Sharp rise in Afghans leaving Pak, says UN
Kabul, Oct 28: UN agencies have reported a sharp increase in Afghans returning home since Pakistan launched a crackdown on people living in the country illegally. They urged Pakistan to suspend the policy before it was too late to avoid a “human rights catastrophe.” Pakistan earlier this month said it will arrest and deport undocumented or unregistered foreigners after October 31. Two provinces bordering Afghanistan have set up deportation centres. The government says the campaign is not aimed at a particular nationality, but it mostly affects Afghans who make up the bulk of foreigners living in the country. UN agencies said Friday there are more than 2 million undocumented Afghans in Pakistan, at least 600,000 of whom fled after the Taliban takeover in 2021. (AP)
‘Maine mass killing suspect found dead’
Lewiston (US) Oct 28: A man suspected of fatally shooting 18 people and wounding 13 in Maine has been found dead, authorities said Friday. Robert Card, who was wanted in connection with the shootings at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, is believed to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a law enforcement official tells The Associated Press. The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity. A 10 p.m. news conference was scheduled by police. Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, was a U.S. Army reservist who underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told The Associated Press. (AP)
Biden to host APEC summit participants
Washington, Oct 28: President Joe Biden will reaffirm the US’ commitment to partnering with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies to chart the next chapter of sustainable, inclusive regional growth as he is set to host representatives from the 21-member bloc next month for a crucial summit in San Francisco. Biden has also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the APEC Leadership Summit, but his visit has not been confirmed yet. Biden will travel to San Francisco, California, on November 14 to host representatives from the member economies for APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, the White House said. (PTI)
Two shot, hurt in altercation
at US varsity
Worcester (US), Oct 28: A university campus in Massachusetts was locked down for seven hours Saturday after two people were shot in an altercation near a parking garage, authorities said. Neither the victims, who were hospitalised, nor the assailants were students at Worcester State University, according to a spokesperson for Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early. A shelter-in-place order was being lifted around 9:30 am but authorities urged the public to avoid areas where police were working, spokesperson Lindsay Corcoran said. (AP)