Leopards returning to the Islamabad area of Pakistan have highlighted the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict. In various regions, including Tharparkar district, Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leopards have been killed by villagers for attacking livestock, leading to legal actions against the perpetrators. The largest leopard population is in Ayubia National Park, with 112 leopards killed since 1993. Efforts to restore leopard habitats have been successful, with increased sightings and camera trap documentation. Measures to protect the ecosystem include tree plantation and restrictions on human and vehicular movement. The presence of leopards has helped control the wild boar population in Islamabad. Human-leopard conflicts are often due to proximity to habitats and shared resource use, with conflicts peaking in winter when leopards descend to lower areas.

The Islamabad High Court has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against two former CIA employees, Jonathan Banks and John A. Rizzo, for their alleged involvement in a drone strike that killed two civilians in Waziristan, Pakistan. The FIR is a precursor to formal charges in Pakistan. The court's decision is seen as a victory for Haji Abdul Karim Khan, a local journalist who lost his son and brother in the 2009 drone attack. Khan's lawyer, Mirza Shahzad Akbar, asserts that the order upholds Pakistani and international law against the unlawful killings by drone strikes. The case highlights the independence of Pakistan's judiciary and the potential for other victims of drone strikes to seek similar legal actions against CIA officials.

Leopard sightings near Islamabad's Margalla Hills National Park have increased, indicating an improvement in the park's environment. However, this has also led to fear among local communities and incidents of conflict, as leopards have attacked livestock and caused human fatalities. The issue is not isolated to Islamabad but is prevalent across Pakistan, with similar incidents reported in Kashmir, Tharparkar, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Conservation efforts are underway, including stricter measures against deforestation and illegal hunting, and the establishment of camera traps to monitor wildlife. The presence of leopards has helped control the population of wild boars, which are known to cause damage in Islamabad. Legal actions have been taken against those killing leopards, and there is a call for clear legislation to protect leopard habitats from encroachment and to manage real estate expansion.

Leopards have been increasingly sighted in and around Islamabad, Pakistan, particularly in the Margalla Hills National Park, indicating an improvement in the local environment. However, this has led to human-leopard conflicts, including attacks on livestock and retaliatory killings of leopards. Efforts to restore leopard habitats and manage human encroachment are underway, with wildlife authorities advocating for clear legislation to protect wildlife areas. The leopard population in Ayubia National Park and adjoining regions has shown a slight increase, and measures to minimize human intervention in leopard habitats have been implemented.

Mahesh Kumar Malani, a Hindu, has been elected to Pakistan's national assembly, marking a historic win for a non-Muslim in a general seat. As a member of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Malani will oppose the government likely to be formed by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which won the most seats in the recent elections. Malani criticizes the PTI for recruiting 'electables' who switch parties for personal gain, questioning Khan's ability to bring promised change. Despite concerns about Khan's approach to minority rights and his past rhetoric, Malani expresses a willingness to work for the betterment of all Pakistani citizens and offers his best wishes to Khan.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, made a heartfelt return to her hometown Mingora in the Swat Valley, Pakistan, for the first time since the Taliban shot her in 2012. Her visit, under heavy security, was met with mixed reactions, with some conservatives criticizing her as a proponent of Western values. Malala expressed joy at reuniting with family and friends and acknowledged the Pakistani Army's efforts in combating the Taliban. Despite the Taliban's continued presence, Malala's advocacy has led to educational improvements in the region, including the opening of an all-girls school funded by the Malala Fund. Her return to Pakistan has sparked debate, with some educational associations protesting her visit, while others praise her as a role model.

The article discusses Malala Yousafzai's return to Pakistan, particularly to her hometown of Mingora, where she was attacked in 2012. Malala, who was shot by a Taliban gunman on her school bus, expressed her happiness during an emotional reunion with her friends and family. She reminisced about her life in Pakistan, from the natural beauty to the everyday aspects like the streets and her neighbors. Despite her positive sentiments, the article notes that her return has been met with cynicism and hostility by some conservative factions in Pakistan.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate and women's education activist, intends to return to Pakistan permanently after completing her studies at Oxford University. She plans to focus on children's education and enable girls in Pakistan to achieve high-level education. Malala, who survived a Taliban assassination attempt in 2012, has founded the Malala Fund and co-authored her biography 'I Am Malala.' While her return is welcomed by many, she faces criticism from some groups in Pakistan who accuse her of promoting non-Islamic values.

A court in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, has sentenced one person to death and imprisoned 30 others for their involvement in the lynching of Mashal Khan, a university student falsely accused of blasphemy. The incident occurred last year and involved a mob attack on Mr. Khan, a communications student, following a religious debate in a dormitory. The case had a total of 57 suspects, including students, teachers, and university officials. The court acquitted 26 suspects. The event has caused Mr. Khan's family to fear for their safety, leading to his siblings discontinuing their education.

Fourteen members of a village council in Pakistan have been arrested for ordering the rape of a 16-year-old girl. This was decreed as punishment for a rape her brother had committed against a 12-year-old girl. The incident took place in the neighbourhood of Raja Ram in Muzaffarabad, near the city of Multan. The family of the victim sought the local village council's intervention after the initial rape, leading to this punitive and illegal decision.

The article discusses the historical connection between the Mirpur region of Pakistan and Britain, which dates back to the 1960s when the construction of the Mirpur dam led to the relocation of locals to Britain. A significant portion of Britain's Pakistani community is said to have roots in Mirpur. The region maintains strong ties with Britain, evident in local businesses and cultural influences. However, the recent involvement of an individual with Pakistani roots in the London Bridge attack has raised concerns, highlighting Pakistan's past challenges with terrorism and its efforts to overcome the stigma of being a breeding ground for Islamic terror. The article also touches on the role of Pakistan's ISI intelligence service and the international pressure faced by Islamabad.

The article discusses the investigation into the death of Samia Shahid, a British woman who died in Pakistan. Shahid's second husband, Syed Mukhtair, claims she was the victim of an 'honour killing' by her family due to her divorce and remarriage. The family denies this, stating her second marriage was void as she was not formally divorced from her first husband. Officials have criticized the Pakistani police for focusing on Shahid's marital status rather than pursuing leads that could explain her death. This oversight led to the loss of crucial evidence, complicating the case. The article also mentions a 'vague report' from the post-mortem, implying negligence in the investigation process.

The construction of the Diamer Bhasha dam in Pakistan is facing a significant hurdle due to a land dispute between the Harban and Thor tribes over an eight-kilometre stretch in the Gandlo Nala area. The conflict, which has previously resulted in violence, is exacerbated by the backing of rival tribes by the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Despite government efforts, including a jirga, the issue remains unresolved. The dam is considered essential for addressing Pakistan's severe power shortages and providing water storage for irrigation. The dispute has also halted the construction of a section of the Karakoram Highway. The situation threatens the progress of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the dam's construction, which has seen costs rise from USD 6.7 billion in 2004 to USD 14 billion.

A group of fifty top Pakistani clerics from Tanzeem Ittehad-i-Ummat has issued a fatwa granting transgender individuals the right to marry, inherit and participate in funerals according to Islamic law. The decree specifies conditions under which transgender individuals may marry based on their visible gender characteristics but prohibits marriage for those with signs of both genders. The fatwa also condemns any form of humiliation against transgender people, affirms their inheritance rights, and acknowledges their right to Muslim funeral rites. Although the fatwa is not legally binding, it is significant due to the influence of Tanzeem Ittehad-i-Ummat in Pakistan.

The article discusses the future of the compound where Osama bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan. There is a disagreement between local authorities over the redevelopment of the site. Proposals include turning the area into a park with a possible museum or building a girls' high school, which is a local demand. The land, after the demolition of the main house, was transferred to the local provincial council. However, the cantonment of Abbottabad, a military administration, claims control over the development decisions. The town is known for housing Pakistan's main army academy.

The article discusses the future of Osama bin Laden's last residence in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where he was killed by American special forces. The compound has been demolished, and there is a dispute between local authorities over its redevelopment. Proposals include turning the site into a park with a possible museum or building a girls' high school, which is a local demand. The land is owned by the local provincial council, but the cantonment of Abbottabad claims control over the development decisions. Cantontments are military administrations in Pakistan, and Abbottabad is a significant military town housing the country's main army academy.

The article discusses the plight of Murtaza Ahmadi, a five-year-old Afghan boy who gained internet fame for wearing a homemade Lionel Messi shirt made from a plastic bag. The boy's family has been forced to flee Afghanistan due to death threats. The story highlights the impact of viral fame on the lives of individuals in conflict zones and the ongoing safety concerns that force families to become refugees.

The article discusses the impact of climate change and deforestation on the morel mushroom harvest in the Hindu Kush Himalayas of India and Pakistan. Morel mushrooms, a valuable resource for poor villagers, have become scarce, leading to a significant loss of income for local collectors like Gulshoom Bibi. The shortened cold weather season and inconsistent precipitation due to climate change, along with deforestation, are identified as the main causes of the decline in morel mushroom production. This has not only affected local economies but also Pakistan's national exports, with large exporters unable to sell their stock at competitive prices. The future of morel mushroom harvesting in the region appears bleak, with potential for the mushrooms to disappear entirely if current environmental trends continue.

The article discusses a legal filing concerning the Koh-i-Noor diamond, where the claimant argues that the diamond was not legitimately acquired. The individual filing the claim asserts that the taking of the diamond was a private and illegal act, not justified by any law or ethics. The claimant emphasizes that a wrongful act does not become right over time or through acquiescence, suggesting that the historical acquisition of the Koh-i-Noor by the British does not legitimize their possession of it.

Militants attacked Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, located in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The attack occurred early on Wednesday, with the assailants targeting students and teachers in classrooms and hostels. The incident resulted in several students being trapped within the university buildings, as reported by Vice Chancellor Fazal Rahim to the press.

The article discusses the decline in honey production in the Pallas valley of Kohistan district, KPK, Pakistan, which is affecting the livelihoods of local communities. The main reasons for this decline are rapid deforestation and unseasonal rains, which have destroyed the flower blossoms bees rely on for nectar. Honey prices in Pakistan have consequently soared. The Hashoo Foundation Pakistan has noted a 40% reduction in honey production, while the Pakistan Beekeepers Association reports the worst season in recent history. Dr. Rashid Hussain from NARC's Honey Bee Research Institute attributes the decline to climate change, which has shortened the flowering season of berry trees, a critical food source for bees. The situation in Pakistan reflects a global decline in bee populations, which has broader implications for plant pollination and biodiversity.

The article discusses the use of advertising cookies by various major tech companies such as Google Inc., Twitter, Facebook Inc., and LinkedIn. These cookies are used to enhance marketing programs, connect users to interesting content, and enable targeted advertising. Google provides services like Google Ads and Google Ad Manager, which help in advertising and analytics. Twitter connects users to the latest news and conversations. Facebook uses a pixel to track user interactions and target them with relevant content, particularly for those interested in biodiversity. LinkedIn is mentioned as a professional networking service. The article also touches on the topic of data privacy and how users can opt out of these cookies.

The article discusses the case of Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani doctor who allegedly assisted the CIA in locating Osama bin Laden and is now imprisoned in Pakistan. His lawyer, Nadeem Qamar, claims Afridi is a scapegoat in a larger conspiracy involving both the United States and Pakistan. Afridi led a hepatitis B vaccination campaign that was a front for the CIA's efforts to obtain DNA samples to confirm bin Laden's presence in Abbottabad. After bin Laden's death, Afridi was arrested and charged with aiding a local warlord, not for his CIA involvement. The assassination of Afridi's former lawyer, Samiullah Afridi, by a Taliban splinter group, has left Qamar as the sole legal representative. Qamar is determined to fight for justice despite the risks and the politicization of the case. The article also touches on the broader implications of the US raid on Pakistani sovereignty and the subsequent local and international reactions.

The article discusses the technical aspects of capital punishment, specifically the calculation of the drop length in hangings. The drop length is defined as the distance from a point on the rope outside the angle of the lower jaw of the condemned prisoner, as he stands on the scaffold, to the point where the rope forms the noose, accounting for the neck constriction that occurs during the execution.

Clive Stafford Smith, the founder of Reprieve, shared his personal experiences with the Telegraph regarding capital punishment. Having witnessed six executions, Stafford Smith expressed his belief that these acts of capital punishment do not contribute to making the world a better place. His statement reflects a critical view of the death penalty and suggests a perspective shaped by firsthand experiences.

The article discusses the impact of the reports about Mullah Omar's death on peace talks that were scheduled to resume in Pakistan on Friday. It suggests that whether the reports are true or not, they have likely influenced the decision not to attend the talks. Mullah Omar was reportedly in favour of the talks, and his death, if confirmed, could be a significant factor in the ongoing peace process.

A military helicopter crash in the Naltar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, including the ambassadors of Norway and the Philippines. The MI-17 helicopter, carrying 17 individuals, crashed during an emergency landing and collided with an army school building. While the military cites a technical fault with the tail rotor as the cause, the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with an anti-aircraft missile. Sharif was not aboard the helicopter. The crash occurred as diplomats were being transported to a chairlift project inauguration. No children were in the school at the time, and the prime minister declared a day of mourning.

Shafqat Hussain, sentenced to death in Pakistan at age 14, had his final appeal denied, with his execution scheduled for Thursday. His case, involving allegations of being tortured into confessing to the kidnapping and murder of a seven-year-old, has sparked international controversy and criticism of Pakistan's justice system. Human rights organization Reprieve and Hussain's family argue his innocence and the illegality of executing a juvenile. Despite promises from Pakistan's Interior Minister for an inquiry into Hussain's conviction, no such inquiry has taken place. The case also highlights broader issues with Pakistan's anti-terrorism courts and the use of the death penalty, especially following the Peshawar school massacre in December 2014. Hussain's family members, interviewed by VICE News, express their belief in his innocence and the injustice of the situation, exacerbated by their poverty and inability to afford legal representation or even visit him in prison.

Shafqat Hussain, sentenced to death in Pakistan at age 14, had his final appeal denied, with his execution scheduled for Thursday. His case, involving allegations of being tortured into confessing to the kidnapping and murder of a seven-year-old, has sparked international controversy and criticism of Pakistan's justice system. Human rights organization Reprieve and Hussain's family argue his innocence and the illegality of executing a juvenile. Despite promises from Pakistan's Interior Minister for an inquiry into Hussain's conviction, no such inquiry has taken place. The case also highlights broader issues with Pakistan's anti-terrorism courts and the use of the death penalty, especially following the Peshawar school massacre in December 2014. Hussain's family members, interviewed by VICE News, express their belief in his innocence and the injustice of the situation, exacerbated by their poverty and inability to afford legal representation or even visit him in prison.

The Sindh Rangers, a paramilitary force under Pakistan's Ministry of the Interior, raided the Karachi headquarters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), seizing weapons and detaining party members. The MQM, which holds 23 seats in the National Assembly, has been accused of political violence and was involved in a 2012 Human Rights Watch report. The raid resulted in the death of one person and the arrest of 15, including Faisal Mota, a central MQM member. MQM claims the weapons were licensed and for protection against Taliban threats. The raid led to closures of schools, shops, and businesses in Karachi and other Sindh cities. MQM leader Altaf Hussain, in exile in London, condemned the raid, while PTI's Shireen Mazari and leader Imran Khan criticized Hussain and the MQM, linking them to past violence and extortion.

Victims' families of the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, where 141 people were killed including 132 children, protested against the Pakistani government's handling of the investigation. The protest in Peshawar featured banners and chants demanding justice and criticizing the government's silence. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in retaliation for military actions. Protesters, including a grandmother of two victims and parents of slain children, expressed their frustration with the slow investigation and lack of information. They threatened to escalate protests if the government does not respond positively. The government has executed 22 militants and amended the constitution to allow military trials for terror suspects since the attack.

VICE News visited Peshawar to meet with survivors, paramedics, and relatives of victims from the Army Public School massacre, perpetrated by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. The attack resulted in 141 deaths, including 132 children. The report details the community's efforts to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The article recounts the tragic events of a school attack in Peshawar, Pakistan, where at least 132 children were killed by Taliban gunmen. It tells the personal stories of victims and their families, including Mubeen Quereshi, an aspiring army commando, and teacher Beanish Umar. The article also covers the aftermath of the attack, including the government's response of lifting the moratorium on the death penalty and the opposition leader Imran Khan's visit to the school. The piece highlights the trauma experienced by survivors and the community's call for justice. It also discusses the uncertain future faced by the children and the need for preparedness for similar events.