politics 42 - The Latremie Post

Pakistan PM Sharif to meet US President Trump with select Muslim leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump alongside a select group of Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, it was announced on Sunday.

The Prime Minister will visit the United States from September 22 to 26, leading a delegation to attend the 80th Session of the UNGA in New York. He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, other ministers, and senior officials.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO), “The Prime Minister will also participate in a meeting of select Islamic leaders with US President Trump to exchange views on issues pertaining to regional and international peace and security.”

During his address to the General Assembly, Prime Minister Sharif will urge the international community to resolve prolonged global issues. He will particularly draw attention to the grave crisis in Gaza and call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Palestinians.

The Prime Minister will also highlight Pakistan’s perspective on the regional security situation, as well as other key issues of international concern, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development.

In addition to his speech, the Prime Minister will attend several high-level events on the sidelines of the UNGA Session. These include important meetings of the UN Security Council, the High-Level Meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and a Special High-Level Event on Climate Action, among others.

Prime Minister Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and senior UN officials to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. He will emphasize Pakistan’s commitment to working with all UN Member States to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, foster peace, and promote global prosperity during Pakistan’s current tenure as a member of the Security Council.

“The Prime Minister’s participation in this largest annual gathering of global leaders will showcase Pakistan’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations, highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding contribution towards the shared objectives of peace and development,” the FO added.

*Note:* This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at their absolute discretion without prior notice.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-to-meet-us-president-trump-with-select-muslim-leaders-on-unga-sidelines-23595118

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Announces Memorial For Legendary Singer Zubeen Garg; Final Rites On September 23

**Legendary Assamese Singer Zubeen Garg to be Laid to Rest on September 23; Memorials to be Built in Guwahati and Jorhat**

Guwahati, September 21: The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved the allotment of 10 bigha of land in Kamarkuchi near Guwahati to build a memorial honoring the legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s immense contribution to music and culture. The final rites are scheduled for September 23.

### Final Rites Announcement

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the details of the final rites on his official social media handles. In a tweet, he confirmed that the land allotment was approved after discussions with Zubeen Garg’s family. The CM shared the decision taken in the Assam Cabinet on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

### 10 Bigha Land Allotted for Memorial

The Assam Cabinet has approved allocating 10 bigha of land in Kamarkuchi, near Guwahati, where Zubeen Garg will be laid to rest. A memorial will also be constructed at the site to honor his enduring legacy in the fields of music and cultural heritage of Assam.

### Ashes to be Taken to Jorhat

Further, the Chief Minister informed that Zubeen Garg’s ashes will be taken to Jorhat, a historic town with which the singer had a deep connection. Another memorial will be established there to celebrate and commemorate this bond.

### CM’s Official Tweet

In his tweet, the Chief Minister wrote:
“After discussions with the family of Zubeen Garg, #AssamCabinet has approved allotment of 10 bigha land in Kamarkuchi, near Guwahati where our #BelovedZubeen will be laid to rest on September 23.”

### State Mourning Extended

As a mark of respect for the iconic singer, the Assam government has extended the state mourning period until September 23. Zubeen Garg’s remarkable contributions to music and culture have made him one of Assam’s most beloved figures.

### Details Shared by the Chief Minister

Alongside his tweet, the CM shared a poster highlighting key points:
1. Zubeen Garg will be laid to rest on September 23, 2025.
2. State mourning has been extended until September 23.
3. After discussion with the family, it was decided that the last rites will be performed and a memorial built on a 10 bigha land parcel in Hatimura, Kamarkuchi NC Village, Kamrup (M).
4. The ashes will be taken to Jorhat, where another memorial will be constructed to honor his connection with the historic town.

The Assam government and citizens alike mourn the loss of a cultural icon whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-announces-memorial-for-legendary-singer-zubeen-garg-final-rites-on-september-23

Asia Cup: Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after half-century draws flak

**Asia Cup 2025: Sahibzada Farhan’s Gun Gesture After Half-Century Draws Flak**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 21, 2025, 09:53 pm*

Pakistan cricketer Sahibzada Farhan has come under widespread criticism for his controversial celebration during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against India. After scoring a well-crafted half-century, Farhan made a gun-firing gesture towards his dugout, a move that has sparked outrage, especially in light of the recent tragic Pahalgam terror attack.

### The Incident

Farhan reached his 50 with style by smashing a huge six off India’s Axar Patel in the 10th over, injecting momentum into Pakistan’s innings. However, his subsequent celebration – mimicking a firing gun towards his teammates – immediately drew heavy criticism on social media. The gesture was seen as insensitive, given that just months earlier, the Pahalgam terror attack claimed the lives of 26 innocent Indian tourists, an act attributed to Pakistan-based militants.

### Public Reaction

Social media users expressed strong disappointment and outrage over Farhan’s actions. One fan remarked, “Disappointed with Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after his 50 in the Ind vs Pak match. Felt like a jab at India’s hospitality.” Another user commented, “Sahibzada Farhan showing how his brothers killed innocent tourists in Pahalgam through his half-century celebration.”

### Match Summary

In the cricketing action at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, Pakistan lost three wickets during the powerplay overs. Sahibzada Farhan eventually fell to Shivam Dube for 58 runs off 45 balls. Earlier, Dube had also dismissed Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, who scored 21 runs.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman’s innings ended controversially when he was caught behind off Hardik Pandya’s bowling, with Sanju Samson taking the catch. Later, Kuldeep Yadav claimed the wicket of Hussain Talat, as India sought to keep Pakistan’s scoring in check in this crucial Super 4 encounter.

—

The incident involving Farhan has overshadowed the thrilling cricket on display and has raised questions about sportsmanship and sensitivity in moments of celebration.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-cricketer-sahibzada-farhan-s-gun-gesture-anger-fans/story

Department of War Puts the Pentagon Press on Notice: ‘Follow the Rules or Go Home’

**Pentagon Implements New Restrictions on Press Access and Reporting**

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced new restrictions Friday on how members of the press may operate inside the Pentagon, significantly tightening rules for access and reporting. The measures require all journalists to work through established public affairs channels, display press credentials at all times, and accept that possession of unauthorized information may result in the loss of press credentials.

The policy, laid out in a memo released Friday, follows restrictions introduced earlier this year. In May, Hegseth directed the Pentagon to impose tighter controls on press activity after a series of leaks he said endangered military operations.

The new regulations cover not only classified national security information, known as CNSI, but also controlled unclassified information, or CUI. This category includes a wide range of materials. For example, planning documents for the Army’s 250th anniversary parade in June—such as how many tanks would participate in the event viewed by President Donald Trump—were initially labeled as CUI. Under the new rules, information designated as CUI is also barred from public release.

Reporters accustomed to broad access within the Pentagon will also see limits on where they can move. In past years, credentialed journalists were permitted to walk throughout most of the building, outside of secured areas. Now, according to Pentagon officials, escorts will be required for reporters seeking access to restricted sections.

“Up until now, the press could wander all around the Pentagon with no oversight,” spokesman Sean Parnell said in May when earlier restrictions were announced. “Even outside of sensitive/classified areas. So moving forward, they’ll need an escort to access those areas. They still have access to the entire defense press office, the press secretary & my office, as well as much of the rest of the building. These are pragmatic changes to protect operational security & ultimately brings the Pentagon in line with other government buildings.”

Hegseth explained the reasoning behind the new requirements, stating, “The press does not run the Pentagon—the people do. The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules or go home.”

Media outlets have raised concerns about the implications of the changes. The Washington Post described the requirement as a demand that journalists pledge not to obtain unauthorized material. NPR reported that Hegseth was requiring a new pledge for Pentagon reporters, and Politico noted that access would be limited unless journalists agreed not to publish certain information.

Pentagon officials, however, emphasized that the restrictions are focused on activities inside the building. Reporters remain free to publish information obtained through other means, but under the new policy, access to the Pentagon itself will require adherence to the rules.

The restrictions will also make it more difficult for informal exchanges to take place inside the building. Reporters will no longer be able to freely walk hallways, encounter staff, or overhear conversations. These conditions, combined with visible badge requirements and designated press areas, are expected to limit unsanctioned contact between reporters and Pentagon personnel.

Hegseth has emphasized operational security as the driving factor behind the measures. With leaks continuing to pose challenges for the Department of Defense, officials said the new rules are intended to bring the Pentagon in line with other secure federal facilities where press activity is tightly controlled.

The implementation of these restrictions marks a shift in the longstanding relationship between the Pentagon and the defense press corps, where open access has historically been viewed as part of routine coverage of the U.S. military. Now, with the new rules in effect, Pentagon reporters face tighter oversight and potential penalties for violations.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/department-of-war-puts-the-pentagon-press-on-notice-follow-the-rules-or-go-home/

Women practising garba abducted by armed group in MP`s Mandsaur; 7 held

At around 9:30 pm on Saturday, several unidentified men and women entered Bhavsar Dharamshala within Kotwali police station limits, brandishing illegal weapons and forcibly abducted a woman by dragging her into a four-wheeler, an official confirmed.

Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Meena stated that the abduction was carried out by the woman’s relatives, according to reports from IANS. Kotwali station in-charge Pushpendra Singh Rathore identified the arrested individuals as Ramchandra; Manisha, also known as Bunty; Kamlesh, also known as Ghota; Fakirachand; Shambhulal; Shyamabai—all residents of Chachawada Sathiya under Garoth Police Station—and Dinesh from Bhunki Hatunia.

A case has been registered under charges relating to kidnapping, the Arms Act, and other relevant sections. Officials have confirmed that further investigation is ongoing.

The woman was participating in a Navratri celebration alongside other women and young girls when four men and two women suddenly arrived at the venue. Without warning, they grabbed her and began forcibly dragging her away. A young woman who tried to intervene was pushed aside. One of the accused brandished a pistol-like object, causing panic among attendees.

Video footage captured the chaos, showing people fleeing in fear as the woman was taken away, said Kotwali police station in-charge Pushpendra Singh Rathore, according to the IANS report.

Upon receiving the alert, police quickly responded and imposed a district-wide blockade. Within two hours, Kotwali police traced and apprehended all seven accused and safely recovered the abducted woman. The vehicle involved in the abduction and the pistol—which was later confirmed to be a toy—were also seized, police added.

According to the woman’s statement, she had previously been married but left her husband due to repeated physical abuse and had filed for divorce. For the past four months, she had been living with a young man named Yash in Khanpura. Her family and in-laws, reportedly angered by this relationship, orchestrated the abduction to bring her back home.

Local residents have expressed outrage over the incident, especially given its timing during a significant cultural celebration. The event has reignited discussions on personal freedom, family pressure, and the urgent need for stronger protections for women in both private and public spaces.

(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/navratri-2025-women-practising-garba-abducted-by-armed-group-in-mps-mandsaur-7-held-23595111

Brazil joins South Africa’s genocide case at ICJ against Israel

**Brazil Joins South Africa’s Genocide Case at ICJ Against Israel**

Brazil has officially joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This move is largely symbolic, signifying that whatever construction emerges from the court’s eventual judgment will be equally binding upon Brazil.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently engaged in discussions that underscore the country’s growing involvement in international legal matters. During a meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on March 6, 2024, President Lula emphasized Brazil’s commitment to upholding international justice.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo*

By SARAH BEN-NUN
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868287

Brazil joins South Africa’s genocide case at ICJ against Israel

**Brazil Joins South Africa’s Genocide Case at ICJ Against Israel**

In a recent development, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on March 6, 2024. This meeting underscores Brazil’s growing engagement in international legal matters.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo*

By SARAH BEN-NUN
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https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868287

H-1B visa fee hike: Beneficiaries like Musk, Nadella, Pichai silent

**H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Beneficiaries Like Musk, Nadella, Pichai Remain Silent**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:25 PM*

Silicon Valley’s tech giants, including Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella, have remained notably silent following the announcement of a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. The fee hike was introduced by the Trump administration last Saturday, sparking surprise given that some of these leaders, notably Musk, have previously expressed strong opposition to changes in the H-1B visa system.

**Musk’s Previous Stance on H-1B Visa Changes**

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been vocal about the importance of the H-1B visa program. In December, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight that many critical contributors to his companies are beneficiaries of the H-1B visa. He went as far as threatening to “go to war” if the system was altered in a way that could harm these professionals.

**Details of the New Rule**

The recent regulation, signed by President Trump, imposes a hefty $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. According to the administration, the goal is to ensure that only “extraordinarily skilled” individuals enter the U.S. workforce, preventing companies from using foreign professionals to replace American workers.

This fee hike predominantly affects Indian professionals, who make up approximately 71% of all H-1B visa holders.

**Clarifications on the Fee**

The administration clarified that this new rule only applies to *new* visa petitions and does not impact existing H-1B visa holders who are re-entering the country. Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, explained on X that “this is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.”

A petition refers to a company’s request to bring a skilled foreign worker to the U.S. workforce.

—

The response—or lack thereof—by influential tech leaders continues to draw attention as the industry assesses the impact of this significant policy change on talent acquisition and innovation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/h-1b-visa-s-100-000-fee-what-are-silicon-valley-ceos-saying/story

UK’s Starmer set to recognize Palestinian state today despite strong opposition from Israel, US

UK’s Starmer Set to Recognize Palestinian State Despite Strong Opposition from Israel and US

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the recognition of a Palestinian state on Sunday, a move that has drawn significant criticism from Israel, former US President Donald Trump, and segments of the UK public ahead of a key United Nations meeting.

Starmer’s decision marks a notable shift in the UK’s foreign policy stance and is seen as an effort to support renewed efforts toward peace in the Middle East. However, it has also sparked controversy given the complex geopolitical implications and the strong opposition from Israel and its allies.

Keir Starmer, pictured on July 28, 2025. (Photo credit: REUTERS/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN)

As the announcement approaches, attention is focused on how this recognition might influence the broader UN discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the international community’s role in seeking a resolution.

By MATHILDA HELLER

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868242

Bear Attacks Surge as Fatality Rate Reaches 24%

Autumn is the most dangerous season in Japan as bears become highly active in search of food before winter hibernation. The country is home to two bear species: the brown bear, or higuma, found in Hokkaido, and the Asiatic black bear, or tsukinowaguma, which lives in Honshu and Shikoku.

A large brown bear can stand nearly three meters tall and possesses enough strength to break a horse’s neck with a single blow. Remarkably, they can sprint 100 meters in as little as six seconds, while black bears cover the same distance in about eight seconds. The fatality rate for victims attacked by brown bears is 24 percent, compared to just 2.3 percent for black bears.

Between April and August 2025, 69 people were injured or killed by bears—matching the pace from two years earlier, when an acorn shortage triggered the worst year on record for bear-related incidents.

Surveys conducted since 2018 by the Environment Ministry have confirmed new areas of bear habitation, with populations expanding across Japan except in Shikoku. Hokkaido’s brown bear population has more than doubled over the past 30 years, while black bears have expanded their range by 1.4 times. Today, Chiba Prefecture remains the only part of Honshu without wild bears, and the species is extinct in Kyushu.

The surge in bear numbers is linked to shifts in human society. During the early 20th century, widespread hunting for pelts and gallbladders—used in traditional medicine—threatened bear populations with extinction in some regions. However, following the introduction of a new protection framework in 1999, combined with population decline and abandoned farmland providing more food, bear populations rebounded rapidly.

As their habitats have extended closer to towns and villages, many bears have lost their natural fear of humans. This has led to more frequent appearances in residential areas, increasingly referred to as “urban bears.”

Experts emphasize that both population management and deterrence measures are essential. Mayumi Yokoyama, a professor at the University of Hyogo, highlights the need to capture not only bears that enter towns but also those living near homes to reduce overall numbers. At the same time, food sources such as persimmons and garbage should be controlled, and electric fences installed around farmland to deter bears.

In 2024, the government removed bears from its list of protected species and reclassified them as managed wildlife, alongside deer and wild boar. This change permits more aggressive population control through concentrated hunting. Since September, municipalities have also been authorized to permit the use of hunting rifles in urban areas.

Bears have long been familiar figures in Japanese folklore—from legends of Kintaro wrestling a bear to tales of coexistence with nature. Yet, the growing frequency of bear encounters underscores the need for modern solutions.

As experts warn, only by combining careful population management with preventive measures can people and bears continue to coexist in today’s Japan.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146950.php