Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, updates from Gaza, EU plans for a peacekeeping force, and protests in Turkey. Locally, PM Shehbaz meets Saudi Crown Prince, KP CM criticizes National Assembly's anti-terrorism efforts. Plus, is cryptocurrency legalization on the cards?

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Around The World

Updates from Gaza. At least 71 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in the latest predawn attacks by Israel in Gaza. Israel has also resumed its ground operations in Gaza, moving its troops up to the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the north and south of the Strip. In a video message on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a "last warning" to the Palestinian territory calling for the return of the remaining hostages. Live updates here.

Arms up. The UK is hosting a closed meeting on Thursday of senior military leaders from the "coalition of the willing", as they draw up plans for a proposed peacekeeping force for Ukraine. More than 20 countries are reportedly involved. However, there are other obstacles. Russia has said it will not accept any troops from NATO countries based on Ukrainian soil. Trump has also given no sign that the US will guarantee reserve firepower in case of any breach of a truce. Starmer says the plan won’t work without that US “backstop.”

Power play. Protests have erupted in Turkey after authorities detained the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, just days before he was due to be selected as a presidential candidate. Ekrem is among 100 others being investigated on suspicion of fraud, bribery, and corruption, which he rejects as politically motivated. İmamoğlu's party, the CHP, condemned the arrests as a coup against the next president, widely echoed by pro-opposition voices.

Pakistan

The midas touch. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing ways to enhance bilateral ties in trade, investment, energy, and security. The meeting, attended by COAS and other senior officials, emphasized expanding military cooperation and fostering economic collaboration. Additionally, the PM met Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih to promote investment opportunities in Pakistan, inviting Saudi businesses to explore projects under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

Decked out. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur criticized the recent National Assembly security meeting, calling it "more of a presentation" than a serious effort to combat terrorism. Gandapur argued that simply holding meetings and issuing communiqués is insufficient to address the complex issue of terrorism. He suggested forming a smaller, more focused committee to develop a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. 

Crypto bros. Newly appointed crypto advisor, Bilal bin Saqib, told Bloomberg that Pakistan plans to legalize cryptocurrency and establish a regulatory framework to attract foreign investment. This will involve introducing regulatory sandboxes and allowing crypto startups to operate in a controlled, compliant environment and a pro-growth tax policy to encourage investment while maintaining sector competitiveness.

What else is happening?

📈Shares of China-based EV giant BYD hit a record high after it announced a new tech that can charge EVs in five minutes whereas Tesla Superchargers can take half an hour. China plans to add 460,000 new EV chargers this year.

💰A jury in the US has ordered Greenpeace to pay $660 million in damages in a defamation lawsuit brought by oil pipeline operator Energy Transfer, raising serious free speech concerns. The verdict came a decade after a protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline, one of the largest anti-fossil fuel protests in US history.