Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Home Blog Page 11

Bomb attack at Mosque in Pakistan kills prominent cleric, others

Chhattisgarh
Representatinal Image of a blast

Peshawar, Feb 28 (NVI) A suicide bomber today struck at a prominent Madrassa in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, killing an influential Muslim cleric along with 5 others and injuring 12.

The bomber blew himself up at Madrassa-e-Haqqania in Akora Khattak in Nowshera in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the prayers.

The huge explosion killed Maulana Hamidul Haq, the seniormost cleric and caretaker of the Madrassa, and 5 other devotees and injured 12 others.

Among the injured were 3 policemen who were on security duties at the Madrassa.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) condemned the attack and hinted at the involvement of Pakistani State agencies.

“In the recent past, all the scholars and especially the political and religious leaders and workers who went against the purpose of the (Pakistani) State institutions have been targeted,” said TTP spokesman Muhammad Khorasani in a statement.

“The same organizations tried their best to justify the killing of the Mujahideen of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan…. The secret bloodthirsty organizations of Pakistan martyred the debilitated scholar Rabbani in Islamabad with knives in a very brutal way,” he said.

“Maulana Hamidul Haq Sahib, the heir of the same martyred scholar Rabbani (in whose veins the warm blood of the martyred Nation of Islam was circulating and who was glaring in the eyes of Pakistani institutions) was also removed from the path today very cleverly,” he said.

The TTP spokesman said Maulana Hamidul-Haq was “a preacher of truth, a good teacher and a fearless advocate of stable schools” and his “pure blood will not go in vain.”

Khorasani said this attack was “not only on the late Maulana, but on all religious schools, religious institutions and scholars.”

“Were the righteous people intimidated by such tricks, this bright lamp of Islam would have been extinguished,” he said. (NVI)

Overseas Jobs Frauds: UK Govt launches awareness campaign

Representational image

New Delhi, Feb 27 (NVI) Days after hundreds of illegal Indian immigrants were deported back by the US, the UK Government today launched the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign to help protect Indian citizens from the physical, financial, and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration.

The campaign includes a new dedicated WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) in English and Punjabi, helping to identify common visa scam tactics and providing access to official guidance for those seeking legal routes to travel to the UK, said a statement issued by the UK High Commission here.

The campaign, launched in Jalandhar in Punjab State, will highlight the warning signs of visa scams.

“People will be advised to look out for the common spurious claims such as the promise of jobs in the UK, no requirement for English-language tests (IELTS), and exorbitant fees,” it said.

Visa fraud leads to unacceptable and unnecessary levels of debt and puts people at risk of physical harm and exploitation.

A person found committing visa fraud could receive a 10-year ban on travel to the UK.

Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, the UK and India have a shared commitment to tackling irregular migration.

The campaign, representing a further element of joint efforts to step up the fight against irregular migration and visa fraud, comes against the backdrop of hundreds of illegal Indian immigrants found in the US and deported from there. Most of them had been defrauded and cheated by travel agents or others.

“The opportunity to visit, study, and work in the UK has never been greater and Indian nationals continue to receive the largest share of UK visit and work visas,” said Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India.

“However, young peoples’ dreams are being exploited, and too many are becoming victims of visa fraud. That’s why we are launching the Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign. The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the risks and help people to check the facts on safe and legal routes to the UK,” she added.

Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissioner Chandigarh, said: “Punjab is known for its hardworking and ambitious people who have made significant contributions both in the UK and globally. We want to ensure that these dreams are fulfilled safely and legally. We urge people to spread the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ message and help protect individuals from falling victim to fraudulent agents.” (NVI)

BNM carries out campaign in US to highlight Pakistani atrocities in Balochistan

Awareness campaign by Baloch National Movement in the US

Seattle (Washington), Feb 26 (NVI) In a public campaign, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) sought to rope in the support of the Americans to Balochistan’s struggle for Self-determination by apprising them of the ongoing atrocities by illegal occupant Pakistan.

The BNM activists informed the American public that the United States has provided Pakistan with billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded aid, which the Pakistani military has used to perpetuate the genocide of the Baloch nation.

The organisation has called on American citizens to support the Baloch nation’s right to self-determination, speak out against Pakistan’s ongoing atrocities in Balochistan, and demand an immediate end to all US financial and military aid to Pakistan.

As part of its awareness campaign, BNM members distributed hundreds of pamphlets in Seattle, highlighting the situation in Balochistan.

Titled “Balochistan: A Nation Under Occupation,” the pamphlet details Pakistan’s illegal occupation of Balochistan, ongoing state repression, and widespread human rights violations, according to a statement issued by the BNM.

The pamphlet also exposes Pakistan’s systematic policy of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, said BNM spokesman Qazi Dad Mohammad Rehan in the statement.

According to BNM, since 2009, Pakistan has intensified its campaign of abductions and executions under “Operation Silence.”

Thousands of Baloch have been forcibly disappeared, most of whom never returned.

BNM’s human rights organization, Paank, reported that in February 2025 alone, more than 65 people were forcibly disappeared, and three Baloch were extrajudicially killed.

BNM stressed that the wounds of colonialism remain unhealed, and the arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers continue to cost lives. Since Pakistan’s occupation of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch genocide has persisted.

Systematic efforts are underway to erase Baloch identity and culture, while education, healthcare, and employment are weaponized to suppress the Baloch nation.

Meanwhile, political activists, students, and intellectuals are being targeted and assassinated by Pakistani forces and their agents. (NVI)

UK welcomes fresh Indian investment of 100 Mn Pound

Representative photo.

New Delhi, Feb 26 (NVI) The United Kingdom (UK) has welcomed the fresh Indian investment of over 100 million Pounds and tens of millions worth of exports in tech and life sciences sectors.

Two senior Ministers of the UK — Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson — announced 17 new export and investment deals during their respective visits to India this week.

There are already over 950 Indian-owned companies operating in the UK and over 650 UK companies operating in India, cumulatively supporting over 600,000 jobs across both economies.

UK insurance companies in particular have gained more potential to expand in India following the recent Indian budget, which increased the amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) permitted in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%.

The UK has the third largest technology economy in the world, and a number of its technology companies have also announced expansion into India, accelerating their growth journey.

“Tech and life sciences are two huge growth sectors for the UK economy. I’m proud that government support has helped some of our finest businesses in these sectors to expand into the exciting Indian market. It’s great to see them going for growth, and their successes will amount to tens of millions of pounds for the UK economy,” Reynolds said.

Recent Indian investments in the UK valued at over £100 million in total are expected to create hundreds of new jobs over the next three years in a range of sectors including AI, professional services and textiles.

These investments are proof of global investor confidence of doing business in the UK.

The trend of strong Indian investment into the UK in recent years is evident, with the last year-on-year change showing the value of inward FDI stock from India having increased 28% at the end of 2023.

India has remained the second largest investor in terms of number of projects into the UK for five consecutive years.

“The new Indian investment proves that the government’s Plan for Change is giving Indian businesses the confidence they need to continue investing in Britain. Now the UK will strive to be more ambitious and collaborative than ever before as we show the world why the UK is the best place to invest,” said Gustafsson.

On Monday, Reynolds and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced in New Delhi the relaunch of talks on a Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India that can support jobs and bring more growth across both economies.

Minister Gustafsson is visiting Mumbai and Bengaluru to bang the drum for Britain, champion free trade and promote exciting investment opportunities in the UK for Indian companies, said a statement issued by the UK High Commission here. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA attacks convoy of Chinese firm; kills 7 Pakistani soldiers, injures 11

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

Quetta, Feb 26 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have carried out a major attack on a convoy of a Chinese company and the Pakistani military escort in occupied Balochistan, killing at least 7 soldiers and injuring 11 others.

It claimed that 11 out of the total 30 vehicles of the company working on Saindak Project were destroyed in the attack in Mangocher area of Kalat district in Balochistan yesterday.

“The attack took place near Mangocher Bazaar in the evening when BLA fighters ambushed and targeted a convoy of 30 vehicles belonging to a Chinese company,” said its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch in a statement.

“As part of the plan, the warriors first targeted a military vehicle guarding the convoy with a remote-controlled IED, completely destroying the vehicle,” the spokesman said.

After that, two additional enemy army vehicles were attacked with modern weapons, he said, adding 7 military personnel were eliminated and 11 wounded in it.

A second squad of freedom fighters targeted the vehicles in the Saindak Project convoy with heavy weapons and grenade launchers, Jeeyand Baloch said.

During this operation, a driver was arrested but was released after being given warning as he was a Baloch, he said.

Explaining the reason behind the attack, the spokesman said, “Saindak, Reko Diq and other exploitative projects have been imposed (on Pakistan-occupied Balochistan) without the will of the Baloch nation and the BLA will not allow any such project to succeed.”

The BLA spokesman warned foreign companies, investors and their local facilitators to refrain from entering into any kind of economic or trade agreement with the occupying state.

“Baloch Liberation Army makes it clear that all exploitative projects in Balochistan which are being carried out by a nexus of foreign companies and the occupying state are the main targets of our struggle,” the spokesman said.

“Companies involved in plundering the resources of Balochistan are warned to immediately abandon their exploitative role and leave Balochistan. Otherwise they will face more fierce attacks,” he said. (NVI)

Jammu: Firing by terrorists at Indian Army vehicle near LoC, no injuries reported

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

Rajouri (Jammu), Feb 26 (NVI) Some terrorists today fired a few rounds of bullets at an Indian Army vehicle in a far-flung area near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, sources said.

The vehicle came under fire in a mountainous and forested area of Phal village in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri, they said.

The vehicle was on the the move when it was fired upon by the terrorists believed to be hiding behind some trees flanking the road, the sources said.

The Army personnel fired back in the direction from where the attack took place.

There were no reports, as yet, of any casualties or injuries.

The site of the attack is considered a traditional infiltration route for terrorists.

Reinforcements were immediately rushed to the location and a cordon-and-search operation was launched in the area. (NVI)

BSF to boost strength along Pakistan border in Punjab, Jammu

Patrolling by Indian troops along border fence with Pakistan (File Pic)

Amritsar, Feb 24 (NVI) To fortify the anti-infiltration grid and prevent incursion by drones, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) will boost the manpower at the Pakistan border in Punjab and Jammu and set up tactical headquarters along the frontline.

At least 9 tactical or ‘tac headquarters’ are proposed to be set up in the forward areas closer to the border, near the border post, sources said.

The ‘tac headquarter’ will have the presence of a senior commander, including the commanding officer (CO) of the battalion deployed at these border posts, the sources said.

The BSF is responsible for guarding the 2,289 km-long India-Pakistan International Border (IB), starting from Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Gujarat, covering Punjab and Rajasthan too along the western side of the country.

The Punjab Frontier of the force guards 553 km of this boundary while the Jammu frontier is responsible for guarding 191.66 km of the IB part from 40.07 km of the Line of Control (LoC).

The BSF will also mobilise “maximum” manpower to the border all across these two regions after shifting them from the battalion headquarters, the sources said.

These steps are being taken in view of the “vulnerability and the constant threat” to these border areas from the point of view of cross-border infiltration and drone flights emanating from Pakistan, the sources said.

The Punjab border has been breached repeatedly by Pakistani drones, 294 of which were recovered by the BSF along with 283 kgs of heroin last year.

In 2023, the number of drones seized by the BSF on the frontier was 107.

The force also killed 4 Pakistani intruders and captured 161 Indian smugglers along with 30 Pakistani nationals from the Punjab border last year. (NVI)

Security of Jammu region reviewed, search operations launched

Security personnel during a search operation somewhere in Jammu and Kashmir (File Pic)

Jammu, Feb 22 (NVI) A day after border Flag Meeting with Pakistan, the Indian Army today held a meeting to review security and operational synergy with other forces and agencies in Jammu and Kashmir even as anti-terror operations were carried out in several parts of Jammu region.

“The aim was to maintain peace and tranquility in the region with operational synergy,” Nagrota-based 16 Corps said after the Joint Security Review Meeting chaired by its Commander and attended by representatives of Intelligence agencies, JKP and CRPF.

The security meeting was conducted a day after a Flag Meeting at Brigadier-level was held with Pakistan at the Line of Control (LoC) at Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch district to discuss recent ceasefire violations from the Pakistani side.

Meanwhile, Joint Security operations were launched following suspected movements of terrorists in some parts and as part of an area domination exercise in other places of Jammu region, officials said.

Altogether, the operations are being conducted in over a dozen areas of Poonch-Rajouri and 18 areas of the higher reaches of Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar and Doda districts with a focus on Khaderan forest.

Operations are going on in the forests close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu district, as well as in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, higher reaches of Udhampur-Kathua belt and mountainous Doda and Kishtwar.

In Poonch district, a search operation has been launched in Sangiote area of Gursai after two suspected foreign terrorists were found roaming under the cover of darkness last night, the officials said.

Search operations were also going on in Mohalla Qasba, Allapir and Jaalian in Mandi and Mankote in the same district and Dera Ki Gali and adjoining areas besides parts of Sunderbani and Nowshera sectors in the adjoining Rajouri district, they said. (NVI)

Pakistan has lost ‘credibility’, says its Finance Minister

Pakistan Finance Minister Aurangzeb

Islamabad, Feb 22 (NVI) Pakistan has lost its ‘credibility’ as a country, its Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said as the nation remains ridden with acute economic distress and security challenges.

Aurangzeb, while speaking at a Senate Climate Change Committee Meeting, talked about the extreme difficulties that Pakistan is facing on the economic front.

The meeting was convened to discuss the country’s climate financing challenges and its negotiations with international lenders, according to The Express Tribune newspaper.

“We have lost our credibility as a country,” the Minister said as he mentioned about the financial help that Pakistan is seeking from international monetary bodies.

Pakistan has virtually become bankrupt as it has been going through acute economic crisis.

He said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had committed USD 500 million and Pakistan expects to secure USD 1 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) next week.

There is an urgent need for economic reforms in Pakistan to restore trust among the international funding organisations, he said.

The Minister said the government is working on issuing ‘Green Panda’ bonds to attract further investments.

The ‘green panda’ bonds are issued in Chinese yuan by a foreign entity and the proceeds from these are used for green projects or assets.

He also announced a major shift in tax policy, stating that the Finance Ministry will now oversee tax policy, while the Federal Board of Revenue will focus solely on tax collection.

The minister also stressed the need for structural reforms to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth, according to the paper. (NVI)

India, Pak Armies agree to maintain sanctity of border ceasefiret

Patrolling by Indian troops along border fence with Pakistan (File Pic)

Jammu, Feb 21 (NVI) The Armies of India and Pakistan today held a top-level meeting to discuss issues related to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to maintain sanctity of the ceasefire pact which has been in place since February 25, 2021.

During the Brigadier-Level Flag Meeting held at Chakkan-da-Bagh crossing point in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the two sides talked about the recent incidents of violations of the ceasefire from the Pakistani side which resulted in casualties on the Indian side, sources said.

The sources said the meeting, which lasted about an hour, was held in a very cordial atmosphere.

Both sides agreed to honour the ceasefire pact renewed on February 25, 2021, for calm and peaceful borders, they said.

In the recent weeks, there have been some violations of the ceasefire pact from the Pakistani side.

In one such incident, an IED was planted from across the LoC near the border fence in Akhnoor sector of Jammu, which went off during patrolling by the Indian Army on February 11. Two soldiers, including a Captain, were killed in the incident.

On February 14, an army jawan sustained injury in a sniper shot suspected to be fired from across the border in the Keri area of Akhnoor sector.

On February 16, Pakistani Army resorted to firing in Gulpur area of Poonch sector, which was effectively retaliated by the Indian troops. (NVI)

1...101112...1,493Page 11 of 1,493

MUST READ