Briefly

MEXICO

Capital city bans violent bullfighting

Mexico City lawmakers on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting, triggering outrage from aficionados and celebration from animal rights advocates. The legislation, approved by a 61-1 vote, prohibits the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects that could injure the animals. It also sets time limits on how long bulls can be in the ring, all part of an initiative dubbed bullfighting without violence. The decision sparked angry protests from bullfighting supporters and matadors. Bullfighting has long been considered a tradition and a pastime in Latin America, but has come under criticism for animal cruelty because bulls are often killed at the end of the fight.

PAKISTAN

Leader calls for unity after surge in attacks

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Tuesday on the country's political leadership to unite in its resolve to combat militants with "the full force of the state" following a surge in deadly violence. Separatists in Balochistan last week hijacked a train and killed 26 hostages before security forces shot dead all 33 attackers in one of the worst bloodsheds in recent months that drew condemnation.

Agencies via Xinhua