The UNHCR is seeking clarification from the Pakistani government regarding its decision to require Afghans in Islamabad to obtain special permission to stay beyond December 31. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the policy, citing security concerns, while the Islamabad Police have already arrested several Afghans during a recent protest. The UNHCR, represented by Qaisar Khan Afridi, emphasized the need to view Afghan refugees through a humanitarian lens and acknowledged Pakistan's long-standing support for Afghan refugees. The Afghan interim government has not yet commented on the decision. Approximately 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees reside in Pakistan, with additional undocumented migrants and recent arrivals since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Repatriation efforts for undocumented Afghans are ongoing, with a tripartite meeting between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UNHCR expected in January.

The Taliban government, represented by Afghan Chargé d’Affaires Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, has assured that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. This statement comes amid rising terrorist incidents in Pakistan, with Islamabad expressing concerns over the presence of terror groups in Afghanistan. Shakeeb highlighted the potential benefits of regional cooperation through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing Afghanistan's role as a bridge between South and Central Asia. He also addressed challenges in trade relations, including Western sanctions and border issues, and called for enhanced diplomatic engagement and infrastructure development to boost economic ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The article discusses the concept of mahr or dower in Islamic marriage, highlighting its legal recognition and challenges under English law. It clarifies that dowry, unlike mahr, is not sanctioned by Islam and originates from Hindu traditions. The article provides guidance for legal practitioners dealing with mahr-related issues, particularly among Muslims in India and Pakistan.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries in the UK, necessitating robust intellectual property strategies. The UK offers various IP protections like patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets, each serving different purposes. Patents protect novel AI algorithms, trademarks build brand recognition, copyright safeguards software code, and trade secrets protect confidential information. A strategic combination of these protections is recommended to maximize security and mitigate risks. The UK's IP framework provides a comprehensive set of tools for AI innovation, but careful consideration is needed to navigate these options effectively.

An Islamabad anti-terrorism court granted bail to 10 PTI lawmakers arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024. The lawmakers were detained following a PTI rally demanding the release of Imran Khan. The Islamabad High Court had previously placed them on judicial remand. The National Assembly Speaker declared the Parliament Lodges as a sub-jail for the lawmakers. The court accepted their bail plea against a bond, despite the prosecutor's objections.

This pilot study aimed to compare the dimensional stability of alginate impression material impregnated with different concentrations of lignin alkali (0.75%, 1.5%, and 3%) against unmodified alginate. Using a stainless-steel ruled test block, the study measured dimensional stability at 0-hour, 1-hour, and 24-hour intervals. Statistically significant differences in dimensional stability were found between the experimental groups and the control group at 1 hour and 24 hours, but not at 0 hour. The findings suggest that lignin alkali can improve the dimensional stability of alginate impression material, warranting further clinical research.

A four-member Pakistani delegation led by Secretary of Commerce Khurram Agha arrived in Kabul for trade talks with Afghan officials, despite ongoing tensions. The discussions, led on the Afghan side by Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi, aim to address bilateral trade and transit issues. This marks the first Pakistani visit since airstrikes in March 2023. Key issues include smuggling prevention and delays in transit trade clearance at Karachi ports. Afghan officials have expressed concerns over Pakistan's recent tariffs and restrictions, which have led Afghan traders to turn to Iranian ports. Both nations recognize the importance of separating trade from political issues to foster better relations and economic stability.

A Pakistani commerce ministry delegation is set to visit Kabul to discuss trade and transit issues with Afghan officials. The talks aim to address a ban on certain transit items by Pakistan, which has led to a decrease in transit trade and a shift towards Iran. The meetings come amidst efforts to normalize relations after recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan. Both Pakistani and Afghan traders have emphasized the importance of separating trade from political issues, with the goal of increasing trade volume, which has fallen from a target of $5 billion to $1.4 billion. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has suggested that Pakistan could block trade corridors to Afghanistan if anti-Pakistan terrorist activities are not curbed.

The Afghan Taliban leader Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada declared that the Taliban will continue to fight against Western countries for another 20 years or more. He emphasized the Taliban's commitment to implementing Sharia law in Afghanistan, including severe punishments for women, which has drawn criticism from Western nations. The statement comes amid ongoing international condemnation of the Taliban's policies on women's rights and education. Despite the lack of international recognition, the Taliban maintain that their government is inclusive and representative of all ethnic groups in Afghanistan.

Efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified following Pakistani airstrikes in two Afghan provinces on March 18. Afghan and Pakistani officials have engaged in diplomatic meetings to address the situation, with positive developments such as the reopening of the Kharlachi border for trade and travel. Both nations face security challenges, with recent attacks in North Waziristan and Kandahar. The article emphasizes the need for cooperation over conflict and highlights the importance of confidence-building measures to prevent further escalation. Afghan and Pakistani authorities are urged to manage elements that could exploit the situation for their gain.