Fresh Afghan, Pak clashes erupts in Kunar
KABUL, Dec 18: Fresh clashes erupted between Afghan and Pakistani forces in Kunar as cross-border tensions escalated, following Pakistani rocket attacks on Afghan territory. Taliban forces retaliated, according to Afghanistan’s Khaama Press. The two governments have not issued official statements. Tensions have risen over Kabul’s border restrictions over the past two months, which have largely suspended trade and movement, costing Pakistan over $4.5 billion, according to trade officials. Previous clashes occurred on December 5, with both sides blaming each other. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed renewed attacks from Pakistan in Spin Boldak, Kandahar, prompting Afghan retaliation. Attempts at a mediated truce through Turkey and Qatar have failed. The volatile border has seen heavy fighting for over a month, with Pakistan allegedly carrying out multiple air raids. Afghanistan rejects Pakistan’s claims that it harbors Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters. Recent exchanges of fire have affected Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. (IANS)
Judge removed in Pakistan for invalid law degree
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18: Pakistan’s Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday dismissed Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri over an invalid law degree at the time of his 2020 appointment. The issue was first raised in July 2024 by a lawyer challenging the legitimacy of his University of Karachi (KU) degree from 1989. A division bench led by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar ruled that Jahangiri “ceased to hold office forthwith” and directed the law ministry to denotify him. KU records revealed that Jahangiri had been debarred from exams from 1988–1992 for cheating but sat the 1989 exam under a different name. Jahangiri had accused Chief Justice Dogar of bias and sought intervention from the Federal Constitutional Court. The court proceeded based on available records, noting that Jahangiri failed to provide valid credentials despite repeated opportunities. (PTI)
Plane crashes into NH Condos, authorities investigate
Nashua (US), Dec 18: A pilot was taken to the hospital with injuries Wednesday after a small plane crashed into a residential neighbourhood in southern New Hampshire, authorities said. Emergency crews found the aircraft upside down in a snow bank in the parking lot of a wooded condominium complex in Nashua Wednesday afternoon. Police said the pilot was the only person on board and was the only person injured. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating. The Velocity V-Twin plane crashed at the Cannongate Condominiums shortly after departing from the nearby Nashua Airport around 2:10 pm local time, according to the FAA. Aerial video from NBC10 Boston showed damage to the roof of one of the condos near the crash site. (AP)
