Child injured after explosion in Balochistan
QUETTA, Jan 12: In Turbat, Balochistan, a child named Adil was critically injured after an explosion in a pile of garbage in the Jusak area. He was hospitalized with severe leg injuries, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast. The incident comes amid growing public concern over crime and lawlessness in the Kech district. On January 5, hundreds of residents, including traders, doctors, and civil society groups, protested rising insecurity, starting from Apsar Bazaar and gathering at Shaheed Fida Chowk. Leaders like former Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch urged authorities to recover abducted youths and ensure public safety. Kech Bar Association President Syed Majeed Shah condemned ongoing kidnappings, while former Senator Ismail Buledi highlighted the region’s insecurity, business closures, and threats to livelihoods, calling for protection and an end to ransom kidnappings. (IANS)
Church vandalism in Pak condemn by Rights group
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: The Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM) condemned the vandalism of Tak Memorial Church in Preme Nagar, Punjab, where a cross was broken and a Bible desecrated, calling it a deliberate attack on the Christian community. VOPM described the act as more than mischief, saying it undermines the right to worship safely and signals that minority sacred spaces are not respected. The rights group highlighted that such attacks reflect a broader pattern of intimidation, violence, and discrimination against religious minorities in Pakistan, often triggered by blasphemy allegations, mob violence, or extremist incitement. Local leaders also condemned the incident. VOPM urged authorities to investigate the attack transparently, prosecute those responsible, protect churches and minority neighbourhoods proactively, and hold accountable anyone spreading religious hatred. (IANS)
4 killed as jeep plunges off hilly road in Nepal
KATHMANDU, Jan 12: At least four people, including a 13-year-old teenager, were killed and six others injured on Monday when a jeep plunged off a hilly road in Patan Municipality, Baitadi district, in Nepal’s Sudurpashchim province. The accident occurred around 11 a.m. as the vehicle was traveling from Motinagar to Dadeldhura. Police reported that the jeep lost control and fell approximately 300 feet from the road, causing the fatalities and injuries. The injured, including the driver, were immediately admitted to Dadeldhura Hospital for medical treatment. The identities of those killed have not yet been confirmed, and officials remain uncertain about the exact number of passengers on board at the time of the accident. Baitadi Police spokesperson Inspector Suraj Singh confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash and to verify all passenger details. Authorities continue rescue and recovery efforts, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The incident highlights the dangers of hilly roads in the region. (PTI)
