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Aden (Yemen), Aug 4 (IANS) An India-flagged cargo vessel sank after being attacked by an explosives-laden boat in the Red Sea off Yemen's western coast.

Yemeni forces rescued 14 crew members; 13 of them are Indian sailors, while one is from Yemen, Xinhua News Agency reported

The government-affiliated National Resistance Forces (NRF) said in a statement that coast guard and naval units carried out a joint operation for the crew of the vessel Faize Noore Oliya after it was attacked about 13 nautical miles south of the Houthi-held port city of Hodeidah.

The statement did not specify when the attack occurred.

All 14 people aboard were rescued and taken to safety, the statement said, adding that they received medical assistance and no casualties were reported.

The NRF blamed Yemen's Houthi group for the attack, while the Houthis have yet to comment.

Last month, a Saudi company-owned tanker was attacked and caught fire while sailing in the Red Sea, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing an official source at Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority (TGA).

The source said the attack caused a consequent fire at the ship's bow and all crew members aboard the vessel, Encelia, were safe. Relevant authorities in the Gulf country have taken all necessary measures to secure the vessel and its crew, and protect the marine environment, it said.

According to a United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) advisory, the attack occurred about 70 nautical miles (130 km) southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia, in the southern Red Sea.

In a statement aired on July 23, Yemen's Houthi group said it had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, identified as Encelia and Layla, using "ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones," claiming that the vessels had violated its recently announced maritime restrictions.

The group had announced a maritime ban on Saudi-linked vessels earlier, citing what it described as Saudi Arabia's long-running blockade on areas under its control.

--IANS

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Quetta, Aug 4 (IANS) Highlighting the complete contradiction between the state’s claim and its actions, a leading Baloch student organisation on Tuesday stated that while Pakistan projects itself as an Islamic country through its speeches, diplomatic forums and constitutional provisions, the country’s rule has been the “worst for Muslims”.

“No one is safe under its rule, from being Muslims to being part of other religions; this state has been a hell for everyone surviving here," the Baloch Students Organisation (BSO)-Azad said.

The organisation further said that helicopter shelling by Pakistani forces in the Khadkocha area in Mastung district of Balochistan last month has once again brought these questions to the forefront.

It noted that the Pakistani authorities described the operation as one targeting Baloch insurgents but local residents alleged that the shelling struck civilian areas, including a mosque, damaging the building, surrounding infrastructure, and religious books like the Quran kept inside.

“The Baloch people resisted these crimes and, in reaction, protested against it; the shutter-down strike was also observed in the area, reflecting not only anger but also a profound sense of resistance,” the BSO mentioned.

Emphasising that Pakistan repeatedly presents itself as an Islamic Republic founded on principles derived from Islam, the BSO said, in reality, it has been a “big foe of the religion”. The organisation said that the claims have been proved in “past criminal history” across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces where Pakistani authorities continue to violate and disrespect the religious beliefs of the local population.

“Mosques are not ordinary structures; they are among the most sacred places in Islam, symbolising worship, unity, and peace. The Holy Quran and other religious texts are revered by Muslims as deserving the highest respect. But Pakistan’s military operations result in damage to such places or materials; the burden lies squarely on this colonial state to acknowledge the contradiction behind its claim of being an Islamic state,” it highlighted.

The BSO claimed that Pakistan is nothing less than a “rogue state” that has no regard for morality, religious sensitivities, or the sentiments of the people.

“Pakistan and its army should be held accountable with transparency for damaging religious sites and targeting innocent people through the use of brutal force. But for Baloch, every act of violence is stored in our memories, ultimately strengthening the resistance seeking freedom from the colonial rule of Pakistan," it stressed.

Reaffirming its commitment to exposing the true nature of Pakistan, which it claimed has undermined the Baloch cultural values and the religious sentiments, the BSO said, “The Baloch nation must realise the truth that the Pakistani state is not Islamic, but only misusing the name of sacred Islam."

--IANS

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Quetta, Aug 4 (IANS) Three female family members of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Jumma Khan have been forcibly disappeared, a leading human rights organisation said on Tuesday.

Paank, the Baloch National Movement’s (BNM) Human Rights Department, revealed that on July 30, personnel of the Pakistani paramilitary forces, Frontier Corps (FC), stationed at the Lakhpas FC Checkpost in Mastung District, intercepted a civilian passenger van travelling from Kalat to Quetta.

According to it, the FC personnel forcibly removed and detained Rafia Bibi, the wife of Jumma Khan; Tania, his daughter, a school teacher in Quetta; and Javeria, his niece, a seventh-grade student.

Paank noted that they were transferred to an undisclosed location and their whereabouts are unknown.

"The detention of women and family members of political activists raises serious concerns regarding intimidation, collective punishment, and reprisals against those exercising their fundamental rights," stated the human rights organisation.

It also urged Pakistani authorities to immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of Rafia Bibi, Tania, and Jaweria, ensure they have immediate access to their families and legal counsel, and release them without delay.

Paank further called for a prompt, impartial, independent, and transparent investigation into their enforced disappearances and for all those responsible to be held accountable in accordance with Pakistan's obligations under international human rights law.

Paank also expressed grave concern over the reported enforced disappearances of Allah Bakhsh, 28, son of Basham Baloch, and Zubair Ahmed, 23, son of Noor Ahmed, in separate incidents in Balochistan and Karachi.

Allah Bakhsh, a teacher and resident of Tikri Village, Mauripur, Karachi, was abducted from his home at approximately 5:00 am on August 2 during an operation carried out by Rangers. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.

In a separate incident, Zubair Ahmed, a chemistry graduate and resident of Charai Baloch Abad, Hub Chowki, was subjected to enforced disappearance at around 2:30 pm on July 30 from Charai Baloch Abad, Hub Chowki.

According to his family, personnel from Military Intelligence (MI) were responsible for his enforced disappearance, and no official information has been provided regarding his whereabouts.

"Enforced disappearance is a serious violation of international human rights law. Paank urges the Pakistani authorities to immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of Allah Bakhsh and Zubair Ahmed, ensure they have access to their families and legal counsel," stated Paank.

–IANS

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Washington, Aug 4 (IANS) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that a deal with Iran could be reached on Tuesday or Wednesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"We are in talks with the Iranians, and I think there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalised position in this conflict," Bessent said in an interview with CNBC, Xinhua News Agency reported.

When asked whether Iran would be allowed to charge a toll on ships that pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the US Treasury Secretary said, "It would be freedom of movement."

He added that prices should fall further when hundreds of ships stuck in the Gulf are able to exit, noting that the impact extends beyond energy to include fertilisers, refined petroleum products, and industrial gases.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that while the United States sees the denuclearisation of Iran as its "ultimate deal," reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is the "immediate" one.

"So the denuclearisation of Iran is the ultimate deal. I think the immediate deal, the one that you see a lot of focus on, is the Strait," Rubio told reporters.

There is no final agreement yet on the Strait of Hormuz, but "we're hoping that will happen very shortly," he added.

Iranian officials so far have made no response to the remarks.

Qatar confirmed on Tuesday that mediation efforts between the United States and Iran remain underway, with draft language for a possible agreement continuing to be exchanged between the two sides as regional mediators work to prevent further escalation.

Majed Al Ansari, adviser to Qatar's prime minister and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said during a weekly press briefing that there were no direct talks scheduled between the United States and Iran but expressed hope that mediation efforts would soon lead to the resumption of negotiations.

On the possibility of reaching an agreement, Al Ansari said no timeline could be set.

–IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 4 (IANS) Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif equating protesters of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) with India and calling them "enemies" indicates that he is preparing to deploy the iron fist on the occupied territory, a report has revealed.

"I put them (protesters) in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India," Asif said in a video that has surfaced on various social media platforms. His remarks came amid the ongoing unrest in PoJK, which has claimed dozens of lives. Videos of Pakistani security personnel openly firing on civilians in PoJK's Rawalakot and several other areas have also gone viral on social media.

'His comment does not bode well for the people of PoJK. By portraying the protesters as 'enemies,' Asif is preparing to deploy the iron fist on PoJK," Sudha Ramachandran wrote in a report in The Diplomat.

At least 21 protesters were killed and dozens of others injured when Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in PoJK on July 27. The protesters led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of traders, students and civil society organisations, had gathered at Rawalakot and had started marching towards Muzaffarabad, when the Pakistani forces launched a crackdown. Casualty figures are difficult to confirm as the Pakistan authorities imposed a shutdown on communications in PoJK.

Formed in 2023, the JAAC initially raised issues of a hike in wheat prices and electricity tariffs. However, in 2025, the JAAC called for governance and electoral reforms, like the abolition of refugee seats in PoJK assembly, which are reserved for people who migrated from India's Kashmir after 1947, the majority of whom do not reside in PoJK. Among the PoJK legislative assembly's 53 seats, 12 are reserved for refugees, eight for women, ulema (Islamic scholars) and technocrats, resulting in only 33 seats left for direct polling. All the political parties in PoJK have exploited the refugee seats to form the government in the occupied territory, according to The Diplomat report.

For years, Pakistan has portrayed PoJK as a self-governing territory, however, the reality is that the decisions regarding PoJK are taken in Islamabad.

"The protests in PoJK have grown in magnitude over the past two months and their geographic spread has expanded as well. Rawalakot was the epicentre of the protests until last week, but unrest has now spilled over to Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and other districts. The lethality of the Pakistani government’s response to the protests has grown too," wrote Ramachandran.

"The mounting casualties could transform the mass protests into a political movement. Of course, the Pakistani government can be expected to unleash the full force of their iron fist before the movement morphs into something bigger. brute force has always been the response of Pakistan’s establishment to protests and resistance," the author added.

--IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 4 (IANS) Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's recent statement that the country's governance system has collapsed was not a diagnosis but an admission. However, if the current governance system has collapsed, Naqvi has to give a response for it instead of just diagnosing it, a report has detailed.

In his address at the Pakistan Economic Summit on July 30, Naqvi said that Pakistan's current governance system has collapsed and is unable to resolve the issues faced by the country.

"The system we are living under has collapsed. Problems cannot be solved through it," leading Pakistani daily Dawn quoted Naqvi as saying.

Naqvi said that Pakistan will continue to discuss the same issues even after 10 years if this system continues and stressed that a reset was important. He called for talks among political parties to introduce reforms in the current governance system and proposed the creation of new provinces and bringing administrative reforms, Dawn reported.

"What matters is not what Naqvi said. It is who said it. He is not a critic outside the system. He is the Interior Minister, a central figure in the hybrid arrangement that has run Pakistan since April 2022. Najam Sethi has noted that even the DG ISPR now concedes governance has failed. The admission has moved from the op-ed pages into the power structure itself," a report in The Friday Times mentioned.

"That is a serious contradiction. Naqvi is not observing state failure from a distance. His ministry sits at the centre of it. Balochistan remains a battlefield. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to bleed from militant attacks and cross-border instability. The former tribal districts are still not integrated into the state. After decades of operations and billions spent, the state still cannot secure or administer these areas. If the model has failed, Naqvi cannot just diagnose it. He has to answer for it," it added.

Naqvi, who spoke about the system's failure while continuing to be part of it, cannot also claim to be a bystander witnessing the wreckage. A government that speaks about the failure of the governance system while still receiving benefits from the arrangement cannot portray itself as the agent of reform.

"So the question answers itself: why has the cabinet not resigned? Why has Naqvi not resigned?", the Friday Times report mentioned.

According to it, if the Pakistani establishment actually thinks that the current governance system has collapsed, it has only two options left: either take responsibility through martial law or give power back to voters by conducting a real election. The current arrangement of government cannot continue; however, a hard state which has no development plan and institutional reform would be more terrible than an inefficient elected government.

Naqvi's remarks come amid protests in Pakistan over the rising cost of living due to inflation and an increase in fuel prices.

In July, members of the transgender community held a protest in Pakistan's Karachi against rising inflation and the recent hike in petroleum prices. They spoke in detail about the problems faced by the transgender community in Karachi as the cost of living has increased due to the hike in prices of fuel and essential commodities, The Express Tribune reported.

Protesters carrying placards and shouting slogans against the government held the protest outside Karachi Press Club and urged the government led by Shehbaz Sharif to reduce the price of essential commodities and fuel. The protesters warned that continued inaction would increase problems for the vulnerable section of society.

--IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 4 (IANS) The so-called legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have once again showcased the increasing gap between Islamabad's promise of democratic self-government and the tightly controlled political system functioning in the occupying territory. The election in PoK demonstrate a system based on ideological exclusion, controlled participation and political reliance on Islamabad, a report has detailed.

The elections in PoK are being held amid reports of boycott campaigns, allegations of ballot manipulation, communications restrictions, heavy deployment of forces and violent clashes between protesters and forces. The election has been marked by confrontation between the law enforcement personnel and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), according to a report in Afghanistan's leading Khaama Press news agency.

The protests led by JAAC are being held as residents have economic and political grievances with the Pakistani authorities, which include flour subsidies, expensive electricity, refugee seats and the limited authority of local institutions. Violent clashes were reported in PoK, especially in Rawalakot, during the first phase of voting. According to JAAC, over 30 people were killed in clashes between the security forces and civilians in Rawalakot. JAAC members and local witnesses accused security forces of using live ammunition against protesters.

People in PoK also faced problems due to road blockades, disruption of internet and mobile communications services and limited access to impacted areas. The communication restrictions enforced during the disputed elections further raised questions over the credibility of the process.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a win in 13 seats while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won four seats during the first phase of elections, according to preliminary results issued by the regional Election Commission. However, the results come from an electoral process where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) boycotted the election, citing concerns over electoral fraud and the political crisis in PoK. The JAAC, which held protests for months, also urged its supporters not to participate in the electoral process, the Khaama Press report mentioned.

"The 2026 election does not represent a sudden breakdown of an otherwise healthy democratic system. It is the latest expression of a system shaped by controlled participation, ideological exclusion, and political dependence on Islamabad. The low or disputed turnout in some territorial constituencies, the boycott by PTI and JAAC, the presence of 12 externally elected refugee seats, and the historical alignment of local governments with Pakistan’s federal ruling party all weaken the claim that the assembly reflects the unrestricted will of the resident population," it mentioned.

Amid the ongoing unrest in PoK, the JAAC on Tuesday alleged that Pakistani forces opened live fire and used tear gas against unarmed civilians in Bagh district. The allegations also include Pakistani forces setting civilians' motorcycles ablaze in the Makri region of Muzaffarabad district in the occupied territory.

The JAAC urged the United Nations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), international media, and human rights bodies to closely monitor the deteriorating situation in PoK, press for an immediate and independent investigation and ensure accountability for any unlawful use of force.

--IANS

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Brussels, Aug 4 (IANS) European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on Tuesday confirmed that the Ceuta migration crisis is now "resolved", local media reported.

"Spain confirmed today, as previously stated, that practically all those who entered Ceuta have now returned. No one has crossed the border from Ceuta to mainland Spain and continental Europe," stated the European Commissioner at a press conference in Brussels at the end of the informal videoconference of the Council of Interior Ministers, Italian News Agency Adnkronos reported.

He also mentioned that there were no "criticisms" regarding the massive regularisations of migrants decided by Spain, also because "we do not currently see a direct link between the regularisations and the events in Ceuta."

"Regularisations are not a good signal for the rest of Europe, absolutely not. I understand that it is a national competence and that they were done because they mainly concern Latin Americans, who speak the same language and share the same culture, but the message for the rest of Europe is not positive. Absolutely not," said Brunner.

He also said that the integrity of the Schengen area has been preserved and it is the result of close and constant cooperation between Spain, Morocco, and the Commission in recent days. "I also wish to clearly acknowledge and thank Spain and the administration of Ceuta for restoring order and for the close collaboration with Morocco, to ensure a rapid return to normality."

Brunner states that the creation of hubs for repatriations in safe third countries is "legitimate" for countries wishing to pursue it, but it would also be necessary to focus on the possibility of carrying out asylum procedures outside EU territory.

Repatriation centres, the European Commissioner said, have been mentioned by some Member States, particularly by those who are setting them up or who are preparing negotiations with third countries regarding these centres. "The Italy-Albania project is different. It is an Italian project. But 5 or 6 Member States are collaborating to discuss repatriation centres with third countries," he said.

"I wanted to emphasise that, yes, let's focus on repatriation hubs; it is legitimate, and it is the task of the Member States who wish to do so, but let's also focus on the concept of a safe third country. Which means that the asylum procedure can actually be carried out outside the European Union, where the concept of a safe third country allows it. Both things- repatriation hubs, but also asylum procedures outside the European Union have been mentioned by some Member States," he concluded.

–IANS

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Ceuta, Aug 4 (IANS) About 2,500 irregular migrants still remain in Ceuta, out of the tens of thousands who breached the border last week. They are Moroccans, but also from sub-Saharan Africa, media reported.

In Ceuta, four days after the massive influx of migrants that triggered a European Union (EU)-level crisis, the city centre is returning to apparent normality. According to the newspaper El Pais, on Tarajal beach, which last week was the main arrival point for the wave of migrants from neighbouring Morocco, some bathers were already seen yesterday, the first since the crisis began.

At the city centre, guarded by the Civil Guard and the army, tourists have returned. But just outside the centre, the situation is different. According to Spanish authorities, about 2,500 irregular migrants still remain in Ceuta. The city's reception centre is overcrowded and has no more places, Italian News Agency Adnkronos reported.

According to reports, several people have found refuge in the Muslim cemetery of Sidi Embarek, where they sleep on tombstones and manage to wash themselves. The El Pais reporter states that the level of hostility towards the press, both from migrants and Ceuta citizens, is very high, due to the strong influx of journalists into the enclave from all over the world, including from "China and Russia", as indicated by a resident of the Hadu neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, a back-and-forth is unfolding between Spain and Morocco over the management of the crisis. Rabat claims to have warned Spain about the risks associated with the effects of the Spanish Supreme Court ruling that makes the rejection of migrants arriving by sea more complex: "We explained that this ruling would create a problem for us. And the problem occurred," it stressed.

"At no time was there any evidence or report indicating the scale of this unprecedented event," replied Spanish government spokeswoman Elma Saiz.

According to Rabat, contacts with Madrid began around July 22-23, when migrant communication networks had started spreading news of the ruling in question: "It is reductive to say that Morocco should have simply used force to stop them. It means not understanding anything about this phenomenon. It is not Morocco's exclusive responsibility to manage this phenomenon. Today it is up to Spain to find answers to these challenges posed by this ruling."

–IANS

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Brussels, Aug 4 (IANS) The European Union (EU) on Tuesday commended Spain for its swift response to the situation in Ceuta and also offered condolences for the loss of life that occurred during the crisis at the Spanish enclave bordering Morocco.

On Tuesday, over a videoconference, the EU Home Affairs ministers addressed recent developments in Ceuta. During the meeting, the Spanish delegation, the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) shared their assessment of the events over the past days and the current situation at the external border in Ceuta.

According to a statement, the Council Member States and Schengen-associated countries, including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, were united in expressing "strong solidarity" with Spain. The ministers appreciated the swift and effective efforts of Spanish authorities in responding to the situation in Ceuta. They also expressed their condolences for the people who lost their lives attempting to make the crossing.

"The EU is united and ready to support Spain. We commend Spain for its rapid response to the situation in Ceuta and express our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life. The EU's external borders are our shared responsibility, and migration requires a unified European response," stated Jim O'Callaghan, Irish Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

"Today's meeting, which I convened, provided an important opportunity for member states to assess the tools already at our disposal, identify where further cooperation is needed, and advance our collective preparations ahead of the next ministerial meeting and the European Council in October," he added.

According to the the EU, there was a common understanding of the need to continue relentlessly fighting migrant smuggling networks, to reinforce returns, to strengthen EU borders, to build deep partnerships with third countries, and to improve foresight.

The latest update from the Spanish authorities and the Commission indicates that the very large majority of people who have crossed illegally have been returned and there has been no onward movement to mainland Spain or other member states.

"Ministers stressed the need to improve shared situational awareness, which could be achieved by further developing early-warning systems such as pre-frontier intelligence and social media monitoring," read a statement.

It also noted that the Council highlighted the importance of cooperation with third countries and to further developing partnerships that create the right opportunities for people in their home countries and strengthen migration management.

–IANS

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