Day: April 20, 2026

Islamabad: Pakistan is confronting a rapidly expanding illicit cigarette market that is raising serious concerns among policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders. According to industry insights from a senior executive of a leading international tobacco company, more than half of the cigarettes consumed in the country now originate from illegal sources, exposing deep weaknesses in enforcement and taxation systems. Illicit trade reaches alarming levels Recent estimates suggest that illegal cigarettes account for nearly 55 percent of Pakistan’s total tobacco market. This significant share indicates that a large portion of sales is…

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Vatican City / Minab: Families of victims from a devastating school attack in Iran’s southern city of Minab have appealed to the Vatican, urging Pope Leo XIV to help amplify their call for peace and encourage renewed global dialogue to prevent further violence. In an emotional letter, the relatives asked the Pope to serve as a moral voice for children who were killed in the tragedy, expressing hope that his international influence could strengthen efforts toward reconciliation and non-violence. Appeal rooted in grief and hope The families described the Pope’s…

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Ottawa: Mark Carney has signaled a major recalibration of Canada’s economic strategy as rising tariffs and shifting trade policies in the United States place pressure on long-standing cross-border economic ties. In a recent video message titled “Forward Guidance,” Carney said Canada can no longer assume the stability of its traditional trade relationship with the United States, describing the current moment as a turning point for national economic planning. Strained Canada–US trade relationship The evolving trade environment has exposed vulnerabilities in deeply integrated supply chains between the two countries. Industries such…

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Paris: Elon Musk has been asked to appear in Paris this week as French authorities intensify their investigation into allegations involving the social media platform X (social media platform). The inquiry is examining concerns over the dissemination of harmful online content, potential regulatory breaches, and the role of artificial intelligence systems in content moderation. Former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino has also been invited for discussions with investigators. However, it remains unclear whether either of them will attend the voluntary hearings scheduled by the Paris prosecutor’s office. Voluntary hearings under…

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Tehran: Authorities in Iran have executed two men accused of having links to an Israeli intelligence network, according to an official statement released by the judiciary. The development comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions involving Israel and the United States. Executions Confirmed by Judiciary The executions of Mohammad Masoom-shahi and Hamed Validi were carried out at dawn, as confirmed by the judiciary through its official platform, Mizan Online. Officials stated that both men had been convicted for their alleged involvement in a network linked to Mossad. However, authorities…

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