PPP youth leader killed; wife injured in Pak attack
LAHORE, June 1: A youth leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party was allegedly murdered by his in-laws in Punjab province after he married against their wishes. Police said Islam Shah Khagga was shot dead at his home in Pakpattan on Sunday by around 12 armed men. The attackers allegedly tortured Khagga, his pregnant wife Aneela, and his parents for several hours. Aneela suffered severe injuries after her hands and feet were amputated with axes, while Khagga’s parents were also critically wounded. All injured victims were rushed to hospital, where doctors are trying to save their lives. Police have registered a case against Aneela’s father, brothers and other suspects. Authorities said the couple had entered into a court marriage five months ago despite family opposition, and mediation efforts had failed. Senior PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf condemned the attack and demanded swift justice. The incident has renewed concerns over honour-based violence in Pakistan. (PTI)
Indian-origin pilot dies in helicopter crash
NEW YORK, June 1: Two Indian-origin men, including newlywed groom Dave Fiji, were killed in a helicopter crash in Georgia shortly after a wedding celebration. Dave, 26, and pilot Nikhil Nargundkar died when their Robinson R66 helicopter crashed in a wooded area near Dawsonville on Friday evening amid poor weather conditions. Dave’s bride, Jesni Fiji, 25, survived and is recovering in an Atlanta hospital after being trapped in the wreckage for nearly six hours. The couple, whose families are originally from Kerala, had boarded the helicopter for a special post-wedding sendoff to Atlanta. According to Dave’s father, the groom, a pilot with Delta Air Lines, had expressed concerns about flying in low visibility due to rain. Jesni later recalled that the pilot planned to fly at a higher altitude despite the conditions. The crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, which has not yet determined the cause. (AP)
Congo nears 300 Ebola cases as survivors recover
BUNIA, June 1: The Democratic Republic of the Congo has confirmed 282 Ebola cases in its latest outbreak, most of them in eastern Ituri province. More than 1,000 suspected cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola have been reported, with the outbreak spreading across 22 health zones in three eastern provinces. Health authorities say key challenges include early detection, rapid isolation of patients, contact tracing and safe burials. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations announced up to $62 million in funding to support development of three experimental vaccines by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Moderna and the University of Oxford. During a visit to Ituri, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus honoured Ebola survivors, including healthcare workers, praising their resilience and highlighting that early treatment can significantly improve chances of recovery. (AP)
