Latest news with #MariaKhan
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
India-Pakistan tensions: 'Whether there is war or ceasefire, our children will not come back'
For Maria Khan, the ceasefire this weekend between India and Pakistan came too who lives in Indian-administered Kashmir, lost her nephew and niece - 12-year-old twins Zain Ali and Urwa Fatima - to cross-border shelling on 7 May. Their parents, her sister Urusa and brother-in-law Rameez Khan, were also injured and are still in earlier that day, India had launched a series of strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for an earlier militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 strikes were followed by a series of military actions from Islamabad and Delhi that went on till Saturday, including heavy cross-border shelling and drone living along the Line of Control (LoC), the de-factor border between India and Pakistan, were the most vulnerable as shells fell near their who lives in Poonch, a town in Indian-administered Kashmir near the LoC, is among dozens of people who lost family members in the conflict. On the night of 6 May, Zain, Urwa and their parents had no idea that in a few hours, India would launch "Operation Sindoor", the name given to the operation against every other day, Zain and Urwa came back from school, did their homework, played a bit, had dinner and then went to wasn't yet dawn when the Khan family heard the sound of gunfire just a few kilometres away from their they hunkered down at home and waited for a relative to come pick them up, Maria says."My sister was holding Urwa's hand and my brother-in-law was holding Zain's hand. They had just left the house when suddenly a shell exploded [nearby]. The splinters hit them - Urva died right there and Zain was flung somewhere in the force of the explosion," Maria adds that her sister kept calling out to Zain. When she finally spotted him, a stranger was performing CPR on the boy, trying to revive him. But he was ceasefire appears to hold after accusations of violationsHow backchannels and US mediators pulled India and Pakistan back from the brinkMeanwhile, Rameez lay bleeding and unconscious. Urusa, in shock after seeing what had happened to her children, was shaken out of her stupor by bystanders and her husband was rushed to hospital - first a local one in Poonch and later to a bigger hospital in Rajouri, about four hours his injuries are serious, he was shifted again to a hospital in Jammu city, another four-hour journey. Maria says that Urwa and Zain were the centre of their parents' lives. Rameez, a teacher, wanted to give them the best education they could get and hence, they shifted to a house that was closer to the children's school, called Christ 9 May, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed in a press briefing that during heavy shelling along the LoC, a Pakistani shell had fallen behind Christ School in Poonch town and exploded.16 Indians were killed on the morning of 7 May in the shelling by Pakistan. Pakistan has said that at least 30 civilians have died since India launched its retaliatory strikes on 7 Maria says, still doesn't know about the deaths of his children - his injuries are serious and the family doesn't want to upset the shelling on 7 May, hundreds of people left Poonch and other border towns to escape to safer areas. They are slowly returning after the ceasefire."The government should have informed people living near border areas earlier, so that they could leave from there and go to a safe place. Perhaps then our children would have been with us today," she says."If war is necessary for the country's security, we support it," says Maria. "We are also saddened by the Pahalgam attack, but we should also think about the lives of those living near the border. Are we not humans?" she asks."Now, whether there is a war or ceasefire, our children will not come back."Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook ALSO READ:Watch: How tensions escalated between India and Pakistan'It felt like the sky turned red', says witness to India strike in PakistanVillagers tell BBC they survived shelling in Indian-administered Kashmir
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Township residents face water contamination
Lack of access to clean water, a basic necessity, has become a persistent source of distress for residents of a sector in the Township, where the supply has been contaminated with sewage for years. Speaking to The Express Tribune, several residents of Block 4 voiced frustration over the negligence of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), which they say has failed to prevent sewer water from infiltrating their pipelines. The problem worsens during rainfalls or when sewer lines become clogged, leading to black, foul-smelling water flowing from household taps. Maria Khan, a resident of the area near Muhammadi Park, said turning on the tap should provide clean and safe water, yet for the residents it delivers a murky, putrid liquid. "The stench lingers in our homes, raising fears of waterborne diseases and posing serious health risks," she said. She complained that despite numerous complaints to WASA, the officials told residents to "wait until the sewer water level drops," insisting that the issue would be resolved itself, without implementing any concrete solutions to address the root cause of contamination. Adil Mahmood, another resident of the neighborhood, said the problem resurfaces every rainy season when stagnant water accumulates in the area, leading to further contamination of the water supply. "The issue lasts for days, sometimes weeks," he said. "We have been lodging complaints with WASA for years, but nothing has changed. During the February 8 general election, candidates promised to resolve the water contamination issue, yet none have followed through after winning." He added that the crisis has once again intensified ahead of Eidul Fitr, causing distress for residents. Muhammad Sharif, who has lived in the locality for nearly three decades, recalled that tap water was once used for drinking, cooking and washing. "Now, due to severe contamination, all residents must fetch drinking and cooking water from filtration plants," he said. "The government is spending millions on sanitation projects like Suthra Punjab, yet it is failing to ensure clean drinking water for Lahore's residents," he said. The impact on residents is severe. Many must travel long distances to water filtration plants, carrying heavy containers to access safe drinking water. The burden is especially hard on the elderly, the sick and those with limited mobility. Additionally, purchasing bottled water and arranging transportation to filtration plants has become a financial strain on families already facing economic hardship. The residents demanded immediate and long-term repair of the water supply infrastructure. An official from the local WASA office acknowledged that a lasting solution requires identifying and repairing leaks or faults in the water supply infrastructure. He admitted that resolving the issue requires financial resources besides political and institutional will to address the problem at its core.
Express Tribune
25-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Twin cities abuzzwith Ramazan prep
As the holy month of Ramazan nears, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are bustling with preparations. Markets, mosques, and community centres are witnessing increased activity as residents stock up on essentials for the 30-day fasting period. Shopping centers in Islamabad are experiencing a surge in customers, with discounts and promotions on Ramazan-related items. In Rawalpindi, popular markets like Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, and Saddar are packed with people purchasing dates, fruits, and other necessities for sehri and iftar. The city administrations have also geared up to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities. The district administrations have set up price control committees to monitor prices of essential items. Meanwhile, mosques and community centers are being decorated and renovated to accommodate the large number of worshippers during Taraweeh prayers. A resident of Islamabad, Maria Khan, while expressing her eagerness for Ramazan said residents are gearing up to welcome Ramazan with renewed faith, devotion, and a sense of community. "The city is taking on a festive look, and the excitement is palpable, and I am looking forward to spending quality time with my family and friends during iftar and Taraweeh prayers." Another resident Qadir Rehman said "I have been shopping for new clothes and accessories for Ramazan and the markets are offering great deals. I am excited to try out some new recipes this Ramazan."
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Express Tribune
A scenic journey with historical insights
HASSAN ABDAL: The Safari Train, a collaborative initiative by the Tourism Department and the Pakistan Railways, operates every Sunday, offering a unique travel experience that combines breathtaking scenery and historical exploration. The train runs from Rawalpindi to Attock Khurd, taking passengers on a memorable journey through some of Pakistan's most picturesque landscapes and culturally rich sites. A key highlight of this journey is the stop at the historic Hassan Abdal Railway Station, which holds immense historical significance. Built during the British colonial era in the late 19th century, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the engineering and design of that time. Its vintage charm, arched windows, and intricate brickwork reflect the legacy of a bygone era. Situated near the famous Gurdwara Panja Sahib and the ancient Grand Trunk Road, the station is a gateway to the region's cultural and historical treasures. Passengers are welcomed at Hassan Abdal with traditional "dhol" performances, making the stop a festive and enriching experience. Visitors can explore the station's heritage while enjoying the hospitality and cultural vibrancy of the region. The train draws a diverse crowd, including families, children, and school groups. Many travellers have praised the initiative for its educational and recreational value. Maria Khan, a teacher accompanying her students, says the weekly Safari Train is an excellent way to expose children to Pakistan's heritage in an enjoyable and interactive manner. Ahmed Raza, a frequent traveller, says every Sunday, this train brings people closer to nature and history. "The stop at Hassan Abdal Railway Station is always the highlight of his trip. It's like stepping back in time." By running every Sunday, the Safari Train has become a popular family outing and a means to promote domestic tourism. It not only showcases Pakistan's natural and cultural beauty but also preserves and celebrates its historical landmarks.
