Washington: A proposed initiative to cease aid to Pakistan in the US Congress has faced a significant setback as it failed to gain substantial support.

The proposal, put forth by Andy Ogles, a Republican representative from Tennessee, aimed to halt aid to Pakistan.

However, a resounding majority of 298 members, comprising both Democrats and Republicans, voted against the measure, while 132 voted in favor.

Notably, Congresswomen Sheila Jackson and Barbara Lee emerged as vocal advocates for continuing aid to Pakistan during the deliberations.

Their arguments centered on the crucial role of Pakistan's assistance in maintaining regional stability, combating extremism, and fostering peace and security in the volatile region.

Barbara Lee underscored the necessity of aid to Pakistan by highlighting its multifaceted impact.

She pointed out that a substantial allocation of $135 million for Pakistan in fiscal year 2024 is designated for various purposes, including economic assistance, counter-narcotics efforts, military education and training, counter-terrorism initiatives, and health programs.

Sheila Jackson emphasized the historical cooperation between the United States and Pakistan, noting that many Pakistani soldiers made significant sacrifices during the Afghan war.

She highlighted the strong foundation of cooperation built upon shared democratic values and expressed optimism about the trajectory of bilateral relations.

Over several decades, both countries have expanded their collaboration across various sectors, including defense, counter-terrorism, trade, investment, agriculture, and other fields such as energy, climate, health, and education.

Islamabad: Sui Northern Gas Company (SNGC) has successfully dismantled a sprawling illegal gas network spanning one and a half kilometers on the outskirts of Islamabad.

This operation is part of an ongoing crackdown against gas theft in the region.

According to a spokesperson for Sui Northern, the company's task force uncovered the illegal gas network in the Wini Gujran area of Islamabad.

Swift action was taken to seize the illegal pipeline, and legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible.

The spokesperson also revealed that the task force disconnected gas connections belonging to eight customers involved in the unauthorized commercial use of domestic gas connections.

These disconnections were carried out in various sectors of Islamabad, including F8, G15, Chatta Bakhtawar, and Baga Sheikhan.

This operation underscores Sui Northern's commitment to curbing illegal gas activities and ensuring the fair and lawful distribution of gas resources in the region.

Further investigations are underway to identify any additional culprits involved in these illegal activities.

Mastun: A suicide blast strikes the Eid Milad-ul-Nabi procession on Al-Falah Road in the city of Mastung, Balochistan, resulting in the loss of 20 lives, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaz Gashguri.

Additionally, more than 50 individuals sustained injuries in the horrifying attack.

The suicide blast occurred near the Madinah Masjid in Mastung, targeting participants of the Eid Milad-ul-Nabi procession.

A distressing video received captured the aftermath, showing a field of injured individuals lying on the ground.

Concerns have been raised about a potential rise in casualties as a result of the explosion.

Immediately following the explosion, local law enforcement and security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, launching an investigation into the devastating incident.

The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals, where an emergency has been declared to handle the influx of casualties.

At least 6 killed, 40 others injured in explosion in Pakistan's southwestern #Balochistan province, police officials tell Anadolu pic.twitter.com/EP0lSHCWzw

— Muslim Lives Matter (@MuslimLivesMtrs) September 29, 2023