Cambodia Repatriates 162 Detained Thais via Chanthaburi Border

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Kabal, Swat, expressing grief over the loss of lives and reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. In separate statements, both leaders extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and prayed for the departed souls. They also asked Allah Almighty to grant patience and strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time. President Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the explosion. He directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all injured victims receive the best possible medical treatment without delay. The president said terrorists would never succeed in weakening Pakistan’s peace, national unity or the writ of the state. He praised the sacrifices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and other law enforcement agencies, describing their bravery and commitment as a source of pride for the nation. He further called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed authorities to identify those responsible for planning and carrying out the attack. He stressed that all perpetrators and their facilitators must be brought to justice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the suicide bombing and expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives. He conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks. The prime minister also wished a speedy recovery for those injured and instructed the relevant departments to provide them with the highest standard of medical care. Reaffirming the government’s resolve against militancy, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s fight against terrorism would continue until the menace was completely eradicated. He said those seeking to destabilise the country through acts of violence would not be allowed to succeed.

PESHAWAR: Poor internet connectivity is creating serious problems for girls pursuing education in the merged districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Students in remote areas often struggle to attend online classes. They also face difficulties downloading study material and submitting assignments. For 16-year-old Khadija Bibi from Kurram district, finding an internet signal has become part of her daily life. During the summer holidays, she often leaves her home and climbs a nearby hill. She carries her mobile phone with her. She stands on the rocky slope and searches for a stronger signal. She uses the limited connection to download lecture notes and complete academic tasks. She also tries to attend online classes from the hill. However, the weak network frequently disconnects. This causes her to miss lessons and submit assignments late. Khadija is a BS Computer Science student at Benazir Women University Peshawar. She said unreliable internet had become one of the biggest challenges in her education. She said students in remote areas were being left behind as education increasingly depended on digital technology. The problem is not limited to Kurram. Thousands of girls across the merged districts face similar difficulties. The region already has several major education challenges. Poverty remains a serious obstacle. Insecurity has also affected access to education. Many areas also lack proper schools and other educational facilities. The digital divide has added another challenge. Several schools in the merged districts either do not have computer laboratories or have laboratories without working computers. Some also lack internet connections. This prevents students from gaining basic computer skills. It also makes online education difficult. Official data highlights the wider education crisis in the region. Benazir Income Support Programme data shows that 66 per cent of children in North Waziristan are out of school. The rate stands at 63 per cent in Bajaur. It is 61 per cent in South Waziristan. Mohmand and Khyber each record an out-of-school rate of 51 per cent. Kurram and Orakzai each have a rate of 47 per cent. Girls face additional difficulties because of limited access to technology. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Women Empowerment Policy 2026-2030 highlights the scale of the digital divide. According to the policy, only 11 per cent of women in the merged districts have access to the internet. The female literacy rate is also extremely low. It stands at only 17 per cent. Education and digital inclusion advocates say poor infrastructure is a major reason for the situation. Weak mobile networks make internet access unreliable. Many families also cannot afford smartphones or regular internet packages. Some girls have to borrow phones from family members. This makes it difficult for them to attend online classes regularly. Access to technology is also affected by social restrictions. In some communities, families remain concerned about girls using mobile phones and the internet. Concerns about online safety and social pressure often result in restrictions. Cultural norms can also limit girls’ access to digital technology. Experts say improving internet coverage alone will not solve the problem. Girls also need greater freedom to travel to schools, universities and training centres. Better transport facilities could help students reach educational institutions more easily. It could also improve access to vocational training and employment opportunities. Experts have urged the provincial government and telecommunications authorities to give greater attention to the merged districts. They say residents should receive reliable internet services similar to those available in settled areas. Improved digital infrastructure could transform educational opportunities for girls in remote communities. Reliable internet would allow students to attend online classes without travelling long distances. They could access digital libraries and educational resources. They could also develop computer skills and participate in online training programmes. For students like Khadija, internet access is more than a technological facility. It is directly linked to education and future opportunities. Without reliable connectivity, many talented girls may continue to struggle despite their willingness to study. Addressing the digital divide therefore requires investment in telecommunications infrastructure, schools, digital devices and affordable internet services. It also requires efforts to remove social barriers that prevent girls from using technology.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has welcomed what he described as positive progress in relations between Pakistan and Russia. Dar made the remarks during a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev in Islamabad on Tuesday. According to the Foreign Office, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and regional developments. Dar stressed the importance of maintaining the current momentum and expanding cooperation between the two countries. The foreign minister called for greater collaboration in key areas. He also emphasised the need for regular high-level engagement to further strengthen ties between Islamabad and Moscow. Dar said Pakistan remained committed to resolving regional disputes through dialogue and diplomatic efforts. He maintained that negotiations were the most effective way to address differences and promote peace and stability in the region. The meeting comes as Pakistan and Russia continue efforts to broaden their relationship beyond traditional areas of cooperation. Economic engagement has emerged as an important part of the bilateral relationship. Earlier this year, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said Pakistan and Russia had agreed to work towards an Economic Cooperation Programme extending until 2030. The programme is expected to provide a framework for expanding economic engagement and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Officials have also been working to improve people-to-people contacts. A recently signed readmission agreement is expected to contribute to smoother visa arrangements and facilitate greater interaction between citizens of the two countries. Pakistan’s engagement with Russia is also taking place against the backdrop of wider regional changes. Islamabad has repeatedly emphasised the importance of diplomatic engagement and cooperation for addressing regional challenges. Dar’s latest meeting with the Russian ambassador reflects Pakistan’s efforts to maintain regular high-level contacts with Moscow and explore opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation.