After a passenger train was hijacked by militants in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Tuesday, the country's security forces have gunned down at least 27 hijackers, while 155 passengers were rescued. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan Train Hijack: 155 hostages freed, operation on to free remaining passengers

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a sum of £190 million repatriated by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) will be used to construct the Danish University of Applied and Emerging Sciences in Islamabad. Watch this report for more details!

Islamabad to establish 'Danish University' with £190m recovered from UK, says PM Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan Train Hijack: 155 hostages freed, 27 rebels killed so far

After a passenger train was hijacked by militants in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Tuesday, the country's security forces have gunned down at least 27 hijackers, while 104 passengers were rescued. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan train hijack: Train hostage survivors in Pakistan recount horror of firing

After a passenger train was hijacked by militants in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Tuesday, the country's security forces have gunned down at least 20 hijackers, while 104 passengers were rescued. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan train hijack: 104 hostages freed; operation on to free remaining passengers

Pakistan Train Hijack: Security race against time for safe release of passengers

Pakistan train hijack: Rescue operation on to free remaining passengers, 104 freed so far

Pakistan Train Hijack: 104 hostages rescued, militant group BLA claims responsibility

Pakistan train hijack: 104 hostages freed, 20 terrorists & 12 soldiers killed

A passenger train carrying hundreds of people was hijacked by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Tuesday (March 11). The BLA later claimed that the gunmen were holding 182 passengers as hostages and had killed 20 military personnel, according to ANI.&nbsp;
The gunmen opened fire on the Jaffar Express and threatened to execute all hostages if security forces didn't retreat.&nbsp;
Following the attack, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the banned terrorist organisation, claimed responsibility while claiming to have hijacked the train.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/Pakistan-firing-at-jaffer-express-in-balochistan-several-passengers-injured-bla-claims-train-hijack-8842982">Pakistan train hijack: Gunmen hold 450 passengers hostage in Balochistan after firing at train</a>
"After capturing the Jaffar Express, the fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army have taken 182 hostages who have been in our custody for the past six hours. During this operation, an additional eight Pakistani military personnel were eliminated, bringing the total number of enemy casualties to over 20," the BLA said in its statement.
AK Shaheen, the Media Coordinator for Sibbi District said that the driver of the train has been killed in the firing, while multiple people have been injured.
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<h2>What does BLA want?</h2>
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants have set a 48-hour deadline, seeking the "immediate and unconditional release of Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons and national resistance activists", in exchange for the hostages.
The BLA further said that they are confronting the Pakistani Air Force using anti-aircraft artillery.&nbsp;
"Throughout the ongoing operation, intense confrontations have taken place with the Pakistani Air Force, with our fighters using anti-aircraft artillery and inflicting severe losses on the enemy," the BLA said.&nbsp;
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The militant outfit further noted that not a single BLA fighter has been injured or killed.&nbsp;
"Currently, all hostages are in the custody of the BLA's Fidayeen unit, Majeed Brigade. Clear instructions have been issued to the Majeed Brigade: if the Pakistani military attempts to approach, all hostages will be executed and the Fidayeen will continue their resistance until martyrdom without retreating," the statement concluded.
Following this, the Balochistan government imposed emergency measures and all institutions have been mobilised to deal with the situation, Dawn reported, citing government spokesperson Shahid Rind.
A massive counter-operation is underway to secure the hostages. The Pakistan Army has also rushed a relief train with reinforcements of soldiers and doctors to the incident spot, according to sources.&nbsp;
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(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, south asia: Following this, the Balochistan government imposed emergency measures and all institutions have been mobilised to deal with the situation.

A passenger train carrying hundreds of people was hijacked by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Tuesday (March 11). The BLA later claimed that the gunmen were holding 182 passengers as hostages and had killed 20 military personnel, according to ANI. The gunmen opened fire on the Jaffar Express and threatened to execute all hostages if security forces didn't retreat. Following the attack, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the banned terrorist organisation, claimed responsibility while claiming to have hijacked the train. Also read: Pakistan train hijack: Gunmen hold 450 passengers hostage in Balochistan after firing at train "After capturing the Jaffar Express, the fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army have taken 182 hostages who have been in our custody for the past six hours. During this operation, an additional eight Pakistani military personnel were eliminated, bringing the total number of enemy casualties to over 20," the BLA said in its statement. AK Shaheen, the Media Coordinator for Sibbi District said that the driver of the train has been killed in the firing, while multiple people have been injured. Also read: Beijing’s secret war: Is China weaponising Pakistan and Bangladesh? What does BLA want? The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants have set a 48-hour deadline, seeking the "immediate and unconditional release of Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons and national resistance activists", in exchange for the hostages. The BLA further said that they are confronting the Pakistani Air Force using anti-aircraft artillery. "Throughout the ongoing operation, intense confrontations have taken place with the Pakistani Air Force, with our fighters using anti-aircraft artillery and inflicting severe losses on the enemy," the BLA said. Also read: Gunmen in Balochistan single out 7 bus travellers from Pakistan's Punajb and kill them The militant outfit further noted that not a single BLA fighter has been injured or killed. "Currently, all hostages are in the custody of the BLA's Fidayeen unit, Majeed Brigade. Clear instructions have been issued to the Majeed Brigade: if the Pakistani military attempts to approach, all hostages will be executed and the Fidayeen will continue their resistance until martyrdom without retreating," the statement concluded. Following this, the Balochistan government imposed emergency measures and all institutions have been mobilised to deal with the situation, Dawn reported, citing government spokesperson Shahid Rind. A massive counter-operation is underway to secure the hostages. The Pakistan Army has also rushed a relief train with reinforcements of soldiers and doctors to the incident spot, according to sources. Also read: Spanish Police arrest 10 Pakistani nationals for promoting terrorism and extremism (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan train hijack: Baloch group kills 20 military personnel, gives 48-hour deadline as it holds 182 hostages

Three migrant barbers were shot dead by gunmen in Balochistan on Monday, where violence by separatist militants is rising. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan: Gunmen kill three barbers in Balochistan Panjgur

The United States has issued an advisory on Friday (Mar 7), warning its citizens against travel to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provinces in Pakistan. The travel advisory also cautioned on travel to the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.&nbsp;
The advisory read, &ldquo;Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk.&rdquo;
It cautions US citizens travelling to &ldquo;Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, which include the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism.&rdquo; It also warns people against travelling to the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control.
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&ldquo;Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which include the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent,&rdquo; the advisory read.
&ldquo;Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilians, as well as local military and police targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past,&rdquo; it added.
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<h2>Advisory warns of terrorism in region</h2>
The advisory issued by the government classified Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, and vicinity of the Line of Control as &ldquo;Level 4: Do Not Travel&rdquo;.
&ldquo;Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces,&rdquo; it warned about the Balochistan Province, where terrorist attacks are frequent.
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It also warned of &ldquo;active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces,&rdquo; which have targeted both government officials and civilians in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
The government also cautioned of militant groups that are known to operate in the vicinity of the Line of Control, where both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on their respective sides.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The advisory read, “Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk.”

The United States has issued an advisory on Friday (Mar 7), warning its citizens against travel to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provinces in Pakistan. The travel advisory also cautioned on travel to the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. The advisory read, “Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk.” It cautions US citizens travelling to “Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, which include the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism.” It also warns people against travelling to the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control. Also read | US-Iran nuclear talks: 'They aim at domination': Khamenei rejects US proposal “Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which include the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent,” the advisory read. “Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilians, as well as local military and police targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past,” it added. Also read | Another Hindu temple vandalised in US with anti-India graffiti ahead of 'Khalistani referendum' Advisory warns of terrorism in region The advisory issued by the government classified Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, and vicinity of the Line of Control as “Level 4: Do Not Travel”. “Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces,” it warned about the Balochistan Province, where terrorist attacks are frequent. Also read | WhatsApp admin killed for removing member from group in Pakistan It also warned of “active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces,” which have targeted both government officials and civilians in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The government also cautioned of militant groups that are known to operate in the vicinity of the Line of Control, where both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on their respective sides. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Do not travel’: US warns citizens against travelling to Pakistan’s key areas over ‘increased risk’

The U.S. has issued an advisory urging citizens in the U.S. to reconsider travel to Pakistan and also issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for the Pakistan border and the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Watch in for more details!

US urges citizens to reconsider travel to Balochistan & KPK

A man in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was shot dead for removing a member from a WhatsApp group on Friday (Mar 7). Mushtaq Ahmed, who was the admin of a group on the messaging app, and Ashfaq Khan, the accused, had an altercation over a matter. The family of the victim believes it was a trivial matter that led to the killing of Ahmed.
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The incident took place in KP's Regi, located on the outskirts of Peshawar, which is near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
While speaking to news outlet Arab News, the victim's brother, Humayun Khan said that he was present when the two were embroiled in an argument. He said that he wasn't quite aware of how it unfolded and what led to the killing of his brother. All he knew was that Ashfaq's removal from WhatsApp had infuriated and triggered him.
&ldquo;My slain brother Mushtaq and Ashfaq had developed some differences in a WhatsApp group, forcing my brother to remove the latter. Ashfaq got infuriated and shot my brother dead. It was a non-issue or a very trivial matter. No one in our family even knew about the dispute at all," Humayun was quoted by the publication.
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This incident highlighted how trivial online issues are turning fatal. The local police mentioned the brother of the victim had come to the police station and lodged a complaint. In the report, the police mentioned that both individuals were seemingly looking to put the matter to rest and were in the process of reconciling. But in a sudden twist, Ashfaq pulled out a gun to shoot Mushtaq.
The suspect escaped from the crime scene after shooting the victim; the police are conducting a search operation to nab him.
&nbsp;

South Asia: A man in Pakistan's Khyer Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was shot dead for removing a member from a WhatsApp group on Friday (Mar 7). The incident took place in KP's Regi, located on the outskirts of Peshawar, which is near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

A man in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was shot dead for removing a member from a WhatsApp group on Friday (Mar 7). Mushtaq Ahmed, who was the admin of a group on the messaging app, and Ashfaq Khan, the accused, had an altercation over a matter. The family of the victim believes it was a trivial matter that led to the killing of Ahmed. Also read: Europe rejects ‘substandard’ Pakistani rice, EU blocks 104 consignments The incident took place in KP's Regi, located on the outskirts of Peshawar, which is near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. While speaking to news outlet Arab News, the victim's brother, Humayun Khan said that he was present when the two were embroiled in an argument. He said that he wasn't quite aware of how it unfolded and what led to the killing of his brother. All he knew was that Ashfaq's removal from WhatsApp had infuriated and triggered him. “My slain brother Mushtaq and Ashfaq had developed some differences in a WhatsApp group, forcing my brother to remove the latter. Ashfaq got infuriated and shot my brother dead. It was a non-issue or a very trivial matter. No one in our family even knew about the dispute at all," Humayun was quoted by the publication. Also read: Suicide bombing attack at Pakistan military facility kills 10 during Ramzan prayers This incident highlighted how trivial online issues are turning fatal. The local police mentioned the brother of the victim had come to the police station and lodged a complaint. In the report, the police mentioned that both individuals were seemingly looking to put the matter to rest and were in the process of reconciling. But in a sudden twist, Ashfaq pulled out a gun to shoot Mushtaq. The suspect escaped from the crime scene after shooting the victim; the police are conducting a search operation to nab him.

WhatsApp admin killed for removing member from group in Pakistan

Pakistan has launched a major crackdown on illegal migrants, with a March 31 deadline for foreigners to leave the country. Millions of Afghan nationals, many of whom entered after the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, now face deportation. The move has sparked concerns over the humanitarian impact of the mass expulsion

Pakistan cracks down on Afghan illegal migrants, sets March deadline

Pakistan's interior ministry on Friday (March 7) asked all "illegal foreigners" and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/final-strokes-trump-hints-at-final-moments-with-iran-after-his-letter-to-khamenei-gets-lost-in-mail-8832335">Afghan</a> Citizen Card holders to leave the country by March 31. Ministry said that they would otherwise be deported from April 1 if they failed to comply with the deadline.
Islamabad has previously blamed militant attacks and crimes on undocumented Afghan immigrants, who form the largest portion of migrants in the country.&nbsp;
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There are about 800,000 ACC (Afghan Citizenship Card) holders in Pakistan, according to UN data. Meanwhile, around 1.3 million are formally registered with the Pakistan government and hold a separate Proof of Residence card. The ministry did not specify how people with Proof of Residence will be affected under the new guidelines.
As per the United Nations, over 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan since the repatriation drive began and that in total Pakistan hosted around 2.8 million Afghan refugees.
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Foreigners will be treated with utmost respect during the repatriation process, the Ministry of Interior said. It added that food and health care arrangements have been made for the returnees.
Ministry of Interior statement said that Pakistan has been a gracious host to Afghan refugees and it is fulfilling its promises and responsibilities as a responsible state.
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"It is reiterated that individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfil all legal formalities," the country's interior ministry said in a statement.
(With inputs from agencies)

South Asia: There are about 800,000 ACC (Afghan Citizenship Card) holders in Pakistan, according to UN data. Meanwhile, around 1.3 million are formally registered with the Pakistan government and hold a separate Proof of Residence card.

Pakistan's interior ministry on Friday (March 7) asked all "illegal foreigners" and Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave the country by March 31. Ministry said that they would otherwise be deported from April 1 if they failed to comply with the deadline. Islamabad has previously blamed militant attacks and crimes on undocumented Afghan immigrants, who form the largest portion of migrants in the country. Also read: Trump travel ban: Will Pakistanis and Afghans be barred from entering US? There are about 800,000 ACC (Afghan Citizenship Card) holders in Pakistan, according to UN data. Meanwhile, around 1.3 million are formally registered with the Pakistan government and hold a separate Proof of Residence card. The ministry did not specify how people with Proof of Residence will be affected under the new guidelines. As per the United Nations, over 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan since the repatriation drive began and that in total Pakistan hosted around 2.8 million Afghan refugees. Also read: Trump speech: US president praises Pakistan for arrest of alleged plotter of 2021 Kabul airport attack Foreigners will be treated with utmost respect during the repatriation process, the Ministry of Interior said. It added that food and health care arrangements have been made for the returnees. Ministry of Interior statement said that Pakistan has been a gracious host to Afghan refugees and it is fulfilling its promises and responsibilities as a responsible state. Also read: Suicide blast at Pakistani mosque kills five including JUI-S chief Hamid Ul Haq Haqqani "It is reiterated that individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfil all legal formalities," the country's interior ministry said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Leave or be deported: Pakistan asks Afghan Citizen Card holders, illegal foreigners to leave by March 31

Pakistan ranks second on the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Wednesday. In 2024, the number of deaths due to terrorist attacks in Pakistan surged by 45 percent, with over 1,000 incidents—more than double the previous year’s count of 517. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan becames world’s second-most terrorism-affected country

Amid US President Donald Trump taking stern actions against immigrants, people from Pakistan and Afghanistan could be barred from entering the US, according to a Reuters report.
Trump is reportedly planning to impose a travel ban on the two nations over security and vetting risks.&nbsp;
Moreover, the Trump administration has prepared a list of nations for the travel ban based on a government review of countries' security and vetting risks.&nbsp;
"Other countries could also be on the list," Reuters reported citing sources.&nbsp;
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This reminds of Trump's first term ban on travellers from seven majority-Muslim nations. His policy at that time suffered several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.&nbsp;
Former President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, calling it "a stain on our national conscience."
Moreover, the sources speaking on the condition of anonymity also indicated that other countries might also be included in the ban, however, it did not specify which countries.&nbsp;
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The new restrictions by Trump, if executed, could have major consequences for tens of thousands of Afghans who have cleared for resettlement in the US under refugee programmes or Special Immigrant Visas.&nbsp;
Earlier on January 20, the US president signed an executive order requiring stricter security screening for foreigners seeking entry into the US, citing national security concerns.&nbsp;
Trump's order further directed multiple government agencies to submit a list of nations by March 12, whose vetting processes are deemed inadequate, and could lead to partial or full travel suspensions.&nbsp;
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However, no official statement has been issued so far.&nbsp;
But, according to a previous report, the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, the office that oversees this task, has been told to develop a plan by April for its closure.&nbsp;
Shawn VanDiver, the head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition of groups that coordinates evacuation and resettlement of Afghans with the American government, urged those holding valid US visas to travel as soon as possible if they can.
"While no official announcement has been made, multiple sources within the U.S. government suggest a new travel restriction could be implemented within the next week," he said in a statement.
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(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Trump administration has prepared a list of nations for the travel ban based on a government review of countries' security and vetting risks.

Amid US President Donald Trump taking stern actions against immigrants, people from Pakistan and Afghanistan could be barred from entering the US, according to a Reuters report. Trump is reportedly planning to impose a travel ban on the two nations over security and vetting risks. Moreover, the Trump administration has prepared a list of nations for the travel ban based on a government review of countries' security and vetting risks. "Other countries could also be on the list," Reuters reported citing sources. Also read: Trump speech: Lesotho pushes back, NZ pulls envoy over remarks This reminds of Trump's first term ban on travellers from seven majority-Muslim nations. His policy at that time suffered several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, calling it "a stain on our national conscience." Moreover, the sources speaking on the condition of anonymity also indicated that other countries might also be included in the ban, however, it did not specify which countries. Also read: Trump speech: US president praises Pakistan for arrest of alleged plotter of 2021 Kabul airport attack The new restrictions by Trump, if executed, could have major consequences for tens of thousands of Afghans who have cleared for resettlement in the US under refugee programmes or Special Immigrant Visas. Earlier on January 20, the US president signed an executive order requiring stricter security screening for foreigners seeking entry into the US, citing national security concerns. Trump's order further directed multiple government agencies to submit a list of nations by March 12, whose vetting processes are deemed inadequate, and could lead to partial or full travel suspensions. Also read: Mohammad Sharifullah, key suspect in 2021 Kabul airport bombing, in US custody. Who is he? However, no official statement has been issued so far. But, according to a previous report, the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, the office that oversees this task, has been told to develop a plan by April for its closure. Shawn VanDiver, the head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition of groups that coordinates evacuation and resettlement of Afghans with the American government, urged those holding valid US visas to travel as soon as possible if they can. "While no official announcement has been made, multiple sources within the U.S. government suggest a new travel restriction could be implemented within the next week," he said in a statement. Also read: 'Right man at the right time': World reacts after Trump's 'you are DEAD' warning to Hamas (With inputs from agencies)

Trump travel ban: Will Pakistanis and Afghans be barred from entering US?

Pakistan has arrested a key terror suspect after a CIA intelligence tip-off, confirming President Donald Trump's statement. The mastermind behind a deadly blast has been detained in a counterterrorism operation. This arrest highlights the growing security cooperation between the US and Pakistan in tackling global terrorism. Watch for more details.

Trump says blast mastermind arrested in Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underlined the need to plug Rs850 billion annual losses incurred by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the need to end circular debt in the power sector. Watch to know more!

Pakistan: PM Shehbaz Sounds Alarm On State-owned Entities Losing Billions

Two suicide bombers drove two explosive-laden cars into an army compound near Bannu cantonment in Pakistan on Tuesday (March 4), which further triggered massive explosions.&nbsp;
After the explosions, firing was heard in the region, indicating an ongoing attack in the area.&nbsp;
The authorities have imposed a lockdown in the area, and reinforcements have been dispatched to neutralise the attackers.&nbsp;
Moreover, the Pakistani military and law enforcement agencies are working together to handle the situation.&nbsp;
Bannu Cantonment is in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It's located in the Bannu District and is the only cantonment in the area.
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After Iftar, two suicide bombers blew themselves up near the wall of Bannu Cantt, creating a hole in the wall. Following this, five to six terrorists attempted to enter the cantonment but were killed.&nbsp;
Five, including two suicide bombers, have been killed, senior security officers told WION.
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Three women, two kids, and two civilians have been killed in the attack, while six civilians, including two women, have been injured.&nbsp;
However, four are currently on the loose as the operation continues.&nbsp;
The official casualty figures are yet to be known.&nbsp;
Hafiz Gul Bahadar affiliated with militant group Jaish Al Fursan claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, it said that two vehicles full of explosives were detonated.
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The group published a video yesterday of Al Hamza Suicide Squad under Jaish Al Fursan.&nbsp;
Moreover, the group has referred to the current spate of attacks as &lsquo;Intiqam-e-Lal Masjid&rsquo;, revenge of the Lal Masjid operation, referring to the operation against a radicalised Madrassah in Islamabad in 2007.
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South asia: After Iftar, two suicide bombers blew themselves up near the wall of Bannu Cantt. After this, five to six terrorists attempted to enter the cantonment but were killed.

Two suicide bombers drove two explosive-laden cars into an army compound near Bannu cantonment in Pakistan on Tuesday (March 4), which further triggered massive explosions. After the explosions, firing was heard in the region, indicating an ongoing attack in the area. The authorities have imposed a lockdown in the area, and reinforcements have been dispatched to neutralise the attackers. Moreover, the Pakistani military and law enforcement agencies are working together to handle the situation. Bannu Cantonment is in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It's located in the Bannu District and is the only cantonment in the area. Also read: Suicide blast at Pakistani mosque kills five including JUI-S chief Hamid Ul Haq Haqqani After Iftar, two suicide bombers blew themselves up near the wall of Bannu Cantt, creating a hole in the wall. Following this, five to six terrorists attempted to enter the cantonment but were killed. Five, including two suicide bombers, have been killed, senior security officers told WION. Also read: Europe rejects 'substandard' Pakistani rice in 2024, discussions begin in 2025 Three women, two kids, and two civilians have been killed in the attack, while six civilians, including two women, have been injured. However, four are currently on the loose as the operation continues. The official casualty figures are yet to be known. Hafiz Gul Bahadar affiliated with militant group Jaish Al Fursan claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, it said that two vehicles full of explosives were detonated. Also read: Calling someone ‘Pakistani’ or 'Miya' not a criminal offence, doesn't hurt religious sentiments: Indian SC The group published a video yesterday of Al Hamza Suicide Squad under Jaish Al Fursan. Moreover, the group has referred to the current spate of attacks as ‘Intiqam-e-Lal Masjid’, revenge of the Lal Masjid operation, referring to the operation against a radicalised Madrassah in Islamabad in 2007.

Suicide bombing attack at Pakistan military facility kills 10 during Ramzan prayers

Pakistan's rice export consignments have been rejected by European countries due to quality issues. And now, on March 1, it was discussed by the country's National Assembly panel in the capital, Islamabad. In 2024, the European Union had blocked 104 consignments of &lsquo;substandard&rsquo; rice from Pakistan. This move made the country incur financial losses, subsequently affecting the national exchequer.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/calling-someone-pakistani-or-miya-not-a-criminal-offence-doesnt-hurt-religious-sentiments-indian-sc-8777208">Calling someone &lsquo;Pakistani&rsquo; or 'Miya' not a criminal offence, doesn't hurt religious sentiments: Indian SC</a>
The rice was rejected for the presence of pesticides beyond the permissible limit; this was discussed in the meeting. Emphasis was laid on crucial and mandatory steps to be taken for quality control, and no detail or process shall be neglected in this regard.
Pakistan-based news outlet Dawn reported that chairman Mohammad Jawed Hanif Khan instructed that strict action be taken against groups and individuals responsible for interrupting with procedures and urged for accountability. Another point of discussion was the monopolistic practices taking place in the fumigation sector that were inversely affecting the export of rice. Khan asked for immediate action to be taken to fix and dismantle the monopolistic system.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkiyes-president-in-islamabad-for-a-two-day-visit-8716158">Turkiye's president in Islamabad for a two-day visit</a>
<h2>Boost in rice export</h2>
From July to December 2024, Pakistan was celebrating a boost in food exports when the country's rice export increased by 14.50% year-on-year, bringing the value to $1.87 billion, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
A 416,491 tonnes year-on-year increase in basmati rice production was witnessed, which is about a 30.62% hike, and its value surged by 18.06% to $433.82 million. While non-basmati rice exports jumped by approximately 13.5%, the quantity increased by nearly 17%.
But the growth in exports did burn a hole in the pockets of Pakistanis; a kilogramme of basmati, which was priced at $0.54 USD (PKR 150), surged to $1.43 USD (PKR 400).
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World | South Asia | Pakistan: Pakistan's rice export consignments have been rejected by European countries due to quality issues. And now, on March 1, it was discussed by the country's National Assembly panel in the capital, Islamabad.

Pakistan's rice export consignments have been rejected by European countries due to quality issues. And now, on March 1, it was discussed by the country's National Assembly panel in the capital, Islamabad. In 2024, the European Union had blocked 104 consignments of ‘substandard’ rice from Pakistan. This move made the country incur financial losses, subsequently affecting the national exchequer. Also read: Calling someone ‘Pakistani’ or 'Miya' not a criminal offence, doesn't hurt religious sentiments: Indian SC The rice was rejected for the presence of pesticides beyond the permissible limit; this was discussed in the meeting. Emphasis was laid on crucial and mandatory steps to be taken for quality control, and no detail or process shall be neglected in this regard. Pakistan-based news outlet Dawn reported that chairman Mohammad Jawed Hanif Khan instructed that strict action be taken against groups and individuals responsible for interrupting with procedures and urged for accountability. Another point of discussion was the monopolistic practices taking place in the fumigation sector that were inversely affecting the export of rice. Khan asked for immediate action to be taken to fix and dismantle the monopolistic system. Also read: Turkiye's president in Islamabad for a two-day visit Boost in rice export From July to December 2024, Pakistan was celebrating a boost in food exports when the country's rice export increased by 14.50% year-on-year, bringing the value to $1.87 billion, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. A 416,491 tonnes year-on-year increase in basmati rice production was witnessed, which is about a 30.62% hike, and its value surged by 18.06% to $433.82 million. While non-basmati rice exports jumped by approximately 13.5%, the quantity increased by nearly 17%. But the growth in exports did burn a hole in the pockets of Pakistanis; a kilogramme of basmati, which was priced at $0.54 USD (PKR 150), surged to $1.43 USD (PKR 400).

Europe rejects ‘substandard’ Pakistani rice, EU blocks 104 consignments

Tensions were high at the main border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Monday after forces from both sides exchanged gunfire overnight, reportedly killing at least one person.

Pakistan and Afghanistan forces clash at Torkham border

Pakistan and Afghanistan forces exchange fire at Torkham border

Pakistani prodigy Bilal Asher becomes world under-14 Scrabble champion. Pakistan has won the World Youth Scrabble championship more times than any other nation. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan's Young Scrabble Players Domination World Stage

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has imposed restrictions on first-time travelers, particularly those around 35 years old from the areas of Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Jhelum, regarding travel to specific countries, including Saudi Arabia, even for Umrah, according to a report from Dawn.

Pakistan imposes new travel restrictions on first-time flyers

A suicide bomber blew himself up after walking into a mosque within a pro Taliban seminary in Northwestern Pakistan. A top cleric and five other worshippers were killed in the blast just a day ahead of the fasting month of Ramzan. More than a dozen police officers were guarding the mosque when the attack happened and the Seminary also had its own security. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan: Blast at mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; top cleric among several killed ahead of Ramzan

Hosts Pakistan have been knocked out of the champions trophy without a single win to their name. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will even discuss the matter in parliament.

The fall of Pakistan cricket

At least six people, including JUI-S leader Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani were dead and 20 injured when a suicide blast ripped through the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Nowshera district. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan: 6 killed in suicide blast in a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

At least five people, including JUI-S leader Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani and 20 injured when a suicide blast ripped through the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Nowshera district. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan: Maulana Hamid-ul Haq among 5 dead in Nowshera blast

At least 5 dead and 20 people were injured after a blast ripped through a mosque located in Pakistan's Nowshera, which is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan: Blast at a mosque in KPK province; 5 killed, 20 injured

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