Malik Siraj Akbar, a Pakistani journalist living in exile in the United States, has been a vocal advocate for the human rights of Baloch citizens. Through his journalism, he has revealed the horrors of enforced disappearances and the lack of accountability for the Pakistani intelligence services responsible. Despite his efforts, the issue continues to persist and has further damaged the already strained relationship between the central government and Balochistan. Akbar's personal experience as an asylum seeker and his expertise as a political analyst make him a valuable voice in understanding the recent violence in the region and the ongoing struggle for independence.
The bodies of seven labourers who were victims of a shooting in Balochistan have been returned to their families in Multan. Officials confirmed that the bodies were transported from Panjgur to Multan Airport, where they were received by government officials and local leaders. The deceased were then taken to Nishtar Hospital and laid to rest in their ancestral graveyards. In response to the incident, the families of the victims staged a protest against terrorism and blocked the motorway and an interchange for all vehicles. The injured labourer was also transferred to a hospital in Quetta for further treatment, under the guidance of the Balochistan government.
In the aftermath of a series of attacks carried out by the banned BLA in Balochistan, resulting in the loss of 50 lives, including 14 security officials, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for unity and a strong response against the country's enemies. The attacks targeted security personnel and civilians from Punjab, with reports of multiple shootings and setting numerous vehicles and property on fire. The PM emphasized the need for a decisive approach in tackling terrorism and called for full unity amongst the nation to combat this ongoing threat.
In a series of coordinated attacks on Levies and police stations, at least 40 people were killed in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. The attackers also targeted a railway track connecting Pakistan and Iran and offloaded passengers from buses and trucks, resulting in multiple fatalities. Government officials and security personnel were among the casualties, while others were injured. The situation in the region is tense as authorities work to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in the affected districts.
At least 31 people were killed in two separate attacks by gunmen in Pakistan's Balochistan province, as reported by news agencies and local media outlets. The attacks, claimed by the militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), targeted individuals from the Punjab province and security personnel. The BLA has also warned of more attacks, while Pakistani authorities are yet to confirm their involvement. The country's Interior Minister has urged the public to stay away from highways to avoid further casualties.
The National Disaster Management Authority in Pakistan has issued advisories warning of heavy rainfall and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (Glof) in several districts. The potential sites for Glof events have been identified, and the general public has been advised to avoid travelling to vulnerable areas. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms are also expected in various areas of Azad Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan. Residents have been urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from these natural disasters.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory for the possibility of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (Glof) events and heavy rainfall in several districts in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The alert includes potential sites for Glof events and advises the public to avoid traveling to vulnerable areas. Similar weather conditions are forecasted for Azad Kashmir, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A Baloch rights activist and several others have been booked by the Quetta police for their alleged involvement in a protest against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings on May 18. The FIR against the activist has sparked widespread condemnation from journalists and activists, with many taking to social media to express their support and call for an end to state institutions' unfair treatment of peaceful Baloch. The lockdown of the Press Club on the day of the protest has been seen as a violation of press freedom and has even prompted a boycott of a session of the Balochistan Assembly by journalists.
The 2024 Pakistan General elections have come to a close with initial results finally being announced after a nationwide internet blackout, sporadic violence, and allegations of ballot-tampering. Out of the 336 seats in the National Assembly, 136 have been announced with Independent candidates affiliated with PTI holding a slim lead and PML-N trailing closely behind. Meanwhile, 128 million registered voters have also cast their ballots for the legislatures of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan and Iran's foreign ministers are set to hold telephonic talks to ease tensions as both nations exchange goodwill messages and hold separate diplomatic engagements to address missile strikes and maintain bilateral relations. Pakistan claims precision strikes against separatist militants using advanced weaponry, while Iran had previously targeted bases in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The United Nations and the United States have appealed for calm amid escalating tensions, offering assistance in resolving differences.