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Mass Evacuations in Eastern Pakistan as India Releases Dam Water Into Rivers

Lahore, Pakistan — August 26, 2025
Tens of thousands of people in eastern Pakistan have been forced to leave their homes after India released large volumes of water from overflowing dams and swollen rivers into low-lying border regions, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The evacuation drive began after New Delhi issued an advance warning to Islamabad about the potential risk of cross-border flooding. The alert marks the first public diplomatic communication between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in several months.

Thousands Evacuated in Punjab

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that more than 14,000 residents were evacuated from Kasur district in Punjab, while over 89,000 people were shifted to safer areas in Bahawalnagar, near the Indian border. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid riverbanks, streams, and flood-prone zones while staying alert through media updates, mobile notifications, and the NDMA disaster app.

Monsoon Rains Add to the Crisis

Both India and Pakistan continue to suffer from intense monsoon rains, which have worsened the flooding situation. Since June 26, seasonal floods have already killed over 800 people across Pakistan. In the country’s northwest, at least 300 lives were lost earlier this month in Buner district when a sudden cloudburst triggered flash floods, leaving residents with little to no warning.

Meanwhile, in Indian-administered Kashmir, at least 65 deaths have been reported, with rivers overflowing and mud-filled waters damaging homes, roads, and bridges. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains may continue through late Tuesday.

Rising River Levels and Treaty Concerns

Most rivers and tributaries flowing through Kashmir eventually merge into Pakistan’s waterways, raising fears of more flooding downstream. This week’s warning from India was communicated through diplomatic channels, bypassing the Indus Waters Commission, a permanent mechanism created under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.

India had suspended cooperation under the treaty earlier this year following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan maintains that New Delhi cannot unilaterally abandon the treaty, which has survived previous wars and conflicts between the two countries

Climate Change Behind Heavier Floods

Experts say climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns in South Asia, causing heavier and more destructive monsoons. Pakistan has already experienced multiple cloudburst floods this year, with rainfall levels above seasonal averages. Officials fear a repeat of the catastrophic 2022 floods, which submerged one-third of the country and killed more than 1,700 people.

Humanitarian Concerns Grow

As evacuations continue across Punjab, local authorities are setting up relief camps and providing emergency assistance to displaced families. However, with river levels still rising and rain persisting, officials warn that the crisis is far from over..

How Online Chats Are Pushing Pakistanis Into Blasphemy Trials

Rawalpindi/Karachi – August 24, 2025
In Pakistan, hundreds of men and women are sitting behind bars, accused of one of the country’s gravest crimes: blasphemy. Rights organizations warn that many of these arrests do not stem from genuine offenses but from digital entrapment schemes designed to trap vulnerable people into forwarding or sharing allegedly offensive content.

Blasphemy in Pakistan carries the harshest of penalties, including the death sentence, though no execution has yet been carried out. Even so, accusations alone often spark violent protests, mob attacks, or vigilante killings. Politicians, activists, and lawyers who have questioned or opposed the laws have themselves been assassinated.

Rising Arrests Under Tougher Laws

Pakistan tightened its blasphemy laws in 2023, expanding punishments and broadening definitions of offenses. Since then, the number of arrests has skyrocketed. Government figures and human rights reports show cases jumped from a few dozen annually to hundreds of new arrests each year, many linked to online activity.

A government-backed human rights body recorded only 11 online blasphemy cases in 2020. By mid-2024, that figure had exploded to over 760 cases in just seven months, reflecting what experts describe as “politicized enforcement” of religious laws.

Digital Entrapment: A New Pattern

Families of the accused say many of these cases begin with innocent online chats.

One such story is that of Shahida Bibi from Islamabad. She recalled the night in 2023 when officers knocked on her door to inform her that her son had been arrested for sharing blasphemous content. According to her, the incident started when her son joined a WhatsApp job-seekers group. A woman contacted him privately with promises of employment, then suddenly sent him an explicit image overlaid with sacred Islamic verses.

She later asked him to forward the image back to her “to confirm what was sent.” Hesitant but desperate for work, he complied. Days later, he was ambushed, beaten, and detained. That single forwarded message became the basis of his blasphemy charge. He remains in prison two years later, awaiting trial.

Rights groups say this case matches a wider pattern: fabricated digital evidence used to criminalize ordinary citizens.

Blasphemy as a Tool for Power and Extortion

Human rights activists argue that blasphemy laws are being exploited not only by religious hardliners but also by criminal groups. A leaked police report titled “Blasphemy Business Group” revealed how gangs threatened victims with false charges in order to extort money, sometimes with help from corrupt officials.

“Blasphemy accusations have become a political and financial weapon,” said Peter Jacob, head of the Center for Social Justice in Pakistan. “This isn’t about protecting religion anymore—it’s about power.”

Government Response

Facing mounting criticism, Pakistan recently restructured its cybercrime enforcement. The Federal Investigation Agency’s cyber wing has been replaced with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, tasked with investigating online offenses, including blasphemy.

Earlier this year, a Pakistani court briefly ordered the creation of an independent commission to examine whether blasphemy laws were being misused. Families of detainees welcomed the move. But within a week, a higher court suspended the decision—once again dashing hopes for reform.

A Mother’s Plea

For families like that of Shahida Bibi, the human toll is devastating. “I just want my innocent son back,” she said softly. “Every day we wait for justice, but instead the ground keeps slipping from beneath us.”

Politicization and Public Pressure

Cases are often driven not by state prosecutors but by private groups of lawyers and activists who scour social media for potential violations. These groups are praised by Islamist parties and can mobilize mass protests within hours.

Their pressure has already led to death sentences handed down by local courts, though none have yet been carried out. At the same time, mob violence remains a deadly reality: at least 10 people accused of blasphemy were killed by vigilantes in 2024 alone.

India-Pakistan Missile Race Escalates as Agni-V Test Signals to China

Islamabad, Pakistan – August 28, 2025:
South Asia’s missile competition is intensifying, with India’s latest weapons test shifting focus not only toward Pakistan but also China, analysts say.

On August 20, India announced the successful test of its nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V from a coastal range in Odisha. The missile, meaning “fire” in Sanskrit, stands 17.5 meters tall, weighs nearly 50 tons, and can deliver a payload exceeding 1,000kg. With a strike capability of more than 5,000km at hypersonic speeds close to 30,000 km/h, it places most of Asia, parts of Europe, and crucially, China’s northern regions within range.

This was Agni-V’s tenth test since 2012, but its timing was especially symbolic. It occurred just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, amid a tentative thaw in relations following years of border tensions.

Pakistan’s Rocket Force and India’s Strategic Edge

The Indian missile test came only a week after Pakistan announced the formation of its Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC), created to fill gaps exposed during the four-day border conflict in May. Pakistan has also highlighted its Fatah-4 cruise missile with a 750km range and nuclear capability, as well as the Shaheen-III ballistic missile with a range of 2,750km.

Experts, however, argue that Agni-V is primarily directed at China rather than Pakistan. Its long range is considered unnecessary for deterring Islamabad but essential for covering China’s economic hubs along the east coast.

“India’s requirement for such a missile stems directly from its China threat perception,” said Manpreet Sethi of the Centre for Air Power Studies in New Delhi. “Agni-V is part of India’s nuclear deterrence posture against Beijing, not Islamabad.”

India’s Expanding Arsenal

India continues to refine its missile systems. Beyond Agni-V, work is underway on Agni-VI, expected to exceed 10,000km in range and deploy MIRVs (multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles). Such technology would enable India to launch several nuclear warheads from a single missile, significantly strengthening its deterrence.

Meanwhile, India’s supersonic BrahMos cruise missile has already proven effective against Pakistan, capable of carrying nuclear payloads, flying at low altitudes, and striking with precision at 500km range.

Defense scholar Mansoor Ahmed noted that India’s advancements are also laying the groundwork for submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) capability. With two nuclear-powered submarines already operational and more under construction, India is on course to expand its nuclear triad dramatically.

Pakistan’s Limitations and Wider Ambitions

Pakistan, while strengthening its missile program, lacks the intercontinental reach and nuclear submarine fleet that India is developing. Its Ababeel missile, capable of MIRV deployment up to 2,200km, remains the shortest-ranged MIRV-enabled system among nuclear powers.

Still, some analysts argue Pakistan’s missile strategy extends beyond India. “Islamabad seeks capabilities that could also deter Israel and even the United States,” said Ashley J. Tellis of the Carnegie Endowment.

This ambition drew U.S. attention in late 2024, when a senior White House official labeled Pakistan’s missile expansion an “emerging threat.”

South Asia’s Security Outlook

The India-Pakistan missile race, once largely bilateral, is now increasingly influenced by China’s strategic position and the broader U.S.-China rivalry. India’s Agni-V underscores its determination to project power beyond South Asia, while Pakistan remains focused on countering Indian superiority—yet with ambitions that could reach further afield.

As both countries refine their arsenals, South Asia’s nuclear stability remains fragile, raising concerns of miscalculation in a region where three nuclear-armed states—India, Pakistan, and China—intersect.

Global Acceptance of India, Scrutiny for Pakistan

While Washington and European capitals openly back India’s missile growth as part of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy, Pakistan’s ambitions are viewed with suspicion. India enjoys a unique international status after the 2008 Nuclear Suppliers Group waiver, which allowed it to participate in global nuclear trade without signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

“Western powers have accepted India as a de facto nuclear weapons state,” Ahmed explained. “But Pakistan’s program has historically been associated with anti-Western sentiments, especially after 9/11.”

For now, experts believe Western governments are unlikely to object to India’s Agni-V test or Pakistan’s continued development, as long as Islamabad limits itself to previously demonstrated ranges.

Floods in Pakistan Displace 250,000 and Impact 1.2 Million as Major Rivers Overflow

Narowal, Pakistan — August 28, 2025
Torrential monsoon rains and the sudden release of water from dams in neighboring India have triggered Pakistan’s worst flooding in decades, displacing nearly 250,000 people and affecting more than 1.2 million residents across Punjab province.

According to authorities, the overflowing Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers have inundated thousands of villages, destroying homes, crops, and businesses. This marks the first time in 38 years that all three rivers have simultaneously been at high flood levels.

Rising Death Toll and Widespread Destruction

Police confirmed at least 15 deaths in Gujranwala district and nearby villages on Wednesday. With floodwaters continuing to rise, more fatalities are feared. Since late June, floods have already claimed over 800 lives nationwide.

In Narowal, farmer Mohammad Saleem recounted how water from across the Indian border swept away his home before his family could escape. His wife, Kaneez Bibi, said the floods destroyed their daughter’s wedding dowry prepared for later this year.

Another victim, Zainab Bibi, said her family was stranded on their rooftop for two days before a rescue boat finally arrived. “We never thought floods would reach our village, but now everything is gone,” she said.

Kartarpur Shrine Submerged

One of the most striking images of the disaster came from Kartarpur, where the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib — the shrine of Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak Dev — was submerged. Rescue teams evacuated staff and pilgrims, but the flooding sparked alarm on both sides of the border.

A Climate Crisis Pakistan Cannot Ignore

The disaster has revived painful memories of the catastrophic 2022 floods, when nearly 1,700 people died and millions were displaced. Experts warn that such events will become more frequent and intense as climate change accelerates monsoon variability.

“Pakistan is among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries in the world,” Prime Minister Sharif reminded citizens. “How we confront this challenge will decide our future.”

India Blamed for ‘Water Aggression’

Pakistan’s Federal Planning Minister, Ahsan Iqbal, accused India of deliberately releasing excessive water from its dams without adequate warning, calling it “water aggression.” He alleged that New Delhi’s actions violated the Indus Waters Treaty, which India suspended earlier this year following an attack in Kashmir.

Indian officials have not yet commented on the accusations. Meanwhile, Indian-administered Kashmir has also suffered its heaviest August rains in decades, with flash floods and landslides killing at least 115 people and disrupting two major Hindu pilgrimage routes.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, said that 1,432 villages have been inundated. Nearly 700 relief camps and 265 medical camps have been established to support displaced families. Food and essential supplies are being distributed in flood-hit areas.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised “timely evacuations” for preventing mass casualties, but warned officials to guard against water-borne diseases in temporary shelters.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, visiting affected districts, described Pakistan as one of the countries most at risk from climate change-related disasters. He announced plans to build more water storage reservoirs to manage future floods.

US Trump’s Failed Mediation in India-Pakistan Dispute Linked to Harsh 50% US Tariffs: Jefferies

New Delhi/Washington – A recent report by global investment bank Jefferies has revealed that the United States’ decision to impose steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods was not merely economic, but political — tied directly to former President Donald Trump’s frustration over being denied a role in mediating the India-Pakistan conflict.

According to Jefferies, the tariffs — described as “unprecedented and punitive” — were largely a “consequence of Trump’s personal pique”, after India rejected his repeated offers to intervene in the long-standing Kashmir dispute.

Trump’s Mediation Attempts Rejected

The report highlights that Trump had hoped to position himself as a peacemaker between the two nuclear-armed neighbors during their May border tensions. However, India firmly reiterated its long-standing position of “no third-party involvement” in bilateral issues with Pakistan.

Despite India’s refusal, Trump continued to claim publicly that he had resolved multiple global conflicts, even hinting he should receive the Nobel Peace Prize. In July, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt went as far as to say, “It’s well past time that President Trump was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Earlier this year, Trump also wrote on Truth Social, promising to help India and Pakistan find a “thousand-year solution” on Kashmir, a remark that deeply irritated New Delhi.

Agriculture at the Heart of Tariff Dispute

Beyond politics, Jefferies pointed out that India’s agricultural sector was another sticking point in trade talks. Successive Indian governments have refused to open agricultural markets to U.S. imports, arguing that it would threaten the livelihoods of the 250 million farmers and agricultural workers who depend on the sector.

Currently, nearly 40% of India’s workforce is engaged in farming, making agricultural protection a politically sensitive red line for New Delhi.

India Calls Tariffs “Unjustified”

Reacting to the punitive measures, India condemned the U.S. decision, calling it “unreasonable and unjustified”. Officials also warned that excessive pressure could push India closer to China, a concern echoed in the Jefferies report.

The report further noted that the U.S. Treasury had already expressed frustration over India’s “recalcitrant” trade stance, while negotiations over market access and tariffs remain stalled.

Meanwhile, in a symbolic step, India and China are set to resume direct flights from September after a five-year gap, underscoring the shifting geopolitical and trade dynamics in the region.

PM Shehbaz Arrives in Tianjin for SCO Summit as Modi Makes First China Visit in 7 Years

Tianjin, China — August 30, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Tianjin on Saturday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025, calling the trip a “historic opportunity” to strengthen ties with China and other regional powers. His arrival coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China since 2018, marking a significant diplomatic moment for the region.

Shehbaz’s Visit to Deepen Pakistan-China Partnership

PM Shehbaz, accompanied by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as well as Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, said he was looking forward to meetings with President Xi Jinping and other global leaders.

“This summit will help us enhance regional cooperation, promote multilateralism, and pursue shared goals of peace and prosperity,” Shehbaz posted on social media.

The Foreign Office (FO) confirmed that Shehbaz is leading Pakistan’s delegation to the SCO Council of Heads of State (August 31–September 1). The summit brings together leaders from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, alongside observers like Turkey, Egypt, Nepal, and UN representatives.

During his stay, Shehbaz will hold bilateral talks with Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, attend a military parade in Beijing, and address a Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference. He is also expected to meet Chinese corporate leaders to discuss investment and trade opportunities.

CPEC Phase-II: A Major Highlight

Shehbaz’s visit also signals the formal launch of CPEC Phase-II (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), delayed for nearly five years. This new stage focuses on:

• Industrial cooperation

• Advanced agriculture technology

• High-yield cotton seed development

• Water-saving irrigation systems

The FO emphasized that the visit reflects the “all-weather strategic partnership” between Islamabad and Beijing, reaffirming support on core national interests and strengthening economic integration.

Why the Summit Matters

The 25th SCO Heads of State Council is seen as a pivotal platform for Eurasian cooperation at a time of shifting global power dynamics. For Pakistan, the summit provides an avenue to:

• Push for regional stability

• Showcase its commitment to multilateralism

• Unlock new avenues of economic cooperation through CPEC-II

With both Shehbaz Sharif and Narendra Modi present, the Tianjin summit is also being closely watched for any possibility of indirect diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and India, though no meeting has been announced.

A Gathering of Global Leaders

The SCO Summit is hosting more than 20 heads of state, including:

• Vladimir Putin (Russia)

• Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkey)

• Masoud Pezeshkian (Iran)

• Hun Manet (Cambodia)

• Moustafa Madbouly (Egypt)

The forum, often described as a counterweight to NATO, will discuss security, trade, energy, and connectivity across Eurasia.

Putin is expected to meet Erdogan and Pezeshkian on the sidelines to discuss the Ukraine war and Iran’s nuclear programme, respectively. Moscow has warned that renewed Western sanctions on Tehran could have “irreparable consequences.”

Modi Returns to China After 7 Years

In a parallel development, Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin for his first China visit since 2018, following a trip to Japan where Tokyo pledged $68 billion in investments for India.

India and China, rivals with a history of tensions including the 2020 border clashes, have seen gradual diplomatic thaw since Modi met Xi in Russia last year. His participation in the SCO indicates cautious engagement amid continuing strategic competition in South Asia.

Modi Tells Xi India Is Committed to Stronger Ties Amid U.S. Tariffs Pressure

By [Worldpress24/7] | August 31, 2025

Tianjin, China – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening relations with China during a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

This marks Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, where he joined leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin in a show of Global South solidarity. The meeting comes just days after Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports over New Delhi’s continued oil trade with Moscow—an action analysts say has nudged India and China closer together.

Persistent Challenges in India-China Relations

Despite the positive momentum, significant obstacles remain:

• India’s trade deficit with China hit a record $99.2 billion this year.

• A planned Chinese mega-dam in Tibet could reduce dry-season water flow into India’s Brahmaputra River by up to 85%, raising fears of ecological and security risks.

• Beijing continues its unwavering support for Pakistan, India’s arch-rival.

• India’s hosting of the Dalai Lama remains a sensitive flashpoint, as China regards him as a separatist.

“Both India and China are engaged in what is likely to be a lengthy and delicate process of finding a new balance in their relationship,” said Manoj Kewalramani, an expert on Sino-Indian ties at the Takshashila Institution in Bengaluru.

United Front Against Western Pressure

China has openly criticized U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong declared earlier this month that Beijing would “firmly stand with India” in opposing Washington’s punitive trade measures.

This alignment underscores a major shift: Washington has long cultivated New Delhi as a counterweight to Beijing, but U.S. trade hostilities appear to be driving Modi and Xi into closer dialogue.

At the SCO reception, Xi told leaders the bloc now carries “greater responsibilities” in safeguarding regional security and promoting shared development across Asia and beyond.

Strengthening Trade and Reducing Tensions

Modi stressed that India-China ties should not be defined by third-party pressures and highlighted the importance of addressing India’s massive trade deficit with Beijing. Both leaders discussed cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, regional stability, and fair trade practices.

“We are committed to progressing our relations based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivities,” Modi said in a video shared on his official X account.

Xi, in remarks reported by China’s Xinhua News Agency, said the two countries must not allow border disputes to dominate the relationship. Instead, he urged both nations to treat each other as partners rather than rivals, adding that stable ties could be “far-reaching.”

Border Issues and Confidence-Building

Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors soured after a deadly 2020 border clash in the Himalayas. However, Modi stated that the current atmosphere along the frontier is one of “peace and stability,” with both governments reaching new agreements on border management.

The two leaders had already achieved a diplomatic breakthrough last year in Russia, which paved the way for recent confidence-building measures such as:

• Resumption of direct flights between India and China (suspended since 2020).

• Lifting of Chinese export restrictions on rare earths, fertilizers, and tunnel-boring machinery.

• Facilitating pilgrimages for Indian Hindus and Buddhists to visit Tibet.

• Relaxation of visa rules for tourists traveling between both countries.

The Road Ahead

While irritants remain, both Modi and Xi appear determined to avoid letting disputes derail broader cooperation. With U.S. tariffs reshaping global alliances, the India-China relationship could emerge as a central pillar of Asian geopolitics in the years ahead.

Afghanistan Earthquake Kills Over 800, Thousands Injured as Rescue Efforts Continue

By [Your News Outlet] | August 31, 2025 | Updated Sept. 1, 2025

Kabul, Afghanistan – More than 800 people have been confirmed dead and over 2,500 injured after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, officials announced. The toll is expected to rise as emergency crews struggle to reach remote mountain villages devastated by the tremor.

The quake’s epicenter was near Jalalabad, a city of 200,000 residents, but the worst destruction unfolded in Kunar Province, where fragile mud and brick houses collapsed across dozens of communities. Kabul, the capital less than 100 miles away, experienced strong aftershocks overnight, though major damage was not reported.

A Deadly Shallow Quake

Seismologists confirmed the quake was just five miles deep, making it especially destructive. Videos on social media showed residents digging frantically through rubble to rescue neighbors trapped beneath collapsed homes.

Road access to the disaster zone was blocked by landslides and rough terrain, complicating rescue operations. Homa Nader, acting head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Afghanistan, said it took more than four hours for teams from Jalalabad to reach Nur Gal district, one of the hardest-hit areas.

By Monday afternoon, the main road from Jalalabad to Kunar had reopened, allowing ambulances and helicopters to ferry the wounded to hospitals.

Hospitals Under Pressure

Health facilities in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces were able to remain operational, though several clinics sustained structural damage. In some isolated areas, such as the village of Mazar Dara, victims could only be evacuated by helicopter.

At a press briefing in Kabul, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed that 800 people were killed and 2,500 injured in Kunar alone. In neighboring Nangarhar, at least 12 deaths and 255 injuries were reported.

Regional Tremors Felt in Pakistan

The earthquake’s impact extended across the border into Pakistan, where tremors rattled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Kashmir, and Islamabad. Authorities there reported no major casualties or damage.

Aid and International Response

Despite limited recognition of the Taliban government, several countries have pledged emergency support. Iran, India, Japan, and the European Union have already announced relief contributions.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed condolences and vowed that the U.N. would “spare no effort to assist those in need in the affected areas.”

Taliban officials continue to call on foreign governments and businesses to support Afghanistan’s reconstruction. So far, Russia remains the only country to formally recognize their rule.Stories of Survival and Hardship

Among those affected was Said Meer, a returning Afghan refugee who had been forced out of Pakistan with his family of 14. Traveling in a crowded truck toward Jalalabad, he learned of the quake while waiting at a border crossing.

“War, earthquakes, poverty — every hardship is a test from God,” Meer said by phone. Despite the destruction, he said he would continue his journey to Jalalabad to restart his livestock business.

Afghanistan’s Vulnerability to Quakes

Afghanistan sits on active fault lines, making it highly prone to devastating earthquakes. In 2022, a 5.9-magnitude quake in the southeast killed at least 1,300 people, according to the U.N.

This latest disaster compounds Afghanistan’s deepening humanitarian crisis. International aid has sharply declined since the Taliban takeover in 2021, and U.S. sanctions earlier this year forced the closure of hundreds of hospitals and clinics. According to the U.N., over half of Afghanistan’s 42 million people require humanitarian assistance in 2025, yet less than 30% of those needs are funded.

Taliban Appeals for Global Aid After Deadly Afghanistan Earthquake

At least 1,400 killed as powerful 6.0-magnitude quake devastates eastern provinces

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have urgently appealed for international assistance after a powerful earthquake struck eastern provinces, killing more than 1,400 people and leaving thousands injured. Entire villages were reduced to rubble, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn nation already struggling with food shortages and aid cuts.

According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit late Sunday night near Jalalabad, close to the Pakistan border. The disaster killed at least 1,411 people, injured over 3,100, and destroyed more than 5,400 homes. Rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy rains, landslides, and damaged roads, making it difficult to reach remote mountainous areas.

Where the Earthquake Struck

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s epicenter 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad, at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers – making it more destructive. Neighboring Kunar province was among the hardest hit, with three villages completely flattened, according to local officials.

Strong tremors were also felt in Kabul, Laghman, Nuristan, Panjshir, and across the border in Pakistan. USGS confirmed at least five aftershocks, the strongest measuring 5.2-magnitude.

This marks the third major earthquake since 2021, following deadly tremors in Paktika (2022) and Herat (2023) that claimed more than 3,000 lives.

Survivors Describe the Horror

Nearly half a million people experienced strong to severe shaking, according to USGS estimates. Residents described harrowing scenes of homes collapsing and families trapped beneath debris.

“I was half-buried and unable to get out,” said Sadiqullah, a resident of Kunar province, who lost his wife and two sons in the quake.

In Kabul, more than 100 miles from the epicenter, frightened families rushed into the streets as buildings swayed violently. Videos shared online showed villagers digging through rubble with shovels, while helicopters evacuated the injured to hospitals.

Global Response to Taliban’s Call for Help

So far, only a handful of countries have responded to the Taliban’s appeal for international support:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) sent food, medicine, tents, and a rescue team.

• United Kingdom pledged £1 million ($1.3 million) in emergency aid.

• European Union provided €1 million ($1.16 million) plus relief supplies.

• India delivered 1,000 tents and 15 tons of food aid.

• China expressed willingness to send help “according to Afghanistan’s needs.”

The United States offered condolences but has not yet announced direct aid.Outlook: A Nation in Crisis

For Afghanistan’s 43 million people, this earthquake adds yet another layer of suffering. With foreign aid shrinking, millions displaced, and critical infrastructure destroyed, experts warn recovery will be slow and painful.

As Mujahid emphasized: “We urgently need international assistance. Thousands have lost their homes and loved ones.”

The world now faces a pressing decision: whether to step up humanitarian aid despite political concerns, or risk another humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan.

Humanitarian Aid Struggles Amid Funding Cuts

The disaster comes as Afghanistan faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, many Western donors have withdrawn, citing restrictions on women’s rights and governance concerns.

• US funding of $1.7 billion was halted earlier this year.

• Humanitarian aid dropped from $3.8 billion in 2022 to just $767 million in 2025.

• Aid groups warn of severe malnutrition, drought, and refugee returns compounding the crisis.

Thamindri De Silva of World Vision Afghanistan said: “It’s not just funding shortages – it’s shock after shock. We’re dealing with drought, returnee crises, and now another deadly earthquake.”Urgent supplies include body bags, tents, clothing, hygiene kits, and cooking equipment, according to aid agencies.

Houston Boy Killed After Door-Knocking Prank Turns Deadly

Houston, Texas – An 11-year-old boy has tragically lost his life after being shot while playing a doorbell-knocking prank, also known as "ding dong ditch," in southeast Houston.

According to Houston police, the shooting took place late Saturday night around 10:55 p.m. The child, who lived just a block away from the scene, was struck in the back as he and his friends ran from a home after ringing its doorbell. He collapsed a short distance away and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead on Sunday.

Police Investigation and Suspect Detained

Authorities confirmed that a man suspected of firing the shots was taken into custody for questioning. Initially released, he was later detained again after the boy’s death was confirmed. Officers also executed a search warrant at the home and discovered multiple firearms inside.

Houston Police Sgt. Michael Cass explained that the victim was fleeing the house with two friends when a man reportedly came outside armed with a handgun and fired several shots in their direction. The suspect has not yet been formally charged.

Social Media "Door-Kicking Challenge" Connection

Investigators believe the prank was influenced by a dangerous social media trend known as the "Door Kicking Challenge", where kids film themselves banging or knocking on doors before running off, later posting the clips online.

Police across the U.S. have warned that these pranks are escalating into dangerous encounters. Earlier this summer in Frisco, Texas, a 58-year-old man was arrested for aggravated assault after firing at a car of teenagers who attempted a similar prank. In Arizona, police released footage of teens repeatedly targeting the same home, leading the residents to move out.

Authorities caution that while these stunts may appear harmless, they can easily be mistaken as attempted break-ins, triggering violent or defensive reactions from homeowners.

Police and Community Warnings

Law enforcement agencies in Texas and other states have urged parents to educate their children about the risks tied to this trend. The Chandler Police Department stated that such acts could result in serious charges, including harassment, disorderly conduct, or property damage.

The Fort Worth Police Department echoed the warning, explaining that what kids see as a prank could end in “real danger, violence, or even death.”

A Tragic Reminder

The Houston boy’s death highlights the potentially deadly consequences of mixing childish pranks with a heavily armed society. Police continue their investigation, and the suspect remains under questioning as the community mourns the devastating loss of a young life.

Single LSD Dose Shows Long-Lasting Relief for Anxiety, Study Finds

A groundbreaking clinical trial suggests that just one dose of LSD may significantly reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)—and the benefits can last for months.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, involved 198 adults living with GAD, a condition that affects nearly 1 in 10 people each year. Researchers tested a proprietary form of LSD known as MM120, developed by the biotech company MindMed.

High Doses Made the Difference

Participants were divided into groups receiving either a placebo or varying doses of LSD. Lower doses—25 or 50 micrograms—did not produce noticeable benefits. But those who received 100 or 200 micrograms saw rapid improvements in both anxiety and depression symptoms.

“By the very next day, we saw dramatic improvements,” said Dr. David Feifel of Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute in San Diego, one of the 22 trial sites. “These benefits persisted throughout the entire 12-week study.”

Why the Setting Matters

Experts caution that part of the success may come from non-drug factors, such as the environment where treatment takes place. Psychedelic researcher Robin Carhart-Harris of UCSF, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that a person’s mindset and the sensory environment—including lighting, music, and room design—can shape the therapeutic outcome.

In this trial, participants were treated in private, calming rooms, offered standardized music and eyeshades, and monitored by trained staff. These factors could have amplified the drug’s effects, though the study did not fully detail how such conditions were standardized across different centers.

Why LSD Could Be a Game-Changer

GAD is characterized by persistent worry, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating. Traditional treatments—such as SSRIs like Prozac or Zoloft—often fail to help about half of patients.

Psychedelics in the Future of Psychiatry

The study reflects a broader shift in psychiatry: moving toward large-scale, rigorous trials of psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and MDMA. The FDA has already granted MM120 “breakthrough therapy” status, a designation designed to accelerate the approval process for promising treatments.

MindMed is now running two Phase 3 clinical trials of MM120, with results expected in 2026. If successful, the drug could become the first FDA-approved LSD-based treatment for anxiety.

Carhart-Harris believes this marks the beginning of a new era:
“Within a few years, we’ll likely see psilocybin and other psychedelics available as prescribed medicines. That shift will transform how we think about mental health treatment.”

LSD works very differently. At higher doses, it induces a psychedelic experience that appears linked to therapeutic benefits. In fact, those who experienced stronger psychedelic effects were also more likely to see relief from depression.

“This isn’t like taking a daily antidepressant,” Feifel noted. “It’s a single, transformative experience.”

Israel Levels Second Gaza Tower in Two Days Amid Intensifying Strikes

The Israeli military has brought down another high-rise in Gaza City, its second major tower strike within 48 hours, as the assault on the enclave intensifies.

A video released by Defence Minister Israel Katz showed the Sussi Tower collapsing in a massive cloud of smoke. He captioned the clip with the words: “We’re continuing.”

Conflicting claims

The IDF said the tower was being used by Hamas for operations — an allegation rejected by the group. Palestinian officials, however, reported that displaced families had been sheltering inside the building at the time of the strike.

Just a day earlier, footage on social media showed the Mushtaha Tower in Gaza’s al-Rimal neighborhood reduced to rubble after an Israeli airstrike.

Humanitarian concerns grow

Ahead of Saturday’s attack, Israel dropped leaflets urging residents to move south to al-Mawasi, calling it a designated humanitarian zone. The IDF claimed that food, water, and medical aid would be available there.

The UN, however, has warned that the tent camps in al-Mawasi are overcrowded, unsafe, and lacking basic services. Hospitals in the south are also at breaking point.

Earlier this week, five Palestinian children were killed in al-Mawasi while waiting for water, reportedly struck by an Israeli drone. The IDF said the incident was “under review.”

Wider destruction in Gaza City

Satellite images show large parts of Gaza City flattened after weeks of bombardment. Many of the destroyed high-rises were built after the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, symbolizing Palestinian hopes of statehood.

Israel maintains the demolitions are targeted and preceded by warnings, but Palestinian officials accuse it of enforcing “a policy of forced displacement.”

Mounting toll

The health ministry in Gaza, run by Hamas, says at least 63,700 people have been killed since the war began in October 2023. Nearly one million Palestinians are still trapped in Gaza City, where the UN has already declared a famine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel intends to take full control of the Gaza Strip after ceasefire negotiations collapsed earlier this summer.

NDMA Warns of Heavy Rains, Urban Flooding in Islamabad, Murree and Nearby Regions

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent alert warning of urban flooding in parts of northern Punjab and adjoining areas, including Islamabad, Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum, over the next two to six hours.

According to the advisory, landslides are also expected in mountainous areas, while thunderstorms could cause power outages and damage to weak or fragile structures.

Authorities have strongly advised the public to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the spell of rain.

• Stay away from trees, electric poles, and unstable buildings.

• Follow safety instructions issued by local administration and disaster management teams.

NDMA has also directed emergency response units and district authorities to remain on high alert, ensuring rescue teams are fully prepared in case of flash floods, road blockages, or landslides.

This fresh warning comes as heavy monsoon showers continue to lash northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas and potential disruption of daily life.

⚠️ People are urged to remain cautious and stay updated through official alerts to ensure their safety.

Raiwind Brothers’ Murder Case: Two Key Suspects Killed in Alleged CCD Encounter

Lahore – August 28, 2025 – Two men accused in the shocking Raiwind brothers’ murder case were reportedly killed in an alleged “encounter” with the Crimes Control Department (CCD), according to the lawyer representing the victims’ family.

The case sparked public outrage after a disturbing video went viral on social media, showing street vendors brutally torturing the two brothers with clubs in Raiwind over a Rs30 dispute. One brother died on the spot due to severe injuries, while the other succumbed to his wounds later in hospital.

Speaking to media, lawyer Ali Ahmed Awan, who represents the victims’ father, said that six suspects had been nominated in the case, with three already arrested, including the main accused.

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“Two suspects, Owais and Shahzad, were killed in a police encounter after their accomplices tried to attack law enforcement,” Awan stated. “The CCD is still searching for the remaining suspects.”

He further added that no separate FIR has yet been registered regarding the alleged encounter.

On August 22, the victims’ father had lodged an FIR at Raiwind City Police Station under Sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly) and 302 (murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

According to the FIR, the incident took place on August 21 around 5:45 p.m. when the two brothers stopped to buy fruit on their way home. The complainant alleged that a heated dispute over money escalated, with the fruit cart owner, his brother, and several accomplices violently attacking his sons.

The case has triggered nationwide condemnation, with citizens demanding justice and accountability. The encounter has also raised questions about police operations, mob justice, and the safety of ordinary citizens in public spaces

Pakistan Evacuates 25,000 Residents from Jalalpur Pirwala as Flood Threat Rises

Jalalpur Pirwala, Punjab – September 8, 2025:
Authorities in Punjab have launched one of the largest emergency rescue missions in recent years, evacuating over 25,000 people from Jalalpur Pirwala as floodwaters from swollen rivers threatened to submerge the city.

According to Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) chief Irfan Ali Kathia, the rescue began late Sunday night and continued through Monday morning, moving thousands of families from high-risk neighborhoods to safer areas.

The operation follows a tragic incident on Saturday when a rescue boat capsized on the city’s outskirts, leaving five dead while 15 others were pulled to safety.

Local resident Ghulam Shabir, a construction worker, said floodwater destroyed his village and farmland, forcing him to move to higher ground. He urged authorities to speed up rescue efforts as “many people are still stranded in flooded villages.”

So far, more than 4.1 million people across 25 districts in Punjab have been affected, with at least 56 lives lost since August 26. Nearly 2 million residents have been displaced, many finding temporary shelter in tents, makeshift camps, or with relatives in safer areas.

The floods intensified after India released excess water from its dams, swelling the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers, worsened further by heavy monsoon rains. The PDMA confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is directly supervising relief operations through a central control room, with army helicopters, police, and rescue teams all mobilized.

Since June, monsoon flooding has claimed over 900 lives across Pakistan, according to the NDMA. Meanwhile, Sindh province is also bracing for fresh threats as water continues to flow downstream into the Indus River. Over 100,000 people in Sindh have already been relocated from vulnerable settlements.

The disaster recalls the catastrophic 2022 floods, which killed 1,739 people nationwide and left millions homeless. Officials warn that the situation could worsen in the coming days if water levels continue to rise.