<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" version="2.0"><channel>
                        <title>Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune</title>
                        <atom:link href="https://tribune.com.pk" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
                        <link>https://tribune.com.pk</link>
                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
                        <lastBuildDate>Wed, 29 Apr 26 16:10:18 +0500</lastBuildDate>
                        <language>en-US</language>
                        <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
                        <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
                        <generator>https://laravel.com/</generator><item>
			<title>Pakistan launches retaliatory strikes after Afghan border aggression: security sources</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605436/pakistan-launches-retaliatory-strikes-after-afghan-border-aggression-security-sources</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605436/pakistan-launches-retaliatory-strikes-after-afghan-border-aggression-security-sources#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 26 08:35:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605436</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sources say Operation Ghazab Lil Haq will continue until all designated objectives are achieved]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Security forces launched a strong retaliatory response under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq after unprovoked aggression&nbsp;by Afghan Taliban and terrorists along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, security sources said on Wednesday.

According to the sources, armed forces carried out precise strikes in the Chaman area, targeting and destroying several Afghan Taliban posts and vehicles. They said the effective response forced Afghan Taliban fighters and affiliated terrorists to retreat from their positions.

They added that the ongoing military action reflects the unwavering resolve&nbsp;of the armed forces to defend the country&rsquo;s territorial integrity and ensure border security.

&ldquo;The operation Ghazab al-Haq will continue until all designated objectives are achieved,&rdquo; security sources said, and maintained that Pakistan&rsquo;s security forces remain fully prepared and committed to responding to any cross-border aggression with force.

Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan Army responds to unprovoked aggression by Afghan Taliban: security sources

On Tuesday, Security forces carried out retaliatory strikes at key sites, including the Ariana Complex, Dabgai check post, police headquarters, and Zakarkhel post, which were destroyed.

Pakistan Air Force also targeted positions in Laghman province, destroying an arms depot, the ABF battalion headquarters, and the Nangarhar brigade. Sources further said a Taliban post near the Mohmand sector was also destroyed, stressing that only Afghan military targets were hit in line with international law.

On April 15, three civilians, including two children, were martyred and three others were injured when Afghan Taliban forces carried out unprovoked shelling on locals in a border area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa&#39;s Bajaur district, according to state media.

The incident marked a renewed episode of cross-border aggression after a gap of over a month, following Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, launched in response to earlier unprovoked hostility from the Afghan side.

Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was launched around the end of February following renewed clashes along the Pakistan&ndash;Afghanistan border, after Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting swift military retaliation by Pakistan.

The neighbouring countries were engaged in escalating hostilities along the frontier since then. The clashes intensified after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani air strikes targeting terrorist positions and abated during a temporary ceasefire on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

Read More: 3 civilians killed by Afghan Taliban&#39;s unprovoked cross-border shelling in K-P&#39;s Bajaur: state media

The escalation in tensions between the two countries followed a series of tit-for-tat actions over the past year.

Pakistan earlier carried out air strikes targeting camps of the TTP and Islamic State Khorasan Province inside Afghanistan after a wave of attacks in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing in Islamabad.

Islamabad has long maintained that TTP leaders operate from Afghan territory, an allegation that Kabul has repeatedly denied.

Tensions also surged after a series of explosions in Kabul on October 9 last year. Taliban forces subsequently targeted areas along Pakistan&rsquo;s border, prompting Islamabad to respond with cross-border shelling.

The exchanges caused casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides and led to the suspension of trade after border crossings were closed on October 12, 2025.







&nbsp;]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/pakafghanChamanborder1710786836-0/pakafghanChamanborder1710786836-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Pakistan still central to Iran-US diplomacy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605408/pakistan-still-central-to-iran-us-diplomacy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605408/pakistan-still-central-to-iran-us-diplomacy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 26 22:05:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Kamran Yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605408</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Islamabad's role deepens as talks move offstage]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With chances of imminent talks between Iran and the United States diminished, the focus has also shifted away from Islamabad, at least for now.

Pakistan has remained in the global spotlight since the US and Iran first agreed to a temporary ceasefire three weeks ago, which led to the groundbreaking direct talks between the two adversaries since 1979.

During the last 10 days or so, Pakistan twice came close to arranging another round of talks. But Iran&#39;s preconditions, such as lifting the US naval blockade, prevented the second round from happening.

Since then, backchannel diplomacy has taken over. Islamabad may no longer be in the spotlight, but it remains a pivotal player guiding behind-the-scenes efforts.

It was via Pakistan that Iran recently shared a proposal with the United States to end the war.

While the exact details were not available, the proposed plan envisaged first the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz before serious discussions on other issues, including Iran&#39;s nuclear program.

The US said it would not accept the current Iranian proposal.

In a social media post on Tuesday, US President Trump said Iran had informed the US it is &quot;in a &#39;State of Collapse,&#39;&quot; insisting Tehran wants the Strait of Hormuz open as &quot;they try to figure out their leadership.&quot;

Apart from differences on major issues, Iran and the US have divergent approaches on how to end the conflict.

Iran wants a step-by-step approach and does not want to sign a deal in a hurry. The US, meanwhile, is pushing for an &quot;all-in-one deal&quot; envisaging all contentious issues, including the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear matters.

Washington feels that lifting the naval blockade in return for reopening the Strait of Hormuz would take away its key leverage at the negotiating table.

With the US having reservations over the Iranian proposal, American media reports suggest that Tehran may soon submit a revised set of plans via Pakistan to Washington.

This shows that the diplomatic process, even if moving at a slow pace, has not halted.

Iran, meanwhile, is, in parallel, trying to develop a regional framework bypassing the US to deal with some of the pressing issues.

Iran&#39;s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Oman and Russia, while also making two stopovers in Islamabad.

Similarly, the top Iranian diplomat spoke to the Saudi, Qatari, French and Turkish foreign ministers to discuss the evolving situation.

While Russia supported Iran and President Putin offered to help resolve the issue, Oman seems not inclined to accept Iran&#39;s proposal of exercising joint control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, an extraordinary meeting was convened by Saudi Arabia of the Gulf countries to discuss possible options.

But forging unity among the ranks of Gulf countries suffered a blow when the UAE decided on Tuesday to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a cartel that controls the supply of oil to ensure price stability in the market.

Some observers see it as the first major sign of how the Iran-US war has changed the global order forever.

The UAE has decided to exit OPEC, a cartel established in the 1960s to regulate the supply of oil in international markets.

OPEC, which initially had five members, was later joined by other oil-producing nations. It controls 36 per cent of the global supply of crude oil and holds 80 per cent of global crude oil reserves.

OPEC limits its members&#39; production in order to maintain price stability in the market.

The UAE, the second-largest producer in OPEC, wanted to increase supply but could not do so since the cartel did not allow it.

Now, after exiting OPEC, the UAE can increase its oil supply.

This may increase competition and benefit end consumers.

But the downside is that this may increase volatility in the markets, and other nations may also exit OPEC.

This is just one aspect. There will be a new security architecture in the region post-Iran-US war, according to some observers.

It is only the beginning, they add.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/621777414142-1/621777414142-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>'Outspoken' trio of IHC judges transferred</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605406/outspoken-trio-of-ihc-judges-transferred</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605406/outspoken-trio-of-ihc-judges-transferred#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 26 22:05:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Hasnaat Malik]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605406</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JCP moves three judges to provincial HCs Kayani, Sattar, Imtiaz transferred out of IHC CJP Afridi objects fails]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The present government has secured another victory on the judicial front by succeeding in transferring three outspoken judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to different provincial high courts.

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), by majority, approved the transfer of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani to the Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Babar Sattar to the Peshawar High Court (PHC), and Justice Saman Riffat Imtiaz to the Sindh High Court (SHC).

The JCP secretary convened the meeting on Tuesday after Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi declined to summon it.

It is learnt that the JCP approved the transfer of Justice Kayani and Justice Imtiaz by a majority of 11 to 4. However, the transfer of Justice Sattar was approved by 10 to 5.

Interestingly, PHC Chief Justice Syed Muhammad Attique Shah opposed Justice Sattar&#39;s transfer because it would affect the seniority of some PHC judges.

It is learnt that the JCP&#39;s judicial membersFederal Constitutional Court (FCC) Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Aamer Farooq, and IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogarvoted in favour of the transfers.

The three IHC judges were signatories to a famous letter written to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) seeking guidance on alleged interference by agencies in judicial functions.

Since former CJP Qazi Faez Isa&#39;s tenure, judges associated with that letter have allegedly faced pressure through various means.

After the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the present government succeeded in its first plan last February by transferring three judges from different high courts to the IHC.

Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar&#39;s transfer was particularly crucial. Everything was done with CJP Afridi&#39;s consent, and the SC even endorsed these transfers in the IHC.

Subsequently, the government succeeded in appointing Justice Dogar as IHC chief justice.

During the meeting, CJP Yahya Afridi remained firm on his earlier stance and opposed the transfer of IHC judges to different high courts. However, he could not convince the commission&#39;s judicial members.

One JCP member told The Express Tribune that the commission, by majority, opposed suggesting rules before transferring judges from one high court to another.

Even the majority did not support the idea that valid reasons should be recorded for transferring judges from one high court to another. It is learnt that the majority also did not agree that the JCP should hear judges before transferring them.

It is learnt that Justice Babar Sattar had written a letter to the JCP seeking the right to a hearing before any decision regarding his transfer to another high court.

After reviewing the letter&#39;s contents, one commission member said, &quot;It was appropriate not to hear Justice Babar Sattar.&quot;

Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed said six IHC judges had mustered the courage to object to intelligence agencies telling them how to decide cases. One repented and was forgiven, one was dismissed, and now three have been forcibly transferred.

He said it was a sad day for all those who believe in an independent judiciary.

&quot;It is not clear whether Justice Isa, who turned a blind eye to their letter, or Justice Afridi, who initiated the first round of retaliatory transfers, or the Supreme Court judges who endorsed it in their verdictnow regret their role or not. However, the nation will keep regretting this decision for decades to come,&quot; he said.

Abdul Moiz Jaferii Advocate stated that the ability to transfer judges without their consent reduces the judiciary to a plaything of the executive, and that is exactly what the executive is doing right nowplaying with independent judges and not even attempting to hide the farce.

&quot;In Saman Riffat Imtiaz, a judge who was celebrated as a diverse addition to the federal court, is being sent back to her province of birth without any reasons being given.&quot;

&quot;In Babar Sattar, a judge who does not want to be transferred, is being sent to a court whose chief does not want him. No reasons are being provided,&quot; Jaferii said, adding that superior court judges are signing off on these transfers and not giving any reasons.

&quot;Without an independent judiciary, one cannot have a functioning democracy or a functioning economy. Our politicians, as usual, will learn this lesson when it is too latewhen they need these judges they have sent off to the provinces,&quot; he adds.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that during the meeting, members who had requisitioned the proposals for transferring Justice Arbab Tahir from the IHC to the Balochistan High Court, and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro from the IHC to the SHC withdrew the proposals.

The commission has dampened lawyers&#39; hopes, as a majority of its total membership held that any vacancy arising from the transfer of a judge from one high court shall be filled through transfer only, and such vacancy shall not, in any manner, be treated as a vacancy for initial appointment.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/641777414142-3/641777414142-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PM vows stronger EU investment ties</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605373/pm-vows-stronger-eu-investment-ties</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605373/pm-vows-stronger-eu-investment-ties#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 26 21:30:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605373</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Shehbaz discusses ME situation with NZ counterpart]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with the EU.

The premier expressed the resolve during a meeting with a high-level EU trade and business delegation in the federal capital, according to a statement issued by the PM&#39;s Office (PMO).

The delegation included International Partners at the European Investment Bank Director Thourya Triki, Adidas Vice President Manuel Pauser, Andritz Vice President Karl Schloegelbauer; and IKEA Regional Director Dieter Metkke. The EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis was also present.

Welcoming the delegation at the Prime Minister&#39;s House, the premier thanked them for participating in the EU-Pakistan Business Forum and said the event would help boost economic cooperation between the two sides.

The PMO added that the delegation members shared their own experiences of investing in Pakistan and said there are strong prospects for further expanding B2B relations between the European Union and Pakistan in various sectors, including energy, communications, and information technology.

&quot;The European Union is Pakistan&#39;s largest trading partner and the main destination for our exports in terms of volume,&quot; the PM said, adding that the government remained committed to expanding commercial ties and attracting investment.

He further said Pakistan would continue efforts to strengthen trade and investment relations with the EU despite regional challenges, including recent volatility in global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

According to the PMO, the EU representatives praised Pakistan&#39;s role in facilitating dialogue and commended the hosting of the business forum. Delegation members also shared their investment experiences in Pakistan and highlighted potential for expanding cooperation in sectors including energy, communications, and information technology.

Separately, the premier directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of all necessary facilities to both domestic and foreign investors in order to boost the country&#39;s exports and said that regulatory compliance processes be simplified and made more cost-effective to boost investment in the country.

In another engagement, the prime minister held a telephone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, during which the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and bilateral relations, according to an official statement.

Shehbaz briefed PM Luxon on Islamabad&#39;s ongoing engagements with international partners. According to the statement, New Zealand&#39;s PM &quot;appreciated Pakistan&#39;s constructive diplomatic initiatives, particularly its engagements with Washington and Tehran&quot;.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/391777412188-6/391777412188-6.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>UN, Iran laud Dar's diplomacy efforts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605376/un-iran-laud-dars-diplomacy-efforts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605376/un-iran-laud-dars-diplomacy-efforts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 26 21:30:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605376</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Dar received a call today from Guterres, during which they discussed the latest regional developments]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on Tuesday expressed deep appreciation for Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for his facilitation of talks with the United States.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Dar received a call today from Guterres, during which they discussed the latest regional developments as well as Pakistan&#39;s ongoing diplomatic efforts and engagement with the parties. Appreciating Pakistan&#39;s ongoing efforts, &quot;the UNSG conveyed the international community&#39;s deep appreciation and support for Pakistan&#39;s constructive role in regional and international peace and stability,&quot; it said. The ministry further stated that Guterres also expressed the UN&#39;s full support for Pakistan&#39;s ongoing efforts.

Earlier, in a post on X, Iranian Envoy Moghadam extended his appreciation to the &quot;veteran, competent and career diplomats of the MOFA of Pakistan.&quot;

&quot;As trusted harbingers of international harmony, diplomats are the architects of peace, entrusted with navigating the delicate complexities of international relations through the patient craft of dialogue, empathy, and understanding,&quot; the ambassador stated.

Moghadam added his appreciation to FM Dar and the diplomats of the foreign ministry &quot;for their tireless efforts in facilitating, coordinating, and meticulously preparing the arrangements for the delegations and talks, often long before the talks themselves commenced.&quot; He said, &quot;Their dedicated efforts translate political will and principled determination into the practical avenues and arrangements necessary for any diplomatic process to take shape.&quot;

&quot;This is diplomacy in its truest sense,&quot; the ambassador noted, adding that it is &quot;not merely words, but the quiet, persistent labour that makes dialogue possible and peace attainable. Their professionalism and commitment deserve deep recognition and gratitude.&quot;

A day earlier, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Canada and Egypt discussed the latest developments in the regional situation and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peace during separate telephone calls with Dar.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/dar1775974907-0/dar1775974907-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Public hospitals staff to be tested across Sindh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251863/public-hospitals-staff-tested-across-sindh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251863/public-hospitals-staff-tested-across-sindh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:29:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sameer.mandhro]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251863</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Health department to restart contact tracing for coronavirus]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Sindh government issued directives on Saturday for all public hospitals to get its staff tested for Covid-19 as well as begin coronavirus contact tracing again.

In a letter issued by Sindh health director general Dr Irshad Ahmed Memon, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, the heads of all public-sector hospitals have been asked to get their respective facility's staff tested for the coronavirus on priority basis. Besides, they have been instructed to continue tests for the diagnosis of other suspected Covid-19 cases.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Memon stressed the need for all hospital employees to get tested, claiming, however, that Sindh had the least number of infected health department employees among the provinces.

Another health department official, also emphasising the need for "immediate" screening of healthcare professionals, said the decision had come late.

"It is feared that most health workers do not [properly] follow standard operating procedures. This eventually leads to multiplying the number of infected persons, even in far flung areas," he explained.

This was confirmed by other officials, too, who pointed out that SOPs were particularly ignored at private clinics. They can then carry the virus to public hospitals, the officials added.

Saying that health department officials did all they could to monitor health workers and ensure they followed SOPs, they noted that it was near impossible to keep a watch over private facilities.

According to the health department, there are 1,500 rapid response teams in Sindh that collect samples for Covid-19 testing, besides serving at various healthcare facilities and helping Covid-19 patients in getting admissions to hospitals.

"But after several of them contracted the infection, the number of tests conducted daily was reduced," explained a senior health department official. He, however, added that other reasons also factored in reducing the number of tests. "[Following this], routine testing was disrupted," he explained.

Speaking on the matter, Pakistan Medical Association general secretary Dr Qaisar Sajjad also called for the immediate screening of healthcare professionals. "We had asked for it in March but orders for it have only been issued now."

He was also of the opinion that the government was giving rise to confusion by decreasing the number of tests.

"While the number of tests [conducted daily] is going down, the number of cases are shooting up," he observed, explaining that fewer cases being reported had led to people disregarding SOPs.

"Over 60 per cent citizens have stopped wearing masks," he claimed.

Contact tracing

With the health department also announcing to recommence Covid-19 contact tracing, a health department official told The Express Tribune that the exercise was stopped due to "some confusion."

"But we are starting it again so that [suspected] cases can be traced and screened," he confirmed.

The health dept's silence

Meanwhile, all senior department officials, including spokespersons, have reportedly been instructed not to talk to the media for reasons unknown. "Only a few are privy to this development," a health official, on condition of anonymity, disclosed to The Express Tribune. "We have been told not to share any information with the media." He added that none of the department's officials had access to the daily update on pandemic statistics given by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

"This is the only department for which the CM releases data," the official said. "And while we work in the health department, we don't have access to it." 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020. ]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251863-covidtestreuters-1593322080/2251863-covidtestreuters-1593322080.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>MQM-London ‘hitman’ apprehended</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252248/mqm-london-hitman-apprehended</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252248/mqm-london-hitman-apprehended#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 18:29:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252248</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police claim he was involved in over 100 murders]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) police claimed on Saturday to have arrested a notorious target killer, allegedly belonging to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L) and involved in over 100 murders, during a targeted operation in Orangi Town. The police reportedly seized arms and ammunition from his possession as well.

According to SIU SSP Irfan Bahadur, the suspect, namely Shakeel alias Haddi, was a member of MQM-L’s ‘death squad’ and had confessed to the killings of Pirabad police SI Aleem Shah and Orangi Town police constable Rana Sohail in 2011, during his initial interrogation.

Bahadur added that he was also involved in an attack on Awami National Party (ANP) leader Bashir Jan and the targeted killing of ANP’s Shah Faisal Colony in-charge, Nabi Gul, among others.

The SSP claimed Shakeel had also killed a medico-legal officer at Qatar Hospital and MQM-Haqiqi’s Asif Malang, while also setting fire to the ‘astana’ of Khalid Baba, burning three people to death.

According to the police, Shakeel admitted to involvement in over 100 murders on the basis of ethnicity, sect and politics, on the orders of the MQM-L leadership.

Cases against him and other members of the ‘death squad’, including Ajmal Pahari, Saeed alias Bharam, Danish alias Mama, Omar alias Mullah, Zeeshan alias Dada, are registered in several police stations across the city, as well as with the SIU. Further investigation is underway.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2252248-arrested-1593350860/2252248-arrested-1593350860.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>2,179 people diagnosed with coronavirus in Sindh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252371/2179-people-diagnosed-coronavirus-sindh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252371/2179-people-diagnosed-coronavirus-sindh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 23:50:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252371</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM Murad says province's daily testing capacity has been stretched to 12,000]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah shared on Sunday that 2,179 people were diagnosed with coronavirus overnight, of the total 9,244 samples tested on the day.

Shah added that 435,393 samples have been tested to date in Sindh, of which 80,446 have been positive, which constituted around 18.4 per cent of the total.

The CM apprised that the testing capacity in the province has been stretched to 12,000 a day, courtesy of the laboratories established in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Gambat and Sehwan, which have been functional for the last month.

According to Shah, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences in Hyderabad could conduct 2,000 tests, Syed Abdullah Shah Institute in Sehwan 100, Gambat Institute 300 and Ghulam Mohammad Maher Medical College in Sukkur could screen 100 samples.

Moreover, the chief minister stated that 26 more people succumbed to the contagious disease overnight, taking the death toll to 1,269 in the province. He claimed that the government has curbed the mortality rate by spreading awareness among the masses.

Shah added that 34,654 people were currently infected by the virus, of whom 33,110 were in home isolation, 88 were quarantined at isolation centres and 1,456 were being treated at different hospitals. He added that 655 patients were in critical condition and 94 of them have been put on ventilators.

Meanwhile, he said that 1,079 more patients had recovered from the contagious disease, pushing the number of recovered people to 44,523 - around 55.5 per cent of all those affected.

Furthermore, the provincial capital saw 1,406 new Covid-19 cases. He presented the district-wise breakup, saying 555 were diagnosed with the virus in East, 358 in South, 171 in Korangi, 138 in Central, 109 in West and 75 in Malir district.

Separately, Sukkur had 86 new cases, Hyderabad 54, Ghotki 40, Khairpur 38, Jamshoro 26, Mirpurkhas 22, Thatta 19, Larkana 17, Sanghar 14, Naushero Feroze 12, Matiari 12, Shikarpur 12, Shaheed Benazirabad nine, Umerkot eight, Dadu seven, Kashmore and Tando Allahyar three each, and Jacobabad one.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2252371-coronavirus-1593370154/2252371-coronavirus-1593370154.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Youngster killed while shooting TikTok video in Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252250/youngster-killed-shooting-tiktok-video-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252250/youngster-killed-shooting-tiktok-video-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 18:39:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[archives]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252250</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Faraz lost control of car due to speeding, rammed into tree]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A youngster was killed and two of his friends injured in a car accident while filming a video for popular video-sharing platform TikTok in Korangi on Saturday night.

The deceased, identified as Faraz, lost control of the car he was driving due to speeding and ran into a tree. As a result, he and his friends, Ayaz and Ahsan, were injured. They were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for treatment, where Faraz succumbed to his injured.

According to the police, the car was completely wrecked in the collision. They added that the statements of the injured could not be recorded till the filing of this report.

The body was handed over to the family after the completing of medico-legal formalities.

This is not the first time that a life has been lost while filming a TikTok video. On June 21, a 17-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself while making a video. He was reportedly filming himself while holding his father’s pistol to his temple when he accidentally pulled the trigger.

Karachi teenager shooting TikTok video ‘accidentally’ kills himself

Meanwhile, in April, a 22-year-old man died after being hit by a train while shooting a video at the Jumma Goth railway station in Bhens Colony.

According to the Landhi Railway police, Kashif had been running on the railway tracks while doing a TikTok challenge when the train hit him, causing critical head injuries. His friends, who were also filming videos, took him to JPMC, where he succumbed to his wounds.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2252250-Roadaccidentcrashwindowglass-1593351316/2252250-Roadaccidentcrashwindowglass-1593351316.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Illegal plasma sale thrives in Lahore</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251888/illegal-plasma-sale-thrives-lahore</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251888/illegal-plasma-sale-thrives-lahore#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:56:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Adnan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251888</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[First Covid-19 patient recovered through trial treatment last month]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Following a surge in confirmed coronavirus cases and a significant increase in the number of patients recovering, a black market of blood plasma has emerged across the country, particularly in the provincial capital.

People are selling blood plasma of the patients who have recovered from coronavirus for tens of thousands of rupees, The Express Tribune learnt on Saturday.

The blood plasma or convalescent plasma is currently being trialled as a possible treatment for coronavirus disease in different countries, including Pakistan, as it contains antibodies developed by the immune system of people who have won the battle against the virus.

Though a large number of patients overcoming the disease are willing to donate plasma free of charge, some black sheep are using popular social media platforms to contact critically ill coronavirus patients seeking donation.

A patient who wanted to sell his blood plasma after his recent recovery said, “I don’t want to earn money but to recover my expenses incurred on the treatment since thousands of rupees were spent on medicines, consultation and food. I believe there is no harm in recovering the cost while people are selling their blood plasma for tens of thousands of rupees in the city.”



Other people involved in the unethical trade also have their own reasons. Thousands of posts are available on social media indicating that the illegal activity is happening openly without the fear of law enforcing agencies or accountability.

On June 13, a Twitter user posted her thoughts on the issue: “People are making money by selling their plasma to patients in Pakistan.

Humanity is dead.” Meanwhile, many people were of the view that there was nothing wrong with it. They commented that people also sell kidneys and blood.

Besides blood plasma, people have posted requirement for medicines such as Remdesivir, Besimivir and other drugs considered beneficial in coronavirus treatment. To save the lives of their loved ones, some people have expressed their willingness to pay any amount for these scarcely available drugs. In May, the National Institute of Blood Diseases (NIBD) confirmed that the first coronavirus patient who had been treated with plasma therapy had recovered.

The sale of oxygen cylinders is also on the rise in the online black market. A 6-litre cylinder along with regulator and stand is being offered for Rs23,000, while an 8-litre variant is being sold for Rs28,000 and 12-litre equipment is available for Rs35,000.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, an oxygen cylinder dealer, Rashid Malik, highlighted that the prices has increased three-fold owing to very high demand. “Mostly these cylinders are being imported from China, Turkey and Russia. In normal days, we were selling a 12-litre cylinder for Rs12,000 to Rs15,000 and 6-litre for Rs6,000 to Rs7,000,” he disclosed.

The Ministry of National Health Services has already announced action against illegal trading of blood plasma and black marketing of life-saving drugs used for coronavirus patients in the country. Health experts are warning citizens not to pay donors for blood plasma since it is still an experimental therapy.

As per the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 2012, commercial dealing and trade of human organs and tissues is illegal in the country.

Section 11 of the law highlights that whoever makes or receives any payment for the supply of, or for an offer to supply, any human organ; seeks to find a person willing to supply for payment of any human organ; or offers to supply any human organ for payment shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and with fine of up to Rs1 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251888-blood-1593323714/2251888-blood-1593323714.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Woman commits suicide with two daughters</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251906/woman-commits-suicide-two-daughters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251906/woman-commits-suicide-two-daughters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:41:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tariq Saeed Awan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251906</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim’s husband wanted to marry off girls against their wish]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A mother of seven children ended her life by consuming poisonous pills along with her two daughters over a domestic dispute in Mohalla Selwan, Kundian on Saturday.

A sense of shock and mourning spread in the neighbourhood after the incident.

As per details obtained by The Express Tribune, Muhammad Tahir Qureshi, son of Allah Din, a resident of Mohalla Selwan, and his wife had a dispute over marriage proposals for their daughters. The husband allegedly pressured his daughters to accept the marriage proposals as per his wishes, while the wife and daughters did not agree to the proposals.

As a result of the dispute, Tahir’s wife and daughters, 12-year-old Anza and 11-year-old Asma, swallowed a poisonous substance.

The mother and two daughters were shifted to a rural health centre, where doctor referred them to the Mianwali DHQ Hospital after immediate medical aid. However, the three victims could not survive.

As soon as the incident was reported, Kundian police and Rescue 1122 teams reached the spot. After postmortem was conducted and police completed the legal procedure, the bodies were handed over to the heirs.

Cases where multiple members of the same family committed suicide or were killed by their own family have been also been reported earlier in the province.

On Monday, a woman reportedly poisoned herself and four other members of her family due to financial problems in Okara.

A poor labourer of Okara, Nazar Mohammad, who failed to repay a loan, was struggling to make ends meet due to which his family often quarreled over financial issues.

Nazar’s son, 20-year-old Waqas Ahmed, married 19-year-old Naheed two months ago. The couple lived in Ghouspura neighbourhood of Basirpur Town, Okara with Nazar, his 45-year-old wife, and sons, 18-year-old Ashfaq Ahmed and 16-year-old Sattar Ahmed.

The family reportedly had a debt of Rs150,000. The whole family was worried about paying back the debt and there were often altercations in the house.

Naheed’s in-laws often pressured her to bring money from her father to settle the debt.

Reportedly, Naheed was fed up with the daily quarrels and allegedly fed her in-laws food containing poison, due to which her husband Waqas and brother-in-law Ashfaq died, while her other brother-in-law, 16-year-old Sattar Ahmed, and mother-in-law were severely affected.

In March last year, a man shot and killed his wife and three children, over a domestic dispute, before committing suicide in Rai Chand area of Chiniot.

In April 2019, a man committed suicide after killing his father and sisters over a family dispute regarding his ex-wife, whom he wished to remarry, in Shafiqabad, Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251906-rtrac-1593322874/2251906-rtrac-1593322874.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Letter to Punjab IGP seeks ban on PUBG video game</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251900/letter-punjab-igp-seeks-ban-pubg-video-game</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251900/letter-punjab-igp-seeks-ban-pubg-video-game#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:45:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251900</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Official says excessive violence in game triggers aggressive behaviour among youth]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A letter written to the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) on Saturday sought a ban on online game Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG).

The letter was penned by SSP Liaqat Ali Malik on the instructions of CCPO Zulfiqar Hameed. It mentioned that the online video game has devastating impacts on the mental health of the youth and two incidents of suicide have been reported in the city.

It stated that excessive violence triggers aggressive behaviour among the youth and they become addicted to the game. The CCPO said the game should be banned and an awareness campaign should be launched.

A matric student had committed suicide in Gulshan-e-Abbass Phase-II a few days ago. The boy was found hanging in his room. The police also spotted a smartphone beside the body with the PUBG game app running on it.

His parents also confirmed to the police that they had stopped the boy for playing the game. In another incident, a 20-year-old student of second year at the FC College University Lahore also reportedly committed suicide after being scolded by his parents for playing the PUBG. The victim identified as Jonty Joseph was living in North Cantonment. On the day of the incident, his father reportedly reprimanded him for playing the PUBG for a long period.

He took the punishment so seriously that he locked himself inside a room. The next day when he did not open the door, the family broke it and found him hanging.

The victim also worked part-time to assist the family financially and after work would remain busy in playing the game late at night.

On May 18, a man approached the Lahore High Court to ban the video game. “The game has a negative impact on children. They are becoming more ruthless and violent,” maintained the petitioner.

The PUBG, which has been developed by a South Korean company, is a 2017 survival game in which players are dropped onto an island to battle it out against others. The multiplayer game allows players from all over the world to compete against each other or in teams.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251900-videogames-1593323016/2251900-videogames-1593323016.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>NGO offers transgender people foreign scholarships</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251895/ngo-offers-transgender-people-foreign-scholarships</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251895/ngo-offers-transgender-people-foreign-scholarships#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:51:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251895</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Programme will allow selected persons to attend month-long training in host country]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[&nbsp;

While educational opportunities have been few and far between for gender minorities in Pakistan, a local NGO has stepped in to create an international platform for the development of the country’s transgender persons. The Gender Guardian (TGG), a non-governmental organisation working to train and educate transgender persons in Pakistan, has partnered with various foreign NGOs to allow transgender citizens the opportunity to participate in a month-long training program in four different countries.

Transwoman Sania Abbasi, who is a makeup artist and has been associated with TGG as a teacher for the past several months, is among the many aspirants of the training scholarship. If selected for the coveted programme, Ms Abbasi says it will bring her immense pride to be one of Pakistan’s first transgender persons sent abroad for training in social work and welfare. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to represent our country on an international platform and I have been working tirelessly towards achieving my goals. I can’t wait to work alongside international NGOs. I want to learn from them and also share my personal experiences with the world.”

According to The Gender Guardian (TGG) Head Asif Shehzad, his organisation is committed to providing equal opportunities to transgender people through the provision of free vocational training and formal education. “We have taught and trained dozens of transgender people in various skills such as driving, cooking, makeup, sewing and etc over the last couple of years. However, through this scholarship the selected participants will be able to use share their skills and talent with the world and for the first time, have access to international cultural exchange and training,” said Shehzad. Speaking further about the scholarship programme, Shehzad also informed that The Gender Guardian has been working towards compiling a digital database of transgender persons registered with TGG as well as other people who donate to the organisation. “So far, we have partnered with NGOs working in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Using our database, we will select candidates every six months to be sent to these four countries for a month-long training, while people from the same four countries will also have the option to come and train in Pakistan. Our selected candidates will be working alongside their host country’s NGOs and represent Pakistan on an international level,” he explained.

Sania Abbasi, believes this scholarship will allow the people of the world to see the skills and talent of Pakistan’s transgender person, who often tend to be stereotyped as people limited to sex work. “As a gender minority, we have little no resources for pursuing higher education or going abroad, because of which we have very limited opportunities for work. However, this scholarship opportunity for transgender people to showcase their abilities and break the stereotypes associated with them,” she asserted.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251895-examsreuters-1593323283/2251895-examsreuters-1593323283.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>‘Pakistan’s progress linked to Balochistan peace’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251914/pakistans-progress-linked-balochistan-peace</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251914/pakistans-progress-linked-balochistan-peace#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:35:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251914</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[NA speaker chairs parliamentary committee meeting to discuss issues facing province]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Saturday asked Balochistan parliamentarians and public representatives to suggest solutions to the socio-economic problems being faced by the province and its people.

Chairing the maiden meeting of the special parliamentary committee on Balochistan in the Parliament House, Qaiser said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emanated from Gilgit-Baltistan and culminated in Balochistan, which increased the significance of the province.

“Balochistan and its issues are always a priority of the incumbent government,” he said. “Parliament and public representatives are the best option to put forth solutions to the socio-economic issues faced by Balochistan and its people,” he said.

“Pakistan’s progress is linked to peace and progress in Balochistan,” Qaiser said, stressing the need for the committee to look into the matters related to ensuring transfer of the real benefits of CPEC to the local people.

Committees in the parliamentary system across the world, Qaiser said, played a recommendatory role, therefore, this committee would make all-out efforts to recommend the best possible solutions to the issues faced by Balochistan.

The speaker mentioned that the issuance of an executive order, regarding immediate implementation of 6% employment quota in all federal departments, underscored the seriousness of Prime Minister Imran Khan towards addressing the issues of Balochistan.

On the occasion, the speaker formed a four-member sub-committee, headed by Dr Fehmida Mirza, to develop comprehensive terms of reference (ToRs) encompassing all the issues related to Balochistan. It was also decided that a representative from the Balochistan National Party and Defence Minister Prevaiz Khattak would be invited to assist the sub-committee in developing the ToRs.

Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri appreciated the initiative of the speaker to constitute the special committee.

He noted that the government was seriously looking into the resolution of the issues confronting peace and development in the province.

Mirza, the inter-provincial coordination minster, told the committee that Balochistan’s issues had always been the top priority of the parliamentarians.

She pointed out that comprehensive ToRs were essential to make the committee more effective. Khattak said that the government had taken various steps to mitigate the grievances of the people of Balochistan.

Representing Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, National Assembly lawmaker Agha Hassan Baloch contended that the issues of Balochistan were getting intense since 2006 and needed to be redressed forthwith.

He called for examining the recommendations, proposed after a meeting between previous parliamentary committee, headed by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251914-asadqaiser-1593322419/2251914-asadqaiser-1593322419.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Balochistan collects Rs2.5b from mineral sector</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251919/balochistan-collects-rs2-5b-mineral-sector</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251919/balochistan-collects-rs2-5b-mineral-sector#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:38:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251919</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Computerised weighing scales have been installed]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Balochistan government has collected Rs2.5 billion from the minerals sector during the current financial year, despite coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown that was imposed to curb virus spread.

The government has collected the huge amount from mining sector and deposited in the provincial treasury, an official of the Balochistan government said. Computerised weighing scales have been installed besides increasing mining check posts in the province, he added.  

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251919-rupee-1593322595/2251919-rupee-1593322595.jpeg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>First phase of HingIaj road construction completed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251913/first-phase-hingiaj-road-construction-completed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251913/first-phase-hingiaj-road-construction-completed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:35:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[mohammad.zafar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251913</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Project was approved at a cost of Rs120 million]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The first construction phase of Hinglaj Mandir Link Road project has been successfully completed with the special funds from Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal.

The Hindu community of Lasbela has expressed gratitude to the government of Balochistan, according to official sources, as 90% of technical work of the temple stands completed.

The project was approved at a cost of Rs120 million to construct a 13km road to the temple which is adjacent to the Gwadar Coastal Highway.

The first phase of the 4.7 km Link Road project has been completed this week while phase two of the project will be completed in the next financial year.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251913-road-1593322424/2251913-road-1593322424.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Bilawal, Mengal agree on joint strategy for budget</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251810/bilawal-mengal-agree-joint-strategy-budget</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251810/bilawal-mengal-agree-joint-strategy-budget#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 00:50:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khalid Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251810</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Both leaders express concern over spread of coronavirus in country]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto telephoned Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal on Saturday and discussed the current political situation in the country.

According to details, both the leaders agreed on a joint strategy for the next year’s fiscal budget.

They also exchanged views on the 18th Constitutional Amendment and government’s measures on the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

“By criticising the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Imran Khan is attacking the constitution,” Bilawal said.

They expressed concern over the growing number of Covid-19 patients in the country and deliberated the holding of all parties’ conference next week.

Bilawal, Shehbaz reject federal budget

“PTI-IMF budget is anti-people. We cannot accept it,” the PPP chairman said.

“Due to the incompetence of the government, coronavirus has spread everywhere,” he added.

Both the leaders also rejected the increase in the petroleum price and noted that this was the time to provide maximum relief to the people.

A few days back, Mengal announced his party's withdrawal from its alliance with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led federal government over its failure to implement accords with the party.

Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, he said: "I am officially announcing that our party is ending its alliance with the PTI. We will stay in Parliament and will keep talking about issues."

Mengal added that the PTI had signed two agreements with the party at the time of government formation after the 2018 elections and later during the presidential elections, but not a single point of the accord was implemented.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251810-akhtarmengalbilawal-1593287357/2251810-akhtarmengalbilawal-1593287357.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>K-P wants revival of tourism hit hard by Covid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251918/k-p-wants-revival-tourism-hit-hard-covid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251918/k-p-wants-revival-tourism-hit-hard-covid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 10:37:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251918</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM Mahmood Khan orders early opening of provincial tourism authority]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In an effort to boost the tourism sector, which has been hit hard by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the provincial chief executive has directed for expediting efforts for opening the newly established provincial tourism authority.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan issued these orders while presiding over the 22nd board meeting of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Corporation of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (TCK-P).

CM Mahmood directed to finalise formalities for opening the newly established K-P Cultural Tourism Authority immediately.

The chief minister also ordered to take steps for liquidation of TCK-P and handing over its assets and liabilities to the culture and tourism authority. The TCK-P employees would be absorbed in the authority, he added.

The chief minister termed tourism as a major economic sector and said its promotion is a top priority of his government.

The meeting was briefed on the progress so far made on the liquidation of the TCK-P after the establishment of the Culture and Tourism Authority as provided in the K-P Culture and Tourism Act, 2019.

The meeting decided to constitute a committee headed by K-P Additional Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir to streamline and expedite all the legal, administrative and financial matters with regard to the liquidation of the TCK-P in a prescribed manner.

The committee would draft and present its recommendations to the competent forum within a week. Other members of the committee would finance secretary, law secretary, tourism secretary and establishment secretary.

K-P Chief Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz, Additional Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir, Finance Secretary Atif Rehman, Tourism Secretary Khushal Khan and TCK-P Managing Director Junaid Khan, private sector members of the board and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251918-tourx-1593322578/2251918-tourx-1593322578.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Poor internet access for students echoes in K-P assembly</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251303/poor-internet-access-students-echoes-assembly</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251303/poor-internet-access-students-echoes-assembly#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 20 09:14:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shahid.hamid]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251303</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Debate on Rs55.42b supplementary budget completed]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Lawmakers on Friday took up the issue of poor internet connection for students in the remote areas of the province, noting that the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic means that online classes are the only means for obtaining education for students now.

This was discussed as the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly resumed on Friday to debate the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2020-21.

MPAs raised questions on online classes in the province. They urged the provincial government to ensure students have access to 3G and 4G networks, especially in the merged districts, so that they can access classes.

Moreover, they lamented that a girls college built in the Mohmand tribal district has yet to start functioning even though its structure was completed years ago.

During the discussion on the supplementary budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 worth Rs55.42 billion, the issue of a laptop scheme was raised.

Opposition lawmakers including Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Nighat Orakzai, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) Inyatullah Khan, Mir Kalam Wazir, Shafiq Afridi, Baseerat Bibi, Khushdil Khan, Shagufta Malik and others said that a handsome amount had been allocated for the information technology sector in the supplementary budget to provide laptops to teachers.

They noted that if teachers can be provided laptops, then what about the students and called for greater transparency in the programme.

The opposition benches also raised concerns over the plight of the inmates in prisons across the province during the pandemic. They slammed the government for losing control of the bureaucracy.

Police reforms

On the directions of Deputy Speaker Mahmood Khan for a senior police officer attend the assembly proceedings, an SP level officer arrived at the assembly on Friday.

However, the deputy speaker did not allow him to enter the session as he expressed his anger over the absence of senior officers.

He then directed a DIG level officer to attend the session.

Later, Peshawar CCPO Ali Gandapur visited the assembly lobby and marked his presence.

Lawmakers from across the aisle pointed to the need for police reforms. They also asked the CCPO to explain reports of extrajudicial killings and the harassment of citizens at checkpoints set up across the province.

Members of the opposition expressed their reservations over the dormant status of the public safety commission. With no check and balance on the department, they claimed that the police was doing what it wants.

The secretary of the home department was also accused of deliberately delaying the process of activating the commission. Opposition lawmakers also pointed to the incident in the Zangi area where a motorcyclist was killed when he failed to stop at a checkpoint.

Discriminatory allocations

Shafiq Afridi from the Khyber Tribal District accused the government of dividing development funds based on the personal likes and dislikes of the finance and chief ministers. Moreover, he said that lawmaker of the merged districts has been completely ignored. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251303-KhyberPakhtunkhwaassemblyAFP-1593231085/2251303-KhyberPakhtunkhwaassemblyAFP-1593231085.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>K-P up in arms against custodial torture</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251292/k-p-arms-custodial-torture</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251292/k-p-arms-custodial-torture#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 20 09:19:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondents]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251292</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt asks PHC to probe yet another instance of police high-handedness]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Scores were left injured on Friday as police and protesters clashed in the Tehkal area of the provincial capital as the latter demonstrated against the excesses of the former.

The clashes came even as the government wrote to the provincial judiciary, asking it to probe reports of police detaining an Afghan national, stripping and parading him naked and then torturing him for abusing officers in a video.

Several protests and rallies were held across the province on Friday to protest the torture of Rafiullah alias Amir of Tehkal.

The largest protests were staged in the Tehkal area, outside the Peshawar Press Club and in front of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly building. Protesters filled the road from Saddar to the press club, blocking it for all sorts of traffic. Former Awami National Party (ANP) provincial assembly member Alamgir Khan Khalil and members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Youth Wing also participated in the protest.

They held aloft banners condemning the police brutality and of filming a detainee in a compromised position and then leaking the videos. Chanting anti-police slogans, they demanded a judicial inquiry into the case and kept the road closed for nearly two hours.

As the protesters neared the provincial assembly, they were charged by police in riot gear. At this, the protesters started pelting police officers with stones.

To disperse the crowd, the police resorted to firing tear gas canisters.

The clashes left scores of protesters and police officers injured.

Meanwhile, protests against police excesses were also held in Mardan, Swabi, Bajaur, Charsadda, Nowshera, Malakand, Lower and Upper Dir, Swat and other southern districts. Lawyers, social workers, students and local political leaders participated in those protests.

Judicial inquiry

In a media briefing at the Information Cell in the Civil Secretariat on Friday, Adviser to the K-P Chief Minister on Information Ajmal Wazir said that the provincial government has written to the Peshawar High Court’s registrar to nominate a judge who will lead a judicial commission to probe the Tehkal incident under the K-P Tribunal of Inquiry Ordinance.

Wazir said that soon after the video went viral on social media, the provincial government had taken immediate action by suspending and booking the four police personnel involved, including an SHO. Moreover, the SSP Operation was removed from his post.

On the judicial commission, he confirmed that the PHC had been requested to form the probe body. He added that the body will be tasked with identifying those responsible for the incident and that later they will be tried as per the law.

Noting that the commission has been directed to complete its inquiry within 15 days, Wazir said that the government will make the inquiry public.

The adviser, however, urged the public not to malign the entire police department due to the actions of a few

“The misconduct and wrongdoings of a few personnel should not be blamed on the entire police department,” he said, reiterating the immense sacrifices rendered by the provincial police force in the war against terror apart from serving on the frontlines against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251292-image-1593206766/2251292-image-1593206766.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Another case of police excesses surfaces</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251290/another-case-police-excesses-surfaces</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251290/another-case-police-excesses-surfaces#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 20 09:19:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yawar Hayat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251290</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The report further showed that the additional SHO had been previously found guilty of framing a man in a fake case]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[After Peshawar, a case of police excesses has emerged from Haripur where a senior police officer allegedly beat up a clerk at a filling station for refusing service to his son.

A report submitted to the district police officer's (DPO0 office stated that additional SHO SI Muhammad Nawaz's son had gone to a filling station in the Batrassi area of Haripur to get fuel for his motorbike. Because he was not wearing a face mask nor a helmet, the clerk on duty refused to provide him with service as per a campaign being run by the district police.

At this, additional SHO Nawaz and his driver arrived at the fuel station where they beat up the workers. Nawaz’s driver also allegedly snatched cash from the cashier's pocket and then fled.

The owner of the filling station and workers subsequently approached the DPO and urged him to intervene. The DPO took notice of the incident and suspended Nawaz and launched an inquiry.

The report further showed that the additional SHO had been previously found guilty of framing a man in a fake case and allegedly took a bribe to set the case aside.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2020.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251290-poliopakistanafpxx-1593231511/2251290-poliopakistanafpxx-1593231511.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Virus cases in Indian Occupied Kashmir top 7,000</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252336/virus-cases-indian-occupied-kashmir-top-7000</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252336/virus-cases-indian-occupied-kashmir-top-7000#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 23:11:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252336</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[2,700 infections, including 41 virus-linked deaths, confirmed in last 2 weeks]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Coronavirus cases in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&amp;K) region crossed the 7,000-mark including 94 deaths, officials said on Sunday.

As many as 127 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the national tally to 7,093, according to the latest data by the government.

Since June 13, the data revealed, about 2,700 cases have been registered while 41 people, including a 15-day-old baby, have died.

The Doctors Association of Kashmir has warned of community transmission, saying that more than 90% of the region's population is susceptible to the infection.

AJK president lauds Joe Biden for urging India to restore people’s rights in IOJ&amp;K

Dr Suhail Naik, who heads the association, told Anadolu Agency the recent numbers indicate that the virus has arrived in the community, and is going to spread amid an ease in restrictions.

“We cannot bear the excess load of cases in our underdeveloped healthcare systems... the only remedy available is social distancing, hygiene and prevention,” he said.

While educational institutions remain closed, and public transport is still suspended in the region, some businesses have reopened.

As the pandemic crisis is looming, Indian forces continued their human rights violation in the valley, killing over 130 freedom fighters in over 40 gunfights in 2020 so far.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2252336-srinagarkashmircoronavirusramazanaa-1593367738/2252336-srinagarkashmircoronavirusramazanaa-1593367738.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>AJK president lauds Joe Biden for urging India to restore people’s rights in IOJ&amp;K</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252239/ajk-president-lauds-joe-biden-urging-india-restore-peoples-rights-iojk</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252239/ajk-president-lauds-joe-biden-urging-india-restore-peoples-rights-iojk#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 22:27:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2252239</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[US former vice president has said restrictions on dissent, such as preventing peaceful protests, weaken democracy.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[While welcoming US Democratic presidential nominee and former vice president Joe Biden’s statements over the restoration of rights of Kashmiris, Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan has said that Biden’s remarks are a proof that the world community has refused to buy the Indian narrative on Occupied Kashmir.

Biden has asked New Delhi to take all necessary steps to restore rights of all the people of Kashmir and asserted that restrictions on dissent, such as preventing peaceful protests or shutting or slowing down internet, weakens democracy.

The US ex-vice president also expressed disappointment over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the enforcement of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in different states of India.

“We welcome the US Democratic Party leader’s remarks and urge Indian-Americans and Muslim-Americans to applaud Joe Biden’s policy statement together because nobody wants India to be ruled by theocratic fascists. Kashmiris’ liberties and fundamental rights, especially their right to self-determination, should be restored. It’s a just demand,” President Masood said in Muzaffarabad on Sunday.

Earlier addressing a function held in connection with the disbursement of cash grant among the affectees of Indian shelling living along the Line of Control (LoC), the AJK president said that relief being provided by the federal government to 610,000 members of 80,000 families is the recognition of their sacrifices as well as acknowledgement of the responsibilities being shouldered by the state government.

"Azad Kashmir is not only a strong defence line of Pakistan, but the people living close to the LoC and facing India's direct aggression are the defenders of the motherland," he added.

While commenting on Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement to include more than 100,000 people affected by the Indian firing at the LoC in the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme and to issue health cards to 1.2 million people of Azad Kashmir, he said that the people of occupied and the liberated territory want to become part of Pakistan not because of geographical location but on the basis of their faith and ideology.

Joe Biden seeks restoration of peoples’ rights in Occupied Kashmir

The AJK president said that India's ruling party BJP and the RSS have planned to eliminate the Kashmiri people, occupy their lands, reduce the number of Muslims in the assembly of Occupied Kashmir, and to turn the whole state into a colony of India, but the people of both the liberated and occupied parts of Kashmir would offer stiff resistance.

He went on to say that it is high time that the government and the people of Pakistan as well as the valiant people of Azad Kashmir adopt an aggressive policy to counter India because "India is constantly threatening to attack Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan".

"Instead of saying that we will defend Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, we should also talk about the liberation of Khalistan, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram, and tell the world that India is no longer a secular state but it has emerged as a fascist state," he added.

President Masood also said that India's anti-Muslim moves have awakened the Muslims across the world, and a wave for the renaissance of Islam has risen in the whole Muslim world. "It is now clear that whether it is Kashmir or Palestine, the Muslims are prepared to safeguard their interest."

Referring to Azad Kashmir, he said that the liberated territory can emerge as an economic engine for Pakistan. At present, he maintained, that 2,000 megawatts of electricity is being generated in Azad Kashmir while the territory has a potential of producing another 8,000 megawatts of electricity "though our own demand is between 300 and 400 megawatts, and the surplus electricity is injected into the national grid".

On completion of Kohala, Gulpur, Azad Pattan, Dudhnial and many other projects in the coming decade, Azad Kashmir will become the biggest electricity generating region of Pakistan.

President Masood said that Azad Kashmir is not only strategically important for Pakistan's defence but it can also play an important role in the economic uplift of the country. "That is why, we say that Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir and Kashmir has no identity without Pakistan."]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2252239-joebidenmasoodkhan-1593349624/2252239-joebidenmasoodkhan-1593349624.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Hinduism being masqueraded as secularism in India, says AJK president</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251761/hinduism-masqueraded-secularism-india-says-ajk-president</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251761/hinduism-masqueraded-secularism-india-says-ajk-president#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 20 00:33:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2251761</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Masood says 13,000 Kashmiri boys have been abducted and kept in prison houses where they're being subjected to torture]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sardar Masood Khan, the president Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has said that after grudgingly accepting the independence of Pakistan, India adopted a secular doctrine, an insincere attempt to hide prevalent Hindu nationalism under the guise of secularism.

He made these remarks while addressing two separate web-conferences organised by the Institute of Policy Studies on the topic of “India: Past, Present &amp; Future: Perceptions of the Muslim World”; and by the Pakistan High Commission UK on the topic “Seeking Justice for Kashmiri Victims of Sexual Violence and Physical Torture, and Widows”.

Speaking at the IPS session – which was attended by leading international experts from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nigeria – the president said Hindu fascists romanticise an imaginary state of "Akhand Baharat" that they claim to have existed before the arrival of Muslim rulers in the sub-continent. This notion, he said, is not only unsubstantiated by history, it is also counterintuitive.

Referring to the faux secularism adopted by India, the AJK president said that over the decades, this glue of secularism had has come off and the real face of India’s political masters has been exposed. "Not long after independence, on 27 October 1947, India began working on its imperialistic agenda, and invaded the Jammu and Kashmir State. Driven by its Hindu-extremist policy, India has carried on with this agenda over the years," he said.

Masood Khan said that lawmakers and the leadership of BJP, the RSS and their affiliates have publicly declared that they would do away with Muslims from within India. This, he said, has caught the attention of Hindu zealots from across India which has consequently impacted the larger political landscape of the neighbouring country.

This BJP-RSS nexus has waged three wars in the region; one against its minorities inside its own borders, the second one against Kashmiris in the occupied territory of Kashmir and the third one against all its neighbouring countries. "Considering Pakistan as enemy number one, they have threatened to wipe off Pakistan from the face of the earth by the use of nuclear weapons," he informed.

The AJK president said that India’s ambition of becoming a colonial and imperial power in the region has led it to using the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh for sabotaging the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It has also formed a four-member alliance QUAD – comprising of India, USA, Japan and Australia – to oppose the BRI and, especially, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“India is the biggest barrier for progress in the region. SAARC has been struggling for decades and that too because India has been standing in the way of economic integration as it wants to establish its hegemony in South Asia,” said the president.

'Existing tensions surfacing in new China-India row'

Speaking about the situation in IOJ&amp;K, he said that India is practicing the policy of lebensraum by reoccupying the State of Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcating it and now bringing it under the direct rule of Delhi. He compared the new domicile rules introduced in the occupied valley, to the policy followed by Nazi Germany against the Jews, based initially on economic strangulation, followed by demonisation and marginalisation and finally physical extermination.

The president apprised that in IOJ&amp;K political leaders have been incarcerated, the youth are being killed and tortured in jails all over Occupied Kashmir and northern India. He added that 13,000 Kashmiri boys have been abducted and kept in prison houses where they are being subjected to torture and brainwashing. Bipin Rawat, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, has said that these boys (some as young as 10 years old) are more dangerous than a pellet-firing shotgun because they raise the slogan of Azadi (freedom) and self-determination, he said.

The AJK president said that members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should start a boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against India, while the corporate sector of these countries should be discouraged to invest in India as they are committing human rights violations against Kashmiris and Muslims of India.

"Start by banning the import of non-halal meat into OIC countries and the formation of a Kashmir Humanitarian Fund with the help of the Islamic Development Bank and Islamic Solidarity Fund.”

He also suggested an international civil society movement be mobilised to delegitimise Hindutva and campaign to declare RSS a terrorist organisation. “The biggest and the most trained terrorist organisation in the world is the RSS. They have openly declared to target Muslims not only in South Asia but all over the world”, he added.

Appreciating the supportive role of the OIC, Masood Khan appealed to the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council to raise their voice against Kashmir and call out the egregious human rights violations taking place in IOJ&amp;K.

Speaking at the web-conference hosted by Pakistan High Commission, the president appealed to powerful nations to make moral and legal choices for bringing India to justice and helping dismantle this machine of torture in IOJ&amp;K. “Silence is a crime when such torture is openly taking place in any part of the world”, he said.

He added that 25,000 Hindus from all over India have been given domiciles of IOJ&amp;K; and in the same manner, in which Muslim Indians have become second class citizens, Kashmiris have to run from pillar to post just to prove that they are state subjects. “If we don’t stop this now, IOJ&amp;K won’t be a recognisable entity like it is today. Two million Hindus will be brought in over the coming years” he said.

The AJK president said that India’s non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council will lead to three setbacks in the Council. Firstly, it will try to delete the agenda from the UNSC calendar; secondly, they would make efforts to stop us from holding informal meetings on Kashmir; and thirdly, they will imperil funding of the mandate of the UNMOGIP. “As a permanent member of the UNSC, the United Kingdom can stop this and create a balance in the UNSC,” said the president while speaking to his audience.

He urged the British citizenry and its civil society to lead the campaign of letter writing and awareness-raising on Kashmir in the international realm.

He also thanked MP Steve Baker for his active and vocal role in raising his voice for the Kashmir people by authoring a letter. He urged him to use his clout with 10 Downing Street and the FCO to mobilise the UK towards Kashmir advocacy in both the British Parliament and the UNSC.

The web-conference hosted by the Pakistan High Commission London was attended by Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Nafees Zakaria, MP Afzal Khan, MP Naz Shah, MP Steve Baker, MP Tony Lloyd, MP, Imran Hussain, MP Khalid Mahmood, Lord Qurban Hussain, Councillor Aasim Rashid, Mr Muzammil  Ayub Thakur, Chairman JKSDMI Raja Najabat Hussain, President Tahreek-e-Kashmir UK Fahim Kiyani, Dr Nazir GIllani, Syed Ali Raza, Shaista Safi and other leading members of the civil society.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251761-rssmodiafp-1593281945/2251761-rssmodiafp-1593281945.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>World leaders urged to help end Indian atrocities against Kashmiris</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2250999/world-leaders-urged-help-end-indian-atrocities-kashmiris</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2250999/world-leaders-urged-help-end-indian-atrocities-kashmiris#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 20 21:06:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2250999</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[On International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, AJK president condemns BJP-RSS regime]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has urged the international community and United Nations to help end the most "cruel, inhumane and degrading" treatment of the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&amp;K) by occupation forces,

“We fully agree with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s statement that torturers must never be allowed to get away with their crimes, and systems that enable torture should be dismantled or transformed,” he said in a video message released on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture observed across the globe on Friday.

The AJK president said that torture is a crime against humanity and it is prohibited by international law and all religions. "Yet, this crime is committed everyday by the Indian forces and authorities in the occupied territory, most brutally and systematically."

He appealed to the United Nations not to generalise and blur the focus on torture where it is pervasive. In Occupied Kashmir, he said, torture is most rampant and most egregious.

“Torture has been committed by the BJP-RSS regime by reoccupying and colonising Jammu and Kahsmir against the will of its 14 million people, dividing their state into two parts, and enforcing decrees whereby the entire territory is now ruled by a foreign capital, Delhi."

While lambasting the Modi-led government, President Masood said: “As we mark this day today, Kashmiri young men are hunted down and killed in cold blood in fake encounters, demonstrators are blinded and sexual molestation is used as a weapon of war.”

Kashmiris, he went on to say, are being deprived of their homeland by bringing Hindus from all over India and settling them in the occupied territory through new domicile rules.

“Stripped of their permanent residence rights, Kashmiris are being robbed of their jobs, livelihoods, businesses and land. Systematically, the demography of the disputed valley is being altered permanently."

PM urges int'l community to hold India accountable for atrocities in IOJ&amp;K

The AJK president said what India is doing in occupied region is a war crime according to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the ICC Statute and international humanitarian law.

Referring to arbitrary arrest of political leaders and political activists, he said thousands of political detainees  – illegally incarcerated – are being subjected to the vicious torture leading in many instances to death and disability.

President Masood demanded that political prisoners in the Tihar jail in India - Yasin Malik, Asiya Indrabi, Shabbir Shah - should be released forthwith and Syed Ali Geelani and other Hurriyet leaders - hundreds of them holed up in cramped prisons - should be set free.

Some 13,000 boys and children, as young as 10, are caged in concentration camps where they are being tortured and brainwashed, he said while calling for the international community led by the United Nations to play ts role for their release.

He also made a demand that India should be asked to repeal all draconian laws that empower occupation forces to commit crimes with impunity.

“Kashmiris are citizens of planet Earth. Listen to their screams of SOS. Save their bodies; save their souls. Silence too is a crime while such massive torture is taking place right before our eyes.”]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2250999-sardarmasood-1593181934/2250999-sardarmasood-1593181934.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>'Pirates have taken over,' families relive final calls from hijacked tanker</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605375/families-relive-distressing-phone-calls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605375/families-relive-distressing-phone-calls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 26 21:30:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Abbas Naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605375</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pirates still hold vessel off Somali coast]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The oil tanker, sailing under the Somali flag, was transporting oil from Oman to Somalia when pirates seized it on April 21. Among the ten abducted Pakistanis, eight are from Karachi.

Mehwish becomes emotional recalling the moment on April 21 when she was speaking to her husband, Yasir Khan, on the phone around 4:30pm; pirates then took control of the vessel.

She says her husband abruptly ended the call, stating that pirates had taken over their ship.

The next call came on April 24, made from the captain&#39;s phone, during which Yasir informed her that each hostage was guarded by an armed pirate equipped with heavy and dangerous weapons.

Yasir has been working as a boiler operator in the shipping industry since 2009. Mehwish says he had left the profession after their 2010 marriage because he could not bear to stay away from his children. After a 16-year gap, he rejoined and boarded the ship on the 17th of this month.

Yasir&#39;s elder son, seven-year-old Bashar, is pleading for his father to be brought back to Pakistan as soon as possible. His younger son, Umar, does not fully understand the situation but knows that &quot;pirates are robbers&quot; who have taken his father.

Each Pakistani held by the pirates has a heartbreaking story. In an audio message circulating on social media, a man named Amin can be heard crying and telling his father that pirates are about to kill him, asking him to take care of his wife and two children.

Amin&#39;s wife, Ayesha, told The Express Tribune that the message was received on April 21 and that he sounded extremely distressed. Amin had recently joined the merchant navy as a fitter.

He travelled from Pakistan to Oman in early December, and his son was born in the last week of December. He has not yet seen his only child.

Among the captives is Rafiullah, a resident of Manora Cantt in Karachi. His brother Sanaullah said that on April 24, the pirates allowed each hostage to make a five-minute call to their families.

During that call, Rafiullah revealed that the ship, its cargo, and the pirates themselves all belong to Somalia. Sanaullah added that their parents are ill, so they have not yet been informed of Rafiullah&#39;s abduction.

Kashif Umar, a resident of Buffer Zone in Karachi, has been associated with the merchant navy for the past 25 years. His son Izhar Umar said their last contact was on April 23, when his father reported that food supplies on the ship had run out.

Social worker and human rights lawyer Ansar Burney told The Express Tribune that rumours are circulating about ransom demands, but no such demand has been made so far. He said no formal action has yet been initiated at the government level for the release of the Pakistani captives.

Out of the ten Pakistani hostages on the oil tanker &quot;Honour 25,&quot; one belongs to Sahiwal in Punjab and another to Swabi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The remaining crew includes four Indonesians and three individuals from India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Untitled-design-(83)1733551067-0/Untitled-design-(83)1733551067-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Traders demand end to smart lockdown</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605358/traders-demand-end-to-smart-lockdown</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605358/traders-demand-end-to-smart-lockdown#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 26 21:08:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605358</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Say restrictions and power issues are crippling businesses, threatening livelihoods]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Central Traders Association Rawalpindi Cantonment has demanded the immediate and complete lifting of the current smart lockdown, calling on the government to allow markets, restaurants and all other businesses to operate without restrictions and to provide traders with a safe and enabling environment to conduct their activities.

According to details, an emergency meeting of the association was held under the chairmanship of President Mirza Muneer Baig, Group Leader Sheikh Hafeez, and General Secretary Muhammad Zafar Qadri. Representatives from all trader organisations in Rawalpindi Cantonment attended in large numbers. After detailed deliberations on the prevailing situation, participants unanimously urged the government to announce an immediate end to the smart lockdown.

Traders stated that ongoing checkpoints and restrictions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the past 15 days, imposed in the name of security, have severely disrupted business activities, pushing many traders to the brink. The meeting particularly focused on the difficulties faced by the hotel and restaurant sector, noting that limited operating hours and lockdown measures have nearly paralysed the industry, affecting not only business owners but also the livelihoods of thousands of employees. Participants stressed that immediate relief for this sector is essential.

Serious concern was also expressed over the increase in petroleum prices and rising operational costs, which have fuelled inflation and significantly reduced the purchasing power of the public, making essential goods increasingly unaffordable.

Additionally, traders voiced strong reservations about unannounced load shedding, high electricity tariffs, and excessive utility bills. They said that under current conditions, it has become impossible for the business community to bear such high energy costs. The meeting urged the government to immediately reduce per-unit electricity rates to provide meaningful relief and help sustain business activity.

Trader leaders emphasised that the business community has always supported the government in difficult times, prioritising national interest, dignity and respect for state institutions. However, they warned that the situation has now become unbearable. They reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for traders&#39; rights and maintaining continuous engagement with authorities to resolve pressing issues.

The meeting concluded with a strong call for the government to provide maximum facilitation to traders, immediately lift the smart lockdown, allow uninterrupted business operations and ensure that traders can work without fear or undue interference.

Participants also condemned unwarranted harassment and unnecessary intervention by various government departments, urging authorities to put an end to such practices. They stressed that traders are the backbone of the economy and failure to support them could further worsen the country&#39;s economic situation.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/241777411010-3/241777411010-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Nepra scraps fees, restores licence exemption for solar users below 25kW</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605296/nepra-scraps-fees-restores-licence-exemption-for-solar-users-below-25kw</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605296/nepra-scraps-fees-restores-licence-exemption-for-solar-users-below-25kw#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 26 15:10:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605296</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Move follows Power Division’s request to review rules after concerns over impact on consumers]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Tuesday scrapped fees and restored a licensing exemption for solar consumers with systems under 25 kilowatts (kW).

According to a notification issued today, under the revised framework, no fee or licence will be required for solar consumers with systems below 25kW.

However, users installing systems above this threshold will be subject to a one-time fee of Rs1,000 per kW. The notification stated that the decision would apply retrospectively from February 9 of this year.

The move comes after the Power Division formally approached Nepra on Sunday, seeking a review of its regulations and calling for the removal of fees and licensing requirements for small-scale solar consumers. The request followed a directive from Energy Minister Awais Leghari.

Read: Power Division urges Nepra to scrap fee for solar users below 25kW

The Power Division noted that it had earlier flagged the adverse impact of the new rules and urged the regulator to align them with the previous framework.

Leghari said the government was &ldquo;pro-solar, pro-consumer, and committed to clean energy,&rdquo; adding that efforts were underway to remove unnecessary barriers, reduce costs, and provide maximum relief to the public.

Under the 2015 regulations, solar systems with a capacity of 25kW or less did not require a Nepra licence. Applications in this category were processed directly by distribution companies without any fee, offering a significant financial incentive for domestic consumers.

However, the subsequent &ldquo;prosumer regulations&rdquo; centralised approval authority with Nepra, even for small-scale installations, and introduced application fees.

The proposed regulations drew criticism from consumers and industry stakeholders, with the Private Power and Infrastructure Board also warning against the regulatory shift.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/386570-storySolarpan_1737096833/386570-storySolarpan_1737096833.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Experts link home cleaning to better mental health</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605360/experts-link-home-cleaning-to-better-mental-health</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605360/experts-link-home-cleaning-to-better-mental-health#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 26 21:08:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605360</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Say organised and decluttered environment can reduce stress and sharpen focus]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Mental health experts are increasingly highlighting the positive impact of maintaining a clean and organised home on overall psychological well-being, noting that simple household chores can play a meaningful role in reducing stress and anxiety.

As awareness about mental health continues to grow, experts suggest that maintaining a clean home should be viewed not merely as a domestic responsibility but also as an important component of self-care.

Talking to the media, clinical psychologist Sidratul Muntaha said that cluttered environments often contribute to feelings of overwhelm and mental fatigue. Disorganised spaces, she explained, can serve as constant visual reminders of unfinished tasks, making it difficult for individuals to focus or relax.

In contrast, a clean and orderly home fosters a sense of control and stability, helping to ease daily stress.

She further explained that engaging in routine cleaning activities such as sweeping, organising or decluttering can have therapeutic value. These tasks provide a structured and productive outlet, allowing individuals to shift their attention away from negative thoughts while achieving small, tangible goals. This sense of accomplishment can significantly improve mood and motivation.

Cleaning can act as a simple yet effective coping mechanism, she noted, adding that it not only improves the physical environment but also contributes to a clearer and calmer state of mind.

Another clinical psychologist, Mawra, who serves at a government hospital, said that research in behavioural science suggests maintaining order in one&#39;s surroundings can enhance concentration, improve sleep quality and support better decision-making.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/221777411010-1/221777411010-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PM sees strong mineral export potential</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605191/pm-sees-strong-mineral-export-potential</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605191/pm-sees-strong-mineral-export-potential#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 26 21:31:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605191</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says Pakistan is blessed with abundant resources]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday noted that Pakistan had been blessed with abundant natural resources, including precious stones, and stressed that the sector offered strong potential to increase exports using local resources.

The premier chaired a high-level review meeting focused on aligning Pakistan&#39;s gemstone mining and processing sector with international standards and enhancing exports, including the establishment of three Centers of Excellence across the country.

He emphasized that transparency must remain a key element in the establishment of the centers of excellence.

The prime minister assigned the Ministry of Planning the task of formulating a comprehensive strategy to boost exports of processed gemstones. The ministry was expected to present the plan soon, PM Office Media Wing said in a statement.

He appreciated the efforts of his Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar and his team for promoting the development of the sector, terming their initiatives commendable.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Dr Musadik Malik, Jam Kamal Khan, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmad, chief secretaries of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other senior officials.

During the briefing, the participants were informed about ongoing efforts to introduce modern mining and gemstone processing techniques.

The meeting was told that three centers of excellence were being established to provide international-standard training in cutting, polishing, and preparing gemstones for use in jewelry.

Pieces of land had already been identified for the establishment of such centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while work was underway to identify a site in Islamabad.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/451777325930-11/451777325930-11.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Digital life hurting families, warn experts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605166/digital-life-hurting-families-warn-experts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605166/digital-life-hurting-families-warn-experts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 26 20:32:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[DNA]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605166</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Excessive screen time increases emotional distance within households]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Experts warned Sunday that the rise of digital life and brand obsession among Generation Z is eroding traditional family routines, with harmful consequences for relationships, mental and physical health, and weakening the cohesion that once defined home life.

Renowned psychiatrist Dr Maria Sohail Qureshi, speaking to a local media channel, highlighted deepening concerns over Generation Z&#39;s intense attachment to brands and immersive use of technology, emphasizing the profound impact on their values, relationships and daily lives.

She noted that young people today are increasingly engrossed in online activity, scrolling through social media, and making purchases that reflect their identity, leaving traditional family interactions on the sidelines.

Dr Qureshi explained that this shift is not just a change in habits but carries harmful consequences. Families are spending less time together, conversations are becoming shorter and more superficial, and the emotional bonds that once held households together are weakening.

She emphasised that constant digital engagement can impact mental health and reduce empathy.

The psychiatrist urged parents, educators and society at large to address these trends proactively. Encouraging offline activities, creating moments for shared experiences, and teaching the value of in-person connection are essential steps to counterbalance the lure of brands and screens.

Dr Rabia Munir, a leading psychiatrist, emphasized that Generation Z prefers shopping online for convenience, speed, and low prices, with fast delivery now a non-negotiable expectation. Delays or high shipping costs can easily turn them away.

She noted that this constant focus on online shopping is replacing traditional family time, as meals, conversations, and shared activities are increasingly pushed aside for screen time and quick purchases.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/171777322201-1/171777322201-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Hill stations see tourist surge</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605168/hill-stations-see-tourist-surge</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605168/hill-stations-see-tourist-surge#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 26 20:32:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[DNA.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605168</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Influx leads to heavy traffic, high occupancy in hotels, guest houses and restaurants]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As temperatures rise across Pakistan, a noticeable surge in tourist activity has been recorded in the scenic hill stations of Galiyat and Thandiani, where visitors are heading to escape the heat and enjoy the cool climate.

According to details, a large number of tourists flocked to these popular destinations during the recent three-day weekend. Families and travellers from various parts of the country visited the region to take advantage of the pleasant weather.

Tourists were seen enjoying the cool breeze, lush green surroundings, and panoramic views that make these scenes a major attraction. The favourable weather conditions provided an ideal opportunity for outdoor activities such as picnics, hiking, and sightseeing.

Local authorities reported a significant increase in traffic towards both area while hotels, guest houses, and restaurants experienced high occupancy levels. Administrative measures were also put in place to ensure smooth traffic flow and facilitate visitors.

Visitors expressed satisfaction over the weather and natural beauty, stating that Galiyat and Thandiani remain among the top choices for short trips, especially during weekends.

Officials expect that if the current weather trend continues, tourist inflow will further increase in the coming weeks, boosting local tourism and economic activity.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/191777322201-3/191777322201-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Mardan authorities rescue, release endangered pangolin into the wild</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605100/mardan-authorities-rescue-release-endangered-pangolin-into-the-wild</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605100/mardan-authorities-rescue-release-endangered-pangolin-into-the-wild#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 26 15:12:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605100</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[WWF says rescued pangolin underwent quarantine, rehab and monitoring under vets to ensure recovery]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A rare pangolin was rescued, rehabilitated&nbsp;and released into the wild during a joint effort between WWF-Pakistan and the wildlife department of Mardan division on Monday.

The highly endangered species was rescued from illegal hunting and released into its natural habitat.

According to a WWF spokesperson, after the rescue, the pangolin underwent quarantine and rehabilitation under veterinary supervision, with continuous health monitoring to ensure full recovery.



https://www.facebook.com/WWFPak/posts/pangolin-rescued-from-illegal-poaching-safely-returned-to-the-wildthe-pangolin-w/1393086926187613/




Before its&nbsp;final release, the&nbsp;animal was also tagged with the support of Lincoln University. Now the animal is in its natural habitat within the &lsquo;Pangolin Protection Zone&rsquo; in Mardan.

The animal was tagged and released into its natural habitat. PHOTO: WWF PAKISTAN

Wildlife officials said the move highlights the importance of institutional cooperation and joint efforts to protect pangolins, one of the most heavily trafficked and poached species in the world.

Read More: WWF warns govt&#39;s development plans in Margalla Hills could cause &#39;irreversible damage&#39;

The Indian pangolin is one of Pakistan&#39;s most endangered species. Also called the thick-tailed pangolin and scaly anteater, this mammal&#39;s population has been dwindling fast due to several factors, including poaching, illegal trade, habitat destruction, and the effects of climate change.

The third Saturday of February is annually marked as World Pangolin Day to raise awareness about this beautiful but heavily&nbsp;trafficked creature.



Wildlife workers trying to locate the animal with radio. PHOTO WWF PAKISTAN

Classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature&#39;s Red List, the Indian pangolin&#39;s population continues dropping. Particularly in the Pothohar region, the pangolin has vanished from over 80% of its historic range.

Although exact population figures are not available, studies suggest that the global population of this mammal could drop by 50% over the next 20 years or so.

According to WWF-Pakistan, the Indian pangolin is protected by both federal and Sindh wildlife laws. Since 2016, it has also been listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which prohibits international trade in pangolins and their products, including scales. However, these laws have done little to mitigate the threats the species faces.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/pangolin-mardan1777304050-0/pangolin-mardan1777304050-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Five PTCL employees abducted in Bannu</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605203/five-ptcl-employees-abducted-in-bannu</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605203/five-ptcl-employees-abducted-in-bannu#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 26 21:31:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2605203</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Technicians were present in the area for technical work related to the project]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a surge of terrorist violence across the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region, unidentified terrorists have abducted five employees working on the Safe City Project in Bannu, while two government officials were martyred in two separate attacks in Lakki Marwat district.

In the first incident, five PTCL employees installing surveillance cameras under the Bannu Safe City Project were abducted by terrorists affiliated with a proscribed organisation from Mamsi Khel village, located within the jurisdiction of Cantt Police Station in Bannu. The technicians were present in the area for technical work related to the project when they were taken to an unknown location. Police have launched a search operation for their safe recovery.

In the second wave of violence, two government employees were martyred in Lakki Marwat district. The first attack occurred in Shadi Khel village, subdivision Bettani, where armed assailants shot and martyred FC official Jameel Bettani, who was at his home on leave. The second incident took place near Dhooda, where unidentified individuals abducted Faridullah, a Narcotics Department official from Abdul Khel, and martyred him by firing shots near Dhooda.

Police have confirmed that the bodies of both martyrs have been transferred to the local hospital.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/351777325930-1/351777325930-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Over 300,000 put under 1,291 smart lockdowns</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2242020/smart-lockdown-imposed-1292-areas-across-pakistan-ncoc-told</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2242020/smart-lockdown-imposed-1292-areas-across-pakistan-ncoc-told#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 20 15:20:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Razya Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2242020</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Punjab, Sindh cross grim mark of 50,000 cases]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was informed on Saturday that smart lockdowns had been enforced in 1,292 localities across the country during the last 24 hours to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.

The forum, which serves as the nerve centre of the country’s unified efforts to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, heard that a total of 308,600 people now remain under the restrictions in various parts of the country.

A total of 10 localities in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), having a population of 60,000, were put under smart lockdown, the forum was told. The smart lockdowns had been enforced in 844 localities of Punjab, confining 15,200 people.

Similarly, the lockdown had been imposed in 414 localities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with a population of 11,000, seven localities in Sindh with a population of 7,000, 12 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and five areas in Gilgit-Baltistan.

It was also informed that the federal and provincial authorities were ensuring compliance with the health guidelines and instructions, particularly regarding workplaces, industrial sector, transport, markets and shops, besides pursuing the track, trace and quarantine (TTQ) strategy.

The NCOC meeting, chaired by Planning Minister Asad Umar, was also informed that over 13,116 violations of health guidelines were observed across the country in the last 24 hours and punitive actions were taken against 1,541 markets and shops, 33 industrial units and 1,429 vehicles.

Later, the NCOC released details of ventilators and beds’ availability for Covid-19 patients across the country. According to a statement, 379 beds, 68 oxygenated beds and 43 ventilators were available in AJK. Though there was no patient on the ventilator there.

In Balochistan, 2,148 beds, 262 oxygenated beds and 36 ventilators were available for the virus patients. It said that no Covid-19 patient in the province was on ventilator. There were 151 beds, 43 oxygenated beds, 28 ventilators available in Gilgit, where one patient was on ventilator.

Islamabad had 514 beds, 262 oxygenated beds, 90 ventilators, while 18 patients were on ventilators, the NCOC said, adding that 4,856 beds, 1,081 oxygenated beds and 340 ventilators were available in K-P, where 85 patients were on ventilators.

In the most-affected provinces, 9,276 beds, 3,500 oxygen beds and 387 ventilators were available in Punjab, where 233 patients were on ventilators, while 8,274 beds, 739 oxygenated beds and 368 ventilators were available in Sindh, where 83 patients were on ventilators.

50,000 cases

Punjab and Sindh, two of the most populous provinces of the country, each crossed the grim mark of 50,000 coronavirus cases on Saturday, as the country endured another day of over 6,000 new infections amid a record-breaking surge in the pandemic.

In the last 24 hours, each of the two provinces recorded more than 2,000 new cases. According to the official data released on Saturday morning, the number of recoveries also crossed 50,000. However, as the day progressed, more Covid-19 positive cases were confirmed.

By midnight, the nationwide tally of Covid-19 patients stood at 135,943 with 50,087 cases in Punjab, 51,518 in Sindh, 17,450 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 8,028 in Balochistan, 1,093 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 7,163 in Islamabad and 604 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The virus has so far, claimed at least 2,597 lives.

The NCOC said that some 839,019 people had so far been tested, with nearly 30,000 tests conducted over the past 24 hours. The data showed that death ratio in confirmed cases also rose to 2%, from 1.7% earlier, while recoveries also climbed from 20% to 32%.

Spread among medical staff

According to the data, 3,858 health workers, treating the virus coronavirus patients, have also fallen victims to this pandemic. The disease has so far, claimed the lives of 36 health workers – 14 in Sindh, 7 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 5 in Balochistan, 6 in Punjab, 2 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 2 in Islamabad.

According to the report, the health workers affected by coronavirus included 2,327 doctors, 476 nurses and 1,055 other staff. Among them, 266 health workers are being treated in various hospitals, including 3 on ventilators due to their critical condition. Over 1,450 have recovered so far.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2242020-pakistansmartlockdownafp-1592059546/2242020-pakistansmartlockdownafp-1592059546.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Tales of survivors: ‘Isolation, not coronavirus, was my worst nightmare’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2188962/tales-survivors-isolation-not-coronavirus-worst-nightmare</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2188962/tales-survivors-isolation-not-coronavirus-worst-nightmare#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 20 17:32:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sher Wali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2188962</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[I was convinced that if my time is not up, this virus can never kill me]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[I’ve lived my worst nightmare. It wasn’t the coronavirus, but the prolonged treatment [read: observation] in isolation that made it a hellish experience. Imagine being confined to a tiny room with no social interaction whatsoever for almost a month. Doctors and nurses were the only visitors, who, too, would check on me once or twice a day.

If you’re sick, you need your loved-ones around you. The sense of having someone who cares about you gives you strength to fight illness. Conversely, social isolation makes you more vulnerable to sickness. Your immune system doesn’t respond properly in isolation and it takes you longer to heal.

In my case, it wasn’t me alone; my wife also shared the isolation ordeal at Mohammadabad Hospital, in Danyore, Gilgit-Baltistan. Interestingly, she didn’t have any symptoms, but tested positive for the virus. We both were in the isolation ward, while our five kids were at home – alone and worried.

The ordeal started after a trip to Iran. My wife and I went in a group of 22 pilgrims to visit the holy shrines in Iran. We mostly stayed in Qom, though our pilgrimage also took us to Mashhad, and to neighbouring Iraq.

Tales of survivors: ‘Never before had I seen doctors dressed up like aliens’

On Feb 22, we were preparing to return to Pakistan when we heard about the outbreak of some contagious disease in Qom. Until then, I didn’t know much about the coronavirus.

On Feb 25, we took a flight for Lahore. At Tehran airport, they didn’t allow anyone to board the flight without screening. Neither of us was sick. At Lahore airport, we were screened again. We drove to Rawalpindi where we stayed for two days. While fellow pilgrims dispersed, we took a bus for Gilgit on Feb 28 and reached our village Nomal, some 15km from Gilgit city, in the evening.

In the night I felt feverish. I took it for travel fatigue, took over-the-counter fever reducers from my neighbour and tried to sleep. It didn’t help. I started having chills.

Next morning, I called up the District Headquarters Hospital Gilgit and told medics about my travel and fever. A team of doctors immediately came to see me and my wife. We were then driven to the DHQ hospital in an ambulance. They took samples to test us for the novel coronavirus, while we were shifted to the Civil Hospital Basin. The samples were sent to National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad for PCR test because the facility wasn’t available in Gilgit-Baltistan. I lost my appetite but I tried to force-feed myself so that I could gather some energy to fight off my illness. After a couple of days, our test reports were received from NIH: both of us were positive for COVID-19.

After the diagnosis, they shifted us to the Mohammadabad Hospital, where we were to stay for the next 25 days. Interestingly, by now my fever was gone, while I had no cough, no muscle soreness, no sore throat, and no shortness of breath. My appetite returned to normal [I started eating more than I normally do]. My wife remained asymptomatic throughout all this time.

Tales of survivors: How I became Pakistan's first COVID-19 patient

I’m a 51-year-old ex-serviceman and my wife is 45. I had heard that the coronavirus could be fatal for people of my age and older. Doctors sought to reassure me. But honestly, I wasn’t scared one bit. It is part of our faith that every living being has to die one day. I knew if I was destined to die, I’d die no matter what. But if my time is not up, this virus can never kill me.

We were tested several times during our 25-day nightmarish sojourn. We had no symptoms, but would still test positive. I’ve heard that my wife’s reports were mixed up with another patient’s at the NIH.

Luckily, the PCR testing facility was made available in Gilgit in the meantime and we were tested locally for the first time. The results were negative and a repeat test a day later confirmed the virus was out of our bodies. It was a huge relief.

We were discharged from the hospital on March 28, but doctors said we should avoid socialising for 14 days. We’ve rented a house in Gilgit city to spend these two weeks here. It’s been five days now and we are counting the days till we are completely in the clear.

My advice to the sick: Don’t dread this virus. Keep your faith in God and power up your will, Inshallah you will defeat it. To everyone else, I say take all precautions possible. If not out of concern for the virus, then think of the ordeal isolation can create.

 (Narrated to Naveed Hussain)]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2188962-sherwalicoronasurvivorexpressx-1585762111/2188962-sherwalicoronasurvivorexpressx-1585762111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>'We honour his sacrifice': Dr Usama's fight against COVID-19</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2182160/honour-sacrifice-dr-usamas-fight-covid-19</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2182160/honour-sacrifice-dr-usamas-fight-covid-19#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 20 06:55:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shabbir.mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2182160</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It is a national tragedy and we will award him the status of national hero, says G-B CM]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[“We will again see what the issue is, and if they [quarantined pilgrims] need further treatment, they will be shifted to DHQ or city hospital, but if they can be treated here, we will provide treatment to them here.”

These were the last words of young doctor Usama Riaz, heard in a video recorded at a quarantine centre at Sakwar, Gilgit – where he ultimately ended up contracting the novel coronavirus while checking pilgrims returning from Iran and Iraq.

“Usama was continuously on duty and unfortunately was without proper protective gear necessary to handle coronavirus patient,” said a doctor referring to his video in which Riaz is seen wearing an ordinary mask. The video went viral on social media attracting sympathies for the young doctor.

Pakistani volunteers 3D-print ventilators, join war against COVID-19

According to relatives, Riaz returned home on Friday night from duty and went to bed. “But he couldn’t wake up next morning,” said the relative, adding he was rushed to combined military hospital (CMH) and then the district headquarter (DHQ) hospital where a CT scan machine was found to be out of order. The relatives appealed for airlifting him to Islamabad for treatment but that did not materialize either.

The 26-years-old Riaz, who was a resident of Chilas town, was then put on a ventilator at DHQ Gilgit, where he remained for the next three days before passing away on Sunday.

“It’s a national tragedy and we will award him the status of national hero,” Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman told The Express Tribune.

“He was our frontline defence and we honour his sacrifice.”

Riaz’s death brings the tally of fatalities to five in Pakistan. The country has so far above 800 known cases of the virus. Sindh has reported the highest number of cases.

Mehtabur Rehman, a local journalist, who visited the quarantine centre said, “I visited the centre where Usama was deputed and found the situation deplorable”.

“As far as protective gear, there was no such thing on the ground,” said the journalist who was later put on quarantine on ‘suspicion’ of visiting the centre without following the standard operating procedures. Rehman termed the quarantine as a vendetta for exposing the government’s false claims.

Young doctor screening coronavirus patients dies of COVID-19 in Gilgit

The Pakistan Medical Association of Gilgit-Baltistan (PMA G-B) reacted to Riaz’s death and accused the government of showing negligence towards genuine issues of the doctors.

“Dr Riaz had contracted COVID-19 due to the negligence of government and its health department,” said President PMA G-B Dr Zulfiqar Ali while addressing a press conference in Gilgit.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2182160-whatsappimageatpm-1584948980/2182160-whatsappimageatpm-1584948980.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>New coronavirus case emerges in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan's tally rises to 20</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2173948/new-coronavirus-case-emerges-gilgit-baltistan-pakistans-tally-rises-20</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2173948/new-coronavirus-case-emerges-gilgit-baltistan-pakistans-tally-rises-20#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 20 09:27:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gilgit Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2173948</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The 14-year-old boy, a resident of Skardu, was held at an isolation centre where he tested positive for COVID-19]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The second coronavirus case of Gilgit-Baltistan emerged on Wednesday, raising Pakistan’s tally of total confirmed cases to 20.

The 14-year-old boy, a resident of Skardu, was held at an isolation centre where he tested positive for the mysterious viral pneumonia-like disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

So far 20 Pakistanis have been tested positive for COVID-19 with 15 of them belonging to Sindh, four in Gilgit-Baltistan now and one in Balochistan.

First coronavirus case surfaces in Quetta, raising Pakistan’s tally to 19

On Tuesday, the first coronavirus case emerged in the Balochistan capital. The 12-year-old patient had arrived in Quetta along with his parents from Iran via Taftan border, head of a government hospital said.

The family belongs to Dadu district in Sindh, said the medical superintendent (MS) of Fatima Jinnah Hospital, adding that parents, three siblings and paternal aunt of the child are tested negative.

One patient has already fully recovered and was discharged from the hospital in Karachi last week.

Meanwhile, Dr Zafar Mirza, the de facto health minister, has said the federal government is looking closely at the changing situation and new cases are being provided with the best medical care.

“No need to worry… the situation is completely under control. The federal and provincial governments are jointly making all-out efforts to protect the masses from coronavirus on war footing,” he wrote using his official Twitter handle.

Dr Mirza admitted that the coronavirus cases in Pakistan had doubled in the last 24 hours.

“This is not surprising. Disease has spread in 106 countries. All 19 cases have brought this from abroad. All are stable. There is no evidence of local spread as yet. If we act responsibly we can avoid spread,” he wrote.

He also advised the public to observe hygiene by washing hands properly, avoid touching face and keeping distance with sick people.

“The government is working hard to contain the spread, but we all need to take our part in this fight,” he added.

All educational institutions in Sindh and Balochistan have been closed till March 13 over fear of the contagious disease’s outbreak.

The mysterious COVID-19 virus, which originated in a vet market of the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, has since then spread to more than 110 countries of the world, killing over 4,000 and infecting over 115,000 people, mostly in China thus far.

But new outbreaks in Europe, the Middle East and in Asia have fanned fears of the contagion taking hold in poor nations that lack the healthcare infrastructure to cope.

There are growing fears in Pakistan — sandwiched between China and Iran, both hotspots for the disease — over how the country would deal with the outbreak.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2173948-coronavirusexpress-1583918510/2173948-coronavirusexpress-1583918510.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item>	</channel>
                </rss>
