Peshawar

At least 32 people died when an overcrowded bus crashed into a ravine in Pakistan's Dana Sar mountain range. The bus was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar at the time of the accident.

A woman was killed and six others injured in a suspected drone strike in Peshawar outskirts. The attack occurred in the Pastawana area of Hassan Khel subdivision, with two injured, including Sher Mast and his son, still in the hospital. A previous drone strike in April damaged a mosque in the same area without casualties.

Mourners observed Ashura with processions in cities like Karachi, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi under elaborate security arrangements. Security measures included road closures, thousands of personnel, and suspended internet services in some areas. Commuters were advised to use alternative routes during the processions.

The country observed Muharram 9 with central mourning processions in Peshawar, Islamabad, and Karachi to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. Tight security arrangements, including road closures and deployment of 20,181 police personnel in Karachi, were implemented for the events.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed an Rs2.17 trillion budget for FY27, with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi emphasizing peace and development. The budget includes increased police funding, allocations for health and education, and projects like the Khyber Institute of Child Health. Afridi criticized the federal government for withholding NFC awards and delaying the Swat dam project.

Residents of Bara tehsil in Khyber district, KP, have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing clashes between security forces and terrorists. Displaced families from Sturikhel area, including villages like Meero Darra and Sal Gazai, report vulnerability to drone strikes and artillery shelling, with some relocating to Peshawar. Tribal elders held a jirga to demand recognition as internally displaced persons and official assistance.

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad at 3:22pm with its epicenter in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region. The quake, felt in multiple areas, prompted Rescue 1122 to urge emergency contact. Pakistan's location on three tectonic plates contributes to frequent seismic activity.

Pakistan conducted strikes on terrorist hideouts along its border with Afghanistan, killing 26 militants linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The strikes followed recent attacks in Peshawar’s Hassan Khel area and a suicide bombing in Bannu, which killed 15 police personnel. Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries, but the Afghan Taliban denies the allegations, while China mediates tensions between the two countries.

Six Frontier Constabulary personnel were killed and four injured when terrorists attempted to capture a post in Peshawar’s Hassan Khel area. Three FCN personnel were held hostage, and eight terrorists were killed in retaliatory action. Security forces cordoned off the area and continued operations against the attackers.

The US is closing its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan due to security concerns. The closure will be phased and diplomatic engagement will be handled by the US Embassy in Islamabad. The move affects the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.