Death toll due to heavy rains in Balochistan increases to 22
Karachi, April 28: The death toll due to heavy rains and hailstorm in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Sunday increased to 22, the provincial disaster management cell said on Sunday. Heavy rains and thunderstorm caused flash floods and urban flooding in many districts of Balochistan, including its capital city, Quetta on Saturday. (AP)
Iraq’s harsh anti-LGBTQ+ law draws backlash
Baghdad, April 28: Human rights groups and diplomats criticised a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that the law passed Saturday “threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society” and “can be used to hamper free-speech and expression.” He warned that the legislation could drive away foreign investment. The law passed Saturday with little notice as an amendment to the country’s existing anti-prostitution law. It imposes a sentence of 10 to 15 years for same-sex relations and a prison term of one to three years for people who undergo or perform gender-transition surgeries and for “intentional practice of effeminacy.” It also bans any organisation that promotes “sexual deviancy,” imposing a sentence of at least seven years and a fine of no less than 10 million dinars. (AP)
Five die as tornado hits China
Beijing, April 28: Five people were killed in a tornado in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou. The Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday that a further 33 people were injured in the storm. According to official figures, the storm damaged 141 factory buildings, but no residential buildings collapsed. A week ago, Guangzhou and the surrounding province of Guangdong were hit by torrential rainfall, killing at least four people. (IANS)