The Global News Desk 115

Sindh, Karachi  —  The Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians outshine other political parties by offering free, high-quality healthcare to underprivileged and middle-class communities. To enhance healthcare facilities, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto inaugurated a new building at Indus University Hospital (IUH) on Thursday.  This main project, backed by the Sindh government, is ready to become the country's largest free-of-charge hospital within the next three years. The hospital project, with a price tag of Rs 72 billion, is set to become Pakistan's biggest source of free medical care, packing in 1,350 bunks. The project is expected to be completed within 3 years. The project is meticulously crafted to address the expanding healthcare needs of Karachi's residents. Upon completion, it will provide a comprehensive array of services across various medical specialties, all at no cost, benefiting millions of patients annually. PPPP Chairman Bilawal shared that the new Indus Uni...

Pakistan and Libya agreed on a US $4.6 billion defense deal, boosting military cooperation between the two Muslim countries. Pakistan's growing presence as a competitive defense exporter outside traditional Western and Russian networks has been welcomed by the Pakistani people. The agreement was officially made during Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's historic visit to Benghazi in mid-December 2025, marking the first visit by a Pakistani military leader to Libya.  Talks ended with a military cooperation framework signed at the LNA headquarters under Field Marshal Haftar. Both sides highlighted shared strategic interests and regional stability.  Libya’s eastern armed leader, Khalifa Haftar, showed interest in enhancing ties and obtaining advanced Pakistani defense systems, such as the cost-effective JF-17 Thunder fighter, a 4.5-generation jet co-developed with China, attracting global attention.  Analysts say that Libya's eastern-based Libyan National Army, le...

BAGHDAD, Iraq  —   President Asif Ali Zardari rolled into Baghdad on Saturday for an official visit all about boosting trade ties. President Zardari aims to strengthen relations with Baghdad following years of limited interaction.    "President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Baghdad for a four-day official visit to Iraq," his office announced on social media.   Culture Minister Dr. Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani warmly welcomed him. The visit seeks to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations between Pakistan and Iraq through meetings with senior Iraqi leaders.   Zardari's trip is part of recent top-level meet-ups to boost ties between the two sides, focusing on economic, political, and community links.   Pakistan's foreign office announced that the president will hold discussions with Iraq's senior leaders regarding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, education, and personnel. Mr Zardari is also expected to talk about regional a...

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan   —   Pakistani security forces  took down 17 terrorists in a smart, intel-led operation in  Lakki Marwat ,  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , as reported by the  ISPR  on Saturday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the military conducted an  IBO  on the night between Friday and Saturday. This was due to the "reported presence of terrorists thought to be financially backed by  India . During the operation, the military successfully targeted the terrorists' location, resulting in the neutralization of seventeen Indian-sponsored terrorists," the ISPR statement said.

New Delhi ,  INDIA  —  Indian police  report that 39 people lost their lives and around 50 others suffered injuries in a  stampede  at a  political rally in India  on Saturday. Authorities further reported that famous  Tamil actor   Vijay  held the rally as part of his campaign for next year's  state elections . A video recording from his rally depicts a large assembly of attendees surrounding a vehicle, upon which Vijay is observed standing and addressing the gathered crowd. In another scene, Vijay threw water bottles at supporters who were breaking down and asked the police for help when the crowd became unruly.  "Thirty-nine people, 13 men, 17 women, 4 boys, and 5 girls have died, while 51 others, comprising 26 men and 25 women, are in intensive care," stated Tamil Nadu's chief minister, MK Stalin , in Karur , where the incident occurred on Saturday. Yesterday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other politicians ...

A terrible bus accident in  western Afghanistan  has claimed the lives of 79 people, including 19 children. The  Taliban's interior ministry spokeswoman  acknowledged the incident during a press briefing. The  Taliban's interior ministry  added during a news conference that the majority of the victims were  Afghan migrants  who had been  deported from Iran . Local media reported that on Tuesday night, a bus heading to Kabul collided with a vehicle and a motorcycle in  Herat province , causing a fire. The Director of Information in Herat reported that all the bus passengers were killed, along with two men from the truck. Herat police attribute the bus accident to "excessive speed and negligence." Recently, there has been a significant deportation of Afghan refugees by both Iran and Pakistan . Emergency crews rushed to the scene shortly after receiving the information about the deadly road mishap.  A local source added ...

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza says that Israeli forces have martyred 70 Palestinians in just the past day. Since Israel's war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, the Gaza Health Ministry reported 61,897 deaths and 155,660 injuries. Seventy Palestinians were sent to hospitals during the past day, including eight who were rescued from under the debris or elsewhere, according to  Al Jazeera . At least 26 people sadly died while trying to get aid , and another 175 were injured. While trying to get food, at least 1,924 Palestinians have been confirmed martyred, and 14,288 have been injured. Since March 18, Israel has broken the previous ceasefire , completely blocked aid, and launched devastating airstrikes, resulting in at least 10,362 Palestinian deaths and 43,619 injuries, according to the ministry.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  More than 24 people, including women and children, tragically lost their lives in northern Pakistan as a result of flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. According to Dawn Newspaper , the worst-hit areas include Gilgit-Baltistan , Azad Jammu and Kashmir , and Bajaur district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.  Rescue sources report 25 people missing due to storms and flooding,18 in Battagram and 7 in Bajaur,  with search operations ongoing.   A GB government spokeswoman said Thursday that three people, including a woman, died in the Khalthi valley, Ghizer district , where more than six houses collapsed.  Flash floods had  a profound effect on  Ghizer's Yasin Thoi , causing extensive damage to homes, educational facilities, water reservoirs, and agricultural areas .   Landslides hindered transit routes in Baltistan and Sadpara , having devastating consequences for the Thor area in Diamer .   The...

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  The Inter-Services Public Relations  ( ISPR ) made an announcement on Saturday that military and paramilitary forces neutralized 47 terrorists in different operations in  Zhob ,  Balochistan , claiming they were backed by  India . The army's media wing said that troops took out 33 terrorists trying to sneak across the  Pakistan-Afghanistan Border  in Zhob's  Sambaza area  during the night of August 7-8. After taking out nearly three dozen terrorists, the security forces kicked off a clean-up operation in the nearby area, taking down 14 more terrorists, according to the ISPR. The same source also said they found weapons and explosives during back-to-back operations in Zhob's Sambaza area. The Pak army claimed India intensified its proxy war against Pakistan after the May conflict. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extende...

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  Iranian and Pakistani leaders signed 12 agreements to boost cooperation in science, tourism, agriculture, transportation, trade, and research. On Sunday, during President Masoud Pezeshkian's official visit to Pakistan, top officials from both countries signed agreements during a joint discussion aimed at supporting and facilitating the development of bilateral cooperation. Tourism, agriculture, industry, research and technology, judicial and legal cooperation, transportation and transit, cultural heritage, trade and economic cooperation, and tourism are all included in these agreements. The signed agreements lay the groundwork to enhance regional cooperation between the two countries. They aim to strengthen connections between their people, increase trade opportunities, and encourage the sharing of knowledge.

BIHAR, India  —    This week, lightning and thunderstorms in the province of Bihar, India, have tragically resulted in no less than 33 fatalities and have inflicted injuries upon numerous people.  The disaster management department noted that the main victims were mostly farmers and workers involved in outdoor tasks. Heavy monsoons and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday caused fatalities in eastern India. More rain and lightning are expected in parts of the state, according to media reports. Bihar's disaster management minister announced that officials in at-risk districts must "raise awareness and take precautions" due to a lightning alert. The provincial government announced a ₹40 lakh compensation for families of those who died from lightning strikes.

Al-Kut, also known as Kut al-Imara, is mainly a Shia Muslim city in Iraq. BAGHDAD, Iraq  —   Police and health officials report that a massive fire in an al-Kut city superstore in eastern Iraq killed at least 60 people, with 11 still missing as of Thursday. Throughout the night, a major fire consumed the five-story self-service store in Al-Kut, while firefighters bravely fought to extinguish it, local media reported. The cause of the fire remains undetermined; however, the governor of the province has announced that preliminary investigation findings will be disclosed within two days.  No other piece of information about the deceased was immediately released by the Iraqi government authorities. Bodies were being taken to a hospital for identification.  "The governor informed the journalists, 'We have initiated legal action against the owner of the general store."

New Delhi, India —  Severe floods and landslides in India's Himalayan regions have caused at least 69 deaths and injured over 112 people. Over the past two weeks, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states faced severe damage from heavy rainfall. Local officials report that rivers have overflowed, wreaking havoc on roads, homes, and vehicles, and severing access to numerous outlying towns and villages. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a new warning for "heavy to very heavy rainfall" in the Himalayan region. Rescue teams, including the military, are working tirelessly to bring relief supplies to the affected communities. The local authorities recommend that both residents and visitors refrain from accessing the mountainous areas.

At least 39 workers were killed and 34 others injured as a result of Monday's explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical company in southern India.  Telangana's Health Minister, Damodar Raja Narasimha, said 108 workers were inside the plant when the explosion happened. The incident occurred in Telangana province at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory, police reported. On Tuesday, the state's fire services announced that they continue to clear the rubble from the demolished plant to ascertain whether any workers remain trapped. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office announced on Monday that the families of those who died will receive 200,000 rupees each, and those who were injured will get 50,000 rupees each.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  A government source reported Wednesday that flash floods and heavy rain in Pakistan killed 64 people and injured 117 in just one week. The National Disaster Management Authority reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was hit hardest by the floods, resulting in 23 deaths, including 10 children. Local media in Swat reported that a flash flood in KPK's Swat Valley last week swept away 18 picnickers, including women and children of the same family.  The authority reported heavy rain-related flash floods and collapsing houses killed 21 more people, including 11 children, in eastern Punjab.  Additionally, there were five deaths in southwestern Balochistan and 15 in southern Sindh. Until at least Saturday night, there is a considerable chance of intense rain and possible severe flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  A deadly Saturday assault, planned and orchestrated by terrorists allegedly supported by India, targeted the Security Forces in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District. A suicide bomber in a vehicle attempted to attack a security forces convoy, but the leading group intervened and stopped him, foiling his plans. However, he somehow drove a car full of explosives straight into the security forces' lead vehicle at the front of the convoy. As a result, 13 brave soldiers lost their lives. In this tragic and brutal incident, three innocent civilians, including two children and a woman, were also seriously injured. The Shuhada are: Subedar Zahid Iqbal (45, from Karak), Havildar Sohrab Khan (39, from Naseerabad), Havildar Mian Yousaf (41, from Buner), Naik Khitab Shah (34, from Lower Dir), Lance Naik Ismail (32, from Naseerabad), Sepoy Rohail (30, from Mirpur Khas), Sepoy Muhammad Ramzan (33, from Dera Ghazi Khan), Sepoy Nawab (30, from Quetta), Sepoy Zu...

Pakistan secures legal triumph in water dispute as court upholds its authority The Government of Pakistan has expressed its appreciation for the recent judicial ruling regarding the Indus Waters matter. The Court of Arbitration in the Hague confirmed its authority to hear the case. It rejected India's request to bypass the Court and just depend on a Neutral Expert.  The Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that the court confirmed India's actions don't hinder the case's progress. The ruling underscores the court's role in equitably and legally resolving water conflicts between India and Pakistan.  Pakistan anticipates the forthcoming ruling, which will address the core issues of the dispute. The decision will come after hearings in July 2024 at The Hague's Peace Palace. Pakistan thinks the court's decision will help resolve the conflict fairly. It further urges India to adhere to the legal framework and collaborate towards achieving a peaceful resolut...

Quetta, Balochistan  —  In Balochistan, Pakistan, a deadly accident on Tuesday led to the death of 6 people and injuries to 7 passengers. The accident occurred when a passenger bus collided with a three-wheeled Qingqi rickshaw, subsequently igniting a fire, as confirmed by a senior government official. The same source also mentioned that the passenger bus caught fire after hitting the Qingqi, which was reportedly carrying petrol. "The injured are receiving prompt, high-quality medical treatment," the government said, highlighting that 3 injured passengers are currently being treated at the city's Civil Hospital, while 2 others are receiving care at the Bolan Medical Complex.  No other piece of information about the deceased was immediately released by the Balochistan government authorities. Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti expressed deep sorrow about the incident and announced plans to set up a fire brigade station in Sariab to improve emergency response.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  On Tuesday, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on the US and OIC envoys at the UN to facilitate a "comprehensive dialogue" between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir dispute.  A delegation of nine parliamentarians, headed by the former Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, arrived in New York on Monday. The former Foreign Minister's tour aimed to clearly express Pakistan's position globally in response to India's recent illegal attacks on Pakistan. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari denied India's claims that Pakistan was involved in the Pahalgam fatal incident.  During the OIC briefing, he said that there has been no complete investigation or clear evidence indicating Pakistan's involvement in the attack.  During  the  news  conference  at the United Nations Headquarters, Bilawal said the cooperation between Pakistani and Indian...

DHAKA, Bangladesh  —  Bangladesh's Election Commission suspended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, barring it from the next national elections. Bangladesh's Election Commission acted against Sheikh Hasina's Awami League following a request from the interim government. Under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the government amended a law to allow for the trial of an entire party for certain crimes, rather than just a few members. Last year, a student protest toppled Ms. Hasina's authoritarian government. She escaped to India, but the Awami League continued operating in Bangladesh. Ms. Hasina's party supporters were held accountable for last week's assault on Hasnat Abdullah, a significant figure in the previous year's uprising.  Students were angered by the incident and urged that the Awami League face heavy sanctions.