GOMA, Congo, MAR 5 /DNA/: A mine collapse at a major coltan mining site in eastern Congo left at least 200 dead, according to Congolese authorities, a number disputed by the rebel group that controls the mine.
The collapse took place Tuesday at the Rubaya mines, which are controlled by the M23 rebel group, Congo’s Ministry of Mines said in a statement on Wednesday. It was the latest such tragedy in the mineral-rich and rebel-controlled territories of the country.
But senior M23 official Fanny Kaj disputed the figure, saying that the collapse was caused by “bombings” and only five people had been killed.
“I can confirm that what people are publishing is not true. There was no landslide; there were bombings, and the death toll isn’t what people are saying. It’s simply about five people who died,” Kaj said.
Ibrahim Taluseke, a miner at the site, said that he had helped to recover more than 200 bodies from the area.
“We are afraid, but these are lives that are in danger,” said Taluseke. “The owners of the pits do not accept that the exact number of deaths be revealed.”
Rubaya lies in the heart of eastern Congo, a mineral-rich part of the Central African nation which for decades has been ripped apart by violence from government forces and different armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 group, whose recent resurgence has escalated the conflict, worsening an already acute humanitarian crisis.
Congo is a major supplier of coltan, a black metallic ore that contains the rare metal tantalum, a key component in the production of smartphones, computers and aircraft engines.
The country produced about 40 percent of the world’s coltan in 2023, according to the US Geological Survey, with Australia, Canada and Brazil being other big suppliers. More than 15 percent of the world’s supply of tantalum comes from Rubaya’s mines.
In May 2024, M23 seized the town and took control of its mines. According to a UN report, since seizing Rubaya, the rebels have imposed taxes on the trade and transport of coltan, generating at least $800,000 a month.
Eastern Congo has been in and out of crisis for decades. Various conflicts have created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises with more than 7 million people displaced, including more than 300,000 who have fled their homes since December.
In June, the Congolese and Rwandan government signed a peace deal brokered by the US and negotiations continue between rebels and Congo. However, fighting continues on several fronts in eastern Congo, continuing to claim numerous civilian and military casualties.
The deal between Congo and Rwanda also opens up access to critical minerals for the US government and American companies.
A similar collapse last month killed more than 200 people.
Mine collapse in eastern Congo leaves 200 dead, authorities say, but rebels dispute the number
T20 World Cup semi-final: England elect to field after winning toss against India
England won the toss and elected to field first against India in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.
Playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah.
England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid.
Head-to-head
India and England have come face-to-face 29 times in T20Is. The Men in Blue lead the head-to-head record with 17 victories, compared to the Three Lions’ 12.
In T20 World Cups, however, the two sides have met five times, with India winning three matches and England winning two.
- Matches: 29
- India: 17
- England: 12
Form Guide
India and England enter the fixture with similar momentum in their favour as the Three Lions are on a five-match winning streak, while the home side have just one defeat in their last five matches.
The defending champions booked their semi-final qualification with a five-wicket victory over West Indies in the high-stakes Super Eights clash, which was their second after the stunning 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa.
England, on the other hand, remained perfect throughout the Super Eight stage, winning each of their three matches against Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand, respectively.
India: W, W, L, W, W (most recent first)
England: W, W, W, W, W
Use of Afghan soil for terrorism unacceptable: CDF Munir
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4 /DNA/ – Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, visited Wana in South Waziristan to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the Western border.
Field Marshal laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument to pay homage to the martyrs who rendered supreme sacrifices in defence of the motherland. The Field Marshal offered Fateha and reaffirmed that the sacrifices of Shuhada remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s security and resilience.
During the visit, the Field Marshal was given a comprehensive briefing on the security environment, ongoing intelligence-based operations and measures in place for border management. The Field Marshal was briefed in detail regarding ongoing Operation Ghazab lil Haq and developments along Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir interacted with the officers and troops deployed in forward areas, commending their unwavering professionalism, operational vigilance, and high morale during the ongoing skirmishes. He lauded their steadfast commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
The Field Marshal emphasised that use of Afghan soil by Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan for acts of terrorism against Pakistan was unacceptable and all necessary measures would be taken to neutralize the threat emanating from across the border. The Field Marshal reiterated that peace could only prevail between both sides if the Afghan Taliban renounced their support for terrorism and terrorist organisations.
Appreciating the Pakistan Army’s operational preparedness, the Field Marshal expressed full confidence in the combat readiness, synergy, and resilience of the formations deployed along Pakistan-Afghanistan Border.
Upon arrival, the Field Marshal was received by the Corps Commander Peshawar.
Hockey WC qualifiers: Pak defeat Austria
Sports Desk
CAIRO: The Pakistan men’s national hockey team delivered a commanding performance in the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt, securing their spot in the semi-finals and automatic qualification for the prestigious World Cup scheduled for later in 2026 (likely August, as per tournament cycles).
In their third and final Pool B match, Pakistan defeated Austria convincingly 4-1 (some reports note variations like 4-2 in updates, but the dominant win stands confirmed). This victory capped a perfect group stage run, following earlier triumphs: a thrilling 5-4 win over China and a resilient 5-3 comeback against Malaysia.
The Green Shirts showcased strong teamwork, clinical finishing, and tactical discipline throughout the campaign. With three straight victories, Pakistan topped their pool and advanced directly to the semi-finals, where they will face a tough opponent (likely Egypt or Japan, based on Pool A standings).
This impressive form not only guarantees Pakistan’s place in the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup but has also boosted their global standing. The FIH rankings updated after the wins over China and Malaysia saw Pakistan climb two spots from No. 14 to No. 12, with points rising significantly to around 2,237.
Fans celebrated the revival of Pakistan hockey, with calls for sustained momentum heading into the knockouts. The team’s resurgence signals a promising return to form on the international stage.
New Zealand defeat South Africa to reach T20 World Cup final
KOLKATA, MAR 4: New Zealand secured their place in the T20 World Cup final after defeating South Africa by nine wickets in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday.
Set to chase 170, the Blackcaps comfortably struck the winning runs for the loss of just one wicket and 43 balls to spare, courtesy of a monumental opening partnership between centurion Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.
The opening pair laid a solid foundation for the pursuit by putting together 117 runs in nine overs before Kagiso Rabada cleaned up Seifert, who made a 33-ball 58 with the help of seven fours and two sixes.
Allen, on the other hand, stood his ground firm and eventually steered New Zealand over the line by smashing Marco Jansen for a four on the penultimate delivery of the 13th over, which also helped him bring up his third T20I century.
Allen remained the top-scorer for New Zealand with an unbeaten 100 off 33 deliveries, studded with 10 fours and eight sixes.
He also shared a one-sided 56-run partnership for the second wicket with Rachin Ravindra, who contributed with 13 not out from 11 deliveries.
Rabada remained the solitary wicket-taker for South Africa.
Put into bat first, South Africa accumulated 169/8 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a defiant sixth-wicket partnership between Jansen and Tristan Stubbs.
The Proteas, however, got off to a dismal start to their innings as they lost Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton (zero) in the second over with just 12 runs on the board.
Following the early stutter, captain Aiden Markram was joined by Dewald Brevis in the middle, and the duo batted cautiously to add 43 runs for the third wicket until the former fell victim to Rachin Ravindra in the eighth over after scoring a scratchy 18 off 20 deliveries.
Ravindra struck again in his next over, dismissing David Miller, who could score a run-a-ball six.
James Neesham inflicted another setback on South Africa in the next over as he dismissed set batter Brevis, who walked back after top-scoring with 34 off 27 deliveries with the help of three fours and two sixes, and brought the total down to 77/5.
Bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs then launched a spirited recovery for South Africa as they put together 73 runs for the sixth off just 46 deliveries until Lockie Ferguson cleaned up the latter on the first delivery of the penultimate over.
Stubbs scored an anchoring 29 off 24 deliveries with the help of two fours and a six.
Jansen, on the other hand, carried his onslaught until the end and returned after top-scoring with an unbeaten 55 off just 30 deliveries, studded with five sixes and two fours.
For New Zealand, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry and Ravindra bagged two wickets each, while Neesham and Ferguson made one scalp apiece.
Peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan hinges on Taliban regime ending terrorists support: CDF Munir
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated that peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan could only prevail if the Afghan Taliban regime renounced their support for terrorism and terrorist organisations, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the military’s media wing, CDF Munir visited Wana in South Waziristan to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the Western border.
“Peace could only prevail between both sides if the Afghan Taliban renounced their support for terrorism and terrorist organisations,” the ISPR quoted COAS Munir as saying.
During the visit, Field Marshal Munir was given a comprehensive briefing on the security environment, ongoing intelligence-based operations and measures in place for border management.
The COAS was briefed in detail regarding ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq and developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the ISPR statement read.
The military’s media wing said that CDF Munir interacted with the officers and troops deployed in forward areas, commending their unwavering professionalism, operational vigilance, and high morale during the ongoing skirmishes.
He lauded their steadfast commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
The ISPR said that Field Marshal Munir emphasised that use of Afghan soil by Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan for acts of terrorism against Pakistan was unacceptable and all necessary measures would be taken to neutralise the threat emanating from across the border.
Appreciating the Pakistan Army’s operational preparedness, the Field Marshal expressed full confidence in the combat readiness, synergy, and resilience of the formations deployed along Pakistan-Afghanistan Border.
Field Marshal laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument to pay homage to the martyrs who rendered supreme sacrifices in defence of the motherland. The Field Marshal offered Fateha and reaffirmed that the sacrifices of Shuhada remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s security and resilience.
Upon arrival, Field Marshal Munir was received by the Corps Commander, Peshawar.
The Power to Give, the Strength to Gain!
Mani Kohli: A symbol of excellence, perseverance & generosity
Erum Masood
On March 8 each year, the world comes together to celebrate the incredible women who inspire, uplift and transform lives across communities and continents. International Women’s Day not only highlights women’s achievements but also acknowledges their struggles and the lasting impact of their resilience, leadership and compassion on future generations.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of supporting and working alongside women in Pakistan, Morocco and the United Kingdom—women who are celebrated not merely for their backgrounds, but for their strength, vision and determination. On this special day, I wish to pay tribute to a truly remarkable South Asian woman, Mani Kohli MBE, whose journey reflects excellence, perseverance and generosity of spirit.
Pakistan travel guides
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With deep roots in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Mani Kohli’s story is a powerful reminder of our shared heritage and the importance of women uplifting one another, regardless of geography. As a respected figure in the fashion industry, she has styled prominent personalities across the UK, Asia and the United States. Yet beyond glamour and success, what truly defines her work is her belief that beauty begins within. She empowers women to embrace confidence, authenticity and self-worth—qualities that no fabric or trend alone can create.
Her contributions extend far beyond fashion. Passionate about philanthropy and community development, she actively raises funds for charitable causes and mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Through her work, she encourages others to give with sincerity and enthusiasm, reinforcing the idea that true success is measured by the lives we uplift along the way.
Meeting her through the British Asian Fashion Network was a transformative moment in my own journey. She has since become not only a mentor in fashion but a role model in leadership and humility. I was honoured to celebrate her MBE recognition alongside her children and inspiring women from around the world—each representing strength, talent and compassion in their own unique ways.
The People’s Incubation New Enterprise (PINE) Global Community recognizes women such as Ghinaa Khan, Sana Kardar, Rabia Amir, Musarrat Jabeen, Misha Irshad, Maham Masood, Fakiha Fatima, Vinessa Phoebe and Ramsha Khokar, who consistently support and empower one another. Their collective spirit reflects the true essence of International Women’s Day—unity, encouragement and shared growth.
As we celebrate Mani Kohli MBE and countless other extraordinary women, let us honour them not only for their professional accomplishments but for the roles they cherish as mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. Their strength lies not only in what they achieve, but in how they nurture, inspire and give of themselves.
Women’s giving is not about gaining recognition; it is about sharing time, compassion and purpose to create a kinder and brighter world.
(The writer is a communication specialist, strategist, entrepreneur, and consultant based in Pakistan and the UK).
Top political brass gets in-camera briefing on regional security situation
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasised the need for national unity and solidarity while chairing a meeting of parliamentary parties’ leaders and representatives of political parties to brief them on the regional security situation.
The participants were given an in-camera briefing on the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation, developments concerning Iran, conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf region and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
Sources told Geo News that the participants were also briefed on the country’s security situation, with political leadership taken into confidence over key developments.
They added that PM Shehbaz also informed participants of the huddle about his recent contacts with leadership in the Middle East and shared details of diplomatic engagements undertaken during the recent regional tensions.
During the meeting, the parliamentary leaders of the political parties expressed their views openly, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
They appreciated the diplomatic efforts being made by Pakistan for the regional peace, and stressed the need to further intensify them, besides presenting their suggestions for the future course of action.
All participants reaffirmed their strong resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country.
They also appreciated the prime minister’s initiative of taking all the political leadership into confidence in the broader national interests and thanked him.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar told Geo News that a proposal had been put forward to convene a joint sitting of parliament to deliberate on developments concerning Afghanistan and the Middle East.
He added that it had been suggested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would jointly brief lawmakers from both the opposition and treasury benches on the prevailing international situation and Pakistan’s role within the evolving regional landscape.
Prominent figures, who attended today’s briefing, include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, along with federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attaullah Tarar, also attended the session.
The Middle East conflict triggered by US and Israel’s attacks on Iran, leaving its top officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred.
Alongside regional developments, Pakistan continues to face threats from cross-border terrorism originating in Afghanistan.
The Pakistani armed forces are conducting ground and aerial operations under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, focusing on Afghan Taliban elements and Fitna al-Khawarij militants involved in cross-border attacks.
The operation was launched on February 27 in response to unprovoked actions by Afghan Taliban fighters along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Aurangzeb chairs meeting on regional energy situation
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4 /DNA/ – The Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices in the Wake of the Emerging Situation in the Region, constituted by the Prime Minister, met again today under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division.
The Committee continued its deliberations on the evolving regional and global energy situation and undertook a detailed review of petroleum stock levels and supply chains across the country. Participants were briefed on country stock levels of crude oil and refined petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuels and LPG, along with their respective days of cover and daily consumption patterns.
The meeting was also briefed on global oil market developments, including movements in international benchmark prices, freight and insurance costs, shipping route dynamics, and evolving conditions in key maritime corridors. The Committee noted that the international energy environment remains fluid, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for global energy trade.
Participants reviewed developments in LNG and LPG markets as well. The Committee was informed that while LNG imports under long-term arrangements remain an important component of Pakistan’s energy supply mix, disruptions in regional shipping routes could affect global LNG logistics. LPG inflows through cross-border channels are also being closely monitored to ensure uninterrupted domestic availability.
The Committee discussed a range of contingency measures to strengthen supply security, including engagement with international partners and exploration of alternative sourcing routes. In this regard, members were informed of ongoing diplomatic and commercial engagement with friendly countries and suppliers in the region to secure additional crude and petroleum supplies where necessary.
The Committee also noted efforts underway to diversify procurement options through regional energy hubs, including potential arrangements through ports in the Red Sea and the Gulf region, in order to maintain the continuity of refinery operations and ensure supply resilience.
Members further reviewed energy conservation measures as part of broader contingency planning aimed at managing demand efficiently while maintaining orderly market conditions. The Committee emphasized that while supply conditions remain stable, prudent energy use and conservation at all levels would help strengthen national preparedness should international uncertainties persist.
The Finance Minister emphasized that ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products remains the Government’s foremost priority and will continue to guide all policy decisions. He reiterated that the Committee is monitoring developments on a daily basis and is prepared to take timely and coordinated measures to safeguard national energy security and maintain stability in domestic markets.
The Committee also stressed the importance of preventing hoarding, diversion, or smuggling of petroleum products, particularly in times of international volatility. Relevant authorities have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance and strengthen coordination with provincial governments to ensure that domestic supplies remain protected.
It was further decided that the Chief Secretaries of all provinces will participate in the Committee’s meeting tomorrow to deliberate on the final summary and proposed national action plan. The Committee will continue its deliberations to finalize a comprehensive strategy to be implemented at the national level with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Power Mr. Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Mr. Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from the concerned ministries, divisions, and regulatory bodies.
OGRA assures public of adequate fuel stocks, warns against hoarding
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4 /DNA/ – In a bid to ensure the continuous supply of petroleum products and maintain market stability during times of price volatility, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has clarified that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) may temporarily regulate the supply of fuel to retail outlets.
According to an official statement issued by OGRA Spokesman Imran Ghaznavi, this measure involves basing supplies on the historical sales patterns of individual petrol pumps. The regulator described this as a “standard supply management practice” designed to prevent disruptions in the distribution system and discourage hoarding.
“The public is reassured that the country currently holds adequate stocks of petrol and diesel, well within the required limits,” the statement read, emphatically denying any shortage of petroleum products.
OGRA advised citizens to ignore rumors regarding fuel availability and to rely solely on information disseminated through official channels. The authority’s statement aims to calm consumer anxiety and ensure that market operations remain stable despite external price pressures.
