Afghan families seek victims after strike on Eid
KABUL, March 24: On Eid, Afghan families mourned and searched for loved ones killed in Pakistan’s March 16 airstrike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, which claimed over 400 lives. The strike, aimed at “military and terrorist infrastructure,” instead hit a facility where patients were returning from Ramadan prayers, causing catastrophic loss. Survivors, such as Wali Nazir Mohammad, recounted shrapnel injuries and rooms engulfed in flames, with many patients killed instantly. Families faced additional anguish as victims were buried in mass graves without names, leaving relatives like Sohrab Faqiri unable to locate his brother. Afghanistan condemned the strike as a severe violation of sovereignty, with Ministry of Interior spokesperson Abdul Matin Qane warning of a “teeth-breaking response” to Pakistan’s actions. The tragedy has further escalated tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, amid recent cross-border airstrikes, artillery fire, and accusations. Survivors and families called for justice and accountability, urging the government to respond or provide means to avenge the victims, reflecting deep anger and grief in the country. (IANS)
World Bank: Bangladesh sees alarming food price rise
NEW DELHI, March 24: Bangladesh has remained in the World Bank’s “red” category for high food inflation for nearly three years, as food prices have risen over the past five months despite overall inflation easing slightly due to government measures. The World Bank report highlights that Bangladesh faces a persistent risk of food insecurity, which could worsen if the Middle East crisis disrupts imports. Food inflation reached 9.3% in February, the highest in 13 months, disproportionately affecting low-income households who spend up to two-thirds of their income on food. According to Selim Raihan of SANEM, Bangladesh has been less successful than neighboring countries in controlling inflation. Fourteen countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ukraine, and Russia, are also in the red category, with some improving and others worsening, reflecting global volatility in food prices and economic pressures. (IANS)
At least 66 killed in military plane crash in Colombia
BOGOTA, March 24: A military transport plane carrying 128 people, mostly soldiers, crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, killing at least 66 and leaving dozens injured. The victims included 115 Army personnel, 11 crew members, and 2 National Police officers, with four still missing. Survivors were treated locally before being flown to larger hospitals. Authorities said there were no signs of an attack by armed groups. The Hercules C-130, donated by the US in 2020 and overhauled three years later, reportedly had engine problems. President Petro highlighted the need to modernize military equipment, while investigations continue to determine the crash’s cause. Local residents helped evacuate victims and fight fires. (AP)
