Pakistan witnessed another surge in political unrest as thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police in their demand for his release. Tensions boiled over in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where protesters faced tear gas as they fired projectiles using slings.

The protest escalated on Monday when a large convoy, led by lawmaker Ali Amin Gandapur and addressed by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, began its march from Peshawar to Islamabad. Bushra Bibi, who was briefly jailed earlier this year, urged supporters to remain steadfast, framing the movement as not just a fight for her husband but for Pakistan’s future.

“Until Khan comes to us, we will not end this march,” she declared. “This is about our country and its leader.”

In response, authorities fortified Islamabad with rows of shipping containers blocking major streets, earning the city the nickname “Containeristan.” Heavy police and paramilitary forces have been deployed, turning the capital into a fortress to prevent protesters from entering.

Social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram have been partially suspended, and mobile services may be cut if unrest escalates further. Residents of Islamabad are bearing the brunt of these disruptions, with schools closed, businesses stalled, and daily commutes severely impacted.

This latest wave of protests reflects the deepening divide in Pakistan’s political landscape. Khan, a once-popular leader ousted in 2022, remains a polarizing figure. His supporters, galvanized by his imprisonment, have staged relentless demonstrations, challenging the government’s ability to maintain order.

As the march continues, Pakistan’s political future appears increasingly uncertain, with no resolution in sight. Authorities and protest leaders remain at an impasse, leaving residents and businesses to navigate an environment of mounting chaos and tension.

A tragic cargo plane crash near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania has claimed one life and left three others injured. The Boeing 737-400, operated for DHL by Spanish airline Swiftair, went down in the early hours of Monday as it approached its final landing.

The aircraft, flying from Leipzig, Germany, crashed approximately 1.3 km (0.8 miles) north of the runway around 04:30 local time (02:30 GMT). The plane reportedly struck infrastructure near a residential property, causing a fire. Firefighters swiftly evacuated 12 residents from the house, which sustained minor damage.

The deceased was identified as one of the four crew members onboard. Lithuanian authorities confirmed that all other passengers and residents in the vicinity were accounted for.

Emergency responders worked to contain the fire, with firefighters seen battling smoke at the crash site. Despite the proximity of the crash to the airport, Vilnius Airport operations have continued without disruption.

DHL confirmed ownership of the 31-year-old aircraft and stated that the crash occurred during an “emergency landing.” Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, with authorities noting no signs of an explosion prior to impact.

Before the crash, weather conditions in the area were reported as cold, with temperatures at 0°C (32°F), light winds of 30 km/h (19 mph), and cloudy skies. These factors, alongside the plane’s age and other operational details, will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Renatas Pozela, head of Lithuania’s firefighting and emergency services unit, confirmed that the crash caused limited structural damage but highlighted the swift evacuation of residents as a key success in preventing further casualties.

The idyllic backpacker haven of Vang Vieng, Laos, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant social scene, has been rocked by a tragedy after six tourists died last week from suspected methanol poisoning. The victims are believed to have consumed contaminated alcoholic drinks containing methanol, a toxic industrial chemical often used in counterfeit alcohol.

Nestled amid jagged peaks and lush valleys, Vang Vieng is a magnet for young travelers on the Southeast Asian backpacking trail. Its unique mix of breathtaking scenery and inexpensive thrills, including kayaking, tubing, and riverside parties, has made it a hotspot for adventure-seekers.

Tubing, one of the town’s most iconic activities, involves floating down the river on giant inner tubes, stopping at riverside bars for shots of alcohol and socializing before continuing downstream. However, this carefree pastime now faces scrutiny in light of the recent deaths.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the vibrant tourism scene, with warnings about the dangers of unregulated alcohol spreading rapidly among travelers. Methanol poisoning, often linked to illicitly produced spirits, can cause severe health issues or death, even in small amounts.

Authorities in Laos have not yet confirmed the exact source of the contamination, but the incident has sparked an urgent call for greater regulation and caution. Travelers are being advised to avoid locally made spirits and stick to sealed, branded bottles to minimize risks.

The news has rippled through the backpacking community, prompting many to rethink their drinking habits while enjoying the area’s attractions. “It’s heartbreaking,” shared one traveler. “We’re here for fun and adventure, but safety has to come first.”

As investigations continue, Vang Vieng remains a testament to the dual nature of its allure—stunning beauty tempered by the need for vigilance in enjoying its offerings. For now, the mantra among tourists is clear: “Don’t drink the spirits.”