Deadly van crash in NW Pak kills 11
PESHAWAR, May 11: At least 11 people were killed and several others injured when a van carrying wedding guests plunged into a deep ravine in Malam Jabba, a tourist area in Swat district, Pakistan, on Monday, rescue officials said. The passengers were travelling to attend a marriage ceremony when the vehicle reportedly lost control and fell into a gorge. According to Rescue 1122, women and children were among the dead, including the groom’s mother. Local residents began rescue efforts before emergency teams and government officials arrived at the scene. The injured were taken to Saidu Sharif Hospital for treatment. Authorities said rescue operations in the mountainous region are difficult due to rugged terrain. Local officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. (PTI)
Severe winds and rain kill four in Pakistan
PESHAWAR, May 11: At least four people were killed and 16 others injured after strong winds and heavy rain damaged homes in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities said on Monday. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that the incidents occurred on Sunday across Mardan, Swabi, Malakand, and Shangla districts, where winds and rainfall caused walls and roofs of houses to collapse. The dead included a woman and a child, while several of the injured were women and children. District administrations have been placed on alert and directed to provide immediate relief and emergency assistance to affected families. The PDMA warned that the ongoing spell of rain and strong winds is expected to continue intermittently until May 12. Its emergency operations centre remains active, and residents have been urged to report emergencies through the official helpline for timely response. (PTI)
Nepal opp slams govt over squatters’ evictions
KATHMANDU, May 11: Opposition lawmakers in Nepal have criticised the government led by Balendra Shah over the demolition of squatters’ settlements, saying thousands of landless people were evicted without rehabilitation or alternative housing. Authorities have removed more than 15,000 squatters in Kathmandu over the past two weeks and demolished around 4,000 makeshift structures, stating that the settlements were illegally built on public and riverside land. However, opposition parties and civil society groups accused the government of acting without adequate notice and failing to follow proper procedures. Lawmakers raised the issue in parliament, with some alleging that the evictions have led to extreme hardship, including reported suicides, and left women and children without shelter, healthcare, or education access. Critics also objected to the use of bulldozers during the drive. The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order directing authorities not to remove squatters without a proper rehabilitation plan, warning of potential violations of constitutional rights and a looming humanitarian crisis.(PTI)
