Blaze News - Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, saying the country has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the threat from its roots. Chairing a review meeting of the counterterrorism steering committee in Islamabad on Thursday, Sharif said, “The State of Pakistan is committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism at its roots, and the world acknowledges Pakistan's successful operations against terrorists.” He highlighted that Pakistan’s anti-terrorism strategy includes ground operations, legal reforms, public engagement, and countering extremist ideologies. He directed the committee to ensure strong coordination between federal and provincial authorities and strict implementation of recommendations. Prime Minister @CMShehbaz has said the State of Pakistan is committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism at its roots@PakPMO @OfficialDGISPR #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/B064TFD29O pic.twitter.com/f4YKkbk9b3 — Radio Pakista...

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has formally sought permission from the Islamabad district administration to hold a political gathering in the federal capital’s F-9 Park on August 5, in response to a call by party founder Imran Khan. According to a formal application submitted to the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, PTI has requested approval to organise a rally between 4 pm and 10 pm on the specified date. The request was submitted by PTI Islamabad Region’s General Secretary Malik Amir Ali and bears the signatures of both Malik Amir and the regional party president, Amir Masood Mughal. Also Read: 'Women's right to reject marriage proposals rooted in Islam' Speaking to the media after submitting the application, Malik Amir stated that holding peaceful gatherings and protests is the party's constitutional and legal right. “We will hold a rally in Islamabad on August 5 in accordance with Imran Khan’s call,” he said. The party has identified F-9 Park as the proposed venue...

Kasim Khan, son of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has stated that his father is in “really poor conditions” at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, and that he and his brother, Sulaiman Khan, are seeking a possible way out. In an interview with the US media outlet Real America’s Voice, shared on Wednesday, Kasim said that his father is being held in a solitary confinement cell and is allowed only two hours of daylight each day. He further mentioned that they have been unable to speak with their father. Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) related to the protests of May 9, 2023. “Right now, he’s in really, really poor conditions, and it looks like they’re getting worse and worse by the moment. So, we’re looking for any way out possible,” Kasim said. He added that his father is “incarcerated in a solitary confinement cell...

Pakistan's latest remote sensing satellite is set to be launched into space early Thursday morning, marking a significant step forward in the country's space research and disaster management capabilities. The launch is scheduled to take place between 6:30 am and 7:15 am (Pakistan Standard Time) from China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center, according to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). This new satellite is designed for research and earth observation, and will provide critical support in monitoring natural disasters such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, glacier melting, and deforestation. It will enhance the country's capacity for early warning and effective disaster response. Read More: Pakistan eyes improved disaster response with new satellite Beyond disaster management, the satellite will aid in agricultural monitoring, urban planning, infrastructure development, and mapping of transportation networks. It will also serve as a ...

In a major concession to the United States for striking a trade deal, Pakistan on Wednesday exempted 5% tax, which it had imposed a month ago on foreign tech firms and online platforms on supply of digitally ordered goods and services. However, the tax exemption is not specific to only the US tech companies. All the foreign firms will benefit from the decision, which has been taken on the demand of the US administration, a senior official of the Federal Board of Revenue told The Express Tribune. The FBR, the nation’s tax collecting authority, notified the waiver on Wednesday, the day Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was in Washington to further bilateral trade talks. Also Read: SBP keeps interest rate at 11% “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 15 of the Digital Presence Proceeds Tax Act, 2025, the federal government is pleased to direct that the Digital Presence Proceeds Tax shall not apply to digitally ordered goods and services supplied from outside Pakistan, by any pe...

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the Indian government for its handling of Operation Sindoor, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of launching the military campaign against Pakistan solely to protect his image. He described the operation as ending in an “immediate surrender” after just 30 minutes of action. Pakistan and India fought an intense four-day war in May that left more than 70 people dead before US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The conflict was sparked by an April attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that left 26 dead, mostly Hindus. India accused Pakistan of backing the attackers without any evidence, a charge Islamabad denied. During a debate in the Indian Parliament on Tuesday, Gandhi lambasted the government for the way it conducted the operation, specifically targeting Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. प्रधानमंत्री जी, राष्ट्र और सेना आपकी छवि, आपकी राजनीति, आपके PR ...

Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day will be celebrated across Rawalpindi with great enthusiasm, patriotic spirit, and ceremonial grandeur, the district administration formally announced on Tuesday. The central celebration will be held at Government Viqar-un-Nisa Girls College at 9 am, where Civil Defence volunteers will present a march-past and guard of honour. The commissioner and deputy commissioner will perform the flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by march-pasts by Girl Guides and Boy Scouts. Across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, prominent landmarks — including Parliament House, Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Supreme Court, Secretariat buildings, bazaars, railway stations, Adiala Jail, hospitals, parks, and other public venues — will be adorned with vibrant buntings, decorative lighting, national flags, and portraits of national heroes. Official buildings, private residences, vehicles, and even motorcycles will proudly display the Pakistani flag, contributing to a citywide atmosphere ...

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio late Monday, during which they discussed bilateral issues, including trade tariffs. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, following their productive meeting last Friday in Washington DC, the two leaders continued their discussions on vital bilateral matters, including trade tariffs, which are pivotal to enhancing economic ties between Pakistan and the United States. They also addressed pressing regional and global concerns of mutual interest, reflecting the ongoing cooperation between the two nations, the statement added. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, spoke to the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio @SecRubio on telephone today. Following up on their productive meeting last Friday in Washington D.C., they discussed key bilateral matters,… pic.twitter.com/HDNX275NYe — Ministry of Foreign Affairs -...

The atmosphere in the Punjab Assembly turned heated as lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition sides clashed, both inside and outside the assembly chambers, following an incident in which an opposition MPA slapped a treasury legislator. The slap came after allegations of derogatory language being used by the treasury member, who narrowly escaped. Outside the assembly chambers, reports emerged that some private staff members of the treasury’s MPA had used abusive language against opposition MPAs. As a result, Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer suspended two opposition MPAs for 15 sittings. As the House proceedings began under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Channer, the opposition entered the chamber chanting slogans in protest over the disqualification of PTI’s three lawmakers, including the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar. This disqualification followed sentences handed down by anti-terrorism courts in relation to the May 9 incidents. htt...

Fifteen years ago, on July 28, 2010, Airblue Flight 202 tragically crashed into Islamabad's Margalla Hills, taking the lives of 152 individuals, including my father. For those of us who lost loved ones that day, the pain remains raw. We remember the passengers and crew who boarded that flight with dreams and plans, only for it to end in devastation. The question that has haunted us since remains: what has Pakistan done to ensure such tragedies never happen again? The answer today, thankfully, is more hopeful than it has been in the past. The years following the Airblue crash saw a series of aviation disasters, each serving as a grim reminder of systemic failures. From Bhoja Air's crash in 2012 to PIA's in Havelian in 2016, and more recently, the Air India runway overshoot in 2024 that made international headlines, the aviation world has had painful lessons. The United States has its own spate of recent aviation challenges. However, in Pakistan, we haven't seen a major a...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday condemned the killing of unarmed civilians and protesters in Bagh Maidan, Wadi Tirah, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, calling it a “heinous act” and reaffirming his government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism. According to initial reports, at least five people were killed and over 17 injured in the attack. However, the K-P government has yet to confirm the figures. The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that PM Shehbaz had ordered immediate medical aid for the injured and condemned the firing by terrorists — referred to as Khawarij — targeting peaceful citizens. Read More: PM orders special flights after overland travel ban on Arbaeen pilgrims “The nefarious designs of terrorists cannot shake our resolve,” the PM stated, reiterating his commitment to seeing the fight against terrorism through to its logical conclusion. K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also expressed sorrow over the tragedy and announced financial compensation of Rs10 mill...

Senator Faisal Vawda has commended the FBR chairman for dismissing an official whose video, showing him mistreating a traffic police officer, had gone viral.  Taking to his X account, Vawda said, “The timely suspension and dismissal of the FBR officer from his job is an expression of your good intentions for Pakistan”.   “We have to serve the people. You want to take good steps for the country, but when the entire system is plagued with evils, it will take some time,” he added. ویلڈن چئیرمین ایف بی آر مذکورہ FBR کے افسر کو بروقت معطل کر کے نوکری سے برطرفی کی کاروائی کا آغاز آپ کی پاکستان کیلئے نیک نیتی کا اظہار ہے۔ ہمیں عوام کی خدمت کرنی ہے بدمعاشی نہیں۔ FBR چئیرمین صاحب آپ ملک کیلئے بہت جلد ہی اچھے اقدام کرنا چاہتے ہیں لیکن جب نظام کا آوے کا آوا بگڑا… — Faisal Vawda (@FaisalVawdaPTI) July 26, 2025 He termed the business community an asset for the country, adding that if they were asked to fulfil their responsibilities with respect, honour and love, they would not hesitat...

Authorities in capital have uncovered a disturbing illegal meat operation at a farmhouse in the Tarnol area, where donkey meat was allegedly being processed for sale both locally and abroad. The Islamabad Food Authority, backed by local police and district administration, conducted the raid and found approximately 25 maunds (over 900 kilograms) of meat, which was immediately destroyed. Officials also recovered around 60 live donkeys from the premises. A foreign national found at the scene was arrested and handed over to police for further investigation. Early reports suggest the meat was not only being distributed locally, but was also allegedly part of a wider supply chain extending abroad. Dr Tahira Siddique, Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority, said around 60 live donkeys were recovered from the property. “It was revealed that the meat was allegedly being supplied not only to the local market but also exported abroad,” she said. Investigators believe the illegal business...

Britain, France and Germany on Friday urged an end to Gaza's "humanitarian catastrophe" as the UN food agency warned almost a third of people in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory were not eating for days. Alarm has been mounting about the deepening crisis in Gaza, with aid groups saying that "mass starvation" is spreading after more than 21 months of conflict. In a joint statement, the leaders of the three European powers urged Israel "to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and urgently allow the UN" and NGOs to "take action against starvation". "The most basic needs of the civilian population, including access to water and food, must be met without any further delay," they said. Also Read: Iran and Europeans hold 'frank' nuclear talks with UN sanctions looming "Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must uphold its obligations under internationa...

In a major step towards environmental reform, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved Pakistan’s Green Taxonomy, proposed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. The finance minister lauded the move, calling it “long overdue” and crucial for unlocking green financing. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance, the meeting—chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb—deliberated on a wide range of agenda items related to industrial growth, environmental sustainability, skills development, housing finance, and telecommunications. The ECC reviewed and endorsed a report by the Ministry of Commerce on enhancing industrial competitiveness and promoting export-led growth in the steel sector. The proposal aligns with the National Tariff Policy 2025–30 and seeks to reduce production costs and boost exports. Also Read: KSE-100 hovers around 140,000 The ECC greenlit a markup subsidy and risk-sharing scheme to promote affordable housing f...

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Pakistan sought an “expanded and stable” bilateral relationship with Washington, highlighting the “strong convergences” between the two sides on several issues. Dar held talks with Rubio in Washington in their first face-to-face meeting at the State Department, following several telephonic conversations. A statement issued by the Foreign Office said that upon his arrival at the State Department, Dar was received by senior US officials. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh accompanied him during the visit. Senior officials from both sides also joined the delegation-level talks. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and prospects for cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, and minerals. Pleased to meet Secretary @MarcoRubio for a comprehensive discussion on the full spectrum of bilateral relations. We reaffi...

In another incident of corporal punishment at a religious seminary, police in Swabi have arrested a madrassa teacher for allegedly beating a six-year-old boy for arriving late to class — just days after a child died in a similar case in Swat's Khwazakhela area, Express News reported on Thursday. According to police and local media reports, the incident took place in Chota Lahore tehsil of Swabi district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where Qari Muhammad Sohail allegedly subjected a young student to severe corporal punishment. The child’s father, Muhammad Asim, told police that his son, Muhammad Essa, was regularly attending religious classes at the seminary when he was beaten with a stick for being late. “There were visible red marks on the boy’s back,” the complaint noted. Also Read: Punjab records highest death toll in monsoon-related incidents, NDMA confirms Following the complaint, a police team led by SDPO Circle Lahore Muhammad Nauman and SHO Altaf Khan reached the site and arrested ...

A series of explosions killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 100 at a weapons depot in northwestern Syria on Thursday, a monitor said. "Multiple blasts at a weapons and ammunition warehouse belonging to the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 100 in Maaret Misrin, in northern Idlib province," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Those killed included a woman and a child, said the Britain-based monitor, which relies on a network of sources on the ground. Also Read: International media organisations raise alarm as journalists in Gaza face starvation The TIP is a jihadist group active in the Idlib region made up of Uighur fighters who joined the Syrian civil war to fight against former president Bashar al-Assad. Syria's health ministry had reported four deaths and 116 wounded in the blasts, in a preliminary toll published by the official news agency SANA. Authorities did not immediately say what may have caused the...

Marcus Rashford was officially unveiled as a new Barcelona player on Wednesday, completing his temporary loan move from Manchester United. "I feel like I'm at home," said Rashford, who was also confirmed to wear No. 14 for the club - a number worn by one of his idols, Thierry Henry, during his time with the Blaugrana as part of Pep Guardiola's historic side.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) For Rashford, the move offers a much-needed fresh start away from recent struggles at his boyhood club. It was clear at the start of summer that, barring a dramatic turnaround, door to any potential Manchester United return was firmly shut. A hamstring injury also cut short his loan spell at Aston Villa, where he managed 9 goal contributions in 17 appearances. It was enough to draw praise from pundits who labelled it a ‘comeback’ for the 27-year-old. ...

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to pursue with urgency an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He was addressing the UNSC's Open Debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, where he warned that what the world has witnessed over the last nine months “is not just a humanitarian catastrophe, but a collapse of humanity itself.” “Gaza has become a graveyard for innocent lives as well as for international law—particularly international humanitarian law,” he said. “Over 58,000 Palestinians—most of them women and children—have been killed in Israel’s brutal military assault,” he added. Dar highlighted the worsening food crisis in the besieged enclave, citing UN figures that show one-third of Gaza’s population is going multiple days without eating—an indicator of catastrophic levels of food insecurity. Deputy ...

Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot.  Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre.  The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and i...

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has acquitted six Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots, while sentencing 10 others, including Dr Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, to 10 years in prison on Tuesday. The court delivered its verdict in the case concerning inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao Bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, reserved its decision before announcing the ruling. The verdict stated that the ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem, and four other accused individuals due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed down 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. Read More: Punjab opposition leader, PTI supporters sentenced to 10 years in May 9 case The case involves violent protests and damage caused to public and ...

"Beijing and Moscow should work to unite countries of global South and promote the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction," said Chinese President Xi Jinping during his conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the occasion of the SCO Foreign Ministers meeting in Tiangin, China last week. The two sides called for strengthening mutual support for multilateralism, stability and peace for a just global order, while countering the West-led order. According to an AI overview, "Sino-Russian strategic cooperation, particularly within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), plays a crucial role in regional stability and development. Both nations view the SCO as a platform for enhancing their comprehensive strategic partnership and addressing common challenges. This cooperation extends to various fields including security, economics, and cultural exchange, with both countries actively working to strengthen the organiz...

In Pakistan, sports have long been a source of national pride. From Olympic podiums to packed stadiums, the country once celebrated remarkable achievements in hockey, squash, wrestling, and cricket. However, today, countless athletes find themselves overlooked as mismanagement, favouritism, and a lack of merit-based opportunities dim the dreams of rising talent. Among these athletes is Muhammad Sheraz Malik, a passionate and skilled hockey player born in Karachi. Rather than giving up, Malik chose to carry his dedication across borders and build a future where his efforts could be recognised. His journey from school tournaments in Pakistan to competitive leagues in Australia and New Zealand reflects both resilience and ambition. He began his hockey journey at Habib Public School, a name deeply connected to Pakistan’s field hockey legacy. The school has produced several national icons, including Sohail Abbas, Qamar Ibrahim, Kamran Ashraf, and Abbas Haider. Inspired by these legends, Mal...

In a devastating turn of events, eight tourist vehicles were swept away by a flash flood in the Babusar Pass area of Gilgit's Ghizer district. The disaster, triggered by rising water levels, landslides, and heavy flooding, has resulted in the loss of at least three lives, with over 15 individuals still missing. According to Express News, the Babusar road, which runs through the pass, was severely affected after flash floods hit the area. The rising water levels, combined with landslides and the overflow of river water, led to widespread destruction. As the floodwaters surged, eight vehicles carrying tourists were swept away. Rescue teams managed to save four individuals, but the bodies of three others were recovered from the wreckage. Over 15 tourists remain missing, and an extensive search operation is underway. Also Read: Heavy downpour lashes Islamabad, over 145mm rain recorded Faizullah Faraq, a spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government, confirmed that one of the r...

Senate has introduced the "Social Media (Age Restriction for Users) Bill 2025," which seeks to ban individuals under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts. The bill was presented by Senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed on Monday, marking a significant step towards safeguarding minors from online exploitation, cyberbullying, and harmful content. The bill proposes severe penalties for violations. Social media platforms found to be allowing underage users will face fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million. Furthermore, individuals who assist minors in creating accounts could face up to six months in prison. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will be responsible for deleting all existing social media accounts of minors, with the authority to draft and implement regulations concerning the matter. Read More: No under-16s on social media: New Zealand The bill places legal responsibility on social media companies to prevent underage access, aligning Pakista...

President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would help Afghans detained in the United Arab Emirates for years after fleeing their country when the United States pulled out and the Taliban took power. Trump, a Republican who promised a far-reaching immigration crackdown, suspended refugee resettlement after he took office in January. In April, the Trump administration terminated temporary deportation protections for thousands of Afghans in the US "I will try to save them, starting right now," Trump said in a post on Truth Social that linked to an article on the Afghans held in limbo there. Also Read: Israeli fire kills 67 people seeking aid in Gaza as hunger worsens Trump cited news website "Just the News" as saying that UAE officials were preparing to hand over some Afghan refugees to the Taliban. Reuters has not confirmed the report. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The UAE, a close security partner of the United States, agree...

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced plans to legally challenge the oath-taking ceremony of reserved seat lawmakers held at the Governor House on Sunday, terming it unconstitutional. “Administering oaths at the Governor House on reserved seats violates the Constitution, which clearly states it must be done on the assembly floor. The speaker never refused—only adjourned the session due to lack of quorum,” Chief Minister Gandapur maintained. The statement came after Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has administered the oath to 25 members of the provincial assembly on reserved seats for women and minorities, following an intervention by the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Sunday. According to Express News, the chief minister has decided to file a petition in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) against the swearing-in of members elected on reserved seats for women and minorities outside the provincial assembly. Advocate General of K-P, Shah...

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has called on the international community and the digital platform WhatsApp to take immediate action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)’s WhatsApp channel, which is being used to conduct terrorist activities, spread violent propaganda, glorify terrorism, and facilitate terrorist communications. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control raised alarm over the group’s digital footprint, Chaudhry said that the TTP—designated as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations and the United States—is actively using WhatsApp to send bulk messages that propagate violent ideology, spread harmful narratives, and glorify terror activities. “The TTP is operating its WhatsApp channels and sending bulk messages to proliferate its violent and hateful ideology, to spread its harmful narratives, and for glorification of its terror activities,” Chaudhry said. He also shared a screenshot...

Sectarian clashes escalated in Syria's predominantly Druze region of Sweida on Saturday, with machinegun fire and mortar shelling ringing out after days of bloodshed as the government struggled to implement a ceasefire. Reuters reporters heard gunfire from inside the city of Sweida and saw shells land in nearby villages. There were no immediate, confirmed reports of casualties. The government had said security forces were deploying in the southern region to try to keep peace, and urged all parties to stop fighting after nearly a week of factional bloodshed in which hundreds have been killed. Read More: Israel, Syria agree to ceasefire after deadly clashes in Druze region The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said clashes since last week around Sweida had killed at least 940 people. Reuters could not independently verify the toll. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said "Arab and American" mediation had helped restore calm, before the cl...

At least 28 people have died and dozens are missing after a tourist boat carrying more than 50 capsized Saturday in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, state media said. The vessel was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members when it capsized because of sudden heavy rain as it toured the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dan Tri news site said. "On the afternoon of July 19, the Wonder Sea tourist boat carrying 53 people capsized. Vietnamese Border Guards and navy rescued 11 people and recovered 28 bodies," VNExpress news site reported. Also Read: Deadly bus accident in Iran leaves 21 dead Most of those on board were families visiting from the capital Hanoi, with more than 20 children among the passengers, VNExpress said. Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, with millions of people visiting its blue-green waters and rainforest-topped limestone islands each year. Last year 30 vessels sank at boat lock areas in coastal Quang Ninh province along Ha Lon...