Latest news with #IK
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Fortifying goodwill, protecting gains
Abigail Adams, mother of John Quincy Adams (a founding father and the sixth president of the USA) wrote to him at the height of the revolution, 'It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed', further she wrote, '...the habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues'. Our leadership has arrived, finally. Pakistan has turned over a new leaf in its foreign policy construction. From several years of being isolated internationally, the phoenix has arisen from the ashes. Now, we must consolidate the gains. From the democratic turmoil that began in 1988, following the air crash of Gen Ziaul Haq and subsequent elections to the politically self-inflicted coup of 1999, Pakistan has been on the see- saw of trying to balance between accusations of being the hotbed of the rise of terrorism to being the front line state, during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and later the war on terror involving Afghanistan. Between the period 1999 and 2008, the semi- Democratic/military dispensation at Islamabad, held us in good stead, at least in terms of the economic growth. The suspicion of the West that we were playing on both sides of the field gained traction, which led to the dilution of support to the then government. Isolation had begun. Benazir Bhutto rallied for 'reconciliation' and almost achieved it. A sad and tragic moment it was for Pakistan that she was taken out by an assassin's bullet. Her martyrdom turned the tables upside down for the then government. The unprecedented sympathy vote allowed for PPP to form the government. Having signed the Charter of Democracy, all parties, particularly PML- N, were less acrimonious towards the government. The guns towards each were defanged—more of ' friendly fire'. However, during this period IK's cannons were blazing full steam. The 2013 elections witnessed an extremely peaceful transition from one democratic setup to another. Till the 2018 elections a lot of water passed under the bridge — crises arising out of Memo-gate, Panama paper leaks, Osama bin Laden' s capture from near Kakul academy, etc., were deftly handled by Pakistan. We survived the onslaught of global criticism. The 2018 elections brought in a new face to the government. Since 1988, there were two parties playing the musical chairs in Islamabad. 30 years later there was no representation of the two major arch rivals in the federal setup. IK's government was learning on the job, most cabinet were first time members. The intent to make Pakistan a stronger country was never in doubt, but the domestic squabbling deeply affected our foreign relationships. Following the success of the no- confidence motion (however dirty it may have been) a coalition government was ushered in. A quick turnaround to the damage caused due to inexperience, to the national economy, became the primary agenda. It paid limited dividends. The 2024 general election was as controversial as can be; it led to the installation of yet another coalition government where PPP refused to take any role in the federal government. There was unquestionable support from the establishment. India, which pinned hopes on perceived divisions in the polity of Pakistan, indulged in adventurism (2025). They thought a miserably divided nation will be a walk through the park. The contrary happened. India united us more formidably than ever before. In the duel initiated by India, the world witnessed in admiration how our armed forces were prepared. The state of preparedness shocked the wits out of the Indians. We struck back to their belligerent attacks by downing their five aircrafts, including the much-touted, pride of Indian air force, the French-built 'Rafale'!! Since then Pakistan has been peaking on the international circuit. Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, in the traditions of a kinetic Z. A. Bhutto, has been ferrying across to Capitals in the region, seeking political support, a fair understanding of our views on Kashmir/India, while simultaneously seeking out economic opportunities, inclusive of overseas investment into Pakistan. On the international landscape, the support from Turkiye and China has been exemplary. The intervention of the United States, in particular President Donald Trump's step to stop and cease the hostilities/ war, is a remarkable event in recent history of the subcontinent. This favoured us to see the USA in the forefront in accepting our narrative. India was nervous and edgy—the leadership was in a state of bewilderment. They asked and submitted to a ceasefire, arranged by Donald Trump. Now they are crying foul that they didn't. The world doesn't buy India's falsehood anymore. Pakistan has been lauded from Dhaka to Baku, from Dushanbe to Abu Dhabi and from Beijing to Washington. This achievement is real. It has come our way after a very long time. The last notable expression of support from the USA was in 1974, when while welcoming Z A Bhutto, at Andrew Air Force Base hangar, Richard Nixon, the President had said: 'the territorial integrity and solidarity of Pakistan is a cornerstone of American foreign policy.' Donald Trump in the last few weeks has publicly appreciated Pakistan and Pakistanis. This augurs well for us. We have a natural tendency to praise and self appreciate ourselves liberally and lavishly. Let's pause our self-appreciation. Pakistan stands tall today in the comity of nations. However, we have still a lot more to do and achieve. Let's not beguile ourselves and lose direction. We must not lose this moment of opportunity. Our Foreign Policy must be revisited to include a target of furthering economic relations while seeking diplomatic engagements of fruitful outcomes. The Deputy Prime Minister has done well to send young Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as head of the delegation to various important world capitals. He has surprised his critics. He carried himself well, with great maturity, soberity and placid posturing before the carnivorous media. This is an opportune time for us to strengthen economic relations with our friends in Beijing, Washington, Riyadh, Doha, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi in particular and with all other republics of Central Asia. Azerbaijanis openly celebrated our win against India. We must seek them out for greater economic collaboration. Riyadh is experiencing unheard of economic boom; we must engage to look beyond political support. Prime minister Sharif with his personal rapport with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman must translate this friendship into a strong and formidable economic bonds. We must move towards a comprehensive 15- 20 year economic plan, which must offer consolidation of gains made and a new format of the terms of engagement with our overseas investors. Shashi Tharoor's visit to various countries has crashed. They were unable to sell falsehood. The major world Capitals are unwilling to purchase India's narrative regarding the Pahalgam incident. India consistently is making wrong moves. Blinded by the lens of hate, and in a state of spite and anger, the leadership is behaving irrationally and immaturely. If S Jaishanker is at loss words, it speaks volumes of how confused the leadership. Modi was first given a cold shoulder by G- 7. An invitation was literally extracted, which proved to be of little help. He got no chance to meet President Trump. He however faced insulting protests from a large Sikh community whose demand for independent Khalistan is only growing. They have completely alienated the minorities, including the Sikhs. Their demand is compelling. If this wasn't enough to cause ripples in New Delhi, the unprecedented lunch hosted by President Donald Trump in honour of our Field Marshal and army chief Asim Munir ripped the Indian narrative into shreds. President Trump then and since then has on numerous occasions expressed that he loves Pakistan and Pakistanis. He also mentions about the bait thrown at Modi of trade opportunities. Modi is confused to bite the bait or not; both ways, he has already done a political Harakiri. India is stunned!! Pakistan played a master stroke by nominating President Donald Trump for Nobel Peace prize—- an award that will be controversial, given the US complicity seen in Gaza. However, he did successfully broker a ceasefire and doused the fire of a possible nuclear engagement between the two nuclear-charged neighbours. As a footnote to this piece, what needs appreciation is while all this was happening, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister, through the courtesy of Beijing, signed a tripartite agreement with Afghanistan and in the quietness of the Kremlin, Tariq Fatemi, a polished diplomat, who is no stranger to the Russians, progressed well with his diplomacy. Targets achieved. Significant bases covered. All events have stood in favour of Pakistan. We must not squander this goodwill. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM joins defamation suit hearing online
During a hearing of Rs10 billion defamation suit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed that PTI founder Imran Khan had made indirect slanderous remarks against him. The District and Sessions court judge presided over the hearing, where PM Shehbaz Sharif joined the hearing through a video link. During a cross-examination, PM Shehbaz Sharif said Imran Khan did not pronounce his name in the TV program but it is very clear that his baseless accusations were clearly aimed at him. The PM said that the PTI founder had claimed in the program that former premier Nawaz Sharif offered him (Khan) a bribe of Rs10 billion through his brother. The PM said since he was the only living brother of the former premier when Imran leveled allegations, his reputation was hurt by Imran's slanderous remarks. During the cross-examination, Shehbaz Sharif said he was not aware of any written defamation in the form of posters or pamphlets, adding the impacts of scandalous remarks broadcast by a TV channel are far more damaging than the printed materials. During the hearing, PM Shehbaz Sharif's counsel objected over questions about audio recording of Justice (retd) Malik Qayum, arguing that his client was not bound to answer the question in the particular case. During the hearing, PM Shehbaz Sharif's counsel argued that the Supreme Court and High Court had terminated IK's right to file a counterclaim. IK's counsel argued that IK's right of defense has been terminated. However, no court has declared his counterclaim ineffective.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kim Kardashian is ready to confront 'gang' accused of robbing her at gun-point in £8.5million Paris jewellery heist as she prepares to testify in court
Kim Kardashian is ready to 'confront' the gang who are accused of tying her up in a £8.5million jewellery heist. Kardashian, 44, was alone in the penthouse of a £13,500-a-night Paris hotel in October 2016 when two men disguised as policemen burst in and put a gun to her head, spending 49 minutes stealing millions of pounds worth of jewellery. The traumatised reality TV star was bound and gagged during the ordeal and later fled the country by private jet after speaking to French detectives, telling in recent years how she thought she would be killed by the robbers. There have been delays in the case being brought to court, with blame being placed on the priority of high-profile terrorist trials, but she is now finally set to give evidence. The trial began on April 28 and, ahead of Kardashian giving testimony on May 13, her lawyers have told how she is ready to 'confront' those accused of attacking her. 'She is committed to attending in person the trial and to confronting those who attacked her,' her French lawyers Leonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattout told AFP. 'She will do so with dignity and courage.' The lawyers, who are representing Kardashian alongside her American counsel Michael Rhodes, declined to comment on the content of her upcoming testimony. 'We want to give everyone the opportunity to hear her testimony in her own words so we won't be commenting on the substance of what she will say,' they added. They also said that Kardashian 'is genuinely grateful for the way in which the French authorities conducted the investigation that led to the discovery of the persons facing charges in this trial'. 'Throughout the process, the utmost respect and consideration has been given for Ms. Kardashian,' they said. The raid took place at the height of Paris Fashion Week while Kardashian was still married to rapper Kanye West, and £8.5million worth of jewellery was stolen, including her 18.88 carat diamond engagement ring. As they fled, one robber dropped a platinum cross adorned with diamonds that was found the next morning. A career criminal known as 'Old Omar' is accused of masterminding the heist that was France's highest value robbery in a decade and threatened the city's reputation as the ultimate high-class tourism destination. The advanced age of Omar - real name Aomar Ait Khedache, at 68 - and his right-hand man Yunice Abbas, at 72, has led the gang to be known as the 'Grandpa Robbers'. Omar's 79-year-old mistress Christiane 'Cathy' Glotin is also accused of helping them launder the gem haul after she was tracked travelling to Europe's diamond capital Antwerp. Both men have admitted taking part in the robbery as their DNA was found on the ties used to bind Kardashian's hands and feet 'like a saucisson', as it is known in French slang. While Khedache has admitted to tying up Kardashian, he has disputed claims that he was the mastermind behind the robbery. In fact, Abbas has even written a book about his involvement, unambiguously entitled: 'I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian.' However, it is the extent of their involvement – and the part eight others accused played in the organisation of the multi-million-pound heist – that will be determined during the four-week trial. Gary Madar, the brother of Kardashian's Paris driver, is accused of providing the tip-off that the star would be alone on the night of the robbery as her bodyguard was accompanying her sister Kourtney to a nightclub. Madar, a celebrity fixer, is alleged to have bragged to Florian 'Flo' Heroui, the owner of a Paris bar frequented by underworld figures, that he could provide details about a 'very rich American' who was coming for Paris Fashion Week. But in court, Madar's lawyer retorted with: 'The whole world knew sir. She has 350million followers.' Abbas has admitted he did not know who Kim Kardashian was before the robbery, simply telling the terrified concierge of the Hotel de Pourtales to take him to 'the American rapper's wife'. Old Omar's son Harminy Ait Khedache, known as 'La Boule' [the ball], is accused of tailing the reality TV star's limousine as she was driven around the city. Didier Dubreucq, whose nickname is 'Blue Eyes', is accused of being one of the two men who entered Kim's penthouse and put a gun to her head. Marc-Alexandre Boyer, Marc Boyer and Francois Delaporte are all accused of taking part in the robbery by procuring weapons, vehicles and false identity documents. However, two men arrested for their part in the heist will not stand trial. Pierre 'Big Pierrot' Bouianere, 72 - believed to be the robber who dropped the diamond encrusted platinum cross outside the hotel - has been ruled 'unfit' to stand trial as he is suffering from Alzheimer's. And Marceau Baum-Gertner, a notorious Parisian fence of stolen goods who was originally charged with the 'concealment of gold, jewels and watches' after he was tracked to Antwerp, has died. A six-member jury will assist three judges to determine the role each defendant played in possibly Paris' most high-profile heist in modern times. With sentences of up to 20 years in jail expected, many of the 'Grandpa Robbers' are likely to die behind bars if convicted.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Interview Kickstart Cost And Course Fees Updated 2025 - Best Technical Interview Prep Course Reviews Garner Widespread Praise from Software Engineers and Tech Professionals
Santa Clara, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santa Clara, California - Interview Kickstart, a leading platform for technical upskilling and career advancement, continues to earn strong recognition for its flagship Technical Interview Preparation Program. With thousands of positive reviews from engineers and data scientists across the globe, the program has become a top choice for professionals preparing for software engineering roles at FAANG+ and other tier-1 tech companies. For more details, visit Designed by senior engineers and hiring managers from Google, Meta, Amazon, and other top firms, the program blends structure, rigor, and real-world insight. It features a curriculum that covers core interview topics such as data structures and algorithms, system design, domain-specific problem solving, and behavioral interview preparation. The learning experience is a combination of live instructor-led classes, self-paced resources, and 1:1 mentorship with FAANG+ professionals, providing candidates with a comprehensive and personalized roadmap to succeed in high-stakes technical interviews. One key differentiator of the program is Interview Kickstart's live mock interviews, conducted by hiring managers and senior engineers from tier-1 companies. These sessions simulate real interview environments and come with detailed, actionable feedback that helps candidates refine their approach, build confidence, and address gaps in both problem-solving and communication. Reviews across platforms like Course Report and Trustpilot frequently mention the program's mentorship quality and the depth of the curriculum. One participant shared, "IK is super helpful in cementing the basics and developing a deeper understanding of concepts critical for interviews at FAANG companies. The mock interviews were game-changing, especially with coaches who shared personal insights from their time on the other side of the table." The program is built with working professionals in mind, offering evening and weekend live sessions, as well as access to session recordings for flexible learning. Participants typically dedicate 10–12 hours per week, which includes live classes, personalized doubt-clearing sessions, mock interviews, and coaching on both technical and career development. Interview Kickstart's domain-specific training allows candidates to specialize in over 14 technical domains, including Machine Learning, Data Science, Front-End, Back-End, Full Stack, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), Cloud, Mobile (iOS/Android), Security, Embedded Systems, Business Analysis, and more. Beyond technical readiness, IK's career support includes resume optimization, LinkedIn branding, and salary negotiation coaching. Graduates also receive continued support for 6–10 months after the course, including access to refresher classes, mock interviews, and coaching resources. In addition to its core offerings, Interview Kickstart continues to evolve its platform to stay ahead of industry trends. The company recently introduced targeted prep add-ons for emerging roles in AI/ML and GenAI, acknowledging the growing demand for specialized talent in these fields. These modules, designed by engineers working at the forefront of innovation, help learners build domain fluency and develop project portfolios that stand out in a crowded hiring market. With over 20,000 professionals trained and a reported average salary hike of 66.5%, Interview Kickstart has helped engineers land roles with total compensation offers upwards of $1.2 million. Graduates consistently report that the program transformed their careers, equipping them with the mindset and strategies needed to thrive in top-tier interviews. To read verified reviews, visit Interview Kickstart on About Interview Kickstart Founded in 2014, Interview Kickstart is the leading platform for technical interview preparation, specializing in helping software engineers and tech professionals break into top-tier companies. With a network of over 500 instructors—many of whom are hiring managers at FAANG companies—Interview Kickstart delivers comprehensive, role-specific programs that combine live classes, hands-on practice, and personalized mentorship to drive long-term career success. ### For more information about Interview Kickstart, contact the company here:Interview KickstartBurhanuddin Pithawala+1 (209) 899-1463aiml@ Patrick Henry Dr Bldg 25, Santa Clara, CA 95054, United States CONTACT: Burhanuddin PithawalaSign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Data Science Interview Preparation Course 2025 - Google Apple Amazon Interview Questions MCQ Answers
Santa Clara, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santa Clara, California - The AI talent race has intensified as companies strive to innovate and maintain a competitive edge. This competition has led to a significant increase in job postings seeking AI expertise, with nearly one in four new U.S. tech job listings now explicitly requiring such skills. This trend highlights the urgency for professionals to upskill and align their competencies with industry demands. For more information visit This surge in demand underscores the need for professionals adept in data science and machine learning. Interview Kickstart (IK) addresses this need through its Data Science course, which is designed to equip individuals with the skills required to excel in this competitive field. Interview Kickstart's Data Science course is meticulously crafted to meet these demands. The program begins with a solid foundation in Python programming, covering essentials such as data structures, object-oriented programming, and the use of libraries like NumPy and Pandas. A comprehensive understanding of mathematics is vital in data science. The Interview Kickstart's Data Science course delves into descriptive statistics, probability, statistical methods, sampling, and hypothesis testing. This mathematical rigor enables participants to perform robust data analyses and derive meaningful insights. Participants also learn techniques for data transformation, preprocessing, feature engineering, and dimensionality reduction. These skills are essential for preparing data for modeling and uncovering underlying patterns. Given the importance of data science in advanced AI/ML applications, another module introduces participants to neural networks, image processing, computer vision, and natural language processing. The Interview Kickstart's Data Science course includes training in big data analysis using tools like Apache Spark and cloud computing platforms. This knowledge equips participants to handle large datasets efficiently, a common requirement in data-driven organizations. Data visualization and storytelling are also emphasized, teaching participants to create compelling visualizations that effectively communicate data insights to stakeholders. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the course also offers capstone projects that simulate real-world challenges. These projects provide hands-on experience, enabling participants to apply their learning to practical scenarios. Interview Kickstart's program also offers extensive interview preparation, including data structures and algorithms, behavioral interview training, and mock interviews with industry experts. This holistic approach ensures participants are well-prepared to navigate the rigorous interview processes of top tech companies. The Interview Kickstart Data Science Course is designed for aspiring data scientists, engineers, and professionals from non-technical backgrounds looking to transition into AI and ML roles. Taught by FAANG+ ML Engineers, the program provides a 360° learning experience, covering essential data science concepts, machine learning, and real-world applications. The course includes 1:1 coaching, technical mentoring, and homework assistance, ensuring personalized support. Participants work on a capstone project, gaining exposure to real-world machine learning challenges. To prepare for job interviews, the program offers dedicated interview prep modules and mock interviews with top-tier engineers. Additionally, it focuses on career skills development, including resume building, LinkedIn optimization, and behavioral training. With a structured approach to data science and hands-on experience, this course is ideal for junior professionals, recent graduates, and experienced engineers looking to advance in AI and ML careers. As AI continues to permeate various sectors, the demand for data science professionals is expected to grow. Interview Kickstart's Data Science course positions professionals to capitalize on these opportunities, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed in the competitive tech job market. To lear more visit About Interview Kickstart Founded in 2014, Interview Kickstart is a premier upskilling platform empowering aspiring tech professionals to secure roles at FAANG and top tech companies. With a proven track record and over 20,000 successful learners, the platform stands out with its team of 700+ FAANG instructors, hiring managers and tech leads, who deliver a comprehensive curriculum, practical insights, and targeted interview prep strategies. Offering live classes, 100,000+ hours of pre-recorded video lessons, and 1:1 sessions, Interview Kickstart ensures flexible, in-depth learning along with personalized guidance for resume building and LinkedIn profile optimization. The holistic support, spanning 6 to 10 months with mock interviews, ongoing mentorship, and industry-aligned projects, equips learners to excel in technical interviews and on the job. ### For more information about Interview Kickstart, contact the company here:Interview KickstartBurhanuddin Pithawala+1 (209) 899-1463aiml@ Patrick Henry Dr Bldg 25, Santa Clara, CA 95054, United States CONTACT: Burhanuddin PithawalaSign in to access your portfolio
