Pakistan delays recognition of Afghan Taliban government
ISLAMABAD, July 6: Pakistan is not in a hurry to recognize the Afghan Taliban government, as the decision will be made based on the country’s interest. This comes after Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban’s rule. Pakistan officials said that Russia’s decision was not a surprise, as Moscow had indicated they would reconcile with the Taliban’s rule. Greater engagement with the Taliban government would help address the terrorist threat and advance Pakistan’s geostrategic interests. Pakistan has a robust engagement with the Taliban-ruled Kabul and has not given hints about officially recognising the Taliban government. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have gradually improved since the visit of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Kabul. Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Islamabad later this month, reviewing bilateral ties and decisions taken during Dar’s visit in April. (PTI)
27 dead in Pak building collapse; search continues
KARACHI, July 6: A multi-storey residential building in Karachi has collapsed, resulting in 27 deaths and several people still missing. The building, located in the Baghdadi area of Lyari, was on the list of dilapidated buildings in old Karachi. The bodies have been shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi by Edhi Ambulance. 80% of the rescue operation has been completed so far. There were 22 old buildings, with 16 vacated by authorities and six occupied by residents. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a detailed inquiry into the collapse and formed committees to investigate the matter thoroughly. Over 480 buildings in old city areas, mostly in the South district, have been declared dangerous. The collapsed building was constructed without proper approval and those responsible for unauthorised construction will face strict punishment. (PTI)
Turkey deploys aircraft to fight Syria wildfires
ISTANBUL, July 6: Turkey dispatched two firefighting aircraft and 11 fire trucks to assist Syria’s northwest Latakia region as wildfires continue to rage on both sides of the border. Turkish firefighters have been combating fires since June 26, successfully controlling 10 major blazes in western Turkey, though one forestry worker died in Izmir province due to injuries. Most fires in Izmir were linked to faulty power lines. In Hatay province, near Syria, a fast-spreading fire forced the evacuation of 920 homes. Authorities detained 44 suspects connected to 65 fires across Turkey. The wildfires affecting Turkey, Syria, and Greece have been intensified by soaring temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity. The Syrian Civil Defense raised concerns over unexploded ordnance in some wildfire areas, complicating firefighting efforts. Experts warn climate change is worsening summer fire conditions in the eastern Mediterranean, making these disasters more frequent and severe, posing ongoing threats to the region’s safety and environment. (AP)