Economy Gwadar port offers Afghanistan new trade route, lower transport costs 2020-06-04 A 'new era' in trade will stimulate a host of commercial activities on both sides of the border, officials say. Security 2020-06-03 Authorities in North Waziristan pursue suspects in targeted killing A senior government official and two relatives were killed in an attack on May 24 in Mir Ali. Religion 2020-06-02 Desecration of caliph's tomb by Iran-backed militias sparks outrage Iranian-backed militias reportedly exhumed the body of Umayyad caliph Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, and ransacked the tomb. Refugees 2020-06-02 Authorities distribute cash payments to Afghan refugees affected by COVID-19 pandemic The effort will help 36,000 families and will be further extended to more Afghans once additional funds are available. Economy 2020-06-01 KP youth tap digital skills to find freelance work during virus lockdown Training programmes have prepared young people to earn incomes in the so-called gig economy amid major disruptions on movement and work. Health 2020-05-29 Rescue 1122 steps up to help COVID-19 patients Citizens appreciate the efforts of the service in saving human lives from all kind of emergencies, including the coronavirus. Do you agree with the government's decision to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic? - Yes. Pakistan needs to reopen for the good of the economy. - Yes. There is little to no risk of catching the coronavirus. - No. Infection rates and deaths will rise as a result. - No. The lockdown should be extended until there is a cure or vaccine. - I don't know. View Results SPOTLIGHT Pakistan bans new ISIS chief amid increased anti-terrorism efforts Al-Mawla helped drive the abduction, slaughter, and trafficking of Yazidi, Christian, and religious minorities in northwest Iraq, among other crimes. Health 2020-05-28 ISI uses militant-tracking technology to trace COVID-19 patients The country's top intelligence agency is helping control the spread by deploying secretive surveillance technology, including geo-fencing and phone-monitoring systems. Terrorism 2020-05-28 Pakistan bans new ISIS chief amid increased anti-terrorism efforts Al-Mawla helped drive the abduction, slaughter, and trafficking of Yazidi, Christian, and religious minorities in northwest Iraq, among other crimes. Education 2020-05-27 Residents of tribal districts laud creation of literacy centres The main reason for militancy and instability in the tribal districts is that the majority of inhabitants are illiterate, say educators. Connect with Us Subscribe to the Pakistan Forward newsletter Subscribe We send updates twice a week with the latest news and features Education 2020-05-26 Work kicks off on revival of more than 100 militancy-hit schools in Kurram, Orakzai The project is expected to improve access to education for about 14,000 students. Economy 2020-05-25 How the Taliban's never-ending war has crippled Afghanistan's economic potential Despite the government's economic achievements in the past few years, persistent war and insecurity caused by the group have nearly destroyed all growth in the country. Health 2020-05-22 Hospitals shun Chinese-made PPE amid virus infections, deaths among staff In one part of the country, 830 medical professionals have been infected by COVID-19. Officials say most of those infections are due to faulty equipment made in China. Crime & Justice 2020-05-21 Relatives of victims hail death sentences for ISIS militants responsible for Sindh bombing The blast hit a Sufi shrine in the town of Sehwan, killing more than 70 worshippers in 2017. Terrorism 2020-05-20 Iranian regime gives militants free rein to cross into Pakistan, officials say Pakistani officials say Tehran is 'showing criminal negligence' in not acting upon intelligence that a number of militant hideouts exist on the Iranian side of the border. Crime & Justice 2020-05-19 KP Police set up first reporting room for women in tribal areas Such rooms allow women to report their complaints without hesitation, preventing security problems from escaping authorities' notice. Terrorism 2020-05-19 Militant attack in Balochistan leaves 7 security personnel dead 'Militants have our enemies' patronage, which is widely visible in neighbouring countries' media and their military officers' statements,' Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal said. Religion 2020-05-18 Dar-ul-Afta offers virtual support, answers during pandemic The Markazi Ulema Council launched the initiative to provide impartial Sharia-based guidance while Pakistanis are unable to approach ulema in mosques. Security 2020-05-15 Deadly naval accident highlights lack of professionalism of Iranian military The accidental killing of 19 Iranian sailors is the latest in a series of mishaps, blunders and dubious claims by the Iranian military that stem from the systematic misplaced priorities of Tehran. Science & Technology 2020-05-14 Chinese hackers caught trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine research Agencies are raising the alarm over government-backed hackers from China trying to steal intellectual property amid ongoing disinformation efforts by Beijing to shape the virus outbreak. Refugees 2020-05-14 Afghans in Pakistan condemn drownings of migrants by Iranian forces Based on the accounts of survivors, the migrants were first lashed with wire cables by the Iranian border guards and then forced at gunpoint to jump into the river. Terrorism 2020-05-13 Pakistan bans 3 Sindhi militant groups for involvement in terrorism Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz- Arisar (JSQM-A), the Sindhudesh Liberation Army (SLA) and the Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) have been named as proscribed outfits. Crime & Justice 2020-05-12 Pakistani forces maintain careful watch over militant groups amid pandemic Militant outfits are seeking to exploit the coronavirus crisis, assuming that law enforcement agencies are distracted, security analysts and officials say. Media 2020-05-11 China, Russia step up co-operation on spreading coronavirus disinformation A convergence of interests between the two regimes with the goal of shaping public understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic for their own purposes has become evident. Security 2020-05-11 Security forces arrest 19 suspects following IED attack in Balochistan The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the explosion, which killed six Frontier Corps personnel. Health 2020-05-08 Hospitals shut general services to focus on COVID-19 patients The outbreak is limiting medical treatment for general ailments as health workers focus on the growing demand of treating coronavirus victims.
