Train blast near Bolan injures six
On Friday morning, the Lahore-bound Akber Bugti Express was targeted near Bolan’s Hirak area via a remote-controlled device- injuring at least six passengers and damaging the train’s compartment number nine. Unidentified men planted a remote-controlled explosive device next to the railway track near the Mach Station that exploded when the train was going through the area- reported the Balochistan Police. According to railway officials three devices were planted, with two defused well in time.“The intensity of the blast shattered the glass from the windows everywhere and one of the train’s compartments was damaged,” they added.
Prime suspect in Baldia factory fire reportedly arrested in Dubai
Former chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Karachi organizing committee, Hammad Siddiqui who is also the prime suspect in the 2012 Baldia factory fire- has reportedly been arrested by Interpol in Dubai this Friday. Considered one of the worst industrial fires in Pakistan’s history, the Baldia factory fire claimed 260 lives- mostly factory workers- with the case being investigated as a case of arson against several members of MQM as reported by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in 2016. Although Siddiqui’s arrest has not been confirmed, he is currently being interrogated in Dubai about the factory fire and other incidents of violence in Karachi and is expected to be brought back to Pakistan for further investigation on Monday.
Former SECP chairman indicted for tampering with Sharif’s Chaudhry Mills records
Earlier this year, following the release of a report from the Panama Papers case Joint Investigation Team (JIT), the former Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) chairman Zafar Hijazi was taken into custody by the Federal Investigation Commission (FIA). The JIT alleged that the former SECP chairman had changed records related to the Sharif’s Chaudhry Sugar Mills. On the orders of the Supreme Court, a case was registered against Hijazi after the three-member Panama Papers case implementation bench acted on the JIT report. Although Hijazi pleaded not guilty, he was indicted by a special court of the FIA regarding tampering of documents related to the Chaudhry Mills.
Foreign Office voices concern over United State’s drone deal with India
In June, United States President Donald Trump approved a $2 billion deal for the sale of unarmed surveillance drones to India. The deal is pending approval by the United States Congress. On Friday, the Foreign Office (FO) voiced its disapproval to the plan and called on international powers to show more ‘international responsibility’ before approving such deals. FO Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said that the deal would disrupt the balance of power in the region. Providing sensitive military technology to India was similar to encouraging its ‘misadventures’, added Zakaria
Second Twenty20: Fahim Ashraf archives hat-trick
In the second Twenty20 international in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Sri Lanka made 124-9 against Pakistan. Sarfraz Ahmed, the Pakistan team captain, won the toss and sent Sri Lanka in to bat. Fahim Ashraf, the medium pacer, is the first Pakistani bowler to achieve a hat-trick in his 3-16 off three overs in the format. Shadab Khan claimed one wicket, while Hassan Ali bagged two. Sri Lanka lost their last eight wickets for a mere 18 runs. However, opener Danushka Gunathilaka hit four boundaries and a six whereas Sadeera Samarawickrama made 32 runs. The teams are unchanged from the last T20.
Power or prison: What is in store for Maryam Nawaz’s future?
Maryam Nawaz, daughter of a three-time prime minister and chief of ruling Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif- has been in the news a lot with her recent win in NA-120 By-elections and for her indictment along with other Sharif family members in a corruption case earlier in October. The question of late, therefore, has arisen if Maryam is set to become a candidate for the position of a female prime minister in the country or whether she is going to jail. Read here, a report from The New York Times on her political journey so far.
image source: al jazeera