Te Ipukarea Society: ‘Death by power point’: NZ visit ‘a road show, at worst a propaganda tour’Schools go online amid road closures, safety concerns Islamabad:Government educational institutions in the federal capital were closed on Monday, while private schools and colleges switched to online classes due to roadblocks and safety concerns due to the opposition PTI’s announcement of a protest at D-Chowk, despite the government's ban on rallies. School closures are likely to continue today (Tuesday). The district administration had ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Islamabad citing the current political situation as the reason. Most private schools had decided to conduct classes online to ensure uninterrupted learning, emphasising the importance of regular attendance in online sessions to prevent students from falling behind in their studies and to maintain consistent academic progress. Schools, colleges and universities were also closed in Rawalpindi where major roads were obstructed by shipping containers, and security forces were heavily deployed to maintain order.
Ant and Dec slam Jane Moore for 'unfair' attack on 'sexist' campmates
Dwayne Johnson's Mom Got Real About What She Doesn't Like About Her Son's Social Media PostsSinister tacticsFIANNA Fail's Gerry Collins was elected to the Dail for the first time almost 60 years ago but he can remember it like it was yesterday. "My first election was in 1967 in a by-election and I remember I got 14,000 first preferences. Fine Gael's Willie Madden got 10,000 and Labour's Willie O'Dwyer got 2,000. For me it was quite a feeling (to be elected)," said Mr Collins, who went on to be a Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Justice twice and an MEP. Mr Collins, who turned 86 last month, was at the count in Limerick Racecourse to support his nephew, Minister of State Niall Collins. Interestingly, the course of history could have been very different as Mr Collins was offered the chance to run in Dublin in 1966 by Sean Lemass. "Sean Lamas, who was my boss, asked me if I would be interested and I said 'no'. I took the advice of my dad, who said, 'Wait until after the next election'. "He said, 'I doubt if I'll be a candidate and you'll find you'll be a lot happier with the people of County Limerick than the Dublin people. He was dead right," smiled Mr Collins. READ MORE: LIVE BLOG: General Election results from Limerick The Abbeyfeale man told Limerick Live he still "loves politics". "I do but I find it strange though, it's not the same thing that I experienced in my time where you've met the people, and you've had chats, and talked to them, and you listen to the people. "The secret is be a good listener to the people and be available to them. And I always genuinely, genuinely felt that my obligation at all times were the people who elected me. I was answerable to them," said Mr Collins, who was warmly greeted by many across the political spectrum.
(NKLA) - Analyzing Nikola's Short InterestNICEVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Aaliyah Nye scored 15 points and No. 23 Alabama coasted to an 83-33 win over Alabama State on Monday at the Emerald Coast Classic. Sarah Ashlee Barker and Karly Weathers both added 12 points for the Crimson Tide (7-0). Zaay Green had 11. Barker, Weathers and Green combined to go 12 of 16 from the field as Alabama shot 51% and made 23 of 34 free throws. Cordasia Harris had eight points for the Hornets (2-3), who shot 27.5% and had 28 turnovers while being outrebounded by 17. Alabama entered ranked 17th in scoring offense through the first two weeks of the season, averaging 87.3 points per game. Barker opened the scoring and contributed another layup before her 3-pointer made it 14-0. The Tide led 26-8 after one quarter. Alabama also had a 13-2 run in the second quarter and Weathers had a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to lead 46-20 at halftime. Alabama plays the winner of UAB-Clemson on Tuesday and the Hornets face the loser. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Aidan O'Connell will start at quarterback when the Las Vegas Raiders visit their AFC West rival and two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce made the announcement Wednesday, saying O'Connell had progressed well after breaking his right thumb on Oct. 20 in a 20-15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams . “He’s been dialed in obviously throughout this time that he’s been on (injured reserve),” Pierce said. "He’s been at all the meetings. He’s been very encouraging on the sideline. He’s got that laser-eye focus right now. Great opportunity for him.” Gardner Minshew broke his left collarbone on Sunday in a game against the Denver Broncos and is out for the season . The Raiders could have gone with Desmond Ridder to replace Minshew. Las Vegas signed Ridder off Arizona’s practice squad on Oct. 21. He started 13 games for Atlanta last season, passing for 2,836 yards and 12 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Pierce opted for O'Connell, who became the starter midway through last season and went 5-4 the rest of the way. Minshew beat him out for the job in the preseason but then struggled through five games. Pierce then put O'Connell in the starting lineup on Oct. 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. O'Connell completed 27 of 40 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown with an interception in the 32-13 loss . Then O'Connell was injured early the following week at Los Angeles and was placed on IR, sidelining him for at least four weeks. The Raiders on Monday designated him to return to practice, opening a three-week window in which O'Connell could be activated. That came this week. “He carried himself like a starter, even when he was on IR," Pierce said. "He did that when he was a backup. He did a great job of just being engaged with the players, engaged on the sideline, in meeting rooms. He’s the one speaking up, talking. You could just look at his eyes. You can look at his demeanor. "He wasn’t a guy like: ‘All right, I’m out for the season. I’m not going to play. No, I’ll be back. I’m ready to be back.’ And he worked his tail off to get back.” O'Connell has a short week to prepare, complicated further because the Raiders aren't having full practices. He was the last opposing quarterback to win at Arrowhead Stadium. Even though he didn't complete a pass after the first quarter, the Raiders walked away 20-14 winners in that Christmas Day game. Las Vegas can only play a little bit of a spoiler this week. The Raiders at 2-9 have lost seven consecutive games, and the Chiefs have their sights on becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row. “Let’s call a spade a spade,” Pierce said. "The best team in football against the worst team in football. Let’s change the narrative, right? Let’s go out there and make it a dog fight. Let’s make it ugly. Let’s make it scrappy. It’s Black Friday. Let’s create a little chaos. Let’s get back to Raider football and have some fun and some personality. Let it loose.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks were struggling a week ago, coming off their bye having lost five of their last six games. That included a gut-punch overtime defeat at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 3. The outlook for the last-place Seahawks (5-5) was beginning to look grim. They suddenly have renewed optimism this week after an uplifting victory over the San Francisco 49ers that snapped a six-game losing streak against their arch-rival that dated to 2021. Seattle will play the first-place Arizona Cardinals (6-4) on Sunday for a share of the NFC West lead. How quickly things change in the NFL. “We’ve earned the opportunity to be fighting for the lead in the division going into the home stretch,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “So that’s the way we’re treating it. It’s very much like a playoff mindset for us at this point.” The win over the 49ers, which was capped by a 13-yard touchdown run by quarterback Geno Smith with 18 seconds left, put the Seahawks in a much better place mentally than they’d been in over the previous six weeks. They're hoping it's just the start of something even bigger. “It can just spark something that you’ve been looking for this whole year,” wide receiver DK Metcalf said. “I know we started off very hot with the first three games, but, you know, when adversity hit, it’s all about how you respond. I think we responded the right way, and it’s going to carry us throughout the rest of the season.” While the Seahawks are feeling better this week, the Cardinals have plenty of reason to feel optimistic, too. After starting the season 2-4, Arizona has won four straight to put itself in first place in the NFC West. The Cardinals have a defense that is making big strides under the leadership of veteran safety Budda Baker and a top-five running game behind the dual threat of running back James Conner, who has 697 yards rushing, and quarterback Kyler Murray, who seems to be hitting his stride in his sixth NFL season. Murray has 2,058 yards passing with 12 touchdowns, and has rushed for 371 yards and four scores. Second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon has been impressed with Murray’s improved decision-making as Murray has thrown just three interceptions through 10 games. “There’s times that he probably wants to try to thread it a little bit, but understands when to pick and choose his spots,” Gannon said. “I think he’s done a phenomenal job with that and there are a lot of times throughout the game where you could say we like to put it in the quarterback’s hands, and you trust him to make the right decision for that point in the game.” Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will see a familiar face on the other sideline Sunday in rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who was Smith-Njigba’s college teammate at Ohio State in 2021 and 2022. The pair each caught three touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ wild win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl, with Smith-Njigba having 347 yards receiving on what was a 573-passing yard day for C.J. Stroud, now the quarterback of the Houston Texans. “Late his freshman year, he really just stood out,” Smith-Njigba said of Harrison. “You could just see the growth and kind of who he is becoming. ... He’s passed a lot of people’s expectations, of course, but I knew he was going to be elite later on freshman year.” Murray is coming off one of the best games of his career after completing 22 of 24 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown against the Jets two weeks ago. He also ran for 21 yards and two TDs. Murray currently ranks No. 3 in the NFL in quarterback rating behind Cincinnati's Joe Burrow and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson. That has put him in the MVP conversation, particularly since Arizona has won four straight games. “I don’t play the game for the validation of others," Murray said. "But as a player, of course, sometimes the recognition and the words being said feel good. But it doesn’t satisfy me.” The most surprising part of Arizona’s four-game winning streak is the rapid improvement of the defense, which has allowed just 9 and 6 points, respectively, over the past two games. No touchdowns have been allowed – just five field goals. It’s just the second time over the past 30 years that the franchise has allowed 10 points or less over back-to-back games. Baker, a Bellevue native and former University of Washington football star, is the unquestioned leader of the bunch – he already has 100 tackles over 10 games - but the team also has a strong core of linebackers in Kyzir White, Mack Wilson and Zaven Collins. Metcalf and Baker have gone up against each other many times before, most famously when Metcalf ran Baker down on an interception return in 2020. “You really can’t prepare for a guy like that because his engine never stops,” Metcalf said. “He’s always going to be around the ball. He’s always going to affect the game with just his play effort and play style. ... Just got to try to minimize his playmaking ability as much as we can on offense.” AP Sports Writer David Brandt in Phoenix, Arizona, contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflNo. 23 Alabama women beat Alabama State 83-33 at Emerald Coast Classic
‘This is our moment to lead, innovate, and break the status quo’: Gautam AdaniLetter: Send in the clowns...
Brock Purdy participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers but the San Francisco starting quarterback was not on the field for the majority of the workout, casting doubt over his availability to play Sunday at Green Bay. Purdy is dealing with a right shoulder injury and the 49ers are also potentially without left tackle Trent Williams and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Bosa was listed as out of Thursday's practice with an oblique injury. Williams also didn't suit up Thursday. He played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable. Purdy's typical Thursday post-practice media session was scrapped until Friday as the 49ers did not make any quarterback available. Kyle Allen would step in for Purdy as the starter if he can't play against the Packers. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level Media
Expect “Fireworks.” Katy Perry just announced the Canadian leg of her forthcoming ‘Lifetimes Tour,’ which is set to take place in July and August 2025. Notable stops on the Great North run include Vancouver (July 22), Edmonton (July 24), Montreal (July 30), Quebec City (Aug. 1) and Toronto (Aug. 5). “‘The Lifetimes Tour’ is going to be a dance party and everyone is invited,” the 40-year-old hitmaker said when announcing U.K. dates. Prior to the ‘Lifetimes Tour’ — Perry has yet to release the U.S. dates for the international trek — she will headline a Jingle Ball concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Friday, Dec. 13 along with Tate McRae , Meghan Trainor , Gracie Abrams and more. Fans KatyCats can purchase tickets for all upcoming Katy Perry shows on sites like Vivid Seats; the official on-sale for her Canadian ‘Lifetimes Tour’ shows is Friday, Nov. 29. Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event. Katy Perry tour schedule 2024-25 A complete calendar including all tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found here. Katy Perry Jingle Ball concerts As you may have noticed, Perry has a trio of Jingle Ball headlining spots lined up this year. Each show will feature Perry as well as a handful of major headliners. To make sure you know who will be at the concert of your choosing, we’ve got all the information you need about all three below. Katy Perry set list The inimitable hitmaker wrapped her Las Vegas residency in November 2023. Although we’re not sure what she’ll bring to the stage at the ‘Lifetimes Tour,’ here’s what made it to the stage at her final career-spanning five-act ‘Play’ show in Sin City according to Set List FM . Henry of Horror 01.) “E.T.” 02.) “Chained to the Rhythm” 03.) “Dark Horse” 04.) “Not the End of the World” Flushed 05.) “California Gurls” 06.) “Hot n Cold” 07.) “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” 08.) “Waking Up in Vegas” Eat Me 09.) “Bon appétit” 10.) “Daisies” 11.) “I Kissed a Girl” Trashun 12.) “Lost” 13.) “Part of Me” 14.) “Wide Awake” 15.) “Never Really Over” 16.) “Swish Swish” 17.) “When I’m Gone” 18.) “Walking on Air” Perry Playland 19.) “Teenage Dream” 20.) “Smile” 21.) “Roar” Encore 22.) “The Greatest Love of All” (George Benson cover) 23.) “Firework” Katy Perry new music On Sept. 20, Perry released her seventh studio album “143.” The 11-track record is a glossy dance party that’s designed to get listeners on their feet and largely succeeds. This is big, bold pop in a shiny package at its very best. Earworms here include the Crystal Waters-sampling “I’m His, He’s Mine” (featuring Doechii), pulsing “Crush” and replay-worthy “Lifetimes.” If you’d like to hear for yourself, you can find “143” here . Huge stars on tour in 2024-25 While we wait for Perry to announce her U.S. tour dates, we can at least take solace in the fact that many huge stars have shows in the land of the free and home of the brave lined up these next few months. Here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss live in the near future. • Sabrina Carpenter • Tate McRae • Billie Eilish • Dua Lipa • Mariah Carey Who else is on the road this year? Check out our list of all the 2025 Grammy nominees on tour these next few months to find the show for you. Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post This article was written by Matt Levy , New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.(Bloomberg) — Latin American currencies whipsawed in low volume trading ahead of the US holiday following the latest batch of US economic data. MSCI’s index for developing nation currencies edged high amid gains in Eastern European currencies as the US imposed new sanctions on Russian banks that sent the ruble sinking. Early gains in developing currencies faltered after data showed the US Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of underlying inflation accelerated in October, backing bets for a slower pace of interest rate cuts. Still, the currencies came back again later in the day. Brazil’s real tumbled 1.4% to its weakest since 2020 on news that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wants to present a plan for income tax exemptions alongside proposed public spending cuts, watering down the impact on the fiscal deficit. Investors across emerging markets also remain wary of US President-elect Donald Trump’s latest threats to slap tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico. “We see little reasons for a reversion of the strong dollar trend,” said Barclays strategist Erick Martinez. “US data remains resilient, which adds to inflationary risks from tariffs. These risks should keep rate differentials moving in favor of the dollar.” Mexican officials warned Trump’s tariffs would cause massive US job losses and more expensive pickup trucks. Still, the Mexican currency shook off early losses as the dollar broadly weakened. The tariff threat has weighed on emerging markets since Donald Trump’s election victory and remains a wildcard for 2025. MSCI’s emerging-market stock gauge is eyeing a second consecutive monthly drop in November, and the worst quarter since September 2022. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index, a key gauge for developing-nation stocks, gained as speculation intensified that China’s authorities will roll out fresh stimulus measures next month amid the threat of US imposed tariffs. Hints of more aggressive policy support emerged earlier this month when China’s Finance Minister Lan Fo’an pledged “more forceful” policies for 2025. These comments fueled speculation that Beijing could unveil bolder measures following Trump’s inauguration in January. The US president-elect has vowed to impose tariffs on Chinese goods, a move that threatens to devastate trade flows between the world’s largest economies and jeopardize China’s export sector, one of the few pillars of growth this year. Elsewhere, Israeli dollar bonds gained after the country reached a deal for a 60-day cease-fire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah after weeks of talks mediated by the US, a first step toward ending a conflict that’s killed thousands of people.
WESTERLY, R.I. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: WASH ) (the "Corporation"), parent company of The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly (the "Bank"), today announced Bank balance sheet repositioning transactions to support continued organic growth and capital generation. "Like many banks, we have been carrying low-yielding assets on our balance sheet following rapid increases in interest rates over the past few years. These assets have been earning interest below current market rates, which has impacted our earnings and ability to reinvest and expand our business. We had the opportunity to raise approximately $70 million in capital to support the sale of these low-yielding assets and reinvestment of the proceeds into assets with higher rates," stated Edward "Ned" O. Handy III, Washington Trust Chairman and CEO. "This will allow us to focus on growth and investment which is good for shareholders, employees, customers and the communities we serve. This has also made us even stronger financially and will set us up for improved profitability in 2025 and beyond." Pursuant to the terms of the transactions, the Bank sold approximately $409 million of available for sale debt securities with a weighted average yield of 2.65% and has agreed to sell approximately $345 million in residential mortgage loans with a weighted average rate of 3.03%. The sale of the residential mortgage loans is expected to settle in the first quarter of 2025. The Bank has also reinvested approximately $378 million into available for sale debt securities with a weighted average yield of 5.30%. Additionally, the Bank expects to pay down approximately $352 million of wholesale funding balances with an estimated weighted average rate of 4.50% in the first quarter of 2025. The sale transactions are expected to result in a net after-tax loss of approximately $70 million that will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2024. While this will cause the Corporation to report a net loss for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2024, it has been entirely funded by the $70 million in capital raised through our previously disclosed equity offering. The Corporation will provide additional details on this balance sheet repositioning in a presentation that will be furnished as an exhibit to a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and will be accessible on the Corporation's website at https://ir.washtrust.com . ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., NASDAQ: WASH , is the publicly-owned holding company of The Washington Trust Company ("Washington Trust", "the Bank"), with $7.1 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024 . Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of the Northeast's premier financial services companies. Washington Trust values its role as a community bank and is committed to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island , Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements." We may also make forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in our annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors, or employees. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "assume," "outlook," "will," "should," and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that might cause these differences include the following: changes in general business and economic conditions on a national basis and in the local markets in which we operate; changes in customer behavior due to political, business, and economic conditions, including inflation and concerns about liquidity; interest rate changes or volatility, as well as changes in the balance and mix of loans and deposits; changes in loan demand and collectability; the possibility that future credit losses are higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions or adverse economic developments; ongoing volatility in national and international financial markets; reductions in the market value or outflows of wealth management AUA; decreases in the value of securities and other assets; increases in defaults and charge-off rates; changes in the size and nature of our competition; changes in legislation or regulation and accounting principles, policies, and guidelines; operational risks including, but not limited to, changes in information technology, cybersecurity incidents, fraud , natural disasters, war, terrorism, civil unrest, and future pandemics; regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; and changes in the assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements. In addition, the factors described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 , as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted to the SEC, may result in these differences. You should carefully review all of these factors, and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could cause these differences. These forward-looking statements were based on information, plans, and estimates at the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES This press release and related presentation may contain references to measures that are not defined in generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Management believes that the supplemental non-GAAP information, which consists of measurements and ratios based on tangible equity, is utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company's financial condition and therefore, such information is useful to investors. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures, which may be presented by other companies. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. SOURCE Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
— No talks with PTI underway at any level; claims Mohsin Naqvi — Police constable dies, 119 injured in clashes ISLAMABAD: Thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers entered the federal capital from at least three sides removing all barricades, obstacles and hurdles coming in their way. The PTI rally led by Bushra Bibi, Ali Amin Gandapur and Shehryar Khan Afridi entered following another convoy led by party workers including Umar Amin Gandapur, Saddam Tareen and others entered Islamabad. Another rally led by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan had joined the main rally at Hazara Interchange and the trio removed all barricades to enter the federal capital in the evening. PTI workers from G-10, G-9 and G-8 sectors welcomed the party rally at Chungi No 26 where they removed all the barricades, paving the way to march towards D Chowk. However, the rally was yet to arrive at the heart of the federal capital till the filing of this report as party leaders had directed them to stay at Chungi No 26 as dialogue was underway with the federal government. No talks with PTI underway at any level: Naqvi Amid rumours of several rounds of talks between the PTI and the federal government, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi insisted he was unaware of any dialogue with the PTI leaders, saying that some meetings had taken place between PTI’s Gohar Khan and Imran Khan. Meanwhile, sources insisted that there had been talks with PTI delegation led by party Chairman Gohar Khan and Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Rana Sanaullah. He also warned anyone who entered D Chowk would be arrested. Talks fail to make headway: Sources However, the sources said that the first round of talks have failed as Imran Khan is adamant on his demands. PTI delegation led by Gohar Khan held another meeting with Imran Khan at Tuesday midnight and sought fresh directions on the talks. However, Imran Khan ordered the protest to go on and not to hold any further dialogue with the federal government. The sources said that the government offered PTI a place for sit in at G-9 Peshawar Mor and permission for a jalsa in heart of the city after two days. However, PTI wanted to carry on sit-in for seven days, the sources said and added that Imran Khan in a midnight meeting directed the party to end talks with the government and move towards D Chowk for final sit-in. PTI rallies enter federal capital Earlier, PTI convoys led by Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and Shehryar Khan Afridi entered Islamabad on the call of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. The convoys, originating from the Hazara Interchange, are heading towards D-Chowk in Islamabad. As the convoys advanced, they encountered heavy resistance from the police at the Ghazi Brotha Bridge, where intense shelling was reported. Despite the police crackdown, Omar Ayub’s convoy managed to push back Punjab Police forces at the Hazara Interchange. Ali Amin Gandapur, who is leading the Peshawar Division convoy, played a crucial role in helping the convoy break through the police barricades. After overcoming the police blockade, the convoys continued their journey, with vehicles stretching over two kilometers as they moved forward. On the Hazara Motorway, PTI supporters successfully forced police to retreat, with reports of violent clashes and heavy stone-pelting. Several police personnel were injured in the scuffles, and two officers were severely wounded and transferred to hospitals. Among the injured officers were DSPs Chaudhry Zulfiqar and Shahid Gilani, as well as ASI Tabassum. DSP Zulfiqar suffered significant injuries to his back and legs during the confrontation. Police constable dies in clashes with PTI supporters A police constable has died from severe injuries, and over 70 officers were injured during violent clashes with PTI protesters in Islamabad. Constable Mubashir, 46, succumbed to head injuries after PTI protesters allegedly attacked police personnel near Hakla. The injured officer was rushed to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Hassan Abdal, where he was later pronounced dead. Mubashir is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son. Barrister Gohar Khan and Saif held a 90-minute meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. Following the meeting, Barrister Gohar described the discussion as significant, confirming that Imran Khan’s call for a protest remains final and that rumors about it being cancelled were untrue. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Barrister Gohar emphasised that the PTI founder’s stance on the protest was unchanged, and the movement would proceed as planned. The meeting focused on strategic discussions regarding the ongoing political situation and the party’s future course of action. When asked about the ongoing negotiations surrounding the protest, Barrister Gohar assured reporters that updates would be provided in due course. He further confirmed that discussions were still ongoing but did not offer further details at this time. Earlier, former prime minister Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi, in a brief address to PTI rally participants, reiterated her call for the party founder’s release as PTI convoys from various parts of the country neared Islamabad on Monday after being unable to reach the day prior. “My brothers, as long as Imran is not with us, we will not end this march,” she said while addressing supporters at a stop near the Hazara Interchange. “I will stay there till my last breath, and all of you have to support me. This is not just about my husband but about the country and its leader,” she said while addressing the party workers. Bushra Bibi is a part of the convoy being led by Khybe Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur. In a subsequent video message, she said the people were reaching Islamabad and called on those who had not come out to reach the capital. The PTI also said that the people were “about to enter Islamabad” and said the morale of its protesters was high. “Those who considered Islamabad as their fiefdom and closed it for Pakistani citizens, they should now take notice!” it warned. Earlier in the morning, an update shared by the party prior to the resumption of the march said that Gandapur was ready to lead his convoy. The PTI protest entered its second day on Monday, with convoys from various regions of Pakistan continuing their journey towards the federal capital, Islamabad. The protest, organized by the opposition party, has sparked widespread demonstrations, with significant mobilization from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Convoys led by prominent PTI figures, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, have crossed provincial boundaries in their bid to reach Islamabad. As Gandapur’s convoy from Swabi entered the boundaries of Punjab, tensions escalated when police fired shells at the convoy near Attock Bridge, Chhich Interchange, and Ghazi Barutha Canal. In response, PTI altered its strategy, directing convoys from Hazara Division to turn back from Taxila and regroup at the Burhan Rest Area of the Motorway. Further clashes occurred when Omar Ayubís convoy, which had reached Taxila, encountered police resistance at a checkpoint. However, PTI workers reportedly advanced, causing police forces to retreat. Despite this, the convoy was able to cross the police barrier at Gango Bahtar and successfully entered Punjab. A separate convoy, led by Taimur Masood from Taxila, joined Ayub’s group along the way. Amid the protests, the Punjab Police made several arrests, including PTI Chief Whip Aamir Dogar and leader Zain Qureshi at the Qadir Pur Ran Toll Plaza in Multan. Rawalpindi Police also apprehended candidate NA-52 Colonel Ajmal Sabir Raja and MPA PP-11. In total, 75 PTI workers were arrested in Faisalabad, and 20 vehicles comprising 16 cars and 4 coasters were seized. Police also dispersed protesters who had gathered near Faizabad Interchange, forcing them to retreat towards Sohan. Federal police deployed shells near the Faizabad Bridge in an attempt to control the crowd. In anticipation of further unrest, all educational institutions in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Murree district have been closed today. The decision was made to ensure the safety and security of students and staff in light of the ongoing protests. As the situation continues to unfold, PTI’s nationwide protest appears to intensify, with party leaders urging their supporters to press on despite government efforts to contain the movement. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );