An earthquake of magnitude 3.5 jolted Tibet on Saturday.According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.
“EQ of M: 3.5, On: 15/03/2025 00:49:17 IST, Lat: 28.39 N, Long: 86.89 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Tibet,” the NCS said in a post on X.On Thursday, three earthquakes with magnitude ranging from 3.5 to 4.3 struck Tibet, according to the National Center for Seismology.
Shallow earthquakes like this one are more dangerous than deeper ones due to their greater energy release closer to the Earth’s surface. This causes stronger ground shaking and increased damage to structures and casualties, compared to deeper earthquakes, which lose energy as they travel to the surface.
The Tibetan Plateau is known for its seismic activity due to tectonic plate collisions.
Tibet and Nepal lie on a major geological fault line where the Indian tectonic plate pushes up into the Eurasian plate, and earthquakes are a regular occurrence as a result. The region is seismically active, causing tectonic uplifts that can grow strong enough to change the heights of the Himalayas’ peaks, Al Jazeera reported.
“Education about earthquakes and earthquake-resilient buildings combined with funding for retrofits and resilient structures can help protect people and buildings when strong earthquakes occur,” Marianne Karplus, a seismologist and geophysicist, told Al Jazeera.
“The earth system is very complex, and we cannot predict earthquakes. However, we can conduct scientific studies to better understand what causes earthquakes in Tibet and to better understand the shaking and impacts resulting from earthquakes,” Karplus, who is a professor of geological sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso, told Al Jazeera. (ANI)
South Waziristan was rocked by a powerful explosion on Friday when a blast occurred inside a mosque in the Azam Warsak Bazaar area. The explosion left several people injured, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s (JUI) district leader, Abdullah Nadeem.
According to police sources, the blast took place inside the mosque during prayer time, causing panic among worshippers. District Police Officer (DPO) Asif Bahadur confirmed that an explosive device had been planted inside the mosque, leading to the blast.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities fear that the number of casualties could rise as some of the wounded are in critical condition. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident.
This attack follows a similar pattern of violence in the region. A few months ago, a suicide bombing at Darul Uloom Haqqania in Nowshera’s Akora Khattak resulted in the death of JUI-S chief Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq and seven others, leaving several injured.
The recent explosion has once again raised concerns about security in religious places, particularly in the tribal areas. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities suspect militant involvement.
The incident has sparked condemnation from political and religious leaders, who have urged the government to take stringent measures to prevent such attacks in the future. Security forces are continuing their search operations in the area to apprehend those responsible.
New York City witnessed a dramatic protest as nearly 100 Jewish protesters were arrested after occupying Trump Tower in Manhattan. The demonstration, organized by the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), aimed to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card-holding pro-Palestine activist whom former President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to deport.
Mass Arrests at Trump Tower
New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief John Chell confirmed that 98 protesters were taken into custody on Thursday after they refused to vacate the iconic Trump Tower. Several hundred others left the building voluntarily after staging their demonstration.
The protesters, many of whom were Jewish, wore T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as “Not in Our Name” and “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel.” They also held banners reading, “Free Mahmoud, Free Palestine,” emphasizing their opposition to Israel’s policies and their commitment to Palestinian rights.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters managed to gain entry into the heavily guarded building by arriving in small groups, hiding their protest attire under regular clothing, and gathering in public areas on the lower floors.
Who Is Mahmoud Khalil?
Mahmoud Khalil, the activist at the center of the controversy, has been held in a detention center in Louisiana since his arrest. The Trump administration alleges that Khalil was involved in “activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.” However, his supporters argue that his detention is politically motivated and a violation of free speech rights.
Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, played a key role in last year’s pro-Palestine protests on campus. The demonstrations, which called for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, led to clashes between students and authorities. As a result, Columbia University expelled several students and faced pressure from the Trump administration, which later revoked $400 million in federal funding, citing the university’s failure to curb “anti-Semitic” protests.
Initially, officials claimed that Khalil’s student visa had been revoked. However, further investigation revealed that he holds a U.S. green card and is married to an American citizen, complicating efforts to deport him. Despite this, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insists that Khalil should be stripped of his permanent residency and removed from the country.
Legal Battle Over Deportation
Khalil’s legal team has filed a case against his detention and potential deportation. A federal judge temporarily blocked his removal but allowed authorities to continue holding him while the case proceeds.
Human rights organizations and free speech advocates have condemned Khalil’s arrest as an attempt to suppress political dissent. His lawyers argue that he has not been charged with any direct links to Hamas or any criminal activity. Instead, they claim that the Trump administration is using executive orders to target pro-Palestine activists unfairly.
Jewish Support for Palestine
The protest at Trump Tower underscores a growing divide within the Jewish community regarding U.S. policy on Israel and Palestine. While some Jewish groups strongly support Israel, organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace advocate for Palestinian rights and oppose U.S. military aid to Israel.
“There is a false narrative that all Jews support Israel’s policies. That is simply not true,” said one of the protesters before being arrested. “We stand against oppression, whether it’s in the U.S. or in Palestine.”
The protest also highlighted the role of ultra-Orthodox Jewish sects that oppose the existence of Israel on theological grounds. Some members of these groups, dressed in their traditional black coats and hats, joined the demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians.
Political Reactions
The Trump administration remains firm in its stance against pro-Palestine activism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed claims that Khalil’s arrest was an attack on free speech. “This is not about free speech. This is about enforcing the law. No one has a right to a green card,” Rubio stated.
Meanwhile, civil rights groups and some Democratic lawmakers have criticized the government’s actions, arguing that Khalil’s arrest sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing political activism in the U.S.
What’s Next?
With Khalil’s legal battle ongoing and protests continuing across the country, the issue remains far from resolved. The next hearing on Khalil’s case is expected in the coming weeks, and activists have vowed to escalate their demonstrations if he is not released.
As tensions over Israel-Palestine relations spill over into U.S. politics, the Trump Tower protest serves as a reminder of the deep divisions surrounding the issue. Whether Khalil will be deported or granted legal relief remains to be seen, but his case has already ignited a fierce national debate on free speech, immigration rights, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
The recent arrest of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ignited a wave of controversy, raising significant concerns about civil liberties, the right to protest, and the state of democracy in the United States. Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident and an Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent, was detained after leading pro-Palestine protests at his alma mater. The event has prompted widespread condemnation from activists, human rights organizations, and legal experts, who argue that his detention is a politically motivated crackdown on dissent.
On the evening of his arrest, Mahmoud Khalil and his wife, who is eight months pregnant, were entering their university-owned apartment when ICE agents forced their way inside. According to multiple sources, the agents initially claimed that Khalil’s student visa was being revoked, but upon realizing he was a green card holder, they declared that his permanent residency had been rescinded. Despite his legal status, Khalil was detained and later transferred to a facility in Louisiana, far from his home in New York.
ICE, along with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), justified Khalil’s arrest by alleging that he had “led activities aligned with Hamas.” However, no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate these claims. This has fueled concerns that the arrest is less about national security and more about silencing voices critical of the U.S. government’s policies regarding Israel and Palestine.
Protests and Outrage Following the Arrest
The news of Khalil’s arrest quickly spread, leading to large-scale protests in New York and other cities. Over 1,000 demonstrators gathered in front of Columbia University to denounce the government’s actions. Among them were students, faculty members, civil rights activists, and politicians who criticized the move as an attack on free speech and a violation of constitutional rights.
“This was essentially a kidnapping,” said one protester. “It’s terrifying to think that simply speaking out against government policies can lead to your arrest and deportation. This sets a dangerous precedent.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) strongly condemned the arrest, calling it “unprecedented, illegal, and un-American.” Ben Wizner, director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, stated, “The government’s actions are obviously intended to intimidate and suppress speech on one side of a public debate. This is a direct assault on our First Amendment rights.”
Legal Challenges and Temporary Halt on Deportation
Khalil’s legal team swiftly challenged the government’s move, filing an emergency petition to halt his deportation. On Monday, Judge Jesse Furman of the Southern District of New York issued an order temporarily blocking any deportation proceedings. The ruling states that Khalil cannot be deported “unless and until the Court orders otherwise.”
Lawyers representing Khalil also requested that he be returned to New York, arguing that the government deliberately moved him to Louisiana to make it harder for him to access legal representation. “This is an attempt to isolate him and prevent him from mounting a proper defense,” said one of his attorneys.
A preliminary hearing is set to take place, during which Khalil’s legal team will argue that his arrest and detention violate his constitutional rights. Legal experts have pointed out that while green card holders can be deported under certain circumstances, such as criminal convictions, Khalil has no known criminal record. His only “offense” appears to be his activism and participation in protests.
Wife of Mohammad Khalil
Political Reactions and Trump’s Involvement
Former President Donald Trump, who was recently inaugurated for a second term, took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to boast about Khalil’s arrest. “This is the first arrest of many to come,” he declared. “We know there are more students at Columbia and other universities across the country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it.”
The statement alarmed civil rights advocates, who fear that Khalil’s arrest is the beginning of a broader crackdown on student activism. “This is an attempt to criminalize dissent,” said Representative Ilhan Omar. “The Trump administration is using the legal system to silence voices that challenge their policies.”
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib also spoke out against Khalil’s detention, calling it “straight out of the fascist playbook.” “Criminalizing dissent is an assault on our First Amendment rights,” she tweeted. “Revoking someone’s green card for expressing their political opinion is illegal. Protesting genocide is not a crime.”
A Chilling Effect on Student Activism
Many students and activists fear that Khalil’s arrest is meant to intimidate others from engaging in protests. “If they can do this to him, they can do it to anyone,” said one Columbia University student. “We’re being warned that if we stand up for what we believe in, we could be next.”
Alana Hadid, a Palestinian-American activist and sister of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, echoed this sentiment in a video posted to social media. “They can take you right now, no charges, no trial, no explanation—just gone,” she said. “If you think that can’t happen in America, let me remind you that it already has.”
Historically, student activism has played a crucial role in shaping social and political movements. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War protests, young people have often been at the forefront of pushing for change. However, Khalil’s arrest raises concerns that the U.S. government is moving toward authoritarian tactics to suppress activism.
Implications for the First Amendment and Democracy
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble. However, Khalil’s arrest raises questions about whether these rights are being selectively applied. Critics argue that the Trump administration is using national security as a pretext to suppress viewpoints it disagrees with.
“This is not just about Mahmoud Khalil,” said civil rights attorney Joshua Reed Eakle. “This is about whether we, as a nation, still believe in the principles of democracy. If they can do this to a legal resident, what’s stopping them from doing it to a citizen?”
International organizations have also weighed in on the controversy. The United Nations condemned Khalil’s arrest, with a spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizing the importance of upholding fundamental rights. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have called on the U.S. government to immediately release Khalil and reaffirm its commitment to protecting free speech.
Conclusion
Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest has ignited a fierce debate about civil liberties, immigration policies, and the limits of free speech in the United States. His case has become a rallying cry for activists, lawyers, and politicians who fear that his detention is part of a larger crackdown on dissent.
With a federal judge temporarily halting his deportation, all eyes are now on the upcoming legal proceedings. The outcome of Khalil’s case could have far-reaching implications for activists and immigrants alike, determining whether the U.S. government can use immigration laws to suppress political opposition.
As protests continue to grow, one thing is clear: the fight for free speech and civil liberties is far from over.
Abu Dhabi-backed investment group MGX has made a substantial $2 billion cryptocurrency investment in Binance, marking a significant step in strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) growing ties with the world’s largest crypto exchange. The companies confirmed the deal on Wednesday, highlighting its importance in the evolving global digital asset landscape.
Binance has called this investment its first-ever institutional deal, making it one of the largest transactions in the history of the cryptocurrency industry. The investment will allow MGX to become a minority shareholder in Binance, though the specific details of its governance rights and stake size remain undisclosed. The investment was made using stablecoin, a form of cryptocurrency pegged to a fiat currency such as the U.S. dollar. However, neither Binance nor MGX has revealed which stablecoin was used in the transaction.
Strengthening Binance’s Presence in the UAE
Binance, originally founded in 2017 in China by billionaire Changpeng Zhao (CZ), quickly became the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The company expanded globally by leveraging the growing demand for trading digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, its journey has not been without challenges. CZ pleaded guilty last year to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws at Binance and spent months in jail, leading to leadership changes within the company.
Following CZ’s departure, Richard Teng, the former head of Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Authority, took over as Binance’s CEO. Under his leadership, Binance has continued to expand its operations in the UAE, where it now employs around 1,000 of its 5,000 global staff. The UAE has been positioning itself as a crypto-friendly hub, and Binance has been a key player in this initiative.
MGX’s First Public Crypto Investment
The $2 billion investment marks MGX’s first major entry into the cryptocurrency sector. Established nearly a year ago, MGX was created to accelerate the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies through strategic partnerships. While the firm has not publicly commented on its long-term plans for Binance, the investment signals MGX’s confidence in the future of digital assets and blockchain technology.
The UAE’s Growing Role in Crypto
The UAE has been making significant efforts to become a global leader in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Regulatory authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have introduced frameworks to support the industry, attracting major players like Binance. This investment aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of fostering financial innovation and positioning itself as a key global hub for digital assets.
As Binance continues to navigate global regulatory challenges, the backing of an Abu Dhabi-based investment powerhouse like MGX could provide strategic stability. The deal highlights the UAE’s commitment to expanding its influence in the digital economy and reinforces its ambition to be a leader in the crypto and fintech industries.
Conclusion
The $2 billion investment by MGX into Binance is a major milestone in the cryptocurrency industry. It not only strengthens Binance’s position but also highlights the UAE’s growing role in shaping the future of digital finance. With MGX’s support, Binance is expected to deepen its presence in the region, further cementing the UAE as a global leader in the crypto market.
In a significant clarification of his stance on the future of Gaza, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that his plan does not involve expelling Palestinians from the enclave. This apparent shift comes after weeks of ambiguity surrounding his proposal for Gaza’s post-war management.
During a press interaction in the Oval Office alongside Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, Trump was asked about his earlier proposal, which suggested relocating Gaza’s population of around 2 million people permanently. When a reporter questioned Martin about Trump’s plan to “expel Palestinians out of Gaza,” Trump quickly interjected, saying, “Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians.”
NEW YORK – (Photo by Thaer Ghanaim/PPO via Getty Images)
This remark marks the first time Trump has explicitly stated that the relocation of Gazans is not part of his strategy, contradicting concerns that had arisen since he first introduced the idea in early February.
Initial Proposal and Controversy
Trump first floated the idea of relocating Gaza’s population during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House. At that time, he suggested that the Strip’s residents could be moved out permanently, leading to widespread criticism and speculation that such a move would be forced.
When asked whether the relocation would be compulsory, Trump had previously suggested that most Gazans did not wish to stay in the war-ravaged territory. However, his refusal to explicitly state that the relocation would be voluntary had placed him to the right of Netanyahu and other Israeli hardliners, who have maintained that any Palestinian departures would be by choice.
Reaction from Hamas and Arab Leaders
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem welcomed Trump’s clarification, calling it a retreat from what many viewed as an extreme stance. Qassem urged Trump to avoid aligning himself with the “extreme Zionist right” and instead focus on ensuring the rights of Palestinians.
Arab leaders have also been working on their own proposals for Gaza’s future. Egypt recently introduced a plan that was endorsed by the Arab League during a summit in Cairo. The proposal aims to establish governance mechanisms for the Strip without forced displacement of its people.
Implications of Trump’s Statement
While Trump’s latest remark suggests a shift in tone, questions remain about how his administration—if he were to return to power—would handle the future of Gaza. His plan has so far lacked detailed implementation steps, and much of the focus has been on urging U.S. allies in the Arab world to take the lead in shaping Gaza’s governance post-war.
The evolving nature of Trump’s stance indicates that discussions on Gaza’s future are still fluid, with diplomatic negotiations continuing behind the scenes. The coming months will reveal whether his clarification marks a genuine policy adjustment or a strategic move to navigate political pressures.
NASA and SpaceX were forced to postpone the launch of the Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday due to a “hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm” at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The next available launch opportunity has been scheduled for no earlier than Thursday at 7:26 PM EDT, pending a thorough review of the technical issue.
The Crew-10 mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, was originally set to send a four-member crew aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for a six-month stay at the ISS. However, the mission was put on hold due to technical issues with the support system. NASA confirmed in a statement that launch coverage would begin at 3:25 PM (local time) on NASA+, with docking scheduled for 11:30 PM on Friday.
Despite the delay, NASA remains confident in the safety and preparedness of the mission. The space agency, along with SpaceX engineers, is working to address the problem and ensure a successful launch.
Stranded Astronauts Await Rescue
The Crew-10 mission is also crucial for bringing back astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS for nine months. Originally, they were expected to stay in space for about a week after arriving in June 2023 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, their return was delayed after Starliner faced helium leaks and control thruster issues while docking with the ISS. The spacecraft was subsequently sent back to Earth unmanned in September.
Trump Steps In, Authorizes Musk for Rescue Mission
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a direct interest in the situation, criticizing the Biden administration for allegedly failing to bring the astronauts back sooner. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump claimed that President Joe Biden had “abandoned” Wilmore and Williams in space and authorized SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to lead their rescue operation.
“We love you, and we’re coming up to get you,” Trump said in a message to the astronauts. “The most incompetent President in our history has allowed that to happen to you, but this President won’t let that happen. We’re going to get them out.”
Trump further stated that he had personally spoken to Musk about the mission, asking if SpaceX was equipped for the rescue. According to Trump, Musk assured him that SpaceX’s Starship was prepared for the task.
“When they come back, I’ll greet them,” Trump added, reaffirming his commitment to bringing the astronauts home safely.
Musk and SpaceX’s Role in the Mission
Elon Musk and SpaceX have been key players in NASA’s commercial spaceflight program, making numerous successful crewed launches to the ISS. While NASA has not officially commented on Trump’s involvement in authorizing a rescue mission, SpaceX has continued its preparations for the Crew-10 mission, which is expected to bring the astronauts back as part of its routine crew rotation.
Conclusion
The delay in the Crew-10 launch highlights the challenges faced in space exploration, where technical issues can cause unforeseen disruptions. However, NASA and SpaceX remain committed to ensuring the safe return of astronauts Wilmore and Williams. While Trump’s statements have added a political dimension to the mission, the focus remains on addressing technical concerns and executing a successful launch.
As the world watches, the upcoming Crew-10 mission will not only mark another milestone in human spaceflight but also ensure that those who have been in space far longer than planned finally return home.
Islamabad – Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, KK Ahsan Wagan, was denied entry into the United States and deported from Los Angeles, despite holding a valid visa and complete travel documents. The incident has raised diplomatic concerns, prompting Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry to investigate the matter.
According to a report by The News, Wagan was traveling to Los Angeles for a vacation when US immigration authorities stopped him upon arrival. Despite presenting a valid visa and all required documents, officials refused him entry and instructed him to return to his previous port of departure.
Sources cited in the report claim that his deportation was linked to “controversial visa references” detected by the US immigration system. However, US authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific concerns leading to their decision.
Official Statements and Diplomatic Response
A senior official from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the deportation, stating, “Ambassador KK Wagan was deported from the US. He had an immigration objection which led to his deportation.”
Given the gravity of the situation, Wagan may be recalled to Islamabad for an explanation. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, and Foreign Secretary, Aamna Baloch, have been briefed on the incident. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Consulate in Los Angeles has been directed to investigate the matter and report its findings to the Foreign Ministry.
Ambassador Wagan’s Diplomatic Career
KK Ahsan Wagan has held several key positions in Pakistan’s Foreign Service. His previous assignments include:
Second Secretary at the Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles, USA.
Deputy Head of Mission and later Ambassador in Muscat, Oman.
Minister/Charge d’Affaires in Niamey, Niger.
Overseeing consular affairs and crisis management at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.
Given his extensive diplomatic experience, the sudden deportation has raised questions regarding its implications for Pakistan-US relations.
Impact on Pakistan-US Relations
The incident comes at a time when Pakistan and the US are engaged in diplomatic cooperation on counterterrorism efforts. Recently, former US President Donald Trump, in his address to Congress, acknowledged Pakistan’s role in assisting the capture of a key ISIS-K terrorist involved in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing.
While Trump expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support in counterterrorism, the deportation of a senior Pakistani diplomat could add a layer of tension to bilateral relations. The lack of clarity from US authorities regarding the reason for Wagan’s deportation has led to speculation about broader diplomatic concerns.
Next Steps and Investigation
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has taken the matter seriously, and further diplomatic engagement with the US is expected. The Pakistani government is likely to seek an official explanation from the US authorities regarding the specific reasons behind Wagan’s deportation.
Meanwhile, diplomatic observers believe that the incident could either be an isolated issue related to visa protocols or part of a larger pattern in US-Pakistan diplomatic engagements. Until further details emerge, the case remains a subject of speculation and diplomatic scrutiny.
Conclusion
The deportation of Ambassador KK Ahsan Wagan is an unusual development in Pakistan-US diplomatic relations. While officials on both sides have yet to provide full clarity on the reasons behind the move, the incident highlights the complexities of international diplomacy. Pakistan’s response and the US government’s explanation in the coming days will determine how this situation unfolds and whether it will have any lasting impact on relations between the two nations.
In the heart of Gaza, where the echoes of explosions often drown out the sounds of daily life, a quiet revolution is taking place. Amid the rubble of war-torn streets and the constant threat of violence, Gaza’s youth are turning to online learning as a lifeline to education and hope. Their determination to pursue knowledge in the face of unimaginable adversity is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Gaza, a densely populated strip of land home to over 2 million people, has endured decades of conflict, blockades, and economic hardship. The ongoing war has devastated infrastructure, including schools and universities, leaving many students without access to traditional classrooms. Power outages are frequent, internet connectivity is unreliable, and families struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone laptops or smartphones.
For Gaza’s youth, the right to education—a fundamental human right—has become a daily battle. Yet, despite these challenges, they refuse to let go of their dreams.
The Shift to Online Learning
With physical schools often inaccessible or unsafe, online learning has emerged as a critical alternative. Teachers, students, and families have embraced digital platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp to keep education alive.
Adapting to New Tools: Many students, who had never used online learning platforms before, have quickly adapted to virtual classrooms. Teachers have redesigned curricula to fit the digital format, often creating video lessons and interactive content to engage students.
Resourcefulness in Adversity: In a place where electricity is scarce, students charge their devices during brief power windows or study by candlelight. Some share smartphones or laptops with siblings, taking turns to attend classes or complete assignments.
Community Support: Local organizations and international NGOs have stepped in to provide devices, internet access, and educational materials. Initiatives like free Wi-Fi hotspots and donated tablets have been lifelines for many families.
Stories of Resilience
Behind the statistics are stories of extraordinary determination.
Aya, 16: Aya dreams of becoming a doctor, but her school was destroyed in an airstrike. Undeterred, she now attends online classes from a makeshift tent where her family has taken refuge. “Education is my only weapon,” she says. “It’s how I’ll rebuild my future.”
Mohammed, 19: A university student studying engineering, Mohammed relies on a donated laptop to continue his studies. Despite frequent internet outages, he spends hours downloading lectures and completing assignments offline. “I won’t let the war steal my dreams,” he insists.
Teachers as Heroes: Educators in Gaza have gone above and beyond to support their students. Many work long hours to create engaging online content, while also providing emotional support to children traumatized by the conflict.
The Broader Impact on Education
The war in Gaza has disrupted the education of an entire generation. According to UNICEF, over 600,000 children in Gaza face significant barriers to learning. The long-term consequences are dire: interrupted education can lead to higher dropout rates, reduced employment opportunities, and perpetuated cycles of poverty and conflict.
However, the shift to online learning has also highlighted the potential of technology to bridge gaps in education. For many students, digital platforms have become a symbol of hope and a way to reclaim their right to learn.
The Role of the International Community
While Gaza’s youth are fighting tirelessly for their education, they cannot do it alone. The international community has a critical role to play in supporting their efforts.
Rebuilding Infrastructure: Funding is urgently needed to rebuild schools and universities destroyed in the conflict.
Providing Resources: Donations of laptops, tablets, and internet access can help bridge the digital divide.
Psychological Support: Trauma counseling and mental health services are essential to help students cope with the emotional toll of war.
Advocating for Peace: Long-term solutions require an end to the conflict, ensuring that Gaza’s youth can learn and grow in a stable environment.
A Message of Hope
Gaza’s youth are not just victims of war—they are warriors for their future. Their determination to pursue education in the face of unimaginable challenges is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. As one student put it, “They can destroy our schools, but they can’t destroy our dreams.”
From bombs to books, Gaza’s youth are rewriting their story. Their fight for education is not just about personal success; it’s about building a brighter future for their communities and proving that even in the darkest times, hope and knowledge can prevail.
The Pakistan government has asked Afghan nationals living in Pakistan to leave the country by March 31, ARY News reported.
According to ARY News, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has asked Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country themselves otherwise, they will be deported from April 1,2025,The Afghan nationals will be deported from April 1st, the ministry said in a statement.
Earlier, reports of Pakistan planning to evict Afghans had emerge,d but this is the first the Interior Ministry has officially confirmed the development, ARY News reported
“Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since November 1, 2023. In continuation of the government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders,” the interior ministry said in an official handout.
“All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence from April 1, 2025,” the statement added.
The ministry stated that it had provided sufficient time to Afghan nations to leave the country. “It is emphasised that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process and arrangements for food and healthcare for returning foreigners have also been put in place.”
“Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfill its commitments and obligations as a responsible state. It is reiterated that Individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfill all legal formalities and abide by Pakistan’s constitution,” it said.
Earlier, a coalition of human rights organizations and refugee advocacy groups has urged the Pakistani government to halt the forced expulsion of Afghan migrants, citing violations of international law, basic human rights, and the country’s obligations, as reported by Khaama Press.
In an open letter, the groups emphasized that many Afghan refugees, including human rights defenders and activists, have fled their homeland due to violence, harassment, and persecution.
As per reports, the letter also points out that Afghan migrants, including women, children, and those with valid visas, are being subjected to forced expulsion, detention, and high visa fees.
In recent years, the Pakistani government has begun to view the prolonged stay of Afghan refugees as a strain on resources and a potential security threat, especially after the rise of groups like the Taliban.
Recently, Pakistan initiated expulsions, citing illegal residency and security risks. These expulsions have sparked debates over human rights, regional stability, and Pakistan’s responsibility toward its Afghan neighbours. (ANI)
