Latest news with #GulfTodayReport


Gulf Today
8 hours ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
Pakistani father commits suicide after poisoning children over Eid clothes
Gulf Today Report A financially distressed father in Pakistan poisoned his three children and took his own life after failing to buy them clothes for Eid, the police said, The News reported on Monday. According to the police, the incident occurred in Sardar Garh Basti Haji Pir area of Rukanpur village. The man, who worked as a tractor trolley driver, had been unemployed and distressed for several days, the police said. In a state of despair, they added, he gave poisonous pills to his two disabled sons and daughter, before ingesting them himself. The father and two children died, while the daughter is currently out of danger, Sheikh Zayed Hospital said in a statement, where the girl was undertreatment. This year in February, a similar tragedy unfolded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Swabi district, wherein a man took his own life after allegedly slaughtering his four children, including two minors.


Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem clinches javelin gold at Asian Athletics Championship
Gulf Today Report Pakistan's star athlete Arshad Nadeem clinched the gold medal at men's javelin final at the Asian Athletics Championship in Gumi, South Korea, establishing himself as the new Asian champion. This victory marks Pakistan's first gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in over five decades. India's Sachin Yadav secured the silver medal with a personal best of 85.16m, while Japan's Yuta Sakiyama took home the bronze with an 83.75m effort. Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who had led the early stages of the competition, narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing fourth with 83.27m. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif congratulated the athlete as he continues to make the nation proud. The 27-year-old from Mian Channu city of Punjab province had a slow start in the final, registering 75.64m and 76.80m in his first two attempts. However, he climbed the leaderboard with an 85.57m throw in his third attempt, followed by two more solid efforts of 83.99m and 83.44m. It was in the final round that Arshad showcased his trademark composure and strength, launching the javelin to 86.40m-just 32 centimetres shy of the championship record of 86.72m. "I was under pressure early on, but I focused on staying calm and trusted my training,' Arshad told reporters after the event. "Winning gold for Pakistan at this level means everything to me.' Pakistan's second athlete, Yasir Sultan, also competed in the final but could not break into the top five. His series included 70.53m, 75.39m, 74.50m, and 72.92m in successive rounds. President Asif Ali Zardari praised Arshad's consistent brilliance, saying: "Arshad Nadeem once again brought glory to Pakistan in the sport of javelin throw. His performance in the final and throughout the championship was exemplary.' He added that the entire nation was proud of the athlete's achievement and offered prayers for his future success. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also extended heartfelt congratulations, saying: "Alhamdulillah! A breeze of happiness and good news has blown from every field for Pakistan. With the gold medal, Arshad Nadeem has not only won hearts but also made history.' "The prayers and hopes of the nation have risen with Arshad Nadeem's spear,' she added, expressing best wishes for his continued success. She also called Arshad and fellow athlete Yasir Sultan "beacons of light for our youth.' Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi joined in the praise, saying: "Well done Arshad Nadeem, well done. We are proud of you.' He applauded not only the athlete but also his family and coach, saying the win was a result of dedication and relentless hard work. "It is a great honour to raise the national flag by defeating athletes from other countries, including India,' he said.

Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- Gulf Today
'No Hajj Without a Permit:' Saudi employs drones to curb unauthorised pilgrims
Gulf Today Report Saudi authorities are employing innovative technologies particularly drones for surveillance to prevent the infiltration of unauthorised pilgrims into Makkah during Hajj this year. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is employing state-of-the-art technologies to boost its efforts in identifying illegal pilgrims ahead of the Hajj, foreign media reported. Saudi officials welcome a pilgrim upon his arrival at Jeddah Airport. SPA The General Directorate of Public Security of Saudi Arabia has also released a video showcasing a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera monitoring violators and vehicles attempting to transport unauthorized pilgrims without the mandatory official permits, commonly known as the Nusuk Card, the foreign media further said. As part of the high-profile campaign 'No Hajj Without a Permit,' Saudi security authorities are conducting a rigorous crackdown on illegal pilgrims and against their facilitators. The released footage shows a drone identifying a suspicious vehicle in the desert, suspected of carrying undocumented pilgrims. The drone relayed the vehicle's coordinates to security patrols, who promptly apprehended the violators. Meanwhile, spokesperson for Pakistan's Religious Ministry Muhammad Umar Butt while praising Saudi authorities' this initiative said, 'Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernising the pilgrimage experience through innovative technology demonstrates their dedication to ensuring pilgrims' comfort and convenience.'


Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Spiritual ride: Four pilgrims arrive in Saudi on horses from Europe to perform Hajj
Gulf Today Report In a rare display of devotion and endurance, four Muslim pilgrims arrived at Saudi Arabia's Al Hadithah border crossing this week after travelling on horseback from Europe to perform this year Hajj, reviving centuries-old pilgrimage traditions. The group, comprising three Spanish nationals and one Moroccan citizen, was warmly received by Saudi officials and volunteers at the northern Al Qurayyat region crossing. The riders' choice to traverse deserts and mountains mirrors how pilgrims travelled for Hajj before modern transportation, drawing admiration from fellow worshipers. A video widely circulated online shows the riders—dusty and fatigued—being welcomed with applause and hospitality after weeks on the road. Mamdouh Al Mutairi, director of the Al Hadithah centre, personally greeted the pilgrims, commending their journey as 'a powerful symbol of faith and commitment.' 'This remarkable effort reflects the deep spiritual drive of pilgrims coming to Hajj, regardless of the challenges,' Al Mutairi said. 'We wish them a safe and accepted pilgrimage.' Saudi border authorities, alongside medical and support teams, conducted health checks and provided refreshments and guidance. The initiative is part of broader government efforts to ensure dignified and efficient services for all pilgrims entering the Kingdom. The local Development Association of Al Hadithah also hosted a small ceremony for the group. Volunteers presented the riders with hospitality kits, flowers, and traditional welcomes. Authorities across Al Qurayyat and at the border are coordinating under the national Hajj readiness plan, aiming to facilitate safe and smooth entry for pilgrims arriving from across the world. As over 1.8 million pilgrims prepare for Hajj 2025, this story stands out as a testament to enduring faith and perseverance.


Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Israeli PM Netanyahu sets date to end war on Gaza
Gulf Today Report A senior Israeli security official confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to end the war in Gaza by next October, considering this date to represent the "maximum" end date for military operations, according to media reports. The official, according to the newspaper, said in statements made during closed-door talks that the military operation could end before this date, provided the conditions on the ground are met and the strategic objectives are achieved. He indicated that the logic governing this timing is to prevent the war from continuing for more than two years. An Israeli political source emphasized Tel Aviv's rejection of any proposals that include Hamas remaining an armed force in the Gaza Strip. The source told reporters, "Israel has not resorted to a comprehensive ceasefire so far, but rather has preferred gradual steps to allow negotiations to free the hostages." He added, "We are seeking to exhaust all possible efforts to reach a deal, and this is affecting the pattern of operations. But our patience is not unlimited." Egyptian and Qatari mediators have proposed a new formula to end the war in Gaza, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations told the BBC. According to the official, the proposal includes a truce lasting between five and seven years, the release of all Israeli hostages, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, a formal end to the war, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The official explained that Hamas has expressed its willingness to hand over administration of the Gaza Strip to "any Palestinian entity agreed upon at the national and regional levels." The Civil Defense in Gaza reported on Monday that at least 16 people were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on the Strip since dawn, most of them in the targeting of a house in Jabalia.