Balochistan CM vows to establish writ as violence mars Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations 

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti address media in Quetta, Pakistan on August 15, 2024. (AN photo)
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Updated 15 August 2024
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Balochistan CM vows to establish writ as violence mars Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations 

  • Five people were killed in separate attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Quetta city in days leading up to Independence Day 
  • Sarfaraz Bugti criticizes rights group Baloch Yakjehti Committee as “legitimate voice” of separatist groups seeking independence 

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti on Thursday vowed to establish the writ of the state after violence marred Independence Day celebrations in the southwestern province this week, resulting in the killing of five people. 

Separatist groups in mineral-and-gas-rich Balochistan have attacked shops and stalls selling Independence Day merchandise in the province in the past. On Aug. 13, a man was killed in an IED blast that targeted a shop selling Pakistan’s national flag in the provincial capital of Quetta. The same day, unidentified men killed two people in Quetta by firing at them with a grenade launcher. On Aug. 14, a man was killed and 10 others injured in a blast that targeted an Independence Day gathering at the Quetta Railway Station. 

All attacks were claimed by the separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) group, which is among ethnic Baloch militants that have launched an insurgency in the province for decades. The militants demand independence from the center, accusing the state of exploiting Balochistan’s mineral resources for their benefit, a charge the Pakistani state vehemently denies. 

“Whosoever wants to negotiate with the government, our doors are open for them but the writ of the state wouldn’t be compromised at any cost,” Bugti told reporters at a news conference in Quetta.

“The provincial government has zero-tolerance policy against people attacking schools, laborers, doctors, teachers and ethnic Balochs.”

Balochistan has seen an uptick in violence since the last week of July after an ethnic Baloch rights group known as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) called a public national gathering in the port city of Gwadar. 

The gathering aimed to highlight alleged human rights abuses, extra-judicial killings, and enforced disappearances in Balochistan that rights activists and the families of victims blame on Pakistani security forces.

Their protests triggered clashes with Pakistani security forces in various parts of the province, prompting the government to arrest protesters. However, last week the BYC announced it has called off its protests, citing a deal reached with the government. 

When asked about the government’s action against the BYC, Bugti described the group as a “legitimate voice” for separatist outfits. 

“BYC’s women supporters were seen on camera instigating security forces deliberately but the government didn’t arrest any woman protesters and dealt them with restraint,” he said. 

He blamed some elements for attempting to shrink the state’s “social space” through mobilization campaigns. Bugti said the government would have to deter these attempts through good governance. 

The chief minister blamed the killing of Zakir Jan Baloch, the deputy commissioner of the Panjgur district in Balochistan, on the BLA. Baloch was gunned down by unidentified assailants in Mastung district some 67 kilometers away from Quetta on Aug. 12. 

The banned outfit denies involvement in the killing.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a 31-year-old activist who heads the BYC, criticized Bugti’s comments, reiterating that her group does not back any separatist outfit. 

She said the BYC is leading a peaceful protest movement against the state’s oppressive tactics, which included enforced disappearances and torturing dissidents. 

“The chief minister should have given statements about the use of intense force against BYC’s women protesters,” she told Arab News, accusing the government of dishonoring its agreement with the BYC. 

“After the first agreement, the authorities killed one of our supporters in a straight firing attack on a peaceful protest in Nushki, which was a clear violation of the agreement,” she said. 
 
“We still demand a judicial inquiry to probe who ordered violence against BYC supporters in Gwadar which killed three of our members and injured dozens.”


Pakistani PM reiterates gratitude to Trump, Gulf nations for India ceasefire

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Pakistani PM reiterates gratitude to Trump, Gulf nations for India ceasefire

  • US President Donald Trump brokered ceasefire between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on May 10
  • Shehbaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia on Thursday to thank Kingdom for support during India standoff

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump and Gulf countries for helping defuse Pakistan’s tensions with India following an armed conflict between the nuclear-armed nations last month.

Trump announced he had helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10 after the worst fighting between the two countries since 1999. Following weeks of tensions, India and Pakistan pounded each other with artillery, fighter jets, missiles and drones in May before agreeing to cease hostilities.

Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also engaged both Indian and Pakistani officials throughout the conflict to help defuse tensions.

“[US] President [Donald] Trump has shown, beyond a ray of doubt and imagination, that he is a man for peace,” Sharif said at a ceremony at the US embassy in connection with the upcoming American Independence Day.

“He is a man for promoting peace and beneficial business needs. He is a man who is against escalation,” he added.

Days after the ceasefire agreement was announced, Trump said he used trade to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks as the Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker gestures during a ceremony organized on the eve of the 249th anniversary of Independence Day of the United States of America, at the US Embassy in Islamabad on June 4, 2025. (Photo courtesy: PMO)

Sharif noted Trump had advised both countries to promote trade and investments instead of fighting each other. The Pakistani premier appreciated Trump’s “outstanding contribution” to broker the ceasefire.

The Pakistani premier hoped the ceasefire would last between the two countries and lead to increased trade and investment.

“I hope and pray to God Almighty that this will become a long, lasting ceasefire on which we can build an edifice of investments, trade, pollution and so on so forth,” he said.

The Pakistani premier also appreciated the role played by Middle Eastern countries in resolving the dangerous conflict.

“And here, obviously, I’d like to mention the role of our friendly and brotherly countries in the Gulf, in the Middle East, who proactively coordinated with us and supported President Trump’s genuine efforts,” Sharif said.

Sharif will travel to Saudi Arabia on a day-long visit to the Kingdom on Thursday, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said.

The Pakistani premier will thank the Saudi leadership for its solidarity and support to Pakistan throughout the India standoff, Dar said.


Pakistan, UK discuss strengthening cooperation in railways sector

Updated 25 min 36 sec ago
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Pakistan, UK discuss strengthening cooperation in railways sector

  • Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi meets British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad
  • Pakistan’s railway sector faces several challenges which caused train derailments, fatal accidents

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Wednesday discussed bilateral cooperation between the two nations with a special focus on railways, state-run media reported.

Pakistan’s railway sector faces several challenges such as an aging infrastructure, outdated tracks, locomotives and signal systems. Poor maintenance and a lack of modern safety measures often contribute to train derailments and accidents. Notable tragedies include the 2005 Ghotki train disaster, which killed over 130 people and a 2021 train collision that left at least 65 people dead.

As opposed to that, the UK has one of the densest railway networks in Europe with almost all major towns and cities connected by rail.

“Pakistan and the United Kingdom have emphasized joint measures to further strengthen their bilateral trade and economic relations, with special focus on the railways sector,” state-run media reported following Abbasi’s meeting with Marriot in Islamabad.

State broadcaster Radio Pakistan said Abbasi called for “a comprehensive strategy” between Pakistan and the United Kingdom to develop and modernize the former’s railway sector.

“He said Pakistan is ready to fully benefit from UK’s expertise in modernizing the railways infrastructure in the country and improving performance of this sector,” Radio Pakistan said.

Abbasi said the two countries would continue to work together on mutual interest railways projects that will benefit their economies and improve public transportation.

Pakistan has recently attempted to improve its railway infrastructure to ensure economic growth and development.

In March, Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials agreed to expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the railways sector.

Abbasi had said Pakistan Railways is continuously working to improve its services through long-term agreements with domestic and international suppliers, emphasizing that Islamabad offers a business-friendly environment and presents significant opportunities for investors.


Pakistan reports second death of 2025 from deadly brain-eating amoeba

Updated 04 June 2025
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Pakistan reports second death of 2025 from deadly brain-eating amoeba

  • Naegleria fowleri, with a 98 percent fatality rate, spreads when contaminated water enters through the nose
  • Victim, a Karachi resident, used water at home and nearby mosque for ablution, says Sindh government

KARACHI: A 23-year-old man died in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi this week after contracting Naegleria fowleri, the Sindh Health Department said on Wednesday, marking the second death of the year from the deadly brain-eating amoeba.

Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, has a fatality rate of over 98 percent. It is transmitted when contaminated water enters the body through the nose and cannot be spread from person to person.

Pakistan has witnessed a rise in Naegleria fowleri cases in recent years, with more than 100 reported deaths since the first confirmed infection in 2008. Five fatalities were recorded in 2024 alone.

In the latest case the deceased, a resident of Karachi’s Orangi Town area, was hospitalized on May 30 after suffering from symptoms on May 28. He died on June 3 after the presence of Naegleria fowleri was confirmed in the patient on June 1. 

“Upon investigation, it was noted that the patient had not participated in any water-related activities,” the Sindh Health Department said. “His only exposure was regular use of water at home and use of water at a nearby local mosque to perform ablution.”

Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection include severe headache, altered sense of taste, high fever, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. Death typically occurs within five to seven days of infection.

The health department confirmed this was the second death in Pakistan from Naegleria fowleri in 2025. The first death was reported in March when a 36-year-old woman died from the same disease. She was also a resident of Karachi. 

A 2021 study by the Sindh Health Department found that 95 percent of water samples in Karachi, Sindh’s provincial capital, were unfit for human consumption.

Experts say the contamination leads to the spreading of the brain-eating amoeba among the city’s residents.


Pakistan clinches 14 medals at Asian Indoor Rowing Championship in Thailand

Updated 04 June 2025
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Pakistan clinches 14 medals at Asian Indoor Rowing Championship in Thailand

  • Pakistan rowing team wins 10 gold medals, three silver and one bronze
  • Championship features athletes competing on indoor rowing machines

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan bagged 14 medals, including 10 gold ones, at the recently concluded Asian Indoor Rowing Championship in Thailand, state media reported this week.

The Asian Indoor Rowing Championship was organized by the Asian Rowing Federation from May 26 to 31 in Pattaya, Thailand, to showcase the talents of indoor rowers from across Asia.

Unlike traditional rowing competitions held on water, this championship features athletes competing on indoor rowing machines, such as the Concept2 ergometer, simulating the rowing experience in a controlled environment.

“Competing against 25 countries, the Pakistani squad stunned traditional powerhouses such as India, Iran, Thailand, South Korea and Japan,” Radio Pakistan said in a report on Monday.

“Despite being a small contingent, the Pakistani rowers delivered an outstanding performance that defied expectations.”

According to a local news outlet, Pakistan won 10 gold, three silver and one bronze medal.

Key contributors included Pakistani rowers Abdul Jabbar and Muhammad Shahzad, who won one gold and one silver each.

Tayyab Iftikhar earned one silver medal and one bronze, the report added.

Radio Pakistan said the athletes received a grand welcome from the Pakistan Rowing Federation (PRF) upon their return to the country.

It highlighted that the athletes’ performance marked “a new era for rowing” in Pakistan. PRF President Hamdan Nazir and Chairman Rizwan-ul-Haq also praised the players for their outstanding achievements.


Pakistani man accused of killing young TikTok influencer appears in court

Updated 04 June 2025
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Pakistani man accused of killing young TikTok influencer appears in court

  • Umar Hayat is accused of killing TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf for rejecting friendship offers 
  • Pakistani judge orders Hayat to be presented again on June 18 for pretrial proceedings

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani man accused of killing a 17-year-old TikTok influencer after she rejected his offer of friendship made his first court appearance Wednesday, officials and police said.

Suspect Umar Hayat, 22, who also creates content on TikTok, was arrested Tuesday by Islamabad police in Faisalabad, an industrial city in eastern Punjab province.

He is accused of shooting Sana Yousuf, who had more than one million followers on social media. The killing earlier this week in Islamabad drew widespread condemnation.

TV footage showed Hayat with his face covered as he was brought to court, where police requested additional time to complete their investigation and file formal murder charges.

The judge ordered that Hayat be presented again on June 18 for pretrial proceedings.

Yousuf, originally from the scenic northern region of Chitral, was known for promoting traditional Chitrali music and dress through her videos. She also advocated for girls’ education. TikTok has more than 60 million users in Pakistan, many of them young women and teenagers.

Hours before her murder, she had posted a photo celebrating her birthday with friends.