#High Profile Cases in Pakistan

[thehopefuljournalist]

According to a new survey, lawmakers are playing an increasingly important role in holding corporations and governments accountable for failures to tackle the climate crisis.

The research was done by Columbia Law School, and was commissioned by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). It revealed that the number of climate-related court cases has more than doubled since 2017 and is steadily rising around the world.

Their report confirms a trend highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023, which claimed that individuals and environmental organizations were, more and more, turning to the law, as it became clear that the pace of transition to net-zero emissions was too slow.

“Climate litigation is increasing and concerns about emissions under-reporting and greenwashing have triggered calls for new regulatory oversight for the transition to net zero,” the Forum report said.

The UNEP report catalogues a number of high-profile court cases which have succeeded in enforcing climate action. In 2017, when climate case numbers were last counted, 884 legal actions had been brought. Today the total stands at 2,180.

The majority of climate cases to this date (1,522) have been brought in the US, followed by Australia, the UK, and the EU. The report notes that the number of legal actions in developing countries is growing, now at 17% of the total.

Climate litigation is also giving a voice to vulnerable groups who are being hard hit by climate change. The report says that, globally, 34 cases have been brought by children and young people, including two by girls aged seven and nine in Pakistan and India.

Here are five of the climate breakthroughs achieved by legal action so far.

1. Torres Strait Islanders Vs Australia

In September 2022, indigenous people living on islands in the Torres Strait between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea won a landmark ruling that their human rights were being violated by the failure of the Australian government to take effective climate action.

The UN Human Rights Committee ruling established the principle that a country could be in breach of international human rights law over climate inaction. They ruled that Australia's poor climate record was a violation of the islanders’ right to family life and culture.

2. The Paris Agreement is a human rights treaty

In July 2022, Brazil's supreme court ruled that the Paris climate agreement is legally a human rights treaty which, it said, meant that it automatically overruled any domestic laws which conflicted with the country’s climate obligations.

The ruling ordered the government to reopen its national climate mitigation fund, which had been established under the Paris Agreement.

3. Climate inaction is a breach of human rights

Upholding an earlier court ruling that greenhouse emissions must be cut by 25% by 2020, the Netherlands Supreme Court ruled that failure to curb emissions was a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The December 2019 ruling stated that, although it was up to politicians to decide how to make the emission cuts, failure to do so would be a breach of Articles 2 and 8 of the Convention which affirm the right to life and respect for private and family life.

4. Companies are bound by the Paris accord

Corporations, and not just governments, must abide by the emissions reductions agreed in the Paris climate treaty. This principle was established by a 2021 ruling in the Netherlands brought by environmentalists against energy group Royal Dutch Shell.

The court ordered Shell to cut its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 bringing them in line with Paris climate targets. The judge was reported as saying there was "worldwide agreement" that a 45% reduction was needed, adding: "This applies to the entire world, so also to Shell”.

5. Courts overturn state climate plans

Up until now, three European governments have been defeated in the courts over their climate plans.

In March 2021, Germany’s highest court struck down a climate law requiring 55% emissions by 2030 cuts, ruling it did not do enough to protect citizens’ rights to life and health. The same year, the French government was ordered to take “immediate and concrete action” to comply with its climate commitments. And in 2022, the UK’s climate strategy was ruled unlawful for failing to spell out how emissions cuts would be made.

[beardedmrbean]

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani police Monday fired tear gas canisters at supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to stop them from entering the capital, where they hoped to stage a sit-in to demand his release, officials said.

The firing of tear gas came shortly after demonstrators — who traveled 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the restive northwest — began arriving and gathering near Islamabad. They defied a lockdown, previous tear gas and widespread arrests despite a ban on rallies in the city.

The development came a day after the leadership of Khan’s party went ahead with the “long march” even as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived for a three-day visit. He was received at an airport near the capital by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday evening.

Authorities said at least one police officer was killed and several officers and demonstrators were injured in clashes. The marchers appeared determined to enter Islamabad, where the lockdown, which has been in place for two days, has disrupted daily life.

The government was in talks with Khan's party to avoid any further violence, officials said.

Khan, who has been in jail for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases, remains popular. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, says the cases are politically motivated.

A convoy of vehicles carrying protesters was expected to enter the capital Monday night. Security officials say they expect between 9,000 and 11,000 demonstrators, while the PTI says the number will be much higher.

Video on social media showed Khan supporters donning gas masks and protective goggles.

Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible. Ambulances and cars were seen turning back from areas along the key Grand Trunk Road highway in Punjab province, where shipping containers were used to block roads.

Video circulating online showed some protesters operating heavy machinery to remove the containers.

“We are determined, and we will reach Islamabad, though police are using tear gas to stop our march,” PTI senior leader Kamran Bangash told The Associated Press. “We will overcome all hurdles one by one, and our supporters are removing shipping containers from roads."

Bangash also said Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who was recently released on bail in a graft case, will lead the march along with Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Khan’s party remains in power.

Earlier, almost 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Islamabad, Bibi, wearing a white head-to-toe burqa, addressed protesters while sitting in a truck, urging them to remain determined to achieve their goal and free Khan. She then chanted, “God is great” and left.

Khan’s main political opponent, Sharif, heads the current government.

Sharif’s spokesperson, Attaullah Tarar, said on Sunday that whenever any high-profile foreign delegation comes to Pakistan, the PTI “begins the politics of long marches and onslaught on Islamabad to harm the economy.”

Some economists say protests cause billions of rupees in damages to the country's fragile economy.

Protesters on Sunday night burned trees as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds. Khan supporters retaliated by using slingshots and pelting security personnel with rocks.

In a bid to foil the protest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns,” which the PTI said affected its call on social media for a protest. On Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested.

Authorities say only courts can order the release of Khan, who was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He has been imprisoned since his first conviction in a graft case, in August 2023.

Khan has been sentenced in several cases. His convictions were later overturned on appeal but he cannot be freed due to other pending cases against him.

[news-venue]

Who Is Harish Salve, The Lawyer Fighting To Get Vinesh Phogat Olympic Medal

Hopes of billion Indians now rests on the shoulders to lawyer Harish Salve who will today represent wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her Paris Olympics disqualification case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Ms Phogat, a top contender in the 50-kg wrestling category, was disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to a weight issue just hours before the final. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed for the Phogat to be given a joint silver medal for her stellar show at the marquee event.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport or CAS is an international body established in 1984 to settle disputes in sport through arbitration.

Harish Salve, former Solicitor General of India and King's Counsel, has confirmed that he has been engaged by the IOA to represent Phogat in the case.

Salve was the Solicitor General of India from 1999 to 2002. He is considered one of India's top lawyers, known for his exceptional expertise in constitutional, commercial, and arbitration law.

Kulbhushan Jadhav Case (2017): He represented India at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan. Salve successfully argued for a stay on Jadhav's execution. Ratan Tata vs Cyrus Mistry (2016): Mr Salve represented Ratan Tata in a legal battle against Cyrus Mistry. Vodafone Tax Dispute (2012): Mr Salve represented Vodafone in a high-profile tax dispute, securing a landmark victory for the company. 2G Spectrum Scam (2012): Mr Salve appeared for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the 2G spectrum allocation case. Sahara Group vs SEBI (2012): The lawyer represented the Sahara Group in a dispute with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics final, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday.

In an emotional post on X, Ms Phogat expressed her sense of defeat and gratitude, stating, "Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness."

[geezliberia]

Pakistan and Australia Set to Swing the Changes for Second Test

To understand the new politics stance and other pro nationals of recent times, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement of the latest generation. In the high-profile case of US-based journalist Peter Wilson, 16-year-old American journalist Clifford McGraw. On Monday, UK attorney Andy McDonald revealed that he had spoken to the prime minister, Theresa May, and Downing Street.…

[anormalbinsan]

The Growing Industry of Betel Nut Suppliers in Indonesia

Betel nut, often identified as Areca nut, is the nut of the Areca catechu palm and holds an crucial role in the custom and economic structure of several nations in Asia. The seed is chewed for its energizing benefits, particularly when blended with betel quid (a mixture of betel leaves and hydrated lime) or tobacco. Indonesia as a country, being one of the main cultivators of betel seeds, has grown into a major stakeholder in the international commodity chain for this resource.

In the country of Indonesia, masticating betel seed, known locally as "sirih pinang," possesses a rich history. It frequently employed in ceremonies, social gatherings, and medical treatments. Within provincial areas, especially in Sumatra, Borneo, and the island of Sulawesi, the tradition of chewing Areca seed is still firmly entrenched. The seed has a social and traditional meaning, often serving as a symbol of generosity or integrated in traditional ceremonies, like matrimonial events.

Financially, the farming of betel nuts supplies a source of income for numerous local farmers, especially in provinces for instance Aceh, West Sumatran regions, and the northern region of Sulawesi. For these communities, Areca palm seed serves as a valuable commercial crop, supplementing their financial means and having a crucial role in the economy of the region.

Indonesia's tropical humid weather, nutrient-dense soil, and vast shorelines create the optimum setting for betel palm trees to thrive. The farming process is straightforward and needs substantial effort, consisting of placing saplings, maintaining palm groves, and collecting the betel nuts after roughly five years. After they are harvested, the Areca palm seeds are usually dried, parboiled, or fermented, based on the regional practices and the economic demand.

The Indonesian betel nut industry features a wide-ranging supply network, involving small-scale farmers, domestic dealers, wholesalers, and exporters. In some cases, betel nuts are marketed fresh, but usually, they are dried to provide a longer shelf life and to accommodate the demands of overseas markets.

The global demand for betel seed, notably in nations such as the country of India, Pakistan, the island of Taiwan, and other parts of Southeast Asia, has grown in recent times. Areca seed is in high demand in these areas, where its consumption continues to be a cultural tradition, even with the rising knowledge of its potential health risks. The country of India is the main purchaser of Indonesian betel nuts. The Areca nuts are handled in different forms, such as entire nuts, halved nuts, or as powder, depending on the market requirements. The use of betel nut in making paan continues to be prevalent in the region of India, and betel from Indonesia is commonly favored for its superior quality and consistent supply.

Taiwan functions as another growing market for Indonesian betel nuts, where the habit of betel nut consumption is prevalent, especially among men in provincial zones. Merchants from Taiwan prefer Indonesian betel nuts due to their reduced costs in contrast to domestic production. Despite the financial prospects of the betel nut business, Indonesian producers struggle with several issues in enhancing their sales territories and enhancing their distribution networks.

In recent years, scientific studies have associated the consistent consumption of betel nuts with cancers of the mouth and additional health concerns, triggering issues about its safety profile. This has caused some places adopting enhanced regulations or even bans on the trade and consumption of Areca nut products. For example, Taiwanese authorities has rolled out strategies to reduce the consumption of betel nuts because of increasing incidents of oral cancer. Betel nut suppliers in Indonesia, consequently, confront the difficulty of managing these regulations while sustaining their international markets.

Even though the Indonesian betel nut industry is extensive, it is deficient in standardized quality measures and standardization processes. This can lead to inconsistent product quality, which impacts its overseas reputation. Some suppliers have begun embracing more stringent selection, grading, and packaging standards to secure steadiness, but the entire industry still has opportunities for enhancement.

As with many agricultural commodities, growing betel nuts creates concerns about forest destruction and ecological damage. In some regions, Areca palm plantations have grown into earlier forest-covered lands, leading to a reduction in species diversity and interruption of habitats. Addressing these sustainability challenges is imperative for the long-term viability of the industry.

Indonesia as a nation is definitely not the sole country growing betel nut. Several Southeast Asian states, such as Thailand, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the island nation of Sri Lanka, too have thriving betel nut markets. Producers in Indonesia must maintain competitiveness by delivering top-quality goods, efficient supply chains, and competitive pricing to retain their presence in the worldwide market.

In spite of the hurdles, the future remains hopeful for the betel nut sector in Indonesia. The global market for Areca palm seed is foreseen to remain strong due to the deep-rooted traditions of consumers in critical markets. While countries such as India and Taiwan continue to require top-notch Areca seeds, producers in Indonesia are well-positioned to address this demand.

For the purpose of ensuring continued growth, Indonesian betel nut suppliers are concentrating on modernizing their production techniques, refining quality control, and exploring additional markets. Some businesses are putting funds into advanced systems and framework to enhance their operations and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, there is growing interest in natural and ethically sourced products, which could create new opportunities for producers in Indonesia prepared to integrate eco-friendly practices.

The country of Indonesia's Areca nut industry is a major factor to both the regional and international economy. It provides livelihoods to countless smallholder farmers and meets the requirements of overseas markets, particularly in India and the island of Taiwan. However, hurdles such as public health challenges, regulatory issues, and market rivalry must be addressed for the industry to prosper in the long term. By concentrating on eco-friendliness, quality control, and new developments, Indonesian Areca nut manufacturers can keep to play a essential role in the global logistics.

[techtired]

The Usage of R32 Gas in Air Conditioners is Dangerous or It’s A Myth?

Difluoromethane, commonly known as R32, is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant celebrated for its low global warming potential (GWP) and negligible ozone depletion potential (ODP). Unlike older refrigerants such as R22 and R410A, R32 has a GWP of approximately 675, significantly lower than R410A’s GWP of 2088. This substantial reduction in GWP makes it a more environmentally friendly option, contributing less to global warming and climate change. If you're considering upgrading to a more eco-friendly cooling solution, you can buy an R32 technology air conditioner from Lahore Centre. Plus, get it installed by skilled technicians who ensure your system runs efficiently and effectively. R32’s superior thermodynamic properties lead to enhanced energy efficiency. This reduces energy consumption for cooling systems, resulting in cost savings on energy bills. The increased efficiency makes R32 an appealing choice for both manufacturers and consumers. Popularity of the Refrigerant in Air Conditioners Globally, there is a growing trend towards using this refrigerant due to its environmental and efficiency benefits. This trend is gaining momentum in Pakistan as increasing awareness about climate change and ecological issues drives the adoption of more sustainable cooling solutions. Benefits: - Lower Environmental Impact: Its reduced GWP helps lower the carbon footprint of air conditioning systems. - Improved Efficiency: Enhanced cooling performance results in reduced energy consumption. - Cost-Effective: Although initial costs may be higher, the long-term energy savings often offset these costs. Models of Air Conditioners in Pakistan Using This Refrigerant Several reputable brands in Pakistan offer air conditioners that utilize this advanced refrigerant. Here are a few examples: Features and Specifications: - Samsung AR18AYMZASIN: Features a 1.5-ton capacity with inverter technology for efficient and quiet cooling. - LG Dual Inverter AC (PS-Q12YN1): Equipped with a dual inverter compressor for energy-efficient and low-noise cooling. - Panasonic CS/CU-UZ12UKY: Includes an ECONAVI sensor to optimize energy use based on room conditions. Safety Profile of the Refrigerant Concerns about the safety of this refrigerant often stem from misconceptions. While it is flammable, it is classified as a mild gas, requiring specific ignition conditions, such as a sustained flame or high temperatures. In typical residential and commercial environments, the risk of ignition is minimal. Safety Measures: - Proper Installation: Certified technicians should handle the installation to ensure safe handling and proper setup. - Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential during installation and maintenance to prevent refrigerant accumulation. - Leak Detection: Regular checks are important to detect and address potential leaks. Manufacturers adhere to rigorous safety standards to ensure the safe use of this refrigerant in air conditioning systems. Safety Record at Lahore Centre At Lahore Centre, we have been selling air conditioners that use this refrigerant, including models from well-known brands like Haier, Kenwood, and Homeage. We have not encountered any reports of incidents or explosions related to these units. This excellent safety record highlights the importance of proper handling and installation by trained professionals. The most in-demand are Haier HSU-12HFCA 1 Ton DC Inverter AC. No case of Blast has been reported to date. Key Points: - Trained Technicians: Safety concerns are often associated with untrained or inexperienced technicians. Proper installation by certified professionals is crucial in mitigating risks. - No Reported Incidents: Our extensive experience with R32-based systems has been positive, with no reported accidents or safety issues. Regulations and Standards In Pakistan, the use of refrigerants, including this one, is governed by local environmental and safety regulations. These regulations aim to minimize environmental impact and ensure the safety of air conditioning systems. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for manufacturers and service providers. Future Trends The adoption of this refrigerant is expected to increase as its benefits become more widely recognized. Technological advancements will likely further enhance the performance and safety of air conditioning systems using this refrigerant. Emerging Trends: - Increased Efficiency: Technological improvements are expected to boost the efficiency of systems further using this refrigerant. - Growing Awareness: As environmental concerns continue to rise, more consumers are likely to opt for this refrigerant due to its lower GWP and energy efficiency. - Technological Innovations: Future developments may further optimize the performance and safety of systems using this refrigerant. Conclusion Difluoromethane in air conditioners offers numerous advantages, including lower environmental impact, improved efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Despite some myths about its safety, it is a reliable and safe choice when handled correctly. With stringent safety measures and adherence to regulations, it represents a responsible choice for modern cooling needs. Don't let myths about air conditioners' refrigerant safety hold you back. Visit Lahore Centre today to explore our range of air conditioners featuring this innovative refrigerant. Experience superior efficiency and minimal environmental impact—contact us now to discover why this choice is ideal for a greener and more efficient home! Read the full article

[campadailyblog]

Pakistan and Australia Set to Swing the Changes for Second Test

To understand the new politics stance and other pro nationals of recent times, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement of the latest generation. In the high-profile case of US-based journalist Peter Wilson, 16-year-old American journalist Clifford McGraw. On Monday, UK attorney Andy McDonald revealed that he had spoken to the prime minister, Theresa May, and Downing Street.…

[jcmarchi]

How to safeguard your business from AI-generated deepfakes

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-to-safeguard-your-business-from-ai-generated-deepfakes/

How to safeguard your business from AI-generated deepfakes

.pp-multiple-authors-boxes-wrapper display:none; img width:100%;

Recently, cybercriminals used ‘deepfake’ videos of the executives of a multinational company to convince the company’s Hong Kong-based employees to wire out US $25.6 million. Based on a video conference call featuring multiple deepfakes, the employees believed that their UK-based chief financial officer had requested that the funds be transferred. Police have reportedly arrested six people in connection with the scam. This use of AI technology is dangerous and manipulative. Without proper guidelines and frameworks in place, more organizations risk falling victim to AI scams like deepfakes. 

Deepfakes 101 and their rising threat 

Deepfakes are forms of digitally altered media — including photos, videos and audio clips — that seem to depict a real person. They are created by training an AI system on real clips featuring a person, and then using that AI system to generate realistic (yet inauthentic) new media. Deepfake use is becoming more common. The Hong Kong case was the latest in a series of high-profile deepfake incidents in recent weeks. Fake, explicit images of Taylor Swift circulated on social media, the political party of an imprisoned election candidate in Pakistan used a deepfake video of him to deliver a speech and a deepfake ‘voice clone’ of President Biden called primary voters to tell them not to vote. 

Less high-profile cases of deepfake use by cybercriminals have also been rising in both scale and sophistication. In the banking sector, cybercriminals are now attempting to overcome voice authentication by using voice clones of people to impersonate users and gain access to their funds. Banks have responded by improving their abilities to identify deepfake use and increasing authentication requirements. 

Cybercriminals have also targeted individuals with ‘spear phishing’ attacks that use deepfakes. A common approach is to deceive a person’s family members and friends by using a voice clone to impersonate someone in a phone call and ask for funds to be transferred to a third-party account. Last year, a survey by McAfee found that 70% of surveyed people were not confident that they could distinguish between people and their voice clones and that nearly half of surveyed people would respond to requests for funds if the family member or friend making the call claimed to have been robbed or in a car accident.

Cybercriminals have also called people pretending to be tax authorities, banks, healthcare providers and insurers in efforts to gain financial and personal details. 

In February, the Federal Communications Commission ruled that phone calls using AI-generated human voices are illegal unless made with prior express consent of the called party. The Federal Trade Commission also finalized a rule prohibiting AI impersonation of government organizations and businesses and proposed a similar rule prohibiting AI impersonation of individuals. This adds to a growing list of legal and regulatory measures being put in place around the world to combat deepfakes. 

Stay protected against deepfakes 

To protect employees and brand reputation against deepfakes, leaders should adhere to the following steps:

Educate employees on an ongoing basis, both about AI-enabled scams and, more generally, about new AI capabilities and their risks. 

Upgrade phishing guidance to include deepfake threats. Many companies have already educated employees about phishing emails and urged caution when receiving suspicious requests via unsolicited emails. Such phishing guidance should incorporate AI deepfake scams and note that it may use not just text and email, but also video, images and audio. 

Appropriately increase or calibrate authentication of employees, business partners and customers. For example, using more than one mode of authentication depending on the sensitivity and risk of a decision or transaction. 

Consider the impacts of deepfakes on company assets, like logos, advertising characters and advertising campaigns. Such company assets can easily be replicated using deepfakes and spread quickly via social media and other internet channels. Consider how your company will mitigate these risks and educate stakeholders. 

Expect more and better deepfakes, given the pace of improvement in generative AI, the number of major election processes underway in 2024, and the ease with which deepfakes can propagate between people and across borders. 

Though deepfakes are a cybersecurity concern, companies should also think of them as complex and emerging phenomena with broader repercussions. A proactive and thoughtful approach to addressing deepfakes can help educate stakeholders and ensure that measures to combat them are responsible, proportionate and appropriate.

(Photo by Markus Spiske)

See also: UK and US sign pact to develop AI safety tests

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

Tags: ai, artificial intelligence, deepfakes, enterprise, scams

[thxnews]

UKEF Backs Six Flags Qiddiya in Historic Deal

A Win for UK Businesses in Saudi Venture

In a move that underscores the growing business synergy between the UK and Saudi Arabia, UK Export Finance (UKEF) has made a groundbreaking commitment to the Six Flags Qiddiya City project near Riyadh. This initiative not only marks a significant stride in international trade relations but also heralds new opportunities for UK businesses.   UKEF's Largest Murabaha Financing to Date UK Export Finance (UKEF) has taken a significant step by guaranteeing an Islamic Murabaha financing facility for approximately $700 million. Managed by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), this facility is a cornerstone for the construction of the Six Flags Qiddiya City theme park. Consequently, the project, led by a joint venture including Bouygues Bâtiment International and Almabani General Contractors, is set to be a landmark development.   Expanding UK Exporters' Horizons In a landmark move, UKEF has ventured into its first Murabaha financing in the region, and notably, it's their largest to date. This strategic decision significantly opens new doors for UK exporters, providing them with the opportunity to engage in the vast opportunities emerging from the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (PIF). Consequently, this involvement in large-scale infrastructure development is a clear indicator of the expanding horizons for UK businesses in international markets.   Collaborative Financial Support In this venture, UKEF's involvement was significantly enhanced by reinsurance from notable European Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) including Atradius Dutch State Business N.V., SACE S.p.A., and Euler-Hermes Aktiengesellschaft. Playing a crucial role, Crédit Agricole CIB acted as the exclusive ECA Coordinating Bank, alongside HSBC and BNP Paribas as Mandated Lead Arrangers (MLA).  

A Testament to UK-Saudi Trade Relations

Tim Reid, UK Export Finance Chief Executive, highlighted the significance of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ and UKEF’s commitment to ensuring that British businesses capitalize on the exporting opportunities it presents. This deal not only fosters business growth for UK suppliers but also demonstrates UKEF’s capacity to facilitate major international projects.   Strengthening Bilateral Trade Oliver Christian, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan, emphasized the robust UK-Saudi Arabia bilateral trade, which exceeded £17bn last year. This deal is a testament to the strengthening trade relationship, showcasing UKEF's support in facilitating significant Islamic financing deals and enhancing UK exporters' access to lucrative trading opportunities.  

Navigating Complexities in UK-Saudi Relations

The UK and Saudi Arabian governments have long navigated a complex relationship, balancing lucrative economic ties with human rights concerns. This relationship has seen significant developments and growing pressure, leading to a nuanced approach to maintaining economic ties while addressing human rights issues.   Addressing Human Rights Concerns Despite the economic benefits, Saudi Arabia's human rights record remains a point of contention. The UK has taken steps to address these concerns, including a review of arms sales and public statements on high-profile cases like Jamal Khashoggi's murder.   Looking Ahead: Balancing Economic and Ethical Interests As the UK continues to engage with Saudi Arabia, balancing economic interests with human rights advancements remains a delicate task. The success of this relationship depends on finding a sustainable approach that benefits both nations economically while making strides in human rights improvements.  

A Strategic Step Forward

The UKEF-backed Six Flags Qiddiya City deal is more than just a financial agreement; it's a symbol of the evolving UK-Saudi relationship. It represents a strategic step forward in international trade, offering UK businesses unprecedented opportunities while navigating the complexities of bilateral relations. This deal sets a precedent for future collaborations, blending economic growth with a commitment to ethical considerations.   Sources: THX News & UK Export Finance. Read the full article

[head-post]

Pakistan’s former PM released on bail over state secrets case

Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan was granted bail on Friday over a high-profile state secrets case as the court declared him “innocent.”

The Supreme Court also granted bail to his party colleague and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi over the case, also known as “the cipher case.”

The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by Sardar Tariq Masood, acting chief justice. Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah raised questions about the cipher and the inclusion of sections relating to the death sentence in the first information report against the former prime minister and foreign minister.

The former prime minister has not been found guilty; he is innocent. [There was] no proof that his statement benefited any other country.

Khan was accused of divulging state secrets when he waved a confidential diplomatic letter at a rally last year. He and Qureshi, members of Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party, have twice been charged in the case.

Read more HERE

[ailtrahq]

Westport, Connecticut police assisted a crypto investor in reclaiming over $3 million in Bitcoin (BTC) after they fell victim to a high-profile financial scam. Westport police thwart BTC scam  In May, the Westport police reportedly initiated an investigation following a report from a victim, who had been persuaded to transfer funds from their retirement account to a Kraken crypto exchange wallet address January, as stated by Lt. Eric Woods in a news release.�� Between January and March, the victim discovered that over $3 million worth of Bitcoin had been withdrawn and moved to cryptocurrency wallets beyond their control. Collaborating with the Connecticut State Police, Westport detectives diligently traced the transactions and successfully froze all accounts linked to the scam, as confirmed by Woods. As a result of these efforts, authorities successfully recovered over  $3 million, which has now been returned to the victim. Woods also clarified that the frozen accounts were traced back to residents of Pakistan, making the likelihood of arrests in this case highly unlikely. In a statement issued on Sept. 29, Woods of the Westport Police Department emphasized the significance of this case, showcasing the commendable efforts of their Detective Bureau. He also reminded residents to be cautious and wary of scam schemes. Cryptocurrency scams a cause of concern In recent years, crypto scams have surged as bad actors continue exploiting the cryptocurrency industry’s lack of regulation.  The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) offers a Crypto Scam Tracker, enabling users to search for specific complaints and providing insights into common scams and protective measures for crypto transactions. In May, a UK couple experienced a significant setback when they became victims of a Bitcoin scam, resulting in a debt of $56,000. The scam, unrelated to Bitcoin or cryptocurrency, capitalized on the couple’s shallow understanding of financial matters. It appeared to be a phishing scam wherein the couple was deceived into divulging their BTC wallet and personal information. In August, Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society issued a stern warning to Facebook, threatening to obtain a court-issued shutdown order if the platform fails to address alleged investment and crypto scam advertisements.  According to the ministry, these deceptive ads on Facebook have victimized more than 200,000 individuals, promoting crypto scams, fraudulent investments, and counterfeit government agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission. The ministry is actively accumulating evidence related to these scam advertisements, which have surpassed 5,300 in number. The issue has endured despite the government’s persistent requests urging Facebook to remove more than 5,000 identified scam ads. These scams, boasting daily returns of up to 30%, often exploit celebrity endorsements or falsely claim compliance with regulatory bodies, creating a significant concern for authorities and users alike. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over $1 billion in cryptocurrency has been lost to scams since the beginning of 2021, affecting more than 46,000 individuals.  The most prevalent scams involved fake investment opportunities, with $575 million reported in crypto fraud losses related to these schemes in 2021. Victims fell prey to fraudulent investment websites and apps, believing they could monitor their crypto growth, only to discover the apps were fake, and retrieving their money became impossible.

[myresenas]

Pakistan and Australia Set to Swing the Changes for Second Test

To understand the new politics stance and other pro nationals of recent times, we should look to Silicon Valley and the quantified movement of the latest generation. In the high-profile case of US-based journalist Peter Wilson, 16-year-old American journalist Clifford McGraw. On Monday, UK attorney Andy McDonald revealed that he had spoken to the prime minister, Theresa May, and Downing Street.…

[gamegill]

Wazirabad JIT head seeks action against team members for ‘damaging’ case - Pakistan

Wazirabad JIT head seeks action against team members for ‘damaging’ case – Pakistan

LAHORE: The head of the joint investigation team (JIT) probing into the assassination attempt on former prime minister Imran Khan in Wazirabad has proposed departmental action against four senior members of the panel for allegedly handling the probe unprofessionally and damaging the high-profile case. Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mahmood Dogar, who heads the JIT, has also…

[veenaspakistanlitblog]

Ten Interesting Pakistani Novels

Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Staples (Summary by Amazon)

Najmah, a young Afghan girl whose name means "star," suddenly finds herself alone when her father and older brother are conscripted by the Taliban and her mother and newborn brother are killed in an air raid. An American woman, Elaine, whose Islamic name is Nusrat, is also on her own. She waits out the war in Peshawar, Pakistan, teaching refugee children under the persimmon tree in her garden while her Afghan doctor husband runs a clinic in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Najmah's father had always assured her that the stars would take care of her, just as Nusrat's husband had promised that they would tell Nusrat where he was and that he was safe. As the two look to the skies for answers, their fates entwine. Najmah, seeking refuge and hoping to find her father and brother, begins the perilous journey through the mountains to cross the border into Pakistan. And Nusrat's persimmon-tree school awaits Najmah's arrival. Together, they both seek their way home.

2.) The Diary of a Social Butterfly by Moni Mohsin (Summary by Amazon)

This is the hugely entertaining journal of a socialite in Lahore. Pakistan may be making headlines - but Butterfly is set to conquer the world. 'Everyone knows me. All of Lahore, all of Karachi, all of Isloo - oho, baba, Islamabad - half of Dubai, half of London and all of Khan Market and all the nice, nice bearers in Imperial Hotel also...No ball, no party, no dinner, no coffee morning, no funeral, no GT - Get-Together, baba - is complete without me.' Meet Butterfly, Pakistan's most lovable, silly, socialite. An avid party-goer-inspired misspeller, and unwittingly acute observer of Pakistani high society, Butterfly is a woman like no other. In her world, SMS becomes S & M and people eat 'three tiara cakes' while shunning 'do number ka manual. 'What cheeks!' as she would say. As her country faces tribulations - from 9/11 to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto - Butterfly glides through her world, unfazed, untouched, and stopped short only by the chip in her manicure. Wicked, irreverent, and hugely entertaining, "The Diary of a Social Butterfly" gives you a delicious glimpse into the parallel universe of the have-musts.

3.) Maps for Lost Lovers by Nadeem Aslam (Summary by Amazon)

If Gabriel García Márquez had chosen to write about Pakistani immigrants in England, he might have produced a novel as beautiful and devastating as Maps for Lost Lovers. Jugnu and Chanda have disappeared. Like thousands of people all over England, they were lovers and living together out of wedlock. To Chanda’s family, however, the disgrace was unforgivable.  Perhaps enough so as to warrant murder. As he explores the disappearance and its aftermath through the eyes of Jugnu’s worldly older brother, Shamas, and his devout wife, Kaukab, Nadeem Aslam creates a closely observed and affecting portrait of people whose traditions threaten to bury them alive. The result is a tour de force, intimate, affecting, tragic and suspenseful.

4.) A Season for Martyrs by Bina Shah (Summary by Amazon)

October 2007. Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returns home after eight years of exile to seek political office once more. Assigned to cover her controversial arrival is TV journalist Ali Sikandar, the estranged son of a wealthy landowner from the interior region of Sindh. While her presence ignites fierce protests and assassination attempts, Ali finds himself irrevocably drawn to the pro-democracy People’s Resistance Movement, a secret that sweeps him into the many contradictions of a country still struggling to embrace modernity. As Shah weaves together the centuries-old history of Ali’s feudal family and its connection to the Bhuttos, she brilliantly reveals a story at the crossroads of the personal and the political, a chronicle of one man’s desire to overcome extremity to find love, forgiveness, and even identity itself.

5.) Karachi, You’re Killing Me! by Saba Imtiaz (Summary by Amazon)

Ayesha is a twenty-something reporter in one of the world’s most dangerous cities. Her assignments range from showing up at bomb sites and picking her way through scattered body parts to interviewing her boss’s niece, the couture-cupcake designer. In between dicing with death and absurdity, Ayesha despairs over the likelihood of ever meeting a nice guy, someone like her old friend Saad, whose shoulder she cries on after every romantic misadventure. Her choices seem limited to narcissistic, adrenaline-chasing reporters who’ll do anything to get their next story—to the spoilt offspring of the Karachi elite who’ll do anything to cure their boredom. Her most pressing problem, however, is how to straighten her hair during chronic power outages. Karachi, You’re Killing Me! is Bridget Jones’s Diary meets The Diary of a Social Butterfly—a comedy of manners in a city with none.

6.) How It Happened by Shazaf Fatima Haider (Summary by Amazon)

Dadi, the imperious matriarch of the Bandian family in Karachi, swears by the virtues of arranged marriage. All her ancestors including a dentally and optically challenged aunt have been perfectly well-served by such arrangements. But her grandchildren are harder to please. Haroon, the apple of her eye, has to suffer half a dozen candidates until he finds the perfect Shia-Syed girl of his dreams. But it is Zeba, his sister, who has the tougher time, as she is accosted by a bevy of suitors, including a potbellied cousin and a banker who reeks of sesame oil. Told by the witty, hawk-eyed Saleha, the precocious youngest sibling, this is a romantic, amusing and utterly delightful story about how marriages are made and unmade---not in heaven, but in the drawing room and over the phone.

7.) A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Shazaf Fatima Haider (Summary by Amazon)

Intrigue and subterfuge combine with bad luck and good in this darkly comic debut about love, betrayal, tyranny, family, and a conspiracy trying its damnedest to happen. Ali Shigri, Pakistan Air Force pilot and Silent Drill Commander of the Fury Squadron, is on a mission to avenge his father's suspicious death, which the government calls a suicide.Ali's target is none other than General Zia ul-Haq, dictator of Pakistani. Enlisting a rag-tag group of conspirators, including his cologne-bathed roommate, a hash-smoking American lieutenant, and a mango-besotted crow, Ali sets his elaborate plan in motion. There's only one problem: the line of would-be Zia assassins is longer than he could have possibly known.

8.) Home Fire: A Novel by Kamila Shamise (Summary by Amazon)

Isma is free. After years of watching out for her younger siblings in the wake of their mother’s death, she’s accepted an invitation from a mentor in America that allows her to resume a dream long deferred. But she can’t stop worrying about Aneeka, her beautiful, headstrong sister back in London, or their brother, Parvaiz, who’s disappeared in pursuit of his own dream, to prove himself to the dark legacy of the jihadist father he never knew. When he resurfaces half a globe away, Isma’s worst fears are confirmed. Then Eamonn enters the sisters’ lives. Son of a powerful political figure, he has his own birthright to live up to—or defy. Is he to be a chance at love? The means of Parvaiz’s salvation? Suddenly, two families’ fates are inextricably, devastatingly entwined, in this searing novel that asks: What sacrifices will we make in the name of love?

9.) She Loves Me, He Loves Me Not by Zeenat Mahal (Summary by Amazon)

Zoella didn’t know whether she was devastatingly happy or happily devastated. Zoella has been in love with Fardeen Malik, her best friend’s gorgeous older brother, since she was ten, but he’s always seen her as a ‘good girl’—not his type—and he can barely remember her name. Besides, he’s engaged to a gorgeous leggy socialite, someone from the same rarefied social strata as the imposing Malik family. In short, Zoella has no chance with him. Until a brutal accident leaves Fardeen scarred and disfigured, that is. Suddenly bereft of a fiancée, Fardeen is bitterly caustic, a shell of the man he used to be, a beast that has broken out of the fairy tale world he once lived in. And a twist of fate lands him his very own beauty—Zoella. This man, however, is a far cry from the Fardeen of her dreams. Stripped of her illusions, Zoella creates her own twist in the fairy tale, beating him at his own game. Order now and read this modern, unusual interpretation of the old-age fairy tale, in which Zeenat explores the themes of love, longing, and arranged marriages.

10.) Undying Affinity by Sara Naveed (Summary by Amazon)

Twenty-two-year-old, Zarish Munawwar, has everything in life she could ever ask for; an elite family, a high profile status, a bunch of good friends and a childhood sweetheart. Being childish, stubborn, imperious, extravagant and a bit impulsive at making important decisions pertaining to her life, is what perfectly describes her overall personality. She takes life easily and can get anything she desires. To her, life is a bed of roses. It is only when she meets, Ahmar Muraad, her mentor and finance professor at university, her perspective towards life completely changes. He looks quite young for his age as every girl at the university thinks he is attractive, seductive, intellectual and rather intimidating. This charming man is every girl's fantasy and Zarish also finds it hard to resist him. But is he fascinated by her? Little did Zarish know how one little interaction could bring about so many twists and turns in her life. After continuous unsuccessful attempts to avoid him, she feels that she is gradually falling for his charm. Ahmar, however, remains oblivious to her feelings. She is ready to abandon her childhood sweetheart for him. Eventually, there comes a time when only he matters to her and nobody else. Awestruck by the sudden revelation, she is dazed to find out that he feels exactly the same for her. Before their love blossoms, a slight tragedy falls into their lives. Zia Munawwar, her father, has some other plans for his daughter. Will Ahmar fight against the world for his lady love or step back? Do not miss this romantic tragedy as it will encapsulate you totally and will stay in your heart forever

[qvid-pro-qvo]

running away, across an ocean

aaron hotchner x reader, taking place before and during “it takes a village (season 7, episode 1)”

word count: 3347

rating: teen, for language and sexual tension, as well as a little bit of heartbreak

-

There was a beauty there. Each night, falling asleep beneath the stars, the cool wind rushing across the desert floor. Sure, sand got kicked up, but that wasn’t the worst part of it all. It wasn’t even close.

No, the worst part was the job.

The cases themselves were either dull or dead ends. The people were either assholes or incapable. There was never a middle ground, just… a lot of men who thought the world should go their way or the highway. And then there was you, one of three women who managed to get in the game, and struggling like hell because of it.

“Do not call again unless you have some solid intel,” you snapped. “I don’t have time for games, and I sure as hell do not have fucking time for a rookie looking for a promotion.” Your eyes closed, and you pulled the phone away from your face, slamming the antenna down on the satellite phone before clipping it back onto your belt. Your hands immediately went to your hair, pulling out the ponytail only to tie it back up tight and high.

Two years in the desert, and while the stars were always a highlight…

With a huff, you moved to stand over the table where your files were, fingers tracing over the black and white photographs before you heard the flutter of the tent flap.

“Ma’am. I’ve got an agent here, says he was detailed to come to you when he landed.”

“An agent?” you called back, not turning around. You weren’t aware of any new CIA lackeys coming in to try and do your job better than you could. “Who sent him?”

“FBI, ma’am.”

Well. Wasn’t that a surprise, as well as an annoyance.

Your head lifted from the study of the photos, allowing you to turn and face the two men at the entrance to the tent. One of them, a soldier, one you’d seen around base, a low-ranking guy who did the errands the older ones didn’t like to do. The other, definitely the agent, the suit being a dead giveaway. He was handsome, at the very least, but that didn’t mean much when looks usually matched ego.

“Dismissed, private. Go get some grub,” you told the soldier, who nodded and gave a salute, backing out of the tent and jogging off to grab a meal. It left you alone with the agent, and you couldn’t help but chuckle at the knucklehead as you walked around the table to lean against it. “So, they send the FBI when the CIA can’t get the job done? Doesn’t seem like this is your purview, Agent…?”

“Hotchner, Aaron Hotchner,” the man said, and you watched as his eyes seemed to pick apart the whole tent. Scanned it front top to bottom with eyes so brown they looked black, especially in the lamplight of the place. If he was trying to make you squirm, it didn’t work, but a lesser person would be fidgeting under a sharp gaze like that. “I’m a special supervisory agent with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. I’m to report to Agent Y/L/N, get debriefed.”

“You’re in the right place, Agent Hotchner, but you’re gonna need to change first,” you told him. “An outfit like that gets a target on your back.”

“What kind of target?” His voice is low, gravelly, and when he looked at you again there was something in them that told you he was tired. Worn. And yet, he was here.

You shrugged. “The kind you see through a scope. We’ll get you the garb. Ugly as hell, but it gets the job done. You’ll be sweating through it in no time.” With a little gesture to your own attire, dirty cargo khakis, the combat boots, and the vest over a shirt that looked like every other shirt you had with you, you gestured back to him.

“Understood, Agent.”

His… quiet demeanor. It was unnerving. You worked with a lot of alpha males who chose yelling as the best form of communication, and this agent looked like the lot of them. Short cropped hair, sharp job, hooked nose. The only thing he was missing was a beard, something you doubted he’d ever sported in his life. But even though he looked the part, and would fit in even more so once he got changed, you couldn’t help but think he wouldn’t ever get in with the guys.

Maybe that he wouldn’t even want to.

It was silent for a few moments, the two of you sizing each other up. “We’ll start in the morning,” you finally offered, when you admitted that the only thing you had waiting for you was a phone call to headquarters about this guy. Get a background. “There’s nothing here that can be fixed overnight, so get some shuteye if you can. First night is always the hardest.”

The agent nodded, and you watched as he turned to opening in the tent. You started to turn yourself, before he paused, the flap open to the night air.

“I’m not here to step on any toes,” he told you. That low voice was almost quiet, respectful, even. More than you’d gotten from anyone else in this place. “You’re the agent-in-charge. I’m just a resource. But I’m good at my job, and I can help you catch who you need to catch, if you’ll let me.”

That made you laugh again, and when he raised a brow, you just shook your head.

“Agent Hotchner,” you told him, “you being here has already stepped on more toes than you can imagine.” Your feet carried you across the tent, fingers skating over the photos, the files. When you stopped, it was in front of the corkboard you had, various skirmishes of note pinned up. “Now, that’s not your fault, not even close. But I’m telling you that while I appreciate your intel, your job while you’re here is to make sure I’m not failing at mine. So, forgive me for not being the most welcoming, but you’re gonna be out of here in a week, and I’ll still be here, digging in the sand.”

When you turned back towards the agent, he hadn’t flinched, but his brow was still raised. You grimaced again, an almost smile, before nodding toward the outside. “Your tent will be a few down from the mess. Find it first, get some food, and then… tomorrow we’ll get started.”

-

You ended up being right. With a beard and in the essential uniform, Aaron Hotchner (or Hotch, as he insisted you call him) looked like all the other guys who came in and out of your tent. Especially when he had those sunglasses on, a holdover from his days as an FBI agent stateside, he blended in.

You knew what he really was, though. There wasn’t an ounce of military in him, and more than that, the respect he had never left, even when you blew him off that first meeting. He respected your place as the agent-in-charge, called you ma’am, and you worked together.

You liked him.

That one week turned into three months. Cases had a tendency to go cold when you couldn’t exactly go investigate crime scenes further than what photos gave you. You’d go days without a lead, which was definitely less time than the weeks you had before Hotch came, but those periods in between were enough to leave anyone frustrated.

But Hotch – he didn’t blink. He took your frustrated scoffs and hands slamming on tables. He took your anger and annoyance with the people who doubted you, and he helped you use it. And when you saw that eyebrow of his raise, saw his own anger flare up when someone else flew in to push you around, you showed him just how capable you were.

You were a team. Partners, almost, in the new home away from home.  

It was the evenings when you got to know him. When working all night didn’t make sense that time, and so dinner was when you wrapped up. You’d offer him a beer or two, and you’d shoot the shit, sitting outside while the moon rose above you, hovered there.

He told you about his son, back home, with his aunt until he flew back. You told him about your mom, the only person you really called so she could hear your voice. He told you about law school, the FBI, and profiling, and you broke down your trajectory through the ranks of the CIA.

He told you about his wife. And he told you about the BAU. About his team, every one of them. And if you saw his eyes get a bit glossy when he mentioned them, well… you didn’t mention it.

Perhaps it was those conversations that got you thinking about him. About what Aaron Hotchner was like back home in the States, what his team was like in person and not just anecdotes. Did he crack jokes? Did he smile? Did he laugh with his team at Quantico? Did he look at the stars, like you both did every so often, when the beers settled well and the morning felt far away.

“The only time I really think about seeing stars is when I see them outside a jet window,” he admitted, and when you turned to him it was with disbelief. He chuckled, because of course he did, and you just kept your gaze trained on him.

“You guys have a jet? You gonna tell me where the FBI gets jet money while I get a cot and a tent to sleep in?”

He didn’t reply, but you could see his smile, and when your eyes turned back up to the sky, you felt his own land on you.

Three months came and went, the two of you working shoulder-to-shoulder. You helped him navigate a new territory, and he helped you inch closer and closer to finding the bastard you were sent to Pakistan for in the first place.

“It shouldn’t be this hard finding this guy,” you groaned for the third time, fingers running through your hair. Your tent was your regular meeting spot, with intel from across all branches of government making its way onto your wall. With another pull through, you finally felt satisfied enough to yank it back again, this time into a bun that held it tight against your head. “We’ve followed the money, we’ve followed the aliases, we’ve followed the victims. He’s just… he’s three steps ahead of us.”

“We’re close. A few days, and he’ll make a mistake. We just have to be there to catch it.” When you looked at Hotch, you saw him bent over a photo with a magnifying glass, looking every inch the Sherlock Holmes you’d come to see him as. He’d find clues with the littlest of things, and you’d watch him piece together intel without breaking a sweat. “Did you call that contact of ours?”

You shrugged, standing from a stool to move so you were standing side-by-side with Hotch. “He’s holding steady. He’ll reach out if he has something of use, but I don’t know how we’re supposed to find this guy with old information.”

“Any information is good information. We just have to put the pieces together.”

When you nodded, he seemed pleased, and you turned to face him with a smile. “You a fan of putting pieces together?” you asked him. “These things seem like games to you.”

“I don’t do it for the thrill of the chase, if that’s what you’re asking,” he replied, but his tone was light. His arms crossed over his chest, and when he turned to face you it took a moment to realize the sleeves on his shirt were rolled up over his elbows.

He looked like he belonged here. There was a hint of a tan in his skin, and as you scanned him you realized the beard was the fullest it’d ever been. He hadn’t bothered shaving after that first week, and it suited him, the facial hair.

It all suited him.

The silence was dense. As you were watching him, he was watching you, and you realized that his gaze had drifted down, over your chest, down over your hips. You wondered what those eyes saw when you turned around, or, even better, when they closed at night.

“So it’s to impress me, then?” you asked him, and if you were a little breathless, it was only because he was close enough that he was taking up all the air.

Was that nod imagined?

You drifted together. One hand of yours moved to lay flat on the table, steadying yourself. One of his followed suit, on top of yours, and his other hand seemed to be thinking about sitting against your waist.

You were so close. Just one push forward, one turn of your head, and it’d be over. All you could see were his eyes, half-lidded, dark as they scanned your face, lingering on your lips. You could do it, could take a step forward and let him overtake you.

Would he pin you against the table? Would you straddle him in a chair? Would he tilt his head back for you, or would you bend forward for him?

Reality hit first. Getting caught would be the least of your worries, never mind what the rest of the whole damn command center would think. It’d spread like wildfire, and you’d never see the light of day again, your power stripped from you.

All for one… one damn kiss. A fantasy, come to life.

A shuddering breath left you. The spell seemed to break, and Hotch’s eyes blinked away the evidence of his desire. When you pulled back, it was with a swallow and a shake of your head. He seemed to get the memo, and his thumb stopped stroking the back of your hand, but you couldn’t let yourself mourn the loss. You had a job to do. One that needed your full attention, one that would prove yourself.

Your hands moved up to your hair again. Tightened your ponytail. “We’ll… we’ll talk strategy in ten minutes. I need to update the colonel,” you offered, and when he nodded you walked away, feeling a pang for the loss of a good lay. Of something else that you couldn’t put your finger on.

Whatever. There was always time. You didn’t regret it, not planting one on him, if only because the thought of something to come was still so alluring.

-

Some part of you, deep down, knew that this would be a temporary position. Perhaps that part of you kept you from kissing him that night. Knowing that at the end of the day, you were nothing but a distraction from what haunted him in those quiet moments.

Of course, when it did end… you just didn’t think it’d be like this – all over with a phone call, one he took after staring at the caller ID, going outside where the wind and Humvees would stop you from overhearing him. Of course, you heard it anyway, heard his breath catch. Heard him tell the person over the phone that he was on his way, no trouble at all. No fanfare.

It was just… over.

And it hurt.

When you pushed open his tent, Hotch was packing up his bag with his meager belongings, and when he opened his bag you caught sight of that damn suit he’d worn when he first showed up. For some reason it made your anger flare, and one hand reached out for him before you realized that you had no right to touch what wasn’t ever yours to begin with. He turned, to look at you, but when he did it was like he was looking past you, through you.

“You want to tell me who was on the other end of that phone call?” you asked.

It was like he was already gone. Even looking at you he didn’t stop folding, putting away the meager belongings he brought. “A member of the BAU. I’m being reassigned.”

“You’re fucking kidding me, right? You’re leaving?” Your voice was sharp, and for a minute you realized something you should’ve caught onto a long time ago. He was just like all the others. “We’re not – we’re not done. You said it yourself, we’re a couple of days away –“

“I’m needed back in Quantico.” His own voice was annoyingly calm, but there was an undercurrent that had your jaw clenching. As you looked at him, you seemed to see more of him than he’d ever revealed before. Saw the bags under his eyes. The ragged weight of his beard, unkempt at the edges, up the sides of his face. The gauntness of his cheeks. “An ongoing investigation got a lead, and I need to be back there with them.”

“Hotch, it’s fuckin’ two days. You’re telling me you can’t spare two days for this case? For me?” At this point you were incredulous, and your hands were thrown up in something like disbelief, not even realizing that you’d just broken what tenuous line had remained uncrossed.

That’s when he stopped, of course. His hands stopped moving, and his head ducked. He was basically packed; the only thing left a photo next to his cot. His son, he’d told you once, after a couple of weak beers, when the two of you moved past a fragile alliance and more into a solid team.

“This case isn’t over. And it’s important, you’re – you’re important.” He said it hesitantly, like it pained him to admit it, to face the reality of what this had become in a short three months.

You didn’t hold your breath, though. You knew what was coming. You weren’t the BAU. You weren’t his team. You were important in the macro sense, in the way that human life was something he always sought out to spare. In the way that open cases would always linger. In the micro, this team was a part of his DNA.

“They’re my family. And I need to be with them. This… this one is on me.” You could see the tension in his body for a moment lift, his decision his own and one that he wanted to make. His shoulders, always curled forward over papers or a meal from the mess or your notes, were straight, for the first time in a long time.

The conversation was over. You knew it. He knew it. As soon as you left that tent, the two of you would never see each other again. He’d made his decision, and he’d take it to his grave. He cared about them. Loved them.

In that moment, with all of that running through your head, it felt silly, getting worked up over Aaron Hotchner. It felt childish, begging him to stay forty-eight extra hours so that there could be some kind of closure. He deserved this, a clean break, without any extra weight keeping him from the people he cared about.

So you didn’t beg. You’d asked, he’d declined, and so everything else got shoved away, never to be mentioned again.

“All right,” you finally whispered, and when he looked up at you, your gaze was stony. You wouldn’t let regret weigh you down. You’d finish this case. You’d catch this guy. “Good luck, then, Agent Hotchner.” Your hand reached out to him, a professional handshake.

He took it, his grip firm. If he noticed you shutting down, shutting him out, he didn’t mention it.

“Be safe, Agent Y/L/N. Call me when it’s over.”

“Sure. Catch the bastard you need to catch.”  

The last thing you saw of Agent Hotchner were the pieces of his family – his son’s picture, reverently placed on top of his folded suit – before you walked out the tent and back into the desert air, thinking about how you’d watch the stars a little while that night.

They were the best part of the desert, after all.