The explosion in Beirut couldn’t have come at a worse time for Lebanon, which is enduring its deepest political and financial crisis since the 15-year civil war ended in 1990.
While ammonium nitrate does not combust on its own, it can explode if contaminated by a flammable substance like oil, or if it comes in contact with fire.
Iran-backed Hezbollah has nothing to fear from the state but it won't escape public opprobrium. Most will assume the chemicals belonged to it, for use in Syria and against Israel.
Fear of money falling into the hands of Hezbollah has kept the Gulf Arab states from bailing Lebanon out of its current economic crisis, as they have in the past.
Customs officials asked judicial authorities at least twice since 2014 to issue orders for the highly inflammable substance to be confiscated or re-exported.
Already struggling with its worst financial crisis and a resurgent Covid, the explosion, that shut down a major port for the import-reliant Lebanon, is nothing short of a calamity.
Of the many theories on how ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn managed to escape to Lebanon, one says he smuggled himself out of Japan in a large musical instrument box.
Despite growing passenger volume, 11 out of 14 carriers reported losses in 2023-24. IndiGo recorded profit of Rs 8,167 crore, which reduced to Rs 7.253 crore in 2024-25.
Of the total package, $649 million will be utilised for additional hardware, software, and support services, and the remaining for Major Defence Equipment (MDE).
None of Pakistan’s PMs has lasted 5 years. That the current PM has given Asim Munir 5 years shows that of all military dictatorships history has seen, Pakistan’s is most creative.
COMMENTS