Pakistan: 12 Dead in Suicide Blast Outside Islamabad Court

A suicide attack outside a district court in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday, November 11 killed 12 people and injured 27 others. The bomber attempted to enter the courthouse but, failing to do so, detonated near a police vehicle. Authorities are investigating the attack, and no group has claimed responsibility. Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari, strongly condemned the blast. Eyewitnesses described chaos, with lawyers and visitors fleeing the scene.

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia At 'Kenny Dalglish' Red Carpet

RFF - Asif Kapadia during the "Kenny Dalglish" documentary Photocall during the Rome film Festival, on October 21, 2025. Photo by D'Avanzo/Landi/Provvisionato/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - LA

The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - LA

Asif Ali At The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - Vibiana In Los Angeles CA, USA on September 14, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - LA

The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - LA

Asif Ali At The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - Vibiana In Los Angeles CA, USA on September 14, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - LA

The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - LA

Asif Ali At The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration - Vibiana In Los Angeles CA, USA on September 14, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

China-Pakistan talks

China-Pakistan talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) hugs Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Feb. 5, 2025. (Pool photo)

China-Pakistan talks

China-Pakistan talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari shake hands as they hold talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Feb. 5, 2025. (Pool photo)

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Photo dated around 2009 of El Assad family celebrating a birthday, with Bashar el Assad who seems very interested by the birthday cake (looks like a house, with a library and TV screen). Also present L-R : his brother Maher, their brother in law Assef (or Asif) Shawkat, his wife Asma, his sister Bushra, his sister in law Manal Jadaan and his mother Anissa Makhlouf, and other members of the family. Photo found at Maher El Assad’s house, in Yaafour, near Damascus, Syria, on January 3, 2025. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Photo dated around 2009 of El Assad family celebrating a birthday, with Bashar el Assad who seems very interested by the birthday cake (looks like a house, with a library and TV screen). Also present L-R : his brother Maher, their brother in law Assef (or Asif) Shawkat, his wife Asma, his sister Bushra, his sister in law Manal Jadaan and his mother Anissa Makhlouf, and other members of the family. Photo found at Maher El Assad’s house, in Yaafour, near Damascus, Syria, on January 3, 2025. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Photo dated around 2009 of El Assad family celebrating a birthday, with Bashar el Assad who seems very interested by the birthday cake (looks like a house, with a library and TV screen). Also present L-R : his brother Maher, their brother in law Assef (or Asif) Shawkat, his wife Asma, his sister Bushra, his sister in law Manal Jadaan and his mother Anissa Makhlouf, and other members of the family. Photo found at Maher El Assad’s house, in Yaafour, near Damascus, Syria, on January 3, 2025. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Photo dated around 2009 of El Assad family celebrating a birthday, with Bashar el Assad who seems very interested by the birthday cake (looks like a house, with a library and TV screen). Also present L-R : his brother Maher, their brother in law Assef (or Asif) Shawkat, his wife Asma, his sister Bushra, his sister in law Manal Jadaan and other members of the family. Photo found at Maher El Assad’s house, in Yaafour, near Damascus, Syria, on January 3, 2025. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Photo dated around 2009 of El Assad family celebrating a birthday, with Bashar el Assad who seems very interested by the birthday cake (looks like a house, with a library and TV screen). Also present L-R : his brother Maher, their brother in law Assef (or Asif) Shawkat, his wife Asma, his sister Bushra, his sister in law Manal Jadaan and his mother Anissa Makhlouf, and other members of the family. Photo found at Maher El Assad’s house, in Yaafour, near Damascus, Syria, on January 3, 2025. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Exclu - Photos of A Birthday Dinner of El Assad Family - Damascus

Photo dated around 2009 of El Assad family celebrating a birthday, with Bashar el Assad who seems very interested by the birthday cake (looks like a house, with a library and TV screen). Also present L-R : his brother Maher, their brother in law Assef (or Asif) Shawkat, his wife Asma, his sister Bushra, and other members of the family. Photo found at Maher El Assad’s house, in Yaafour, near Damascus, Syria, on January 3, 2025. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

22nd Annual Unforgettable Gala Asian American Awards - LA

22nd Annual Unforgettable Gala Asian American Awards - LA

Asif Ali arrives at the 22nd Annual Unforgettable Gala Asian American Awards 2024 held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on December 14, 2024 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

Walt Disney Company's Emmy Party - LA

Walt Disney Company's Emmy Party - LA

Asif Ali, Michelle Nader, Poorna Jagannathan, Saagar Shaikh At The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration at The Music Center in Los Angeles, CA, USA on September 15 2024. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

Walt Disney Company's Emmy Party - LA

Walt Disney Company's Emmy Party - LA

Asif Ali, Michelle Nader, Poorna Jagannathan, Saagar Shaikh At The Walt Disney Company's Emmy Awards Celebration at The Music Center in Los Angeles, CA, USA on September 15 2024. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistani special envoy for Afghanistan affairs

Pakistani special envoy for Afghanistan affairs

Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, gives an interview in Islamabad on June 26, 2024, ahead of a two-day United Nations-hosted conference on the country, the third of its kind, which begins on June 30 in Doha and is expected to include the Taliban for the first time.

Pakistani special envoy for Afghanistan affairs

Pakistani special envoy for Afghanistan affairs

Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, gives an interview in Islamabad on June 26, 2024, ahead of a two-day United Nations-hosted conference on the country, the third of its kind, which begins on June 30 in Doha and is expected to include the Taliban for the first time.

Federer Twelve Days Screening - London

Federer Twelve Days Screening - London

Asif Kapadia at the Federer: Twelve Days Special Screening, Leicester Square, London, UK. June 13th, 2024. Photo by Stuart Hardy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Federer Twelve Days Screening - London

Federer Twelve Days Screening - London

Asif Kapadia at the Federer: Twelve Days Special Screening, Leicester Square, London, UK. June 13th, 2024. Photo by Stuart Hardy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Federer Twelve Days Screening - London

Federer Twelve Days Screening - London

Asif Kapadia at the Federer: Twelve Days Special Screening, Leicester Square, London, UK. June 13th, 2024. Photo by Stuart Hardy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Federer Twelve Days Screening - London

Federer Twelve Days Screening - London

Asif Kapadia at the Federer: Twelve Days Special Screening, Leicester Square, London, UK. June 13th, 2024. Photo by Stuart Hardy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan firmly upholds one-China principle: president

STORY: Pakistan firmly upholds one-China principle: president SHOOTING TIME: May 22, 2024 DATELINE: May 23, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:57 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the presidential palace 2. various of the interview 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ASIF ALI ZARDARI, Pakistani President 4. various of the interview 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ASIF ALI ZARDARI, Pakistani President 6. various of the interview 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (Urdu): ASIF ALI ZARDARI, Pakistani President 8. various of the interview 9. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ASIF ALI ZARDARI, Pakistani President 10. various of the interview STORYLINE: Pakistan abides by the one-China principle as the country always chooses to stand on the right side of history, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said during a recent interview with Chinese media. Tuesday observes the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. Zardari recalled the rapport between the previous generations' leaders of the two co

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW

(240521) -- ISLAMABAD, May 21, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari speaks during an interview with Chinese media in Islamabad, Pakistan, on May 17, 2024. Pakistan abides by the one-China principle as the country always chooses to stand on the right side of history, Zardari said during a recent interview with Chinese media. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) TO GO WITH Interview: Pakistan firmly upholds one-China principle -- president

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW

(240521) -- ISLAMABAD, May 21, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is interviewed by Chinese media in Islamabad, Pakistan, on May 17, 2024. Pakistan abides by the one-China principle as the country always chooses to stand on the right side of history, Zardari said during a recent interview with Chinese media. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) TO GO WITH Interview: Pakistan firmly upholds one-China principle -- president

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW

(240521) -- ISLAMABAD, May 21, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari (1st L) speaks during an interview with Chinese media in Islamabad, Pakistan, on May 17, 2024. Pakistan abides by the one-China principle as the country always chooses to stand on the right side of history, Zardari said during a recent interview with Chinese media. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) TO GO WITH Interview: Pakistan firmly upholds one-China principle -- president

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW

(240521) -- ISLAMABAD, May 21, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari speaks during an interview with Chinese media in Islamabad, Pakistan, on May 17, 2024. Pakistan abides by the one-China principle as the country always chooses to stand on the right side of history, Zardari said during a recent interview with Chinese media. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) TO GO WITH Interview: Pakistan firmly upholds one-China principle -- president

Pakistani president lauds China as most trustworthy friend

STORY: Pakistani president lauds China as most trustworthy friend SHOOTING TIME: April 24, 2024 DATELINE: April 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:37 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting STORYLINE: Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said Wednesday that China is the most trustworthy friend, and his country looks forward to further cooperation with China in various fields. Pakistan will continue to firmly support China in safeguarding its core interests, and advance the construction of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (CPEC), Zardari noted when meeting with Luo Zhaohui, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency. Talking about the recent terrorist attack on the Dasu Hydropower Station, Zardari expressed condolences to the victims and their families on behalf of the Pakistani people, adding that his country promised to take resolute measures to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible and never allow terrorists to undermine the friendship betw

Former PM Gilani elected as chairman of Pakistan's Senate

STORY: Former PM Gilani elected as chairman of Pakistan's Senate SHOOTING TIME: April 9, 2024 DATELINE: April 11, 2024 LENGTH: 0:00:52 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHORTLIST: 1. various of the election STORYLINE: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday was elected as the chairman of the Senate, or the upper house, of the country's parliament, Presiding Officer of the election Senator Ishaq Dar announced. Dar, also foreign minister of the country, announced that Gilani was elected unopposed after no one filed nominated papers to contest the election. Gilani who belongs to the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians served the country as prime minister from 2008 to 2012. Syedal Khan Nasir of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was also elected as the deputy chairman of the house unopposed, said the presiding officer. Earlier this month, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari summoned the house to meet for its inaugural session on Tues

Pakistani president expresses condolences to Chinese citizens killed in terrorist attack

STORY: Pakistani president expresses condolences to Chinese citizens killed in terrorist attack SHOOTING TIME: March 27, 2024 DATELINE: March 28, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:22 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan 2. various of the high-level emergency meeting STORYLINE: Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed condolences to Chinese citizens killed in a terrorist attack while visiting the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. In a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Zardari assured that the terrorists involved in the gruesome act would be apprehended, and his country would not let terrorists undermine Pakistan and China's shared goals for peace, prosperity and security in the region. Five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani were killed when a vehicle from the Dasu Hydropower Project, being constructed by a Chinese company in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was attacked by terror

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN DAY-MILITARY PARADE

PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN DAY-MILITARY PARADE

(240323) -- ISLAMABAD, March 23, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari waves as he inspects the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on March 23, 2024. Pakistani nation on Saturday celebrated the 84th Pakistan Day, also known as the Pakistan Resolution Day or Republic Day. The day is celebrated annually in the memory of Lahore Resolution which was passed on March 23, 1940, one of the major milestones in the struggle for an independent state. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

Pakistan's 19-member federal cabinet takes oath

STORY: Pakistan's 19-member federal cabinet takes oath SHOOTING TIME: March 11, 2024 DATELINE: March 12, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:59 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the cabinet taking oath STORYLINE: A 19-member federal cabinet of newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif took the oath on Monday during a ceremony held at the President House in the capital city of Islamabad. President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to the cabinet members that included 18 federal ministers, and one minister of state, according to a statement issued by the President House. Earlier, the prime minister recommended 19 names to the president to be inducted into the federal cabinet, the majority of them from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, according to a summary forwarded to the President House. The Pakistan Peoples Party, a major political party of the country's newly formed coalition government, is not the part of the federal cabinet as decided by the party. However, members of o

Zardari takes oath as 14th president of Pakistan

STORY: Zardari takes oath as 14th president of Pakistan SHOOTING TIME: March 10, 2024 DATELINE: March 11, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:53 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Zardari taking oath as 14th president of Pakistan STORYLINE: Asif Ali Zardari took oath as the 14th president of Pakistan during a ceremony held at the President's House on Sunday, according to a statement from the President's Office. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath of office to the newly-elected president at the ceremony attended by the outgoing President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, chiefs of the armed forces, politicians and foreign dignitaries. Earlier on Saturday, Zardari, co-chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, won the election by taking 411 against 181 votes from all the electoral colleges, including the parliament and four provincial assemblies, the Election Commission of Pakistan said. Ruling coalition candidate Zardari received 255 votes in

Zardari wins Pakistan's presidential election

STORY: Zardari wins Pakistan's presidential election SHOOTING TIME: March 9, 2024 DATELINE: March 10, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:23 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the voting, count of votes and announcement of the result STORYLINE: Ruling coalition candidate Asif Ali Zardari won the presidential election of Pakistan with an overwhelming lead on Saturday, the Election Commission of Pakistan announced. Zardari won the election by taking 411 votes from all the electoral colleges, including parliament and four provincial assemblies, the commission said. Zardari got 255 votes in the joint session of the two houses of the parliament, including the Senate and the National Assembly, 43 votes from the eastern Punjab province, eight from the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 47 votes from the southwest Balochistan province and 58 votes from the southern Sindh province. Zardari's rival Mahmood Khan Achakzai, joint candidate of the opposition parties, secured a total of 181 vot

Pakistan's major parties agree to form coalition gov't

STORY: Pakistan's major parties agree to form coalition gov't SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 21, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 21, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:59 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of joint press conference 2. various of National Assembly of Pakistan STORYLINE: Pakistan's two major political parties, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), agreed to form a coalition government in center, leaders of the two parties said Tuesday night. "Both the parties have agreed on a power-sharing formula as we have the required number of seats in the National Assembly (NA) to form the government," PML-N president and former prime minister Shahbaz Sharif said during a joint press conference in Islamabad. Following days of negotiations between the two parties, it has been decided that Sharif will be the joint candidate for both parties for the slot of prime minister and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari will be the joint candidate for the president's slot. Sharif said that

Exhibitors' impressions of China-South Asia Expo

STORY: Exhibitors' impressions of China-South Asia Expo DATELINE: Aug. 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:09 LOCATION: KUNMING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the China-South Asia Exposition 2. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CHAMARA UDUGAMA, Exhibitor from Sri Lanka 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ASIF, Exhibitor from Pakistan 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): CHOKI DORJI, Exhibitor from Bhutan STORYLINE: The ongoing seventh China-South Asia Exposition in Kunming, capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province, has attracted more than 30,000 exhibitors, representatives, and guests from 85 countries and regions to attend online and onsite. Some exhibitors have shared their views on the five-day expo that opened Wednesday. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): CHAMARA UDUGAMA, Exhibitor from Sri Lanka "We have been visiting Kunming (for) the China-South Asia Expo many times. We have seen the Kunming fair growing larger, and we have been getting a lot of support from the Yunnan government and the people, the organizers. It has been a v

Chinese technology supports Pakistanis in beekeeping business

STORY: Chinese technology supports Pakistanis in beekeeping business DATELINE: June 6, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:15 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Pakistan's east Chakwal district 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ALI RAZA, Student of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MUHAMMAD ASIF AZIZ, Associate professor of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi 4. various of Pakistani bee-breeding researchers 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): MUHAMMAD ASIF AZIZ, Associate professor of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi 6. various of Pakistani beekeepers STORYLINE: In Pakistan's east Chakwal district, Chinese technologies have been helping locals develop beekeeping businesses. A team in Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi has been working to introduce the Chinese method for producing royal jelly in honey bee hives to make beekeeping a profitable venture for the local community, and create new opportunities for exporting honey to international markets. SOUNDBITE 1 (Engli

Afghan police destroy poppy farms in northern Balkh province

STORY: Afghan police destroy poppy farms in northern Balkh province DATELINE: May 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:16 LOCATION: BALKH, Afghanistan CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Afghan police destroying an illegal poppy field in Balkh province STORYLINE: Afghan police have destroyed 60 acres of poppy farms in the northern Balkh province, provincial police spokesman Mohammad Asif Waziri said on Wednesday. "The counter-narcotics police in the campaign against illicit drugs have destroyed 60 acres of poppy farms and hashish in Chamtal, Charbolak, Shortepa and Balkh districts of Balkh province since beginning this year," Waziri told reporters. Police have destroyed 2,200 acres of poppy farms in the province over the past year, the official said. In the fight against illicit crops, police have also destroyed 900 acres of poppy farms in the northern Badakhshan province over the past couple of weeks. In the campaign against illicit drugs in eastern Kapisa province, Afghan police smashed 160 hectar

Downpour, flash flood destroy houses, farmlands in N. Afghanistan

STORY: Downpour, flash flood destroy houses, farmlands in N. Afghanistan DATELINE: March 26, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:15 LOCATION: Kabul CATEGORY: OTHERS SHOTLIST: 1. various of flood-hit area in northern Balkh province, Afghanistan STORYLINE: Rainstorms and flash floods have destroyed residential houses and farmlands in northern Afghanistan, provincial police spokesman Mohammad Asif Waziri said on Friday. Heavy rains triggered destructive floods on Thursday evening, which partially damaged or utterly destroyed more than 300 houses and 3,000 acres of farmlands in Zari district of the northern Balkh province and its vicinity, Waziri told reporters. The floods have also killed numerous cattle in Zari district and adjoining areas, the official said. There is no report of casualties, the official said, adding that rescue teams have been sent to affected areas to help the affected families. Heavy floods have also cut off the link between Qalat, the capital of Zabul province, to seven districts in Afgh

Int'l observers hail significance of Global Civilization Initiative

STORY: Int'l observers hail significance of Global Civilization Initiative DATELINE: March 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:58 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of China 2. various of Greece 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOTI BRAR, Vice Chair of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ASIF LUQMAN QAZI, Director of foreign affairs, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan STORYLINE: International observers have hailed the significance of the Global Civilization Initiative, saying civilizations should understand, respect, and learn from each other. The Global Civilization Initiative was proposed at the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting on Wednesday. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOTI BRAR, Vice Chair of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) "It's very clear that there's a great thirst in the world for this type of approach, to development, to cooperation, to mutual respect, to modernization in a human-ce

Chinese modernization creates new form of human advancement: political party leaders

STORY: Chinese modernization creates new form of human advancement: political party leaders DATELINE: March 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:44 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of views in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): DOGU PERINCEK, Chairman of the Patriotic Party of Türkiye 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ASIF LUQMAN QAZI, Director of foreign affairs, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ADEM FARAH, Vice President and General Secretary of Prosperity Party, Ethiopia 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Arabic): KAWA MAHMOUD, Secretary of Central Committee of Kurdistan Communist Party in Iraq STORYLINE: China's path to modernization is one of peace and development, win-win cooperation, and harmony between humanity and nature. Many political party leaders say Chinese modernization creates a new form of human advancement. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): DOGU PERINCEK, Chairman of the Patriotic Party of Türkiye "The modernization of the People's Republic of China is not individualistic but collective. The model l

Blast kills 1, injures 8 in N Afghanistan

STORY: Blast kills 1, injures 8 in N Afghanistan DATELINE: March 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:00 LOCATION: Kabul CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the injured people in a hospital in Mazar-i-Sharif, capital city of nothern Afghanistan's Balkh province STORYLINE: One person was killed and eight others, including children, were injured in an explosion at a ceremony in Mazar-i-Sharif, capital city of nothern Afghanistan's Balkh province on Saturday, provincial hospital spokesman Khair Mohammad Khair Khwa said. Provincial police spokesman Mohammad Asif Waziri also confirmed the explosion. The blast took place at 11:00 a.m. local time at a cultural center during a ceremony held to honor journalists, police said. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the blast. Late Friday, a blast rocked Police District 5 of Kabul and injured two people. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kabul. (XHTV)