145 Killed in First Three Days of New Year Holidays in Thailand

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday to attend the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. The visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with regional and international partners on key political, economic, and security issues. Dar reached Manila with a high-level delegation. During his visit, he will participate in the ARF plenary session and hold several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and senior officials from participating countries. These meetings are expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding economic cooperation, and discussing regional developments. Upon his arrival, Dar was welcomed by senior officials of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Asima Rabbani, and officials of the Pakistani Embassy. The ASEAN Regional Forum is one of the region’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together foreign ministers and senior representatives from ASEAN member states and partner countries to discuss peace, security, and regional cooperation. This year’s meeting will focus on several pressing international issues. Participants will exchange views on growing geopolitical tensions, regional security challenges, energy security, food supply concerns, trade cooperation, and the impact of ongoing global conflicts. The situation in Myanmar will also be high on the agenda. Leaders are expected to review efforts to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and discuss ways to support peace and stability in the country. The continuing tensions between the United States and Iran are also expected to feature prominently during discussions. Delegates will assess the impact of the conflict on regional security, global energy markets, and international trade. Senior diplomats from major world powers are attending the forum. These include representatives from the United States, China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The meeting provides an opportunity for bilateral engagements and dialogue on shared global challenges. ASEAN countries are also expected to discuss measures to strengthen regional energy cooperation. Member states are exploring ways to improve oil-sharing mechanisms to reduce the impact of possible disruptions in global energy supplies.

QUETTA: Gas supplies to Quetta and several areas of Balochistan were suspended on Thursday after an explosion damaged a major gas pipeline in the Bolan region. Officials said the blast occurred near Gokurt. An 18-inch-diameter pipeline was damaged by an explosive device near its valve assembly. The damaged facility is located around 800 metres from the National Highway. The explosion disrupted gas supplies to Quetta, Kolpur, Mach, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat. Flames reportedly emerged from the damaged pipeline shortly after the blast. The area was secured to prevent further danger and allow authorities to inspect the site. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said repair teams would be sent to the location after security clearance is granted. Engineers and technical teams will assess the damage first. Restoration work will begin after the site is declared safe. The company has not yet announced when gas supplies will be fully restored. The suspension has caused concern among residents and businesses in the affected areas. Many households depend on the gas network for cooking and other daily needs. Businesses and commercial establishments may also face difficulties if the disruption continues for an extended period. Security authorities have started investigating the explosion. Officials are also examining the circumstances surrounding the damage to the pipeline. The incident highlights continuing security concerns surrounding energy infrastructure in Balochistan. Gas pipelines in the province have previously been targeted in similar attacks. A similar incident was reported in Balochistan earlier this year. In March, an 18-inch gas pipeline near the Western Bypass in Harnai’s Akhtarabad area was damaged in an explosion. Explosives had reportedly been planted beneath the pipeline. The blast destroyed a significant section of the infrastructure and disrupted gas supplies to several areas. The earlier incident affected parts of Quetta and upper Balochistan. Several localities, including Airport Road, Nawan Kali, Jinnah Town, Hazarganji, Kuchlak, Pishin and Ziarat, experienced disruptions. The March explosion also caused a major fire. Large flames were seen rising from the damaged pipeline, creating panic among people living nearby. Authorities are continuing their investigation into Thursday’s blast. Security officials will also determine the extent of the damage and assess the measures required to protect the pipeline network.

MANCHESTER: British-Pakistani entrepreneur Shafiq Akbar has announced that an online property verification service in Pakistan will be launched next month, describing it as a major step towards protecting overseas Pakistanis from property fraud and restoring confidence in the country’s real estate sector. Speaking at an investment event in Manchester, Akbar said many overseas Pakistanis want to invest in Pakistan, whether to own a home, establish a base in the country or build long-term wealth. However, he said the biggest concern preventing many from investing is the fear of fraud and uncertainty over whether their investment will be secure. He said overseas Pakistanis need confidence that the promises made to them will be fulfilled, whether that is receiving ownership of a home or achieving the expected returns on their investment. “It is our responsibility, as Pakistanis, together with the Government of Pakistan and the private sector, to ensure their investments are protected,” he said. Akbar revealed that an online property verification service will be launched in Pakistan next month, allowing overseas buyers to verify the legal status and ownership of properties remotely before making a purchase. He said Pakistanis living in countries such as the UK will be able to check online whether a property in Islamabad has any legal, ownership or other issues before investing, helping them make informed decisions with greater peace of mind. He said the initiative is aimed at improving transparency in Pakistan’s real estate market and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions, which have discouraged some overseas Pakistanis from investing. Highlighting Pakistan’s investment potential, Akbar said his experience over the past decade has convinced him that the country offers significantly greater growth opportunities than more mature economies. Comparing Islamabad with London, he said the Pakistani capital has witnessed remarkable infrastructure development over the past five to ten years, including new roads, underpasses, motorways, airport expansion and major public infrastructure projects. He said Pakistan’s growing population, expanding infrastructure and status as a developing economy continue to create strong long-term investment opportunities. Akbar also urged the Government of Pakistan to prioritise the protection of overseas Pakistanis’ investments by strengthening legal safeguards and providing greater security for investors. He said giving overseas Pakistanis confidence that their investments are safe would encourage them to invest back home with peace of mind. The online property verification service has yet to be launched, and further details regarding its implementation, regulatory oversight and the mechanism for verifying property records have not yet been disclosed.