Author: HeraldStar

Ghana’s parliament has passed a provisional budget that allows the government to spend 68.1 billion Ghanaian cedis ($4.65 billion) through March, the chamber’s speaker said, narrowly averting an unprecedented government shutdown. Parliamentary Speaker Alban Bagbin said the parliament had approved the provisional budget in a sitting that stretched deep into Thursday night. John Dramani Mahama is set to take office as the West African country’s president next week after winning a Dec. 7 election, staging a political comeback after serving as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo was due to present his last state of the nation address…

Tensions between India and China have resurfaced as Beijing advances its plans to construct the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which becomes the Brahmaputra upon entering India. New Delhi has expressed concerns over the project’s impact on downstream states and lodged a strong protest against China’s establishment of new administrative counties in disputed border regions. The Chinese government recently approved the construction of a colossal dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, projected to generate an annual 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. While Beijing has touted the project as a step toward green energy, India fears it…

German and French foreign ministers have embarked on a historic visit to Damascus to engage with Syria’s new rulers, signaling a cautious step toward forging a new relationship after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Annalena Baerbock of Germany and Jean-Noel Barrot of France met with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on behalf of the European Union, aiming to promote peace and stability in the war-torn nation. This visit marks the first high-level EU engagement in Syria since rebels seized control of Damascus on December 8, forcing Assad into exile and ending his family’s decades-long reign. The ministers emphasized…

In a historic and tense confrontation, South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly avoided arrest on Friday when his presidential guards and military personnel thwarted an attempt by investigators to detain him at his official residence in Seoul. The six-hour standoff, marked by high drama and escalating tensions, underscores the political and legal turmoil engulfing Asia’s fourth-largest economy. Yoon, impeached on December 14 following his surprise declaration of martial law on December 3, faces criminal charges of insurrection. His controversial move to impose martial law, citing political deadlock and alleged threats from “anti-state forces,” shocked the nation and led…

In a significant development, a Finnish court has rejected a plea to release the Eagle S tanker, which is under investigation for allegedly damaging critical infrastructure beneath the Baltic Sea. The tanker, carrying Russian oil, is accused of dragging its anchor across the seabed, causing extensive damage to the Finnish-Estonian Estlink 2 power line and four telecommunications cables last week. The incident, which occurred on December 25, disrupted power and communication networks, raising concerns about the security of vital infrastructure in the region. Finnish authorities seized the Eagle S tanker the following day, citing evidence linking the vessel to the…

Islamabad: Qaiser Nawab, President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), held a significant meeting with Malik Mohammad Habib Khan, the former Interior and Narcotics Minister of Pakistan, to deliberate on critical national issues. The discussions centered on current challenges related to law and order, counter-terrorism measures, and the pivotal role of youth engagement in fostering peace and prosperity within society. Sardar Waqar Khan, Head of Internationalization and Diplomatic Engagement at the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) and the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD) was also present during the meeting. He emphasized…

Islamabad: Deputy Chairman Senate Senator Seydaal Khan visited the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F), to inquire about his health and convey best wishes for his swift recovery. Senator Seydaal Khan was accompanied by youth leader and President Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development BRISD Qaiser Nawab during the visit. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss pressing national political matters and current affairs. Senator Seydaal Khan commended Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his pivotal role in Pakistan’s political landscape, particularly in shaping key constitutional amendments, including the 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th amendments. “Maulana Fazlur…

Islamabad, December 25, 2024 – Advocate Sardar Waqar Shahzad, Head of Internationalization and Diplomatic Engagement at the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD), visited the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to pay his respects and express condolences following the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243. Advocate Shahzad extended heartfelt sympathies to the people of Azerbaijan on behalf of GSISD, emphasizing the strong bond of brotherhood between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. He also signed the condolence book, expressing solidarity with the grieving families and the Azerbaijani nation during this difficult time. Deputy Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Senator Sardar Syedaal…

Islamabad, December 27, 2024 — On the 17th anniversary of the martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Qaiser Nawab, a young leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), paid heartfelt tribute to the legacy and vision of Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister. “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was more than a political leader; she was a symbol of resilience, hope, and democracy. Her sacrifice for the restoration of democracy, the supremacy of Parliament, and the establishment of a people’s government has made her immortal in the hearts of millions,” Nawab stated. Recalling her enduring legacy, Qaiser Nawab added:“شہید محترمہ بینظیر بھٹو…

Islamabad, December 25, 2024 – Qaiser Nawab, President of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Alumni Association (PAAA), visited the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to express heartfelt condolences on the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243. Mr. Nawab was warmly received by H.E. Mr. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the visit, Mr. Nawab conveyed condolences on behalf of the youth of Pakistan and the members of PAAA, emphasizing the shared grief and solidarity between the two nations. As a gesture of sympathy, Mr. Nawab placed flowers at the embassy in memory of the victims. Additionally, he wrote…