In Pictures: New York Celebrates Mamdani’s Historic Mayoral Win
New York City: Jubilant crowds flooded the streets of Manhattan as progressive firebrand Zohran Mamdani, the Ugandan-born democratic socialist and state assemblyman, was declared the victor in a stunning upset for New York City mayor. The 33-year-old’s win over establishment favorite Eric Adams Jr. marks a seismic shift in city politics, with supporters hailing it as a triumph for affordable housing, green energy, and immigrant rights. From Times Square light shows to Harlem block parties, here’s a visual snapshot of the electric celebrations:
Times Square Euphoria: Thousands gathered under the iconic billboards, waving Palestinian and pride flags while chanting “Mamdani! Mamdani!” A massive LED display projected his victory speech, with confetti raining down like a Broadway finale.
Brooklyn Bridge Glow: Revelers shut down the bridge for an impromptu march, illuminated by smartphone lights and flares. Mamdani joined on foot, hugging supporters amid chants of “From Astoria to the Bronx, we’ve only just begun!”
Harlem Soul: At the Apollo Theater, a star-studded concert erupted with performances by AOC and local rappers, fireworks bursting to the rhythm of “Empire State of Mind—remixed for the people.”
Union Square Rally: Labor unions and activists lit up the park with bonfires and murals depicting Mamdani as the “People’s Mayor,” vowing to dismantle billionaire tax breaks.
To capture the timeline of these vibrant moments, check out this excitement chart highlighting key peaks in the night’s festivities:
Mamdani’s inauguration is set for January 1, 2026, promising a bold era for the Big Apple.
Iran Commemorates 1979 Storming of US Embassy with Missile Replicas and Effigies
Tehran: Thousands of Iranians gathered on Tuesday to mark the 46th anniversary of the 1979 storming of the US embassy in Tehran, known as the “Death to America” day, amid heightened regional tensions following recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. State-organized rallies across the country featured displays of missile replicas, mock nuclear facilities, and effigies of US President-elect Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hanging from cranes, symbolizing defiance against perceived aggressors. Protesters chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, burning American flags and carrying fake coffins to represent “martyrs” from recent conflicts. Iranian officials used the event to rally support for the regime, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praising the original takeover as a pivotal moment in the Islamic Revolution. Security was tight, with reports of one man found dead after burning a picture of Khamenei during the commemorations.
US Seeks UN Approval for Two-Year International Security Force in Gaza
United Nations/Washington: The United States has circulated a draft resolution to the UN Security Council seeking authorization for an international stabilization force in Gaza with a minimum two-year mandate, extendable beyond 2027. According to sources familiar with the proposal, the force—operating under a unified command approved by a new Board of Peace—would deploy security personnel to govern and secure the territory until the end of 2027, with initial troops arriving by January 2026. The move, part of President Trump’s 20-point Middle East plan, aims to enforce a US-brokered ceasefire and prevent further escalation, though it faces scrutiny over broad powers granted to participating nations.
Germany Offers Cash to Afghan Refugees in Pakistan to Forgo Resettlement Scheme
Berlin/Islamabad: The German government is providing financial incentives and support to Afghan refugees in Pakistan who agree to relinquish their spots in a resettlement program to Germany, according to activists and reports. Under the “Airbridge Kabul” initiative, established post-Taliban takeover, accepted refugees have received letters offering money and assistance in exchange for exiting the program. Critics, including human rights groups, decry the move as a betrayal of promises, potentially stranding thousands amid Pakistan’s crackdown on Afghan migrants. Berlin cites capacity constraints, but the offer has sparked outrage over broken commitments to those who aided Western forces.
Imran Khan Rejects Talks with Govt or Establishment: ‘No Use in Dialogue’
Adiala/Islamabad: PTI founder Imran Khan, speaking from Adiala Jail, has categorically ruled out any possibility of talks with the current government or the military establishment, calling such efforts futile and a “waste of time.” In a message relayed through his legal team, Khan reiterated his stance that meaningful dialogue can only occur after the release of political prisoners and the restoration of the rule of law. He accused the powers-that-be of undermining democracy through “imported governments” and vowed that PTI will continue its struggle through street protests and legal avenues until justice is served. This comes amid heightened political tensions following recent Senate debates on constitutional amendments.
27th Constitutional Amendment Will Be Govt-Led, Not ‘Parachuted’ from Anywhere: Dar
Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar firmly stated that the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment will be entirely government-led and drafted through internal processes, dismissing any notion of it being “parachuted” from external sources. Speaking in the Senate, Dar clarified that the bill—covering the establishment of a Constitutional Court, amendments to the NFC Award, Article 243 on armed forces command, and federal roles in education and population planning—has been prepared by a parliamentary committee and will only be tabled after full consensus with coalition partners. He reiterated that no outside influence is involved, and the process remains transparent and constitutional.
Govt to Table 27th Amendment After Full Coalition Consultation: Dar
Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed in the Senate that the federal government will introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment only after comprehensive consultations with all coalition partners, including the PPP, MQM-P, ANP, and BAP. The proposed bill will be tabled in the Senate on November 7 following parliamentary committee reviews. Dar emphasized a transparent, consensus-driven process in line with the Constitution, assuring no haste in passage.
PIA Flight Operations Hit as Dispute with Engineers Continues
Karachi: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faces ongoing disruptions with dozens of flights delayed and several cancelled, as aircraft engineers from the Society of Aircraft Engineers Pakistan (SAEP) refuse to issue airworthiness clearances over safety concerns, unpaid salaries for eight years, and demands for pay hikes. The protest has grounded 12 international flights, stranding hundreds of passengers including Umrah pilgrims. SAEP insists engineers are on duty but won’t clear unsafe jets, while PIA labels the action an illegal strike aimed at sabotaging privatization efforts.
PIA Restores Some Operations with Alternative Arrangements
Islamabad: PIA has partially restored services by sourcing engineers from private carriers, managing to dispatch some delayed flights overnight. A spokesperson confirmed five flights were cancelled but all affected passengers received alternative options, with schedules gradually normalizing. The airline emphasizes customer priority and denies any compromise on safety.
IMF Staff Deal Secured; Focus Shifts to Investment-Led Growth: FinMin
Islamabad: Pakistan has clinched a staff-level agreement with the IMF for the second review, unlocking $1.2 billion in December upon board approval. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb declared investment-driven growth as the new priority to bolster economic stability, with total program disbursements reaching $3.3 billion.
