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The report states that the UN verified 31 cases of sexual violence allegedly committed by Israeli security personnel against Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. According to the findings, 13 cases were documented in 2025, while the remaining incidents were recorded during the previous two years.

The verified cases involved men, women and children, and included allegations of rape, gang rape, forced nudity and other forms of sexual abuse. The report attributes the alleged violations to members of the Israeli military, police and prison authorities.

The United Nations noted that the documented cases represent only verified incidents and should be viewed as indicative of broader patterns rather than a complete account of all alleged abuses.

Israel strongly rejected the allegations. Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon accused the UN leadership of bias and misinformation, while Israel’s UN mission announced that it would suspend engagement with the office of Secretary-General António Guterres.

According to the report, UN investigators faced obstacles in conducting comprehensive investigations, including limited access to detainees and allegations that some victims were discouraged from reporting abuse.

The report comes amid growing international scrutiny over the treatment of Palestinian detainees. One widely reported case involved alleged abuse at the Sde Teiman detention facility, where leaked CCTV footage appeared to show guards mistreating a Palestinian detainee. The incident attracted global attention and intensified calls for accountability.

Human rights organizations and international observers have repeatedly raised concerns regarding conditions in Israeli detention facilities and the handling of abuse allegations. Israeli authorities, however, maintain that any suspected misconduct is investigated under Israeli and international legal standards.

The report also references allegations of sexual violence committed by Hamas. The UN stated that several former hostages released from Gaza reported abuse during captivity, although investigators were unable to independently verify some claims due to limited access.

The latest findings are expected to further intensify international debate over accountability, detainee rights and alleged violations of international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict.

Latest

Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

Latest

CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

Latest

GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.