Thousands of people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are protesting against the Shehbaz Sharif government. The Awami Action Committee (AAC) called for a “shutter-down and wheel-jam” strike. Protesters demand cheaper flour, fair electricity rates, and the removal of 12 refugee assembly seats. Islamabad sent thousands of troops and cut internet access to stop the movement. Talks between the AAC and the government broke down after 13 hours. “Enough is enough. Deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people,” said AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir. The situation remains tense as both sides refuse to step back.

At least 4 people were killed and 8 injured in a violent attack at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Police said 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire, and set the building on fire. He was later shot dead by police. Hundreds were inside for Sunday service. Victims include people shot and others trapped in the fire. Authorities said gasoline was used as an accelerant. The FBI is leading the investigation. Michigan’s governor called the attack unacceptable, while church leaders urged prayers for peace and healing. (PC: BBC)

The Global Sumud aid flotilla, comprising 44 vessels, has reached waters north of Marsa Matrouh on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Organizers announced plans to sail toward Alexandria within hours, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The lead vessels, OHWAYLA and ALL IN, are approximately 678 kilometers from Gaza, with an estimated arrival in 3 to 4 days. The International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza expressed concerns, stating, "We expect the Zionists to commit a war crime against us at any time as we are getting closer to Gaza." A boat carrying over 100 journalists and medical professionals is scheduled to depart on October 1 to join the mission. (PC: Reuters)

Tens of thousands of people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) staged unprecedented protests on Sunday, demanding sweeping political and economic reforms from Islamabad. The demonstrations, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), put forward a 38-point charter, which includes scrapping special refugee seats in the PoK assembly, reducing electricity tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project, and ensuring subsidised flour. Authorities imposed an internet blackout from midnight, deployed heavy security forces, and sealed key entry points to contain unrest. Talks between protest leaders and officials collapsed after 13 hours, as the AAC rejected compromises favoring political elites. 

At least 1 person was killed and nine others injured in a shooting at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday. Police said a 40-year-old man drove a vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during service and opened fire with a rifle. He also set part of the church on fire before being shot dead by officers. Hundreds were inside the building at the time. Some victims are in critical condition. The FBI is leading the probe. Officials, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, condemned the violence and called it a heartbreaking tragedy. (PC: BBC)

Several people were shot at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, about 50 miles north of Detroit. Police said the shooter is down and there is no ongoing threat. The church caught fire, and more details on casualties are awaited. US Attorney General Pamela Bindi said FBI and ATF agents are on the way and called the attack “heartbreaking and chilling.” The shooting came hours after a premeditated attack in Southport, North Carolina, where three people died and five were injured. A man named Nigel Edge opened fire from a boat near a crowded restaurant. (PC: X)

During a pivotal meeting at the White House, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir presented U.S. President Donald Trump with a display of rare earth minerals, underscoring Pakistan's rich mineral resources. This gesture follows a $500 million investment agreement between Pakistan's Frontier Works Organisation and U.S. Strategic Metals, aiming to establish a poly-metallic refinery. Sharif emphasized the potential for U.S. investment in Pakistan's agriculture, IT, and energy sectors. The meeting, attended by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening Pakistan-U.S. relations. 

Canada may gain from US H-1B visa changes after President Donald Trump raised the fee to $100,000. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada could hold on to talent that often moves south. Immigration experts see a chance for Canada to attract skilled workers, but warn its own system has problems. In 2023, 10,000 people applied within 24 hours for Canada’s H-1B work permit program. Lawyers say some did move north, though many still face hurdles in getting permanent residency. Economists warn wages are lower than in the US, but agree Canada should act quickly to seize the opportunity. (PC: BBC)

China's Huawei Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province has opened as the world's new tallest bridge, standing 625 meters above the Beipan River. The 2,890-meter-long structure is nearly nine times taller than San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, dramatically reducing canyon crossing time from two hours to just two minutes. Guizhou province now hosts almost half of the world's tallest bridges, establishing itself as a global engineering hub. This infrastructure achievement represents China's continued advancement in bridge construction technology and highlights the province's strategic importance in connecting previously isolated regions through innovative transportation solutions that overcome challenging mountainous terrain.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir presented rare earth minerals to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting, aiming to strengthen Pakistan-US ties. The 90-minute Oval Office discussion included VP JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, covering security, economic engagement, counterterrorism, and investment opportunities. The US expressed strong interest in Pakistan's rare earth minerals, crypto mining potential, and oil exploration prospects. Earlier this month, US Strategic Metals signed a $500 million investment deal with Pakistan covering critical minerals including antimony, copper, gold, and tungsten. Pakistan claims mineral reserves worth trillions of dollars, hoping foreign investment will help overcome its prolonged financial crisis. (PC: X)