Concern over blasphemy laws; Christian family framed in Pak
Islamabad, July 15: A leading minority rights organisation expressed grave concern over the misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, alleging that accusations are increasingly being weaponised to settle scores, seize property, and target minorities in the country. According to the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), a dangerous pattern resurfaced in Karachi on July 9 after a desecrated page of the Quran was allegedly mailed to a shop along with photographs of a Christian man, Azeem Javaid, and his mother. The incident quickly triggered public outrage, with angry crowds gathering at the scene, pelting stones at police, and leaving Christian families trapped inside their homes. The rights body noted that the incident appeared to be a calculated attempt to frame Javaid, potentially driven by a personal or financial dispute. (IANS)
Temples across US mark 250 years of Independence
Washington, July 15: BAPS temples across the United States were illuminated in red, white and blue as the Hindu organisation marked America’s 250th anniversary with veterans, elected leaders and community members. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha joined the America250 commemoration through flag-hoisting ceremonies, interfaith gatherings, open houses and service initiatives across the country. The Hindu organisation partnered with America250.org, the national, non-partisan initiative leading events for the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. (IANS)
Negotiations on for release of 3 ships held by Somali pirates
Singapore, July 15: Ransom-related negotiations are underway for the release of three merchant vessels and their crew members held by Somali pirates, as such incidents continue in the Western Indian Ocean, a senior maritime security official said here on Wednesday. The three vessels — oil tankers Honour 25 and Eureka, and cargo ship Sward — comprising 44 crew members, were hijacked in separate incidents between April and May off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, according to recent reports by the International Maritime Organisation. Talks involving the countries where the vessels are officially registered, ship owners and the pirates are being conducted confidentially due to concerns over the safety of the crew. (PTI)
Ebola cases top 2,000 in Congo with 754 deaths
Bunia, July 15: The confirmed cases of Ebola in Congo have reached 2,011, including 754 deaths, according to government data released overnight in what authorities say is the fastest-growing outbreak on record. A total of 753 people remain in isolation or in hospitals, while 366 have so far recovered, according to data from Congo’s Ministry of Health. Contact tracing remains a challenge, with coverage of those exposed still at 67 per cent. (AP)
