#Pakistan political unrest

[insightfultake]

Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan’s Hosting Dreams Crumble Amid Chaos

Once hailed as a beacon of Pakistan’s cricketing resurgence, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 now finds itself ensnared in a storm of uncertainty and chaos. Political upheaval, glaring security vulnerabilities, and fragile international relations have plunged the tournament’s future into doubt, raising serious questions about Pakistan’s capacity to uphold its hosting commitments on a global stage.

India’s Boycott: The Catalyst for Crisis

India’s decision to boycott the tournament, citing “unacceptable security risks,” has deepened the already strained cricketing ties between the two nations. “We cannot compromise the safety of our players,” said an Indian cricket official, emphasizing their firm stance. This boycott has emboldened other nations to voice similar concerns, with the recent withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s A team serving as a stark reminder of the challenges at hand. “If Sri Lanka’s second-string team feels unsafe, how can we expect top-tier teams to risk it?” remarked a former ICC official, highlighting the growing skepticism.

[asrarblog]

Impact of Unrest on Pharma Field Work – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1034

[risingpakistan]

بلوچ مظاہرین کو گلے لگائیں

بلوچستان میں مبینہ ماورائے عدالت قتل اور جبری گمشدگیوں کے خلاف آوازاُٹھانے کیلئے تربت سے اسلام آباد تک لانگ مارچ کرنے والوں، جن میں خواتین اور بچے بھی شامل ہیں، سے جس طریقہ سے اسلام آباد پولیس نے رویہ رکھا، اُن پر ڈنڈے برسائے، اُنہیں گرفتار کیا، یہ انتہائی قابل مذمت اور افسوسناک امر ہے۔ جب احتجاج پر امن تھا تو پھر یہ زور زبردستی کیوں کی گئی؟ ہونا تو یہ چاہیے تھا کہ جب یہ مارچ تربت سے چلا تو وفاقی و صوبائی حکومتوں کے ذمہ داران لانگ مارچ کے شرکاء سے اُسی وقت رابطہ کرتے، بات چیت کرتے، اُن کے جائز مطالبات تسلیم کرتے اور مسئلہ کا پر امن حل نکالتے۔ اب جب یہ لانگ مارچ اسلام آباد پہنچ گیا تو ضرورت اس امر کی تھی کہ ان مظاہرین کے ساتھ سنجیدگی سے مذاکرات کیے جاتے لیکن یہاں ان پر ڈنڈے برسائے گئے، خواتین اور بچوں سمیت بڑی تعداد میں احتجاج میں شریک افراد کو گرفتار کیا گیا۔ نگراں حکومت کے وزراء کی طرف سے کہا گیا کہ کچھ افراد منہ ڈھانپے اسلام آباد میں اس مارچ میں شریک ہوئے اور حکومت کے پاس مصدقہ اطلاعات تھیں کہ کوئی گڑ بڑ ہو سکتی تھی۔

یہ بھی کہا گیا کہ پولیس پر پتھراو مظاہرین کی طرف سے کیا گیا جس کے ردعمل میں گرفتاریاں کی گئیں۔ یہ بھی کہا گیا کہ جلد ہی میڈیا کو یہ بھی بتا دیا جائے گا کہ مظاہرین پر ڈنڈے برسانے والا کون تھا اور یہ خبر شای�� حیران کن ��و۔ اس حیران کن خبر کا اب بھی انتظار ہے اور یہ بھی ابھی تک معلوم نہ ہو سکا کہ منہ ڈھانپ کر اسلام آباد سے مارچ میں شامل ہونیوالے وہ افراد کون تھے۔ وفاقی وزراء نے تمام خواتین اور بچوں کی فوری رہائی کی نوید بھی سنائی لیکن میڈیا اور سوشل میڈیا کے ذریعے بعد میں جو حقائق سامنے آتے رہے وہ وفاقی حکومت کے ذمہ داروں کے دعووں کے برعکس تھے۔ بلوچ مظاہرین پر پولیس ایکشن کے خلاف کئی اطراف سے سخت مذمت کی گئی، احتجاج بھی ہوئے جس کے بعد گرفتار کیے گئے مظاہرین کی رہائی اور لانگ مارچ کے شرکاء سے مذاکرات کا سلسلہ شروع ہوا جس کیلئے گونر بلوچستان کو بھی بلایا گیا۔ بلوچستان کا مسئلہ بڑا گھمبیر ہے۔ ایک طرف گمشدہ افراد کا معاملہ ہے تو دوسری طرف دہشت گردی کے واقعات ہیں کہ تھمنے کا نام نہیں لیتے۔ 

بلوچستان کی محرومیوں اور ریاست کی طرف سے ماضی کی غلطیوں سے دہشت گردی کو جوڑا جاتا ہے جن کا مداوا کیا جانا چاہیے اور جس کے لیے تمام سٹیک ہولڈرز کو مل بیٹھ کر بلوچستان میں امن اور ترقی و خوشحالی کیلئے متفقہ پلان تیار کرنا چاہیے۔ البتہ ماضی کی غلطیوں کی وجہ سے علیحدگی پسند دہشت گرد گروپوں اور اُن کے جرائم کو کوئی جواز فراہم نہیں کیا جا سکتا۔ بلوچستان کی محرومی کے نام پر یہ علیحدگی پسند دہشت گرد گروپس آئے دن فوج، ایف سی، سیکورٹی اداروں کے افراد کے علاوہ بلوچستان میں کام کی غرض سے گئے پنجاب سے تعلق رکھنے والے غریب مزدوروں تک کو نشانہ بناتے رہتے ہیں۔ بلوچستان میں اعلیٰ تعلیمی ادارے، بہترین ہسپتال بننے چاہئیں لیکن بلوچستان کے عوام کو یہ بات سمجھانے کی ضرورت ہے کہ وہ کون ہیں جو ڈاکٹروں اور استادوں تک کو بلوچوں کے حقوق کے نام پر قتل کرتے ہیں۔ 

گمشدہ افراد کے معاملہ کا کوئی حل نکالنا چاہیے جس کیلئے ماضی میں سوچ بچار بھی ہوتی رہی لیکن عملی طور پر کچھ نہ ہوا۔ بلوچستان کے عوام کو خوشحال کریں وہاں کرپشن کا خاتمہ کریں تاکہ عوام کا پیسہ عوام پر خرچ ہو، اُن کی جائز شکایات اور مطالبات کو اچھے طریقےسے سنیں اور اُن کا حل نکالیں، اُنہیں تسلی دیں، اُن کی امید بنیں۔ جو پر امن ہیں جو سیاسی جدوجہد پر یقین رکھتے ہیں اُن کی حوصلہ افزائی کریں۔ لیکن اگر پر امن احتجاج کرنے والوں کو گرفتار کیا جائے گا اور اُن پر تشدد اسلام آباد میں ہو گا ��و پھر اس سے تو علیحدگی پسند دہشت گرد گروپس ہی فائدہ اُٹھائیں گے۔

انصار عباسی

بشکریہ روزنامہ جنگ

[warningsine]

Bangladeshi student protesters stormed a prison and freed hundreds of inmates Friday as police struggled to quell unrest, with huge rallies in the capital Dhaka despite a police ban on public gatherings.

This week's clashes have killed at least 105 people, according to an AFP count of victims reported by hospitals, and emerged as a momentous challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's autocratic government after 15 years in office.

Student protesters stormed a jail in the central Bangladeshi district of Narsingdi and freed the inmates before setting the facility on fire, a police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"I don't know the number of inmates, but it would be in the hundreds," he added.

Dhaka's police force took the drastic step of banning all public gatherings for the day -- a first since protests began -- in an effort to forestall another day of violence.

"We've banned all rallies, processions and public gatherings in Dhaka today," police chief Habibur Rahman told AFP, adding the move was necessary to ensure "public safety".

That did not stop another round of confrontations between police and protesters around the sprawling megacity of 20 million people, despite an internet shutdown aimed at frustrating the organisation of rallies.

"Our protest will continue," Sarwar Tushar, who joined a march in the capital and sustained minor injuries when it was violently dispersed by police, told AFP.

"We want the immediate resignation of Sheikh Hasina. The government is responsible for the killings."

'Shocking and unacceptable'

At least 52 people were killed in the capital on Friday, according to a list drawn up by the Dhaka Medical College Hospital and seen by AFP.

Police fire was the cause of more than half of the deaths reported so far this week, based on descriptions given to AFP by hospital staff.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the attacks on student protesters were "shocking and unacceptable".

"There must be impartial, prompt and exhaustive investigations into these attacks, and those responsible held to account," he said in a statement.

The capital's police force earlier said protesters had on Thursday torched, vandalised and carried out "destructive activities" on numerous police and government offices.

Among them was the Dhaka headquarters of state broadcaster Bangladesh Television, which remains offline after hundreds of incensed students stormed the premises and set fire to a building.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain told AFP that officers had arrested Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, one of the top leaders of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

"He faces hundreds of cases," Hossain said, without giving further details on the reasons for Ahmed's detention.

'Symbol of a system'

Near-daily marches this month have called for an end to a quota system that reserves more than half of civil service posts for specific groups, including children of veterans from the country's 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.

Critics say the scheme benefits children of pro-government groups that back Hasina, 76, who has ruled the country since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.

Hasina's government is accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including by the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists.

Her administration this week ordered schools and universities to close indefinitely as police stepped up efforts to bring the deteriorating law and order situation under control.

"This is an eruption of the simmering discontent of a youth population built over years due to economic and political disenfranchisement," Ali Riaz, a politics professor at Illinois State University, told AFP.

"The job quotas became the symbol of a system which is rigged and stacked against them by the regime."

'Nation-scale' internet shutdown

Students say they are determined to press on with protests despite Hasina giving a national address earlier this week on the now-offline state broadcaster seeking to calm the unrest.

Nearly half of Bangladesh's 64 districts reported clashes on Thursday, broadcaster Independent Television reported.

The network said more than 700 people had been wounded throughout Thursday including 104 police officers and 30 journalists.

London-based watchdog NetBlocks said Friday that a "nation-scale" internet shutdown remained in effect a day after it was imposed.

"Metrics show connectivity flatlining at 10% of ordinary levels, raising concerns over public safety as little news flows in or out of the country," it wrote on social media platform X.

(AFP)

[xtruss]

Several Dead, Hundreds Injured in Pro-Independence Rallies in New Caledonia

Pro-independence protesters say France's new constitutional reform will dilute the share of the vote held by Kanaks, the Indigenous group that makes up about 41 percent of the population.

“World’s Most Wanted Criminal, Fascist, Extremist, Terrorist and the Butcher of Gujrat Indian Prime Minister Modi” urges Indians to focus on national development without making Pakistan a reference point. Photo: Reuters Archive

At least three people have been killed and hundreds more were injured during a second night of protesting in New Caledonia, authorities said.

Wednesday was the third day of demonstrations against a constitutional reform pushed by Paris that has roiled the archipelago, which has long sought independence.

Despite heavily armed security forces fanning out across the capital Noumea and the ordering of a nighttime curfew, protesting continued until overnight Tuesday virtually unabated.

The reform — which must still be approved by a joint sitting of both houses of the French parliament — would give a vote to people who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years.

Pro-independence forces say it would dilute the share of the vote held by Kanaks, the Indigenous group that makes up about 41 percent of the population and the major force in the pro-independence movement.

In Noumea and the commune of Paita on Wednesday, there were reports of several exchanges of fire between civil defence groups and protesters.

Security forces regained control of Noumea's penitentiary, which holds about 50 inmates, after an uprising and escape attempt by prisoners, it said in a statement.

Police have arrested more than 130 people since Monday night, with dozens placed in detention to face court hearings, the commission said. About 60 police have been injured, it said.

A nighttime curfew was extended, along with bans on gatherings, the carrying of weapons and the sale of alcohol.

The territory's La Tontouta International Airport remained closed to commercial flights and people were urged to restrict any travel during the day, the high commission said.

Pacific Rivalry

Macron said French lawmakers would vote to definitively adopt the constitutional change by the end of June unless New Caledonia's opposing sides agree on a new text that "takes into account the progress made and everyone's aspirations".

In the Noumea Accord of 1998, France vowed to gradually give more political power to the Pacific island territory of nearly 300,000 people.

As part of the agreement, New Caledonia has held three referendums over its ties with France, all rejecting independence.

As part of the agreement, New Caledonia has held three referendums over its ties with France, all rejecting independence. But the independence movement retains support, particularly among the Indigenous Kanak people.

A New Caledonia pro-independence leader, Daniel Goa, asked people to "go home", and condemned the looting.

But "the unrest of the last 24 hours reveals the determination of our young people to no longer let France take control of them," he added.

France's Minister for Interior and Overseas Gerald Darmanin attends a debate on the constitutional bill aimed at enlarging the electorate of the overseas French territory of New Caledonia, at the French National Assembly in Paris

Source: TRT World 🌎 And Agencies

[beardedmrbean]

Three student protest leaders who helped co-ordinate the recent rallies in Bangladesh have been forcibly removed from hospital by police officers, the BBC understands.

Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumder were taken from Gonoshasthaya Hospital in the capital, Dhaka, hospital staff said on Friday.

Staff members said the officers, who were dressed in plainclothes, had forced their discharge despite the misgivings of medics at the hospital.

The three men were being treated for injuries that they said were caused by torture and beatings they received in earlier police custody.

"They took them from us," Gonoshasthaya hospital supervisor Anwara Begum Lucky told the AFP news agency.

"The men were from the Detective Branch."

She added that she had not wanted to let the students go, but police had pressured the hospital chief to discharge them.

Mr Islam's elder sister Fatema Tasnim told AFP from the hospital that six plainclothes detectives had taken all three men.

Nahid Islam told reporters last week he feared for his life.

He was kidnapped from a friend's house last week, interrogated and subjected to physical and mental torture by people claiming to be detectives.

He says he fainted and when he regained consciousness, walked home and sought hospital treatment for blood clots on both shoulders and his left leg.

In response to his allegations, Information Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat told the BBC the incident would be investigated but that he suspected "sabotage" - that someone was trying to discredit the police.

Police have arrested more than 4,000 people since the unrest broke out last week.

All three students are members of Students Against Discrimination, the group responsible for co-ordinating this month's street rallies against civil service hiring rules.

The trio's student group had suspended a further wave of protests at the start of this week, due to the bloodshed.

At least 150 people have been killed as a result of nationwide clashes between police and university students, with security forces accused of using excessive force.

Protesters had been calling for quotas on government jobs to be scrapped.

Bangladesh had reserved about 30% of its high-paying government jobs for relatives of those who fought in the country's war for independence from Pakistan in 1971.

Bangladesh's top court has now rolled back most of these quotas and ruled that 93% of roles would now be filled on merit - meeting a key demand of protesters.

At the beginning of the protests the government imposed an unprecedented communications blackout, shutting down the internet and restricting phone services.

Earlier this week, Bangladesh's leader Sheikh Hasina was accused of crying "crocodile tears" after she was photographed weeping at a train station that was destroyed during anti-government protests.

She has disregarded criticism that her security forces deploy excess force to quell the unrest, and instead blamed her political opponents for the wave of violence.

Some student leaders have vowed to continue protesting to demand justice for protesters killed and detained in recent days.

They are also seeking the resignation of government ministers and an apology from Ms Hasina.

[gemsbuild]

What are the different origins of ruby gemstone?

Ruby, the fiery king of gemstones, boasts a rich history and diverse origins. Here's an exploration of the captivating corners of the world where these precious stones are unearthed:

The Classic Source: Myanmar (Burma): For centuries, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been the benchmark for rubies. The Mogok Valley, nestled in the country's northern mountains, is legendary. Geological conditions there created exceptional rubies known for their intense color saturation, purity, and a��coveted "pigeon blood" red hue. While political unrest has limited access to these mines in recent years, some exceptional stones still emerge from this region.

The Rise of African Rubies: Africa has become a major player in the ruby market. Mines in Mozambique, Madagascar, and Tanzania are yielding impressive stones. These rubies can display a vibrant red color with a slight orange or purple undertone, distinct from the Burmese rubies. The African ruby market is known for its excellent clarity and larger gem sizes.

Asian Ruby Treasures: Beyond Myanmar, Asia boasts other ruby sources. Thailand, particularly the Chanthaburi province, has a long history of ruby mining. These Thai rubies often have a darker, more brownish-red hue compared to their Burmese counterparts. Sri Lanka, known for its sapphires, also produces some rubies, with a slightly pinkish tinge.

Beyond the Usual Suspects: Rubies can also be found in less common locations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even North Carolina in the United States. These regions typically produce smaller quantities of rubies, and the quality can vary.

Unearthing the Perfect Ruby: The origin of a ruby can influence its value and characteristics. Burmese rubies, with their legendary quality and limited availability, often command a premium price. African rubies offer a compelling alternative with their vibrant color and larger sizes.

[literaturemini]

the iron lady of india

The Iron Lady of India is a popular moniker often used to refer to the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. She served as Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977, and then again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was the first woman to ever hold the office of Prime Minister in India and is widely remembered for her political toughness, leadership style, and decisive way in which she handled several important issues and crises. Despite her controversial policies and authoritarian rule, she remains an iconic figure in Indian politics and is still widely revered by many Indians.

Indira Gandhi was born in 1917 in Allahabad, India to Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, who were both prominent political figures in India's independence movement. Her father was India's first Prime Minister after independence, and she grew up in the public eye, being exposed to political and social issues from a young age.

She was educated in India and Europe, and became involved in politics in the 1940s, serving in several government positions before being elected as Prime Minister in 1966. During her first term, she implemented several reforms aimed at improving the lives of India's poor and marginalized populations, such as the Green Revolution, which increased agricultural productivity, and the nationalization of banks.

However, her authoritarian rule and suspension of civil liberties during the state of emergency she declared in 1975 led to widespread criticism, and she was defeated in the 1977 elections. But she made a comeback in 1980 and regained the Prime Minister's office.

Throughout her political career, Indira Gandhi faced numerous challenges, including religious and ethnic tensions, separatist movements, and economic instability. However, she remained a strong and decisive leader and is remembered for her role in shaping modern India.

Despite her controversial legacy, Indira Gandhi continues to be a major figure in Indian politics and is widely regarded as one of the most important political leaders in the country's history.

Indira Gandhi was known for her political savvy and her ability to get things done, and her government saw the establishment of many important institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the National Institute of Technology (NITs). She also played a key role in the liberation of Bangladesh, which was formerly East Pakistan, in 1971.

However, her policies and tactics also led to widespread civil unrest and protests. For example, her decision to order the military operation to storm the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest site of the Sikh religion, in 1984 to remove Sikh militants who had taken refuge there, led to widespread anger among the Sikh community and is widely seen as one of the major factors that led to her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards later that year.

Despite these controversies, Indira Gandhi's legacy continues to shape Indian politics and society. She is remembered for her strong leadership, her commitment to social justice, and her efforts to modernize India. Her daughter-in-law, Sonia Gandhi, is a prominent political figure in India, and her grandson, Rahul Gandhi, is a former President of the Indian National Congress, one of the country's largest political part.

Indira Gandhi was a complex and controversial figure in Indian history, but her legacy remains an important part of the country's political and cultural landscape.

Indira Gandhi's impact on Indian politics can still be seen today. For example, her emphasis on state intervention in the economy and her push for industrialization and modernization continue to influence economic policy in India. Her focus on the rights of the marginalized and her efforts to empower women and the poor also continue to inspire political leaders and activists.

Additionally, Indira Gandhi's legacy is often referenced in discussions of women's rights and empowerment in India and around the world. As the first female Prime Minister of India, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in politics. Her bold leadership style and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs continue to inspire women, particularly in India and South Asia, to become more active in politics and public life.

Indira Gandhi's impact on India's foreign policy is also noteworthy. She helped establish India as a regional power and played a major role in shaping the country's relationships with its neighbors and the international community. Her leadership during the Bangladesh Liberation War and her efforts to mediate conflicts in the region helped establish India as a major player on the global stage.

In summary, Indira Gandhi's legacy is multifaceted and continues to have a significant impact on Indian politics, society, and the world. Her achievements and her challenges continue to be studied and debated, and her legacy remains an important part of India's political and cultural heritage.

Aside from her political career, Indira Gandhi was also known for her personal style and her interests outside of politics. She was a lifelong advocate for education and was known for her love of literature and the arts. She was an avid reader and was particularly interested in the works of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Prize-winning Bengali poet, and writer.

Indira Gandhi was also known for her love of nature and her interest in environmental conservation. She was an early advocate for environmental protection and was instrumental in the creation of several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, including the Corbett National Park and the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary.

Throughout her life, Indira Gandhi was recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1971, she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in recognition of her services to the nation. She was also the recipient of several international awards, including the Lenin Peace Prize and the UN Gold Medal for Peace.

Despite her controversial legacy, Indira Gandhi remains a highly regarded figure in India, and her impact on the country and the world continues to be widely studied and celebrated. Her legacy as the first female Prime Minister of India and her contributions to the country's politics, society, and environment continue to inspire future generations of leaders and activists.

Indira Gandhi's impact on India's political culture cannot be overstated. She was known for her charisma and her ability to connect with people, and her personal style and mannerisms continue to be imitated and celebrated in India to this day.

One of the most memorable aspects of Indira Gandhi's political style was her speeches, which were often fiery and passionate, and inspired a great deal of loyalty among her supporters. She was known for her strong, unwavering voice and her ability to articulate her vision for India, and her speeches continue to be widely studied and quoted by political leaders and activists.

Indira Gandhi was also known for her strong personal commitment to her beliefs, and her willingness to take bold, decisive actions in the face of opposition. This earned her the nickname "The Iron Lady of India," and her legacy as a strong and decisive leader continues to inspire political leaders and activists in India and around the world.

In conclusion, Indira Gandhi was a complex and multifaceted figure, and her impact on India's politics, society, and culture continues to be felt to this day. Despite the controversies that surrounded her, she remains a highly regarded and widely celebrated figure in India, and her legacy as the country's first female Prime Minister and as a champion of the marginalized and oppressed continues to inspire future generations.

[odnewsin]

Bangladeshi immigrants: A ticking bomb

Pattamundai: Amid ongoing political instability and violence in Bangladesh, especially with the leadership of Muhammad Yunus taking steps against India while strengthening ties with Pakistan, there is a growing concern back in Odisha that Bangladeshi immigrants are fuelling unrest in the coastal areas of the state. According to reports, Bangladeshi immigrants have occupied several areas under…

[munaeem]

Karachi's Unrest: A City Grappling with Violence

I saw this violence while coming from office. People were burning tires and throwing stones at buses and cars. Karachi is a bustling metropolis and Pakistan’s economic hub. The city has long been plagued by violence from various sources. These include political tensions, ethnic conflicts, sectarian divides, and organized crime. This complex web of unrest often leaves citizens feeling vulnerable…

[third-new]

Pakistan's military court has sentenced 60 pro-Imran protesters to prison

Pakistan's military courts have indicted 60 people involved in protests in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, officials said on Thursday. The unrest followed the arrest of a former prime minister on corruption charges that supporters say was politically motivated, leading to widespread unrest, including attacks on military installations. Source link

[warningsine]

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/communications-disrupted-bangladesh-amid-student-protests-2024-07-19/

DHAKA, July 19 (Reuters) - The Bangladesh government has decided to impose a curfew across the country and deploy the army, BBC Bangla reported on Friday, citing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's press secretary, amid widening student-led protests against government job quotas.

An official decision regarding the curfew would be issued soon, the prime minister's press secretary, Nayeemul Islam Khan, told BBC Bangla.

Three people were killed in the country on Friday as police cracked down on unrelenting student-led protests against government job quotas despite a ban on public gatherings, local media said.

Police fired tear gas to scatter protesters in some areas, Reuters journalists said. One said he could see many fires across the capital Dhaka from a rooftop and smoke rising into the sky in several places.

Telecommunications were also disrupted and television news channels went off the air. Authorities had cut some mobile telephone services the previous day to try to quell the unrest.

Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo reported train services had been suspended nationwide as protesters blocked roads and threw bricks at security officials.

Violence on Thursday in 47 of Bangladesh's 64 districts killed 27 and injured 1,500.

The total number of those dead from the protests reached 105 on Friday night, AFP separately reported, citing hospitals. Reuters could not immediately verify the reports and police have not issued a casualty toll.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka said that reports indicated more than 40 deaths and "hundreds to possibly thousands" injured across Bangladesh.

In a security alert, it said protests were spreading, with violent clashes being reported across Dhaka. The situation was "extremely volatile", it said.

The protests initially broke out over student anger against quotas that set aside 30% of government jobs for the families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan.

The nationwide unrest - the biggest since Hasina was re-elected this year - has also been fuelled by high unemployment among young people, who make up nearly a fifth of a population of 170 million.

Some analysts say the violence is now also being driven by wider economic woes, such as high inflation and shrinking reserves of foreign exchange.

The protests have opened old and sensitive political fault lines between those who fought for Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 and those accused of collaborating with Islamabad.

The former include the Awami League party of Hasina, who branded the protesters "razakar" - making use of a term that described independence-era collaborators.

International rights groups criticised the suspension of services and the action of security forces. The European Union said it is deeply concerned by the violence and loss of life.

"It is vital that further violence is averted and that a peaceful resolution to the situation is found as swiftly as possible, underpinned by the rule of law and democratic freedoms," it said in a statement.

Neighbour India said the unrest was an internal matter of Bangladesh and that all 15,000 Indians in that country were safe. Indians studying in Bangladesh were returning by road.

Violence linked to the protests also broke out in distant London, which is home to a large Bangladeshi population, and police had to quell clashes between large groups of men in the east of the British capital.

TELECOMS DISRUPTED, WEBSITES HACKED

Friday began with the internet and overseas telephone calls being crippled, while the websites of several Bangladesh newspapers did not update and were also inactive on social media.

A few voice calls went through, but there was no mobile data or broadband, a Reuters journalist said. Even text messages were not being transmitted.

News television channels and state broadcaster BTV went off the air, although entertainment channels were normal, he said.

Some news channels displayed a message blaming technical problems, and promising to resume programming soon.

The official websites of the central bank, the prime minister's office and police appeared to have been hacked by a group calling itself "THE R3SISTANC3".

"Operation HuntDown, Stop Killing Students," read identical messages splashed on the sites, adding in crimson letters: "It's not a protest anymore, it's a war now."

Another message on the page read, "The government has shut down the internet to silence us and hide their actions."

The government had no comment on the communications issues.

On Thursday, it had said it was willing to hold talks with the protesters but they refused.

Many opposition party leaders, activists, and student protesters had been arrested, said Tarique Rahman, the exiled acting chairman of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Reuters could not confirm the arrests.

[newtras]

Pakistan's military court has sentenced 60 pro-Imran protesters to prison

Pakistan's military courts have indicted 60 people involved in protests in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, officials said on Thursday. The unrest followed the arrest of a former prime minister on corruption charges that supporters say was politically motivated, leading to widespread unrest, including attacks on military installations. Source link

[newbizz]

Pakistan's military court has sentenced 60 pro-Imran protesters to prison

Pakistan's military courts have indicted 60 people involved in protests in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, officials said on Thursday. The unrest followed the arrest of a former prime minister on corruption charges that supporters say was politically motivated, leading to widespread unrest, including attacks on military installations. Source link

[satrthere]

Pakistan's military court has sentenced 60 pro-Imran protesters to prison

Pakistan's military courts have indicted 60 people involved in protests in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, officials said on Thursday. The unrest followed the arrest of a former prime minister on corruption charges that supporters say was politically motivated, leading to widespread unrest, including attacks on military installations. Source link

[gemsbuild]

What are the different origins of ruby gemstone?

Ruby, the fiery king of gemstones, boasts a rich history and diverse origins. Here's an exploration of the captivating corners of the world where these precious stones are unearthed:

The Classic Source: Myanmar (Burma): For centuries, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been the benchmark for rubies. The Mogok Valley, nestled in the country's northern mountains, is legendary. Geological conditions there created exceptional rubies known for their intense color saturation, purity, and a coveted "pigeon blood" red hue. While political unrest has limited access to these mines in recent years, some exceptional stones still emerge from this region.

The Rise of African Rubies: Africa has become a major player in the ruby market. Mines in Mozambique, Madagascar, and Tanzania are yielding impressive stones. These rubies can display a vibrant red color with a slight orange or purple undertone, distinct from the Burmese rubies. The African ruby market is known for its excellent clarity and larger gem sizes.

Asian Ruby Treasures: Beyond Myanmar, Asia boasts other ruby sources. Thailand, particularly the Chanthaburi province, has a long history of ruby mining. These Thai rubies often have a darker, more brownish-red hue compared to their Burmese counterparts. Sri Lanka, known for its sapphires, also produces some rubies, with a slightly pinkish tinge.

Beyond the Usual Suspects: Rubies can also be found in less common locations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even North Carolina in the United States. These regions typically produce smaller quantities of rubies, and the quality can vary.

Unearthing the Perfect Ruby: The origin of a ruby can influence its value and characteristics. Burmese rubies, with their legendary quality and limited availability, often command a premium price. African rubies offer a compelling alternative with their vibrant color and larger sizes.