A bomb exploded in Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city, the headquarters of Balochistan province, killing at least four people and injuring 15 more.

The explosion happened on Thursday.Waseem Baig, a spokesman for the Civil Hospital Quetta, where all the injured have been transferred, told Xinhua that four bodies and 15 injured people had been received.

The injured are being treated at the hospital's trauma centre, according to the spokeswoman.

The explosion happened near the Government Science College in the Jinnah Road district of Quetta as a group of students were leaving the college building after finishing a meeting.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Pakistan: Gwadar residents raise voice against drug trafficking

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Several nearby buildings and vehicles were also damaged due to the blast, said local media reports.

Security authorities and rescue crews rushed to the scene and sent the injured to the hospital, where at least two of them are claimed to be in critical condition.

The area was cordoned off and a search operation was launched.The cause of the explosion is yet unknown, according to police.

The attack has not been claimed by any group or individual.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A bomb exploded in Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city, the headquarters of Balochistan province, killing at least four people and injuring 15 more. The explosion happened on Thursday.

A bomb exploded in Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city, the headquarters of Balochistan province, killing at least four people and injuring 15 more. The explosion happened on Thursday.Waseem Baig, a spokesman for the Civil Hospital Quetta, where all the injured have been transferred, told Xinhua that four bodies and 15 injured people had been received. The injured are being treated at the hospital's trauma centre, according to the spokeswoman. The explosion happened near the Government Science College in the Jinnah Road district of Quetta as a group of students were leaving the college building after finishing a meeting. Watch | Pakistan: Gwadar residents raise voice against drug trafficking Several nearby buildings and vehicles were also damaged due to the blast, said local media reports. Security authorities and rescue crews rushed to the scene and sent the injured to the hospital, where at least two of them are claimed to be in critical condition. The area was cordoned off and a search operation was launched.The cause of the explosion is yet unknown, according to police. The attack has not been claimed by any group or individual. (With inputs from agencies)

Four killed, 15 injured in blast in Pakistan's Balochistan capital Quetta

A shallow earthquake in southern Pakistan in early hours of Thursday killed 24&nbsp;people and seriously injured about&nbsp; 300. Magnitude of the earthquake was 5.7. The death toll is feared to rise.

Many of the victims died when roofs and walls collapsed. Health workers treated the injured with the help of torches after electricity failed.

women and children were among the dead, Suhail Anwar Hashmi, a senior provincial government official, told AFP.

The remote mountainous city of Harnai in Balochistan was the worst hit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter hours after the tragedy.

"I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims &amp; for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief &amp; compensation. My condolences &amp; prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones.," he tweeted.

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I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims &amp; for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief &amp; compensation. My condolences &amp; prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1445999017062699011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A military helicopter was used to transport critically injured to hospital.

The quake caused electricity to fail in the region, with health staff working without lights in a poorly equipped government hospital.

"We were operating without electricity with the help of torches and mobile flashlights," Zahoor Tarin, a senior official at the government-run Harnai hospital told AFP.&nbsp;

"Most of the injured came with fractured limbs. Dozens of people were sent back after first aid while some 40 people who were critically injured have been sent to Quetta in ambulances," he added.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 5.7 and struck around 3am at a depth of around 20 kilometres (12 miles).&nbsp;

The earthquake was also felt in Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta.

Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes.

(With inputs from agencies)

A shallow earthquake in southern Pakistan in early hours of Thursday killed 24 people and seriously injured about 300. Magnitude of the earthquake was 5.7. The death toll is feared to rise.

A shallow earthquake in southern Pakistan in early hours of Thursday killed 24 people and seriously injured about 300. Magnitude of the earthquake was 5.7. The death toll is feared to rise. Many of the victims died when roofs and walls collapsed. Health workers treated the injured with the help of torches after electricity failed. women and children were among the dead, Suhail Anwar Hashmi, a senior provincial government official, told AFP. The remote mountainous city of Harnai in Balochistan was the worst hit. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter hours after the tragedy. "I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims & for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief & compensation. My condolences & prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones.," he tweeted. I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims & for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief & compensation. My condolences & prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 7, 2021 × A military helicopter was used to transport critically injured to hospital. The quake caused electricity to fail in the region, with health staff working without lights in a poorly equipped government hospital. "We were operating without electricity with the help of torches and mobile flashlights," Zahoor Tarin, a senior official at the government-run Harnai hospital told AFP. "Most of the injured came with fractured limbs. Dozens of people were sent back after first aid while some 40 people who were critically injured have been sent to Quetta in ambulances," he added. The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 5.7 and struck around 3am at a depth of around 20 kilometres (12 miles). The earthquake was also felt in Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta. Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes. (With inputs from agencies)

Earthquake in southern Pakistan kills 24, hundreds injured

A suicide bomb blast has rocked Quetta. Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. At least four people are claimed to have been killed in the attack and 15 others are left injured.

Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan claims attack in Quetta

A suicide bomb blast has rocked Quetta in Pakistan. TTP has claimed responsibility for the attack and has said that it has killed over 25.

TTP claims responsibility for bomb blast in Pakistan's Quetta

Two police were killed and at least six other local people have been injured in a blast that took place in Serena Hotel in Quetta on Sunday evening.

The explosion took place at Zarghoon Road, near the University Chowk in the area. These bombs were placed on a motorcycle, near a police van, as per the initial police reports. It is believed that the target was the police van which was reportedly transporting 15 poliemen.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of Pakistan People's Party,&nbsp;was also reportedly staying in the same hotel, as per local media. "Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan," he tweeted.

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Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1424399924318310401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Whether or not Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was in the hotel at the time has not been made clear yet.

Emergency services such as police officials and ambulances have rushed to the spot of the explosion to help the injured.

All injured people have been taken to the nearby Civil Hospital, Deputy Inspector General Quetta informed local media. An emergency has been declared in all nearby hospitals as several casualties are being recorded.

Several windows of the nearby buildings were also shattered due to the explosion.

As of now, no group or individual has claimed this explosion.

An investigation has been launched into the attack.

(This is a developing story)

Two police were killed and at least six other local people have been injured in a blast that took place in Serena Hotel in Quetta on Sunday evening. The explosion took place at Zarghoon Road, near the University Chowk in the area.

Two police were killed and at least six other local people have been injured in a blast that took place in Serena Hotel in Quetta on Sunday evening. The explosion took place at Zarghoon Road, near the University Chowk in the area. These bombs were placed on a motorcycle, near a police van, as per the initial police reports. It is believed that the target was the police van which was reportedly transporting 15 poliemen. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of Pakistan People's Party, was also reportedly staying in the same hotel, as per local media. "Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan," he tweeted. Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan. — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 8, 2021 × Whether or not Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was in the hotel at the time has not been made clear yet. Emergency services such as police officials and ambulances have rushed to the spot of the explosion to help the injured. All injured people have been taken to the nearby Civil Hospital, Deputy Inspector General Quetta informed local media. An emergency has been declared in all nearby hospitals as several casualties are being recorded. Several windows of the nearby buildings were also shattered due to the explosion. As of now, no group or individual has claimed this explosion. An investigation has been launched into the attack. (This is a developing story)

Two policemen killed, six others injured in Quetta bomb attack

A Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson said that the police van was targeted via an improvised explosive device (IED) attached to a motorcycle.

Two policemen killed, 12 injured in blast near luxury hotel in Quetta

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials.

Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road.

During the ensuing struggle, the robbers fired shots, one of which struck Raisani`s chest, they added according to Dawn. The Balochistan Union of Journalists strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Raisani`s death.

Earlier this week, senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (Pemra), Absar Alam, was shot in Islamabad. In a video shared by journalist Asad Toor, Alam could be heard saying he was shot at while walking outside his home.

Dawn further reported that earlier this month, a local journalist, Waseem Alam, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa`s Karak. At least 10 journalists were murdered and several others threatened, kidnapped, tortured and arrested in Pakistan on trumped-up charges while discharging their professional responsibilities in 2020 alone, according to the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors` (CPNE) Media Freedom Report 2020, according to Dawn.

No action has so far been taken against those responsible for torturing and killing journalists and it seems that such persons enjoy impunity.

"It is a matter of grave concern that the legal system of the country has become useless in protecting and providing justice to journalists," said the report.Pakistan continues to remain one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, and more and more scribes are being arrested for criticising the country`s Army under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA).

PECA, which is seen as the draconian tool to silence free speech, criminalises any speech considered to be "blasphemous" and even those who criticise state institutions.

Recently, a new section was added in PECA stating that those who intentionally ridicule, bring into disrepute or defame the Armed Forces of Pakistan will be sentenced up to two years and be fined over USD 3,018.

Pakistan has been ranked 145th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders`s (RSF) 2020 World Press Freedom Index, three places lower than in 2019.&nbsp;

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials. Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road.

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials. Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road. During the ensuing struggle, the robbers fired shots, one of which struck Raisani`s chest, they added according to Dawn. The Balochistan Union of Journalists strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Raisani`s death. Earlier this week, senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (Pemra), Absar Alam, was shot in Islamabad. In a video shared by journalist Asad Toor, Alam could be heard saying he was shot at while walking outside his home. Dawn further reported that earlier this month, a local journalist, Waseem Alam, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa`s Karak. At least 10 journalists were murdered and several others threatened, kidnapped, tortured and arrested in Pakistan on trumped-up charges while discharging their professional responsibilities in 2020 alone, according to the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors` (CPNE) Media Freedom Report 2020, according to Dawn. No action has so far been taken against those responsible for torturing and killing journalists and it seems that such persons enjoy impunity. "It is a matter of grave concern that the legal system of the country has become useless in protecting and providing justice to journalists," said the report.Pakistan continues to remain one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, and more and more scribes are being arrested for criticising the country`s Army under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA). PECA, which is seen as the draconian tool to silence free speech, criminalises any speech considered to be "blasphemous" and even those who criticise state institutions. Recently, a new section was added in PECA stating that those who intentionally ridicule, bring into disrepute or defame the Armed Forces of Pakistan will be sentenced up to two years and be fined over USD 3,018. Pakistan has been ranked 145th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders`s (RSF) 2020 World Press Freedom Index, three places lower than in 2019.

Pakistan journalist shot dead during robbery bid

Around 100 migrants tried to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco, Spanish police said Monday.

The migrants set off on Sunday from beaches in Fnideq, a few kilometres south of Ceuta and "some" managed to reach a beach in Ceuta on their own while most had to be rescued by Spanish rescue boats, a spokesman for the Guardia Civil police force in Ceuta said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic">Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic</a>

The migrants, including minors, set off in groups of 20 to 30 throughout the day, he added.

"It is not normal, there can be groups of three, four or five, but not this many," the police spokesman said.

The migrants were checked by Red Cross workers and three were treated for hypothermia in hospital.

The rest were taken by police to warehouse where they will undergo a coronavirus quarantine before their demands for asylum are processed.

Another five migrants swam to Ceuta from Morocco on Monday, police said.

Ceuta,&nbsp;together with a second Spanish&nbsp;enclave in north Africa, Melilla,&nbsp;have the European Union's only land borders&nbsp;with Africa, making them popular entry points for migrants&nbsp;seeking a better life in Europe.&nbsp;

Migrants try to reach the enclaves either by swimming along the coast or climbing the tall border fences that separate them from Morocco.

Around 100 migrants tried to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco, Spanish police said Monday. The migrants set off on Sunday from beaches in Fnideq, a few kilometres south of Ceuta and "some" managed to reach a beach in Ceuta on their own while most had to be rescued by Spanish rescue boats, a spokesman for the Guardia Civil police force in Ceuta said.

Around 100 migrants tried to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco, Spanish police said Monday. The migrants set off on Sunday from beaches in Fnideq, a few kilometres south of Ceuta and "some" managed to reach a beach in Ceuta on their own while most had to be rescued by Spanish rescue boats, a spokesman for the Guardia Civil police force in Ceuta said. Also read: Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic The migrants, including minors, set off in groups of 20 to 30 throughout the day, he added. "It is not normal, there can be groups of three, four or five, but not this many," the police spokesman said. The migrants were checked by Red Cross workers and three were treated for hypothermia in hospital. The rest were taken by police to warehouse where they will undergo a coronavirus quarantine before their demands for asylum are processed. Another five migrants swam to Ceuta from Morocco on Monday, police said. Ceuta, together with a second Spanish enclave in north Africa, Melilla, have the European Union's only land borders with Africa, making them popular entry points for migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Migrants try to reach the enclaves either by swimming along the coast or climbing the tall border fences that separate them from Morocco.

Around 100 migrants swim to Spain's Ceuta enclave

In Quetta, 50 KGs of RDX exploded at a hotel where the Chinese Ambassador was staying. Islamabad says Nong Rong was on target. Who was behind this attack? Why does insurgency persist in Balochistan? WION’s Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Chinese Ambassador was on target in Quetta Blast

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel.

Quetta is capital of Pakistani province of Balochistan where Pakistan military has been fighting a decade-long low-level insurgency.

"At least four people have been killed and 12 others were injured," Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP, describing it as "an act of terrorism".

"The ambassador was out for a meeting when the explosion took place," he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-probe-opened-after-senior-journalist-critical-of-military-attacked-379077">Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked</a>

Balochistan is poor despite its natural resources -- a source of great anger to residents who complain they do not receive a fair share of the gas and mineral wealth.

The resentment has increased after CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects that locals allege have very little benefit to them as jobs went to outsiders.

Azhar Ikram, a senior police official in the city, confirmed the death toll and said that the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel, but was not present at the time of the blast.

"Initial probe suggests it was an IED planted in one of the vehicles," Ikram said. 
No group immediately claimed the attack.

In 2019 gunmen stormed a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project -- the deep-water seaport in Gwadar that gives China strategic access to the Arabian Sea -- killing at least eight people.

And in June, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which is partly owned by Chinese companies.

All the attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army.

(With inputs from agencies)

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel.

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel. Quetta is capital of Pakistani province of Balochistan where Pakistan military has been fighting a decade-long low-level insurgency. "At least four people have been killed and 12 others were injured," Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP, describing it as "an act of terrorism". "The ambassador was out for a meeting when the explosion took place," he added. Also Read | Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked Balochistan is poor despite its natural resources -- a source of great anger to residents who complain they do not receive a fair share of the gas and mineral wealth. The resentment has increased after CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects that locals allege have very little benefit to them as jobs went to outsiders. Azhar Ikram, a senior police official in the city, confirmed the death toll and said that the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel, but was not present at the time of the blast. "Initial probe suggests it was an IED planted in one of the vehicles," Ikram said. No group immediately claimed the attack. In 2019 gunmen stormed a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project -- the deep-water seaport in Gwadar that gives China strategic access to the Arabian Sea -- killing at least eight people. And in June, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which is partly owned by Chinese companies. All the attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador kills four

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached Quetta and met with the families of miners who were killed by the Islamic State terrorists.

Pakistan PM meets families of Hazara victims in Quetta

The Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has reached Quetta on Saturday, a few hours after 11 coal miners&nbsp;from the Hazara community — who were brutally killed — were buried.

Khan is expected to meet the family members of the victims today. This visit has come a day after he had accused the families of the victims of "blackmailing" him into getting a visit from the PM.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-shia-hazara-community-ends-blockade-over-deaths-of-miners-355596" hreflang="en">Pakistani Shia Hazara community ends blockade over deaths of miners</a>

On Sunday, a group of armed and unidentified gunmen had broken into a coal mine in Mach, a town near Quetta. The gunmen had specifically dragged&nbsp;out ethnic Hazaras — who are members of the Shia community — and had shot them dead.

After the attack, locals had taken to the streets to protest against the inability of the Pakistan Government to protect their own citizens from terrorist organisations.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawaz-slams-pak-pm-imran-khan-after-he-calls-protesting-hazaras-blackmailers-355551" hreflang="en">Maryam Nawaz slams Pak PM Imran Khan after he calls protesting Hazaras 'blackmailers'</a>

The family members of the victims had then refused to bury the dead bodies and had placed the coffins on a highway in Quetta, demanding a visit from the PM before the burial. Khan, however, had accused them of "blackmailing" him and had demanded that the families bury the dead bodies if they want a visit from him.

Khan's opposition had questioned his motives and had blamed him for the rising violence in the country. "The man (Imran Khan) who has become prime minister with the blessings of a few generals can never feel the pain of the masses. The oppressed people of the Hazara community are waiting for the man who is calling them `blackmailers`," former&nbsp;Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said.

The Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has reached Quetta on Saturday, a few hours after 11 coal miners from the Hazara community — who were brutally killed — were buried.

The Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has reached Quetta on Saturday, a few hours after 11 coal miners from the Hazara community — who were brutally killed — were buried. Khan is expected to meet the family members of the victims today. This visit has come a day after he had accused the families of the victims of "blackmailing" him into getting a visit from the PM. Also read| Pakistani Shia Hazara community ends blockade over deaths of miners On Sunday, a group of armed and unidentified gunmen had broken into a coal mine in Mach, a town near Quetta. The gunmen had specifically dragged out ethnic Hazaras — who are members of the Shia community — and had shot them dead. After the attack, locals had taken to the streets to protest against the inability of the Pakistan Government to protect their own citizens from terrorist organisations. Also read| Maryam Nawaz slams Pak PM Imran Khan after he calls protesting Hazaras 'blackmailers' The family members of the victims had then refused to bury the dead bodies and had placed the coffins on a highway in Quetta, demanding a visit from the PM before the burial. Khan, however, had accused them of "blackmailing" him and had demanded that the families bury the dead bodies if they want a visit from him. Khan's opposition had questioned his motives and had blamed him for the rising violence in the country. "The man (Imran Khan) who has become prime minister with the blessings of a few generals can never feel the pain of the masses. The oppressed people of the Hazara community are waiting for the man who is calling them `blackmailers`," former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said.

Pakistan PM reaches Quetta to meet families of Hazara victims

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday met families of the slain Hazara miners in Quetta. The family members and mourners had sat on six-day anti-government protest after gunmen killed the miners on January 3. The horrific incident had elements of sectarian violence as the slain miners had been from Hazara community that has often been targetted.

The families had refused to bury the bodies of the miners until PM Imran Khan met them.

But the countrywide sit-ins began to disperse after the government and protesters reached an agreement late on Friday. It included security guarantees for the Hazaras and that mourners bury the bodies before the prime minister visited them.

As Khan met them, he told them the attack on the miners was meant to stoke conflict between the two major sects of Islam, Sunnis and Shi`ites, to destabilise Pakistan.

He also thanked the families for accepting the government`s request to bury the bodies.

Most of the miners were impoverished seasonal migrants. Seven were from neighbouring Afghanistan, its consulate said.

Imran Khan had drawn harsh criticism a few days ago after he alleged that there were attempts to "blackmail" him into meeting the families.

(With Reuters inputs)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday met families of the slain Hazara miners in Quetta. The family members and mourners had sat on six-day anti-government protest after gunmen killed the miners on January 3.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday met families of the slain Hazara miners in Quetta. The family members and mourners had sat on six-day anti-government protest after gunmen killed the miners on January 3. The horrific incident had elements of sectarian violence as the slain miners had been from Hazara community that has often been targetted. The families had refused to bury the bodies of the miners until PM Imran Khan met them. But the countrywide sit-ins began to disperse after the government and protesters reached an agreement late on Friday. It included security guarantees for the Hazaras and that mourners bury the bodies before the prime minister visited them. As Khan met them, he told them the attack on the miners was meant to stoke conflict between the two major sects of Islam, Sunnis and Shi`ites, to destabilise Pakistan. He also thanked the families for accepting the government`s request to bury the bodies. Most of the miners were impoverished seasonal migrants. Seven were from neighbouring Afghanistan, its consulate said. Imran Khan had drawn harsh criticism a few days ago after he alleged that there were attempts to "blackmail" him into meeting the families. (With Reuters inputs)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan meets families of slain Hazara miners

Days after the 11 miners belonging to the Shia Hazara community were killed, members of the community continue to protest in Pakistan. The protesters have now blocked the highway in Quetta, demanding to meet PM Imran Khan.

Balochistan massacre: Protest as terrorists kill Shia miners

Silent about rising sectarian violence in Pakistan, Gulf States vying for religious soft power risk exposing the limitations of their concepts of an undefined ‘moderate’ Islam that is tolerant and endorses pluralism.

Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have so far turned a blind eye to mounting sectarian sentiment in Karachi and Punjab province against Shiites and Ahmadis, sects viewed as heretics by conservative Sunni Muslims.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan appears to have passed on the opportunity to demonstrate the kingdom’s claim to leadership of a Muslim world that adopts principles of religious tolerance and pluralism when he apparently refrained from raising increased sectarian violence in talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi during a visit to Pakistan last month.

The Gulf States’ silence is the latest example of a geopolitics and economics-driven refusal to speak out on repression of or discrimination against Muslims in various parts of the world, including China’s north-western province of Xinjiang and India.

The silence is particularly noticeable given that the Gulf states have greater influence in Pakistan than in either China or India and in some cases bare a degree of historic responsibility for developments in the world’s second most populous Muslim-majority country. Pakistan is home to the world’s largest Shiite Muslim majority.

The refusal to speak out highlights the utility of rival religious soft power efforts, not only by the Gulf states but also by Turkey and Iran that often in the case of the energy-rich monarchies seem primarily designed to curry favor with Western governments and influential Jewish and Christian communities and employ their status as models of a vaguely defined form of ‘moderate’ Islam to position themselves as rival leaders of the Muslim world.

Gulf states likely refrained from standing up for an Islam in Pakistan that embraces minority strands of the faith because it may be interpreted as a goodwill gesture towards Iran. In failing to do so, Gulf states missed an opportunity to dial down tensions in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia’s refraining from raising the issue is particularly significant given the kingdom’s past support for militant anti-Shiite groups in Pakistan and harsh anti-blasphemy legislation that carries the death penalty.

Saudi Arabia, in contrast to UAE and Qatar, has so far passed on providing humanitarian aid to Iran to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. Iran has been hard hit by the pandemic because of government mismanagement and harsh US economic sanctions.

The failure to speak out about sectarian violence in Pakistan also constitutes a missed Saudi opportunity to put the kingdom’s best foot forward as US President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office. Mr. Biden is anticipated to adopt a more critical attitude towards Saudi Arabia compared to his predecessor, Donald J. Trump.

“I don’t expect anything from Saudis. The militants are an asset for the Saudis as well as the Pakistanis. They have no interest in cracking down on these organizations given geopolitics,” said Jaffer A. Mirza, a London-based researcher focused on religious minorities in Pakistan.

Saudi reluctance to speak out against sectarianism played into the hands of Mr. Khan, who has failed to condemn mass protests that denounced Shiites as “blasphemers” and “infidels” and called for their beheading. Nor has Mr. Khan taken issues with the mushrooming number of blasphemy cases being filed against Shiites in the courts.

Orthodox Sunni Muslims accuse Shiites of blasphemy by refusing to recognize the three ‘righteous’ Caliphs that immediately succeeded Mohammed because they believe that the Prophet’s son-in-law, Ali, was deprived of his right to lead the Muslim community. It is that belief that gave birth to Shiism.

Pakistani officials have blamed the mounting tension on increased militancy among Shiite groups supported by neighboring Iran. In August, the government banned a little known group, Khatam-Ul-Ambia, on charges that it was recruiting Pakistani Shiites, on behalf of the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, to fight in Syria alongside Iranian forces supporting President Bashar al-Assad.

The anti-Shiite campaign is waged among others by Ahl-e-Sunnat-Wal-Jamaat (ASWJ), the successor to the outlawed, anti-Shiite group, Sipah-e-Sahaba that was long backed by Saudi Arabia in its effort to counter the appeal of Iran’s Islamic revolution as well as its sway among Pakistani Shiites.

A ban on ASWJ, that supported Mr. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in the 2018 election, was lifted at the time.

Asked in 2016 about Saudi support for his group, ASWJ leader Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi said over a lunch of chicken, vegetables and rice: “Some things are natural. It’s like when two Pakistanis meet abroad or someone from Jhang meets another person from Jhang in Karachi. It’s natural to be closest to the people with whom we have similarities… We are the biggest anti-Shiite movement in Pakistan.”

Mr. Ludhianvi was invited three years later to attend a Saudi embassy-hosted reception in honor of the visiting imam of the Ka’ba in Mecca, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany, at a time that the ASWJ leader was calling for the killing of Shiites.

A Shiite news network published pictures of an alleged meeting between Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, and Mr. Ludhianvi last September.

The rising sectarian tensions in Pakistan raise the specter of the South Asian state becoming again the venue of a low-intensity Saudi Iranian war similar to violence that erupted in the 1980s and 1990s and in more recent years against Hazara Shiites in the province of Balochistan that borders on Iran.

Pakistani Sunni Muslim militants asserted in 2017 that Saudi money was pouring into militant anti-Shiite religious seminaries that dot the triangle where the borders of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan meet.

Hazara Shiite protesters this week refused to bury ten coal miners who were kidnapped and executed on Sunday by the Islamic State in a bid to force the government to take responsibility for their protection and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Unconvinced by promises made by Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmed Rasheed, the protesters demanded that Mr. Khan personally come to talk to them.

In response Mr. Khan tweeted on Wednesday: “I want to reassure the Hazara families who lost their loved ones…that I am cognizant of their suffering &amp; their demands. We are taking steps to prevent such attacks in the future &amp; know our neighbor is instigating this sectarian terrorism.”

The government, rather than acknowledging the attack as part of renewed sectarian violence that is not only on the rise but also being further institutionalized, blamed the violence on nationalist Baloch insurgents allegedly supported by India.

The government has long sought to counter Baloch nationalism and separatism by supporting militant Sunni Muslim groups in the province.

Militants, believed to be Baloch nationalists, raided a security outpost in the remote Harnai district of Balochistan, killing at least seven paramilitary soldiers and wounding several others days before the latest attack on the Hazaras.

Discrimination of Shiites and Ahmadis was further institutionalized with a law passed in July by the Punjab regional assembly that exclusively adopted ultra-conservative Sunni precepts.

Critics, including Pakistani Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, warned that the law would “plunge us deep into sectarianism and religious extremism.”

The critics noted that various stipulations of the law such as the banning of allegedly derogatory remarks against holy personages and hate speech, censorship of publications, and the duty to refer to the finality of the Prophet when referring to Prophet Mohammed, were already part of earlier legislation.

“There has been a deafening silence by the elite moderate Sunnis of our country over the increase in prejudice against Shias,” wrote a Pakistani Shiite, who is considering seeking asylum abroad. He could have said the same thing about major Sunni Muslim contenders for religious soft power in bids to become or cement their status as leaders of the Muslim world.

A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox.

Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore and the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Silent about rising sectarian violence in Pakistan, Gulf States vying for religious soft power risk exposing the limitations of their concepts of an undefined ‘moderate’ Islam that is tolerant and endorses pluralism.

Silent about rising sectarian violence in Pakistan, Gulf States vying for religious soft power risk exposing the limitations of their concepts of an undefined ‘moderate’ Islam that is tolerant and endorses pluralism. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have so far turned a blind eye to mounting sectarian sentiment in Karachi and Punjab province against Shiites and Ahmadis, sects viewed as heretics by conservative Sunni Muslims. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan appears to have passed on the opportunity to demonstrate the kingdom’s claim to leadership of a Muslim world that adopts principles of religious tolerance and pluralism when he apparently refrained from raising increased sectarian violence in talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi during a visit to Pakistan last month. The Gulf States’ silence is the latest example of a geopolitics and economics-driven refusal to speak out on repression of or discrimination against Muslims in various parts of the world, including China’s north-western province of Xinjiang and India. The silence is particularly noticeable given that the Gulf states have greater influence in Pakistan than in either China or India and in some cases bare a degree of historic responsibility for developments in the world’s second most populous Muslim-majority country. Pakistan is home to the world’s largest Shiite Muslim majority. The refusal to speak out highlights the utility of rival religious soft power efforts, not only by the Gulf states but also by Turkey and Iran that often in the case of the energy-rich monarchies seem primarily designed to curry favor with Western governments and influential Jewish and Christian communities and employ their status as models of a vaguely defined form of ‘moderate’ Islam to position themselves as rival leaders of the Muslim world. Gulf states likely refrained from standing up for an Islam in Pakistan that embraces minority strands of the faith because it may be interpreted as a goodwill gesture towards Iran. In failing to do so, Gulf states missed an opportunity to dial down tensions in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s refraining from raising the issue is particularly significant given the kingdom’s past support for militant anti-Shiite groups in Pakistan and harsh anti-blasphemy legislation that carries the death penalty. Saudi Arabia, in contrast to UAE and Qatar, has so far passed on providing humanitarian aid to Iran to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. Iran has been hard hit by the pandemic because of government mismanagement and harsh US economic sanctions. The failure to speak out about sectarian violence in Pakistan also constitutes a missed Saudi opportunity to put the kingdom’s best foot forward as US President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office. Mr. Biden is anticipated to adopt a more critical attitude towards Saudi Arabia compared to his predecessor, Donald J. Trump. “I don’t expect anything from Saudis. The militants are an asset for the Saudis as well as the Pakistanis. They have no interest in cracking down on these organizations given geopolitics,” said Jaffer A. Mirza, a London-based researcher focused on religious minorities in Pakistan. Saudi reluctance to speak out against sectarianism played into the hands of Mr. Khan, who has failed to condemn mass protests that denounced Shiites as “blasphemers” and “infidels” and called for their beheading. Nor has Mr. Khan taken issues with the mushrooming number of blasphemy cases being filed against Shiites in the courts. Orthodox Sunni Muslims accuse Shiites of blasphemy by refusing to recognize the three ‘righteous’ Caliphs that immediately succeeded Mohammed because they believe that the Prophet’s son-in-law, Ali, was deprived of his right to lead the Muslim community. It is that belief that gave birth to Shiism. Pakistani officials have blamed the mounting tension on increased militancy among Shiite groups supported by neighboring Iran. In August, the government banned a little known group, Khatam-Ul-Ambia, on charges that it was recruiting Pakistani Shiites, on behalf of the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, to fight in Syria alongside Iranian forces supporting President Bashar al-Assad. The anti-Shiite campaign is waged among others by Ahl-e-Sunnat-Wal-Jamaat (ASWJ), the successor to the outlawed, anti-Shiite group, Sipah-e-Sahaba that was long backed by Saudi Arabia in its effort to counter the appeal of Iran’s Islamic revolution as well as its sway among Pakistani Shiites. A ban on ASWJ, that supported Mr. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in the 2018 election, was lifted at the time. Asked in 2016 about Saudi support for his group, ASWJ leader Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi said over a lunch of chicken, vegetables and rice: “Some things are natural. It’s like when two Pakistanis meet abroad or someone from Jhang meets another person from Jhang in Karachi. It’s natural to be closest to the people with whom we have similarities… We are the biggest anti-Shiite movement in Pakistan.” Mr. Ludhianvi was invited three years later to attend a Saudi embassy-hosted reception in honor of the visiting imam of the Ka’ba in Mecca, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany, at a time that the ASWJ leader was calling for the killing of Shiites. A Shiite news network published pictures of an alleged meeting between Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, and Mr. Ludhianvi last September. The rising sectarian tensions in Pakistan raise the specter of the South Asian state becoming again the venue of a low-intensity Saudi Iranian war similar to violence that erupted in the 1980s and 1990s and in more recent years against Hazara Shiites in the province of Balochistan that borders on Iran. Pakistani Sunni Muslim militants asserted in 2017 that Saudi money was pouring into militant anti-Shiite religious seminaries that dot the triangle where the borders of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan meet. Hazara Shiite protesters this week refused to bury ten coal miners who were kidnapped and executed on Sunday by the Islamic State in a bid to force the government to take responsibility for their protection and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Unconvinced by promises made by Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmed Rasheed, the protesters demanded that Mr. Khan personally come to talk to them. In response Mr. Khan tweeted on Wednesday: “I want to reassure the Hazara families who lost their loved ones…that I am cognizant of their suffering & their demands. We are taking steps to prevent such attacks in the future & know our neighbor is instigating this sectarian terrorism.” The government, rather than acknowledging the attack as part of renewed sectarian violence that is not only on the rise but also being further institutionalized, blamed the violence on nationalist Baloch insurgents allegedly supported by India. The government has long sought to counter Baloch nationalism and separatism by supporting militant Sunni Muslim groups in the province. Militants, believed to be Baloch nationalists, raided a security outpost in the remote Harnai district of Balochistan, killing at least seven paramilitary soldiers and wounding several others days before the latest attack on the Hazaras. Discrimination of Shiites and Ahmadis was further institutionalized with a law passed in July by the Punjab regional assembly that exclusively adopted ultra-conservative Sunni precepts. Critics, including Pakistani Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, warned that the law would “plunge us deep into sectarianism and religious extremism.” The critics noted that various stipulations of the law such as the banning of allegedly derogatory remarks against holy personages and hate speech, censorship of publications, and the duty to refer to the finality of the Prophet when referring to Prophet Mohammed, were already part of earlier legislation. “There has been a deafening silence by the elite moderate Sunnis of our country over the increase in prejudice against Shias,” wrote a Pakistani Shiite, who is considering seeking asylum abroad. He could have said the same thing about major Sunni Muslim contenders for religious soft power in bids to become or cement their status as leaders of the Muslim world. A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox. Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore and the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Gulf state religious moderation falls by the wayside in Pakistan

Hazaras are the third-largest ethnic bloc in Afghanistan and a significant Shia minority in neighbouring Pakistan. Hazaras live in large numbers in Quetta, &nbsp;the capital of Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and poorest district rife with sectarian violence. Their population here---- is somewhere between 650,000 to 900,000. But this figure gets dwarfed when compared with the Sunni Muslim population in Pakistan.

Which is why Hazaras are one of the most oppressed minority groups in Pakistan. The discrimination dates back decades. The stories of massacres are countless. And the persecution continues to this day.

On the 3rd of January 11 members of the Hazara community, 11 innocent coal miners were abducted. They were held at gunpoinT, blindfolded, hands tied behind their backs and taken to a nearby mountain.

They were shot at, their throats slit,

Who carried out this slaughter? Terrorists from the Pakistan faction of the Islamic State. This is the first major attack on the Hazara community after almost a year of lull.

11 innocent coal miners killed for no reason except their belief! Their bodies have been wrapped in shrouds. But they haven't been buried yet.

Their families say the funeral won't be held until the Pakistan govt finds the killers. The killings have become a watershed for the Hazara community.

Hundreds of them have blocked a key highway on the outskirts of Quetta to demand justice. They say they won't give up until their demands are met. They want the prime minister of Pakistan himself to come to Quetta.

Has the Pak PM responded to these demands?

Yes and no.

"I share your pain &amp; have come to you before also to stand with you in your time of suffering. I will come again very soon to offer prayers and condole with all the families personally. I will never betray my people's trust. Please bury your loved ones so their souls find peace," tweeted Imran Khan.

Now here's the thing. There are women and children protesting in 8 degrees Celsius in Quetta. They are refusing to bury their loved ones. This is not manufactured victimhood. This is the result of decades of persecution of the Hazara community.

A self-righteous tweet by Imran khan won't do away with the countless injustices &amp; attacks.

In 2001, eight Hazara Muslims were killed in a vehicle ambush.

In 2003, forty-seven Hazara Muslim worshippers were killed in an attack on one of their mosques in Quetta.

In 2004, forty-two were killed in an attack on a Hazara religious procession.

In 2010, eight of them were killed in an attack on a hospital in Quetta

In 2011, eight Hazara Muslims mostly children were killed in a gun attack at a park.

In 2012, seven Hazaras mostly women were killed in an attack on a van they were travelling in.

In 2013, fifty two 52 Hazara Muslims were killed in a series of targeted bombings across Quetta.

And then in 2019, twenty Hazara Muslims were killed in targeted bombings at a Quetta market.

'offering prayers' and 'condoling personally' with the families won't help. Imran khan's govt has failed in protecting the Hazaras much like his predecessors.

Hazaras are the third-largest ethnic bloc in Afghanistan and a significant Shia minority in neighbouring Pakistan. Hazaras live in large numbers in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Hazaras are the third-largest ethnic bloc in Afghanistan and a significant Shia minority in neighbouring Pakistan. Hazaras live in large numbers in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Balochistan province. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and poorest district rife with sectarian violence. Their population here---- is somewhere between 650,000 to 900,000. But this figure gets dwarfed when compared with the Sunni Muslim population in Pakistan. Which is why Hazaras are one of the most oppressed minority groups in Pakistan. The discrimination dates back decades. The stories of massacres are countless. And the persecution continues to this day. On the 3rd of January 11 members of the Hazara community, 11 innocent coal miners were abducted. They were held at gunpoinT, blindfolded, hands tied behind their backs and taken to a nearby mountain. They were shot at, their throats slit, Who carried out this slaughter? Terrorists from the Pakistan faction of the Islamic State. This is the first major attack on the Hazara community after almost a year of lull. 11 innocent coal miners killed for no reason except their belief! Their bodies have been wrapped in shrouds. But they haven't been buried yet. Their families say the funeral won't be held until the Pakistan govt finds the killers. The killings have become a watershed for the Hazara community. Hundreds of them have blocked a key highway on the outskirts of Quetta to demand justice. They say they won't give up until their demands are met. They want the prime minister of Pakistan himself to come to Quetta. Has the Pak PM responded to these demands? Yes and no. "I share your pain & have come to you before also to stand with you in your time of suffering. I will come again very soon to offer prayers and condole with all the families personally. I will never betray my people's trust. Please bury your loved ones so their souls find peace," tweeted Imran Khan. Now here's the thing. There are women and children protesting in 8 degrees Celsius in Quetta. They are refusing to bury their loved ones. This is not manufactured victimhood. This is the result of decades of persecution of the Hazara community. A self-righteous tweet by Imran khan won't do away with the countless injustices & attacks. In 2001, eight Hazara Muslims were killed in a vehicle ambush. In 2003, forty-seven Hazara Muslim worshippers were killed in an attack on one of their mosques in Quetta. In 2004, forty-two were killed in an attack on a Hazara religious procession. In 2010, eight of them were killed in an attack on a hospital in Quetta In 2011, eight Hazara Muslims mostly children were killed in a gun attack at a park. In 2012, seven Hazaras mostly women were killed in an attack on a van they were travelling in. In 2013, fifty two 52 Hazara Muslims were killed in a series of targeted bombings across Quetta. And then in 2019, twenty Hazara Muslims were killed in targeted bombings at a Quetta market. 'offering prayers' and 'condoling personally' with the families won't help. Imran khan's govt has failed in protecting the Hazaras much like his predecessors.

Pakistan government fails to protect Hazara community

Gunmen killed at least 11 mine workers at a remote coal mine in Balochistan on Sunday. The victims of the attack were from the minororty Shiite Hazra community. The ethnic Hazra community make up most of the Shiite population in Quetta, the capital in Balochistan. The region is Pakistan's largest and poorest region and rife with insurgency and violence.

"Dead bodies of the 11 miners have been taken to a local hospital," Khalid Durrani, a government official in the area, told AFP.

The attack took place before dawn on Sunday in far-flung and mountainous Machh area when the miners slept. Four injured miners are being treated at a local hospital.

A security official told AFP the attackers first separated the miners, tied their hands and feet, took them out into the hills and later killed them.&nbsp;

Both Durrani and the security official said the victims belonged to the Hazara community.

Durrani said the mine was deep in the mountains.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-40-more-arrested-over-attack-on-hindu-temple-in-northwest-pakistan-354175">Over 40 more arrested over attack on Hindu temple in Northwest Pakistan</a>

It was not clear how exactly the miners were killed, he told AFP.

The assailants fled after the attack. Both officials said police and members of the local paramilitary force were on the scene, where a search operation had been launched to trace the attackers.

No group has claimed responsibility.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned "the killing of 11 innocent coal miners in Machh" as a "cowardly inhumane act of terrorism".

Liaqat Shahwani, a spokesman for the provincial government, confirmed the incident and told private TV channel Geo that it was an act of terrorism.

Though Pakistan's mines are notorious for poor safety standards, such attacks against miners are rare.

(With AFP inputs)

Gunmen killed at least 11 mine workers at a remote coal mine in Balochistan on Sunday. The victims of the attack were from the minororty Shiite Hazra community. The ethnic Hazra community make up most of the Shiite population in Quetta, the capital in Balochistan.

Gunmen killed at least 11 mine workers at a remote coal mine in Balochistan on Sunday. The victims of the attack were from the minororty Shiite Hazra community. The ethnic Hazra community make up most of the Shiite population in Quetta, the capital in Balochistan. The region is Pakistan's largest and poorest region and rife with insurgency and violence. "Dead bodies of the 11 miners have been taken to a local hospital," Khalid Durrani, a government official in the area, told AFP. The attack took place before dawn on Sunday in far-flung and mountainous Machh area when the miners slept. Four injured miners are being treated at a local hospital. A security official told AFP the attackers first separated the miners, tied their hands and feet, took them out into the hills and later killed them. Both Durrani and the security official said the victims belonged to the Hazara community. Durrani said the mine was deep in the mountains. Also Read | Over 40 more arrested over attack on Hindu temple in Northwest Pakistan It was not clear how exactly the miners were killed, he told AFP. The assailants fled after the attack. Both officials said police and members of the local paramilitary force were on the scene, where a search operation had been launched to trace the attackers. No group has claimed responsibility. In a tweet, Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned "the killing of 11 innocent coal miners in Machh" as a "cowardly inhumane act of terrorism". Liaqat Shahwani, a spokesman for the provincial government, confirmed the incident and told private TV channel Geo that it was an act of terrorism. Though Pakistan's mines are notorious for poor safety standards, such attacks against miners are rare. (With AFP inputs)

Gunmen kill 11 miners in Balochistan

&nbsp;A bomb blast hit the capital city of Pakistan's Balochistan province on Sunday, leaving at least three people dead and injuring seven others.

The blast took place in a market in Hazarganji area of Quetta, the provincial capital of southwest Balochistan province.

The blast came as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a grand alliance of Pakistan's major Opposition parties, held its third anti-government rally at the Ayub Ground in Quetta to press for Prime Minister Imran Khan's ouster.

The rally site is, however, 35 to 40 minutes away from the blast site.

The Balochistan government had appealed to the PDM to postpone the public meeting in view of security threats.&nbsp;

A bomb blast hit the capital city of Pakistan's Balochistan province on Sunday, leaving at least three people dead and injuring seven others. The blast took place in a market in Hazarganji area of Quetta, the provincial capital of southwest Balochistan province.

A bomb blast hit the capital city of Pakistan's Balochistan province on Sunday, leaving at least three people dead and injuring seven others. The blast took place in a market in Hazarganji area of Quetta, the provincial capital of southwest Balochistan province. The blast came as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a grand alliance of Pakistan's major Opposition parties, held its third anti-government rally at the Ayub Ground in Quetta to press for Prime Minister Imran Khan's ouster. The rally site is, however, 35 to 40 minutes away from the blast site. The Balochistan government had appealed to the PDM to postpone the public meeting in view of security threats.

Three killed in bomb blast in Pakistan's Quetta city

Amid the anti-government movement in the country, Pakistan’s major Opposition parties decided to go ahead with an anti-government rally on Sunday Quetta city as part of a campaign to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite security threats.

Under Khan, Pakistan has experienced mounting censorship of the media and a crackdown on dissent, critics and opposition. But the campaign against him sought to tap into discontent over his handling of the economy, which was tanking even before the global coronavirus pandemic struck.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of 11 parties, was set up on September 20. The rally in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, would be its third power show after two successful back-to-back gatherings in Gujranwala and Karachi this month.

The National Counter Terrorism Authority issued a security alert during the week, warning that it received “credible information” that opposition rallies in Quetta and Peshawar could be targeted by militants.

Balochistan government’s spokesperson Liaquat Ali Shahwani told the media on Friday that due to threat alert, the opposition parties should postpone the rally. Earlier, the provincial government banned pillion riding in Quetta.

However, PDM leaders rejected the call and announced that the Quetta rally would go ahead.

PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who is also chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), said that the provincial government should pack up and go home if it was unable to maintain law and order.

“It is the responsibility of the Balochistan government to provide complete security to the public meeting in the province,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Maryam Nawaz, leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and daughter of former premier Nawaz Sharif.

“If something happens, the provincial government will be responsible for it,” she said.

Sharif is expected to address the Quetta gathering via video-link from London.

The former prime minister had criticised Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during the rally in Gujranwala.

Sharif has been in London since November last year after the Lahore High Court granted him permission to go abroad for four weeks for treating the heart disease and an immune system disorder.

The Pakistan military has repeatedly denied meddling in politics. Khan also denies the army helped him win the election.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the anti-government movement in the country, Pakistan’s major Opposition parties decided to go ahead with an anti-government rally on Sunday Quetta city as part of a campaign to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite security threats.

Amid the anti-government movement in the country, Pakistan’s major Opposition parties decided to go ahead with an anti-government rally on Sunday Quetta city as part of a campaign to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite security threats. Under Khan, Pakistan has experienced mounting censorship of the media and a crackdown on dissent, critics and opposition. But the campaign against him sought to tap into discontent over his handling of the economy, which was tanking even before the global coronavirus pandemic struck. The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of 11 parties, was set up on September 20. The rally in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, would be its third power show after two successful back-to-back gatherings in Gujranwala and Karachi this month. The National Counter Terrorism Authority issued a security alert during the week, warning that it received “credible information” that opposition rallies in Quetta and Peshawar could be targeted by militants. Balochistan government’s spokesperson Liaquat Ali Shahwani told the media on Friday that due to threat alert, the opposition parties should postpone the rally. Earlier, the provincial government banned pillion riding in Quetta. However, PDM leaders rejected the call and announced that the Quetta rally would go ahead. PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who is also chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), said that the provincial government should pack up and go home if it was unable to maintain law and order. “It is the responsibility of the Balochistan government to provide complete security to the public meeting in the province,” he said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Maryam Nawaz, leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and daughter of former premier Nawaz Sharif. “If something happens, the provincial government will be responsible for it,” she said. Sharif is expected to address the Quetta gathering via video-link from London. The former prime minister had criticised Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during the rally in Gujranwala. Sharif has been in London since November last year after the Lahore High Court granted him permission to go abroad for four weeks for treating the heart disease and an immune system disorder. The Pakistan military has repeatedly denied meddling in politics. Khan also denies the army helped him win the election. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan opposition to hold mass rally in Quetta calling for PM Imran Khan to go

In a shocking development, Pakistan cops baton-charged medical personnel as hundreds protested over lack of gear to protect against coronavirus.&nbsp;

In the southwestern city of Quetta, the riot police's heavy-handed approach was seen by Reuters journalists as they thrashed doctors and paramedics who protested over the demands&nbsp;of safety equipment. Some medical professionals were dragged too by riot police who were armed with rifles and batons.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-climb-to-3520-in-pakistan-as-authorities-scramble-to-contain-spread-290887">Coronavirus cases climb to 3,520 in Pakistan as authorities scramble to contain spread</a>

A senior police official said 30 demonstrators had been arrested for violating a ban on public gatherings imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. Doctors threatened boycotting work untill the detainees were released.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-in-pakistan-20000-quarantined-as-300-tablighi-jamaat-members-test-positive-290835">Coronavirus in Pakistan: 20,000 quarantined as 300 Tablighi Jamaat members test positive</a>

Dr Abdul Rahim, a spokesman for the doctors' union leading the protest said the failure to supply safety gear to doctors and medical staff is putting their lives at risk.&nbsp;

“A dozen doctors have been infected while other medical staff is also suffering,” Rahim said. He added that a number of protesters were injured in the incident.&nbsp;

Last month, similar threats of not going to work were issued by doctors from Pakistan's capital Islamabad city too as they complained of lack of safety gear.&nbsp;

Pakistan's disaster management authority has said that the gear is being imported in batches.&nbsp;

However, a spokesman for the provincial government said that the doctors protesting were not the ones who are fighting the virus, adding hospitals in Quetta had been provided protective gear.&nbsp;

"The doctors protesting don't look after coronavirus patients; we don't understand their justification for protesting," Balochistan government spokesman Liquat Shahwani said.

Pakistan has reported over 3,200 coronavirus cases so far, including 50 deaths. As many as 191 of these cases have been confirmed in Balochistan province, of which Quetta is the capital.

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

In a shocking development, Pakistan cops baton-charged medical personnel as hundreds protested over lack of gear to protect against coronavirus. In the southwestern city of Quetta, the riot police's heavy-handed approach was seen by Reuters journalists as they thrashed doctors and paramedics who protested over the demands of safety equipment.

In a shocking development, Pakistan cops baton-charged medical personnel as hundreds protested over lack of gear to protect against coronavirus. In the southwestern city of Quetta, the riot police's heavy-handed approach was seen by Reuters journalists as they thrashed doctors and paramedics who protested over the demands of safety equipment. Some medical professionals were dragged too by riot police who were armed with rifles and batons. Also read | Coronavirus cases climb to 3,520 in Pakistan as authorities scramble to contain spread A senior police official said 30 demonstrators had been arrested for violating a ban on public gatherings imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. Doctors threatened boycotting work untill the detainees were released. Also read | Coronavirus in Pakistan: 20,000 quarantined as 300 Tablighi Jamaat members test positive Dr Abdul Rahim, a spokesman for the doctors' union leading the protest said the failure to supply safety gear to doctors and medical staff is putting their lives at risk. “A dozen doctors have been infected while other medical staff is also suffering,” Rahim said. He added that a number of protesters were injured in the incident. Last month, similar threats of not going to work were issued by doctors from Pakistan's capital Islamabad city too as they complained of lack of safety gear. Pakistan's disaster management authority has said that the gear is being imported in batches. However, a spokesman for the provincial government said that the doctors protesting were not the ones who are fighting the virus, adding hospitals in Quetta had been provided protective gear. "The doctors protesting don't look after coronavirus patients; we don't understand their justification for protesting," Balochistan government spokesman Liquat Shahwani said. Pakistan has reported over 3,200 coronavirus cases so far, including 50 deaths. As many as 191 of these cases have been confirmed in Balochistan province, of which Quetta is the capital. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan: Police baton-charged doctors who were demanding protective gear to fight coronavirus

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan.&nbsp;

According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat.&nbsp;

Many vehicles parked in the vicinity have also been damaged due to the impact of the blast, The Dawn reported.

The area has been cordoned off while a search operation is underway.&nbsp;

The nature of the blast has not yet been ascertained.

Minister of Interior Blaochistan Zia Langove said that the number of those injured by the blast may rise.

News agency Reuters reported the explosion as a suicide attack which targeted a police vehicle.

Two police personnel were among those killed in the blast in the city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"We have received 10 bodies so far and 35 injured in Civil Hospital,” a hospital official told Reuters.

Two police personnel were among the dead, a senior police official confirmed.

(With inputs from Reuters and PTI)

 
&nbsp;

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan. According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat.

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan. According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat. Many vehicles parked in the vicinity have also been damaged due to the impact of the blast, The Dawn reported. The area has been cordoned off while a search operation is underway. The nature of the blast has not yet been ascertained. Minister of Interior Blaochistan Zia Langove said that the number of those injured by the blast may rise. News agency Reuters reported the explosion as a suicide attack which targeted a police vehicle. Two police personnel were among those killed in the blast in the city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, Reuters reported. "We have received 10 bodies so far and 35 injured in Civil Hospital,” a hospital official told Reuters. Two police personnel were among the dead, a senior police official confirmed. (With inputs from Reuters and PTI)

Pakistan: Blast in Quetta kills at least 7, nearly 20 wounded

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces.

The protestors said that a large number of political activists and intellectuals were being abducted illegally by security forces from various parts of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan.

Relatives of Rashid Hussain, who was abducted from UAE and later deported to Pakistan also joined the protest. His mother along with other missing person <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-women-protest-against-enforced-disappearances-in-quetta-253945">families protested in Quetta</a> for his safe return and release of other Baloch missing persons.

Hussain was handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year.

He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being.

An online campaign has also been launched to demand the release of Hussain. Social media users are raising their voice using hashtag #SaveRashidHussain and #SaveBalochMissingPersons.

The protesters were also joined by Mama Qadir Baloch, of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons', who has been running a campaign for thousands of missing Baloch people.

Similar protests against enforced disappearances were held in Quetta earlier this month.

Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces.

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces. The protestors said that a large number of political activists and intellectuals were being abducted illegally by security forces from various parts of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan. Relatives of Rashid Hussain, who was abducted from UAE and later deported to Pakistan also joined the protest. His mother along with other missing person families protested in Quetta for his safe return and release of other Baloch missing persons. Hussain was handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year. He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being. An online campaign has also been launched to demand the release of Hussain. Social media users are raising their voice using hashtag #SaveRashidHussain and #SaveBalochMissingPersons. The protesters were also joined by Mama Qadir Baloch, of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons', who has been running a campaign for thousands of missing Baloch people. Similar protests against enforced disappearances were held in Quetta earlier this month. Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Baloch women, children hold protest against enforced disappearances

Several student organisations under the banner of Students Educational Alliance on Thursday continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day over alleged harassment and blackmail of students by some officials of Balochistan University.

The demonstrators, who staged their protest outside the Quetta Press Club, alleged that the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Balochistan (UoB) was responsible for the entire scandal as VC was the `head of blackmailers and saviour of the culprits`, reported Express Tribune.

The protesting students marched through the campus to put pressure on the officials to take action against the culprits.

Earlier on Wednesday, Professor Dr Kaleem Ullah Barech, representing the Academic Staff Association, while addressing a press conference, said: "The association has raised its voice against varsity administration, including its financial and ethical corruption, for last several years."

The scandal came to light about a month ago after the Balochistan High Court (BHC) directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the reports of students being harassed at the varsity.

Later, FIA discovered that both male and female students were being blackmailed by some staff members through some `objectionable` videos, recorded through CCTV cameras hidden at various spots on the campus including washrooms.

Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, who is also the chancellor of all provincial universities, on Thursday vowed to take strict action against those involved in the case."Whosoever found involved in demoralising educational structure in Balochistan will be brought to justice because the UoB`s scandal has triggered anger in society," the Governor said.

Urging the student organisations and teacher associations to refrain from provoking the society until completion of the FIA probe, he said: "The hooligans who harassed and blackmailed students would be dealt with strictly and punished for maligning the mother educational institution of Balochistan."

Condemning the scandal, Balochistan National Party's (BNP) Lashkari Raisani asked the Vice-Chancellor to resign. He also noted that the scandal had shaken the students` trust in educational institutions.

Taking cognizance, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has placed the issue on the agenda of VC`s meeting to be held on October 21.

"The meeting will discuss existing regulations that address such acts as well as additional measures that might be needed to make university campuses safe and secure places. The university heads will also discuss the funding issues of the higher learning institutions," HEC said in a press release.

Several student organisations under the banner of Students Educational Alliance on Thursday continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day over alleged harassment and blackmail of students by some officials of Balochistan University.

Several student organisations under the banner of Students Educational Alliance on Thursday continued their protests for the fourth consecutive day over alleged harassment and blackmail of students by some officials of Balochistan University. The demonstrators, who staged their protest outside the Quetta Press Club, alleged that the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Balochistan (UoB) was responsible for the entire scandal as VC was the `head of blackmailers and saviour of the culprits`, reported Express Tribune. The protesting students marched through the campus to put pressure on the officials to take action against the culprits. Earlier on Wednesday, Professor Dr Kaleem Ullah Barech, representing the Academic Staff Association, while addressing a press conference, said: "The association has raised its voice against varsity administration, including its financial and ethical corruption, for last several years." The scandal came to light about a month ago after the Balochistan High Court (BHC) directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the reports of students being harassed at the varsity. Later, FIA discovered that both male and female students were being blackmailed by some staff members through some `objectionable` videos, recorded through CCTV cameras hidden at various spots on the campus including washrooms. Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, who is also the chancellor of all provincial universities, on Thursday vowed to take strict action against those involved in the case."Whosoever found involved in demoralising educational structure in Balochistan will be brought to justice because the UoB`s scandal has triggered anger in society," the Governor said. Urging the student organisations and teacher associations to refrain from provoking the society until completion of the FIA probe, he said: "The hooligans who harassed and blackmailed students would be dealt with strictly and punished for maligning the mother educational institution of Balochistan." Condemning the scandal, Balochistan National Party's (BNP) Lashkari Raisani asked the Vice-Chancellor to resign. He also noted that the scandal had shaken the students` trust in educational institutions. Taking cognizance, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has placed the issue on the agenda of VC`s meeting to be held on October 21. "The meeting will discuss existing regulations that address such acts as well as additional measures that might be needed to make university campuses safe and secure places. The university heads will also discuss the funding issues of the higher learning institutions," HEC said in a press release.

Students of Balochistan University continue protests against campus harassment

Baloch women in Quetta city organized a protest against enforced disappearances in the south-western province of Balochistan.

The protesters led by Mama Qadir Baloch of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons' blamed Pakistan's secret agencies for abducting Rashid Hussain, a Baloch political activist, and a student.

Rashid was arrested by the 'United Arab Emirates' secret police from Sharjah in November 2018 and handed over to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-talks-afghanistan-slams-islamabad-india-says-closely-monitoring-development-253844">Pakistan</a>'s law enforcement agencies in June this year. 
 
He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being.

Rashid's sister, Farida Baloch, said that it has been over three months since Pakistani authorities claimed that Rashid was deported to the country but he has not been presented to any court of law nor has he been provided with a legal representative.

Watch Video: Enforced disappearances continue in Balochistan

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"We were thinking that he will be produced in court after a few days in remand. But, authorities have not produced him anywhere. We have no information about his whereabouts. In our opinion, a person cannot disappear like this. If you have charges against him, he should be produced in court," Farida said.

She added, "This is against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-rights-chief-says-troubled-by-hong-kong-violence-253918">UN human rights</a> convention and he should be given a free and fair trial."

Thousands of abducted Balochs have been kept under illegal detention and are not being released, the women alleged while staging demonstrations.

Protestors stated that the disappeared people still continue to languish in illegal torture cells of Pakistan military and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Baloch women in Quetta city organized a protest against enforced disappearances in the south-western province of Balochistan. The protesters led by Mama Qadir Baloch of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons' blamed Pakistan's secret agencies for abducting Rashid Hussain, a Baloch political activist, and a student.

Baloch women in Quetta city organized a protest against enforced disappearances in the south-western province of Balochistan. The protesters led by Mama Qadir Baloch of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons' blamed Pakistan's secret agencies for abducting Rashid Hussain, a Baloch political activist, and a student. Rashid was arrested by the 'United Arab Emirates' secret police from Sharjah in November 2018 and handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year. He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being. Rashid's sister, Farida Baloch, said that it has been over three months since Pakistani authorities claimed that Rashid was deported to the country but he has not been presented to any court of law nor has he been provided with a legal representative. Watch Video: Enforced disappearances continue in Balochistan × "We were thinking that he will be produced in court after a few days in remand. But, authorities have not produced him anywhere. We have no information about his whereabouts. In our opinion, a person cannot disappear like this. If you have charges against him, he should be produced in court," Farida said. She added, "This is against the UN human rights convention and he should be given a free and fair trial." Thousands of abducted Balochs have been kept under illegal detention and are not being released, the women alleged while staging demonstrations. Protestors stated that the disappeared people still continue to languish in illegal torture cells of Pakistan military and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Balochistan: Women protest against enforced disappearances in Quetta

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