International
Main Pakistani parties explore pacts to challenge Imran Khan’s electoral dominance
Pakistan’s main political parties are in a process of negotiation and alliances with the aim of forming a government, which could mean a strategy to counter the unexpected electoral victory of independents backed by Imran Khan, the imprisoned and popular opposition leader.
Although no political force obtained a majority in the recent general elections on February 8, the figure of Imran Khan stands out as the winner, achieving that nearly a hundred of his allies were elected, despite the fact that they were forced to present themselves as candidates. independents due to judicial restrictions that prevented the participation of his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
However, uncertainty remains in Pakistan over who will govern in the next five years, as no political force has enough representatives in parliament. The pro-Khan bloc of lawmakers, made up of approximately 93 members, is legally registered as independent candidates, forcing them to seek alliances to form a majority.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the third political force with 54 seats, is evaluating its options, considering possible alliances with both the PTI and Nawaz Sharif’s Muslim League (PML-N), which has 79 seats. seats.
Political negotiations intensify amid meetings and discussions between different parties, while Imran Khan, from prison, stays informed about his party’s strategy. However, PTI sources suggest that an alliance with the PPP is unlikely to be formed.
The political scenario in Pakistan looks even more complex due to the challenge cases filed by the PTI, which could generate additional tensions and affect the stability of the future government.
The virtual refusal of the PTI to negotiate an alliance with other parties also puts at risk the allocation of 70 reserved seats, which could significantly influence the configuration of parliament and the distribution of political power in the country.
The outcome of these negotiations and alliances will be crucial for Pakistan’s political future, as it will define not only who will lead the government in the coming years, but also the balance of power between the different political forces in the country.
International
U.S. Senate Rejects Budget, Bringing Government Closer to Shutdown Amid DHS Dispute
The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday against a budget proposal in a move aimed at pressuring changes at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), following the killing of two civilians during a deployment of immigration agents in Minneapolis.
All Senate Democrats and seven Republican lawmakers voted against the bill, which requires 60 votes to advance, pushing the country closer to a partial government shutdown that would cut funding for several agencies, including the Pentagon and the Department of Health.
The rejection came as Senate leaders and the White House continue negotiations on a separate funding package for DHS that would allow reforms to the agency. Proposed measures include banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing face coverings and requiring them to use body-worn cameras during operations.
The vote took place just hours after President Donald Trump said he was “close” to reaching an agreement with Democrats and did not believe the federal government would face another shutdown, following last year’s record stoppage.
“I don’t think the Democrats want a shutdown either, so we’ll work in a bipartisan way to avoid it. Hopefully, there will be no government shutdown. We’re working on that right now,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
International
Trump Says Putin Agreed to One-Week Halt in Attacks on Ukraine Amid Extreme Cold
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he secured a commitment from Russian President Vladimir Putinto halt attacks against Ukraine for one week, citing extreme weather conditions affecting the region.
“Because of the extreme cold (…) I personally asked Putin not to attack Kyiv or other cities and towns for a week. And he agreed. He was very pleasant,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting broadcast by the White House.
Trump acknowledged that several advisers had questioned the decision to make the call.
“A lot of people told me not to waste the call because they wouldn’t agree. And he accepted. And we’re very happy they did, because they don’t need missiles hitting their towns and cities,” the president said.
According to Trump, Ukrainian authorities reacted with surprise to the announcement but welcomed the possibility of a temporary ceasefire.
“It’s extraordinarily cold, record cold (…) They say they’ve never experienced cold like this,” he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later commented on the announcement, expressing hope that the agreement would be honored.
International
Storm Kristin Kills Five in Portugal, Leaves Nearly 500,000 Without Power
Storm Kristin, which battered Portugal with heavy rain and strong winds early Wednesday, has left at least five people dead, while nearly half a million residents remained without electricity as of Thursday, according to updated figures from authorities.
The revised death toll was confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson for the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANPEC). On Wednesday, the agency had reported four fatalities.
Meanwhile, E-Redes, the country’s electricity distribution network operator, said that around 450,000 customers were still without power, particularly in central Portugal.
Emergency services responded to approximately 1,500 incidents between midnight and 8:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, as the storm caused widespread disruptions.
The Portuguese government described Kristin as an “extreme weather event” that inflicted significant damage across several regions of the country. At the height of the storm, as many as 850,000 households and institutions lost electricity during the early hours of Wednesday.
Several municipalities ordered the closure of schools, many of which remained shut on Thursday due to ongoing adverse conditions.
Ricardo Costa, regional deputy commander of the Leiria Fire Brigade, said residents continue to seek assistance as rainfall persists.
“Even though the rain is not extremely intense, it is causing extensive damage to homes,” he noted.
In Figueira da Foz, a coastal city in central Portugal, strong winds toppled a giant Ferris wheel, underscoring the severity of the storm.
U.S. Senate Rejects Budget, Bringing Government Closer to Shutdown Amid DHS Dispute
Trump Says Putin Agreed to One-Week Halt in Attacks on Ukraine Amid Extreme Cold
Storm Kristin Kills Five in Portugal, Leaves Nearly 500,000 Without Power
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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