Quetta, July 21 (IANS) A Baloch human rights organisation on Monday strongly condemned the abduction of four civilians by Pakistani security forces amid the ongoing wave of enforced disappearances across the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh.Paank, the Baloch National Movement’s Human Rights Department, mentioned that the victims include Muhammad Hussain, a farmer from Naseerabad district in Balochistan, who was taken from his home on July 5, and Zahid Ali, a rickshaw driver from Karachi’s Lyari area who was abducted on July 17.Additionally, Mesho, from Dera Bugti in Balochistan, was forcibly disappeared in broad daylight on July 19, while Paneeri Bugti, a farmer from Pat Feeder in Naseerabad district, was abducted on June 27 after being summoned to Sui Military Camp in Balochistan.”These acts are clear violations of human rights and international law. Paank denounces this systematic campaign of abductions and demands the immediate release of all disappeared persons,” said the rights body.Meanwhile, the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) presented its Annual Report for 2024 on Sunday, documenting an alarming rise in human rights violations across Balochistan. The report revealed that over the course of the year, at least 830 individuals were forcibly disappeared, while 480 were extrajudicially killed. It further highlighted “a brutal and systematic crackdown on peaceful protestors, particularly those demanding justice for missing persons”.”These figures include only reported and verified cases; the actual scale is likely higher due to media censorship, restricted access, and fear among victims’ families,” the HRCB stated.The human rights body asserted that compared to 2023, when HRCB recorded 601 enforced disappearances and 525 killings, 2024 marked a sharp 38 per cent rise in enforced disappearances.However, the crisis has escalated further in 2025. In just the first six months, HRCB documented 814 enforced disappearances — nearly equal to the entire total of 2024 — and 365 killings, already accounting for over 75 per cent of the previous year’s total.Raising concern, the HRCB stated that Pakistan’s security forces and intelligence agencies operated with increasing impunity, and the alarming trend reflected “the deepening human rights emergency in Balochistan, with state violence accelerating year after year”.”Victims included students, political activists, women, and children — many abducted from their homes or public spaces without any legal process. In numerous instances, bodies were later found bearing signs of torture. Peaceful protests, particularly those calling for the recovery of missing persons, were met with live fire, arbitrary arrests, and criminal charges, further shrinking the civic space in Balochistan,” read the HRCB report.–IANSscor/as

Naypyidaw, July 21 (IANS) India-Myanmar United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Training Course, which began in Naypyidaw on Monday, will equip 30 mid-level officers of Myanmar security forces with essential peacekeeping skills in conflict situations.The 14-day training programme, being held from July 21 to August 1, is conducted by New Delhi’s Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK), with major focus on de-escalation, conflict management and protection of civilians.The training course would be conducted by a three-member Indian Mobile Training team from the CUNPK, preparing mid level officers from Myanmar security forces with necessary and essential skills for peacekeeping.Seven similar training programmes have been conducted between India and Myanmar from 2016 to 2019.India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur and the Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council and Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win inaugurated the training programme on Monday.The Indian Ambassador recapitulated India’s commitment to the programme as well as constitutionalism and federalism in the context of Myanmar’s ongoing peace process.Thakur also mentioned India’s significant contribution to international peacekeeping, recalling its assistance with over 290,000 peacekeepers since 1950, along with over 5000 peacekeepers currently deployed in nine out of 11 active UN Missions.Focusing on enabling participants with the skills to de-escalate and manage conflicts, rules of engagement for protection of civilians and operational planning in complex peacekeeping operations, the CUNPK will also provide practical insights for executing missions in diverse and challenging conditions and maintaining stability.Defence cooperation has been a strong pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries. High-level visits, enhanced training, capacity building and support in provision of specific equipment and technologies have led to a more wholesome relationship and better understanding of mutual security concerns.Additionally, India has been offering avenues of capacity building to Myanmar under various schemes like Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), Indian Council for Cultural Affairs (ICCR) Scholarships and other training programmes.–IANSint/bpd/as

Copenhagen, July 21 (IANS) A man was killed with two others injured in a shooting in Denmark’s capital of Copenhagen, local media reported on Monday, citing local police.
A 32-year-old man was shot dead in the city’s northwestern neighbourhood of Tingbjerg on Sunday, while two other men, aged 21 and 22, were injured in the incident but are expected to survive.As of Monday morning, no arrests had been made, the Copenhagen police told the Danish broadcaster DR.According to the police, the shooting occurred around 19:00 local time (1700 GMT) in the area known as Ruten in Tingbjerg. The police received several reports of gunfire and quickly responded to the scene. The two injured arrived at the hospital on their own for treatment, Xinhua news agency reported.Authorities have launched an investigation and are actively searching for the suspect, who was reportedly seen fleeing the scene. It remains unclear how the suspect left the area and whether a vehicle was used.The motive for the shooting is still unknown. Despite the suspect being at large, the police assured the public that there is no indication of ongoing danger to local residents.Last year, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violent incidents in Copenhagen, many of which involved Swedish perpetrators.”The violent incidents in our streets must be stopped. It is completely unacceptable,” Frederiksen told Ritzau news agency, an English-language Scandinavian news service based in Copenhagen, in August 2024. “This is not the Denmark that we want.”To combat the rising violence, Frederiksen urged police to crack down on gangs and their activities.Denmark has already escalated border controls with Sweden due to the growing involvement of Swedish criminals in activities in Copenhagen.Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard had said that the situation had become so critical that Danish police would “significantly increase controls at the border.”The enhanced measures include more rigorous physical checks on cross-border trains and the deployment of additional cameras to scan license plates at border crossings between Denmark and Sweden.–IANSint/bpd/as

Moscow, July 21 (IANS) Russian forces launched an overnight group strike on Ukraine’s military-industrial complex and the infrastructure of military airfields, the Russian Defence Ministry said Monday.
The raid involved long-range high-precision weapons launched from air, land and sea-based platforms, including “Kinzhal” air-launched hypersonic ballistic missiles and combat drones, the ministry said in a statement.Meanwhile, Russia’s air defence intercepted 74 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 23 in the Moscow Region, it added.Airports in Moscow introduced air restrictions in the early hours of Monday for flight safety reasons, which were subsequently lifted, according to Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency.Downed drone debris caused a fire on the roof of the railway station in the village of Kamenolomni in the Rostov Region, and more than 50 trains were delayed, said Russian Railways, Xinhua news agency reported.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Sunday said that Russia is ready to move quickly towards a settlement on Ukraine, but the main objective is to achieve its goals.President Vladimir Putin “has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible,” Peskov told state television in an interview on Sunday. “This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy.””Our goals are clear, they are obvious, they do not change,” he added.Russian officials have said repeatedly that any peace deal hinges on Ukraine withdrawing forces from four regions, renouncing its NATO bid and halting NATO troop deployments.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that his officials have proposed holding a new round of peace talks with Moscow this week. “Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire,” he said in his evening address to the nation.Russia rejected Trump’s 50-day ultimatum, dismissing the threat as unacceptable.–IANSint/bpd/as

Seoul, July 21 (IANS) South Korea President Lee Jae Myung on Monday instructed government officials to swiftly designate flood-stricken regions as special disaster zones to bolster rescue and recovery efforts, and provide support to affected residents, his office said.Lee made the call during a visit to Sancheong County, located about 300 kilometres southeast of Seoul, where 10 people have been confirmed dead, four remain missing and two others were seriously injured after a record downpour in the area.Torrential rains have triggered floods and landslides, leaving at least 18 people dead since last Wednesday, with the heaviest damage reported in southern regions, including Sancheong, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.During the visit, Lee directed Interior and Safety Minister Yun Ho-jung to mobilise all available resources and administrative support for the victims and promptly designate flood-stricken regions as special disaster zones, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters.Special disaster zones are entitled to government support for damage recovery and victims’ relief, Yonhap news agency reported.Meanwhile, eighteen people in South Korea have been killed and nine others remain unaccounted for following heavy rains and landslides that began ravaging the country last week.The casualties as of 9 p.m. Sunday included 10 dead in the southern county of Sancheong, two in the northern county of Gapyeong and two in the western city of Seosan, according to the interior ministry.Four of the missing were reported in Sancheong, while another four were reported in Gapyeong.More than 14,000 people have taken shelter across 15 major cities and provinces since the heavy rains started last Wednesday.Property damage has been extensive, with 1,999 cases reported at public facilities and 2,238 cases reported at private facilities as of 6 p.m. Sunday.The state weather agency has forecast more rainfall through Monday morning in South Jeolla Province, South Gyeongsang Province and the southern island of Jeju.North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province are expected to see rainfall starting at 9 a.m., while the capital area and the Gangwon and Chungcheong provinces are forecast to receive rain in the afternoon.The government has lifted all heavy rain advisories and, on Sunday, lowered the warning level from “serious” to “attention.”The South Korean Army has also deployed some 2,500 military personnel and equipment to areas hit hard by the recent torrential rain to help recovery work, the armed services said on Monday.A total of around 2,500 emergency personnel and 20 equipment have been deployed in the southwestern city of Gwangju, parts of the South Chungcheong Province and the South Gyeongsang Province since Thursday, according to the Army.The heavy rains and landslides that began last week have killed 18 people and left nine others missing so far, displacing more than 14,000 people across 15 major cities and provinces.The recovery efforts centred on overhauling houses and stores flooded from the rains, including removing soil and organising household items, the Army said, adding that it will continue to assist recovery efforts.–IANSint/jk/dan

Dhaka, July 21 (IANS) At least 19 people, most of them reportedly children, were killed and around 164 injured when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school building in capital Dhaka Monday afternoon.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media division of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, stated that the pilot of the crashed training aircraft was among the 19 people who lost their lives in the accident.According to the ISPR, the Bangladesh Air Force’s F-7 BGI training aircraft took off at 1:06 pm, local time on Monday and crashed into the Milestone School and College building in Dhaka’s Uttara around 1.30 PM.”As you all know, today an F-7 BJI fighter aircraft of the Air Force made a crash landing at approximately 1:00 pm in the two-story school building of our Milestone School and College’s Uttara branch. On the first floor of this two-story building, there were classes for third and fourth graders. On the second floor, there were classes for second and fifth graders. There was a meeting room for the principal’s office next to it. A coaching class was in progress,” Brigadier General Mohammad Zahed Kamal, the Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence, was quoted as saying by Bangladesh’s leading Bengali daily, Prothom Alo.A Milestone College teacher told ‘The Daily Star’ newspaper that he was standing near the college building when the aircraft hit the front side of the three-storey school building, trapping several students.”The college teachers and staff rushed to rescue the students. Members of the army arrived shortly afterwards, followed by firefighters who joined the rescue operation,” the newspaper reported.Members of the Bangladesh Army and eight engines of Fire Service and Civil Defence rushed to the spot and started rescue operations, according to a fire service notification.Meanwhile, Dhaka Tribune reported that eght units from the Uttara, Tongi, Pallabi, Kurmitola, Mirpur, and Purbachal fire services are working at the scene.”Videos circulating on social media show several people being rescued with injuries. They were being taken to Uttara Adhunik Hospital, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital, Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Govt Hospital, Uttara Women’s Medical College, Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College Hospital,” the newspaper reported.–IANS/as

Hanoi, July 21 (IANS) One person has been confirmed dead and four others injured in…

Quetta, July 21 (IANS) Human rights activists from Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Monday slammed Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for making shameful comments about the Baloch community after a viral video showed a woman and a man being shot dead in Balochistan in an alleged case of ‘honour killing’ for marrying against the wishes of their families.

The unidentified couple were shot dead on the orders of a local tribal council last month, the video which went viral on social media. Reacting to it, the Pakistani Defence Minister on Sunday instead blamed the Balochs, stating that “the ones responsible for this oppression are your own brothers”.Baloch activists have termed Khawaja Asif’s statement as a “matter of regret and shame”, stating that the current government minister, instead of acknowledging the Sharif government’s incompetence regarding the incident and holding their government accountable for such heinous events caused by state lawlessness, public distrust in the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and the unchecked proliferation of weapons, is instead trying to shift the burden of their failures onto others”And look at the hypocrisy: if this same incident had occurred during the tenure of an opposing government, these very people would have been the first to point fingers at the government. But since they are in power today, no remorse or shame is visible. When you yourself claim that ‘Balochistan is under your control’, then how do such incidents happen in broad daylight? You are pushing people to lose faith in the state, compelling them to turn to armed groups,” said BYC’s Sammi Deen Baloch.Sammi questioned whether the Pakistan government realises the dangerous trend they are promoting. She further recalled an incident that occurred in Awaran district of Balochistan, where the victim’s family sought help from an armed group instead of state institutions, and that armed group assisted the girl’s family, providing them relief.The human rights activist asked whether the Minister wanted people to lose faith in the State and stressed that this trend is already growing.Raising concern, Sammi stated that there have been several incidents in the past where allegations were made against government Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), but no action was taken against them.She highlighted that six months ago, an incident of a girl’s abduction occurred in Khuzdar district in Balochistan, after which the family protested on their own and secured the girl’s release, but “the culprits are still roaming free with no judicial action taken”.Similarly, a few years ago, Sammi mentioned that a serious allegation of murdering a mother and her two innocent children was levelled against a current minister. However, with the full support of the state machinery, she stated that not only was he granted immediate bail, but the Shehbaz Sharif government later included him in its ranks.The rights activist noted that currently the person is serving as a minister representing the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) party in the Balochistan Assembly, “as if the blood of the victims demands no accountability”.”There may indeed be flaws in Baloch society, but before criticising, look at your own actions and consider your province, which is not even a war-torn area, where far more women are killed each year in the name of honour compared to Balochistan,” Sammi stated.The BYC condemned the horrific murder of the couple, identified as Bano Baloch and her husband, Ehsan, describing it as a “deep and permanent scar on the conscience of Balochistan”.”No self-respecting society can condone such brutal and inhumane acts. In a region where women already endure systemic repression and violence, this tragedy highlights how tribal and feudal forces, often empowered and shielded by the state, continue to act with impunity. These acts are not isolated but symptoms of a broader culture of complicity and silence,” the BYC emphasised.–IANSscor/as

Canberra, July 21 (IANS) The Premier of South Australia (SA) said he has asked the federal government for significant funding to help the state respond to a toxic algae outbreak causing widespread marine destruction.
Peter Malinauskas on Monday said that he has held conversations with the federal government in recent days to ask for millions of dollars in emergency funding in response to the toxic algal bloom.Since it was first identified in March, the outbreak of the toxic algae Karenia mikimotoi off the coast of SA has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, penguins and octopuses, along hundreds of kilometers of coastline.”This is a natural disaster. It should be treated as a natural disaster and I’ve made my view known very clearly to the federal government this morning,” Malinauskas told News Corp Australia newspapers.He said that federal government money would build upon state government relief measures for commercial fishers and fund further scientific testing as well as recovery efforts, Xinhua news agency reported.According to experts, the algal bloom is linked to an ongoing marine heatwave off the SA coast and will not dissipate until there is a significant shift in environmental conditions.The premier’s comments came as Murray Watt, federal environment minister, on Monday inspected areas affected by the algae.Politicians, marine experts and conservation groups have urged the federal government to declare the algal bloom as a national disaster, which would streamline government activities and unlock financial assistance for affected communities.Nina Wootton, a marine scientist from SA’s University of Adelaide, said in a media release on Monday that the algal bloom is a major ecological crisis that is “crying out for help” from the government.”While not yet formally declared a national disaster, the scale of this event, spanning hundreds of kilometers of coastline and devastating huge numbers of marine life, is unprecedented for the region and demands national attention,” she said.Malinauskas has called a meeting of the state government’s Emergency Management Cabinet Committee on Tuesday to prepare an action plan.–IANSint/bpd/as

Maseru, July 21 (IANS) As part of his ongoing multi-nation official visit to the African…