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.
DC, SSP Flag Off Amarnath Yatra Along Pahalgam Route from Nunwan Base Camp
Anantnag, July 3 (NVI): The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra along the traditional Pahalgam route commenced on Friday as Deputy Commissioner (Yatra Officer) Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat and Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam.
Senior civil and police officers, including Camp Director Atul Kumar, SDM Pahalgam and other officials, were present on the occasion.
After the flag-off, the pilgrims were transported to Chandanwari in special shuttle buses arranged by the Motor Vehicles Department, from where they will proceed towards the holy cave shrine.
The district administration said elaborate arrangements, including accommodation, medical facilities, sanitation, transport and security, have been put in place at various camps and along the pilgrimage route to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the yatra.
Pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration and security agencies as they began their pilgrimage with enthusiasm and devotion, officials said.(NVI)
Moderate to Heavy Rain Likely in J&K Till July 5; MeT Warns of Flash Floods, Landslides
Srinagar, July 3 (NVI): The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent spells of rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir till July 5, with heavy rainfall at isolated places likely to trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas, officials said on Friday.
Director of the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said significant rainfall was recorded in parts of the Jammu region, with Udhampur receiving 85 mm of rain, followed by Kathua (41.5 mm) and Rajpura (27 mm). Other stations recorded light to moderate rainfall.
He said that from July 3 to July 5, many places across the Union Territory are likely to witness one or two spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers, mainly during the late afternoon, evening, and late-night or early-morning hours. A few places may experience heavy rainfall, brief intense showers and thunderstorms.
From July 6 to July 9, the weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid, with intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places. Isolated areas may also witness brief intense showers accompanied by thunder, Ahmad said.
The MeT Department has advised people to remain cautious as heavy rainfall or intense showers could trigger localized flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
People have been urged to stay away from nallas, streams and landslide-prone areas and to follow official advisories during the forecast period, the officials said.(NVI)
Second Batch of 3,865 Pilgrims Departs for Amarnath Shrine
Srinagar Jul 3 (NVI): The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra commenced on Friday as the first batch of pilgrims began their journey from the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps towards the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir, while another 3,865 pilgrims left Jammu for the Valley under tight security.
Officials said the pilgrimage started early in the morning from both the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route and the shorter 14-km Baltal route despite intermittent rain.
Pilgrims, including men, women and sadhus, were flagged off from the Nunwan and Baltal base camps by the respective Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police amid chants of “Bum Bum Bhole”.
Meanwhile, the second batch of pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys.
According to officials, 1,735 pilgrims travelling via the Baltal route left at 3:13 am, while 2,130 pilgrims bound for the Pahalgam route departed at 3:38 am, taking the strength of the second batch to 3,865.
The batch comprises 2,965 men, 618 women, 230 sadhus, 48 sadhvis and four children, officials said.
The pilgrims are travelling in 201 vehicles, including 83 buses, 14 medium motor vehicles and 104 light motor vehicles. Of these, 115 vehicles are heading to Baltal and 86 to Pahalgam, they added.
Authorities have deployed multi-layered security arrangements involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and other security agencies to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the 57-day pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 28.
With the departure of the second batch, a total of 8,687 pilgrims have left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the Kashmir Valley over the past two days, officials said.(NVI)
SC-Mandated Daily Cap in Place, Amarnath Pilgrims Urged to Travel Only on Registered Date
Srinagar, July 03 (NVI): The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra administration on Thursday urged pilgrims to undertake the annual pilgrimage only after completing advance registration, saying the daily number of pilgrims allowed on the route has been capped in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court.
In an advisory, the administration said advance registration had been opened well before the commencement of the Yatra through designated bank branches across the country and online platforms, with most pilgrims already completing the process.
It said the availability of Tatkal (on-the-spot) registration is extremely limited and appealed to devotees not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir without securing advance registration.
The administration said it would not be possible to accommodate the large number of unregistered pilgrims arriving in the Union Territory under the Tatkal facility and requested them to wait for their allotted turn and travel only on the date assigned by the authorities.
The advisory also noted that several registered pilgrims were reaching Jammu and Kashmir ahead of their scheduled travel date. It clarified that no pilgrim would be permitted to undertake the Yatra before the date mentioned on their registration and urged devotees to adhere strictly to their allotted schedule.
Reiterating that every registered pilgrim would get an opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage, the administration appealed to devotees to maintain order and cooperate with officials for the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.(NVI)
J&K Police Chargesheets Man for Duping people with Fake Bahrain Job Offers
Srinagar, July 3 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against a Srinagar man for allegedly cheating several job aspirants of lakhs of rupees by promising them employment in Bahrain using forged documents, officials said on Friday.
The chargesheet in FIR No. 67/2021, registered under Sections 420, 468 and 471 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), was filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against Fayaz Ahmad Zarger, a resident of Qutub Din Pora, Aali Kadal in Srinagar.
According to officials, the case was registered following a written complaint alleging that the accused, operating under the name M/s HR Choice International Education Consultancy at Karanagar, lured job seekers with false promises of overseas employment in Bahrain.
During the investigation, the EOW found that the accused had allegedly duped several victims by collecting lakhs of rupees and providing forged job offer letters, visas, air tickets and other fabricated documents. To make the process appear genuine, the victims were allegedly made to undergo online interviews, medical examinations and execute agreements.
However, no jobs were arranged and the money collected from the victims was neither refunded nor returned, officials said.
The investigation substantiated the allegations, following which the chargesheet was filed before the competent court for judicial determination.
The EOW has advised the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent job rackets and urged victims of economic fraud to report such cases to the Senior Superintendent of Police, EOW Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K.(NVI)
Six CRPF Personnel Injured as Vehicle Skids Off Road Near Gagangir Tunnel in J&K
Srinagar, July 3 (NVI): Six personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured after their vehicle skidded off the road near the Gagangir tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Friday, officials said.
The CRPF vehicle reportedly lost control and veered off the road near the Gagangir tunnel, resulting in injuries to six personnel, the officials said.
The injured personnel were administered first aid at the spot and later shifted to the CRPF camp at Gund for further treatment.
Officials said the condition of the injured personnel is being assessed. The cause of the accident is being ascertained.(NVI)
TTP: Killed 354 Pakistani securitymen, injured 414 in June
Peshawar (Pakistan), July 3: Continuing to inflict massive damage upon Pakistani forces, Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has claimed to have killed 354 and injured 414 security personnel in 336 operations, mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, during the month of June.
At least 51 personnel of the Pakistani forces were captured during this period by TTP, according to its spokesman Muhammad Khorasani who shared the monthly details of the actions conducted under the ongoing ‘Operation Khyber’.
Regarding the casualties, the Pakistan Army and its Special Services Group (SSG) were hit the most, as 465 of their personnel were killed or injured.
The paramilitary force Frontier Corps (FC) suffered 173 casualties, Police/Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had 129 casualties and Intelligence/Peace Committee 52.
The Types of Operations were:
Sniper/Laser Attacks: 83
Guerrilla Attacks: 73
Grenade/Bomb Explosions: 57
Frontal Attacks: 34
Targeted Attacks: 26
Missile Attacks: 25
Ambushes: 20
Retaliatory Attacks: 18
During these operations, the assets of the Pakistani forces destroyed by TTP included:
Trucks, Vehicles, Heavy Machinery: 61
Security Cameras: 54
Water, Energy and Communication Systems: 25
Military and Police Structures: 21
Motorcycles: 5
Quadcopter Drones: 3
Tanks/Armored Vehicles: 1
Signal Jammer: 1
TTP also seized equipment from the “enemy”, which included:
Various Rifles: 53
Kalashnikov Magazines: 116
Ammunition Belts: 41
Rocket Launcher Rounds: 30
Hand Grenades: 12
Belts: 5
Rocket Launchers: 4
DShK Heavy Machine Gun: 1
Various Vehicles: 3
Night Vision Lasers: 3
Sniper Rifle: 1
Motorcycle: 1
The Areas of Operations included (District-wise):
South Waziristan: 92
North Waziristan: 51
Bajaur Province: 26
Peshawar Province: 23
Bannu Province: 21
Dera Ismail Khan Province: 20
Tank Province: 17
Khurram Province: 15
Lakki Marwat Province: 15
Karak Province: 11
Khyber Province: 11
Orakzai Province: 7
Kohat Province: 5
Quetta & Harnai Province: 4
Quetta District: 2
Harnai District: 2
Chitral Province: 3
Pishin Province: 3
Mohmand Province: 2
South Punjab Province: 2
Makran Province: 2
Diamer–Gilgit-Baltistan Province: 2
Karachi Province: 2
Swat Province: 1
Lower Dir Province: 1
(NVI)
Rain, Thunderstorms Likely Across J&K Tonight; Heavy Showers May Lash Jammu: Weather Forecast
Srinagar, July 2 (NVI): Rain showers are likely to affect several parts of Jammu and Kashmir during the late-night and early morning hours on Friday, with a few places expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, according to a weather forecast.
The forecast indicates that weather activity is expected to remain more intense over the Jammu region, where heavy showers, hailstorms, flash floods and landslides are possible in vulnerable areas.
Residents have been advised to remain alert, particularly in areas prone to flooding and landslides, and to follow official weather advisories as conditions may change.—(NVI)
Congress Suspends Two J&K Leaders Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities
Srinagar, July 2 (NVI): The Indian National Congress has suspended two senior leaders from Jammu and Kashmir from the party’s primary membership with immediate effect over alleged anti-party activities, according to an official communication.
The action, approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, was taken against All India Congress Committee (AICC) members Mohd. Anwar Bhatt and Bashir Ahmed Khan.
In a communication issued by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), the party said the suspension was ordered due to their alleged involvement in anti-party activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Hon’ble Congress President has approved the suspension of the AICC Members from Jammu & Kashmir from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress, with immediate effect, on account of their anti-party activities,” the communication stated.
The Congress did not specify the nature of the alleged anti-party activities that led to the disciplinary action.(NVI)
DGP Reviews Security, Pilgrim Arrangements at Nunwan Base Camp for Amarnath Yatra
Srinagar, July 2 (NVI): Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Thursday visited the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam to review security and logistical arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
During the visit, the DGP inspected facilities at the base camp and assessed security measures, access control, deployment of police personnel, traffic management, emergency response systems and other arrangements made for the convenience and safety of pilgrims.
He also interacted with police personnel deployed at the camp and appreciated their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Prabhat asked the personnel to remain vigilant while maintaining a pilgrim-friendly approach during their duties.
Later, the DGP chaired a security review meeting with senior police officers, where the overall security situation, operational preparedness, deployment strategy, intelligence coordination and contingency planning along the Yatra route were discussed.
He directed officers to maintain round-the-clock alertness, strengthen coordination among field units and ensure prompt response to any emergency, while taking all necessary measures to provide a safe, secure and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees.(NVI)
