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Pakistan urges OIC to boost efforts for ‘just’ settlement of Kashmir dispute based on UN resolutions

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Khawaja Asif

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 27 (APP): Pakistan has called on the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) to scale up its efforts for the mitigation of the Kashmiri people’s sufferings and finding a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions that grant the Kashmiri people the right to self-determination.

Speaking to OIC’s Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir, which met on the sidelines of the 79th session of UN General Assembly, Defence Minster Khawaja Mohammad Asif underscored the need for the 57-member organization to transform its pronouncements on the decades-old dispute into “tangible actions.”

“The OIC and its Member States should use their influence to urge India to improve the human rights situation in Kashmir; release the political prisoners; repeal draconian emergency laws; remove military presence from populated areas; and implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” Khawaja Asif added.

The five-member group’s state members, besides Pakistan, who were present were : Turkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister ELnur Mammadov, Saudi Arabia’s Minister Plenipotentiary at Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Haitham Al-Aalki, and Niger’s Director of International Organizations at the Foreign Ministry, Hama Knsaye Souleymane. the meeting was presided over by OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary-General of the World Kashmir awareness forum, attended in his capacity as a True Representative of the People of Jammu and Kashmir.

The group members supported the Kashmir cause and called for a peaceful settlement of the dispute between India and Pakistan.

In his opening remarks, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that for lasting peace in South Asia, the Kashmir dispute needs to be resolved in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

In the last 77 years, he told group members, India has tried different methods to consolidate its occupation, but since 5 August 2019 New Delhi had intensified its campaign to “Indianize” Kashmir, and transform its people into a disempowered community.

In the last five years, Khawaja Asif said the Indian authorities have taken a series of legislative, judicial and administrative steps, aimed at altering the demographic structure and political landscape of Kashmir, including gerrymandering of the electoral constituencies, allowing the addition of non-Kashmiris to voter rolls, issuance of domicile certificates to outsiders, giving Lt. Governor more powers in administrative matters, and introduction of new laws on ownership of land and property.

To crush dissent, he said, the Indian authorities have created an environment of fear and intimidation, with draconian laws, such as Public Safety Act (PSA), Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) offer impunity to the Indian forces to arrest or kill any person and destroy any property. Since 5 August 2019, 914 Kashmiris have been killed and another 2447 injured or tortured, with the number of political prisoners remaining in thousands and properties of Kashmiri activists being confiscated as a punishment.

The Indian authorities have outlawed 14 political parties under a counterterrorism law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the defence minister said, adding that the office of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in Srinagar has also been seized.

Eid prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid have not been allowed for the last five years, with Friday prayers also prohibited from time to time, he said. The chief cleric at the Mosque and a renowned Kashmiri leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, is intermittently placed under house arrest, denying him the opportunity to lead the Friday prayers.

Noting curbs on media, the defence minister said the Srinagar Press Club has remained shut since 2020, with the elections of Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association not allowed, and one of its former Presidents, Miyan Abdul Qayyum, arrested for his defiant political views.

International human rights organizations and civil society have extensively documented human rights violations, Khawaja Asif said, adding that the Human Rights Committee had urged India to ensure that the counterterrorism legislation is not applied to crackdown on human rights defenders, journalists, peaceful protesters and political opponents, and to investigate cases of arbitrary detention, and punish the perpetrators.

Regarding local elections that are taking place in Indian Occupied Kashmir in three phases, Khawaja Asif said, “While India is claiming that such steps show its commitment towards democratic norms, let me emphasize that any electoral exercise, pursuant to the Indian Constitution, cannot serve as a substitute to grant of the right to self-determination.

“In the eyes of international law, any process, subservient to the Indian Constitution, cannot be invoked to determine the final status of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an internationally recognised disputed territory”, he added.

“As Jammu and Kashmir is an international dispute, the Indian government or its judiciary have no right to take unilateral measures against the will of the other parties to the dispute i.e. Kashmiri people and Pakistan.”

Undoubtedly, the minister said India’s actions of 5 August 2019, and the subsequent steps ever since, constitute a breach of the UN Charter, UN Security Council resolutions, and international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention.

Pointing out the Indian leaders’ unwarranted claims about the territories of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, he said their frequency increased amid the elections.

“While Pakistan is acting in a responsible manner and upholding the ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian leaders’ irresponsible statements constitute a threat to regional peace,” Khawaja Asif said. “The international community, especially the members of this Contact Group, should take cognizance of such statements, which are also contrary to the UN Charter.”

As the institutional embodiment of the collective aspirations of the Muslim Ummah, he said, OIC’s pronouncements on Jammu and Kashmir are a major source of support to the Kashmir Cause.

“The people of Pakistan and Kashmir highly value such resolutions”. the minister said, emphasizing that the OIC should transform its pronouncements into tangible actions.

At UN rights council, Pakistan calls local polls in Indian Occupied Kashmir ‘farcical’

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GENEVA, Sep 27 (APP): Pakistan has portrayed the local elections taking place in the Indian Occupied Kashmir as “farcical”, asserting that the United Nations remains committed to the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination.

“Any activity with the appearance of an election in an illegally occupied territory, with overwhelming military footprint, after banning political parties, incarcerating political leaders and torturing and killing thousands is only a farce with no legitimacy – not an election,” Pakistani delegate Danyal Hasnain told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday.

Hasnain was responding to the remarks made by his Indian counterpart Gaurav Thakur, who criticized an earlier Pakistan’s statement denouncing human rights abuses taking place in occupied Kashmir.

Exercising his right of reply, the Pakistani delegate — without naming India — said he hoped that “this delegation” becomes sensitive to the lives that suffer
under its illegal occupation.

“This delegation” , Hasnain said, “repeats, ad nauseam, the so-called unprecedented development in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” pointing out that all colonial enterprises hide behind “glittering but misleading” advertisement of development in the territories they occupy.

“We also know that colonial projects have only ended in perpetuating exploitation, abuse and creating inter-generational inequalities,” he added.

Denouncing the Indian delegate for trying to deflect the attention from the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, the Pakistani delegate said, ” The UN Security Council committed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir this inalienable right through various resolutions”, noting that UN Secretary-General has also affirmed to their applicability.
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“For over over seven decades,” Hasnain regretted, “occupied Kashmiris have been denied this right in utter defiance of international law, especially Article 25 of the UN Charter.”

Israel has displaced over 90,000 people in Lebanon in just 3 days: UN

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UNGA

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 27 (APP): A new humanitarian crisis is unfolding at Lebanon’s border with Syria as thousands of people flee Israeli shelling linked to the war in Gaza, United Nations officials saids Thursday, just as Israel Premier Benyamin Netanyahu arrived in New York for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

Only hours earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the Security Council that “hell is breaking loose in Lebanon” along the UN-patrolled line of separation, with exchanges of fire greater in “scope, depth and intensity” than previously.

That warning came as US President Joe Biden told the world’s leaders gathered at UN headquarters on Wednesday that an “all-out” war was possible between Hezbollah and Israel, while the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported people fleeing from Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in the early hours of Thursday morning, in response to attacks on Israel which included a first attempted missile strike on Tel Aviv.

In a video message issued on Thursday in New York, the head of UN Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix said: “I am deeply concerned by the sharp escalation along the blue line. As the Secretary General said last night in the Security Council, ‘Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon’ and we should all be alarmed by the escalation.”

He stressed that both the Lebanese and Israeli populations “are in extreme danger, with hundreds dead and thousands injured in recent days alone. Regional security and stability is at risk.”

“Literally thousands of families of Syrian and also Lebanese are crossing into Syria…they are women, children, men,” said UNHCR Representative in Syria, Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, as the Israeli military announced strikes on more than 70 targets overnight in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and in southern Lebanon. Both areas are believed to be Hezbollah strongholds.

Standing amid vehicles laden with belongings strapped to the roof and countless people queuing in long lines on the Syrian side of the border, Vargas Lllosa said that UNHCR was working with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to provide water, food, blankets and mattresses – “because many of them will be spending the night here at the border while they are processed”.

According to media reports, a 21-day ceasefire proposal by the US, European allies including France and several Arab nations has been rejected by members of Netanyahu’s government.

Latest data from Lebanon’s interior ministry indicates that 70,100 internally displaced people are now registered inside 533 government-run centres. Some 500,000 people have been displaced following months of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, the Lebanese authorities said.

UNHCR said that it was continuing to coordinate closely with the authorities and other humanitarian organizations to provide relief to people uprooted from their homes inside Lebanon. “Our teams are on standby to help more civilians who have fled the air-strikes, providing shelter, health care and psychosocial support,” the UN agency said Thursday.

Echoing solidarity with those impacted by the strikes, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, appealed for “more shelters and more funds” to provide critical support to those in need. “We are on the ground distributing emergency hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping bags, and dignity kits in displacement shelters. Our team is working tirelessly to support displaced families.”

Citing the Lebanese authorities, UNHCR said that more than 90,000 people have been displaced since 23 September and “more are abandoning their homes by the minute”. The latest hostilities have killed more than 600 people and injured 1,835.

Indonesia- Pak economic partnership for common prosperity: Pirzada

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):Federal Minister for housing and works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Thursday said that the economic partnership between Indonesia and Pakistan is a common goal for common prosperity.
The minister said that Pakistan and Indonesia have proved themselves as strong advocates of multilateralism and regional cooperation.
Federal Minister for housing and works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada said this while addressing to the 79th years  independence day celebration of Indonesia here.
Indonesia- Pak economic partnership for common prosperity: Pirzada
Today, on the Independence day of Indonesia, it is the wish of every person of Pakistan that Indonesia should set its economic development goals in a peaceful manner and the bilateral partnership for economic development between the two countries will be stronger,he said.
The minister said that there is a need to increase economic and trade coordination between Pakistan and Indonesia, which both governments are implementing.
He said that Indonesia emerged as a strong economy in ASEAN whose economic development is also beneficial for Pakistan.
“I would like to extend my greetings and wishes to the people and Government of Indonesia on this joyous occasion. I must say that your continued progress as a nation exemplifies resilience, economic development and prosperity.”
The minister said that Pakistan and Indonesia share a unique bond extending over 74 years, almost as old as two independent nations.
The relationship that is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common belief in freedom and sovereignty has grown into a warm and enduring friendship for the past many decades, he said.
” I stand here today, representing the people of Pakistan, with a deep sense of love, respect, brotherhood and admiration for the people of Indonesia.It is so pleasant to state that Pakistan and Indonesia have nurtured strong diplomatic relations and beyond with a significant contribution of profound people to people’s connections.”
He said that both of the  countries have stood by each other through thick and thin and I wish and pray that our bilateral ties may continue to flourish with each passing year.
Economic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia have flourished over the years and both nations have collaborated in sectors ranging from trade, education, culture and defense.
Indonesia- Pak economic partnership for common prosperity: Pirzada
“Our people-to-people connections are thriving, with Pakistanis and Indonesians contributing significantly to each other’s societies and economies” he  said.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Charge d’ Affaires of Indonesia, Mr. Rehmat Hindiarta Kusuma and the Indonesian community here for their generous hospitality and being such wonderful friends to Pakistan.”
He hoped that people of Indonesia continued peace, progress and prosperity and the bond between Pakistan and Indonesia grow ever stronger as we continue to work together for the betterment of our countries and the world.

Pakistan, Iran underscore need to build mutually beneficial cooperation

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NEW YORK, Sep 27 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Iran’s President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on the sidelines of 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and underscored the need to further strengthen good neighbourly relations and build mutually beneficial cooperation.

The prime minister highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and investment, improving connectivity and cultural ties with Iran.

Reiterating Pakistan’s stance on Palestine, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and end of aggression against Palestine and Lebanon.

The meeting helped reaffirm support for each other and bring forth opportunities for further strengthening this partnership.

Intl Depts, UN, Afghan govt to take steps for return of refugees: Amir Muqam

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QUETTA, Sep 26 (APP):Federal Minister for State and Frontier Region and Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam on Thursday said that International Organizations, United Nations (UN), and the Afghan government should take steps for the return of refugees in a dignifying manner as Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for 45 years.
He expressed these views while addressing the Afghan refugees in the Saranan refugee camp area of Pishin district.
The Federal Minister said that the government would provide all possible assistance to repatriate Afghan refugees in a dignified manner.
 He said that no place in the world allows refugees to stay in any country without any documents but Pakistan is the only country that has been hosting Afghan refugees for more than forty years.
The federal minister said that the Afghan government should ensure that its country does not use violence against any other state and the Afghan regime should realize that difficulties should not be created for the Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan has always maintained good relations with its neighbors.
He also thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for always supporting the Afghan refugees and instructed that they should also be provided with all the facilities of life in the country.
He said that the purpose of coming here was to listen to Afghan refugees’ problems and examine the refugee camp as many issues as you have mentioned.
The Minister said that every effort would be made to resolve their issues including health, education, and other matters to provide facilities to refugees.
“I am trying to solve the problems of doctors and medicine in the refugee camp as soon as possible, the supply of clean drinking water is one of the basic needs of human beings, it will also be solved”, he said.
He said that steps were taken to provide facilities for making POR cards of Afghan refugees, the blocked cards to be reviewed and the cards blocked without reason would be restored.
Amir Muqam said that there is a need to provide facilities for education to the children and teachers would be given salaries according to the current conditions.
He said that the UNHCR and relevant departments would be discussed to provide solar and batteries to families in refugee camps and that every house needs a fan in the summer season to provide amenities to them.
He said that Pakistan is giving seats on scholarships to Afghan students in various universities and colleges, and the children of Afghan refugees have the first right to these seats, In this regard, I will also talk to the relevant departments, he said.

President urges media to promote Pakistan as prime tourism destination

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President Asif Ali Zardari
ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the media to highlight Pakistan’s rich historical heritage, particularly the importance of the Indus and Gandhara civilizations to promote the country as a prime destination for spiritual exploration and cultural discovery.
The president, in his message on the World Tourism Day being observed on Friday (Sept 27), said,”Pakistan has enormous tourism potential as it is blessed with spectacular landscapes, majestic mountains and peaks, vast deserts, and beautiful coastlines.
“This part of the region has a rich historical heritage as well as has been home to the Indus and Gandhara civilizations, making Pakistan an attractive destination for spiritual exploration and cultural discovery. The true tourism potential of Pakistan needs to be highlighted and I urge the media to play its role positively in this regard.”
He said,”Today, on World Tourism Day 2024, we celebrate the theme ‘Tourism and Peace’.”
Tourism, he added, served as a powerful bridge that “connects nations and promotes understanding among people from diverse cultures around the globe.
“As tourists explore different countries, they come across diverse cultures and traditions that help promote peace, harmony and goodwill worldwide.”
He said tourism was a vital source of revenue, and to unlock its full potential, “we must prioritize developing roads and tourism infrastructure. Enhancing essential facilities for tourists will encourage them to explore our breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, including religious sites.
“By creating a more accessible and welcoming environment, we can attract a larger number of tourists, significantly boosting our economy.”
The president reiterated that on the World Tourism Day 2024, “let us reaffirm our commitment to making Pakistan a global hub for tourism, where tourists from all over the world can experience not just our landscape, and historical and religious sites, but also the warm hospitality of our people. Through tourism, we can continue to build bridges of understanding, contributing to a more peaceful, interconnected world.”

Govt introducing reforms to promote tourism industry: PM

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the government was introducing major reforms to promote the tourism industry and make the country a tourist destination.
“We have undertaken major reforms by adopting a tourist-friendly visa regime under which tourists from 126 countries can obtain fast-track visas without fee. I am confident that this decision will play a key role in in the promotion of the tourism sector and open new avenues for socioeconomic development in Pakistan,” the prime minister said in a message on the World Tourism Day being observed on Friday (Sept 27).
He said,”Pakistan joins the global community to celebrate the World Tourism Day under the patronage of the United Nations Tourism Organization.”
“This year’s theme ‘Tourism and Peace’”, he said, truly reflected an important aspect of tourism. “Indeed tourism brings people together and plays a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace, harmony, and empathy among nations and diverse cultures,” he added.
The prime minister highlighted that tourism had emerged as a dynamic sector in an increasingly multicultural world. The nations around the globe had benefitted from its vast potential to expand people-to-people contacts; remove misconceptions and stereotypes; promote a positive image through social interaction, build relations, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
Pakistan, he said, was blessed with scenic natural landscapes, verdant plains, sparkling rivers and streams, and breath-taking mountain ranges.
“Pakistan is home to ancient civilizations, including Mehrgarh, Mohenjo Daro, Harappa and Gandhara.”
“All this”, he said, “provides us a great opportunity for the development of tourism and linking it with the livelihoods development at the grassroots level even in the remotest of areas of Pakistan. The significant potential of tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote peace through cultural exchange could be realized through our joint efforts.”
He said the young generation could also play a key role in promoting tourism through innovative solutions and developing new business models.
“On its part, the government is promoting entrepreneurial initiatives in the tourism industry, which, with its dense backward linkages, supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals more than any other industry.”
He also expressed his satisfaction that both the Federation and the provinces were taking commendable initiatives for promoting recreation, adventure, religious, heritage, sports, eco, wildlife and cultural tourism in all regions of Pakistan.
“Let us work jointly to promote Pakistan as a premier tourist destination by showcasing our warmth, hospitality, and resilience to the world. Together, we can unlock the full potential of sustainable tourism, and create a brighter and peaceful future for our next generations,” he added.

Strengthening access to Information paradigm critical in building trust between citizens, public institutions: Speakers

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):The speakers at a national level consultation on International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on Thursday underlined that strengthening access to information paradigm was critical in building trust between citizens and public institutions.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), in collaboration with the Pakistan Information Commission, and civil society partners Individual held a national level discussion that featured eminent speakers that provided insights into the current state of information access in Pakistan, a news release said.
They also highlighted the implications of weak information commissions on cohesion and governance.
The consultation was held in conjunction with the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). This year’s global theme highlights the significance of public access to information as a foundation for transparency, accountability, and public participation.
Former Information Commissioner Punjab and Right to Information expert, Mukhtar Ahmed Ali highlighted the need to prioritize public welfare. “This culture of secrecy prevents citizens from understanding the actions of their elected representatives and remaining aware of their rights.” He added that institutional strengthening is required to ensure effective implementation of RTI in the country.
Hamza Khan Swati, the National Professional Officer at UNESCO in Pakistan, highlighted that access to information is a fundamental right. He further highlighted that information commission’s role to be strengthened in light of evolving and emerging challenges pertaining to disinformation.
Shoaib Siddiqui, Chief Information Commissioner at the Pakistan Information Commission, underscored the need for comprehensive studies on digital information consumption and its impact on governance.
The consultation also addressed the challenges posed by the misuse of information and the trust gap between the masses and government institutions.
Fariha Aziz, a digital rights activist, emphasized the need for timely access to information, noting that delays can render data irrelevant.
She highlighted that one of the biggest achievements of information access laws is the time limitation that ensures effective public engagement with the government.
Dr. Jawaid Ali Shah, Chief Information Commissioner at the Sindh Information Commission, called for trust-building through accountability.
Mehboob Qadir Shah, former Chief Information Commissioner at the Punjab Information Commission, highlighted that RTI can help eliminate systemic injustices perpetuating various inequalities in Pakistan.
The second session focused on empowering marganlized communities. Reem Shareef, a transgender rights activist, noted that RTI laws have helped the transgender community eliminate misinformation and counter negative social media campaigns.
Zahid Abdullah, a right to information advisor, explained the vital role Right To Information laws play for differently abled by recognizing their constitutional rights.
Ms. Farah Hamid, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Information Commissioner, stressed the need for public engagement and awareness about RTI laws.
From an investigative journalist perspective, Umar Cheema suggested that the RTI law has eliminated the gap between the people and government institutions, allowing everyone to access information without fear.
Moonus Kainat Zahra, from CPDI, presented additional recommendations to enhance the RTI framework.
She suggested implementing regular training programs for public officials on RTI compliance and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under RTI laws.
She also recommended establishing a centralized digital portal for RTI requests to streamline process and work towards strengthening commissions for more information integrity.

One killed, 16 injured in Swabi police station blast: DPO

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SWABI, Sep 26 (APP): At least one person was killed and 16 others were injured, including policemen when a powerful explosion occurred in the City Police Station, Swabi  Thursday night.

District Police Officer Swabi Haroon Rasheed told reporters that the blast occurred in the police station’s warehouse room, where huge quantity of explosive material recovered from the terrorists from time to time was stored.

According to initial reports, he said, the explosion was apparently triggered by short circuit, which caused multiple detonations.

The upper portion of the police station was badly damaged.

He said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the blast. “The explosion has severely damaged the building, and teams are busy in rescue work.”

Rescue workers and fire brigade personnel reached the scene immediately after the blast and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals, including the Bacha Khan Medical Complex, where an emergency was declared.

A hospital spokesperson confirmed that eight injured had been admitted so far, two of them were in critical condition.

“All necessary medical care is being provided to the injured. The hospital administration is closely monitoring the situation,” he added.

Chief Minister Ali Amin took notice of the blast and sought a report from the Inspector General of Police.

He also directed that best medical care should be provided to the injured.