PTI in KP seeks dialogue with Afghans
PESHAWAR, Sep 18: Pakistan’s ruling PTI has reiterated its stance on holding talks with the Afghan people in a parliamentary party meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The meeting was directed by PTI founder and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Negotiations with the Afghan people and government are inevitable, and a formal demand has already been forwarded to federal authorities. The province will continue its policy of compassion, support, and cooperation with Afghan refugees. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the first to dispatch relief assistance for Afghan earthquake victims. The chief minister clarified that no full-scale operation took place, only limited and targeted actions were carried out. Most displaced families have returned to their homes, while the remaining will be ensured soon. PTI leaders noted that operations had eroded public trust and that dialogue remained the only viable path toward lasting peace. (PTI)
Indian-origin man held in US over old case
NEW YORK, Sep 18: Indian-origin businessman Paramjit Singh, who has lived in the US for over 30 years, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for almost a month due to a “very old case”. Singh, who has earned permanent resident status and is the father of US-born children, was arrested at Chicago O’Hare Airport on July 30 due to an old case. Singh, suffering from a brain tumor, was kept at the airport for five days and then moved to the ER after his condition deteriorated. His family was not notified of the ER visit until they received a bill for his medical stay. Singh was then kept at a detention center in Indiana for 20 days and then moved to another facility in Kentucky. A judge granted a bond, but the agency is using “court tactics” and bending the rules to keep him detained. Singh’s brother, Charanjit Singh, is trying to post a bond and communicate with the Department of Homeland Security. The next step is to take the case to a federal court. (PTI)
UK university tool help detect human trafficking victims
LONDON, Sep 18: A new analytical tool, the Sexual Trafficking Identification Matrix (STIM), has been adopted by 16 UK police forces, two charities, and four law enforcement agencies, including Denmark. The tool assesses online adverts based on photographs, language, and other details to determine if they pose low, medium, or high risks of trafficking and exploitation. This allows police and practitioners to prioritize investigations and provide targeted support to potential victims. The tool has helped Thames Valley Police identify those at greatest risk and set timeframes for action. The project was developed in collaboration with the Universities of Northumbria and Copenhagen, charities, NGOs, and the Danish Centre Against Human Trafficking (CMM). 30 training sessions have been delivered to over 100 police representatives in the UK and abroad. The STIM aims to make the risk assessment process quicker and easier for those involved. (PTI)
