Working with XML RSS Datasource

Title

Description

Link

Date

06 Apr, 2025 - 29 Item(s)

8 terrorists killed as infiltration attempt on Pak-Afghan border thwarted in North Waziristan: ISPR

Security forces killed eight terrorists and injured another four as they thwarted an infiltration attempt on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Sunday. Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities over the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. On the night of April 5-6, the “movement of a group of khwarij, trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was picked up by the security forces in general area” of North Waziristan’s Hassan Khel, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release. “Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. After an intense exchange of fire, eight khwarij were sent to hell, while four khwarij got injured,” it added. Fitna Al Khawarij is a term the state uses to refer to the banned TTP. “Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border,” the ISPR noted, adding that it expected Kabul to “fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan”. The ISPR asserted that “security forces of Pakistan are determined and remain committed to secure its borders and wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country”. The statement added that a sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area. The failed infiltration attempt follows another one in late March in North Waziristan. Security forces had foiled that attempt and killed 16 terrorists. Days later, 11 terrorists were killed in four different encounters with security forces in KP — 10 of whom were eliminated in different areas of North Waziristan. Last month, the government had ruled out a fresh military operation amid a surge in terrorist attacks, especially in KP and Balochistan. Militant violence and security operations intensified in the country in March, with the number of militant attacks surpassing 100 for the first time since November 2014, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (Picss). In KP, at least 206 people were killed — including 49 security personnel, 34 civilians, and 123 militants — while 115 were injured, with 63 security personnel and 49 civilians among them, the Picss report said. Pakistan ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with the number of deaths in terrorist attacks rising by 45 per cent over the past year to 1,081.

All 130 passengers rescued after boat runs aground in KP’s Haripur: official

All 130 passengers stranded after a boat ran aground near Tarbela Dam in the Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hazara Division were rescued safely, the deputy commissioner said. Haripur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shauzab Abbas said, “All passengers have been rescued successfully.” Earlier today, DC Abbas said that a rescue operation was underway to bring back the stranded passengers, while food was also being provided to them. “The operation started at 2pm and concluded before sunset,” he added. The Haripur DC said a Rescue 1122 team and a revenue official took part in the operation, which was being supervised by Haripur Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Abbas. According to the DC, the likely reason for the incident was overloading. This photo combo shows passengers stranded after their boat ran aground near Tarbela Dam in the Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hazara Division on April 6, 2025. — DawnNewsTV “Boat owners and operators had been clearly instructed to abide by the rules and avoid overloading of passengers,” Abbas said, adding that the maximum number of people permitted on the vessel was 70, but it was carrying nearly double that number. The Haripur DC stated the boat operator and his helper were taken into custody, adding that strict legal action would be taken against them and the violators. He had vowed earlier that action would also be taken against the boat owner. On July 3, 2019, at least 38 people, along with cattle, were on board a boat that capsized in Haripur’s Tarbela Lake near Guliman Banda. While four bodies were recovered that day, those of at least 18 other passengers remained untraced even a year later. In March 2021, four bodies were found in the Tarbela Lake, with officials suspecting they could be from among those missing individuals. Right after the incident, the registration of boats used for transporting passengers and luggage or for picnic purposes in Tarbela Lake had been made mandatory by the KP government. It had also ordered the local administration to take steps to ensure that boats did not violate the load capacity parameters.

Mandi Bahauddin Press Club demolished without notice, says president

The Mandi Bahauddin Press Club was demolished in the early hours of Sunday morning, “without any prior notice or warning from the district administration”, the press club president said. Mandi Bahauddin Press Club President, Zaheer Khan, said that the club received no demolition notice from the district administration, and the demolition itself took place at 4am on Sunday morning. “We received no notice, and we were all asleep when this happened,” he told Dawn.com over the phone. “We invested a lot of money into this building and our records are all destroyed. “Why did they demolish the building at night?” Khan asked. Video footage recorded by a Dawn.com correspondent at the scene on Sunday showed the gutted interior and exterior of the building, as well as furniture and other items belonging to the club strewn on the ground outside. An interior view of the demolished Mandi Bahauddin Press Club on April 6. — Screenshot by author Khan added that the district administration offered the press club a new location and that he spoke with the assistant deputy commissioner about the matter last night. “We spoke over the phone and he told me ‘not to worry, we will make all the arrangements [for a new location]’,” Khan explained, adding that demolishing the existing building was not discussed. He added that the press club was set up in two shops on land rented from the government. “The shops around us were demolished and the owners were given no notice either,” Khan said. When asked about potential legal action, Khan said, “For the time being, the club is not pursuing any. However, if the district administration does not give us a new location, we will stage protests and involve other press clubs. “This is a drone strike on journalism,” he lamented. “This building stood for over 30 years.” Meanwhile, Mandi Bahauddin Electronic Media President Hafiz Zahid Hameed called the incident “very concerning”, reiterating Khan’s claim that the press club received no prior notice of the demolition. “We received no notice at all,” he told Dawn.com over the phone. When asked about the shops mentioned by Khan, Hameed said that they had matters with the district administration which were “in court”. Furniture and other items belonging to the Mandi Bahauddin Press Club lie outside the building on April 6. — Screenshot by author Meanwhile, Mandi Bahauddin Deputy Commissioner Faisal Saleem told Dawn.com that the shops, which were rented from the government, were demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive. “All of the shops were removed in an anti-encroachment operation last night to widen the road and clear congestion and to build a pedestrian footpath,” the DC said, adding that 24 shops were situated in the area. DC Saleem disputed that the press club membership had previously agreed to “replace the club”. “We met with the journalists and community members yesterday and they agreed to move to a new location,” he said. “We told them that we would demolish the building and that we would provide them with a new location tomorrow. “This was not a press club. The journalists had set up their press club in two of the 24 shops which were situated on government land,” Saleem added. “Litigation between the shop owners and the administration was ongoing for some time as they had not paid rent.”

Akhtar Mengal to be arrested if BNP-M march enters Quetta, Balochistan govt warns

The Balochistan government on Sunday warned Sardar Akhtar Mengal, chief of his faction of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), that he would be arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) if his party’s march against the jailing of Baloch activists entered Quetta. The BNP-M had begun a “long march” from Wadh to Quetta on March 28 to protest the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists, including Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, as well as a crackdown on their sit-in in Quetta. Sammi was released on Tuesday. The BNP-M’s sit-in at the Lakpass area of Mastung entered its 10th day today. The party is set on heading to Quetta as a deadlock persisted over its demands — including Mahrang’s release — while the Balochistan government warned to limit the march to Quetta’s Sariab Road. However, that offer seemed to be no longer on the table as Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind asserted today that Mengal would be arrested if he “moves towards Quetta”. Responding to a post on X by Mengal, who claimed his party was “completely encircled by security forces” at Lakpass, Rind said the BNP-M president had been alerted at 6am about the orders to arrest him under the MPO. MPO orders are usually issued to maintain public order and cite a “threat to the public safety” along with a possible “breach of peace and tranquility”. Rind wrote: “Mengal refused to give his arrest. The administration and the police have clearly told him that if he moves towards Quetta, he will be arrested, and this is why law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are present there. “BNP’s calls to block national highways right now is adding to the difficulties faced by the citizens. The administrations of all districts have been instructed that national highways will not be shut.” The government spokesperson, without specifying the other party, quipped: “There is one thing common in the beneficiary groups of 2018 [elections]: crafting a narrative, which is why both are doing the same thing.” The provincial government has blocked roads by placing containers around the protest site at Lakpass. It has also suspended internet services in Quetta, Mastung, Kalat and Khuzdar. Following Rind’s statement, the BNP-M quoted Mengal as saying: “The state has decided to crush us, but we won’t bow down. This sit-in will continue under all circumstances and now, we will make the entire Balochistan the centre of resistance.” In another post, the BNP-M shared a video, claiming that LEAs had started shelling on party workers at Quetta’s Sona Khan Chowk gathering to welcome the march. White fumes could be seen billowing in the distance in the purported video. Mengal, in a post on X earlier in the morning to which Rind had directly replied, stated: “We are currently stationed at Lakpass, completely encircled by security forces. A major operation against us is imminent. “I call upon all districts to immediately shut down all national highways in protest. Let the world witness this injustice. We remain peaceful, but resolute. “Whatever unfolds today — the consequences, the blood, the fallout — will rest solely on the shoulders of the government and the local administration,” Mengal added. A post on X by the BNP-M shortly after also said security forces had surrounded Mengal and the people at the sit-in, adding that it was “deeply concerned” about the situation at Lakpass. “This is open aggression that will not be tolerated under any circumstances. BNP announces that all national highways should be closed immediately in protest.” Veteran politician Afrasiab Khattak asked in a post on X: “Why have the security forces encircled the peaceful Baloch marchers and are not letting them go to Quetta? “In fact, the entire Balochistan is encircled. Do they insist on proving the fact that Pakistan is an open prison for all the oppressed people?” he added. BNP-M calls for province-wide strike Meanwhile, the BNP-M called for roadblocks and a shutter-down strike across Balochistan tomorrow against obstructions placed for its march to Quetta. Former BNP-M Senator Sanaullah Baloch told Dawn.com the party has called for “Balochistan-wise roadblocks and strike against government brutalities, firing and shelling against unarmed protesters”. BNP-M’s Sajid Tareen addresses a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on April 6, 2025. — Photo by Abdullah Zehri Addressing a press conference in Quetta — attended by leaders of the Awami National Party (ANP) and the Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) — BNP-M Senior Vice President Sajid Tareen also reiterated the strike call. Tareen said the plan of action for “further protests” would also be announced tomorrow after consultation with other political parties. “The rulers want to put the people on the path of hatred under a conspiracy,” Tareen alleged, saying that police, Frontier Corps and security forces have been deployed to prevent the protesters from entering Quetta. Insisting that “not a single pot” was broken so far as the sit-in remained peaceful, the BNP-M leader condemned the “use of force against a democratic action”. Tareen also expressed the apprehension that he may be arrested: “I have reports that I may be arrested. I am in Quetta but we will keep raising our voices against oppression.” Following the call, BNP-M workers led by Mir Ghulam Rasool Mengal blocked a road near the Eastern Bypass in Quetta’s Baloch Colony area. Similarly, the route to the city’s Sariab Road was blocked by party supporters at Kechi Baig Road by burning tyres. A road is blocked by BNP-M supporters who burned tyres to protest the government’s actions against their march to Quetta, on April 6, 2025. — BNP-M via Abdullah Zehri ‘Red Zone off-limits’ According to Mengal, the previous two rounds of negotiations were not successful as the government delegations did not enjoy any authority to make decisions on the demands tabled by the BNP during the talks. A day earlier, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind offered the BNP-M to march till Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium on Sariab Road and warned the party of action if the city’s Red Zone is breached. Addressing a press conference, Rind denied any government official’s meeting with Mahrang in the district jail on Friday night. He said that the BNP leadership had been offered an alternative venue in Sariab during negotiations but they did not accept the government’s offer and insisted that they would stage their sit-in in the Red Zone despite Section 144. Rind, while referring to the talks with the BNP, said that two rounds of negotiations had been held with the BNP leaders, with inputs from BNP-Awami, the National Party, and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, but all in vain. He further asserted that Mengal will not be allowed entry in the Red Zone, the Balochistan Assembly, or the Balochistan High Court premises. Meanwhile, BNP responded strongly to the government’s position. “Here, laws are crafted to suit the whims and interests of the ruling elite. Such bluster is not new — dictators like Musharraf also made similar threats, which were ignored then and will be ignored now,” the statement said.

Punjab minister brings up contentious Kalabagh Dam amidst canals controversy

Punjab Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada has said that the controversial Kalabagh Dam project should be built, amidst the controversy surrounding the construction of six new canals on the Indus River. The Sindh Assembly had in 2012 adopted four resolutions against the construction of the Kalabagh dam, which was also opposed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan through resolutions passed by their assemblies. In September 2018, making a policy statement in the National Assembly, then-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were opposed to the Kalabagh dam, and the government respected their view. Speaking in Dawn News programme ‘Doosra Rukh’, Pirzada said: “Yes, the Kalabagh Dam should be built, 100 per cent it should be built. “… As far as the objection by Sindh is concerned that their water will be stopped, we are only saying when there is a flood situation and water is in abundance it should be stored.” When reminded by the host that all three provincial assemblies apart from Punjab have adopted resolutions, the Punjab irrigation minister responded, “We are doing politics on this issue but not making a logical argument. “If a reservoir is made and Punjab is the upper riparian, then Sindh and Balochistan being the lower riparian provinces will be the next beneficiaries and its beneficial for the whole country.” Speaking about the controversy surrounding the construction of the six new canals, Pirzada echoed Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari’s claims that President Asif Ali Zardari had approved the project. “As President and PPP leader, he (President Zardari) has given the go ahead [for the project] and it has been discussed with him. The media has reported on it as well.” Punjab and Sindh ministers on Thursday had engaged in a verbal spat over the government’s canals project, a day after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari rejected it while addressing a rally in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, terming it “unilateral”. Part of the Green Pakistan Initiative, the ambitious Cholistan canals project aims to irrigate a total of 4.8 million acres (1.9 million hectares) of barren land by constructing six canals — two each in Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab. Five of these canals will be built on the Indus River, with the sixth one on the Sutlej River, supplying approximately 4,120 cusecs of water to irrigate the Cholistan desert in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Asim Munir inaugurated the Cholistan project to irrigate south Punjab’s lands on February 15 amid public uproar and strong reservations in Sindh. The next month, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution against the construction of six new canals on the Indus River. The resolution demanded an immediate halt to any plans, activities or work related to the controversial project until an agreement with all provincial governments, particularly Sindh, was reached to ensure that the rights of the province were fully protected and respected. Sindh minister slams call to built Kalabagh Dam Responding to Pirzada, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro called his Punjab counterpart’s statements on Kalabagh Dam an “insult to the provincial assemblies and the people of the provinces”. In a statement, Shoro highlighted that the dam project had “already been technically rejected by all provincial assemblies and water experts”. He questioned: “When the country’s existing dams are lying empty, where will the water come from to fill the Kalabagh Dam?” The minister further said that due to the Indus River System Authority’s (Irsa) “incompetence, water is not reaching downstream Kotri, which has completely destroyed the delta and left Sindh’s lands barren”. Advocating for the Kalabagh Dam at this time exposes Pirzada’s “ignorance”, Shoro said. “Sindh’s water issue is not political but technical. By politicising it, Punjab’s ministers are insulting the people of Sindh,” he added.

US delegation to visit Islamabad for minerals investment forum

A US delegation headed by Eric Meyer, the senior official overseeing the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the State Department, will visit Islamabad from April 8-10, 2025, to advance US interests in the critical minerals sector at an investment forum. The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and strategic partners, is set to organise the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) on April 8-9 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. The forum will serve as a premier platform for global stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s emerging minerals sector and unlock the country’s vast mineral potential. According to a statement by the US State Department, Eric Meyer “will meet with senior Pakistani officials to expand opportunities for American businesses in Pakistan and promote the deepening of economic ties between our two countries”. Meyer will also engage with senior officials to underscore the importance of continued collaboration between Pakistan and the US on counterterrorism. This statement comes after President Donald Trump imposed a 29 per cent tariff on goods the US imports from Pakistan, along with duties on dozens of countries from rivals to allies, intensifying a global trade war. The US imposed 29pc reciprocal tariffs on Pakistan, which charges the US 58pc, according to a board that Trump held during his announcement. Pakistan exports to US are $6bn annually — 18pc of the total exports of the country. However, they account for 0.16pc of total US imports of $3.36 trillion in 2024, while countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India have shares of 4.2pc, 0.26pc, 0.09pc and 2.7pc. Additionally, textile comprises 75 to 80pc of Pakistan’s exports to the US. Other exported commodities include leather, surgical goods, rice, cement, steel products, and salt. It should be noted that Pakistan largely competes with countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh in textiles. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet have repeatedly highlighted Pakistan’s mineral resources as the linchpin of the country’s economic revival. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Manara Mineral was looking at investing in Balochistan’s Reko Diq mine after having already visited Pakistan last year for talks about buying a stake in the Reko Diq mine, considered one of the world’s largest underdeveloped copper-gold areas by global mining company Barrick Gold, which owns the project jointly with Pakistan.

420kg of ‘dead’ animals’ meat seized in Punjab

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) claimed on Sunday to have seized 420 kilograms of meat of dead animals near Darya Khan in Punjab and destroyed it at the designated dumping site, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The selling of dead animals’ meat is common in many parts of the country, with police often carrying out raids to arrest the culprits. According to Islamic rulings, consumption of dead meat — meat from an animal that died other than by proper intentional slaughter or hunting — is impermissible. APP reported citing PFA sources that on a tip-off, a raid was carried out with police assistance near Darya Khan and found 420kg of dead animals’ meat. A veterinary doctor present at the scene confirmed that the animal had died before slaughter, the report added. A case has been registered against the accused, APP added. Last month, Chowk Sarwar Shaheed Patrolling Police had recovered 20 maund of dead animals’ meat from a van at Riazabad Chowk. Patrol Police had arrested the driver of the van on the spot while the dead animal meat was being transported from Chowk Azam for supply to a local hotel in Multan. On being informed, the PFA had also reached the spot and launched legal action. Patrol Police and the PFA disposed of the dead meat. In November 2022, in a major operation conducted by the city administration in the wee hours of the morning on a tip-off, a team of the city district administration had seized a huge quantity of dead animals’ meat. Since the meat was ready to be supplied to the city hotels, restaurants and markets, the team headed by the assistant commissioner (city) also got 11 people arrested at a cold storage where the meat, weighing two tonnes, was stored.

Inaugural U23 World Squash Championships underway in Karachi

The inaugural edition of the Under-23 World Squash Championships kicked off on Sunday with six Pakistani players looking to wow the home crowd at Karachi’s Creek Club. The newly introduced championships from April 6 to 10 feature a men’s individual championship draw of 32 players and a women’s individual championship draw of 22 players. The winner receives automatic qualification through to the PSA World Championships as well as the lion’s share of a $60,000 prize pot, according to World Squash. Mariam Malik was the first Pakistani player in action this morning. The 21-year-old was thrashed by Spain’s Noa Romero Blazquez 11-3, 11-2, 11-4 in the opening match. Next up for Pakistan was Noor Zaman. The second seed stormed to victory against Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari with 6-11, 11-5, 4-11, 3-11. Former world junior squash champion Hamza Khan cruised to victory in three straight sets over Romania’s Radu Stefan Pena 3-11, 1-11, 5-11. Khan made history in 2023 when he won the World Junior Squash Championship 2023 on Sunday after beating Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria, becoming the country’s first champion since 1986. Pakistan’s Muhammad Ammad lost to Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran in a close five-set match, with Chandaran winning the final set 11-8. Sana Bahadar went up against Czechia’s Tamara Holzbauerova and was beaten by Holzbauerova 13-11, 11-6, 8-11 and 11-8. A total of 22 matches across five courts at Creek Club are set to place take today. Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Vice President and Sindh Squash President Adnan Asad made no secret of his and his colleagues’ goal to return Pakistan to the summit of the game. “My vision is to create a few Jahangir Khans in the next five years,” Asad told World Squash earlier this week. He adds that hosting the championships forms part of a two pronged strategy that will see Pakistan host more high profile events in the future to give local players more opportunities to compete with the world’s best talents, coupled with an increased PSF and private investment in facilities, equipment and grassroots programmes. “We have very high hopes,” Asad admits. “By hosting this championship, I expect a large number of Pakistani players to get serious and work hard for the next few years and hopefully get Pakistan back as a world beater. While speaking to the global governing body last month, Zaman told World Squash it was a huge honour to represent Pakistan. “There’s an incredible sense of pride and responsibility when you step onto the court in front of your own people. The energy and support from the crowd is electric, and it pushes you to perform at your absolute best. “It’s a chance to show the world the talent we have in Pakistan and to inspire the next generation of squash players,” he said.

High concentration of chemicals found in boiling water samples of Korangi Creek fire: report

A massive fire that erupted during drilling near an oil refinery in Korangi Creek on March 28 was likely triggered due to a concentration of a larger quantity of chemicals than permissible limits, it emerged on Sunday. On Wednesday, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab told Dawn that the report prepared by Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) experts, who had conducted soil testing of the area and taken away samples, was expected to be submitted with the provincial and city authorities on Saturday. According to a preliminary report on Sunday by experts of the University of Karachi, samples of boiling water were taken and sent to concerned institutions of the varsity. While concerned officials have not made the findings of the report public, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaan Khan told Dawn.com that chemical analysis of the boiling water has been shared with them. He noted that excessive amounts of Benzene, Toluene and Tetrachloroethane has been found in the boiling water. Regarding the quantity of chemicals found in the water, as per the chemical analysis, Tetrachloroethane was detected at 33 micrograms per litre instead of the permissible five micrograms per litre. The preliminary chemical report also showed that the Benzene level was found to be 19 micrograms per litre instead of the allowed 5 micrograms. Similarly, Toluene detected at 15 micrograms per litre, exceeding the permissible limits of 5 micrograms. The Rescue 1122 spokesperson said the chemical experts report showed that there was a concentration of chemicals. However, he added that the exact quantity of the chemicals at site of the burning inside underground/reservoir was still unclear. He said that with each passing day, the intensity of flames was gradually declining. Korangi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Masood Bhutto also confirmed receiving the report of chemical analysis about the Korangi creek fire. He said the report showed that “heavy metals” were present in the water samples such as copper. Besides, the report also revealed the presence of gases like Benzene in large quantities. On the future course of action after receiving the report, Bhutto said the PPL was working on it. “They [PPL] have hired services of a private company for containing the fire as well as starting an exploration activity for gas,” he explained. The Korangi DC elaborated that the PPL would initiate the process of containing the fire. Subsequently, an exploration activity will be launched to see the extent of gas presence in a five-kilometre radius. Bhutto recalled that initially, it was presumed that there were “shallow gases”, which might exhaust themselves. “Therefore, the administration and firefighters had halted the operation of extinguishing the fire on the advice of the experts as it could have been harmful,” he said. “But now as the gases have not consumed themselves and the intensity of the flames has remained the same for the last eight days, the PPL experts have deemed it fit to start an exploration activity to find gases inside the reservoir,” he concluded.

Foreign runners in Pyongyang for marathon: North Korea

North Korea said that foreign elite runners had arrived to take part in Sunday’s first Pyongyang Marathon for six years, but did not immediately confirm the race had taken place. The marathon, which was due to have been run on Sunday, is part of celebrations marking the birth of North Korea’s founding leader Kim Il Sung in 1912. “Marathoners of China, Romania, Morocco and Ethiopia arrived here on April 3 and 5 by air to attend the 31st Pyongyang International Marathon,” the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Sunday, without giving any details of the race or any results. The marathon is the largest international sporting event in the reclusive country. The race offers a rare opportunity for visitors to run through the streets of the tightly controlled capital. Images posted on the Instagram account of Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours which organises trips for foreign amateur runners to participate, showed Pyongyang citizens gathering to watch. “A few pics of today’s Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea. Amazing event and a race like no other,” Cockerell wrote. One image showed foreign participants taking pictures on phones around the Kim Il Sung Stadium filled with North Korean spectators. The last edition of the Pyongyang Marathon was held in 2019 before the pandemic, during which the nuclear-armed state sealed its borders in an effort to contain the virus. Foreign participants are currently in the capital on a six-day trip organised by Koryo Tours, the Beijing-based travel agency which describes itself as the exclusive travel partner of the marathon. “The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with locals,” the Beijing-based firm said on its website. “An experience truly like no other.” The marathon is listed on the website of the global governing body World Athletics. In 2019, around 950 Westerners took part in the race, up from roughly 450 the previous year. About 180 foreigners had been expected to participate this year.

Iran top diplomat rejects direct negotiations with US

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday rejected direct negotiations with the United States as “meaningless”, after US President Donald Trump said he would prefer direct talks with the Islamic Republic. Trump had called last month on Tehran to hold negotiations on its nuclear programme with Washington, but threatened to bomb Iran if diplomacy fails. On Thursday, the US president said he would prefer to hold “direct talks” with Iran. “I think it goes faster, and you understand the other side a lot better than if you go through intermediaries,” he argued. But on Sunday, Araghchi said “direct negotiations would be meaningless with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions from its various officials”. “We remain committed to diplomacy and are ready to try the path of indirect negotiations,” he added, according to a foreign ministry statement. “Iran keeps itself prepared for all possible or probable events, and just as it is serious in diplomacy and negotiations, it will also be decisive and serious in defending its national interests and sovereignty,” Araghchi said. On Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country was willing to engage in dialogue with the US “on equal footing”. He also questioned Washington’s sincerity in calling for negotiations, saying, “If you want negotiations, then what is the point of threatening?” Nuclear programme Western countries, led by the United States, have for decades accused Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran rejects the allegation and maintains that its nuclear activities exist solely for civilian purposes. On Saturday, Hossein Salami, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the country was “ready” for war. “We are not worried about war at all. We will not be the initiators of war, but we are ready for any war,” the official IRNA news agency reported him as saying. In 2015, Iran reached a landmark deal with the permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely the United States, France, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, as well as Germany, to regulate its nuclear activities. The 2015 agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon. In 2018, during Trump’s first term in office, the United States withdrew from the agreement and reinstated biting sanctions on Iran. A year later, Iran began rolling back on its commitments under the agreement and accelerated its nuclear programme. On Monday, Ali Larijani, a close adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that while Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons, it would “have no choice but to do so” in the event of an attack against it.

Missile strike on Kyiv kills one amid ‘massive’ attack

A missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Sunday killed one person and injured at least three people, city officials said, as missile and drone strikes across the country left at least one more person dead. Russia “in the early hours of this morning launched a massive nationwide attack on Ukraine using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones”, said First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. In Kyiv, explosions were heard overnight and a dark plume of smoke rose up from the city early Sunday morning, AFP journalists saw. In the capital, “preliminarily, one person was killed, and three were wounded, two of them were hospitalised”, the head of the city’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, wrote on social media. City mayor Vitali Klitschko said that “the body of a man killed in an enemy attack was discovered in Darnytsia district. He was on the street, near the epicentre of the explosion. The man’s identity is being established.” Emergency services said that during attacks, fires broke out in Kyiv in non-residential buildings, damaging a multi-storey business centre, a furniture factory and warehouses. The emergency services posted video of smoke rising from charred debris, a gutted hangar and a large multi-storey administrative building with the roof torn off and windows blown out. Overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine with 23 cruise and ballistic missiles and 109 drones, the Ukrainian air force said, causing damage to six regions. The air force said it shot down 13 of the missiles and 40 drones while 54 others caused no damage. In the southern Kherson region, a drone killed a 59-year-old man, while in the northeastern Kharkiv region near the border with Russia two were injured in an attack using guided aerial bombs, regional officials said. In western Ukraine’s Khmelnytsky region, authorities said air defences destroyed a missile but falling fragments damaged a house and a woman was injured. Russian air attacks on Ukraine ‘increasing’: Zelensky The attacks come as US President Donald Trump pushes for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, more than three years into Moscow’s full-scale invasion, and seeks a thaw in ties with the Kremlin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today the number of Russian air attacks is increasing, indicating that there is not enough international pressure on Moscow. Missile and drone attacks across the country killed at least two people overnight and injured at least four people, as well as damaging offices of state broadcasters, officials said. “The number of air attacks is increasing,” the president wrote on Facebook. “The pressure on Russia is still insufficient, and the daily Russian strikes on Ukraine prove it,” Zelensky said. Russia “intends to continue the war and the killing. That is why there can be no easing of pressure”, the president said. “All efforts must be aimed at guaranteeing security and bringing peace closer.” Over the past week, Russia has launched more than 1,460 guided aerial bombs, nearly 670 attack drones, and over 30 missiles of various types on Ukraine, Zelensky said. Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said today: “The language of force is the only one that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin understands. All our partners need to switch to this language.” UN denounces Russia’s ‘disregard’ for civilians The UN’s high commissioner for human rights denounced Russia’s “reckless disregard” for civilians after a missile attack killed 18 people, including nine children in Kryvyi Rig — also Zelensky’s home city. “The use of an explosive weapon with wide area effects by the Russian Federation in a densely populated area — and without any apparent military presence — demonstrates a reckless disregard for civilian life,” Volker Turk said in a communique. Yesterday, Zelensky slammed the US embassy for what he called a “weak” statement that did not blame Russia for the deadly missile strike on his home city. The Russian missile struck a residential area near a children’s playground in the central Ukrainian city. In an emotional statement on social media, Zelensky named each of the nine children killed in the attack, accusing the US embassy of avoiding referring to Russia as the aggressor. Zelensky said the children killed in the strike ranged in age from three to 17. View this post on Instagram “Unfortunately, the reaction of the American embassy is unpleasantly surprising: such a strong country, such a strong people — and such a weak reaction,” Zelensky wrote. “They are even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when talking about the missile that killed the children.” The Ukrainian president took aim at the US Ambassador Bridget Brink after she posted a message on X on Friday that said: “Horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant.” In subsequent posts, Brink has referred to Russia as the aggressor, writing on Sunday morning that Ukraine was “under a ballistic and cruise missile attack from Russia”. Missile strike on Kyiv damaged offices of state broadcasters: report Meanwhile, the ballistic missile strike on Kyiv overnight partially destroyed a building housing offices of state channels broadcasting in foreign languages, a television channel said today. Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight, striking several targets and killing at least two people. Smoke rises in the sky over the city after a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 6, 2025. — Reuters/Gleb Garanich “On April 6 overnight, a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kyiv caused significant destruction to buildings housing the editorial offices of Ukraine’s State Foreign Broadcasting Enterprise,” the Freedom television channel, which broadcasts in Russian, wrote in a report. “The top three floors of the business centre where the foreign broadcasting channels were located were completely destroyed, with a large crater nearby. The lower floors were also heavily damaged and are now unusable,” Freedom reported. Freedom said the building housed Freedom, Dom, UATV English, The Gaze, UATV Espanol, UATV Arabic and UATV Portugues — state foreign-language television channels and online media. No employees were hurt in the attack, the head of the state broadcasting enterprise, Yulia Bin, said. The channels had only recently moved into the building after a previous strike in February targeted their previous offices, Bin said. “This is the second attack in less than two months. The facilities destroyed this time were the very ones we had just moved into after the February strike,” Bin said. Talks with French, UK military chiefs Trump is pushing the two sides to agree to a ceasefire but his administration has failed to broker an accord acceptable to both. Zelensky on Saturday hailed “tangible progress” after meeting British and French military chiefs in Kyiv on Friday to discuss a plan by London and Paris to send a “reassurance” force to Ukraine if and when a deal on ending the conflict is reached. The Ukrainian president wrote on social media that the meeting with British Chief of the Defence Staff Tony Radakin and French counterpart Thierry Burkhard agreed “the first details on how the security contingent of partners can be deployed”. This is one of the latest efforts by European leaders to agree on a coordinated policy after Trump sidelined them and opened direct talks with the Kremlin.

Around 90,000 pilgrims to perform Haj under govt scheme: report

Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf announced that around 90,000 people would perform Haj under the government’s scheme, state-owned Radio Pakistan reported. In January, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the annual Haj agreement between the two countries. Under the agreement, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Haj this year. Haj, one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, is performed each year by millions of Muslims worldwide. Pakistan receives one of the highest Haj quotas from Saudi Arabia. Under Haj Policy 2025, a new portfolio of Nazim (administrator) has been introduced to facilitate the pilgrims. One Nazim will be appointed for each 100 pilgrims, who would be selected from among the welfare staff, as 1,000 seats would be allocated for hardship cases and 300 for labourers and low-income employees registered under the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution or Workers Welfare Fund. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday about Haj 2025 preparations, the minister said that Haj flights will begin from 28th of next month. He said that officers from the religious affairs ministry will be present at airports across the country to assist pilgrims during their departure. He emphasised that special focus is being given to the training of pilgrims so that they can avoid difficulties in Saudi Arabia, adding that the Saudi ministry for Haj had assured him of “excellent arrangements”. Under the Government Haj Scheme, the traditional long stay will be of 38 to 42 days, and the short stay will be 20 to 25 days. Each organised private Haj group must consist of at least 2,000 pilgrims as per Saudi regulations. The cost for the government scheme is expected to range between Rs1,075,000 to Rs1,175,000, while additional cost for the sacrifice will be Rs55,000. Applicants opting for double-bed and triple-bed accommodations in Makkah will need to deposit an additional amount of Rs75,000 and 220,000 respectively. The country’s 2025 Haj Policy states that women will be prohibited from performing Haj without the consent of their husbands or parents. Moreover, children below 12 would not be allowed to go for Haj and immunisation of vaccines approved by Saudi Arabia was mandatory.

US to revoke all visas for South Sudanese, says secretary of state

Washington is revoking all visas for South Sudanese passport holders and blocking new arrivals, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday, complaining that the African nation is not accepting its nationals expelled from the United States. The State Department “is taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry,” Rubio said in a statement. It was the first such measure singling out all passport holders from a particular country since Donald Trump returned to the White House on January 20, having campaigned on an anti-immigration platform. Rubio accused the transitional government in Juba of “taking advantage of the United States,” saying that “every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country… seeks to remove them.” Washington “will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” Rubio added. The world’s newest country and also one of the poorest, South Sudan is currently prey to tensions between political leaders. Some observers fear a renewal of the civil war that killed 400,000 people between 2013 and 2018. South Sudanese nationals had been granted “temporary protected status” (TPS) by the administration of Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden, with the designation set to expire on May 3, 2025. The United States grants TPS, which shields people against deportation, to foreign citizens who cannot safely return home because of war, natural disasters or other “extraordinary” conditions. There were about 133 South Sudanese in the United States under the TPS programme, with another 140 eligible to apply, the Department of Homeland Security said in September 2023. But the Trump White House has begun overturning TPS designations, revoking protection in January from more than 600,000 Venezuelans. A federal judge this week put that decision on hold after calling into question the government’s claims that the majority of Venezuelans in the US were criminals. According to the Pew Research Center, as of March 2024 there were 1.2 million people eligible for or receiving TPS in the US, with Venezuelans making up the largest group. The Trump administration’s singling out of South Sudan also comes after growing numbers of Africans attempted to enter the US via its southern border — an alternative to risky routes into Europe.

Schoolteacher jailed for 14 years for rape bid on minor student in Kasur

KASUR: The court of additional district sessions judge Kot Radha Kishan on Saturday awarded 14 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs1.1m to a schoolteacher who had attempted to rape his eight-year-old girl student. According to the prosecution, the teacher at Kot Radha Kishan institution had committed the crime some two years back. ADSJ Rana Muhammad Farooq Wakil awarded the teacher 14 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs1m on him. In case of default, the convict would further undergo simple imprisonment for four months. The court also ordered the convict to pay Rs100,000 as compensation to the survivor; otherwise, he would undergo one month more imprisonment. BOOKED: Mustafabad police booked 55 suspects, including 25 women dancers and 30 spectators, arrested from a farm house near Pakki Haveli over the charges of obscene dance and use of drugs near. The police also claimed to have seized liquor, sheesha, music instruments and sound system. According to police, following information that obsene dance and songs were being played and liquor and drugs were being consumed at the farm house, DPO Essa Khan Sukhaira formed a team that raided the farm house. The police arrested 55 suspects, including the owner of the farm house. They also released blurred pictures of the suspects, including the women and lodged a criminal case and put the accused behind the bars. According to the police, when the suspects were presented before the magistrate, he ordered to release them and discharged the case. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Rain complicates recovery in quake-hit Myanmar as death toll nears 3,500

Rain is compounding misery and presenting new hurdles for relief efforts on Sunday in Myanmar, where state media reported the death toll from a devastating earthquake has risen to nearly 3,500 people. The 7.7-magnitude quake struck on March 28, razing buildings, cutting off power and destroying bridges and roads across the country. Damage has been particularly severe in the city of Sagaing near the epicentre, as well as in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second city with more than 1.7 million residents. State media in the military junta-led country now say that the earthquake has caused 3,471 confirmed deaths and injured 4,671 people, while 214 remain missing. With people either having lost their homes entirely or reluctant to spend time in cracked and unstable structures, many residents have been sleeping outside in tents. Around 45 minutes of heavy rain and winds lashed tent cities on Saturday evening in Mandalay, according to the UN Development Programme. People and their belongings were soaked because of a shortage of tarpaulins, Tun Tun, a programme specialist at the UN agency, told AFP. There are also fears destroyed buildings will subside and complicate body recovery efforts. Following less intense showers Sunday morning, the temperature is due to climb to 37 degrees Celsius. “The weather is very extreme,” Tun Tun told AFP, with further rain forecast. Aid experts warn that rainy conditions and scorching heat increase the risk of disease outbreaks at outdoor camps where victims were in temporary shelter. United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher said that food, water, and power repairs were needed urgently, in a video filmed in Mandalay and posted to X on Sunday. Many people in the area are still without shelter, he said, describing the scale of damage in the area as “epic”. “We need to get tents and hope to survivors as they rebuild their shattered lives,” Fletcher wrote in another post. Ongoing attacks, aftershocks Myanmar has been ruled by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing since 2021, when his military seized power in a coup that overthrew the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. International efforts to provide quake relief in the Southeast Asian country of more than 50 million people have been complicated by unreliable communication networks and infrastructure heavily damaged by four years of civil war. Even before the recent quake, the humanitarian crisis in the country was severe, with the persistent, multi-sided conflict displacing 3.5 million people, according to the UN. The UN said on Friday that since the earthquake, the junta continued to conduct dozens of attacks against rebel groups, including at least 16 since Wednesday when the military government announced a temporary ceasefire. Fletcher held discussions with the foreign ministers of Thailand and Malaysia on Saturday for what he called a “practical meeting” centred on “strong, coordinated, collective action” to save lives in Myanmar. Aftershocks have also continued as long as a week after the initial tremors, with a 4.7-magnitude quake striking just south of Mandalay late on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. Min Aung Hlaing was in Bangkok on Thursday and Friday, on a rare foreign trip to attend a regional summit that saw him meet with leaders including the prime ministers of Thailand and India. The general’s attendance at the summit prompted protest, with demonstrators at the venue displaying a banner calling him a “murderer” and anti-junta groups condemning his inclusion. Pakistan hands over 2nd relief consignment Pakistan handed over the second consignment of emergency relief aid to Myanmar for its people affected by the earthquake, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday. The second batch — comprising 35 tonnes of goods and bringing the total aid to 70 tonnes — was handed over by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Myanmar Imran Haider to Yangon’s chief minister at the Yangon International Airport, the report said. View this post on Instagram It noted that on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the National Disaster Management Authority efficiently coordinated and expedited the dispatch of these consignments within a short timeframe. Earlier this week, Pakistan sent the first batch of 35 tonnes of relief supplies to Myanmar as aid groups in the worst-hit areas said there was an urgent need for shelter, food and water. The first shipment — weighing 35 tonnes — included approximately 565 tents, 210 tarpaulins, 2,000 blankets, a tonne of ready-to-eat food, 0.5 tonnes of medicines and 10 water purification modules. Days later, PM Shehbaz also visited the Myanmar embassy in Islamabad, where he met the Southeast Asian country’s Ambassador Wunna Han and conveyed his deep condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.

Senior batters need to improve in chase, admits Rizwan

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: While defending his decision to bowl first in all the matches of the ODI series against New Zealand, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan on Saturday admitted the senior batters of the team needed to improve in order to finish games. Chasing 265 in a 42-overs-a-side third ODI due to rain in Mount Maunganui, Pakistan had got off to a good start with Babar notching a half-century. However, the tourists were unable to close the game with wickets falling in quick succession as Kiwi pacers took control to give their team a well-deserved 3-0 series sweep. “We definitely need to bring some improvement in that department, there are no excuses there,” Rizwan told reporters in the post-match media conference while responding to a question regarding senior batters not being able to complete chases. “Our ability to finish games is lagging, which is why I think we’re not able to produce results. But there are a lot of things around it that we need to take into account.” The 30-year-old Babar, widely considered as the main pillar of Pakistan’s batting, managed to score 129 runs in the three ODIs against New Zealand, Rizwan collected just 72 while opener Imam-ul-Haq made only three in the second ODI and got retired hurt after making one run in Mount Maunganui. The ODI series whitewash marked the end of a disappointing white-ball tour for Pakistan that also saw a 4-1 loss in the T20 International series. Saturday’s loss was Pakistan’s sixth consecutive defeat to New Zealand in ODIs all of which were held in 2025. The ongoing year has remained quite dreadful so far for the Green-shirts who have managed to claim only one ODI win in nine games while losing seven. One match was abandoned. Answering a question, the skipper welcomed criticism, if required results were not coming. “Surely, criticism [from media] is a [due] right, particularly if the [desired] results are not being produced [by the team],” Rizwan said. “Even the captain can be criticised. On my part, whenever I feel I have made a mistake I always accept it.” A particular shortcoming in the ODI series, Rizwan pinpointed, was the inability to make the most of the new ball in seam-friendly conditions after winning the toss and opting to bowl first on all three occasions. “I think if you ask any team in the world what they would do on a wet, green pitch after winning the toss on a New Zealand morning before the winters here, they’d say the same,” he insisted. “The conditions that were put in front of us, we all knew that. The problem was that with the new ball, we tried to survive that phase. We tried to get through the initial 10 overs. “If you look at the way they [New Zealand] played, they were taking wickets with the new ball in the second innings. So, we didn’t take the benefit of winning the toss. “If you think we should’ve batted first after winning the toss, it would’ve been something completely different because the conditions didn’t favour that.” The series loss adds to Pakistan’s recent losses, having finished without a win at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as hosts. Just prior to the Champions Trophy, the Green-shirts also lost the final of a three-nation tri-series ODI tournament at home featuring South Africa and New Zealand. Noting a pattern in Pakistan’s recent struggles, Rizwan stated, “The problem that we’ve had consistently came out during the Champions Trophy and the [preceding] tri-series. “If you look at the games we’ve played, we’ve been able to hold the teams till 40 overs. We’re losing the plot after that. “Hopefully, all of us alongside the management can work towards having the same effort till the 50th over that we put in the initial 30-35 overs.” BRACEWELL PRAISES BENCH STRENGTH New Zealand’s stand-in skipper Michael Bracewell summed up a comprehensive display from the Black Caps after their series sweep over Pakistan. “It was an enjoyable day, always nice to finish the season on a high, wanted to put up a good performance in front of a great crowd, thankful we managed to do that,” Bracewell said after the match. “Wicket played well, credit to groundsmen [after the relentless rain], thought it was a great game of cricket. “Obviously a reduced one but enjoyable. With the reduced number of resources, you get a chance to put down the foot a little bit earlier.” Summing up the series performance from the Black Caps, Bracewell highlighted the incredible bench strength that was on show from the hosts. “Seeing the guys come in and do well is most pleasing and winning the series is an added bonus. It was great to see different guys step up at different times.” Among the standout performers for the winning side was the pace trio of Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith, who combined for 22 wickets from the three ODIs. Bracewell expressed his delight at how the young bowling unit stepped up to the occasion, showcasing the fiery intensity that had been expected of them. “We are clear about the style we want to play…[on fast bowlers] they carried through to ODIs, pretty amazing to watch them, they are fast, aggressive and used their height and bounce. “We found a way to get to an above par total and the way bowlers bowled, it was always going to be enough.” Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

PTI leadership takes note of infighting, asks groups to exercise restraint

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Junaid Akbar Khan on Saturday said that the party’s leadership had taken notice of infighting in the provincial chapter and directed groups to exercise restraint. Talking to reporters at the PTI’s protest camp outside the provincial assembly’s building here, Mr Akbar said that the party’s political committee discussed the issue and issued instructions to both sides not to escalate the situation. “Our political committee will soon take a decision on this matter, ensuring such a situation does not arise in future,” he said. Currently, the ruling PTI’s KP chapter is facing a schism, with senior leaders at each other’s throats. A tug of war is under way between Speaker of the KP Assembly Babar Saleem Swati and former Senator Azam Swati, both from Mansehra district. Akbar says Gandapur enjoys Imran’s trust, not being removed Also, former minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra is engaged in a war of words with the party’s internal accountability committee and has gone public with his response to the committee’s questionnaire issued to him about administrative and financial issues from the time when he held the finance and health portfolios. In a related development on Friday, some senior PTI leaders demanded of the leadership to order an investigation into the statement of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, who declared them “conspirators” in a recent podcast. The demand came from former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and former minister Shahram Khan Tarakai, with another senior party leader, Kamran Khan Bangash, coming out in their support. Mr Akbar also appealed to party leaders, involved in the infighting, to stop from attacking each other, saying such a conduct is inappropriate. “Differences in political parties are a normal thing but all these issues should be discussed at proper forums,” he said, urging all leaders to be “on the same page as differences are not good for the party’s interests.” The PTI leader also said no one in the party had any clout. He said party workers were neither associated with Ali Amin Gandapur or him, and that they would back whosoever had the support of party founder Imran Khan. “Since Imran Khan is the party’s pivot, such differences are unlikely to harm the party as people trust Imran,” he said. Mr Akbar said he had differences with Gandapur when he was taking over the office of the party’s KP president but in line with Imran’s orders, both of them buried the hatchet. When asked whether former minister Mohammad Atif Khan is being made the president of PTI’s Peshawar region and Sher Ali Arbab the general secretary, he said every leader had to make his own team and he was comfortable with his one. Both office-bearers were removed while Ali Amin was heading the party’s provincial chapter. Regarding the removal of the chief minister, Mr Akbar said that Gandapur enjoyed the trust of the PTI founder, so there was “no merit to talk about his removal.” He also asked PTI workers and leadership to wear black armbands from Monday to protest the federal government’s “excesses” against the party. “We are facing state oppression and state terrorism,” he said. The PTI provincial president directed party workers and leaders to prepare for a massive protest movement to be launched on the directives of Imran Khan. He said the PTI would take to the streets if its founder, Imran Khan, gave a call for it. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Torkham witnesses largest deportation of Afghans since April 1

KHYBER: Saturday witnessed the largest deportation of Afghans via the Torkham border crossing here since April 1, with over 750 refugees, including men, women and children, being sent to their country after arrests in Islamabad and Punjab. Officials at the transit centre in Landi Kotal told Dawn that 777 Afghan nationals were handed over to the Khyber police at the Karkhano Market checkpost. They added that the refugees were first taken to the transit centre for registration at the Nadra desk and then shifted to the Torkham border for completion of deportation process. The sources insisted that the registration of arrested Afghan nationals was just a formality and took little time to complete. Over 750 refugees sent back following arrest in Islamabad, Punjab Official data revealed that the Afghans deported on Saturday were rounded up in Islamabad Capital Territory and Punjab’s Faisalabad, Rahimyar Khan, Hafizabad, Narowal, Sargodha, Multan, Sheikhupura and Bahawalpur areas. Sargodha, Faisalabad and Islamabad top the list with 150, 143 and 129 detainees, respectively. Police in Landi Kotal said all arrested refugees, including women and children, were escorted to the checkpost at Peshawar’s Karkhano Market by Punjab police before being in their custody. They said that 85 per cent of Afghans were arrested in Punjab, while the rest opted for voluntary return. Gul Agha, an Afghan family’s head, told reporters at Torkham that border authorities didn’t allow vehicles without temporary admission document (TAD) to cross the border and refugees were asked to either rent another vehicle with TAD for proceeding to Afghanistan or carry their goods to the border in handcarts. He said that the restriction on non-TAD vehicles was not only a financial burden on most returning families but it had also multiplied their misery as they had to offload all their belongings from such vehicles before reloading them onto TAD vehicles or renting hand carts for transportation up to the border. Sherin Jan, another returning Afghan refugee, said that he had paid Rs140,000 for a non-TAD vehicle in Punjab to take his goods to the Torkham border but had to pay additional Rs160,000 to another vehicle with valid documents for onward journey. He said that the electronic scanning of his belongings and their checking by customs officials had added to his problems, as his family members had to wait for long hours to see “all those unnecessary formalities” completed. The returning refugees requested Pakistani authorities to give a one-time waiver to non-TAD vehicles to facilitate their speedy return to Afghanistan, along with exemption from customs clearance and electronic scanning. However, officials at the transit centre insisted that the number of returning Afghans had been increasing since their voluntary repatriation deadline expired on March 31, with the Punjab police intensifying their crackdown on illegal Afghan nationals in the province. Also in the day, assistant commissioner of Landi Kotal ordered all Afghans, living in the tehsil, to vacate their houses and return to their country in line with the federal government’s announcement regarding expulsion of all illegal foreigners. Meanwhile, customs authorities on Saturday said that 519 vehicles carried export items to Afghanistan in the last three days, while another 85 vehicles with Afghan Transit Trade goods were also dispatched. However, local sources said that the last three days saw a marked decline in import of coal and soapstone from Afghanistan due to a technical fault in the scanning machine at the customs terminal. They said that while Pakistani authorities had so far allowed 526 stranded empty vehicles to enter Pakistan in the last three days, only 300 vehicles, loaded mostly with pomegranate and raw cotton, were granted import permission. The sources said that officials at the customs terminal argued that they couldn’t allow coal and soapstone vehicles to undergo electronic scanning as the scanner was being tested for proper functioning after it developed technical fault twice in the last three weeks, hampering imports from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Kohat administration has asked 100,000 Afghan nationals, including illegal refugees and Afghan Citizen Card holders, to return to their country voluntarily. Additional deputy commissioner (G) Hamid Iqbal, SP (City) Farooq Zaman and other officials met with Afghan elders from three Ghamkol Sharif refugee camps here on Saturday and said Pakistan had hosted refugees for 40 years but it was time for them to return on their own in line with a government decision. According to official data, 100,000 Afghan refugees live in Kohat’s eight camps. Out of them, 16,000 got Afghan Citizen Cards from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2017. The Ublan Camp is the largest camp, followed by three in Ghamkol and one each in Shindhand, Ghulam Banda, Cheechanna and Jarma Bridge, with their inhabitants doing business in both urban and rural areas. Now, they all, totaling 100,000, will have to leave the country in line with the Pakistani government’s policy, according to officials. The ADC said the government wanted refugees to go home respectfully and peacefully to start a new phase of their lives. He said refugees should prepare themselves for voluntary repatriation to prevent any police action. The ADC said authorities won’t use force to send refugees to Afghanistan and would facilitate their return. “Afghan refugees should understand Pakistan’s economic and security compulsions under which they can’t be hosted any further, so they should opt for voluntary repatriation,” he said. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Govt hopes US tariffs may yield win-win situation

• Aurangzeb says high-level delegation to be sent to Washington amid export concerns • Tax-to-GDP ratio expected to rise to 10.6pc by end-June • Trader tax contributions nearly double; tax filers increase to 6m ISLAMABAD: Facing a declining foothold in the US market, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Saturday unveiled plans to dispatch a high-level delegation to Washington, hoping that the evolving US tariffs regime could be turned into a win-win situation for both countries. “You should never let a good crisis go to waste. We are looking at it both as a challenge as well as an opportunity,” he said at a press conference in Islamabad. The move to send a team to the United States is aimed at reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to a long-term strategic alliance with the United States as a critical step to address challenges confronting Pakistan’s export sector. The announcement comes in response to the changing US trade policy and tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration. The United States remained Pakistan’s leading export destination in FY24, with exports totalling $5.442 billion. “We are going to finalise our recommendations to the prime minister in the next few days,” Mr Aurangzeb said. He said that after the approval of the premier, a high-level delegation would leave for Washington to get Pakistan’s view across and to ensure that Islamabad want to be a long-term strategic partner. Mr Aurangzeb said that two committees have been formed to tackle emerging challenges, including a steering group led by Mr Aurangzeb himself and a working group headed by the commerce secretary. Over the past few days, these groups have convened multiple meetings, with plans to continue discussions aimed at turning obstacles into opportunities. “We view this as both a challenge and an opportunity,” said Mr Aurangzeb, emphasising the government’s proactive engagement in addressing the issue. He noted that a comprehensive package is being developed, which, once finalised, would be presented to the US administration for discussion. The minister underlined the importance of fostering a medium- to long-term, mutually beneficial partnership between Pakistan and the United States. On the IMF issue, the minister said that a new Fund mission would come for the budget discussion. He said that the delay in the staff-level agreement was due to the need to develop consensus with all stakeholders, especially provinces, over the commitments for implementation. He claimed that Pakistan went through the quantitative benchmark and structural benchmarks. “We are on track on our commitments,” he said. “We are monitoring compliance to the benchmarks on a monthly basis.” He mentioned that the structural benchmarks also witnessed historic development, adding that the agriculture income tax through the provincial assemblies was a historic development. After the IMF board approval, Pakistan is set to receive about $1bn in terms of the next tranche, which is there under the current EFF programme. He said negotiations on the Resilience and Sustainability Fund (RSF) also continued, though the fund will be linked with the implementation of the commitments. The minister also claimed that the government was undertaking structural reforms to end reliance on the IMF. He said that negotiations with China were at an advanced level over debt issues. Taxation, revenue growth On taxation, the minister said the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio was projected to reach 10.6 per cent by the end of June — an increase of 1.8 percentage points in a year. He praised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for improving collection, noting that tax contributions from traders nearly doubled to Rs413bn from Rs189bn last year. The number of tax return filers has also risen to six million. Mr Aurangzeb said return filing would be simplified for salaried individuals in the upcoming budget. Inflation, interest rates Mr Aurangzeb noted that inflation had dropped to 0.7pc — the lowest level in nearly six decades. He said the government is working with the provinces to ensure that this benefit is passed on to the public. He also pointed out that the interest rate currently stands around 12pc. “In my personal view, there is room to reduce it further,” he said. The fall in markup rates has also led to a lower Karachi Interbank Offered Rate (Kibor), providing relief to the industrial sector. He said that business, investor and consumer confidence were on the rise, supported by increased activity in the capital market, as indicated by various reports. The minister said that new investors were entering the capital market, and the government expected more to follow. On the external front, Mr Aurangzeb expressed optimism that remittances would hit a record $36bn this financial year. Structural reforms, fiscal sustainability The minister also spoke at length about the economic stability and sustainability and the government’s aim to drive growth through export-led, production-led and private sector-led strategies, focusing on increasing foreign exchange reserves, promoting business confidence and implementing structural reforms. “We are quite confident that the foreign exchange reserves will be a little over $13bn by the end of June,” he said. He said economic activity during the Eid period also surged, with spending rising to Rs870bn compared to Rs720bn last year. The minister announced significant developments across key sectors, focusing on energy, structural reforms and debt management. In the energy sector, he mentioned a major reduction in electricity tariffs for industries, with rates dropping by one-third. He also emphasised ongoing restructuring efforts in the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) and distribution companies (Discos) to enhance sustainability. He highlighted restructuring plans across federal ministries, noting that 400 departments are currently under review. The government has approved the first two phases of downsizing and rationalisation, with two more phases to be presented to the cabinet soon. A fifth phase is underway, and a complete analysis is expected by June, with tangible impacts expected in the next budget. On debt management, the minister reported progress in extending debt maturity to 3.5 years, which will result in projected savings of Rs1 trillion in debt servicing costs. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Balochistan deadlock

THE state’s efforts to stifle political activity in Balochistan are unlikely to improve the situation, and instead may further enflame matters. After the authorities placed obstacles in the way of the BNP-M’s ‘long march’, Akhtar Mengal’s party has warned that it will march on Quetta today. The Baloch leader had originally launched a long march from Wadh to the provincial capital on March 28, calling for the release of Mahrang Baloch and other detained women activists. However, unable to reach Quetta due to obstructions placed by the state, the party transformed the procession into a protest sit-in. Negotiations with the state have failed to end the impasse, though the provincial government’s spokesperson said on Saturday the BNP-M may be allowed to march to Quetta, but not to the red zone. In a related move, the provincial head of the JWP has also been detained. Meanwhile, political parties in Balochistan have called on the state to lift restrictions on political activities in the province. Peaceful protest is the democratic right of all citizens, and the state should not be creating hindrances in the exercise of this right. In the context of Balochistan, where political expression has been severely curtailed, the need to protect this right is even greater. Rather than trying to stop the protests, the government should ponder over why Balochistan’s people have taken to the streets. Akhtar Mengal’s demands to release women activists should seriously be considered. What is needed in Balochistan is sagacity and vision, not the colonial-style methods that have been employed for the past several decades, which have failed to address the situation in the province or neutralise the insurgency. Political activity should not be equated with ‘political opportunism’, and the state needs to make a clear distinction between terrorists and peaceful political activists. Defending the right to assemble and express oneself is not the same as expressing sympathy with terrorists. If the state shuts all avenues of political expression, then the volcano of disaffection in Balochistan is likely to explode with even greater ferocity. That is why Akhtar Mengal and other moderate nationalists and rights activists should be engaged and listened to. The militarised approach may bring temporary quiet to Balochistan, but it will not address the long-standing grievances militants tap into to fuel the insurgency. The state, therefore, must handle the situation with wisdom. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Three nations pull $1bn from T-bills amid uncertainty

KARACHI: Only three countries withdrew nearly $1 billion from Pakistan’s treasury bills during the current financial year, with outflows almost matching total inflows. The near-parity between incoming and outgoing investment highlights growing investor caution despite relatively attractive returns. Efforts by the government to attract foreign investment have yielded limited results. Despite offering higher yields on T-bills compared to most developed and developing economies, foreign investors remain concerned about Pakistan’s fragile external sector. While some macroeconomic indicators and foreign exchange reserves have shown improvement, the country remains burdened by some $25bn in annual external debt servicing. To manage this pressure, the government continues to seek support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is actively trying to reschedule debt with China, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “What is more concerning is that the country is unable to tap international markets for commercial loans or float bonds,” said a senior banker. He stressed that improving Pakistan’s credit rating is critical to restoring investor confidence. Investor confidence waning despite high returns on treasury bills According to the State Bank of Pakistan, between July 1 and March 14 this fiscal year, inflows into T-bills totalled $1.163bn, while outflows stood at $1.121bn — leaving a net balance of just $42 million. “This isn’t about returns. It’s about uncertainty, both political and economic,” the banker added. “We still have a fragile political alliance and a struggling economy with low growth.” He also pointed out growing unemployment and rising terrorism incidents as other major red flags for foreign investors. The United Kingdom, traditionally Pakistan’s largest T-bill investor, had invested $710m during FY25 but withdrew $625m. Financial analysts view this as a strong signal of eroding investor confidence. The United Arab Emirates and the United States also recorded major outflows — $205m and $130m, respectively. Market experts point out that a decline in interest rates, driven by easing inflation, has reduced the appeal of T-bills. Pakistan’s policy rate dropped sharply from 22pc to 12pc, bringing the return on T-bills closer to this level and narrowing the premium for foreign investors. Despite recent optimism following the IMF’s decision to release another loan tranche and record-high remittance inflows, concerns linger. Exports remain sluggish and foreign exchange reserves declined in recent weeks, currently hovering at a nine-month low. Analysts also warn that Pakistani exports may face a fresh challenge from global tariff adjustments by the United States. New tariffs on Pakistan’s products and services, averaging 29pc, could hurt the local businesses’ competitiveness in the US market — further straining the country’s external account. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Trump’s policies trigger protests in US, Europe

• Over 1,200 rallies planned to give Trump’s opponents an opportunity to register their resentment • Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has eliminated 200,000 out of 2.3m federal jobs WASHINGTON: Thousands streamed into downtown Washington on Saturday as protests got underway against efforts by President Donald Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk to overhaul government and expand presidential authority. Organisers said more than 20,000 people attended the rally at Washington’s National Mall. Over 1,200 demonstrations were planned across the United States in what organisers expect to be the largest single day of protest which will give Trump’s opponents an opportunity to demonstrate their displeasure en masse in response to a raft of executive orders. Some 150 activist groups have signed up to participate, according to the event’s website. Protests were planned in all 50 states plus Canada and Mexico. Protesters were lining the busy thoroughfare of Connecticut Avenue in Washington under gloomy skies and light rain, awaiting buses to take them downtown. They carried signs with slogans such as “No Kings in the USA” and “Deport Musk”. Terry Klein, a retired biomedical scientist from Princeton, New Jersey, was among hundreds who gathered early in front of the stage below the Washington Monument. She said she drove down to attend the rally to protest Trump’s policies on everything from immigration to the DOGE stuff to the tariffs this week, to education. “I mean, our whole country is under attack, all of our institutions, all the things that make America what it is.” David Madden, a 75-year old army veteran and retired trial lawyer, said he flew from Dayton, Ohio, to demonstrate against the injustice that is dominating this country, the institutions that are being stolen from the American people, the confusion in the courts, the fact that “we have a population that I believe is essentially racist”. With President Trump’s blessing, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team has scythed through the US government, eliminating more than 200,000 jobs from the 2.3 million federal work force. At times, the effort has been haphazard and forced the recall of needed specialists. On Friday, the Internal Revenue Service began laying off more than 20,000 workers, as much as 25 per cent of its ranks. Social security top target Several hundred people gathered on Saturday outside the headquarters of the Social Security Administration, a top DOGE target, near Baltimore to protest against cuts to the agency which delivers benefits to the elderly and disabled. The mood was angry and defiant, after the agency recently announced cuts of 7,000 staff and the ending of phone services to millions of claimants. Members of DOGE have been inside the building for weeks. Many in the crowd of mostly retirees held handmade signs, including Where Has My Country Gone?, FIRE DOGE!, Send Musk to Mars, and Hands off Social Security. Linda Falcao, who turns 65 in two months, told the crowd she had been paying into the Social Security fund since the age of 16. “I’m terrified, I’m angry, I’m bewildered this could happen to the United States,” she said. “I do love America and I’m heartbroken. I need my money. I want my money. I want my benefits.” In response, the crowd chanted, “It’s our money.” White House assistant press secretary Liz Huston disputed the protesters’ charge that Trump aimed to cut Social Security and Medicaid. “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. “The Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programmes and crush American seniors,” Huston said in an email. Much of Donald Trump’s agenda has been restrained by lawsuits contending he has overstepped his authority with attempts to fire civil servants, deport immigrants and reverse transgender rights. Trump returned to office on Jan 20 with a stream of executive orders and other measures critics say are aligned with an agenda outlined by Project 2025, a deeply conservative political initiative to reshape government and consolidate presidential authority. His supporters have applauded Trump’s audacity as necessary to disrupt entrenched liberal interests. Demos in Europe Hours before the protests kicked off in the United States, hundreds of anti-Trump Americans living in Europe gathered in Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris and London to voice opposition to the sweeping makeover of US foreign and domestic policies. About 200 people, mostly American, gathered on Paris’s Place de la Republique, listening to speeches and waving banners ranging from “Resist Tyrant”, “Rule of Law” to “Feminists for Freedom not fascism” and “Save Democracy”. “We have to show solidarity with all the demonstrations in a thousand cities today in the USA,” Democrats Abroad spokesperson Timothy Kautz said in Frankfurt. Protester Jose Sanchez said Trump was a con man who was destroying democracy. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Water level in key dams rises slightly after rainfall

ISLAMABAD: The water level in major dams has risen from critically low threshold due to increased inflows from the melting of glaciers and rainfall in March. Mangla and Tarbela, two of the biggest reservoirs in Pakistan, almost ran out of water in recent weeks, prompting fears of acute water shortage for domestic and agriculture use. According to a Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) report, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north Punjab, most of Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan received light to heavy rainfall in March. The inflows increased the water level in Mangla Dam on Jhelum River from 1,066.25 feet on March 23 to 1,086.70 feet on April 4, Wapda data shows. Similarly, the water level in the Tarbela Dam increased from the dead level of 1,402 feet to 1410 feet. Mangla and Tarbela over dead level; PMD says drought still a threat However, the PMD warned that mean temperatures were expected to remain above normal nationwide during April. The forecast for April said that slightly below-normal rainfall is anticipated in northern Punjab, Kashmir and adjoining areas of northern KP. In contrast, southern regions are expected to experience closer to normal rainfall, with a reduced negative anomaly as per the region’s climatological patterns. The PMD report said mean temperatures are expected to remain above normal nationwide, with maximum temperatures over Kashmir, GB and northern KP. The April forecast predicted normal rainfall in drought-prone southern regions. “This expected rainfall should improve soil moisture in areas like coastal Balochistan, the Thar Desert in Sindh, and the Cholistan region in Punjab,” PMD said, adding that mild to moderate drought conditions already present in Sindh and coastal Balochistan may intensify if the rainfall remains deficient, Met Office cautions. The meteorological department advised all stakeholders to save water to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought. About dry days, the PMD said the number of consecutive dry days has increased from 200 to 237 days across Turbat, Pasni, Lasbela, and Sindh. However, substantial rainfall has concluded consecutive dry days in central and northern regions of the country. Soil moisture condition has improved due to recent rainfall in Punjab, and this will boost major crops like wheat, sugarcane, sesame, grams and pulses, primarily thriving in its irrigated plains. Sindh has reported satisfactory growth and harvesting processes for its primary crops, including wheat, sugarcane, seasonal vegetables, and orchards. The crop conditions remain generally good, supported by adequate management practices. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, all standing crops, such as wheat and sugarcane are progressing well, with ongoing harvesting and satisfactory orchard conditions. Balochistan maintained healthy and growth of wheat, orchards, and vegetables, with seasonal fruits being efficiently produced and marketed. However, persistent dry conditions in some areas have caused moisture stress, adversely affecting crop development. Last month, the coastal belt of Balochistan, southern and western Sindh, and southeast Punjab had faced mild to moderate drought, attributed to moisture stress and lower-than-average rainfall over the previous three months. The PMD has advised farmers that normal to slightly below normal rainfall is expected in most agricultural plains during April. To achieve a good yield, it is necessary to control weeds in the crop, which not only reduces the yield but also have other negative impacts. Farmers have been advised to apply herbicides to destroy these weeds, abstaining from spraying during strong winds and following the advice of the agricultural department. With the wheat crop now ripe in Punjab and Sindh, farmers have been advised to schedule harvesting based on the latest weather forecasts. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Zelensky slams ‘weak’ US reply to Russian strike on his hometown

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday slammed the US embassy for what he called a “weak” statement that did not blame Russia for a missile strike on his hometown which killed 18 people, including nine children. In one of the deadliest strikes in recent weeks, a Russian missile on Friday evening struck a residential area near a children’s playground in the central Ukrainian town of Kryvyi Rig, followed up by attack drones. Seventy-two people were wounded, 12 of them children, Dnipropetrovsk governor Sergiy Lysak said after the end of emergency operations overnight, with city officials declaring three days of mourning. Zelensky in an emotional statement on social media named each of the children killed in the attack, accusing the US embassy of avoiding referring to Russia as the aggressor. “Unfortunately, the reaction of the American Embassy is unpleasantly surprising: such a strong country, such a strong people — and such a weak reaction,” Zelensky wrote. Ukrainian president says Moscow has no interest in stopping the war “They are even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when talking about the missile that killed the children.” Zelensky singled out the United States for criticism as President Donald Trump has pushed for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine while seeking a thaw in ties with Moscow. Russia’s defence ministry said it “delivered a precision strike” in the city “where commanders of formations and Western instructors were meeting”. The commander of the Ukrainian army retorted that Moscow was “trying to cover up its cynical crime” and “spreading false information”. He accused Russia of “war crimes”. ‘Calling a spade a spade’ The Ukrainian president was taking aim at a message posted on X by US Ambassador Bridget Brink on Friday evening, which said: “Horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant”. Brink, who was appointed by Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden and has been ambassador since May 2022, added that “this is why the war must end”. Zelensky wrote on Saturday: “Yes, the war must end. But in order to end it, we must not be afraid to call a spade a spade.” In recent posts, Brink did not refer directly to Russia, but on Saturday, after Zelensky’s criticism, she referred to “Russian attacks” while visiting the war-torn city of Kharkiv. Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of Kryvyi Rig’s military administration, said three days of mourning had been declared on April 7, 8 and 9. “This is nothing less than a mass murder of civilians,” he said. Pictures circulated by rescue services showed several bodies, one stretched out near a playground swing. “This is the kind of pain you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy,” Lysak said. ‘Not human’ Trump, who said during his re-election campaign he could end the three-year conflict within days, is pushing the two sides to agree to a ceasefire but his administration has failed to broker an accord acceptable to both. Zelensky said the missile attack showed Russia had no interest in stopping its full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022. “Russia does not want a ceasefire and we see it. The whole world sees it,” he said, adding that Moscow launched attack drones “right during the rescue operation”. “People who are capable of that kind of thing aren’t human,” Zelensky said. Kryvyi Rig, in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, is about 60 kilometres from the front line, and has regularly been targeted by Russian drones and missiles. The Ukrainian leader was born in the industrial city, which had a pre-war population of around 600,000 people. He said the children killed by the latest attack ranged in age from a three-year-old boy, Tymofiy, to a 17-year-old teenage boy, Nikita. Zelensky hailed “tangible progress” after meeting British and French military chiefs in Kyiv on Friday to discuss a plan by London and Paris to send a “reassurance” force to Ukraine if and when a deal on ending the conflict is reached. The president wrote on social media that the meeting with British Chief of the Defence Staff Tony Radakin and French counterpart Thierry Burkhard agreed “the first details on how the security contingent of partners can be deployed”, without giving details. This is one of the latest efforts by European leaders to agree on a coordinated policy after Trump sidelined them and opened direct talks with the Kremlin. Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of breaking a supposed deal to stop firing on energy sites, though a formal agreement has not been put in place. Russia on Saturday once again claimed Ukraine targeted its energy infrastructure, with the defence ministry saying Kyiv had attacked 14 sites in the last 24 hours. Ukraine denied these “false” accusations. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Lawyers in Gilgit-Baltistan go on strike till 16th

GILGIT: Legal fraternity in Gilgit-Baltistan has announced a boycott of all court proceedings and will hold protest demonstrations across the region until April 16, citing the non-fulfillment of their demands. For the past five months, lawyers in Gilgit-Baltistan have been protesting and boycotting court proceedings, except for emergency cases, due to the unmet demands. However, this time, lawyers have decided to not appear in courts even for emergency cases till April 16. A meeting of GB High Court Bar Association (GBHCBA) under the chairmanship of Advocate Tanveer Akhtar passed a resolution and reviewed progress on the joint demands of GB Bar Council, GB Supreme Appellate Court Bar Association, GBHCBA and district bar associations. According to a statement issued by the association on Saturday, the meeting expressed reservations over government’s failure to implement lawyers’ demands despite repeated strikes and protests. The lawyers termed not fulfillment of the demands “a conspiracy against GB people” for not giving access to justice. Bar association regrets little progress on appointment of key judge and other demands of legal fraternity The meeting asked lawyers to not appear in all court proceedings across GB, even in emergency cases, till April 16, to make the protest more effective. The meeting asked the GB judges to not decide cases in absence of counsel, as lawyers would hold protest demonstrations in all districts of the region. It GBHCBA decided that licences of the lawyers, who would not boycott proceedings till April 16, would be cancelled by GB Bar Council and in case of appearances lawyers in district courts, chief court, Supreme Appellate Court and revenue and service tribunals, a fine ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs300,000 would be imposed on them. The meeting also decided to consider locking courts and other actions in case their demands, including the long-delayed appointment of judges in the GB Supreme Appellate Court, remained unmet. Later, a GB Bar Council meeting endorsed the resolution and demanded that authorities resolve the issues of the legal fraternity. The representatives of the lawyers’ community said the GB chief minister had accepted their demands and issued directives to address the issues, yet relevant authorities failed to take any action. One of the key demands is appointment on the vacant positions in the GB Supreme Appellate Court, the region’s highest judicial forum, as around 8,000 cases were pending before the court due to the delay in the appointment. Another major demand is the extension of the Lawyers Protection Act to GB by the federal government, a move they argued is essential for ensuring their safety and professional rights. The proposed land reforms draft has also come under criticism from the legal community, who described it as ambiguous and flawed. They demanded that their recommendations be incorporated before it is passed in the GB Assembly, warning that failure to do so would be a violation of local people’s rights. They urged the GB chief judge to take steps to appoint judges to the vacant positions in labour, consumer, family and ATCs, and assistant registrar’s office. The lawyers called for the advertisement of vacant civil judge positions and demanded that judicial magistrate posts be separated from civil judge posts, as practised in other parts of the country, with appointments made from the legal fraternity on merit. According to GBHCBA president Tanveer Khan, the GB Supreme Appellate Court has been operating with only one judge for past seven years. According to rules, a single judge cannot hear all cases, causing thousands of important cases to remain pending. Commenting on the GB reforms draft, he criticised that lawyers’ objections were ignored, and mineral and mining leases were being awarded to outsiders. He warned the GB government of severe consequences if their demands were not fulfilled. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

UN experts ask govt to extend Afghan expulsion deadline

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations human rights experts have urged Pakistan not to expel or deport Afghans while citing reports that the deadline for their voluntary departure of Afghans may be extended until April 10. The government has not extended the deadline yet. In a statement issued in Geneva, eleven independent human rights experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council called on the Pakistani government to continue its important role as a neighbouring country with a long history of hosting Afghans fleeing their country. “Given the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan, durable solutions are needed for Afghans outside the country, with strong support from the broader international community,” experts said. “Millions of Afghans in Pakistan are at risk of being pushed back to Afghanistan without regard for their genuine protection concerns, including gender-based violence and the systemic dismantling of the rights of women and girls in violation of international human rights law and refugee law, and disregarding UNHCR’s non-return advisory,” the experts said. Say human rights situation deteriorating in Afghanistan and women, transgenders, ethnic minorities are at bigger risk The experts urged Pakistan to “immediately stop mass internal relocations, deportations, arrests, evictions, intimidation and other pressures on Afghans to cross the border into Afghanistan, and to uphold the absolute and non-derogable principle of non-refoulement”. They expressed particular concern about the gendered and intersectional impact. The UN experts have repeatedly spoken out against Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan of September 2023, which has already pressured hundreds of thousands of Afghans to uproot their lives and return to Afghanistan. Ahead of the 31 March deadline, the UN said it had documented a worrying increase in arrests of Afghans. Many desperate Afghans have contacted the experts, fearing persecution by the Taliban in Afghanistan if they are forced to return. “The most vulnerable are Afghan women, girls, LGBTI persons, ethnic and religious minorities, former government officials and security personnel, human rights defenders, and media workers,” the experts said. “Children, especially unaccompanied, are at heightened risk of trafficking, child marriage and abuse, while persons with disabilities and older persons are also particularly vulnerable. They should all be individually assessed.” The experts expressed concern about the return of Afghans to Afghanistan from other countries, potentially contravening international human rights and refugee law. Security risks The experts also acknowledged security risks, including terrorist attacks in Afghanistan as well as Pakistan. The experts noted that many Afghans who had left for Pakistan, having been given reasonable expectations of being resettled in a third country, had their dreams of a secure future shattered by the sudden halt of resettlement programmes. They stressed that funding cuts will reduce the ability of the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, together with humanitarian agencies, to support a large influx of people from neighboring countries. “Abrupt and drastic funding cuts by donors are already having a severe impact on much-needed humanitarian assistance to Afghans,” the experts said. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

One of three ex-judges to vote for IHC chief justice appointment

ISLAMABAD: One out of three former judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) will vote for the next chief justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC). The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) in its meeting scheduled for April 11 will finalise the name of the former judges who will become JCP member to cast vote to select the chief justices of their respective high courts. Nominations for the appointment of chief justices of IHC, Sindh High Court (SHC), Peshawar High Court (PHC) and Balochistan High Court (BHC) will be considered later in a JCP meeting, which is expected to be held on April 18. For the provincial high courts there are several choices, but for the IHC these are limited to only three namely ex-CJ Mohammad Anwar Khan Kasi, retired justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui and retired justice Noorul Haq N. Qureshi, as others who served at the IHC were incumbent chief justice or Federal Shariat Court Iqbal Hameedur Rehman, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aamer Farooq who are serving in the Supreme Court, while retired justice Riaz Ahmed Khan died in August 2021. JCP will finalise name of its member from among Anwar Khan Kasi, Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui and Noorul Haq Qureshi on 11th Justice Qureshi formally joined PTI after retirement, Justice Kasi who was facing multiple references in the Supreme Judicial Council is spending time at home, while Justice Siddiqui was reinstated by the apex court in the reference in which he was removed for criticising intelligence agencies’ meddling in the judiciary. Interestingly, the judges, who vehemently voiced against the meddling last year, practically abandoned Justice Siddiqui in 2018 when he pointed out interference of retired Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed in the affairs of judiciary. Insiders said that the main contenders were Justice Kasi and Justice Siddiqui, as the government may not vote for Justice Qureshi who is expected to get PTI lawmaker’s vote. Headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the JCP included three most senior judges of the SC, federal minister for law and justice, attorney general, a Pakistan Bar Council representative, two senators (one each from opposition and treasury benches), two MNAs (one each from opposition and treasury benches), and a woman or non-Muslim to be nominated by the NA speaker for a term of two years. According to Clause 5 of Article 175-A, for the appointment of a judge of the high court, the JCP composition includes CJ of the high court to which the appointment is being made, head of constitutional bench, provincial law minister, and an advocate having at least 15 years of practice in the high court to be nominated by the respective bar council for a term of two years. In case the head of constitutional benches of a high court is the chief justice of that high court, the judge who is next in seniority shall become JCP member. It says if for any reason the CJ of a high court is unavailable, he shall be substituted by an ex-CJ or former judge of that court, to be nominated by the JCP. However, the JCP composition is slightly different for the IHC appointments as it includes federal minister nominated by the prime minister instead of the provincial minister. In case of appointment of IHC CJ, the JCP will appoint a former IHC judge as member to pick CJ. On Feb 13, the law ministry had notified acting chief justices of the four high courts: Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar for the IHC, Justice Ejaz Swati for the BHC, Justice Junaid Ghaffar for the SHC and Justice S.M. Attique Shah as acting CJ of the PHC. The nominees for the regular chief justice of IHC are Justice Dogar, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb. For the BHC, the nominees are Justice Swati, Justice Mohammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail and Rozi Khan Barrech. For the SHC, nominees are justices Ghaffar, Zafar Ahmed Rajput and Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro. Likewise, the PHC’s nominations included justices Shah, Ijaz Anwar and Arshad Ali. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025

Balochistan CTD foils terror plot, seizes 70kg of explosives

QUETTA: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Balochistan Police foiled a major terror plot on Saturday, recovering a large cache of explosives, arms and ammunition from an area on Sariab Road. According to a CTD spokesperson, the intelligence-based operation was carried out by CTD Quetta in the vicinity of the Radio Pakistan Tower. During the operation, officials recovered a 20kg improvised explosive device fitted with a remote detonation mechanism, along with 50kg of high-grade explosive material buried underground. In addition, five hand grenades and three 9mm pistols with live ammunition were seized from the site. All explosives and weapons were secured without incident. “Acting on confirmed intelligence regarding a potential sabotage attempt targeting critical infrastructure, the CTD launched a swift and coordinated operation,” the spokesperson said. A combing search was conducted with support from the Bomb Disposal Unit. However, no arrests were made during the operation as no suspects were found at the scene. An FIR has been registered at CTD Police Station Quetta under relevant provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Forensic analysis of the recovered material is under way, while intelligence-based follow-up operations are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the foiled plot. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025