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.
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.
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.
Man Found Dead with Throat Injuries in Jammu; Probe Launched
Jammu, Mar 17 (NVI): A man was found dead with throat injuries under mysterious circumstances in Jammu Monday late night.
An official said that the deceased has been identified as Balvir Singh, a resident of Chatha Farm.
He was found lying in a pool of blood with serious throat injuries, allegedly inflicted by an unknown person using a sharp object. Police shifted the body to Government Medical College Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Police have registered FIR No. 66/2026 under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Satwari Police Station, and further investigation into the incident has been taken up.(NVI)
Special Prayers Held Across Kashmir on Holy Night of Shab-e-Qadr
Srinagar, Mar 17 (NVI): The holy night of Shab-e-Qadr was observed with deep religious fervour across Kashmir as thousands of devotees gathered at the Hazratbal Shrine and other mosques and shrines to offer special night-long prayers.
Large numbers of worshippers, including men, women and children, assembled at the revered Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, where they spent the night praying and seeking blessings for peace and wellbeing.
Similar gatherings were reported from mosques and shrines across several districts of the Valley, where devotees recited the Holy Quran and offered special prayers.
Authorities had made necessary arrangements, including security, traffic regulation and medical facilities, to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers.
Religious scholars highlighted the significance of Shab-e-Qadr and urged people to follow the teachings of Islam and promote peace and unity in society.(NVI)
Balochistan: BLA says it killed 55 personnel of Pakistani forces
Quetta, Mar 17: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight said it killed 55 personnel of the occupying Pakistani forces in 18 military operations over the last 10 days across Balochistan.
Between March 6 and March 16, the fighters of BLA carried out 17 coordinated military operations in Khuzdar, Surab, Shahrag, Turbat, Karkh, Pasni, Quetta, Panjgur, Kharan, Gwadar and Dukki, said its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch.
These operations targeted the occupying Pakistani army, agents of intelligence agencies, Coast Guards, and enemy installations, while establishing effective strategic control over the CPEC route, he said.
In these attacks, a total of 55 personnel from the occupying forces and intelligence agencies were killed, and dozens were injured, the spokesman said in a statement.
The details are as follows:
March 6: Multiple rounds were fired from grenade launchers at a post of the occupying Pakistani army in the Katan area of Khuzdar, causing casualties and financial loss to the enemy.
March 7: In Surab, Baloch sarmachars took into custody the armored vehicle of the Commissioner Makran, along with a gunman and driver, while they were traveling from Quetta to Turbat. Numerous bottles of alcohol and narcotics were recovered from the vehicle, serving as evidence of the moral bankruptcy of the occupying bureaucracy. Interrogation of the detained individuals is underway according to organizational laws.
March 7: In the Shahrak area of Kech, an occupying army post at Pognish was targeted, inflicting casualties on the enemy and destroying all advanced surveillance cameras installed there.
March 9 to March 14 (Operation Karkh): BLA sarmachars blockaded the CPEC route (M-8) in the Karkh area of Khuzdar and established strategic checkpoints. This control was maintained for six consecutive days. During snap checking, three personnel of Pakistan’s intelligence agency (ISI) attempted to flee; two were killed on the spot in the ensuing fire, while one was arrested. The neutralised and detained personnel belong to Punjab.
On the third day of the operation, infantry units of the occupying army attempting to advance were targeted with remote-controlled IED attacks. On the fourth day, the occupying army attempted to advance with a large force, which was neutralized by sarmachars through ambushes at various locations. In these intense skirmishes lasting two days, more than 17 occupying personnel were killed and several injured, while three enemy vehicles and two quadcopters were destroyed.
March 9: In Surab, at the location of “Tariki,” the advance of the occupying army was thwarted by a full-scale attack, forcing the enemy to retreat.
March 9: In the Tajaban area of Turbat, BLA sarmachars targeted an occupying army vehicle with a remote-controlled IED, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
March 10: A hideout of the agents of the Pakistani intelligence agency, Military Intelligence (MI), was targeted with a hand grenade attack in Pasni city.
March 13: Near Quetta, in the Pingo area of Daghari, a joint convoy of the occupying army, CTD, and so-called death squads was ambushed while advancing for an operation. Two agents were killed on the spot, and one military vehicle was completely incinerated.
March 14: The occupying army attempted to advance again in the same area, which was repulsed by sarmachars through an IED attack, inflicting personnel and material losses.
March 14: In the Parom area of Panjgur, BLA units equipped with night vision and advanced weaponry attacked a convoy of the occupying army at night. Three enemy vehicles were hit, resulting in five deaths and several injuries, while one vehicle was disabled. Later, a sniper from the BLA targeted and killed an occupying command officer who arrived to inspect the site.
March 14: In the Garuk area of Kharan, a convoy of the occupying army was ambushed with rockets and heavy weaponry. Six enemy vehicles were directly hit, resulting in 14 personnel killed and over 10 injured. A day prior, BLA sarmachars had seized a truck carrying rations for an occupying army post; the truck was later set on fire, while the drivers were released on humanitarian grounds following organizational policy.
March 15: The occupying army’s base and jet fuel station at Turbat Airport were targeted with grenade launchers, causing significant damage to the installations.
March 15: In the Panwan area of Jiwani, Gwadar, an urban guerrilla unit of the BLA executed a highly organized and coordinated operation. Following a meticulous plan, sarmachars camouflaged themselves to gain access to a Coast Guard post and launched a sudden attack, killing the three personnel stationed there, Naik Saleem, Sepoy Adnan Rao, and Sepoy Azeem and seizing all their weapons and ammunition.
On March 16, BLA fighters conducted a remote-controlled IED attack targeting a vehicle within a convoy of the Pakistani armed forces in the Bakhtiar Loni area of Dukki. The convoy was advancing with aggressive intent. The explosion resulted in the deaths of ten soldiers and the complete destruction of the targeted vehicle.
“The objective of these organized attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army is to uproot the foundations of Pakistan’s illegitimate occupation of Balochistan.
“The enemy must recognize the writing on the wall: its fortresses, its fraudulent development projects, and its paid agents are no longer beyond the reach of Baloch sarmachars.
“The BLA is determined to go to any lengths in this war for national survival. Until the last trace of the occupier is erased from this Baloch land, our guns will not be silenced, nor will there be any reduction in our strategic strikes,” Jeeyand Baloch said.
He asserted that “this war is now heading towards its logical conclusion, and that conclusion is nothing but a Sovereign and Independent Balochistan.”
Pakistan bombards Kabul hospital killing and injuring 650 people, outraged Afghan regime vows retaliation
The bombed hospital was drug rehabiliation centre
Kabul, Mar 17 : In a massive provocative action, Pakistani military tonight, during the auspicious Islamic night of ‘Shab-e-Qadr’, bombed a big hospital in Kabul, killing over 250 and wounding more than 400 people, as per the initial estimates.
An outraged Afghan Taliban regime vowed to retaliate against this “criminal act”, saying “the time for diplomacy or talks” with Pakistan was over.
The 1,000-bed hospital, a rehabilitation center for drug addicts, was hit by Pakistani air strikes, causing huge fire and destruction of the building.
According to officials, hundreds of patients, doctors, paramedics and other staffers were present at the premises when the Pakistani fighter planes bombed it.
Many victims were buried under the debris of the building and rescuers are trying to save lives.
According to preliminary figures from the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan, over 250 people were killed and more than 400 injured in the airstrike in Kabul.
“The Pakistani military regime has once again violated Afghanistan’s airspace and targeted a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, resulting in the death and injury of addicts who were undergoing treatment,” said Zabihullah Muhajid, spokesman of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, in a social media post at around 11 pm (Afghanistan Time).
“We strongly condemn this crime and consider such an act to be against all accepted principles and a crime against humanity,” he added.
The latest air strikes come as part of repeated aerial bombardments carried out by the Pakistani military since February 22, targeting residential houses, market places and other civilian localities in various parts of Afghanistan.
At least 24 civilians, mostly children and women, have been killed in these cross-border attacks by the Pakistani military in just last 10 days, as per local officials.
As part of retaliatory operations, Afghan forces have targeted Pakistani military posts along the disputed Durand Line border and some interior areas of Pakistan.
They have claimed to have killed dozens of Pakistani soldiers and captured several military posts during these operations.
Man Accused of Firing at Farooq Abdullah Remanded to 7 Days Police Custody
Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): A man accused of firing at former Farooq Abdullah, president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, was on Monday remanded to seven days’ police custody after being produced before a court, sources said.
Officals said that the accused, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, was produced before the court and was granted seven days of police custody to the accused to facilitate further investigation into the matter.
He was arrested following the firing incident on Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday incident and later produced before the court for remand.
Ealier on Saturday, Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the attempted firing incident involving former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah in Jammu earlier this week. (NVI)
Bus Overturns After Hitting Scorpio in Akhnoor; 2 Killed, Around 20 Injured
Jammu, Mar 16 (NVI): Two persons were killed and around 20 others injured after a speeding passenger bus traveling from Jourian to Akhnoor collided with a Scorpio vehicle and overturned near Kot Garhi village in the Akhnoor area of Jammu division on Monday.
An official said that the accident occurred when the bus, reportedly moving at high speed, hit the Scorpio near Kot Garhi and lost control before overturning on the road.
According to officials, two people died in the accident, while around 20 passengers sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further investigation is underway.(NVI)
CS Reviews Youth Sports Initiatives, Stresses Wider Participation Across J&K
Jammu, Mar 16 (NVI): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday reviewed youth sports initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the need to expand participation across districts and strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure, officials said.
Chairing a review meeting of the Youth Services & Sports Department and the J&K Sports Council, the Chief Secretary assessed the progress of programmes aimed at promoting sports and creative activities among youth across the Union Territory.
Officials informed the meeting that more than 35 lakh youth have already been engaged in sports activities during the current financial year, with the number expected to increase further by the end of the year.
Dulloo said sports and creative arts play an important role in shaping young minds by instilling discipline, teamwork and perseverance, while also providing constructive avenues for channelising their energy.
He observed that in the current context, when drug abuse has emerged as a serious concern among sections of youth in the region, encouraging participation in sports and creative activities becomes even more significant as it keeps young people engaged in positive pursuits.
During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary presented an overview of initiatives aimed at expanding youth participation and improving sports infrastructure across districts.
He said efforts are underway to bring national and international sporting events to Jammu and Kashmir to nurture local talent and generate enthusiasm among sports lovers.
The meeting was also informed that the first-ever Draft Youth Policy for Jammu and Kashmir has been prepared to provide a roadmap for youth empowerment, leadership development and sports promotion.
Director General Youth Services & Sports Anuradha Gupta said the flagship grassroots sports league “Leagues of Classics – Enjoy the Game 1.0” has engaged over 2.23 lakh youth so far in sports such as cricket, football and volleyball, with participation expected to reach around 2.53 lakh by April 2026.
She added that winter sports training programmes were organised earlier this year at Gulmarg, Gurez Valley, Bhaderwah and Sonamarg, providing exposure to young participants in the under-14, under-17 and under-19 categories.
Officials also said youth engagement through the MyBharat portal has increased significantly, with registered users rising from 3.21 lakh in December 2025 to over 7.10 lakh by March 2026.
Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul informed the meeting that between April 2025 and February 2026, the Council organised 1,076 sports activities across 50 disciplines, engaging more than 32.33 lakh youth across the Union Territory.
She added that athletes from Jammu and Kashmir have won 28 international medals and 469 medals at national events during the period.
The meeting also reviewed progress on sports infrastructure projects under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, with officials stating that over 50 projects across districts are ready for inauguration.
These include a synthetic football ground at Gassu Hazratbal, an Olympic-standard swimming pool at Gindun Rajbagh, and several indoor sports halls in districts such as Bandipora, Shopian and Budgam.
Officials said the government also plans to host several national and international sporting events in the Union Territory in the coming years, including the International Rafting Championship, South Asian Wushu Championship and Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Srinagar.
Dulloo reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding sports infrastructure and providing wider opportunities for youth, stating that sustained investment in sports will help promote healthy lifestyles, discipline and positive social engagement among young people.(NVI)
J&K Among 5 States in CBI Probe Into ₹11.4 Cr Scholarship Scam
New Delhi, Mar 16 (NVI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against unidentified public servants and nodal officers in five states, including Jammu and Kashmir, in connection with the alleged embezzlement of over ₹11.4 crore meant for scholarships for students with disabilities, officials said on Monday.
The agency alleged that the funds were siphoned off through fake beneficiaries and non-existent institutions under the Umbrella Scholarship Scheme for Students with Disabilities, implemented through the National Scholarship Portal.
According to officials, the FIR names officials and nodal officers from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir for their alleged role in the scam.
The case was registered following a complaint by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which flagged irregularities in the disbursement of scholarship funds.
The department reported that ₹11.41 crore had been disbursed to 926 students linked to 28 institutions that were either non-existent or found involved in serious irregularities during inspection.
Investigations revealed that several institutions listed on the portal were either closed or never existed, yet scholarship claims continued to be processed in the names of students.
The probe also found that fake user IDs were allegedly created to upload scholarship applications and withdraw funds.
In one case, the Satyam College of Education in Jammu and Kashmir, which had reportedly shut down in 2017, was still shown as enrolling students who received scholarship benefits through fabricated records.
The CBI suspects that certain institute nodal officers, public servants and others conspired to push fraudulent applications through the portal, causing a significant loss to the government exchequer.—(NVI)
Admin Closes Sinthan, Margan Top Roads After Heavy Snowfall
Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): Authorities in Anantnag district have closed the roads leading to Sinthan Top and Margan Top following heavy snowfall and heightened risk of avalanches and landslides, officials said on Monday.
According to officials, the district administration ordered the suspension of all vehicular and pedestrian movement towards the two high-altitude tourist destinations due to slippery road conditions and safety concerns.
An advisory issued by the office of the District Magistrate Anantnag warned that continued snowfall has made travel extremely hazardous for both vehicles and pedestrians in the area.
The administration has directed the police, traffic authorities and road maintenance agencies, including the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), to strictly enforce the restrictions and regulate movement on the affected routes.
Tourists, locals and transport operators have been advised to avoid travelling towards Sinthan Top and Margan Top until the roads are declared safe. Officials said strict action will be taken against anyone violating the advisory.(NVI)
Govt Orders Inquiry Against Former Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar Malhotra
Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Department has ordered an inquiry against former Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar Malhotra, who was earlier posted in the I&FC Division-II Jammu and is now a retired Incharge Chief Engineer.
As per Government Order No. 45-JK (JSD) of 2026 dated March 11, sanction has been accorded for initiation of disciplinary proceedings under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956.
According to the order, Latif Ahmed Poswal, Director Finance in the Jal Shakti Department, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer to examine the charges framed against Malhotra.
Meanwhile, Samina Choudhary, Assistant Executive Engineer in Irrigation Division-II Jammu, has been designated as the Presenting Officer in the case.
The Inquiry Officer has been directed to conduct a detailed probe and submit findings along with recommendations to the government within 15 days from the issuance of the order. (NVI)
