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Balochistan facing devastating effects of Pakistan’s Nuclear Test of 1998

The nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on May 28, 1998, in Chagai mountains of Balochistan have resulted in devastating consequences for the region and its people, according to activists. The radiation emitted from the atomic explosions have caused serious health problems for the people, particularly the children. It has also seriously impacted the water bodies and flora of Balochistan. #nuclear #nucleartests #Chagai #balochistan #health #Pakistan #atomic What We Offer In-Depth Analysis and Exclusive Reports: Our team of experienced journalists and analysts delve deep into the complexities of regional and international issues, providing you with exclusive reports and thorough analysis. Whether it’s the intricate political dynamics of Balochistan, the ongoing developments in POK, or the security challenges in Kashmir, we bring you stories that matter. Timely and Accurate Updates: Stay informed with our timely updates on the latest events and trends. From breaking news to detailed feature stories, NVI ensures you are always ahead of the curve with accurate and reliable information.

Persecution of Hindus, Christians and other minorities in Pakistan

Minorities, like Hindus and Christians, have been suffering immense atrocities in Pakistan. Very frequently, some or the other member of a minority community, whether Hindu or Christian, is subjected to humiliation, tortrure and cruelty in various forms. While men are thrashed and even lynched, their girls are raped and forcibly converted to Islam to be married to a Muslim man against their choice. Most tragically, the victims of these victims get no support from the police, the government or even the judiciary. #pakistan #minorities #Hindus #christians

India’s neighbours participate in Modi’s grand oath-taking ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the visiting leaders who congratulated him for the historic third consecutive term in office.

POK and Kashmir News
Picture of the foreign leaders at the swearing-in ceremony

New Delhi, June 9:  Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive time, in a grand ceremony on Sunday evening that saw the leaders of seven neighbouring countries invited as honoured guests.

Modi, clad in white kurta and churidar and donning a blue jacket, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashparati Bhawan here.

The 74 year old leader took the oath in the name of God to loud cheers from the large number of guests, which included leaders from India’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean Region.

The leaders who attended the ceremony included President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe; President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu; Vice-President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif; Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina; Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth accompanied by his spouse; Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’; and Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay. Leaders of Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan were accompanied by Ministers.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the visiting leaders who congratulated him for the historic third consecutive term in office. Thanking them for gracing the occasion, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR Vision’.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that in his third term, India will continue to work for the peace, progress and prosperity of the region in close partnership with the countries, even as it pursues its goal of VIKSIT BHARAT by 2047, a statement said.

In this context, he called for deeper people-to-people ties and connectivity in the region. He further added that India would continue to amplify the voice of the Global South in the international arena.

The leaders also attended a Banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President while welcoming them and conveying her wishes to Prime Minister Modi in the service of the nation, stated that India’s democratic exercise was not only a moment of pride for its people, but an inspiration to millions around the world.

The participation of leaders from India’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region on the momentous occasion of swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, underlines India’s deep-rooted bonds of friendship and cooperation with the region, a statement said.

Journalists, opposition groups boycott controversial Punjab Defamation Bill
The central Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the media bodies announced a total boycott of coverage concerning all government affairs as a mark of protest.

POK and Kashmir News
File pic of Lahore High Court

Islamabad, June 9: The controversial Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 was officially brought into effect and became a full-fledged law in Pakistan after the province’s Acting Governor Malik Ahmed Khan signed it. Seen as a draconian bill which curbs press freedom in the country, the bill was boycotted by various organisations and opposition groups in the National Assembly.

Drawing great ire from journalist groups and civil society organisations, the central Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the media bodies announced a total boycott of coverage concerning all government affairs at both the provincial and federal proceedings in the National Assembly as a mark of protest.

The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), held an emergency meeting to discuss the development and decided to record their protest against the law.

Just hours after the bill was passed, a joint petition was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) by journalists Riaz Ahmad Raja and Jaffar Ahmad Yar challenging its legality. The petition asked the high court to strike down the defamation law, saying it violated the fundamental rights of citizens protected in the Constitution.

The plea lamented that journalists were not consulted before the passing and approval of the defamation law, arguing that it was ludicrous and unconstitutional to allow a person to bring a claim of defamation without any proof.

 

BLA kills Pakistani ISI officer, his agent in Balochistan

Representative image of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta, April 29 (NVI) In a setback to the occupying Pakistani military’s spying network in Balochistan, freedom fighters of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have killed an officer of the intelligence agency ISI, along with another agent, and injured a third associate in a targeted operation.

The BLA fighters also targeted vehicles of occupying Pakistani army, police and the Saindak Project and set up a blockade on the main highway during the last 48 hours, according to the outfit.

In an operation based on specific information, the BLA fighters blew up a vehicle in Pasni city of Gwadar district of Balochistan and killed ISI officer Muhammad Nawaz, a resident of Khushab district of Pakistani Punjab, its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said.

Nawaz was travelling in a disguise when the BLA fighters blew up his vehicle using a remote-controlled IED on the night of 27th April.

In the attack, an associate of Nawaz, identified as Salman of Pasni, was also killed and another agent Shah Nazar was wounded, the spokesman said.

Salman was a local agent of Nawaz and a key member of the so-called ‘Death Squad’, a Pakistani military-backed militia which targets Baloch citizens.

Their vehicle was completely destroyed in the blast, Jeeyand Baloch said.

Nawaz was posted in Gwadar and was under constant surveillance of BLA’s intelligence wing “ZIRAB”, the spokesman said.

In a separate attack, BLA freedom fighters targeted occupying Pakistani army personnel in the Jamaki Tank area of Zamuran and killed a soldier with a sniper fire, he said.

BLA freedom fighters also set up a blockade on the Quetta-Karachi main highway at Khazinai in the Mangocher area of Kalat and conducted snap checking during the intervening night of April 27 and 28, Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement.

During this operation, freedom fighters targeted vehicles of the Saindak Project, he said.

In another operation on Sunday night, Baloch Liberation Army fighters targeted the police line with a hand grenade in the Dhadar area of Bolan. (NVI)

Pahalgam attack: Baloch group BNM says Pakistan must be held accountable

Dr Naseem Baloch, Chairman of Baloch National Movement (BNM) (File Pic)

New Delhi, April 28 (NVI) Strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, Baloch National Movement (BNM), an organisation struggling for liberation of Balochistan, has said Pakistan continues to “use proxy terrorism as a tool of foreign policy, undermining regional peace and stability” and must be held accountable.

BNM Chairman Naseem Baluch said targeting tourists in Pahalgam was “an act of sheer cowardice, aimed at spreading fear and disrupting harmony in the region”.

“We stand with the victims and the people of Kashmir. This attack must be condemned internationally, and Pakistan must be held accountable for its continued sponsorship of terror,” he said in a statement.

“What’s more telling is the timing. This massacre comes just after the Pakistani army chief Asim Munir invoked the outdated and divisive ‘Two-Nation Theory’, a mindset that has historically fueled extremism, hatred, and cross-border violence,” said Naseem Baluch.

“This is not a coincidence, but a pattern. Every time Pakistan raises the Kashmir issue rhetorically or symbolically, we see bloodshed on the ground,” said the BNM chief who lives in exile in Europe.

Refusing to accept Pakistan’s denials, he said, “The world has seen this before: Pakistani nationals caught or killed in Kashmir, and its fingerprints on cross-border terrorism from Iran to Afghanistan to Balochistan.”

He highlighted, “Pakistan’s military establishment continues to use proxy terrorism as a tool of foreign policy, undermining regional peace and stability.”

In another post on X, Naseem Baluch said the recent statement by Gen Asim Munir threatening to “crush ten generations of the Baloch nation” is not only a horrifying declaration of genocide but also a brutal reflection of the State’s deep-rooted colonial mindset and hatred towards the Baloch people.

“This isn’t just a threat, it’s a confession. A confession of the Pakistani military establishment’s failure to silence a nation that has resisted seven decades of occupation, exploitation, and repression.

“Such language, coming from the highest military office, exposes the true face of the Pakistani State.

“It confirms that the Baloch are not facing a counter-insurgency operation; they are facing genocidal campaign,” the BNM Chairman said.

He said the Pakistan Army is a force that “has abducted thousands of Baloch, dumped mutilated bodies, bombed villages and now dares to openly declare the destruction of future generations.

“Yet the history has shown that nations cannot be destroyed by threats. The Baloch national struggle is not built on fear, it is built on sacrifice, and the unwavering desire for freedom.

“If one generation is attacked, the next will rise stronger. No amount of brutality can erase a people’s will to exist with dignity and freedom.”

He said Pakistan Army Chief’s statement must be condemned by the international community as a clear incitement to genocide.

“Silence in the face of such open threats only empowers tyrants. The Baloch nation will remember this, and history will judge not just the perpetrators but also the bystanders,” he said. (NVI)

As Pakistan raises war hysteria, India & Afghanistan discuss enhancing ties

New Delhi, April 27 (NVI) In a significant development amidst increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, a senior Indian delegation today held a meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul and discussed expansion of bilateral relations.

During the cordial meeting, head of the Indian delegation Anand Prakash emphasized the importance of expanding relations with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

Prakash is the Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, handling its Pakistan, Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) Division.

A statement issued by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said both sides discussed strengthening bilateral political, trade, and transit ties.

The two sides exchanged views on regional issues, it said.

Muttaqi stressed the need to boost diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries, the statement said.

Muttaqi highlighted Afghanistan’s investment opportunities and called on Indian businesses to invest in the country.

Prakash reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan and announced plans to invest in several infrastructure projects and resume work on initiatives that had been stalled for some time.

Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral engagement, continue high-level visits, and ease visa issuance for Afghan citizens.

India has recently resumed its engagements with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Kabul and held a delegation-level meeting with Muttaqi in January this year.

It was the first formal interaction with Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

“Anand Prakash said his country values its relations with Afghanistan and hopes to further expand ties in various areas,” the statement said.

“He mentioned that India will continue its cooperation with Afghanistan and wishes to invest in some infrastructure projects, as well as resume work on some projects that have been stalled for some time,” said the statement.

During this meeting, both the groups discussed bilateral political relations between the two countries, along with trade, transit, and recent regional political developments, it said.

The meeting and the mutual interest to enhance bilateral cooperation assumes major significance as both the countries are troubled by Pakistan, located between them.

Pakistan has been repeatedly rebuking and insulting the Taliban regime and Afghans in general and the border between them remains volatile. (NVI)

Baloch fighters block 2 highways in Balochistan

Quetta, April 27, (NVI) Embarrassing the Pakistani military, Baloch freedom fighters blocked two main highways in Balochistan in two separate operations today.

Heavily-armed men set up a blockade in the Tump area of Kech district today, stopping traffic and thoroughly searching vehicles and buses at the Asiababad checkpoint, BLA said.

The operation went on for several hours, according to local sources.

Earlier, a large number of armed men, believed to be Baloch freedom fighters, blocked the main highway and conducted vehicle checks on Sunday in the Gaznai and Mangochar areas of Kalat district.

According to reports, the fighters targeted supply vehicles of the Saindak project with rocket launchers and other heavy weapons.

However, details about casualties or damage are not known yet. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims 3 attacks, says 2 soldiers killed, 4 injured

Fighters of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) at some undisclosed location. File Pic

Quetta, April 26 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight said it targeted Pakistani military and vehicles carrying minerals in three separate attacks in Balochistan, killing 2 soldiers, injuring 4 personnel and damaging 3 vehicles.

BLA operatives targeted a Pakistani army convoy on the Airport Road in Satellite Town of Turbat city last night using a remote-controlled IED, its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said.

The blast hit an enemy armored vehicle, killing one enemy soldier on the spot and injuring two others, he said, adding the vehicle was severely damaged.

The second attack by BLA was in the form of an armed assault on the personnel deployed at the camp of the occupying Pakistani army at Damb in the Hoshap area of Kech, the spokesman said.

The BLA attacked the enemy personnel while they were moving outside their camp, he said.

In the attack, one of the occupying army personnel was killed on the spot while two others were injured, the spokesman said.

In the third operation, Baloch Liberation Army operatives today fired on and disabled two vehicles involved in the looting of Baloch national resources at Choto in Mastung, he said. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA kills 10 Pakistani soldiers in an attack

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters at some undisclosed location. File Pic.

Quetta, April 25 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) today killed 10 Pakistani soldiers in an attack in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, the outfit said.

Freedom fighters of BLA targeted a convoy of the occupying Pakistani Army using a remote-controlled IED in Margat, a suburb of Quetta, its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said.

In this operation, an enemy vehicle was completely destroyed and all 10 personnel on board were eliminated, he said.

The eliminated personnel of occupying army include Subedar Shehzad Ameen, Naib Subedar Abbas, Sepoy Khalil, Sepoy Zahid, Sepoy Khurram Saleem and others, the spokesman said in a statement.

“Baloch Liberation Army accepts responsibility for this attack and makes it clear that our operations against occupying enemy army will continue with intensity,” he concluded. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA says it killed 7 Pakistani soldiers

Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOQ) of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta, April 24 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight claimed to have killed 7 personnel of the occupying Pakistan Army and injured 4 in different attacks in Balochistan.

These attacks in Zamuran, Kolwah and Kalat districts included remote-controlled IED blasts and armed attacks, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said.

Enemy security posts were also captured at some locations, he said.

In the first operation, BLA freedom fighters targeted a truck that was part of an occupying Pakistani army convoy in the Tigran, Wakaeh area of ​​Zamuran using a remote-controlled IED, he said.

As a result of the blast, 4 enemy personnel were eliminated on the spot and at least 4 others were wounded, while the truck was completely destroyed, the spokesman said.

The second operation was carried out last night at Rodokahn in the Rodh area of ​​Kolwah, where freedom fighters attacked the occupying Pakistani army camp with heavy weapons, he said.

Enemy suffered casualties in this attack, he said, adding the fighters also targeted and destroyed spy cameras installed in the camp.

Third operation was carried out on Monday night in Shekhri, Morhgand area of ​​Kalat, where freedom fighters simultaneously attacked military posts and security checkpoints with modern automatic weapons and rockets, he said.

At least 3 enemy personnel were eliminated in this attack, while at least eight personnel fled from the posts including wounded personnel, Jeeyand said.

During the attack, enemy army attempted to advance into the area for reinforcements but further attacks by freedom fighters caused more casualties to the enemy army, he said. (NVI)

Pakistan announces tit-for-tat measures against India; Hostility growing

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif (File Pic)

New Delhi, April 24 (NVI) Hostility is growing between India and Pakistan as outrage over the Pahalgam carnage continues across the country, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promise punishment to “every terrorist, their handlers and their backers” through measures that would be “beyond their imagination”.

The hostilities between the two neighbours were being witnessed in the diplomatic sphere, with India last night announcing certain measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty (IWT), and Pakistan responding today by several measures, including closure of its airspace for Indian flights and stoppage of trade.

Pakistan also said it will not recognise the Simla Agreement of 1972 while claiming that suspension of the Indus Water Treaty amounted to an “act of war”.

Meanwhile, India started steps to stop flow of water of three common rivers — Indus, Chenab and Jhelum — over which Pakistan has full claim under the IWT.

Under the 1960 Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, India has control over the remaining three common rivers of the Indus basin — Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.

There is persisting anger across India that Pakistan should be held accountable for the gruesome massacre of 26 people, including 25 tourists, in Pahalgam by three terrorists having linkages across the border.

Reflecting the anger, Prime Minister Modi said the act by the terrorists was an attack on the “soul of India” and “every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done”.

Addressing a pre-scheduled public event in Madhubani in Bihar, he underlined that “Terrorism will not go unpunished…. The entire nation is firm in this resolve” and thanked leaders of various countries for standing with India “in these times”.

Modi said, “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism.”

He said the punishment would be “beyond their imagination”, in a message seen as a clear warning to the terrorist commanders and Pakistani military which nurtures the terrorists.

Significantly, he spoke some crucial sentences of warning in English, apparently to send out a message to the world at large about his government’s intentions.

Earlier, last night, his government announced 5 measures to hit Pakistan. Besides deciding to suspend the IWT, the Indian government announced suspension of all visas for the Pakistani nationals and closure of the Wagah-Attari border.

Scaling down of the diplomatic mission staff of both the countries and expulsion of military attaches of Pakistan and withdrawal of its own in Islamabad were among other decisions taken after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) yesterday.

The Pakistan government, after a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by all-powerful Army Chief General Asim Munir, warned that suspension of IWT will be considered as “an act of war”.

It announced closure of its airspace for all Indian-owned and operated flights with immediate effect and non-recognition of the Simla Agreement of 1972 under which, besides other things, the Line of Control (LoC) was recognised bilaterally as a de-facto border.

Pakistan also decided to suspend all forms of trade with India, including those routed through third countries.

It also announced certain decisions mirroring those of the Indian government, like closure of the Wagah border, scaling down of the diplomatic mission staff to 30 members effective April 30 and expulsion of military attaches.

It also said that Pakistan would respond to India’s “hostile actions with full national strength”.

The other measures announced by India include the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post Attari as well as the issuance of a deadline for Pakistanis to leave the country before May 1, 2025.

Also, Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are now deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India. (NVI)

Pahalgam attack: India to suspend Indus Water Treaty, take other steps against Pakistan

File Photo : PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi : With the Pahalgam terror attack having “linkages” across the border, India tonight announced a slew of punitive steps against Pakistan, including suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty that determines distribution of 6 common rivers.

The decisions were taken at a long meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Addressing the media, Misri said,  “Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon the following measures:

1) The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

2) The integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 1st May 2025.

3) Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. Any SPES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SPES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

4) The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India.

5) India will be withdrawing its own Defence, Navy and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. (NVI)

Kashmir: 2 infiltrating terrorists killed by Indian Army near LoC

A representative pic of the areas near the Line of Control (LoC) J&K

Srinagar, April 23 (NVI) Foiling an infiltration attempt, Indian Army today killed 2 terrorists, suspected to be Pakistanis, while they were trying to sneak into the Kashmir Valley from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The two terrorists were spotted at around 1 AM past midnight trying to cross the Line of Control (LoC) in Sarjeevan area of Uri in Baramulla district, the Army said.

The alert Indian troops immediately surrounded them and challenged them, leading to a gunfight, the Army said.

The Army said it had prior information that some terrorists might be intending to cross over.

The gun battle resulted in the killing of the two terrorists, it said, adding their identification was being ascertained.

Two AK assault rifles, 5 magazines, one pistol and 10 kgs of explosives, besides other items, were recovered from the slain terrorists, the Army said.

Clearly, the terrorists were trying to enter Kashmir valley to cause bloodshed like in Pahalgam and by killing them, a possible act of terror has been averted.

Meanwhile, another gunfight was underway between security forces and an entrapped group of terrorists in a village in Kulgam district of South Kashmir. (NVI)

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