Pakistan forces nab five Afghan teen bombers at border
PESHAWAR, July 18: Five Afghan suicide bombers aged 15-18 have been arrested in Pakistan while attempting to infiltrate the country from Afghanistan. The teen terrorists entered Pakistani territory on July 17 and advanced towards Azizkhel and Mandikhel. After encountering security personnel, they sought shelter in a mosque in the Besikhel area and surrendered upon being challenged. All arrested were Afghan nationals, aged 15-18. The bombers have been transferred to an undisclosed location for further interrogation. Security forces have killed 30 terrorists along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the North Waziristan district, 71 militants attempting to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan in April, and 16 terrorists attempting to cross the Afghan border in March. (PTI)
Pakistan faces $23bn debt bill this year
ISLAMABAD, July 18: Pakistan is set to pay over USD 23 billion in external debt during the current fiscal year, according to a media report. The country’s total debt was Rs 76.01 trillion at the end of March, with domestic debt of Rs 51.52 trillion and external debt of Rs 24.49 trillion. The country will still have to repay around USD 11 billion in external debt servicing to multilateral, bilateral creditors, international bondholders, and commercial lenders. The debt payment is the single largest expenditure of the annual budget, with Pakistan allocating Rs8.2 trillion for domestic and external debt servicing in 2025-26. (PTI)
Man charged with hijacking at Vancouver airport
VANCOUVER, July 18: A Canadian man, Shaheer Cassim, has been charged with hijacking a small plane after causing a security scare at Vancouver’s airport. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Cassim seized control of a Cessna at Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island by threatening a flight instructor before flying about 40 miles to Vancouver. Cassim, who resembled a man with the same name, posted on social media that he was a “messenger of Allah” and a “Messiah” sent to save humanity from climate change. Cassim’s last post warned about “abrupt runaway global warming” that will cause humans to go extinct within a few years. British Columbia Premier David Eby described the incident as a “bizarre moment” and a “testament” to the skill of responders who talked the suspect down. (AP)
HK prison rules may limit lawyer, chaplain visits
HONG KONG, July 18: Hong Kong has tightened prison rules, allowing magistrates to issue warrants to bar exchanges between legal representatives and inmates if they could harm national security or cause bodily harm. The changes could undermine inmate rights, as many were arrested for political activism following 2019 protests. Critics worry the changes could undermine inmate rights and maintain prison security. The city now has two national security laws deemed necessary for stability. (AP)