The Irish Times
중도 성향
기타
Family of Yves Sakila seeks outside pathologist and criticises Garda inquiry
Events surrounding death of Congolese man under investigation by gardaí and Fiosrú
"CRITICISE" · 총 193건
필터 보기현재 지수
50.3
0 = 부정 우세
50 = 중립
100 = 긍정 우세
최근 7일 기준 87,171건을 분석한 결과, 뉴스 심리지수는 50.3(균형)입니다. 긍정 4,384건(5.0%)·중립 80,739건(92.6%)·부정 2,048건(2.3%)이며, 중립 비중이 뚜렷하게 높습니다. 성향 지수는 종합 14.9(중도 균형)입니다.
Events surrounding death of Congolese man under investigation by gardaí and Fiosrú
By Victor Ahiuma-Young The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has criticised the Federal Government over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, saying the continued abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and workers reflects a failure to protect citizens. The continental labour body expressed solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria […] The post African Labour body blasts FG over rising kidnappings appeared first on Vanguard News.
Hundreds of protesters with Israel flags as well as Union flags turned out to oppose the march.
Chitta Ranjan Debbarma questions Tipra Motha founder’s participation in the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Taj Pushpabanta Palace project
Ukrainian officials say a Russian drone hit a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel near the Chornobyl nuclear plant.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has responded to criticisms trailing his recent social media commentary, insisting that his earlier remarks have been misunderstood and misrepresented by his critics. In a lengthy post shared on his Facebook page on Saturday titled “Kachalla 2,” Lawal said he had come under […] The post Babachir Lawal defends “Kachalla” posts, rejects allegations, criticises attacks appeared first on Vanguard News.
CPI(M) leaders accuse the Andhra Praadesh government of prioritising corporate interests over public welfare as they mark the two-year milestone in power
WASHINGTON: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation in the United States, has filed a federal lawsuit against one of America’s largest public school systems, alleging that four Muslim students were unlawfully disciplined because of their religion and ethnic background. The lawsuit accuses Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), a school district serving nearly 180,000 students in the suburbs of Washington, DC, of discriminating against students at the prestigious Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, one of the nation’s top-ranked public schools. Filed in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, the suit claims that school officials violated the students’ constitutional rights and federal civil rights laws by suspending them over a social media video while allowing similar conduct by other student groups to go unpunished. The case stems from a video posted in October 2025 by members of the school’s Muslim Student Association (MSA), a student organisation representing Muslim pupils. According to the complaint, the students were participating in a viral social media trend used by clubs and organisations nationwide to promote events and attract members. In the video, students ask classmates whether they intend to attend an MSA meeting. When the answer is “no”, other students jokingly appear and carry them away in what the lawsuit describes as a comedic skit. The plaintiffs argue the video contained no threats, weapons or references to any real-world conflict. CAIR contends that similar videos had been produced by other student groups, including some depicting mock violence and weapons, without disciplinary action. The organisation argues that school officials acted only after outside activists and social media commentators accused the Muslim students of glorifying Hamas and reenacting the Oct 7, 2023 attacks in Israel. According to the complaint, school officials adopted those characterisations, suspended the students, labelled their conduct antisemitic and placed disciplinary records in their files. One plaintiff was also prohibited from wearing a sweatshirt depicting the map of Palestine, the lawsuit alleges. The students are identified in court records by pseudonyms to protect their privacy. “The MSA behaved innocently and no differently than other student groups on campus,” CAIR attorney Catherine Keck said while announcing the lawsuit. “Yet Fairfax County singled them out, robbed them of academic and professional opportunities, and encouraged the community to target and harass them.” The complaint alleges that the suspensions had lasting consequences. The students claim they suffered reputational damage, lost educational opportunities, were subjected to online harassment and threats, and in some cases faced setbacks in college admissions and internship applications. CAIR’s legal team argues that the disciplinary action violated the students’ rights under the First Amendment, which protects free speech, the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded educational institutions. School officials have previously defended their response, saying the videos depicted mock kidnappings and violence that were inappropriate in a school setting. At the time of the controversy, FCPS said such content was especially troubling because it could be perceived as traumatic by members of the Jewish community amid ongoing tensions related to Israel’s war on Gaza. Jewish community organisations also criticised the videos when they surfaced last year, arguing that imagery resembling hostage-taking was particularly insensitive given the continued impact of the October 7 attacks and the hostage crisis that followed. The lawsuit, however, argues that the school’s actions were driven not by concerns about student safety but by stereotypes associating Muslim and Arab students with violence. “The reason FCPS and TJHSST punished these students and not other students in similar videos is because they believe that Muslims and Arabs pose a threat where others do not,” CAIR attorney Ahmad Kaki said. The school district has not yet filed a detailed response to the complaint. The case is likely to turn on whether the plaintiffs can demonstrate that similarly situated non-Muslim student groups engaged in comparable conduct but were treated differently. If the court finds evidence of selective enforcement based on religion or ethnicity, the lawsuit could become one of the most closely watched school civil-rights cases arising from post-October 7 tensions in American public schools. The complaint seeks damages, expungement of the students’ disciplinary records, declaratory relief and court orders preventing similar actions in the future.
KHUZDAR: Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal on Saturday announced a shutter-down strike across Balochistan on June 10, condemning the June 2 incident in Zehri in which the party’s district vice-president was shot dead. Speaking at a press conference here alongside senior BNP-M leaders, Mr Mengal said the killing of the party’s district vice-president, Sardarzada Khalil Ahmed Musiani, and the arrest of several members of the Musiani family represented a grave violation of both political and tribal traditions. He alleged that security personnel raided the residence of tribal elder and BNP-M leader Sardar Nasir Ahmed Musiani, violated the sanctity of the home, assaulted family members, and shot his son in front of him. He later died after allegedly being denied timely medical treatment. “Authorities claim that peace prevails in Balochistan. Is this their idea of peace… that a son is killed in front of his father and family members are not even allowed to attend his funeral?” Mr Mengal questioned. Mengal slams killing of party leader, arrest of family members He said the BNP-M’s central committee had extensively discussed the Zehri incident and described it as part of a broader pattern of political pressure against the party. According to Mr Mengal, BNP-M leaders and workers had faced raids, arrests and harassment under successive governments and administrations. He further alleged that several members of the Musiani family were taken into custody and remain detained. He expressed concern for their safety and demanded their immediate release. He criticised the authorities for allegedly preventing relatives from attending funeral rites and warned that further cases could be registered against those already detained. The BNP-M chief also referred to ongoing displacement efforts in parts of Balochistan, saying residents were being asked to leave their homes, farms and businesses without any clear resettlement plan. Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026
• Water, hydropower projects may get only Rs179bn in PSDP • Officials say at least Rs500bn is needed; warn low allocation may slow major dam, power projects • Ex-Wapda official fears Diamer-Bhasha, Dasu may miss timelines • Wapda says eight mega projects are under construction, expected to double hydel generation by 2030 THE country’s persistent failure to invest adequately in water storage and hydropower infrastructure has once again come into focus, as the government is expected to earmark only Rs179 billion under the proposed Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27 for a sector considered critical to the nation’s water, food and energy security. The proposed allocation has raised concerns over the pace of work on major ongoing hydropower projects, reservoirs and flood mitigation schemes at a time when the country is struggling with recurring floods, shrinking per capita water availability and high electricity costs. Officials and experts say accelerated investment in water infrastructure is essential for managing the impact of climate change and producing clean, reliable and low-cost electricity needed for sustainable economic growth. They argue that the country needs at least Rs500bn to speed up four major ongoing hydropower projects and start civil work on new water storage projects, especially in view of concerns over upstream water developments by India. “At a time when our country faces mounting water scarcity and growing need for affordable and clean energy, the water and power sectors appear to have received less attention in public investment priorities, with development allocations falling short of the resources required for the timely completion of critical ongoing projects and the launch of new water infrastructure schemes,” a senior official of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) said. The official, who requested anonymity, said the proposed allocation of Rs179bn would be insufficient for multibillion-dollar dams and hydropower projects already losing their required fast-track pace due to meagre funding of around Rs106bn under the PSDP 2025-26. “What will we do with this limited allocation for such major ongoing projects?” the official asked, adding that the government should place the water and power sector at the top of its budget priorities by allocating at least Rs500bn. “With just Rs179bn, we may not be able to start work on new dams, including the Chiniot Dam on the Chenab, which is currently at an advanced stage ahead of its launch,” the official said. Pakistan urgently needs additional reservoirs, hydropower projects and flood mitigation infrastructure to enhance water security, reduce the impact of floods and droughts, adapt to climate change and provide affordable electricity to consumers. The challenge has assumed greater significance amid growing concerns over upstream developments on the western rivers, particularly the Chenab, where Indian plans for additional water infrastructure have heightened calls for accelerating domestic investments in water storage and river management capacity. Analysts warn that delays in expanding the country’s water infrastructure could deepen existing water and energy challenges and limit Pakistan’s ability to respond effectively to emerging regional and climate-related pressures. Projects at risk At present, Wapda is executing several major water and hydropower projects, including Mohmand Dam, Tarbela 5th Extension, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project and the K-IV Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme. The Mohmand Dam Project is being constructed on the Swat River. It is designed to store 1.29 million acre feet (MAF) of water, generate 800MW of low-cost and environment-friendly electricity and provide 300 million gallons per day of water to Peshawar for municipal use. The Tarbela 5th Extension project is also under construction, with work progressing on the intake structure, connecting tunnel, penstock, low-level outlet, powerhouse, tailrace culvert, tailrace canal and switchyard. The project has an installed generation capacity of 1,530MW. The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are providing $390m and $300m, respectively, for its construction. After completion, Tarbela’s installed power generation capacity will increase from 4,888MW to 6,418MW. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is considered one of the most vital projects for Pakistan’s water, food and energy security. It is being constructed across the Indus River to store 8.1 MAF of water and generate 4,500MW of clean and affordable electricity. On completion, the project is expected to irrigate an additional 1.2m acres of land and contribute 18bn units of low-cost electricity to the national grid every year. The 4,320MW Dasu Hydropower Project is also under way and planned to be completed in two stages. Wapda is currently constructing Stage-I, with an installed capacity of 2,160MW and annual generation of 12bn units of low-cost and environment-friendly electricity. The World Bank is providing financial assistance worth $1.57bn for Stage-I, which is expected to start electricity generation in December 2027. Work on the K-IV Project, or Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme Phase-I, is also in progress. These projects are scheduled to be completed in phases from 2026 to 2030, targeting a combined increase of 9.7 MAF in water storage and over 9,000MW in clean hydropower. However, funding availability and local coordination remain the primary factors determining whether these timelines can be met. Chenab storage concerns The need for new water storage projects is particularly urgent on the Chenab River, which is vital for Pakistan’s agriculture under the Indus Waters Treaty. “As far as new dam projects are concerned, the Chenab is very important because we have no dam to store its water,” another Wapda official said. The planned water reservoir projects on the Chenab include Chiniot, Shah Jeewna, Mid Ranjha and Wazirabad dams. However, officials say work on Chiniot Dam should begin immediately. The proposed Chiniot Dam site is located on the Chenab River about five kilometres from Chiniot city and around 100 metres upstream of the existing railway bridge. The project has a gross storage capacity of 0.9 MAF, including 0.85 MAF of live storage, and is also expected to generate 80MW of electricity. Inadequate allocations are expected to delay these projects and lead to further cost escalation. The Wapda official said Pakistan had last year asked India to refrain from any unilateral manipulation of river flows and fulfil its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty after fluctuations were observed in Chenab flows from Dec 9 to 18. According to the official, the river’s upstream control is handled by Indian authorities through various run-of-the-river hydropower projects. He said that sudden flushing of water from upstream structures without informing Pakistani authorities could sharply increase flows downstream in Pakistan, while holding water for days could massively reduce flows. Neelum-Jhelum delay Officials and experts also point to the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project as an example of how delays in repair work, funding and accountability can deprive the country of vital hydropower generation. Although the project’s first unit was commissioned in 2018, the contractors reportedly failed to complete pending works, fulfil contractual obligations and supply spare parts needed for smooth operation. The Auditor General of Pakistan, in its performance audit report for 2022-23 submitted to parliament last year, raised questions about the quality and design of the project after a major collapse in the tailrace tunnel of the powerhouse a few years after construction. The 969MW project has remained shut since the collapse in the tailrace tunnel, while repair work has yet to be launched despite the passage of several years. “This project has been closed for the last three years due to delay in repair work at the affected portion. Until when will we continue holding inquiries and fixing responsibilities in the wake of this 969MW project?” asked Jawaid Latif, a former member (water) of Wapda. Talking to Dawn, Mr Latif said he was not against accountability, but the government should have provided funds to Wapda to launch repair work, including concrete lining of the tunnel, alongside conducting inquiries and fixing responsibility. “Had this been done earlier, hydel power generation from this vital project would have resumed well on time,” he said, adding that he had heard the repair project was currently passing through the award process. Mr Latif also criticised meagre PSDP allocations for the water and power sector, saying the government lacked an effective policy framework under which strategic projects were given priority with adequate funding and work on a war-footing basis. “I am not seeing Bhasha or Dasu Dam and other projects being completed on time, as the government seems to be giving less attention to the water and power sector despite knowing about water aggression and violations of the Indus Waters Treaty by India,” he said. He said water and power sector projects should be given top priority among projects of national interest, while the country should also keep a close watch on upstream activities by India. When contacted, a Wapda spokesperson said the authority had been playing a pivotal role in national development since its inception in 1958. In a statement, he said Wapda was committed to Pakistan’s water, food and energy security and was implementing its largest development portfolio, comprising eight mega projects in the water and hydropower sectors. These projects, he said, were destined to “revolutionise the economic landscape of Pakistan” by providing much-needed water and affordable hydel electricity for a green and bright Pakistan. Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026
BEIRUT: An Israeli strike on a military vehicle in southern Lebanon killed three soldiers, the Lebanese military said on Saturday, laying bare Israel’s continued aggression just days after the countries discussed a conditional truce during talks in the United States. Israel has launched an invasion into Lebanon, claiming it seeks to root out Hezbollah, which engaged in the wider Middle East war by launching retaliatory missiles against Israeli forces in response to US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader. Meanwhile, Lebanon has vowed that it will disarm Hezbollah over time, but has also denounced Israel’s invasion, accusing it of employing scorched-earth tactics to drive civilians out of southern towns and villages. In the latest incident, the Lebanese army said two officers and a soldier were killed in a strike on a military vehicle on the road between Khardali and Nabatieh. Tehran rejects claims it is using Lebanon as ‘bargaining chip’, urges Beirut to focus on ‘real foe’ Hezbollah dubbed the attack a “heinous crime”. It criticised the Lebanese government for exposing its own country to further bloodshed through its “complete surrender to the enemy’s demands in Washington”. A conditional truce announced this week in Washington requires Hezbollah to stop firing and withdraw from near the Israeli border, and would see Lebanon’s army deploy to new “pilot zones” in the area, where it will exercise exclusive control. But Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, demanding a Israeli troops withdrawal. The Lebanese army said that “the continuation of the deliberate and repeated brutal Israeli aggression … is aimed at thwarting all efforts to reach a solution”. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also denounced the latest attack, calling it a “flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty … despite Lebanon’s efforts in the Washington negotiations to put an end to the continued Israeli aggression that goes unchecked”. On Saturday, Israel renewed evacuation orders for five villages in Lebanon’s south and east, telling residents to move north of the Zahrani River. Its military conducted several strikes across South Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday rejected Aoun’s remarks that Lebanon was a bargaining chip for Tehran. “Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago,” Araghchi posted on X. “Based on Mr Aoun’s comments, one would think it’s Iran that has occupied 1/5 of Lebanon, displaced 1/4 of Lebanese and bombing his country on daily basis… Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President,” Araghchi added. Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026
The Chinese regime has been criticised for 'snubbing' a forthcoming judicial review on the mega-embassy they want to build in London, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
US officials, including Trump and Vice President JD Vance as recently as Friday have often criticised European countries for failing to control immigration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, during which they discussed the latter’s upcoming visit to Tehran, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The interior minister also briefed the prime minister on his recent engagements on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, the PMO added. “Consultations also took place between the prime minister and the interior minister regarding his upcoming visit to Tehran. The prime minister provided guidance related to the visit,” the statement added. A day earlier, Naqvi met his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni. The two ministers held an important meeting focusing on bilateral relations and the current regional situation. During the talks, both ministers exchanged views on Pakistan-Iran relations and recent regional developments, according to a post by the Interior Ministry. In the meeting today, a detailed exchange of views also took place on the country’s overall law and order situation and prevailing security conditions between the premier and the interior minister. The interior minister informed the prime minister about the measures being taken to maintain peace and security across the country and ensure the protection of citizens, the statement said. PM Shehbaz emphasised the need for close coordination among all relevant institutions and the adoption of a unified strategy to strengthen law and order and further enhance national security. On May 17, Naqvi landed in Tehran on a previously unannounced two-day visit, which diplomatic sources said was linked to Pakistan’s continuing efforts to revive the stalled Iran-US peace process after President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest response to American proposals. Diplomatic sources in Islamabad said the unscheduled trip was part of Pakistan’s continuing shuttle diplomacy aimed at preventing the negotiations from collapsing entirely after momentum generated by earlier rounds of talks in Islamabad slowed sharply. The visit, officially framed around bilateral and border security cooperation, came as the fragile ceasefire brokered earlier through Pakistani mediation continued to hold unevenly amid intermittent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and prolonged disruption to global energy shipping. During the visit, Naqvi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. According to Iranian media, the minister’s one-on-one meeting with the president was held at the Presidential Palace and lasted around 90 minutes. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were also present on the occasion, the official IRNA news agency reported. Naqvi later met Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who criticised “some regional governments” for believing that the presence of the United States would bring them security. “Recent events have shown that this presence not only fails to create security but also lays the groundwork for insecurity,” Ghalibaf was quoted as saying by IRNA. The US-Iran conflict is currently stalemated in a shaky ceasefire struck in April, which was followed by historic direct talks between the warring parties hosted by Pakistan. Though daily strikes throughout Iran and the Gulf have stopped since then, bursts of armed conflict have continued. Earlier today, tensions surged again when the US military said it struck radar sites in Iran after downing drones headed toward the strait. Shortly after, air raid sirens sounded in neighboring Gulf nations Kuwait and Bahrain — both US allies. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted “enemy bases in the area” with missiles in response to a US “invasion” of the country’s Sirik and Qeshm islands. The US and Iran also exchanged attacks on each other’s military targets on Monday. After the US military carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran responded with a missile attack on Wednesday, damaging Kuwait’s airport and resulting in casualties. Since the conflict began, Iran has repeatedly attacked targets in the Gulf region home to US military bases. Nevertheless, diplomacy has continued with Trump under pressure to reach an agreement that would lift the US and Iranian competing blockades around the Strait of Hormuz, which have choked international oil supplies and threatened the global economy with rising prices.
ISLAMABAD: The PTI on Saturday accused the federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments of “pre-poll rigging” over the deployment of 5,600 local police personnel and over 13,000 additional security personnel from outside the region ahead of the polls. Elections in GB are scheduled for Sunday (June 7), after a four-month delay attributed to harsh winter weather. The PPP and other political parties have staged a series of rallies across the region and ramped up efforts to garner support ahead of the polls. The PTI called upon the international community, human rights organisations and all democratic forces to take immediate notice of the gross violation of fundamental rights and the “blatant murder of democracy” in the region. Meanwhile, the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram criticised the unprecedented deployment of external forces and the “systematic suppression” of the PTI. “In a region with a total population of approximately 900,000 and only 5,600 GB police personnel, the federal government has deployed over 13,000 additional security personnel from outside Gilgit-Baltistan, including 11,000 from the Punjab Police, 1,000 from the Sindh Police, 700 from the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and 140 from the ICT Police,” he said. “This overwhelming presence of external forces, far exceeding the requirements of the local population, lays bare the regime’s alleged intent to seize control of polling stations, disrupt the voting process with the help of local proxies and engineer a pre-determined outcome on election day,” he alleged. Akram further claimed: “This massive influx of police is not for maintaining peace but for orchestrating large-scale rigging. The Form-47 government is deliberately pushing the peaceful region of Gilgit-Baltistan into an atmosphere of fear and hostility by attempting to prevent genuine voters from exercising their right to vote for the PTI.” He alleged systematic pre-poll rigging, saying internet services and landlines had been disrupted across Gilgit, noting that it was “a classic tactic to sever communication among PTI workers and supporters”. He further claimed that key PTI workers had been arrested in Gilgit over the past two days, even as the situation, according to him, had been improving for PTI candidates. “PTI MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) were coerced and bribed to abandon the party. Leaders and workers loyal to Chairman Imran Khan were forced into exile from GB. The PTI election symbol was arbitrarily banned,” Akram claimed. “A last-minute alliance with the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Party was sabotaged when its symbol was abruptly withdrawn at midnight via a single text message to returning officers, without any written orders or legal justification from the Election Commission,” he claimed. “Polling schemes were manipulated to target PTI and local nationalist candidates. Postal ballots for PTI have been blocked under fabricated pretexts, while PPP and PML-N candidates enjoy unrestricted access,” Akram alleged. The party’s information secretary further alleged that PTI leaders and workers were barred from campaigning on “flimsy and unlawful grounds”, with no supporting notification or law produced by the Election Commission despite repeated demands by PTI lawyers. “Rallies have been stopped and public movement restricted. Even the chief election commissioner told PTI lawyers that the party’s candidates should be ‘thankful’ for being allowed to submit nomination forms — a shocking admission of the commission’s alleged partisan role and complete abandonment of neutrality,” he said. Akram alleged that in the final days of nominations, government ministers ensured that no viable PTI candidate remained in the field, further claiming that the administration was openly pressuring voters to vote for the PML-N and PPP, while widespread pre-poll rigging continued unabated in every constituency. “It is an open secret that both the PPP and PML-N are banking on yet another Form 47-style manipulation because they know the people of Gilgit-Baltistan overwhelmingly support Imran Khan and the PTI,” he claimed. “The message has been clearly conveyed to PTI leaders that the party will not be allowed to win any seats, and that any resistance or noise will result in the disqualification of candidates before polling. This is not an election; it is a state-orchestrated farce designed to crush the democratic will of the people,” Akram asserted. He warned that unconstitutional and undemocratic tactics would not succeed in silencing the resilient people of Gilgit-Baltistan, who remained firmly committed to the vision of Imran Khan. He called upon the international community, human rights organisations and all democratic forces to take immediate notice of the gross violation of fundamental rights and the “blatant murder of democracy” in Gilgit-Baltistan. The PTI also expressed concern and disappointment over the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government’s sudden decision to declare the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organisation. “The party strongly believes that political, social and constitutional grievances must be addressed through democratic engagement, meaningful dialogue and constitutional means, not through bans, coercion or the use of force,” it said in an official statement. “If JAAC was truly a terrorist organisation, why did the government spend months negotiating with it, signing agreements with it, implementing its demands, holding meetings with its leadership and treating it as a legitimate stakeholder?” it asked. The PTI claimed that this was the “same failed model” used against itself, involving the suppression of peaceful protest, blocking of roads, suspension of communication, intimidation of citizens, and branding “every democratic demand as a threat to the state”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, during which they discussed the latter’s upcoming visit to Tehran, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The interior minister also briefed the prime minister on his recent engagements on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, the PMO added. “Consultations also took place between the prime minister and the interior minister regarding his upcoming visit to Tehran. The prime minister provided guidance related to the visit,” the statement added. A day earlier, Naqvi met his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni. The two ministers held an important meeting focusing on bilateral relations and the current regional situation. During the talks, both ministers exchanged views on Pakistan-Iran relations and recent regional developments, according to a post by the Interior Ministry. During the meeting, a detailed exchange of views also took place on the country’s overall law and order situation and prevailing security conditions. The interior minister informed the prime minister about the measures being taken to maintain peace and security across the country and ensure the protection of citizens, the statement said. PM Shehbaz emphasised the need for close coordination among all relevant institutions and the adoption of a unified strategy to strengthen law and order and further enhance national security. On May 17, Naqvi landed in Tehran on a previously unannounced two-day visit, which diplomatic sources said was linked to Pakistan’s continuing efforts to revive the stalled Iran-US peace process after President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest response to American proposals. Diplomatic sources in Islamabad said the unscheduled trip was part of Pakistan’s continuing shuttle diplomacy aimed at preventing the negotiations from collapsing entirely after momentum generated by earlier rounds of talks in Islamabad slowed sharply. The visit, officially framed around bilateral and border security cooperation, came as the fragile ceasefire brokered earlier through Pakistani mediation continued to hold unevenly amid intermittent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and prolonged disruption to global energy shipping. During the visit, Naqvi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. According to Iranian media, the minister’s one-on-one meeting with the president was held at the Presidential Palace and lasted around 90 minutes. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were also present on the occasion, the official IRNA news agency reported. Naqvi later met Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who criticised “some regional governments” for believing that the presence of the United States would bring them security. “Recent events have shown that this presence not only fails to create security but also lays the groundwork for insecurity,” Ghalibaf was quoted as saying by IRNA.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Saturday criticised the federal government for what he described as a “low priority” approach towards Karachi, arguing that the country’s largest city continues to shoulder immense economic and infrastructural burdens despite its significant contribution to the national economy. Speaking to the media in Karachi, Memon said Karachi remained Pakistan’s most challenging city, facing pressures stemming from migration, trade, employment and transportation. “We do have motorway issues. Karachi has been given low priority by the federal government,” he said, noting that as the country’s main port city, Karachi should have been prioritised in the development of the motorway network. “When you have to start a motorway, you should start it from Karachi. But it has been built everywhere except Karachi,” he added. The minister said Karachi’s infrastructure was under extraordinary strain as heavy traffic from across the country converged on the city. “All of Pakistan’s heavy traffic comes into Karachi and damages the infrastructure,” he said. To address the issue, he said the Sindh government was working on multiple projects, including plans to divert freight traffic away from the city centre. “We have launched a project under which we aim to shift Karachi’s traffic and develop a state-of-the-art transport terminal on the Northern Bypass,” he said. He added that a railway line was also being developed to transport goods directly to the bypass so that heavy vehicles serving the ports would not have to enter the city. Memon also highlighted the completion of the Shahrah-i-Bhutto project, describing it as a major infrastructure initiative that had already received a positive response from commuters. “Those who are travelling from Karachi to Hyderabad, lower Sindh or other parts of the country are saving time because of this project,” he said. Calling it a “state-of-the-art project”, he said the government had deployed police personnel, Rescue 1122 services, ambulances and other basic facilities along the corridor to facilitate commuters. The minister said the provincial government had undertaken several difficult decisions to improve public services and infrastructure. “We have taken some tough decisions. The public will have to face hardship, and we are apologising for that,” he said. Responding to comparisons with Punjab, he said Karachi faced unique challenges that distinguished it from other cities and provinces. According to the minister, around 20 per cent of the city’s water shortfall was being met through tanker services, which further contributed to traffic congestion. He said that people from across Pakistan continued to come to Karachi in search of employment and better opportunities, increasing pressure on the metropolis’ civic infrastructure. “Despite so many challenges, Karachi is coping, and we also have to provide facilities. When people from outside come and use the infrastructure, drainage systems, and resources, it puts additional pressure on Karachi,” he said. PPP to clean sweep GB elections Memon also commented on the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) elections, expressing confidence that the PPP would “clean sweep” the polls. Referring to former PML-N leader Captain Safdar, he said his political importance was well known. He alleged that GB had historically been given low priority, claiming that individuals with no significant political role elsewhere were often posted there. He also criticised the tone of political discourse during elections in the region, saying that the use of abusive language by some political actors was regrettable and brought shame to the democratic process. Discussing the electoral campaign, he said the PPP’s public gatherings in GB had attracted large crowds, while the PML-N’s rallies had seen comparatively lower turnout. He maintained that this reflected growing public support for the PPP in the region. He said he was confident that the PPP would secure victory in the GB elections, while predicting defeat for the PML-N.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer 's office on Friday condemned comments by US Vice President JD Vance, who blamed immigration for the death of a university student who was handcuffed as he lay dying from a stab wound.
KHYBER: Enraged Zakhakhel tribesmen blocked the main highway leading to Torkham on Saturday and announced that they would take up arms in self-defence after two men were killed in a targeted attack late on Friday evening. Led by local tribal elder Malak Abdullah Khan, the protesters — including scores of political party activists, civil society members and tribesmen — announced that armed volunteers would be assigned the responsibility of patrolling local areas. They also announced a complete ban on motorcycle riding and barred all government employees belonging to the Zakhakhel tribe from performing their official duties until a durable solution for restoring peace was found. Furthermore, they called for a boycott of polio vaccination campaigns and the closure of all government and private schools in the Zakhakhel area. The protesters also refused to meet any government functionary until a meaningful crackdown was launched against suspected militants holed up in Mazreena and the surrounding localities. They also advised local police personnel against wearing uniforms to avoid being targeted. A fine of Rs1 million was announced for anyone found spying for either outlawed militant groups or law enforcement agencies. The protesters said the road blockade would continue until those involved in the targeted killing were apprehended and the area was cleared of all undesirable elements. The road closure also suspended the repatriation of Afghan families, leaving many vehicles carrying Afghan nationals stranded. Furthermore, the Zakhakhel elders criticised a series of raids carried out on private residences. They said that armed men, mostly local residents, regularly patrolled the main road at night. The highway protest followed the killing of two people in the Sultan Khel area of Landi Kotal late on Friday evening. According to police, the two men, who were relatives, were gunned down by assailants riding motorcycles in front of their house. Police said both men died on the spot, while the attackers managed to escape to a nearby hilly area, where a search operation was later conducted. The incident was the third of its kind since Ramazan. Earlier, unidentified gunmen targeted two policemen and a teenage relative of a police officer in the same area.