Entertainment
Terrorism from Afghanistan poses ‘grave threat’ to region, Pakistan warns UN
- Taliban elements “chose path of complicity” with TTP, BLA, Daesh Khorasan.
- Pakistan has lost thousands of lives; 175 killed last month in attacks.
- Counter-terror strikes conducted after Taliban attacks on border posts.
Terrorism emanating from Afghan soil poses a “grave threat not only to its immediate neighbours, but also to the broader region and beyond,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said on Monday at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Ahmad highlighted that elements within the Taliban regime have “chosen the path of complicity and active support” for terrorist groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (TTP), Majeed Brigade, Daesh Khorasan, Al-Qaeda, and East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which enjoy safe havens in Afghanistan from where they launch cross-border infiltration, violent attacks and suicide bombings.
“As an immediate neighbour, in order to secure a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, Pakistan regularly facilitated dialogue and engagement with the Taliban authorities,” the Ambassador said, noting that Pakistan had presented initiatives, assisted in humanitarian relief, offered bilateral trade incentives, liberalised visa regimes, and participated in regional platforms to help Afghanistan integrate with the region.
Despite these efforts, Ambassador Ahmad said, “regrettably, they have failed on all three counts” of the international community’s expectations under the Doha-III Process: counter-terrorism, human rights and inclusive governance.
The statement also cited recent attacks originating from Afghanistan. “Pakistan has since witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, planned, financed and orchestrated from Afghan soil under the Taliban regime’s direct watch. We have lost thousands of lives to terrorism related incidents since the Taliban takeover, and just last month, more than 175 innocent Pakistani lives were lost, including in three suicide attacks,” he said.
Highlighting Pakistan’s defensive actions, the Ambassador said, “After showing maximum restraint, on 21-22 February, Pakistan carried out intelligence-based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to the TTP and its affiliates and the ISIL-K in the bordering regions with precision and accuracy. But on 26 February, the Taliban publicly declared their decision to initiate hostilities against Pakistan across multiple border locations with unprovoked firing and shelling of border posts and military installations. In exercise of its right to self-defence, Pakistan took retaliatory measures against hostile targets and logistical bases used by terrorist groups. Our actions have been proportional, based on careful planning with necessary due diligence, and directed solely against identified terrorist camps and support bases.”
Ambassador Ahmad warned that Pakistan will continue defensive measures for the protection of its citizens, territory and sovereignty. “Our counter-terrorism operations will continue for as long as it takes to degrade the combat capabilities of terrorist groups and support infrastructure,” he said.
He also drew attention to Afghanistan’s domestic situation, noting the suffering of ordinary Afghans under Taliban restrictions. “Ordinary and vulnerable Afghans are suffering from the Taliban’s inhumane restrictions and misplaced priorities. Sanctions, a dysfunctional banking system, drying up foreign aid, poverty, terrorism, narcotics, and human rights violations weigh heavily on Afghanistan’s socio-economic landscape, a direct result of the Taliban’s reckless behaviour,” the Ambassador said.
Addressing the broader international community, he called for continued engagement to stabilise Afghanistan. “Pakistan has consistently advocated for sustained engagement with Afghanistan. We look forward to the next steps of the UN-led Doha Process and action plan for its Mosaic approach, to address Afghanistan’s multifaceted challenges comprehensively, with well-defined objectives and a realistic roadmap as the only viable pathway to lasting peace in Afghanistan. Without reciprocity from the Afghan Taliban regime, we fear that we go nowhere,” he said.
Ambassador Ahmad concluded by emphasising Pakistan’s role and its expectations from the Taliban. “No country desires peace and stability in Afghanistan more than Pakistan. And no country has suffered more from the consequences of decades of conflict and instability in Afghanistan than Pakistan. The Taliban must, first and foremost, ensure that their territory is not used for terrorism against neighbouring countries and take demonstrable steps to deny space to terrorist groups and proxies,” he said.
Entertainment
‘Euphoria’ star Jessica Blair Herman unveils truth about feud amongst cast
Euphoria star Jessica Blair Herman has officially dismissed long-standing rumours of a feud among the cast, insisting that the atmosphere on the set of the hit HBO show was actually pure bliss.
Speaking on the 27 April episode of Good Day NY, the 39-year-old actress, who joined the cast for season three, told host Rosanna Scotto that the actors genuinely got along and were focused on creating a professional environment.
She was particularly keen to shut down talk of a rift between the show’s biggest stars, Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, stating firmly that there was “no drama” and that everyone was simply there to do the job.
Herman, who plays the judgmental neighbour to Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi’s characters, explained that the perceived distance between some cast members likely comes down to the way the show is filmed rather than any personal animosity.
She admitted that Zendaya’s Rue and Sweeney’s Cassie don’t actually share many scenes, meaning their storylines are quite separate and they often shoot on entirely different days.
According to Herman, the cast has built a “beautiful working relationship” despite the fact that they aren’t always physically on set together at the same time.
The actress had nothing but praise for her own experience working with Sweeney, describing her as a “real artist” who is both generous and vulnerable as a performer.
Even when filming the more difficult and intense scenes that Euphoria is known for, Herman noted that she felt a beautiful and open heart from her co-star.
She also called working with the show’s creator, Sam Levinson, a “dream come true,” painting a picture of a set that was far more harmonious than the internet gossip would suggest.
However, this positive update stands in stark contrast to the recent and very public departure of the show’s composer, Labrinth.
The Emmy winner announced his exit in March and later took to social media to vent his frustrations with the creative team.
In a series of candid Instagram posts, Labrinth claimed that people in the industry “comfortably lie” and stated that he chose to remove his music because he refused to let people treat him poorly.
While he noted that he remains on good terms with HBO, he made it clear that while a director’s vision is paramount, he wouldn’t compromise his own self-respect to stay on the project.
Entertainment
Josh Duhamel provides relationship update with ex-wife Fergie
Josh Duhamel has confirmed that he and his ex-wife Fergie are in a fantastic place, describing their current relationship as being as good as it could possibly be.
Speaking on the Tomi Lahren Is Fearless podcast on Thursday, 23 April, the Ransom Canyon actor praised the singer for being a “good person” and an excellent mother.
Perhaps most importantly for their modern family dynamic, Duhamel shared that Fergie also gets on well with his wife, Audra Mari, ensuring there is no hostility between the households.
The 53-year-old actor, who was married to the former Black Eyed Peas star between 2009 and 2019, explained that keeping things civil is his main priority.
The pair share a 12-year-old son, Axl, and have worked hard to provide him with a comfortable upbringing that avoids the “awkward or uncomfortable” atmosphere they both experienced with their own parents’ divorces.
Duhamel noted that since their split was finalised with a 50-50 joint custody agreement, they have focused on being positive examples for their son, rather than falling into the traps of a contentious breakup.
Reflecting on their decade-long marriage, Duhamel admitted it took some time to adjust to Fergie’s level of fame, particularly when she was a “giant star” selling out stadiums across the globe.
He revealed that their eventual separation wasn’t due to a specific conflict, but rather a case of outgrowing one another as their interests shifted.
While Fergie’s career was rooted in the global pop scene, Duhamel felt a growing pull to return to his roots in North Dakota.
He insisted there are no hard feelings, remarking that they simply had different paths to follow as they got older.
Today, life looks quite different for the actor, who married Audra Mari in 2022.
The couple already shares a young son named Shepherd and recently announced they are expecting their second child together.
Despite the new additions to his family, Duhamel remains grateful that his relationship with Fergie has remained respectful and kind.
By prioritising a pressure-free environment for Axl and maintaining a friendship with his ex-wife, he believes they have successfully navigated the complexities of co-parenting in the public eye.
Entertainment
King Charles and the Trumps unite at White House for a historic tea meeting
A ceremonial welcome finally happened at the White House as Donald Trump and Melania Trump greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla at the South Portico.
The royal tour coincides with celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary an occasion rooted in the nation’s independence from Britain.
Both the leaders and their spouses gathered for tea, seated together over a carefully arranged spread that included finger sandwiches, cakes, and honey.
The first lady was wese into a butter-yellow outfit designed by Adam Lippes, while the Queen opted for an elegant white chiffon dress adorned with black beaded embroidery by Anna Valentine.
Newly released images show the King and Queen in conversation with the Trump’s standing before a striking painting that portrays the president in the aftermath of the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
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