RWMC workers overjoyed over release of advance salary

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QUETTA, Mar 26 (APP):Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced plan to transform Hinglaj Mata Temple into a major religious tourist site.

He assured the delegation that additional resources would be allocated in the upcoming provincial budget to further support the development of the site.

The Chief Minister met with a delegation led by Senator Danesh Kumar, the head of Hinglaj Mata Temple, along with former caretaker Prime Minister, Anwarul Haq Kakar, in Quetta.

During the meeting, the delegation expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for the development initiatives at the Hinglaj Mata Temple.

The CM praised the active role of Senator Danesh Kumar in promoting the welfare of minorities, noting his selfless contributions to their social well-being.

Mir Sarfraz Bugti further assured that the provincial government is committed to provide equal opportunities for education, healthcare, employment, and development to minorities. He highlighted the inclusion of a significant quota for minorities in the Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Program, encouraging them to actively participate in the program for higher education.

The CM also pointed out that Balochistan is known for its religious tolerance and interfaith harmony. He noted that millions of pilgrims visit Hinglaj Mata Temple every year, and the site has the potential to be recognized as a global standard religious tourist destination. He confirmed that the necessary resources would be provided to ensure all required facilities for the pilgrims.

Mir Sarfraz Bugti concluded by acknowledging the significant role that minorities play in the economic and social development of the country, emphasizing that their contributions should never be overlooked.

Migrant deaths in Asia hit record high in 2024: UN

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UNITED NATIONS, Mar 26 (APP): The year 2024 marked the deadliest on record for migrants in Asia, with at least 2,514 lives lost along the region’s perilous migration routes, according to new data from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This represents a staggering 59 per cent increase from the 1,584 deaths recorded in 2023, highlighting the worsening dangers faced by people on the move.

“No one should lose their life in pursuit of safety or a better future,” said Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

“Every life lost on migration routes in Asia, or anywhere else, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for safe and regular migration pathways – these are preventable tragedies,” he said.

The spike in migrant deaths was primarily linked to two of the region’s most vulnerable populations: the minority Muslim Rohingya fleeing Myanmar and Afghans escaping conflict and instability.

“The increase in deaths across Asia of people fleeing conflict and persecution in the region is of grave concern,” Kato said.

In 2024, at least 1,517 Afghan migrants lost their lives while in transit – up 39 per cent from 2023.

Deaths among Rohingya migrants more than doubled, reaching 889 compared to 436 the previous year.

On 5 August 2024 alone, over 150 people were reportedly killed by artillery fire while attempting to cross the Naf River from Myanmar to Bangladesh.

IOM also highlighted that the risks facing migrants extended beyond conflict-related violence. Many are vulnerable to perilous conditions en route, including overcrowded and unsafe boats, abuse by smugglers and extreme weather conditions.

Lack of identification of migrants was also a major concern, with over 1,000 of those who died in 2024 unidentified. Among the documented deaths, 1,086 were men, 205 were women, and 217 children.

“A lack of official reporting of data on missing migrants means we know our data do not fully capture the true number of lives lost during migration in Asia,” Kato said.

“And even within the records we have, so few identifying details are known, meaning there are immeasurable effects on families searching for lost relatives,” he added.

Migration in Asia is complex, driven by economic inequality, conflict and environmental factors, worsened by climate change. However, limited legal pathways have forced many to rely on irregular and highly dangerous routes.

One of the deadliest corridors remains the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, where stateless Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants embark on treacherous sea journeys in search of refuge. Many pay smugglers for passage, only to find themselves trapped on overcrowded boats with insufficient food and water, facing violence from crew members and the risk of being turned away at their destination.

Meanwhile, overland migration routes across South and Southeast Asia – such as those from Nepal to India, or from Afghanistan and Pakistan through Iran and Turkey – also pose serious risks. Migrants frequently endure extreme environmental conditions, exploitation by traffickers, and border violence.

Sea crossings to Australia, once a significant migration route, have sharply declined in recent years due to strict border controls, according to IOM.

While official data on boat interceptions remains scarce, the closure of this route has left many stranded in transit countries with little access to healthcare, education or legal protection, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation, it was pointed out.

UN welcomes Black Sea navigation accord as ‘crucial’ to global food security

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UNITED NATIONS, Mar 26 (APP): The United Nations Wednesday welcomed an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to ensure the protection of civilian vessels and port infrastructure, saying it “will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains.”

In a statement, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres, told reporters at the regular noon briefing in New York that the UN chief’s good offices remain available to support all efforts towards a lasting peace in Ukraine.

“Reaching an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to ensure the protection of civilian vessels and port infrastructure, will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains, reflecting the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets,” Dujarric said.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his hope that such efforts will pave the way for a durable ceasefire and contribute to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions and in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

Earlier, the United States announced separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia on Tuesday to pause their strikes in the Black Sea and against each other’s energy targets.

The United Nations has been working consistently on the issue, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, especially since U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote to the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and Turkey in February last year to put forward a proposal for “safe and free navigation in the Black Sea.”

The United Nations and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Initiative between Russia and Ukraine in July 2022 to allow the safe export of Ukrainian grain. Under an accompanying three-year memorandum of understanding, U.N. officials agreed to help Russia move its food and fertilizer exports to foreign markets.

Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Initiative in July 2023, complaining that its food and fertilizer exports faced serious obstacles.

Top U.N. trade official Rebeca Grynspan has continued to work with Russia on implementation of the MOU and most recently met with Russian officials in

“The United Nations also remains closely engaged in the continued implementation of the memorandum of understanding,” Dujarric said.

Women police personnel patrolling on a motorcycle, maintaining the law and order situation at Kutchery Bazaar

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APP30-260325 SARGODHA: March 26 – Women police personnel patrolling on a motorcycle, maintaining the law and order situation at Kutchery Bazaar. APP/HSD/ABB

People throng shopping at Bohri Bazar ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

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APP47-260325 KARACHI: March 26 - People throng shopping at Bohri Bazar ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. APP/SDQ/ABB

A man is selling chickens at low price on motorcycle at Chowk Noorian

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APP43-260325 LAHORE: March 26 - A man is selling chickens at low price on motorcycle at Chowk Noorian. APP/AMI/ABB

Women buying bangles at market in preparation of Eid-ul-Fitr in the City

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APP41-260325 LAHORE: March 26 - Women buying bangles at market in preparation of Eid-ul-Fitr in the City. APP/AMI/ABB

Famous Film Director and Actor Jawed Sheikh and others being briefing by JDC Foundation Pakistan Welfare Organization General Secretary, Zafar Abbas during visiting of Free Eid Bazar on The Title of “Maa hum bhi Eid Manaengy” organized by JDC

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APP40-260325 KARACHI: March 26 - Famous Film Director and Actor Jawed Sheikh and others being briefing by JDC Foundation Pakistan Welfare Organization General Secretary, Zafar Abbas during visiting of Free Eid Bazar on The Title of "Maa hum bhi Eid Manaengy" organized by JDC. APP/AMH/ABB

Federal Minister for Pakistan Railway Hanif Abbasi distributing cash cheques among widows of Railway employees at Quetta Railway Divisional Superintendent Office who had been martyred in Jaffar Express incident near Bolan

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APP38-260325 QUETTA: March 26 - Federal Minister for Pakistan Railway Hanif Abbasi distributing cash cheques among widows of Railway employees at Quetta Railway Divisional Superintendent Office who had been martyred in Jaffar Express incident near Bolan. APP/MNN/ABB

Mechanics repairing car tapes at their workplace

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APP37-260325 LARKANA: March 26 - Mechanics repairing car tapes at their workplace. APP/NAS/ABB

Abu Dhabi gears up to host International Jazz Day 2025 celebrations

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ABU DHABI, Mar 26 (WAM/APP): Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, a global event celebrated annually on 30th April in over 190 countries around the world.

Abu Dhabi has been selected as the Global Host City for this special celebration, which is organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives, aimed at highlighting the impact of jazz music as a tool for artistic expression and creative freedom.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, said, “We are delighted to celebrate International Jazz Day in Abu Dhabi, a city that has been designated a ‘City of Music’ by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This year’s edition will focus on Abu Dhabi’s creativity and rich heritage, while showcasing jazz’s ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents.”

She added,”As a ‘City of Music’, Abu Dhabi is preparing to be a vibrant hub for this global celebration. Hosting the event will spotlight the city’s commitment to cultural exchange, education, and diversity, and it will play a central role in preserving and spreading jazz music in the region.”

DCT Abu Dhabi will organise a five-week series of jazz concerts and educational programmes, including the International Jazz Day 2025 “All-Star” Global Concert, which will be broadcast internationally from Etihad Arena.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “By hosting International Jazz Day for the first time in its history, Abu Dhabi is achieving a milestone that complements its selection as a UNESCO ‘City of Music’. This event reaffirms our commitment to promoting cultural unity, peace, and mutual understanding, and it is an opportunity to celebrate talented and creative musicians.”

He added that the concert, led by legendary pianist Herbie Hancock and Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, will feature a lineup of jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world, including performers from the UAE, USA, China, Morocco, India, and many other countries.

More artist names will be announced in the coming weeks.

Herbie Hancock said, “Jazz has always been a way to bring people together, break down barriers, and inspire creativity across cultures. International Jazz Day reminds us of music’s power to transcend borders, promote dialogue, and spark joy and hope.”

The concert will be broadcast live to millions around the world via platforms including UNTV, UNESCO, Facebook, YouTube, jazzday.com, and other international media partners.

Building on the momentum of International Jazz Day, “Jazz Month in Abu Dhabi” will expand the celebration’s reach and enhance jazz’s presence in the region. The programme will include live performances, workshops, artist residencies, and educational events at major cultural and educational institutions across the city.

The event will also involve collaboration with Abu Dhabi Classics, the Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennial, Abu Dhabi Festival, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and other local and international institutions.

Special performances will highlight the fusion of jazz with traditional Arabic instruments such as the oud, qanun, and ney, reflecting the ongoing cultural dialogue between jazz and local musical traditions.

International Jazz Day 2025 will also coincide with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, which brings together cultural leaders, artists, and change-makers from across the creative industries. The summit will feature panel discussions with Herbie Hancock and other prominent musicians

Strong winds whip up western Japan wildfires, 15 buildings lost

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MATSUYAMA, Japan,Mar 26 (Kyodo/APP): Strong winds intensified out-of-control wildfires in two western Japan prefectures on Wednesday, burning through over a cumulative 900 hectares and leaving at least 15 buildings destroyed.

The fire in Ehime Prefecture has burned over 410 hectares in Imabari and Saijo, engulfing seven houses and two warehouses. Meanwhile, in Okayama Prefecture, approximately 540 hectares have burned in the cities of Okayama and neighboring Tamano, burning another six structures.

Firefighters and the Ground Self-Defense Force were working to control the blazes that were first reported Sunday afternoon in both prefectures.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he hoped the relevant agencies can contain the fires and he asked them to ensure residents are safely evacuated. He also ordered the deployment of power supply vehicles amid a possibility of widespread power cuts.

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said at a press conference on Wednesday that the Self-Defense Forces’ Joint Operations Command was responding to the fires in the two prefectures as well as one in Miyazaki Prefecture in southwestern Japan.

The Joint Operations Command was established Monday and integrates the operations of the country’s ground, maritime and air defenses.

On Tuesday night, the Ehime prefectural government held a disaster response meeting to assess the spread of the fire as helicopters from the GSDF conducted 55 water drops. Gov. Tokihiro Nakamura stressed that the “situation remains dangerous despite there being no casualties.”

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail storm predicted in KP

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PESHAWAR, Mar 26 (APP):The Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a weather advisory for several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds from March 26 night to March 27.

It warned concerns about potential flooding, landslides, and hailstorm-related damage.

Rainfall is expected to be widespread in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Waziristan, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, and Bannu.

Meanwhile, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank may experience isolated showers accompanied by thunderstorms.

The weather conditions are likely to include intense thunderstorms with strong winds, which could cause damage to weak infrastructure, trees, and power lines.

Heavy rainfall may lead to flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas, while mountainous regions face the risk of landslides.

Certain areas may also experience hailstorms and, at higher altitudes, even light snowfall.

The provincial disaster management authority has urged residents to remain cautious as travel disruptions are expected, especially in hilly regions where roads may become slippery and dangerous. There is also a risk of power outages due to lightning and strong winds.

People living in vulnerable areas are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay updated on official weather reports.

PDMA has issued high alert to authorities concerned to deal with any emergencies promptly.

Cloudy weather with scattered rain in city

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LAHORE, Mar 26 (APP):The cloudy weather with scattered rain was witnessed in the city on Wednesday while the MET office predicted similar weather conditions for the next 24 hours.

The MET officials said the minimum temperature in the city was 19°C and maximum was 27°C. They said cloudy weather may continue to prevail in the city for the next two three days.

In the evening, several city areas witnessed scattered and trace rain, which made the weather pleasant and a large number of people came out for Eid shopping as well as to enjoy the cool breeze.

Sindh govt decides to make birth registration mandatory: CS Sindh

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KARACHI, Mar 26 (APP): In a bid to ensure children’s rights and their access to basic facilities, the Sindh government decided to make birth registration mandatory across the province.

Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Haider Shah, while presiding over a meeting here on Wednesday, stated that birth registration has a vital role in protecting children’s rights and providing them access to basic vaccination, education and health facilities, said a statement issued here.

The provincial government will amend the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 as registering births, marriages, divorces and deaths is the statutory function of the Local Government Department under the SLGA 2013.

The CS Sindh said that the provincial government has already made birth registration free across Sindh to speed up the process especially in rural and remote areas and facilitate the lower income segments.

Chief Secretary Sindh maintained that the implementation of this 100 percent birth registration project is the top priority of the government to protect the rights of children, provide them with basic facilities, and ensure a bright future for the children of Sindh.

He said that the linkages between the Local Government Department and NADRA are being made more effective so that a complete digital data entry system for birth registration can be implemented that will not only ensure accuracy but also
speed up the process and all records will be updated in a timely manner.

The Sindh CS informed that the data will be collected from government and private hospitals, lady health workers and other relevant sources for the registration of births of children and health centers, schools and local authorities will also collaborate in the efforts to ensure timely registration of their children by parents. A comprehensive campaign will be
launched to create mass awareness of the significance of birth registration, he added.

The government believes that registration of every child will not only be beneficial for individual families but will also improve planning and provision of public facilities in the province, he said adding that with the help of accurate birth data, the government will be able to make better decisions regarding resource allocation, health-related campaigns and educational needs.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Health Rehan Iqbal Baloch, Secretary Information Technology Noor Ahmed Samon, Secretary Social Protection, DG NADRA Sindh and other concerned officials.

Turkish envoy meets PRCS Chairperson, pledges enhanced cooperation

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