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Indian Prisoner Dies in Pakistan Jail – Suicide or Something More?

March 27, 2025, 10:26 am

An Indian prisoner was found dead in Malir jail in Karachi, Pakistan in a suspected suicide, Geo TV reported, citing prison officials. The tragic incident occurred between the night of March 24 and 25, according to Malir Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah.

Indian Prisoner Identified as Gaurav

The victim was identified as Gaurav, son of Ram Anand, who has been in Malir jail since February 2, 2022, on the orders of a civil judge. According to jail staff, Gaurav was found hanging from a rope inside the washroom of the barrack, which is shared by other Indian prisoners.

The duty doctor of the prison saw him and declared him dead at 2:20 AM. According to procedure, the duty magistrate held an inquest and directed that the body be stored in a morgue until further orders.

Body Transferred to Jinnah Hospital and Edhi Mortuary

After ascertaining the death of Gaurav, the doctors shifted his body to Jinnah Hospital for legal formalities. Later, the body was shifted to the Edhi Mortuary in Sohrab Goth by the authorities. Officials said an autopsy will be performed under the magistrate’s orders to ascertain the actual cause of death.

India-Pakistan Prisoner List Exchange

This tragic event follows only months after India and Pakistan had exchanged lists of prisoners on New Year’s Day, under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement. According to this agreement, both nations exchange lists of prisoners annually on January 1 and July 1.

Pakistan, as of January 2024, had 266 Indian prisoners in its custody, 49 of whom were civilian prisoners and 217 were fishermen. The authorities of Pakistan handed the list over to an Indian High Commission official in Islamabad.

Ongoing Investigation

The authorities in Pakistan have opened an investigation into how Gaurav died. Officials have not yet established that foul play was involved or that this was a suicide. More details will follow after the autopsy report is completed.

The incident has sparked fears over the treatment of Indian prisoners in Pakistani prisons as well as the wider diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Younis Khan Urges Regular India-Pakistan Matches

November 22, 2024, 7:12 am

Former cricketer Younis Khan expressed hope that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place in Pakistan as planned. Speaking at a post-match press conference during the Abu Dhabi T10 on Thursday, he emphasized the importance of the tournament for cricket in Asia.

“I am very excited. I hope the Champions Trophy takes place and proves beneficial not only for Pakistan but also for cricket in this region. We need India and Pakistan to play regularly so that the tension diminishes. I hope India will visit Pakistan, and Pakistan will visit India,” Younis said.

PCB Seeks Clarification from ICC

Earlier this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to explain India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. India cited “security concerns” as the reason for not participating in the tournament, as per reports.

In November, the ICC officially informed the PCB that India would not travel to Pakistan. In response, the PCB consulted the Pakistan government to discuss its stance. The board plans to urge India to reconsider, highlighting that Pakistan recently visited India for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023.

Need for India-Pakistan Matches

Younis Khan stressed that regular matches between India and Pakistan could ease tensions. He believes tournaments like the Champions Trophy can strengthen cricket in the region and improve relations.

Limited Encounters Between Rivals

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13. That series, hosted by India, included only white-ball matches. Currently, the two teams only face each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.

Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup under a hybrid model. India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka, while the rest of the tournament took place in Pakistan.

Hope for Change

The PCB hopes the Champions Trophy 2025 will bridge the gap between the two cricketing nations. By hosting high-profile tournaments, Pakistan aims to create more opportunities for direct matches with India and promote cricket in the region.

Choking on shared air: The cross-border pollution crisis between India and Pakistan

November 18, 2024, 3:12 am

Transboundary pollution has become a significant concern within the environmental debate and geopolitical perspectives of several countries around the world. The matter is particularly pertinent to those areas that have adjacent borders and interconnected airsheds. The contaminants emitted by one nation pass over borders through dominant wind patterns and geographical features, thus determining the air quality of adjacent territories. For example, the Indo-Gangetic Plain in South Asia is severely polluted with airborne particulate matter originating from industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and agricultural waste burning – all happening within India and Pakistan.
South Asia ranks as one of the most polluted regions in the world; around 37 of the 40 cities with the highest pollution levels are located there. Almost 60 percent of the region’s population resides in areas with threatening concentrations of PM2.5 particles that are tiny pollutants that trigger chronic respiratory diseases and the cause of approximately more than two million premature deaths in a year. The South Asian region is every winter clothed in a hazardous mix of pollutants as colder temperatures trap emissions, dust, and smoke from crop residue burning. Scientists say this pollution could shorten life expectancy in the region by over five years.
With northern India and parts of Pakistan shrouded in thick smog as winter approaches, the two nations must think of joint measures to tackle the seasonal crisis that threatens millions. Particles airborne can be so carried a great distance, crossing municipal, state, and national borders. For example, it is estimated that 30 percent of pollution in Punjab is coming from India and similarly around 30 percent of air pollution in Bangladesh’s metropolis cities is coming from India due to dominant northwesterly winds. This transboundary shift of pollutants creates difficulties in accounting and in controlling the air quality using the current city-specific approach which the entire South Asia was applying.
Punjab in northern India and eastern Pakistan suffers the most, with all forms of pollution from burning crop residues, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhausts on both sides combining to make a thick layer of haze over urban centers like Lahore and Delhi. One of the most aggravated aspects of cross-border pollution is the seasonal burning of agricultural stubble. Farmers in Punjab, both in India’s Punjab and Pakistan’s Punjab province, practice this method to clear their fields; this releases particulate matter and several other pollutants into the atmosphere. Such an issue becomes quite easily government blame rather than teamwork solution.
A “smog war room” has been set up in the Punjab province of Pakistan to address the seriously high pollution levels there. Considering the severity of which, Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for India and Pakistan to unite on this cause. India has yet to come up with an official reaction to Maryam’s appeal. However, bilateral ties remain tense since India blames Pakistan for the rise in cross-border militant attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Effective solutions for cross-border pollution are also dependent on geopolitical relations that seek to diminish the by-products of pollution in people’s health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability. Collaborative projects and joint efforts could help ease this issue. Policy agreements in alternative agricultural practices and enhanced emission regulations allow India and Pakistan to deal with their mutual crisis of pollution. Collaboration rather than blame could greatly improve the air quality of millions in the vicinity.
Pollution standards are only set and enforced through sound bilateral and multilateral agreements. Recent efforts between Thailand and Laos on cross border air pollution is an example of a collaborative framework where nations agree towards certain pollution reduction targets and share the resources. Shared treatment facilities and pollution management technologies at borders prove effective in decreasing air and water pollution. An example of that would be building a treatment plant on one side of the border, so both countries decontaminate the water on their respective sides.
Government, industry, NGOs and academia partnerships are key to creating new solutions and accessing new resources. These groups can act in concert to provide the wider, longer-term solutions to clean up air. In addition, developed countries may assist the developing country in technology and techniques involving pollution-reduction, making industry/agriculture less polluting would provide mutual benefits to the regional ecosystems. In order to address this concerning issue of cross border pollution, South Asian countries must take up surveillance activities at identified critical areas and establish monitoring stations for the generation of accurate scientific data in addition to developing institutional capacity for the assessment of data. Such joint initiatives have been made in ASEAN, Europe, China, and the United States. Cross-border pollution is an ongoing problem that will never be fully solved without continued cooperation, strong policy frameworks and monitoring regimes.

India, Pakistan Extend Kartarpur Corridor Agreement For 5 More Years

October 22, 2024, 10:47 pm

In a landmark development, India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement for another five years, continuing the historic access for Indian pilgrims to the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. The agreement, initially signed on 24 October 2019, facilitates visa-free travel for Sikh pilgrims to the holy site.

Uninterrupted Access to Kartarpur Sahib for Pilgrims

The extension of this agreement ensures uninterrupted operation of the Kartarpur Corridor, which allows Indian pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal, Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that this extension will maintain the continued flow of visitors to the sacred shrine, a significant spiritual and cultural landmark for the Sikh community.

India Pushes for Removal of Pilgrim Fees

While celebrating the extension of the agreement, India has once again urged Pakistan to reconsider the USD 20 service charge levied on each pilgrim. Indian authorities, reflecting the sentiments of pilgrims, have requested Pakistan to remove this fee to make the pilgrimage more accessible to all devotees.

Diplomatic Success After EAM Jaishankar’s Visit to Islamabad

The agreement extension comes just a week after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. The renewed cooperation between the two countries marks a positive diplomatic step forward, despite ongoing tensions in other areas.

Significance of the Kartarpur Corridor

The Kartarpur Corridor holds immense historical significance as Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent over 18 years of his life at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The 2019 agreement between India and Pakistan to operationalize this corridor was hailed as a breakthrough, allowing visa-free travel for Indian pilgrims, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders.

Under the agreement, 5,000 pilgrims are allowed to visit the shrine daily, and this capacity can be expanded during special occasions. The corridor remains operational throughout the year, offering pilgrims the flexibility to visit individually or in groups.

Future Developments: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Statue at Kartarpur Sahib

Adding to the cultural significance of the site, Pakistan is set to install a restored statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Kartarpur Sahib, further enriching the historical and religious experience for visitors.

The extension of the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement marks a crucial moment in India-Pakistan diplomacy, fostering continued access to one of Sikhism’s most sacred sites.

Turkey Secretly Bans Defense Exports To India Favouring Pakistan

July 20, 2024, 1:58 pm

Turkish government has quietly implemented a ban on defense exports to India, a decision made during a closed-door session in the Turkish Parliament. This move, revealed inadvertently by Mustafa Murat Şeker, deputy chairman of the Presidency of the Defense Industry (SSB), signals increasing geopolitical friction between the two nations.

Secret Disclosure at Parliamentary Committee Meeting

The disclosure came from minutes of the debate at the Foreign Affairs Committee on July 10, 2024, where Şeker mentioned the secret policy regarding India. According to Şeker, “Not a single sale of any military article was approved by the government when the customer was based in India.” This information, obtained by Nordic Monitor, highlights the sensitive nature of the decision and its potential diplomatic fallout.

Geopolitical Rivalry with India

The escalating tensions between Turkey and India are not unexpected, given their opposing stances on various geostrategic issues. Turkey’s increasing closeness with Pakistan has prompted India to take a firm stand against Turkey on international matters. India has sided with Greece in the Aegean Sea conflict and canceled a contract with a Turkish firm involved in a shipbuilding project, reflecting the strained relations.

Political and Defense Dynamics

Şeker emphasized the impact of political circumstances on defense trade: “India, for example, is one of the world’s top five arms importers, a massive market, importing close to $100 billion. However, due to our political circumstances and our friendship with Pakistan, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not give us positive feedback on exporting any products to India, and consequently, we do not grant any permits to our companies in this regard.”

Impact of the Ban

The sale of Turkish defense articles abroad requires prior approval from the Turkish military, the SSB, and the Foreign Ministry. This ban effectively places India on a blacklist of countries to which Ankara will not supply military and defense products.

Strained Diplomatic Relations

The relationship between India and Turkey has deteriorated since Turkey refused to distance itself from Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir, Turkey has consistently raised the issue on international platforms. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has supported Pakistan in various forums, including the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council.

Erdogan’s speech at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly underscored Turkey’s stance: “Kashmir is still besieged, and eight million people are stuck in Kashmir.” Drawing parallels between Kashmir and Palestine, Erdogan labeled Kashmir an open-air prison.

India’s Strategic Responses

In response, India has strengthened ties with Armenia, Cyprus, and Greece—countries involved in disputes with Turkey. In 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled a planned visit to Turkey, opting to visit only Saudi Arabia, signaling India’s diplomatic preferences.

Termination of Defense Agreements

In April, India’s Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) terminated agreements with Turkish firms to construct five support ships for the Indian Navy. This project, initially estimated to cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, envisaged the transfer of technology from Anadolu Shipyard, part of the Turkish TAIS consortium. However, HSL has decided to proceed with the construction independently, further distancing itself from Turkish collaboration.

Irfan Pathan’s Unique Celebration Sends Suresh Raina Tumbling After India’s WCL Win

July 14, 2024, 1:47 pm

Irfan Pathan turned back the clock with his incredible bowling, dismissing Younis Khan in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) between India and Pakistan. His performance, though only taking one wicket, brought back memories of his famous hat-trick against Pakistan in 2006.

India, led by Yuvraj Singh, chased down the target of 157 runs set by Pakistan, winning the match by five wickets. Ambati Rayudu played a crucial role with his quick fifty (50 off 30 balls), while Yusuf Pathan (30 off 16 balls) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (34 off 33 balls) made important contributions. Yuvraj (15 not out) and Irfan (5 not out) finished the job, securing the win for India.

The strike with which India Champions made the WCL trophy theirs ❤️#IndvPakonFanCode #WCLonFanCode pic.twitter.com/vqodrKyYTD

— FanCode (@FanCode) July 13, 2024

Pakistan had earlier scored 156 for 6, with Indian bowlers, led by Anureet Singh’s three-wicket haul, doing well to limit their score. In response, India started well with a 34-run partnership between openers Robin Uthappa and Rayudu. However, Aamer Yamin’s two quick wickets put pressure on India, dismissing Uthappa (10) and Suresh Raina (4).

Rayudu and Mann then added a solid 60-run partnership before Rayudu was dismissed by Saeed Ajmal. Yusuf and Yuvraj’s partnership of 42 runs in just 5.4 overs sealed the victory for India.

India vs Pakistan Final? No problem, says Ambati Rayudu ?#IndvPakonFanCode #WCLonFanCode pic.twitter.com/mIrHfq6sUT

— FanCode (@FanCode) July 13, 2024

India, the champions of the WCL. pic.twitter.com/47MFgvUZhY

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) July 13, 2024

The highlight of the celebration was Irfan Pathan’s unique way of shouting out each teammate’s name in a funny manner, which sent Suresh Raina tumbling over in laughter. This moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, adding a joyful end to India’s triumphant day.

India’s victory in the WCL final was not just about cricket; it was about reliving old memories, enjoying the game, and celebrating as a team.

Indian Sikh Pilgrims Granted Visas to Honor Maharaja Ranjeet Singh in Pakistan

June 14, 2024, 3:35 pm

In a gesture of goodwill, Pakistan has issued 509 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India. These pilgrims will visit Pakistan from June 21-30 to honor the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. The Pakistan High Commission in India announced this, stating ‘On the occasion of the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 509 visas to Indian pilgrims from India to attend the annual anniversary scheduled to be held in Pakistan from 21-30 June 2024.’

Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, known as the “Lion of Punjab,” was the first king of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century. His leadership and bravery are celebrated by Sikhs worldwide. His death anniversary is a significant occasion, drawing pilgrims from various parts of the world, especially India.

Saad Ahmad Warraich, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, extended warm wishes to the pilgrims. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating these visits. This event falls under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, established in 1974. This protocol aims to promote religious tourism and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.

The issuance of these visas is part of a broader tradition. Earlier this month from June 8-17, 2024, Pakistan issued 962 visas for another significant Sikh event, the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev. Similarly, in April, 843 visas were issued for the Baisakhi festival. These events underscore the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance people-to-people connections between India and Pakistan.

Every year, many Indian pilgrims visit Pakistan to participate in various religious festivals. These visits are more than mere rituals; they represent devotion, unity, and a shared cultural heritage. They also serve as a reminder of the deep historical and spiritual connections between the two nations.

T20 World Cup 2024: India And Pakistan Set For High-Stakes Clash

June 9, 2024, 1:24 pm

The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for today, June 9, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Known as the “Mother of All Battles,” this clash between the arch-rivals is expected to captivate fans from both nations.

On June 6, Pakistan faced a shocking defeat against the USA in Dallas, losing in the Super Over. In contrast, India had an impressive start to their campaign, defeating Ireland by 8 wickets with 46 balls to spare.

Group A Standings and Implications

The current standings in Group A have the USA at the top with 4 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.626, having won both their matches. India follows, having played one match and secured 2 points with an NRR of +3.065. Canada is third, with one win and an NRR of -0.274. Pakistan and Ireland are at the bottom, with Pakistan losing one match and Ireland losing both.

Group A Points Table:

USA: 4 points, NRR +0.626
India: 2 points, NRR +3.065
Canada: 2 points, NRR -0.274
Pakistan: 0 points
Ireland: 0 points

Scenarios for Pakistan’s Qualification

For Pakistan to advance to the Super 8 round, several scenarios could play out:

USA’s Performance: If the USA loses to India but defeats Ireland, Pakistan’s exit from the Super 8 is likely. The USA would qualify with a historic performance.
India vs. Pakistan Outcome:
- If India defeats Pakistan, Pakistan’s chances of advancing become slim. India would then need to win its remaining matches to ensure qualification.
- If Pakistan defeats India, all three teams—India, Pakistan, and the USA—could end the group stage with six points each, making net run rate the deciding factor. Currently, Pakistan’s NRR is lower than both India’s and the USA’s, so they must not only win but also improve their NRR significantly.
Further Complications:
- If Pakistan loses to India, the USA would need to lose both its remaining matches for Pakistan to have any hope of advancing.
- Canada also has a chance to reach the Super 8. They must win all their remaining matches and rely on other favourable results due to their current negative NRR.

Captain Rohit Sharma’s Take

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, acknowledged the challenging conditions at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. “With the pitch, I think you know what to expect from the conditions, so you’ve got to prepare yourself in a way that you know these types of conditions are there,” he said. “We have had lengthy chats with individuals about what the game plan can be for the batters and the bowlers as well.”

The outcome of today’s match will be crucial in determining the path to the Super 8 for both India and Pakistan, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.

Farooq Abdullah Warns of Gaza-Like Situation for Jammu and Kashmir Without Political Dialogue; Urges India-Pakistan Resolution

December 26, 2023, 2:20 pm

Farooq Abdullah, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, gave a dire warning on Tuesday, stating that in the absence of political talks, the Union Territory would suffer a fate akin to Gaza. He called on the leaders of Pakistan and India to have talks to resolve their differences.

Speaking to ANI, Abdullah invoked the wisdom of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, noting, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that we can change our friends but not our neighbors.”If we remain friendly with our neighbors, both will progress.” He highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s stance on the matter, stating that war is not an option and issues should be resolved through dialogue.

Expressing concern over the lack of dialogue between India and Pakistan, Abdullah questioned, “Where is the dialogue? Nawaz Sharif is about to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and they are saying that we are ready to talk (with India), but what is the reason why we are not ready to talk?” He cautioned that without a resolution through dialogue, Kashmir could face a situation similar to Gaza and Palestine, which are currently experiencing conflict with Israel.

Recalling historical events, Abdullah referenced Vajpayee’s visit to Pakistan in 1999, just months before the Kargil War, and Modi’s surprise meeting with Nawaz in 2015. He acknowledged that continuous attempts by Pakistan to infiltrate Indian territory with terrorists have strained relations.

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 further exacerbated tensions between India and Pakistan. Abdullah’s warning comes in the wake of a recent terror attack on an Army convoy in the Poonch sector, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers.

India, Pakistan soldiers celebrate Diwali along international border

October 25, 2022, 10:54 am

According to officials, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers exchanged gifts and greetings on Monday along the 198 km long international border between India and Pakistan in the Jammu region.

On the occasion of Diwali, BSF and Pak Rangers exchanged sweets at various border outposts (BOPs) under Jammu frontier in a very cordial atmosphere,” said a BSF officer.

BSF Jammu offered the sweets to Pakistan Rangers and the latter also reciprocated, he added.

Along the BoPs in Samba, Kathua, RS Pura, and Akhnoor border, sweets were exchanged.

The officer stated that BSF has always been at the forefront of fostering a calm and welcoming environment at the border while successfully controlling it.

“Such gestures help build a peaceful atmosphere and cordial relationships on border between both the forces,” he said.

In the meantime, on August 25, the BSF stopped an attempt at smuggling in Samba when the border patrols found roughly 8 kg of heroin.

The BSF shot and injured a Pakistani smuggler, but he was able to crawl back to the Pakistani side.