17 killed, over 40 injured in train collision near Karachi

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the West Asia region and its impact on air travel between India and countries in the region. Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and the orderly conduct of flight operations.

India on Thursday rejected Pakistan's allegations of aggravating skirmishes with Afghanistan, calling them "baseless" and accusing Pakistan of blaming others for its own misdeeds.

Pakistan's fruit and vegetable supply remains dominated by traditional middlemen and the "mandi" system, with digital platforms handling only 2-3% of trade. Restrictive provincial laws and lack of infrastructure force farmers into dependency on commission agents, stalling modern technological transformation in the agricultural sector.

Pakistan Railways cancelled 11 trains scheduled to depart from Karachi to several major cities across the country, citing technical faults, a move that left thousands of passengers stranded and drew fresh criticism over the worsening condition of Pakistan's rail system.

The US Embassy in Pakistan issued a security alert ahead of the planned large-scale religious processions across the country, noting that the movement of all US personnel will be restricted beginning Tuesday, 12 PM (local time).

Amid the developing security situation in West Asia and the Gulf, Air India issued a travel advisory on Sunday, noting that Air India and Air India Express would continue with their scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat. It further noted that in addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express would operate a total of 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates on Monday to assist in bringing stranded travellers home to India.

The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) has condemned the alleged enforced disappearance of activists Saeed Tiyono and Sabir Abro by Pakistani agencies. JSFM termed the abductions "state terrorism" and threatened highway protests unless they are released, while urging the UN and UK Parliament to intervene against human rights violations.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh dismissed claims that Tehran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, calling Iran an "anchor of stability" in the Gulf. Labelling the conflict an "existential war" driven by US-Israeli "aggression," he advocated for diplomacy and warned of a firm response to any unprovoked attacks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has held the United States "fully responsible for bloodshed" in the region. According to an IRNA report, the Minister issued a stern indictment of Washington's policy, asserting that American actions are the primary cause of the ongoing conflict and casualties.

Further, Khatibzadeh dismissed claims that Iran had shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that Tehran continues to act as a stabilising force in the Gulf despite the escalating war with Israel and the United States. He stressed that Tehran remains a responsible power in the Gulf despite escalating tensions with Israel and the United States.