Five killed in separate attacks in Pakistan
PESHAWAR, June 29: Two separate terrorism incidents in northwest Pakistan have killed at least five people, including two security personnel and three members of a local peace committee. The incidents occurred in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The first incident involved a roadside bomb targeting a patrolling vehicle, killing two soldiers and injuring three others. In the second incident, unidentified gunmen shot dead three members of the peace militia in the Shahab Khel area. The deceased were identified as Dastagir, the head of a local peace committee, Saleem Khan, and Salahuddin. Security forces cordoned off the areas and investigations are ongoing. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far. Pakistan has experienced a surge in terrorist incidents since the collapse of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022. (PTI)
Five hurt as 5.3 quake strikes Pakistan
KARACHI, June 29: A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan’s Balochistan province, causing at least five injuries. The quake, with its epicentre near Barkan town, struck around 3.30 am local time. The United States Geological Survey estimated the quake’s epicentre to be around 60 kilometers from Barkan town. Tremors were felt in several areas near Barkan, including Rara Shaim, Kingri, and Wastu. Around a dozen houses were damaged, and cracks appeared in residences in the affected areas. The earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale. In 2021, an earthquake in Harnai left 20 people dead and scores injured. In 2005, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in northern Pakistan killed over 73,000 people and left 3.5 million homeless. Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, experienced around a dozen earthquake tremors between magnitudes 2.2 and 3.5 in June, but no casualties or damage were reported. (PTI)
Rain havoc in Pakistan kills 38
ISLAMABAD, June 29: Pakistan has seen a rise in death toll in rain-related incidents, with 38 fatalities and 63 injuries, as pre-monsoon showers continue to wreak havoc in various parts of the country. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest was the worst hit, with at least 19 people killed in a flash flood. The provincial government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faced criticism for failing to help the family, which took refuge on higher ground but were ultimately swept away. The provincial government suspended four officials and removed Swat Deputy Commissioner Shehzad Mahboob from his post. Federal information minister Atta Tarar demanded that the chief minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, take responsibility for the deaths and resign. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing, and scattered rains are expected in the next 24 hours. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urges all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert to deal with emergencies. (PTI)