‘Terrorists targeting Jaffar Express were proxies of India’: Pakistan minister

**‘Terrorists Targeting Jaffar Express Are Proxies of India’: Pakistan Minister**

*By Snehil Singh | October 8, 2025, 3:49 PM*

**Overview of the Incident**

Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has accused India of orchestrating a series of attacks on the Jaffar Express train. The most recent attack occurred on Tuesday when an explosion near Sultan Kot derailed four bogies of the train, injuring seven passengers.

According to Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed Abro, the blast happened at 8:15 AM, and all injured individuals were promptly taken to Shikarpur Civil Hospital for treatment.

**Accusations Against India**

Speaking to *Dawn*, Railways Minister Abbasi claimed that the terrorists targeting the Jaffar Express are, in fact, proxies of India. He stated:
*”India is not ready to digest and bear its defeat during Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos. These cowardly acts are the pain India continues to feel from the wounds it received during the May war.”*

Abbasi further assured the public that the train service would continue as usual, emphasizing, *”We will never be afraid of such attacks.”*

**Responsibility Claimed by Baloch Republican Guards**

The militant group Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack. The group stated that the Jaffar Express was targeted specifically when “occupying Pakistani Army” personnel were on board, causing casualties among soldiers.

The BRG declared,
*”We claim responsibility for this attack and announce that such operations will continue until the independence of Balochistan is achieved.”*

**History of Attacks on Jaffar Express**

The Jaffar Express, which operates between Peshawar and Quetta, has been a frequent target of militant attacks, especially in recent months. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has often been implicated in these assaults.

The latest explosion marks the seventh attack on this train in 2025 alone. The deadliest incident occurred in March when militants hijacked the train and killed 21 passengers.

**Diplomatic Tensions and Denials**

Following the March hijacking, Pakistan accused terrorists of coordinating with handlers in Afghanistan and alleged that India was behind the masterminding of the attack.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal strongly rejected these claims, stating:
*”The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism is.”* He urged Pakistan to reflect inward rather than blaming external forces for its internal challenges and failures.

**Conclusion**

The recurrent attacks on the Jaffar Express highlight ongoing tensions and security challenges in Pakistan’s railway corridors, with serious accusations and denials between the two neighboring countries underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-minister-blames-india-over-jaffar-express-attack/story

‘Terrorists targeting Jaffar Express were proxies of India’: Pakistan minister

**‘Terrorists Targeting Jaffar Express Were Proxies of India’: Pakistan Minister**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 08, 2025, 03:49 PM*

**Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi Blames India for Attacks on Jaffar Express**

Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has accused India of orchestrating a series of attacks on the Jaffar Express train. The most recent incident occurred on Tuesday when an explosion near Sultan Kot derailed four bogies of the train, injuring seven passengers.

Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed Abro confirmed that the blast took place at 8:15 AM and that all injured individuals were promptly taken to Shikarpur Civil Hospital.

**Accusations Against India**

Speaking to *Dawn*, Minister Abbasi stated, “The terrorists targeting Jaffar Express again and again are, in fact, proxies of India that is not ready to digest and bear its defeat it faced during Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos.”

He further added, “These incidents are a cowardly act of India that is still feeling the pain of wounds it received during the May war.”

Despite the attacks, Abbasi assured that the train service would continue as usual. “The train will continue operating as per routine, as we will never be afraid of such attacks,” he asserted.

**Baloch Republican Guards Claim Responsibility**

The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) have claimed responsibility for the latest attack on the Jaffar Express. According to the group, the train was targeted when “the occupying Pakistani Army” personnel were on board, leading to casualties among soldiers.

“The BRG claims responsibility for this attack and declares that such operations will continue until the independence of Balochistan,” the group announced.

**Jaffar Express: A Frequent Target for Militants**

The Jaffar Express, which runs between Peshawar and Quetta, has become a frequent target of militant attacks in recent months. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has often been held responsible for these attacks.

Tuesday’s blast marks the seventh attack on the Jaffar Express in 2025. The deadliest incident occurred in March when militants hijacked the train, resulting in the deaths of 21 passengers.

**Pakistan Alleges Indian Masterminding; India Denies**

Following the March hijacking, Pakistan alleged that terrorists involved were in contact with handlers in Afghanistan and accused India of masterminding the attack.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal vehemently rejected these claims. He stated, “The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism is.” Jaiswal advised Pakistan to focus on addressing its internal issues rather than blaming other countries for its problems and failures.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-minister-blames-india-over-jaffar-express-attack/story

NTA introduces Aadhaar-based exam center allotment for national-level tests

**NTA Introduces Aadhaar-Based Exam Center Allotment for National-Level Tests**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 08, 2025, 04:48 PM*

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a significant change in the exam center allotment process for national-level entrance tests starting from the 2026-27 academic session. Under the new system, candidates will no longer have the option to select their preferred exam cities. Instead, exam centers will be allotted strictly based on the address mentioned on their Aadhaar cards.

### A Move Towards Transparency and Fairness

This shift aims to enhance transparency and curb impersonation and cheating during examinations. By linking exam centers to Aadhaar-registered addresses, the NTA hopes to strengthen the integrity of the examination process.

### Focus on Rural Candidates and Travel Concerns

Candidates from small towns and villages will be assigned centers in or near their Aadhaar-registered locations. However, this decision has sparked concerns among students and parents, especially for those who study or reside away from their permanent homes. Many fear travel difficulties if their Aadhaar details are outdated or inaccurate.

To mitigate such issues, the NTA urges candidates to verify and update their Aadhaar information well before the application window opens. Ensuring accurate Aadhaar details will help avoid last-minute travel challenges on exam day.

### Tightened Verification Measures

In addition to the new allotment policy, the NTA has strengthened its verification process. It is now mandatory for personal details on the Aadhaar card to exactly match those on the candidate’s Class 10 marksheet. Even minor discrepancies can result in application cancellation.

Candidates are advised to visit their nearest UIDAI center to correct any errors and ensure that their Aadhaar-linked addresses are accurate. This step is crucial since exam centers will be assigned based on this information.

### Consistency Required for Reservation Claims

Furthermore, candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD categories should ensure that their category certificates are consistent with both Aadhaar and Class 10 records. Any inconsistencies could lead to rejection of reservation claims or possible disqualification.

### Conclusion

The NTA describes these new policies as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline examination procedures and reinforce fairness in candidate verification. Students are encouraged to take prompt action to update their Aadhaar details and certificates accordingly to avoid any disruptions during the examination process.

Stay informed and prepare ahead to ensure a smooth exam experience under the new Aadhaar-based center allotment system.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/career/nta-revises-exam-centers-based-on-aadhaar-address-from-2026/story

V-League: FEU turns back Adamson, forces Game 3 for title

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite— Far Eastern University managed to avoid another collapse as they fended off Adamson in an intense match on Wednesday at Dasmariñas Arena. The Lady Tamaraws secured the victory with set scores of 25-13, 25-22, 15-25, and 25-23 in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge.

Despite taking the first two sets, FEU lost steam in the third, dropping it by 10 points. The team also experienced a tense moment when they blew a 23-20 lead in the final set. Nevertheless, their resilience paid off, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 against Adamson.
https://sports.inquirer.net/643404/v-league-feu-turns-back-adamson-forces-game-3-for-title

FPJ Impact: Maha Metro Begins Repair Of Pothole-Ridden Old Mumbai-Pune Highway Service Road In Pimpri-Chinchwad

**Pimpri-Chinchwad: Maha Metro Begins Repair Work on Pothole-Ridden Service Road of Old Mumbai-Pune Highway**

After widespread public outrage and multiple reports in the media, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has finally initiated repair work on the heavily damaged service road along the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway. The road, which stretches from Bhakti-Shakti Chowk in Nigdi to the Chinchwad Railway Station Chowk, had developed numerous potholes due to ongoing metro construction activities.

The Free Press Journal (FPJ) had extensively covered this issue, highlighting residents’ complaints and the slow response from authorities. The damaged road has caused significant inconvenience to daily commuters, especially during peak hours when traffic congestion often resulted in vehicles taking over half an hour to cover just five kilometers.

### Background

The repair work is linked to the Pimpri to Nigdi extended metro route currently underway on the Purple Line of Pune Metro. This line connects the Pimpri-Chinchwad area to Swargate. For the project, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had handed over the service road and BRT route of the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway—from Nigdi’s Bhakti-Shakti Chowk to Empire Estate in Chinchwad, covering approximately 4.5 kilometers—to Maha Metro. With this transfer, Maha Metro became responsible for the maintenance and repair of the road.

Metro construction activities on this stretch include road digging, erection of pillars, and viaduct work. To ensure safety and facilitate construction, Maha Metro installed barricades along the route, narrowing the service road significantly. Additionally, footpaths were dug up and temporarily converted into roadways.

### Issues Faced by Residents

Residents reported that the narrowed road, coupled with heavy vehicular traffic and recent rains, resulted in numerous potholes developing on concrete surfaces, asphalt roads, and footpaths. Traffic snarls during peak hours led to long queues and slow movement, aggravating commuter frustration.

PCMC sent three letters to Maha Metro requesting urgent repairs to the service road. However, the initial lack of response added to public dissatisfaction.

### Road Repair Work Commences

Under mounting public pressure and media scrutiny, Maha Metro finally agreed to undertake permanent road repairs. In coordination with traffic authorities, Maha Metro’s Managing Director, Shravan Hardikar, requested phased temporary road closures and traffic diversions to enable unhindered repair work.

Following these arrangements, road repairs commenced on Tuesday, focusing on asphalting the stretch from Nigdi to Chinchwad Station. Officials stated that the work started only after the rains subsided to ensure effective repairs.

Bapusaheb Gaikwad, Joint City Engineer of PCMC, commented:
*”We had corresponded with the Metro administration regarding the repair of the service road. With the end of the rainy season, the Metro has undertaken the road repair work. Asphalting is being done on the road. Instructions have been given to complete the work quickly.”*

The repair work is expected to significantly improve the condition of this critical stretch, making it pothole-free and easing traffic woes for daily commuters.

*This marks a positive step towards addressing the concerns of residents affected by the metro construction and enhancing urban infrastructure in Pimpri-Chinchwad.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/fpj-impact-maha-metro-begins-repair-of-pothole-ridden-old-mumbai-pune-highway-service-road-in-pimpri-chinchwad

Rajvir Jawanda Funeral: Punjabi Singer’s Last Rites To Be Held In Ludhiana On Oct 9, Ammy Virk Shares Details

**Punjabi Singer Rajvir Jawanda Passes Away Following Tragic Accident**

Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda, aged 35, passed away on Wednesday morning at Fortis Hospital in Mohali, 11 days after a tragic accident in Himachal Pradesh that left him fighting for his life.

Jawanda sustained severe head and spinal injuries while travelling to Shimla on September 27 near Baddi in the Solan district. Doctors had described his neurological condition as critical, with minimal brain activity and no significant improvement despite intensive medical care. Immediately following the accident, his condition was considered “extremely critical.”

**Funeral Details**

Singer Ammy Virk shared that Rajvir Jawanda’s last rites will be held in Pona, a village in Jagraon, Ludhiana district, Punjab, on Thursday, October 9, at 11:00 AM.

**Hospital Statement**

Confirming Rajvir Jawanda’s death, a statement issued by Fortis Hospital read:
_”Despite extensive medical support and continuous monitoring by the Critical Care and Neurosurgery teams, he succumbed to multiple organ failure this morning. Our deepest condolences to his family and fans.”_

**Wife’s Plea to Postpone the Bike Trip**

A close friend of Rajvir Jawanda revealed that his wife had begged him not to go on the bike trip that tragically led to the accident. She had expressed concern over his safety, especially as he planned to take his high-powered 1300 cc motorcycle for the ride.

“She told him not to go… but he didn’t listen,” the friend shared. She had also warned him to postpone the trip, but Rajvir assured her that he would return home soon. Family friends have described that conversation as ‘his last conversation with her.’

**Personal Life**

Rajvir Jawanda was known to keep his personal life private. He is survived by his wife and two children. Further details about his family are yet to be disclosed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/rajvir-jawanda-funeral-punjabi-singers-last-rites-to-be-held-in-ludhiana-on-oct-9-ammy-virk-shares-details

Can Syria prevent a new crisis with Kurds from developing? – analysis

**Can Syria Prevent a New Crisis with Kurds from Developing?**

After deadly clashes in Aleppo, Syria’s transitional government reached a ceasefire agreement with Kurdish forces in an effort to stabilize the northern region. This development comes amid rising tensions and recent violent encounters that threatened to escalate into a broader conflict.

A member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard as Syrian Kurds attend a protest in solidarity with people in Sweida on July 17, 2025. The demonstration highlights the ongoing complexities and divisions within Syria, underscoring the urgent need for lasting peace and cooperation between all parties involved.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/Orhan Qereman*

By SETH J. FRANTZMAN
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869778

Kerala Bans All Sresan Pharmaceuticals Medicines From Sale Following Tamil Nadu License Cancellation

Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram): Health Minister Veena George announced that all medicines manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, a company based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, have been banned from distribution and sale in Kerala. The move follows action taken by the Tamil Nadu Drugs Controller to cancel the company’s manufacturing license. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Drugs Controller has reported that the Respifresh TR syrup (60ml, Batch No. R01GL2523), manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, failed to meet quality standards. In response, the Kerala Drugs Control Department has immediately halted the distribution and sale of this medicine across the state. The syrup was being distributed by five suppliers in Kerala, who have now been instructed to stop its distribution. Strict action will be taken against anyone found selling the drug. The public has been advised not to use this medicine if they have it in possession. The minister clarified that these medicines are not supplied through government hospitals. She also directed that strict action be taken against establishments that provide this medicine to children below 12 years without a prescription from a registered doctor. Earlier Kerala government constituted a committee to submit a report on the management of pediatric cough syrups following the death of at least 14 children after consumption of Coldrif syrup in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Tuesday. Kerala Health Department has also asked the Drugs Controller to issue a notice to pharmacies not to sell pediatric drugs to children without a doctor’s prescription. Veena George said that the State Drugs Controller has imposed a ban on the particular cough syrup, and the Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL) does not supply the syrup to government hospitals. Kerala Health Minister Veena George’s Statements Speaking to ANI, Veena George said, “It’s unfortunate that 16 children died by consuming this cough syrup Coldrif. The Government of India has issued an advisory on the consumption of cough syrup. In Kerala, the Drugs Controller has issued a notification banning the particular cough syrup Coldrif in all the pharmacies across the state.” “We don’t have this in our essential drugs list. This is not being supplied by the KMSCL, which is our corporation that supplies medicine to government hospitals. But, we are ensuring that the sale is not happening in private hospitals and pharmacies,” the Kerala Minister added. She said that the committee on pediatric cough syrups will submit its report to the Kerala Government. “We have already done this in the case of antibiotics and have strict enforcement in the State. We have established a committee that will submit a report to the government. The committee is particularly focused on the management of pediatric cough, because irrelevant combinations should not be in the syrups. We have decided to issue a guideline regarding the management of pediatric cough, which is very essential,” she said. Furthermore, she alleged that doctors were prescribing cough syrups to children under the age of 2 years, which is not advisable. Veena George said, “We do have a protocol on the consumption of cough syrup. It is not advisable to give cough syrups to children under 2 years old, but this case shows that doctors are prescribing cough syrups to children under 2 years old, which is unscientific and unacceptable. Kerala Health Department has asked the Drugs Controller to issue a notice to pharmacies not to give pediatric drugs to children without a prescription.” (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/kerala-bans-all-sresan-pharmaceuticals-medicines-from-sale-following-tamil-nadu-license-cancellation

Pakistan: At Least 19 TTP Militants, 11 Soldiers Killed Intelligence Based Operation In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

**Peshawar:** At least 19 militants of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group were killed in a clash with the Pakistan military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district on Wednesday, October 8. The area borders Afghanistan and has been a hotspot for militant activity.

Meanwhile, 11 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives during the intelligence-based operation targeting terrorists belonging to the group known as “Fitna al-Khawarij.” According to a statement released by the military’s media wing, among the deceased soldiers were a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major.

The military statement confirmed that a sanitisation operation is currently underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. The names of the fallen soldiers have been disclosed as follows: Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif, Major Tayyab Rahat, Naib Subedar Azam Gul, Havildar Adil Hussain, Naik Gul Ameer, Lance Naik Talish Faraz, Lance Naik Sher Khan, Lance Naik Irshad Hussain, Sepoy Tufail, Sepoy Muhammad Zahid, and Sepoy Aqib Ali.

In a related incident on the same day, some reports indicated that 11 Pakistan security personnel were killed in an ambush by the TTP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district. Reports stated that a convoy of paramilitary soldiers was initially targeted by bombs, followed by a heavy attack when a large number of terrorists opened fire on the convoy.

The TTP, in a statement to Reuters, confirmed that their fighters carried out the attack on the convoy.

In recent years, Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant attacks, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after the banned TTP called off its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the worst-hit region in the country. According to PTI, citing the latest statistics issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the region accounted for nearly 71 percent (638) of the total violence-linked fatalities and over 67 percent (221) of the incidents of violence in the third quarter of 2025.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/breaking-news-11-pakistan-army-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-by-ttp-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwas-kurram-district

Priscilla nears major hurricane status in Pacific as new tropical storm swirls in the Atlantic

Hurricane Priscilla Nears Category 3 Status as Tropical Storm Jerry Strengthens in Atlantic

MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Priscilla was approaching Category 3 strength on Tuesday in the Pacific, while a new tropical storm was gaining power in the Atlantic, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Located just off the west coast of Mexico, Priscilla was spinning with maximum sustained winds of around 105 mph (169 kph) and moving northwest at 9 mph (15 kph). As of Tuesday night, the hurricane was centered about 185 miles (295 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.

On Tuesday, the outer bands of Hurricane Priscilla were extending across the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. The Mexican government responded by issuing a tropical storm watch for Baja California Sur, from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lazaro.

In a preventive measure, the government of Baja California Sur canceled classes at all educational centers starting Tuesday in Los Cabos and La Paz. They also set up a dozen shelters in Los Cabos for residents living in high-risk areas.

Parts of southwestern Mexico could receive up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain from Priscilla through Wednesday, raising the risk of flash flooding, especially in the states of Michoacán and Colima, forecasters warned.

Priscilla is expected to weaken starting Wednesday. A major hurricane is defined as Category 3 or higher, with wind speeds of at least 111 mph (180 kph). Swells from Priscilla were already reaching the coast of Mexico, causing life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents.

Atlantic Tropical Storm Jerry Strengthens

In the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Jerry maintained top winds of 50 mph (85 kph) early Wednesday. The storm was centered approximately 950 miles (1,530 kilometers) east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands and moving west-northwest at 23 mph (37 kph).

Forecasters said Jerry is expected to strengthen into a hurricane within the next day or two. Swells from Jerry were anticipated to reach the Leeward Islands by Thursday, with the storm’s core moving near or north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday.

A tropical storm watch was issued for Barbuda and Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, and Sint Maarten as a precaution.

Other Pacific Activity

Farther out in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Octave was weakening about 750 miles (1,205 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. It was moving east-southeast at 7 mph (11 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph).

Officials continue to monitor the evolving storm activity as the hurricane season progresses.

https://fox5sandiego.com/weather/ap-hurricane-priscilla-strengthens-to-a-category-2-storm-as-it-runs-along-the-pacific-coast-of-mexico/

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