Pakistan recently passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, setting a seven-year prison sentence and a fine for adults cohabiting with minors. However, the Council of Islamic Ideology opposes the bill, declaring it un-Islamic and suggesting public awareness campaigns as a more effective solution. Despite this opposition, the bill, supported by several female politicians who were child brides, aims to curb Pakistan’s high rate of child marriage, affecting nearly one in five women. The bill’s passage is hoped to influence other regions of Pakistan to adopt similar legislation.
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Foreign mercenaries infiltrating Nigeria’s northeast have dramatically increased the sophistication and coordination of terrorist groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram, leading to heightened casualties and equipment losses for Nigerian forces. This escalation includes the use of drones, advanced IEDs, and enhanced tactical training provided by these mercenaries. The situation demands a robust, coordinated response involving increased intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, and strengthened cross-border collaboration. Ultimately, the conflict is framed as a fight against Nigeria itself, not just the military, underscoring the need for national unity and support for troops operating under challenging conditions.
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A suicide bombing targeting a school bus in Balochistan, Pakistan, killed at least four children and injured dozens more. The attack, occurring near Khuzdar while children were en route to a military-run school, prompted Pakistan to accuse India of involvement, a claim India denies. Pakistan’s government and military officials, citing the involvement of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident follows a fragile ceasefire between Pakistan and India after a recent conflict stemming from the Pahalgam massacre.
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Following a recent escalation of tensions, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General warned India against weaponizing water, emphasizing that such an action would have devastating and long-lasting consequences for millions. This warning comes after India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and cross-border strikes, which Pakistan claims to have responded to proportionally, resulting in the loss of six Indian aircraft. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, the ISPR director general highlighted the continued threat of conflict unless the Kashmir issue is addressed, asserting that Pakistan prioritizes peace but will defend its sovereignty. He also accused India of rejecting a neutral investigation into recent events and of supporting terrorism within Pakistan.
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Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Rs 1 crore in compensation for each victim of recent Indian airstrikes, potentially totaling Rs 14 crore for Masood Azhar’s deceased relatives. The compensation covers fourteen family members killed in Bahawalpur, a city housing the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters. This payout to a UN-designated terrorist has raised concerns, especially considering India’s assertion that the strikes targeted only terrorist camps. Furthermore, the government’s commitment to rebuilding destroyed houses adds to the controversy.
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Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch declared Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan via social media, citing recent military operations and attacks on Pakistani gas fields by Baloch freedom fighters. He requested the UN to deploy a peacekeeping mission and recognize the Democratic Republic of Balochistan, while urging India to establish a Baloch embassy in Delhi. Simultaneously, the Free Balochistan Movement called for Jinnah House in Mumbai to be renamed “Balochistan House,” further highlighting the escalating conflict. Baloch leaders envision a new government for an independent Balochistan, with plans for a formal state ceremony.
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Pakistan’s official Twitter account mistakenly shared ARMA 3 gameplay footage, claiming it depicted a military response to alleged Indian aggression. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar lauded the armed forces’ response, criticizing India’s actions. The post, which remains online without clarification, sparked widespread online ridicule. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of ARMA 3’s realistic graphics being misused to create and spread misinformation.
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A US-brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan, following the worst military confrontation in decades, appears to be holding after an initial period of alleged violations by both sides. Days of cross-border strikes preceded the agreement, prompted by a militant attack in India. Despite reports of explosions and accusations of ceasefire breaches immediately following the announcement, both nations claim commitment to the deal. President Trump lauded the agreement, highlighting its potential to prevent a large-scale conflict. Pakistan confirmed the ceasefire, noting the involvement of numerous countries in the diplomatic process.
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The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for a coordinated offensive across Balochistan, including the seizure of Mangochar city and attacks at 39 locations. The operation involved highway blockades, police detentions (subsequently released), and targeting of military convoys. This significant escalation of the BLA’s campaign aims to disrupt Pakistani control and highlight the group’s ongoing fight against what it terms occupation and resource exploitation. A further statement detailing the operation and outlining future actions is expected from the BLA.
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Ahmed Shareef Chaudhry, Pakistan’s current Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), is the son of UN-designated terrorist Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, who also aided Osama bin Laden. Chaudhry, a three-star general, regularly justifies Pakistan’s actions, including its history of sponsoring terrorism. Mahmood, despite being celebrated in Pakistan for his nuclear work, founded the banned extremist organization Ummah Tameer-e-Nau and allegedly shared nuclear knowledge with al-Qaeda. This familial connection highlights the deep-seated issue of Pakistan’s support for terrorism and its implications for regional stability.
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John Q. Hosedrinker