The Global News Desk 115

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.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  A terrible crash on the M2 Motorway near Chakwal claimed the lives of 10 passengers and injured 29 more when a bus flipped over close to the Balkasar Interchange. An eyewitness said the coach from Rawalpindi to Lahore lost control and overturned after a front tire burst. A tragic accident happened in Punjab's Chakwal district on Sunday morning. Most of the victims suffered severe head injuries. The rescue services, including 1122, responded swiftly, arriving with six vehicles and 25 team members to transport the injured to the civil Hospital in Chakwal. Only a few names of the deceased, including 8-month-old Haider, 2-year-old Haram, and 35-year-old Habiba, were made public by the government authorities.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  6 people, including 4 women, died and 38 were injured in a bus crash on the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M2) near Chakri Interchange on Sunday. According to reports from various media outlets, a passenger bus plunged into a ravine near the Chakri Interchange on the M-2 Motorway on Sunday. The bus, run by a private company, was traveling from Rawalpindi to Multan with 43 passengers when it crashed. Police, rescue teams, and other emergency services quickly arrived at the scene. The injured got first aid right there before being taken to the  Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad  and the  District Quarter Hospital in Rawalpindi. The Motorway Police, in collaboration with district officials, have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and identify any parties accountable.

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.

On Tuesday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their successful operation against terrorists in the South Waziristan region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During the security forces' operation, 11 terrorists were successfully neutralized, according to a statement issued by the ISPR. The Prime Minister and the President expressed their profound respect for Shaheed Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, who courageously had safeguarded Indian Air Force Captain Abhinandan from a crowd intent on taking his life in 2019. They also honored the sacrifice of Shaheed Lance Naik Jibranullah, who heroically laid down his life in defense of the nation during the operation. The President and Prime Minister have pledged their unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism. Both leaders stressed that the sacrifices made for the homeland will always be remembered and will not be in vain.

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...

QUETTA, Balochistan —    At least 4 people, including 2 women and a child, were killed and 5 others wounded in a roadside explosion in Kalat district's rural Amiri area on Wednesday, police said.  The same source reported that the blast happened near Kabuto when a vehicle hit an explosive, completely destroying it. The bodies of those who passed away were transported to the Kalat District Headquarters Hospital for necessary procedures and arrangements. Meanwhile, those who sustained injuries were promptly sent to a specialized medical facility in Quetta for further medical care and treatment. The Pakistani province of Balochistan has been frequently targeted by terrorists. On April 23, 2025, in Balochistan’s Mastung district, two security guards protecting a polio vaccination team were tragically shot and killed. This attack highlights the dangerous conditions for those involved in public health efforts, especially in risky areas.  In another attack,...

SINDH, Pakistan —   A high-velocity truck transporting laborers, women, and children plunged into a ravine in the Jamshoro district of Sindh province, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 16 lives and injuring 20 others, police reported on Tuesday.  The SSP of Jamshoro district informed media reporters that the vehicular accident took place overnight in the Jamshoro district of Sindh province. Hospital authorities have disclosed that multiple injured passengers are in critical condition. The source reports that the incident occurred as numerous laborers were on their way back to their homes in Sindh's Badin district after harvesting wheat in Balochistan's southwestern province.  Such road accidents frequently happen in Pakistan, where inadequately maintained vehicles are permitted on main highways and are often operated by drivers lacking sufficient experience.

Pakistani Umrah pilgrims lost their lives in a tragic bus accident en route to Madinah. According to the Saudi government and rescue teams, the pilgrims were traveling from Al-Badr over the weekend when their bus collided with a trailer. The identities of the victims have been disclosed by the Saudi authorities. Saudi officials stated that all the victims were from the Bahawalnagar district in Punjab. Two deceased women, Rukhsana Bibi and Amina Bibi, were from village 228/9-R. The third female victim was from village 201, Murad.  The two elderly male victims came from village 39/3-R and Dahranwala town in Bahawalnagar, respectively. The victims' family members have communicated to local media that the deceased will be interred in Saudi Arabia, following the completion of all medico-legal procedures.

Quetta, Pakistan — A coach transporting police officials in the Mastung district of Balochistan, Pakistan, was targeted by unidentified assailants on Tuesday morning. Authorities reported that 3 police officers were martyred, and at least 16 others sustained injuries following an  improvised explosive device (IED)  blast. The condition of the two constables injured in the attack is critical.  All the wounded victims have been taken to the hospital, and the seriously injured have been transferred to Quetta," the government spokesperson told the media. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have condemned the terrorist attack and conveyed their profound sorrow over the tragic loss of the Balochistan Constabulary cops.  Addressing the law and order situation in Balochistan, President Asif Ali Zardari assured that all possible efforts will be made to eliminate terrorism.  He also reaffirmed his commitment with the slogan "Pakistan Khappy."...

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — An  accident occurred on Tuesday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district.  As reported by rescue teams, a speeding passenger van collided with a trailer on the Indus Highway. The tragic crash happened when a passenger wagon cruising from Dera Ismail Khan to Peshawar smashed into a truck near Meetha Khel village, Union Council, in the Karak District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.  Rescue teams and villagers reacted quickly to the deadly scene. Rescue personnel had conveyed both the injured and deceased to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Karak.  4 of the seriously injured were moved to Peshawar for better medical care. Sadly, two of them passed away in the hospital.  The local police officer added that the names of the deceased are yet to be ascertained.

  ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN  —   On March 15, 2025, Pakistan Railways will test its first international freight train link to Russia. According to Pakistani media outlets, this new train link, based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Russia in June 2024, will enhance regional trade by linking Pakistan with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The cargo service would transport textiles, agricultural products, and food from Pakistan while also allowing Russian oil, gas, steel, and industrial commodities to be imported. This new project aims to cut transportation costs, boost efficiency, and strengthen Pakistan's role as a major regional economic gateway. As per the latest reports, the Pakistan Railway Freight Transportation Company (PRFTC) is collaborating closely with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to acquire containerized goods for the trial.

Chinese and local businessmen have agreed with the Sindh government to establish the "Dhabeji Special Economic Zone" in the Thatta district. Special Economic Zones have been formed under CPEC with the cooperation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to encourage economic development. Apart from providing over 100,000 jobs and garnering $3 billion in investment, the "Dhabeji Special Economic Zone" is projected to provide access to international trade channels because of its ideal location adjacent to Karachi's ports.  This agreement is heralded as a watershed moment in Pakistan-China industrial cooperation to boost the country's economy. It has been believed that the "Dhabeji Special Economic Zone" is a significant location for both local and foreign trade. In the second phase of CPEC, the “Dhabeji Special Economic Zone” would be completed under the public-private partnership system. Chinese companies have been anxious to establish ...

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan   — Ali Amin Gandapur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's chief minister, has been ousted as president of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's KPK region as part of an important change in the party,  PTI press secretary said Saturday.  A senior PTI  leader and member of the National Assembly (MNA) Junaid Akbar, has been elected as PTI president of the KPK position on the recommendation of imprisoned PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. During a meeting in Adiala Jail, PTI founder and Pakistani former P.M. Imran Khan, Atif Khan, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, and Mian Farhat Abbas decided to remove Ali Amin Gandapur from his post as president of KPK. Ali Amin Gandapur decided to leave his position, according to the PTI source, who added that there was pressure to balance the roles of PTI KP President and Chief Minister. Imran Khan underlined the significance of keeping the responsibilities of a Chief Minister and a party president separate, accord...

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  — Thirty terrorists were killed in multiple clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province on January 24–25, 2025, ISPR reported.  Security forces executed one of three intelligence-based operations in the Lakki Marwat district.    In the operation, soldiers successfully attacked the insurgents' site, killing 18 and injuring 6 more. District Karak was the second location to launch an intelligence-based operation, according to the ISPR leaflet.  Eight terrorists were successfully eliminated by the security personnel in the following shootout.  About 4 terrorists, including ring commanders Aziz ur Rehman Qari Ismail and insurgent Mukhlis, were killed by the military soldiers in a third encounter near Bagh in Khyber District. 2 Khwarijs were injured. Ammunition and explosives were also found from the killed insurgents, who continued actively participating in various terrorist acts against security personnel in the region, including killings of inn...