YouTube video by James Khadan

In fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS), weak institutions, chronic instability, and repeated shocks have stalled growth for many years. With bold reforms and sustained global backing, FCS e...

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At least eleven people were killed and 20 were injured in one of the most horrific train accidents in recent memory when the Gevra-Bilaspur MEMU passenger train rammed a stationary freight train near Lal Khadan, close to Bilaspur's Gatora station.

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KECH: More than 15 armed robbers looted Rs220.5 million from two bank cash transit vans in Kech district of Balochistan. Deputy Commissioner Kech Major (retd) Bashir Ahmed Badich confirmed the incident but shared no further details. Another district administration official told Urdu News that the heist took place on the M-8 highway at Dasht Khadan Cross, around 60 kilometres from Turbat. The robbers not only seized the cash but also snatched weapons from the private security guards escorting the vans. A security company employee, requesting anonymity, said the cash had been collected from two private banks — Meezan Bank and Bank Alfalah — in Turbat. It was being transferred to Karachi in two bulletproof vans operated by SOS, a private security firm. According to the official, one bank’s share amounted to Rs1.455 million and the other’s to Rs750 million, packed into more than 20 bags. Eight security guards were travelling with the convoy, and the robbers snatched six of their guns. The assailants, estimated at 15–20, showed up in four vehicles and motorcycles, armed with sophisticated weapons. They blocked the road using an Iranian-made pickup truck, commonly used for fuel smuggling, while others took positions in the surrounding area. “The attackers threatened the guards, saying this is government money, hand it over or be killed,” said the security official. The robbers then transferred the bags of cash into their own vehicles and fled. Witnesses said they spoke in the local Balochi language. Armed robbers loot mobile shop in Islamabad The robbery is among the largest recorded in Balochistan. Security forces have launched an investigation, collecting guard statements and CCTV footage from the vans. Kech is considered one of the most sensitive districts of Balochistan, bordering Iran, Panjgur, Awaran and Gwadar, where banned Baloch militant groups are active. Alongside frequent armed attacks, incidents of bank robberies have also increased. In May this year, three armed men looted Rs25.2 million from a private bank branch in Turbat’s main market. Officials fear militant groups may be involved in such robberies to raise funds, though no group has claimed responsibility in the past. Due to security threats, most security companies had already stopped cash transfers between the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks in Baloch-majority districts. SOS was the only company still operating in Kech, but sources said it has now suspended its cash transfer operations after the latest heist. Wanted terrorist among four killed in Kech district: ISPR Previously, funds were flown to Karachi via private charter planes, but the service was discontinued for security reasons, forcing transfers by road. The suspension of cash transfers now risks disrupting banking operations in Balochistan, affecting deposits, withdrawals and overall business activity in the province.

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