five nepali climbers
| |

Five Nepali climbers’ bodies reach Islamabad

The bodies of five Nepali climbers who died in an avalanche on Broad Peak have been brought to Islamabad.

According to Deputy Commissioner Hamza Murad, the bodies were transported to Islamabad by air and have been placed in the morgue at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

He said the bodies would be sent to Nepal once the necessary travel documents had been completed.

The avalanche struck Broad Peak about a week ago, leaving 10 climbers missing. According to the deputy commissioner, the bodies of eight climbers, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, have so far been recovered.

The search for two missing climbers is still underway. They include Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi and a foreign female climber.

Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the remaining climbers while arrangements are being made to repatriate the recovered bodies to their respective countries.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Angelina Jolie makes emotional U-turn on love as l…

    Angelina Jolie is reportedly entering a new chapter in her life, one marked by personal reflection, emotional healing, and a changing perspective on love. As the Hollywood star prepares for the day when all six of her children are living independent lives, new reports suggest she is also reassessing her feelings about romance following her highly publicized split from Brad Pitt. According to recent entertainment reports, Jolie has spent much of the past several years focusing on her children and career while keeping her personal life out of the spotlight. Sources claim that the actress has been reluctant to date after her difficult breakup with Pitt, believing the emotional toll of the relationship left her wary of opening her heart again. Insiders say Jolie’s hesitation stems from the challenges she faced during and after her separation from Pitt. The former couple’s divorce and legal disputes, including ongoing disagreements over custody and the French winery Château Miraval, have kept them in the headlines for years. Those experiences reportedly had a lasting impact on Jolie’s confidence in romantic relationships. However, recent reports suggest the actress is beginning to shift her outlook. Rather than allowing past heartbreak to define her future, Jolie is said to be embracing a healthier mindset. While she is not actively searching for a new relationship, sources claim she is no longer completely closed off to the possibility of finding love again if the right person comes along. Another major reason for Jolie’s emotional transition is her changing role as a mother. With her children growing older and pursuing their own education, careers, and interests, the actress is gradually approaching the empty-nest stage of life. Although the transition is expected to be bittersweet, those close to Jolie say she is proud of her children and excited to see them build their own futures. Friends reportedly believe this next phase could allow Jolie to focus more on herself after years of putting her family first. Whether through new film projects, humanitarian work, travel, or eventually a future relationship, the actress is said to be embracing the opportunities that come with this fresh chapter. Despite the renewed optimism, reports indicate Jolie remains cautious. She is said to value emotional stability and trust more than ever before and has no interest in rushing into another romance. Instead, she is focused on protecting the peace she has worked hard to create. While only Angelina Jolie truly knows what the future holds, recent reports paint a picture of a woman who is gradually moving beyond the pain of the past. As she prepares for life after raising her children at home, Jolie appears determined to prioritize healing, happiness, and a future shaped by her own choices rather than past experiences.

  • | |

    PTI rejects AJK polls, demands probe into killings

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday rejected the recently concluded Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, alleging that the electoral process lacked transparency and calling for an independent investigation into the killings and violence reported during the polls. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former AJK prime minister Sardar Qayyum Niazi accused the authorities of suppressing public opinion and said the events surrounding the elections had damaged both democracy and the Kashmir cause. Niazi said the people of Kashmir had a long history of supporting Pakistan and deserved to have their voices heard through a free and fair electoral process. He alleged that peaceful protesters had faced excessive force despite demonstrating without violence. “They remained peaceful even while facing bullets and batons,” he said, adding that the government should have engaged in dialogue rather than confrontation. Questioning the decision to conduct polling in three phases, Niazi argued that AJK’s relatively small population did not justify such an arrangement. He contrasted the process with Pakistan’s nationwide elections, saying the phased schedule had raised serious questions among voters. PTI Chairman Gohar described the July 27 elections as “a fraud” and maintained that democracy could not function if citizens were prevented from expressing their views through peaceful protest. He said public grievances should be addressed through dialogue instead of force. The PTI chief also criticised major political parties, accusing them of politicising the post-election situation instead of focusing on the concerns of the people. According to Gohar, the low voter turnout reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the existing political system. He further claimed that the election results had failed to inspire public confidence and urged all stakeholders to prioritise transparency, accountability and democratic values. Calling for an impartial inquiry, PTI demanded that those responsible for the reported killings and use of force be identified and held accountable. Party leaders said an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts, ensure justice for affected families and restore public trust in democratic institutions. The party concluded by urging authorities to avoid further escalation and resolve political disputes through dialogue, warning that prolonged instability in AJK could undermine both democratic credibility and Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir issue.

  • |

    Moscow restaurant bomb blast kills three, injures …

    MOSCOW: A powerful explosion caused by a homemade bomb killed three people and injured at least 21 others outside an upscale restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, prompting a major security operation and a high-level investigation by Russian authorities. According to Russia’s Anti-Terrorism Committee, the blast occurred shortly before 8pm local time near the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant, located in one of Moscow’s iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinskaya Square. Officials said an unidentified woman carrying the explosive device attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard. Moments later, the bomb detonated, killing the woman, the security guard and a restaurant customer. Police said the injured suffered wounds of varying severity and were rushed to nearby hospitals, while emergency responders secured the area and searched for further threats. Video released by Russia’s state news agency RIA showed heavily armed security personnel and emergency crews surrounding the blast site, which was immediately sealed off as investigators gathered evidence. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims or indicated who may have been behind the attack. Investigators are examining multiple possibilities as the probe continues. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Russia, more than four years after the escalation of the war in Ukraine. Earlier this year, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced enhanced protection measures for senior military officials following a series of assassinations and attempted attacks that Moscow blamed on Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing unnamed sources, reported that investigators suspect the explosive device may have been intended to target guests gathered on the restaurant’s outdoor summer terrace. The report also suggested the bomb could have been detonated remotely, raising the possibility that the woman carrying it may not have known she was transporting an explosive. The restaurant’s official website stated that it had been closed to the public on Saturday due to a private event, adding another layer of mystery to the incident. As forensic teams continue examining the scene, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains underway. The blast has once again highlighted ongoing security challenges in the Russian capital and raised fresh concerns about public safety in crowded urban areas.

  • | | |

    PML-N takes early lead in AJK Polls

    Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections ended on Monday after a day marked by political tensions, allegations of rigging and several security-related incidents across Mirpur Division. Voting began at 8am and continued until 6pm after authorities extended polling hours by one hour. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. The election saw a close contest between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also remained in the race in several constituencies. The most serious incident was reported in LA-9 Kotli-II, where PPP worker Mukhtar Younus was killed and two people, including his father, were injured in a firing incident. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari blamed PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem for the incident. He alleged that Younus was killed in firing linked to the PML-N candidate and questioned why authorities had not acted earlier against alleged threats. Bilawal said a video had reportedly surfaced two days before the incident showing Naeem and his associates allegedly firing weapons in public. He argued that timely action could have prevented the loss of life. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor demanded immediate arrests and called for stronger measures to protect voters and political workers. The PML-N rejected the PPP’s version of events. The party claimed that Younus had also been involved in its election campaign activities. The incident came against the backdrop of earlier violence in Kotli. A PML-N activist was killed and two others were injured in a firing incident on July 10 while they were returning from an election campaign. Polling disrupted at several stations Voting was also suspended for the remainder of the day at three polling stations in Kotli and two in Bhimber following election-related incidents. Officials said the possibility of re-polling would depend on whether the number of votes affected could change the final result. In Bhimber’s Samahni tehsil, supporters of IPP candidate Ali Shan Soni allegedly took ballot boxes away from a polling station. Videos showing the alleged incident also circulated online. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz said a ballot box was later set on fire at another polling station. Police detained around 30 people in connection with the incident. The PPP and PML-N exchanged allegations of electoral interference in several constituencies. The PPP accused PML-N supporters of attempting to influence polling in LA-12 Kotli-V. It alleged that PML-N candidate Raja Riasat Khan entered polling stations with armed men. The party also raised objections over alleged interference at polling stations in LA-8 Kotli-I and called on the Election Commission to investigate. The PPP further complained that slow mobile phone services were affecting communication for voters, journalists and emergency responders. PML-N, PPP trade rigging allegations The PML-N also raised allegations of pre-poll and polling-day irregularities. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah alleged interference in LA-10 Kotli-III and claimed that PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin was involved in alleged manipulation of the electoral process. He demanded an investigation and said his party would not accept the constituency’s results until the allegations were examined. The Election Commission separately confirmed that two presiding officers in Kotli had been arrested and suspended after reportedly failing to reach their assigned polling stations. According to officials, the presiding officers had collected election material but went to a private residence instead of reporting to their designated polling stations. An FIR was registered in connection with the matter, while replacement presiding officers were appointed and the election material was taken into official custody. PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan rejected the PML-N’s allegations and instead accused the federal government of influencing the elections. He claimed that government resources and development announcements were being used during the election period. He called for the federal administration to stay away from the electoral process and urged all parties to allow voters to make their choice freely. Security tightened across Mirpur Division Authorities deployed a large security force to maintain order during polling. A total of 288 candidates contested the 13 constituencies. The Election Commission established 2,316 polling stations, including 1,241 classified as highly sensitive and 724 as sensitive. More than 18,500 police and other law-enforcement personnel were deployed under a three-tier security arrangement. Police formed the first security layer, while Rangers and the Federal Constabulary formed the second. The Pakistan Army provided the third layer and remained prepared to respond to emergencies. Around 2,100 army personnel were also deployed, while Quick Response Force teams remained on standby. AJK Inspector General of Police retired Captain Liaquat Ali Malik said the election remained largely peaceful despite a few incidents. He described minor arguments and scuffles as common during closely contested elections but warned that anyone attempting to disrupt polling would face legal action regardless of political affiliation. The AJK chief election commissioner had also warned before polling that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to interfere with the electoral process. Preliminary results show close race Unofficial results indicated a competitive contest between the PML-N and PPP. The PML-N was leading in LA-1 Dadyal with 8,271 votes and was also ahead in LA-7 Bhimber with 14,560 votes. The party was also leading in LA-5 Bhimber with 2,545 votes in the preliminary figures available at the time. The PPP was leading in LA-2 Mirpur with 3,103 votes. The results remained preliminary and unofficial, with counting and compilation continuing after polling ended. The first phase is part of a three-stage election schedule adopted due to security concerns. The second phase is scheduled for August 2 and will cover nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies. The third phase will be held on August 10 in 11 constituencies of Poonch Division. Bilawal and Nawaz clash over election campaign The AJK election has also become a political contest between senior leaders of the PPP and PML-N. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif both participated in election campaigning before polling. Nawaz criticised the PPP’s political record in Sindh during a campaign rally

  • | | |

    Pakistan’s Major General Qazi appointed as new U…

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Pakistan Army Major General Jawwad Ahmed Qazi as the new Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Major General Qazi, who has been awarded with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), brings more than 35 years of military leadership, operational command and international peacekeeping experience to his new assignment. His appointment reflects Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations. During his military career, Major General Qazi has held several senior command, staff and instructional positions in Pakistan and abroad. His previous appointments include serving as General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division, Force Commander Northern Areas and Director General at the Ministry of Defence. He has also gained direct experience in UN peacekeeping, having served with the United Nations Transitional Administration in Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) in Croatia earlier in his career. Pakistan has welcomed the appointment, describing it as another significant contribution to international peace and stability. The country continues to support UN peacekeeping efforts by providing trained contingents and experienced military leaders for missions around the world. Major General Qazi’s appointment further highlights Pakistan’s extensive experience and continued commitment to global peacekeeping and international security.

  • | |

    Japan PM’s market woes deepen as support slides

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing mounting political and economic pressure as falling public support makes it harder for her government to balance tax cuts, economic stimulus and financial stability. Takaichi’s approval rating fell sharply in July, reaching its lowest level since she became prime minister last year. Rising inflation has increased pressure on households and weakened public confidence in the government. Higher import costs linked to a weaker yen have contributed to price increases. The impact of inflation is now becoming a major political challenge for Takaichi. The prime minister has continued to support higher government spending and large-scale investment. She has also criticised excessive monetary and fiscal tightening. However, investors are increasingly worried that the government’s expansionary policies could worsen Japan’s already difficult fiscal position. Those concerns have pushed Japanese government bond yields higher. Rising yields indicate that investors are demanding greater returns to hold Japanese debt. The market pressure has also complicated government efforts to support the yen. Officials have repeatedly warned currency traders against excessive speculation, but their comments have had limited impact. Government sources said the effectiveness of such verbal intervention was weakening as investors became more concerned about Japan’s fiscal outlook. One source warned that financial markets were gaining greater influence over fiscal management, creating a situation Japan had not experienced on this scale for decades. Takaichi is caught between two competing objectives. She wants to stimulate economic growth and reduce the burden of rising living costs. At the same time, she needs to convince investors that Japan remains committed to fiscal discipline. Her government’s spending plans have already contributed to market concerns. Japanese government bond yields climbed to their highest level in about three decades in July as investors assessed the potential impact of increased spending and borrowing. Takaichi has acknowledged the importance of rebuilding confidence among investors. She recently said that communication with financial markets would become increasingly important. However, she has shown little intention of abandoning her expansionary economic strategy. The prime minister has reiterated her goal of ending what she calls excessive fiscal tightening. She wants to promote growth through increased investment and tax reductions. That position has created a political dilemma. Reducing or delaying her planned measures could weaken her popularity. But continuing with them could further unsettle financial markets. The pressure could intensify in the coming months. Takaichi is expected to proceed with a proposal to reduce an 8% consumption tax on food for two years. Japanese media have reported that the government intends to move ahead despite reservations within the ruling party. The plan could provide relief to households struggling with higher prices. However, analysts say uncertainty over how the tax reduction would be financed could create additional pressure in the bond market. The government is also considering changes to its budget-making process. Under the proposed system, spending requests for key growth sectors would not be subject to strict ceilings. That could lead to higher government expenditure and increased debt issuance in the next fiscal year. Economists have warned that such measures may make it more difficult for the government to reassure investors about its commitment to fiscal responsibility. Japan’s currency is also facing significant pressure.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *