SANTIAGO (Chile), Jan 1: Firefighters are making progress against a major blaze in one of Chile's most spectacular national parks, the government said on Sunday, and the Israeli tourist accused of setting the fire denied guilt.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter announced that light rain and diminished winds had helped emergency workers control three of the six areas of the fire at the Torres del Paine park, though the blaze has burned more 48 square miles since starting on Tuesday.

A court on Saturday ordered Rotem Singer, a 23-year-old Israeli citizen, to remain in the region while he faces charges of negligently setting the blaze.—AP

Opinion

The Dar story continues

The Dar story continues

One wonders what the rationale was for the foreign minister — a highly demanding, full-time job — being assigned various other political responsibilities.

Editorial

Wheat protests
Updated 01 May, 2024

Wheat protests

The government should withdraw from the wheat trade gradually, replacing the existing market support mechanism with an effective new one over the next several years.
Polio drive
01 May, 2024

Polio drive

THE year’s fourth polio drive has kicked off across Pakistan, with the aim to immunise more than 24m children ...
Workers’ struggle
Updated 01 May, 2024

Workers’ struggle

Yet the struggle to secure a living wage — and decent working conditions — for the toiling masses must continue.
All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...