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Pakistan

Self deception!

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Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed in an interview with a Turkish TV that his government was holding talks in Afghanistan with some groups of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. There are different groups that make up TTP. Yes, we are talking to some of them.

Imran Yaqub Khan Profile Imran Yaqub Khan

To a question if the Afghan Taliban are also helping you (Pakistan) in this regard? The prime minister said that since the talks were taking place in Afghanistan, They (the Afghan Taliban) are helping only to that extent. If the TTP groups that are in talks surrender, they will be forgiven and can live like ordinary citizens. When asked, "Do you expect any kind of agreement?" the premier said: "I want to say again that I do not believe in a military solution, as a politician I believe in dialogue". The host asked why Pakistani security forces are being targeted if talks are ongoing. On this, Imran Khan said, "We are negotiating. It was a fresh wave of attacks and we may not reach an agreement in the end, but we are negotiating."

Earlier, President Arif Alai and other key government officials were seen offering amnesty, but the prime minister announced the start of talks on Turkish TV. A group that martyred more than 80,000 Pakistanis, maimed thousands for life, left thousands of children orphaned and helpless, mothers abandoned and brides bereaved. Negotiations with this group and who formulated the policy of amnesty for them and where? Why was the people's representative forum Parliament excluded from this process? Those whom we called martyrs and have been composing songs in their memory for years. Can their blood be forgiven? A prime minister who used to call his predecessors Mughal emperors to ridicule dictatorship, has he now become the emperor himself?

Of course, no government official will have the answers to all these questions and he would not like to face such questions, so the decisions were made in closed-door meetings, the policy was made and the process began. But it is important to remind them that the state has already made similar efforts to bring murderers and terrorists into the national mainstream by declaring them as lost people.

When former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif took over as the Prime Minister, he wanted to carry out this mission in good faith despite the acts of terrorism. He also formed a committee for negotiations which included Irfan Siddiqui, Rahimullah Yousafzai, Rustam Shah Mohmand and others. Now Imran Khan is the Prime Minister of Pakistan and being the chief executive of this country he has to take concrete steps and final decisions to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the people.

It is up to the Prime Minister to decide whether to respond to the enemies of peace with bullets or to bring them into the national mainstream by negotiating with them. It would be better if all the stakeholders were involved in this process. Whether it is America's 20-year war on terror in Afghanistan or the fight against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whether Imran Khan is in opposition or in government, he has always said that war is a problem and not the solution. Some of his critics have been calling him "Taliban Khan" for such things.

The PPP has strongly reacted to the Prime Minister's statement of talks with some TTP groups and demanded that a session of Parliament be convened. Sherry Rehman says: The confirmation of negotiations with the TTP is shocking and disturbing. Who are you to forgive TTP alone? The TTP has announced that it will not apologize, the government should explain the statement of the Prime Minister in Parliament. PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui has said that it is not appropriate to keep the government talks with the TTP secret. This is a sensitive national issue. In the Nawaz era, the talks were approved by the parliament. Negotiations with the TTP and the offer of a general amnesty without taking the nation and parliament into confidence have raised many questions.

In my opinion, the demand of the opposition is legitimate. They should have been taken into confidence on such an important and sensitive issue. If they were not taken into confidence, then it should be explained why the talks started at once. When and where was the decision made to pardon those who surrendered and allow them to live like ordinary citizens?

Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry gave some explanation on this. In a video statement, he said the state of Pakistan has gone through a river of fire and blood, we have sacrificed thousands of people, now we need to move forward. The policies of the state are formed in a specific background. Many people who have not been able to fulfill their pledge of allegiance to Pakistan want to return to fulfill this pledge. There are various groups in the banned TTP, including those who want to fulfill their pledge of allegiance to Pakistan. Those who to move forward by abiding by the constitution, we believe that such people should be given a chance by the state to return to the mainstream of life.

Nawaz Sharif also considered the people involved in the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban in his time as angry and misguided. That is why he wanted to find a way to peace through negotiations but then the tragedy of APS happened which changed everything. At that time, the state had to make tough decisions. Now that Fawad Chaudhry is referring to the new state policy in a new context, it is hoped that key stakeholders will be taken into confidence on this new policy, otherwise decisions taken in an atmosphere of mistrust may be reversed in the future. The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban and the people influenced by its ideology are a reality of our society which is very bitter.

It is important to acknowledge that extremism has become part of our society. Not all extremists can be bombed, nor can all be crucified. To deal with extremism, fundamental changes must be made in the state structure. Why is there extremism in society? The answer to this question must first be found. To change thinking, you have to change the environment, you have to teach yourself and the children of the enemy, but you have to decide what to teach.

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Technology

Single-tap passkeys are coming Android 15

In a developer session, Google announced Android 15 will get a series of convenient passkey updates — and that passkeys will arrive on Wear OS 5.

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AI was the main focus of the Google I/O keynote this year, but there are still a bunch of new feature updates hidden in the various developer sessions. Case in point, 9to5Google spotted that Android 15 and Wear OS 5 are going to get some convenient passkey updates.

In its “Passkeys and identity best practices” dev session, Google announced that Android 15 is going to get a single-tap sign-in process. Instead of having two separate screens — one to select an account and another for a biometric prompt — Google will merge them into a single screen.

The end result is you’ll be able to just use your face, finger, or any other screen unlocking method to log in to an account. For devs, this will be automatically supported in new versions of Credential Manager on Android 15 or higher. Another update is that Autofill will also display Credential Manager results in Gboard. That includes passwords, passkeys, and Sign in with Google.

Screenshot of passkeys on Wear OS 5Screenshot of passkeys on Wear OS 5
Wear OS 5 will also get passkey support.
Screenshot: Google

Another neat update is it’ll get easier to log back in to your apps if you buy a new device thanks to a new “Restore” passkey feature for phones and tablets. An app will be able to save a restore key to Credential Manager. That key is then stored locally on the device, and if cloud backups are enabled, it can be automatically transferred over to the new device. In a nutshell, users won’t have to log into each app one by one.

Passkeys are also coming to Wear OS 5 in a quarterly platform release. That will allow you to use either passkeys, passwords, or Sign in with Google straight from the wrist. Google says this capability will also work with third-party password managers, naming Dashlane as one example. The Apple Watch already has some of these authentication features, so it’s nice to see Google continue to even the playing field for Android smartwatch users.

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Sports

The 10 most impactful offseason moves

After a busy couple of months in the NFL, Liz Loza lists the moves that meant the most in the fantasy world this offseason.

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Change: It's inevitable. And in the NFL, it's constant. From roster shakeups to coaching carousels to offensive overhauls, the churn is real. Let's catch you up on the most impactful fantasy football news of the offseason.

Jerod Mayo will have an opportunity to redefine the "Patriot Way," replacing Bill Belichick as the team's head coach after 24 years. Mayo will look to new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye to reinvigorate the offense. New England's depth chart is far from stacked, though rookie WR Ja'Lynn Polk projects as a later-round investment and could provide fantasy value down the stretch.

Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson remains the team's primary ball carrier. With Van Pelt likely to install a run-heavy scheme (similar to the one he ran in Cleveland), Stevenson figures to touch the ball 15 to 17 times per game, offering managers top-20 positional appeal.

Pete Carroll served as the Seahawks' head coach for 14 seasons. In his stead, the organization tapped Mike Macdonald to captain the squad while calling up former Washington Huskies OC Ryan Grubb to design an offensive playbook. On the heels of such a substantial change, it was assumed the new regime would implement a number of roster tweaks. Instead, the fresh-faced coaching staff chose to run it back with many of Seattle's most-tenured players.

DK Metcalf returns as the most valuable fantasy asset, capable of delivering high-end WR2 numbers. Second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba presents breakout appeal, though he'll compete for looks with Tyler Lockett and TE Noah Fant. JSN and Lockett figure to teeter on the WR3/WR4 bubble with the younger player's upside being baked into his slightly higher ADP. Finally, Kenneth Walker III could cede touches to Zach Charbonnet, but remains a decent RB2 option for fantasy purposes.

Los Angeles hit the restart button at head coach for the fourth time in just over 10 years, signing Harbaugh to a five-year contract worth an estimated $16 million annually. Upon coming to terms with Harbaugh, the Bolts cleaned house, forcing the exits of WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams, RB Austin Ekeler and TE Gerald Everett.

The team spent an early second-round pick on WR Ladd McConkey while bolstering the backfield with the likes of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards and adding depth at TE with Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst via free agency. L.A.'s revamped offensive line should help buy Justin Herbert time in the pocket. However, between a dearth of tested pass-catching options and noting OC Greg Roman's run-heavy approach, Herbert's days as a top-10 fantasy QB appear (momentarily) in the rearview.

The "Monsters of the Midway" will always remain synonymous with Chicago. But general manager Ryan Poles appears to be dragging the team into the future and attempting to "Push for the Pass." Promptly closing the chapter on the Justin Fields era, Chicago spent early-first-round selections on QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze.

It's not the first time the Bears have used a first-round pick on a burgeoning signal-caller. It could be argued, however, this the first time (in a long time) the Bears have attempted to actually build around said quarterback. Prior to the draft, the organization also utilized the free-agency period, adding WR Keenan Allen, RB D'Andre Swift and TE Gerald Everett. While the success of these efforts and additions has yet to be tested, at least on paper, the Bears are in possession of the team's most potent passing attack in 50-plus years.

If all goes well (and that is a big if, given the club's history), Williams could deliver top-15 fantasy numbers in his rookie campaign. DJ Moore figures to remain the corps' target leader, likely to deliver a second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving effort. Allen should draw a similar number of looks to Moore, potentially flirting with 80 grabs in his Windy City debut. Odunze will round out the trio of receivers, offering mid-round upside and oodles of flex potential. Swift's volume seems more murky, however, as he'll join Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson in the backfield. Coming off a career season, the former Eagle's numbers figure to regress, but Swift's ability as a pass-catcher keeps him on the RB2/3 bubble.

The Commanders spent 2023 seeing what they had in Sam Howell ... and decided it wasn't enough. After registering a 4-13 record, the new front office continued house cleaning, revamping the coaching staff and anointing a new face of the franchise.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose playing style is similar to Kyler Murray's, is an intriguing fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Expect the Commanders' OC to employ plenty of spread passing elements, which should help the 23-year-old's transition to the pros. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson leading the receiving corps and Austin Ekeler catching passes out of the backfield, Daniels slides into a sneaky-productive situation. Add in his elite rushing instincts and the rookie could potentially thrive as a QB2 in superflex formats as early as Year 1.

While Daniels lands in a favorable situation, his surrounding talent may not be so lucky, at least initially. McLaurin has been saddled with instability under center for the bulk of his career. Regardless, he's cleared 1,000 receiving yards for four consecutive campaigns and should draw upwards of 130 looks again in 2024. Dotson is expected to function as the team's No. 2 receiver and could manage the breakout he failed to post last season, but he is largely ranked outside of the top-60 fantasy wideouts. Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. figure to share snaps, working in a complementary fashion. Both backs offer managers high-end RB3 potential.

The Bills made a number of decisive moves this offseason, sometimes leaving fans a bit baffled. While Gabe Davis' departure and Damien Harris' retirement weren't terribly surprising, the Stefon Diggs trade created considerable consternation. This anxiety only seemed to increase after the Bills traded down twice in the first round of April's draft, passing on buzzy receiving talent in the process. Ultimately, the Bills selected WR Keon Coleman with the 33rd overall pick.

A former basketball standout who played briefly for Tom Izzo at Michigan State, Coleman is in possession of size (6-foot-3, 213 pounds) and hops. He has incredible ball skills, and he regularly climbed the ladder to make circus catches during his college career. An X receiver with downfield ability, Coleman figures to emerge as Josh Allen's primary target, likely drawing upwards of 100 targets in his first pro season.

Kirk Cousins averaged just north of 20 fantasy points per game during the first month of the 2023 season, before Justin Jefferson was sidelined (hamstring). His productivity dipped slightly over the next four weeks (17.3 points per game) before he tore an Achilles in Week 8. The 35-year-old tested the free-agent market, ultimately securing a four-year deal worth an eye-popping $180 million with the Falcons. Cousins' celebration was cut short, however, when Atlanta reportedly "blindsided" the QB by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in April's draft.

Assuming a full recovery, Cousins remains atop the Falcons' depth chart and should start the season as the team's QB1. There exists considerable optimism that the four-time Pro Bowler -- along with new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who gained experience under Sean McVay in Los Angeles -- will unlock the first-round potential of Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Both pass-catchers project as low-end fantasy starters at their respective positions (WR13 and TE9). Bijan Robinson rounds out the trio of young stars and is expected to begin his sophomore season as a late-first-round pick in fantasy drafts.

Henry addressed Titans fans in early January, transparent about his relationship with the club and plans for the future. Fantasy's favorite anomaly inked a two-year deal with Baltimore just two months later. While a player of Henry's stature doesn't normally fly, he absolutely could as a member of the Ravens Flock.

A perennial top-10 producer who has cleared at least 12 fantasy points per game every year since 2018, Henry has continued to evade tackles and rip off big runs. At 30 years old and with more than 2,000 carries to his name, durability is an obvious concern. Still, Todd Monken's run-aggressive offense and the Ravens' solid O-line should both work in the vet's favor. Assuming he stays healthy, Henry is in line for double-digit scores and top-12 RB consideration in Baltimore.

Barkley served as the Giants' offensive engine, motoring his way to 1,489 total touches during his six seasons in New York. That volume buoyed Barkley's fantasy stock, as he managed nearly 16 fantasy points per game (RB13) despite averaging 3.9 yards per carry in 2023.

While the 27-year-old may be entering a new phase of his career, Barkley should continue to rip off long runs (he was tied for sixth among RBs with seven rushes of 20-plus yards in 2023) and evade tackles while working behind a much better offensive line in Philadelphia. With D'Andre Swift now in Chicago, Barkley's work in the passing game is likely to remain stable as he figures to (once again) average around three catches per contest. Any potential hit to Barkley's overall workload will be outweighed by an increase in efficiency given the explosiveness of the Eagles' offense. He remains a solid RB1 for fantasy purposes in 2024.

Arguably the most sought-after wide receiver in this year's free-agent class, Ridley opted to leave Jacksonville, landing in Tennessee on a four-year deal reportedly worth $92 million. The 29-year-old, who returned to the field after missing the 2022 season due to a suspension, put together an up-and-down effort in 2023, managing six games of more than 20 fantasy points and nine outings below 10 fantasy points. Interestingly, two of his best showings (in which he recorded at least six catches and cleared 100 yards) came against his new team.

Ridley figures to work as a complement to DeAndre Hopkins, who is likely to find himself open more regularly next season. The new addition also puts a lid on the idea of a Treylon Burks breakout. The length and cost of Ridley's contract (along with the Tony Pollard signing) does, however, signal an investment in second-year QB Will Levis. Led by new head coach Brian Callahan, the new-look Titans appear to be taking an aerial approach to the offense. That should further work in Ridley's favor. He should be considered a low-end WR2 in fantasy with plenty of upside.
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Crime

Naqvi orders crackdown against encroachments in Islamabad

The authorities demolished encroachments of Raja Gulfraz Farm in Sangjani Sasing and sealed another factory

Published by Hussnain Bhutta

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Islamabad: Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday ordered a crackdown against the encroachments in Islamabad.

Mohsin Naqvi directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) staff to remove and eliminate all encroachments without discrimination and without accepting any pressures from anywhere.

He ordered Islamabad administration, CDA and police to conduct joint operation against the encroachment. Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa immediately took action on the direction of the federal minister and launched an operation against encroachments in Islamabad. The authorities demolished encroachments of Raja Gulfraz Farm in Sangjani Sasing and sealed another factory.

The farmhouse was built illegally by constructing 10 rooms on 24 kanal area The Islamabad administration and the police led by the DC and CDA, jointly conducted the operation against encroachments.

 

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