The quake occurred at 8.29pm UAE time
asia12 hours ago
A Pakistani court on Wednesday summoned a police officer investigating the case of a missing peace activist who is believed to have been kidnapped by unidentified men this month.
Four activists critical of the army and its attitude towards militant groups went missing this year but reappeared after about a month. Two later said Pakistani military intelligence agents abducted and tortured them.
The military denied the accusations.
The latest activist to go missing is Raza Mehmood Khan, 40, a member of Aghaz-i-Dosti (Start of Friendship) group that works to build peace between arch-rivals Pakistan and India.
He has not been heard from since December 2 and his family filed a writ of habeas corpus in a court in the eastern city of Lahore in the belief he has been unlawfully detained, a lawyer acting for his family said.
The Lahore High Court took up the case on Wednesday and the presiding judge, Anwar ul Haq, asked for the officer in charge of the police station handling the case to appear at the next hearing on December 19.
The lawyer, Usama Malik, told Reuters a neighbour had called police on the night of December 2 to report that Khan was being kidnapped by unknown men.
Khan's brother and police arrived to find Khan gone, along with his mobile telephones and computer, the lawyer said.
Police were not available for comment on the court summons on Wednesday. Police said earlier they had no suspect in the case and they were investigating.
On the day of his disappearance, Khan had spoken at a forum on militancy.
"Everyone discussed their views and, of course, Raza was very critical," said a friend, Rahim-ul-Haq.
Khan had also posted comments on Facebook critical of the military and its suspected link to some hardliners who at the time were protesting against the civilian government.
Liberals in Pakistan have long criticised what they see as the military's use of some militant factions to further its political and security objectives.
The army denies sponsoring militant factions. It regards security policy, especially towards neighbours India and Afghanistan, as its responsibility.
The quake occurred at 8.29pm UAE time
asia12 hours ago
The Capitals posted their highest total in the tournament to set up a ten-run win over their gritty rivals
sports13 hours ago
Shortly after receiving the call, the employee informed her superiors
asia13 hours ago
Cross-border shelling has killed at least 70 civilians, including children, rescue workers and journalists
world13 hours ago
The hosts dominate with a total of 194 medals including 65 golds with Saudi in second place and Kuwait in third
sports13 hours ago
Residents with any information have been urged to contact the concerned authority
emergencies13 hours ago
Northeastern University in Boston says the action was taken after some protesters resorted to virulent anti-Semitic slurs
world14 hours ago
The church has been built on 4.37 acres of land, and stands opposite the BAPS Hindu temple
uae14 hours ago