Gilgit-Baltistan struggling to fight COVID-19

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

Residents in Balochistan's Zehri and Surab regions are facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to a four-day curfew and military operations. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee reported acute food shortages, blocked healthcare access, and alleged house raids by security forces, urging international bodies to investigate these fundamental rights violations.

The European Union on Wednesday moved to intensify pressure on Tehran amid the conflict in West Asia by approving new sanctions targeting 19 Iranian regime officials and entities accused of serious human rights violations.

Indian students studying in Iran have begun making arrangements to leave the country amid growing safety concerns, with the first batch expected to depart for the Armenia border on Thursday as evacuation plans gradually take shape.

Pakistani security forces reportedly conducted raids across Balochistan's Surab, Gwadar, and Turbat districts, leading to allegations of property damage and civilian mistreatment. Locals and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee claimed authorities destroyed homes and fuel stocks, severely impacting livelihoods during Ramadan, while night raids in Turbat sparked further human rights concerns.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Bahraini counterpart to discuss escalating regional tensions. China urged an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue, stressing that national sovereignty must be respected. Beijing's special envoy is currently visiting the region to mediate and promote peace.

In a blog post analysing the crisis, Choudhry argued that the unrest cannot be explained solely by reactions to international events. He said the intensity of the protests also reflects long-standing political grievances among residents of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Although restrictions have now been partially eased, the situation in the region remains tense. Daily wage labourers have been among the worst affected, as many rely on day-to-day earnings to support their families. During the strict curfew, residents expressed frustration over the closure of markets and the difficulty in accessing essential supplies.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the Iran conflict. With two Indian mariners dead and thousands of citizens in the region, India is coordinating evacuations and relocation efforts, while warning that the crisis poses a "serious" threat to global energy security.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed the Rajya Sabha on the escalating West Asia crisis following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that triggered wider regional conflict. India urged restraint, emphasised dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation, and confirmed that the Cabinet Committee on Security is monitoring the situation and addressing concerns of Indians in the region.