Afghanistan’s oil and gas mines are drawing significant attention from major companies in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum reports increased interest from these countries in investing in Afghanistan’s lucrative oil and gas sectors. Homayoon Afghan, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that the ministry welcomes foreign companies eager to invest in Afghanistan’s oil and gas mines. Recently, two large companies from Russia and Uzbekistan have expressed their interest. This surge in interest highlights a growing trend of Central Asian companies focusing on Afghanistan’s rich natural resources. Mr. Afghan noted the rising interest in Afghanistan’s oil and…
Author: Muhammad Idrees
Grand Jirga in Zhob brought together key figures in Balochistan. The event took place in Zhob district. Members of FC Balochistan (North), tribal leaders, and military and civil officials attended. Major General Chaudhry Ameer Ajmal, the IG FC Balochistan (North), led the jirga. He emphasized the importance of security and border management. The discussions were intense and covered critical issues. Tribal leaders praised successful operations against terrorists. They showed strong support for the Pakistan Army and FC Balochistan. Their commitment to peace and stability was evident. They called on the civil administration to enhance the police and levies force. Improving…
Gulzar Imam Shambay has marked one year of collaboration with the Pakistani state. This is a significant change in his stance. Gulzar Imam Shambay, who once masterminded militant operations in South Balochistan, was arrested in 2023. The arrest was the result of a highly sensitive intelligence operation. Born in 1978 in Panjgur district, Shambay was initially a contractor and local newspaper reporter. In 2009, he joined the terrorist group. Gulzar Imam Shambay even traveled to India on fake documents in 2017. There, he received training and funding for terrorism in Balochistan. Shambay served as the deputy of Brahamdagh Bugti in…
Surge in terrorist activities from Afghanistan has led to increased concerns in Pakistan. Terrorists from Afghan soil are attempting to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, targeting security forces and innocent civilians. In response, Pakistan has launched extensive counter-terrorism operations along the border. A key focus is on the general area of Sambaza in Zhob District, Balochistan. These operations have been ongoing since April 21, 2024. According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the security forces have successfully neutralized 29 terrorists over the past month. Effective engagements and precise actions have been critical to this success. On May 14, 2024,…
Chaman Protests have brought life in the border town of Chaman to a standstill for nearly two weeks. The protests, sparked by new border crossing regulations and actions by security forces, have forced the closure of public and private banks. Offices like the passport office, deputy commissioner, and Customs have been shut since earlier this month. This shutdown followed clashes between protesters and security forces. Protesters, including traders, political leaders, and daily wage workers, have blocked the Quetta-Chaman national highway. This crucial highway connects Pakistan with Afghanistan. Hundreds of trucks and vehicles loaded with goods for Afghan transit trade are…
Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border has ignited widespread speculation. Many believe his demise was an assassination. They suspect Israel, Iran’s arch-enemy, played a role in this fatal incident. Nick Griffin’s Perspective Nick Griffin, a former Member of the European Parliament, suggested that beyond the obvious Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iran-Israel tensions, Mossad (Israel’s national intelligence agency) could be involved. He remarked, “It would not be a surprise…”. On X, Griffin pointed out that Raisi and his Azerbaijani counterpart had recently inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi hydroelectric dam. This project was hailed as a symbol of “long-term…
An audit report has revealed staggering irregularities amounting to Rs2.4 billion in Balochistan Dam Project. The Balochistan Dam Project has to construct of 100 dams in Balochistan. The audit report highlighted significant delays, with only 26 out of the planned 100 dams completed by 2021. Originally, the completion was scheduled for 2018. This delay led to an increase in construction costs by Rs261 million. The audit report also noted that expenses for the project implementation unit and supervision soared by Rs133.6 million. Additionally, an extra payment of Rs112.6 million was made to non-shareholders. Contractors were also found to be undercharged…
Mohammad Mokhber will lead Iran after a tragic helicopter crash killed President Ebrahim Raisi and his Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The helicopter, carrying top officials, crashed while navigating mountainous terrain in heavy fog. They were en route to Tabriz after inaugurating the Qiz Qalasi Dam on the Iranian-Azerbaijani border. Under the Iranian constitution, the death of a sitting president triggers specific protocols. Mohammad Mokhber, the First Vice President, will assume the presidency in an interim capacity. He is 69 years old and has close ties to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Mohammad Mokhber is a seasoned political figure with significant influence…
The Iranian threat to US elections is becoming more serious. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines has warned that Tehran is set to ramp up its cyber and influence activities. “Iran is becoming increasingly aggressive in their efforts,” Haines told the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “They seek to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our democratic institutions, as we have seen them do in prior election cycles.” Foreign interference has been a concern in recent US elections. Since 2016, ‘Russian meddling’ has been a major issue, with both parties accusing each other of benefiting from it. In his…
How to stop terrorism in Balochistan was a crucial topic in Sarfraz Bugti’s address at the closing ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Literature Festival 2024 (Quetta chapter). Organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, the event saw Bugti discussing pressing issues. The CM expressed concern, stating, “We are the only nation in the world that even kills its own educators.” He questioned how progress in education is possible and reflected on the tragic killing of Professor Nazima Talib in April 2009. “Today, health and education are lost,” he said, adding, “We have destroyed this entire system ourselves; the people of…