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.
EOW Conducts Searches in Shopian, Pulwama in DOB Manipulation Case
Srinagar, Jun 13 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir on Saturday conducted searches at the office and residence of a senior health official in connection with an alleged date-of-birth manipulation case aimed at securing undue service benefits, officials said.
The searches were carried out in Shopian and Pulwama districts as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of fraudulent insertion and alteration of date-of-birth entries in official service records, they said.
According to officials, the EOW teams searched the office of the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) in Shopian and his residence in the Thamuna area of Pulwama district after registering an FIR under relevant provisions of law.
The searches were conducted in accordance with legal procedures and in the presence of independent witnesses, officials said.
Documents and other materials relevant to the investigation were seized and are being examined to ascertain the extent of the alleged irregularities and identify those involved, they added.
The Crime Branch has urged the public to remain vigilant against economic offences and report instances of fraud to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Economic Offences Wing, Kashmir.
Further investigation in the case is underway, officials said (NVI)
Armed Forces Must Be Mentally Ready for Any Form of Warfare: Rajnath Singh
Hyderabad, June 13 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said emerging technologies have transformed the nature of warfare, making it imperative for armed forces personnel to remain prepared for evolving and unconventional threats.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade at the Indian Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Singh said the traditional battlefield advantage once enjoyed by major powers is diminishing as smaller nations are increasingly capable of inflicting significant damage through advanced weaponry and modern military tactics.
“Earlier, it seemed that big powers had a decisive edge on the battlefield. But now, even smaller powers can cause heavy losses with their small but dangerous weapons and new tactics. My purpose in telling you all this is that you should be mentally ready for any form of warfare,” he said.
The Defence Minister noted that rapid technological advancements have fundamentally altered warfare, requiring military personnel to adapt continuously to emerging security challenges.
Congratulating the newly commissioned officers, including women pilots inducted into the Indian Air Force, Singh said their inclusion would further strengthen the force and reflect India’s commitment to greater gender representation in the armed services.
He said the induction of women officers has made the Air Force more balanced, robust and representative of the country’s inclusive values.
Highlighting the role of the Indian Air Force beyond combat operations, Singh praised its contribution to humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and evacuation missions involving Indian and foreign nationals.
Such operations, he said, have showcased India’s values, culture and commitment to global humanitarian responsibilities.
Urging the young officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication, the Defence Minister said they would serve the nation in an increasingly complex and technology-driven security environment. (NVI)
DRDO Successfully Tests Advanced Missile Defence, Anti-Ship Missile Systems
New Delhi, June 13 (NVI): Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated a series of advanced defence technologies, including a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system and a Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), significantly enhancing India’s strategic defence capabilities.
According to officials, three consecutive flight-tests were conducted on June 10 and 11 to validate India’s capability to counter a range of aerial threats, including long-range ballistic missiles and hostile naval targets.
The multi-layered BMD system successfully intercepted and destroyed designated targets during the trials, demonstrating its effectiveness against emerging missile threats. Officials said the successful tests place India among a select group of nations possessing the capability to engage ballistic missile threats, including those comparable to Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).
In a separate milestone, DRDO also successfully carried out the maiden flight-test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), designed to strengthen the Indian Armed Forces’ maritime strike capabilities.
Senior officials from DRDO and the armed forces witnessed the trials.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and all stakeholders involved in the successful demonstrations, describing the achievements as a major boost to India’s defence preparedness.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh closely monitored the tests and commended the collective efforts of DRDO scientists, industry partners and the armed forces in achieving the successful outcomes.
The successful trials are expected to further strengthen India’s indigenous defence technology base and enhance its ability to counter evolving security challenges. — (NVI)
Balochistan: Civilian houses burnt, families abused by Pakistani soldiers
Quetta (Balochistan), June 12: Pakistani forces today committed widespread acts of violence against the civilian population in parts of occupied Balochistan, setting dozens of houses ablaze and looting valuables like gold and money.
The Pakistani forces also subjected women, children and elderly civilians to physical abuse and intimidation in Tump district, according to Baloch Women Front (BWF).
“The deliberate targeting of civilian communities, the destruction of private property and the mistreatment of vulnerable populations constitute serious violations of human rights,” it said.
“We strongly condemn the military operation,” said a statement issued by BWF Central Spokesperson.
“These actions constitute a grave violation of fundamental human rights and represent a deeply troubling practice of collective punishment, the militarization of civilian spaces and the erosion of the rule of law,” the statement said.
“Such measures not only inflict immediate suffering on affected families but also contribute to growing insecurity, social instability and political marginalization,” the BWF said.
“We call for the immediate cessation of all actions that endanger civilian lives and demand an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the reported abuses. Those responsible for any unlawful conduct must be held accountable through due process,” it said.
Furthermore, affected families must be provided with protection, restitution and access to justice, the statement said.
“The international community, human rights mechanisms, civil society organizations and democratic institutions must urgently take notice of the situation in Kech Balochistan and press for accountability, transparency and the protection of civilian populations.
“Silence in the face of such allegations risks emboldening further abuses and perpetuating impunity,” it said. (NVI)
Balochistan: BLA says it controlled highways, destroyed 36 vehicles ferrying resources
Quetta (Balochistan), June 12: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight said its freedom fighters maintained control over major highways by executing 11 operations over a period of 12 days in Balochistan and vowed to continue enforcing economic blockades until Pakistan ends plunder of resources of the occupied territory.
More than 36 vehicles were destroyed and two main bridges on the CPEC route were demolished using explosives during this period, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.
In these attacks, BLA targeted convoys associated with the Saindak mines exploitative project, vehicles involved in transporation of fuel, and other vehicles providing economic benefits to the occupying Pakistani state, he said.
“The rampant theft of our precious national resources such as Saindak, Reko Diq, Gwadar, Sui, and coal is what provides the financial fuel for this tyrannical domination of the occupying Pakistani military,” he said.
He said the strategic imperatives of the ongoing war for national liberation in Balochistan demands that a decisive blow be dealt to the economic lifeline of the occupying state.
“It is an established and universal principle of armed national resistance against colonial subjugation that the economic interests of the occupying power must be rendered insecure, unstable, and a losing proposition to the extent that the strategic and military cost of maintaining its forced occupation over the occupied land far exceeds the profits reaped from the plunder of its resources,” the BLA spokesman said.
“Until Balochistan is transformed into an inevitable economic burden for the occupying state, it is impossible to halt its blind military adventurism and the horrific cycle of Baloch genocide,” he said.
The BLA spokesman asserted that “the main highways passing through Balochistan are not merely ordinary communication or travel routes, but are colonial trade arteries through which the wealth of our motherland is ruthlessly squeezed and transferred to Punjab.
“The forced and rampant exploitation of the resources of an enslaved homeland can never be in the broader interest of its local people.”
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Pakistan Army conduing aerial bombings of civilian areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 15 days
He declared that “This economic blockade enforced by the Baloch Liberation Army around the occupier and the targeting of exploitative companies’ vehicles is not a manifestation of public enmity, but a legitimate, legal, and indispensable defensive response aimed at ensuring Baloch national survival, protecting the coast and resources, and shattering the expansionist colonial designs of the occupying state, an effort that will continue with even greater intensity.”
He added, Under international laws, the United Nations Charter, and the established principles of national defense, the subjugated and oppressed people of any occupied region possess the fundamental and inalienable right to reject by force any form of coercive projects imposed on their land.
“The so-called development projects constructed by the occupying power by violating the will and sovereignty of the local Baloch population are, in reality, a deep and deceitful conspiracy to prolong the colonial occupation and to reduce the Baloch nation to an economic, political, and geographical minority on their own historical land.”
Baloch said all the foreign and local investment projects, including CPEC, are not designed for the prosperity of the Baloch people, but to strengthen the military machinery engaged in their genocide.
“Therefore, paralyzing the logistic supply lines, communication networks, and infrastructure of these exploitative projects is an indispensable and recognized part of the struggle for national liberation in accordance with international law,” he added.
“Our war is a war for the complete sovereignty, national dignity, and unconditional freedom of the Baloch nation; and until foreign occupation, exploitative plunder, and colonial oppression are completely eradicated from the Baloch soil, our economic blockade and military resistance will continue with full intensity and scope,” he emphasised. (NVI)
Pakistan Army conduing aerial bombings of civilian areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 15 days
Peshawar, June 12: For the last 15 days, the Pakistani Army has been carrying out aerial bombardments, using helicopter gunships, in various parts of North Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, killing several innocent Pashtun civilians and forcing thousands to dislocate.
The particular targeted area is Miranshah, where bombs are being dropped from military helicopters indiscriminately and randomly at civilian localities, according to the reports from the ground.
According to the locals, unarmed people are being shelled with helicopters, cannons, drones, quadcopters and tanks, the reports said.
There is a complete military siege and all food, medicine and transportation routes have been blocked, said the locals.
Mobile signal and internet have been shut down in the entire North Waziristan for the last 15 days so that people remain unaware of the ongoing state terrorism.
“These cruel actions of the Pakistan Army have been continuing for the last 15 days and the people are feeling troubled,” said a local Pashtun.
Several people have been killed or injured in these bombings but exact details are not yet available because of the communication disconnection, said the local person.
“The Pakistani army has always targeted the general population in its anti-terrorism operations in the tribal areas,” he said.
Pakistani National Apprehended by Villagers in Karnah Sector, Handed Over to Police
Kupwara, June 12 (NVI): A 19-year-old Pakistani national was apprehended by local villagers in the Seemari area of Karnah near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday and subsequently handed over to the police, officials said.
The individual has been identified as Ashraf Khan, son of Jaidev Khan, a resident of Muzaffarabad in POK
According to officials, the youth was noticed by villagers in the Seemari area under the jurisdiction of Police Post Teetwal in Karnah at around this evening
The villagers detained him and informed the police, following which he was taken into custody further questioning is underway, They added.(NVI)
Digital Governance, Telecom Connectivity in J&K reviewed
Srinagar, June 12 (NVI): Progress of key digital governance and citizen service delivery initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir were reviewed today at a meeting held by Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology.
During the meeting, Bhagat assessed the implementation of e-Office 2.0 and stressed the need for complete adoption of digital workflows across government offices to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in administration. He directed officials to ensure effective utilization of the platform and further strengthen digital governance practices.
The meeting also reviewed the status of telecom connectivity and related infrastructure projects being executed across the Union Territory. Bhagat discussed measures to improve digital connectivity, facilitate seamless implementation of telecom initiatives and address issues requiring inter-departmental coordination. He asked Deputy Commissioners and concerned departments to expedite pending matters and ensure timely progress of ongoing projects.
The functioning of Common Service Centres (CSCs) and other citizen-centric digital service delivery platforms was also reviewed.
Emphasis was laid on strengthening last-mile service delivery, expanding access to digital facilities in remote and underserved areas and improving the overall quality of services available to citizens.
Reviewing Aadhaar-related service delivery issues, Bhagat directed stakeholders to ensure seamless access to Aadhaar-enabled services and stressed the need for timely resolution of operational challenges, better coordination among implementing agencies and efficient public service delivery.
The Commissioner Secretary also assessed preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and emphasized robust digital support systems, effective grievance redressal mechanisms and close coordination among departments to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and hassle-free services for devotees.
Highlighting the importance of a citizen-centric and technology-driven approach, Bhagat urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination to strengthen governance and ensure government services reach people in an efficient, transparent and timely manner.
Senior officers from the Information Technology Department, district administrations, JaKeGA, NIC, telecom service providers, CSC e-Governance Services India Limited and other concerned departments attended the meeting.(NVI)
Security Preparedness for Amarnath Yatra, Muharram and Kheer Bhawani Mela Reviewed
Srinagar, June 12 (NVI): Security arrangements for three important upcoming religious events in Kashmir — Amarnath Yatra, Muharram and Kheer Bhawani Mela — were reviewed today at a high-level meeting chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V.K. Birdi.
The security review meeting assessed preparedness for these events scheduled to take place later this month and next month.
The meeting was held at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir and was attended by senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, SSB, intelligence agencies, traffic police, railways, telecommunications and other departments.
Officials briefed the meeting on deployment strategies, route security, intelligence coordination, traffic regulation, communication preparedness, emergency response mechanisms and logistical arrangements planned for the smooth conduct of the upcoming events.
Reviewing the arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, Birdi directed officers to ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and undertake preventive security measures.
He stressed the need for heightened alertness, particularly at vulnerable locations and along designated pilgrimage routes.
The IGP also reviewed contingency plans, disaster response preparedness, crowd management mechanisms and coordination protocols to ensure swift handling of any unforeseen situation during the pilgrimage.
While reviewing preparations for Muharram, Birdi emphasised the importance of ensuring the peaceful and smooth conduct of religious processions and gatherings across the Valley. He instructed officers to make comprehensive security and traffic arrangements along designated routes and maintain close coordination with organisers and community representatives.
Regarding the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, the IGP directed officers to put in place robust security and facilitation measures for devotees. He called for thorough sanitisation of shrine premises, adequate deployment of security personnel and effective traffic management to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience for pilgrims.
Birdi expressed confidence in the preparedness of all participating agencies and reiterated the commitment of the security establishment to ensure the peaceful, secure and successful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, Muharram and the Kheer Bhawani Mela, officials said.(NVI)
POJK protests continue, Pakistani military bars Kashmiris from offering Friday prayers
Rawalakot (Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir), June 12: Taking its oppression in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to new levels, the Pakistani military today prevented Kashmiris Muslims from offering Friday prayers at Mosques in Rawlakot, a day after firing at devotees during the morning prayers.
“Ban on entry to mosques on Friday, June 12,” posted Awami Action Committee, which is spearheading the ongoing agitation against Pakistani rule, on its X handle.
“Rawalakot forces are preventing Muslims from offering Friday prayers – The public should strengthen the protest sit-ins – This panic is showing that the rulers have lost their nerve,” it added.
“Our sit-ins are currently removing the veil from the faces of these powerful people all over the world. The night of oppression will come to an end, God willing,” said the post issued under the name of Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri.
This development came a day after Pakistani forces fired at Muslim devotees during the morning prayers when they were moving towards mosques.
Videos surfaced on the social media, showing Pakistani forces atop a house near a mosque, firing at those moving towards the religious place.
Rawalakot has faced the worst crackdown by the Pakistani military which even firing at Kashmiris at the main government hospital when injured people were taken there.
The Awami Action Committee leaders and members have already equated the Pakistani miiltary to “Israeli forces” and have drawn similarities to operations in Gaza.
Meanwhile, protest dharnas and demonstrations continued across POJK today, despite the intensification of crackdown on Awami Action Committee leaders and prominent members.
Even the key member of the Committee, Shokat Nawaz Mir, had to go into hiding, from where he issued a video message, saying the agitation will continue but the “strategy” has been changed in view of certain issues.
The agitation has been unprecedented, with lakhs of Kashmiris coming out on the streets to show their resentment against the illegal Pakistani rule in POJK.
The protesters have been particularly shaming the Pakistan Army and its chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, dubbing them as “terrorists” of the worst order.
Some protesters said that if Pakistan does not end the oppression continuing for the last 78 years, Kashmiris have an option of “opening roads to the other side”, implying the Indian side. (NVI)
