Pakistan arrests 11 for alleged anti-army social media posts
LAHORE, May 29: Authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have arrested 11 social media activists accused of spreading anti-army and anti-state content online. According to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the suspects were detained during raids conducted across several cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Gujranwala. Officials alleged that the activists used social media platforms to run provocative campaigns targeting state institutions, particularly the Pakistan Army, and to incite unrest among the public. Digital evidence and online records are now being examined to trace their activities and possible networks. The suspects have been booked under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016. Authorities said some of those arrested were linked to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Earlier this month, 13 other activists were arrested in similar operations across Punjab. (PTI)
Former Shaolin abbot gets 24-year jail term
BEIJING, May 29: Shi Yongxin, the former head monk of China’s famed Shaolin Temple, was sentenced to 24 years in prison on graft charges and fined 3.5 million yuan. Convicted of embezzlement, bribery and misuse of funds involving huge sums of money, Shi was accused of exploiting his position between 2003 and 2025. Once known as the “CEO monk” for globalising Shaolin kung fu, he was removed last year over misconduct allegations, including violating Buddhist precepts and maintaining improper relationships with multiple women. (PTI)
Indian student found dead in Canada
OTTAWA, May 29: A 23-year-old Indian student, Vidhi Megha, was found dead inside a residence in St. Catharines, Niagara Region, in Canada earlier this month. Police responded to reports of two people without vital signs on May 15 and discovered her body. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed condolences and said it is assisting the family with support and transportation of the mortal remains to India. Police have charged 40-year-old Joshua St. Omer with second-degree murder in connection with the case. (PTI)
Sheikh Hasina’s lawyer slams UN protest report
LONDON, May 29: Sheikh Hasina’s legal counsel Steven Powles has written to the UN Human Rights Office, challenging its report on the 2024 Bangladesh protests and calling the findings “highly inaccurate.” He disputed the report’s claim that 1,400 protesters were killed, citing interim government records that put the figure closer to 834. Powles also questioned the impartiality of the UN fact-finding process and accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of spreading misleading information. (IANS)
