KARACHI: Just a day earlier on Wednesday, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was the only party whose supporters were protesting all over Pakistan against the apex court’s decision to acquit a Christian woman on death row.
On Thursday, that number grew to hundreds after workers from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) defied the ban on demonstrations and amassed at the Karachi Press Club to hear the fiery speeches of their party leaders. They chanted slogans of support as Rashid Mehmood Soomro, Sindh President of the JUI-F, asked the protestors if they would join in to lay siege on the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
At the core is the issue of Aasia Bibi, a 51-year-old woman who was on death row for the past eight years after being convicted on blasphemy charges by a lower court in 2010. The Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the decision citing a lack of credible evidence in her case, acquitting Bibi of all charges. Taking objection to the decision, the TLP and other religious parties are now pushing the top court to overrule the verdict, threatening that they would continue with their protests until the Supreme Court gives in.
Meanwhile, in Lahore, the Milli Yakjehti Council (MYC), an alliance of 15 religious groups, representing all schools of thoughts -- and including mainstream Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JIP), Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUIF), Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (JUP), and Hafiz Saeed’s Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) -- gave a call for a nationwide strike on Friday.
“The MYC meeting presided by its president, Dr Sahibzada Abul Khair Zubair, has decided to observe a countrywide strike tomorrow,” Qaiser Sharif, central information Secretary of JIP, told Arab News.
Sharif added that the meeting also decided to hold an All Parties Conference (APC) at Lahore’s Al Qadsia mosque on Saturday. “The meeting will be followed by a media briefing, in which the future ‘line of action’ will be announced,” Sharif said.
He added that the religious parties while condemning the “insulting” speech by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday night, have called upon his government to place Bibi on the Exit Control List, even as they announced plans to file a review petition in the case.
PROTESTS MAINSTREAMING
Zia Ur Rehman, a Karachi-based analyst, said that the TLP is a key political party which has exploited the issue of blasphemy and does not want other religious and sectarian parties to take advantage of it.
“The other religious parties, especially the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl, did not take interest in the issue in the recent past,” said Rehman. “However, after the acquittal of Aasia Bibi, they have also jumped on the bandwagon but did not get so much praise from the religious circles.”
Abdul Jabbar Nasir, a political analyst studying the functioning of religious parties, said that PM Khan’s “unnecessary” speech on Wednesday night has given a further impetus to the cause of mainstream religious parties by pushing them to play an even more active role. “Religious political parties now believe that not launching a fierce campaign against the apex court’s judgment would result in their political and ideological death,” Nasir said.
Nasir recalls that the very foundation of TLP – led by Khadim Hussain Rizvi -- was built on the issue of blasphemy, specifically Bibi’s case. “It was the execution of Mumtaz Qadri which provided a base for Rizvi to launch his religious political party so he has no option but to go to any extreme for his survival,” Nasir opines. “After the PM’s speech, the mainstream religious cliques would do maximum but still they would remain in limits.”
He added that TLP’s leadership is “accidental and thus not serious, so there are always chances of decisions being taken without keeping repercussions in mind. The mainstream groups would think before every likely step”.
However, Qari Muhammad Usman, central leader of the JUI-F, disagrees that protest was not a priority for the religious parties. “We were out on the road immediately after the apex court handed down the decision. We are out today and will continue to protest till the controversial decision is taken back,” Usman told Arab News.
Without naming PM Khan, the JUI-F leader said those who think only few are taking part in the protests are living in a fool’s paradise. “A governor and a federal minister have been killed whereas Mumtaz Qadri was also killed due to this case. It’s not a normal case and the apex court should have refrained from announcing a controversial verdict in it,” the JUIF leader argued.
JIP’s Sharif added that the religious parties won’t stop protesting but that the demonstrations would be completely peaceful and within the limits of the constitution.
More religious parties to protest against Bibi's acquittal
More religious parties to protest against Bibi's acquittal
- Alliance of top organizations announces nationwide strike on Friday
- Experts say PM Khan’s “unnecessary speech” boosted groups to play active role
Pakistan to launch direct flights to Azerbaijan on April 20 as bilateral ties grow
- The announcement comes after PIA reported operational and net profits for the first time in 21 years
- Pakistan and Azerbaijan have vowed to deepen strategic cooperation in trade, energy and defense
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national flag carrier on Sunday announced it will begin direct flights to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, from April 20, as the two countries move to deepen strategic cooperation across trade, energy, defense and regional connectivity.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have been stepping up bilateral collaboration, with Islamabad offering Baku and other Central Asian states access to its Gwadar and Karachi ports.
In return, Azerbaijan committed to a $2 billion investment in Pakistan’s mining, energy and infrastructure sectors during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Baku in February.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced the new service at a special ceremony in Karachi held in honor of travel agents and tour operators, who were briefed on the new route.
“PIA will operate two weekly flights from Lahore,” the airline said in a statement after the gathering, adding that “flights to Baku will depart on Sundays and Wednesdays.”
PIA said the direct connection to Azerbaijan would help boost two-way tourism and commercial ties, adding it was committed to ensuring the viability of the Baku route and strengthening its presence in the Central Asian market.
The Pakistani national airline, which has long struggled financially, surprised observers earlier this month by posting an operational profit of $33.48 million and a net profit of $94.32 million in the last fiscal year.
This was the first time in 21 years the airline has made these profits.
The launch of the Baku route is expected to support the carrier’s business further as the government pushes ahead with plans to privatize it under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program aimed at reforming state-owned enterprises and stabilizing the economy.
Pakistan’s interior minister, US congressional delegation discuss counterterror cooperation, bilateral investment
- Mohsin Naqvi says “terrorism” is a global challenge, urges international community to cooperate with Pakistan
- As Pakistan grapples with militancy, Islamabad and Washington will hold a counterterrorism dialogue in June
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks on counterterrorism cooperation and bilateral investment with a United States (US) congressional delegation in Islamabad on Sunday, as both countries attempt to forge closer ties to battle surging regional militancy.
Military cooperation between Pakistan and the US spans over six decades, but it underwent a tactical renaissance since the militant attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
During the US ‘War on Terror’ against the Taliban in Afghanistan, US-Pakistan relations were largely prompted by Washington’s short-term need for Islamabad’s cooperation to serve its security and strategic interests in Kabul.
A US congressional delegation in Pakistan comprising congressmen Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi and Jonathan Jackson called on the Pakistani interior minister in Islamabad. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker and Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also present.
“Discussions on advancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment were held,” the interior ministry said. “Discussions were also held on security, counterterrorism and border security areas.”
Naqvi described Pakistan as a “wall” between “terrorism” and the world, the ministry said.
“Terrorism is a global challenge and the international community urgently needs to cooperate fully with Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying by the ministry.
The Pakistani minister stressed the importance of sharing intelligence and technology counterterrorism.
Pakistan and the US will hold a counter-terrorism dialogue in June this year. Cooperation between Islamabad and Washington in the field of counterterrorism is particularly important given the increase in militant attacks in Pakistan’s western provinces bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants that launch attacks on its soil, allegations that have been repeatedly denied by the Taliban government in Kabul.
Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami party to hold ‘Gaza Solidarity March’ in Karachi today
- JI to hold march at Karachi’s busy Shahrah-e-Faisal road at 4:00 p.m. today, says party
- At least 1,560 Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed bombarding Gaza in March
ISLAMABAD: Thousands of supporters of prominent Pakistani religiopolitical party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) are expected to take part in a “Gaza Solidarity March” in the southern port city of Karachi against Israel’s military offensives in the Palestinian territory.
The protest will take place days after the JI held demonstrations in Lahore and other major cities on Friday to protest Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and urge Muslim nations to stop the bloodshed.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 1,560 people have been killed since the fragile truce between Hamas and Israel broke down on Mar. 18. According to Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, at least 500 children are among the dead since Israel resumed the offensive last month.
“A Solidarity with Gaza March will be held on Sunday, Apr. 13 at 4:00 p.m. on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi,” the JI said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday.
The JI has already announced it will lead a protest march to the US Embassy in Islamabad on Apr. 20.
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, has frequently criticized the Jewish state for its military operations in Gaza. Islamabad has also called for the resumption of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory and the need for a revival of negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
Islamabad consistently calls for an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s military offensives in Gaza have killed over 50,000 people and wounded over 116,000, as per the Gaza Health Ministry.
SMEs in MENA, South Asia raise capital, expand
- Pakistani fintech Haball raises $52 million to scale Shariah-compliant supply chain finance and payment solutions
- Founded to address credit gap in Pakistan’s SME ecosystem, Haball enables businesses to access Islamic finance products
RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia are securing fresh capital and expanding into new markets, signaling strong investor confidence.
Saudi-based business-to-business marketplace Sary has announced it will merge with Bangladesh’s commerce platform ShopUp to create the SILQ Group, a newly formed entity aiming to transform cross-border trade across South Asia and the Gulf.
The merger is supported by a $110 million funding package comprising an equity investment and a financing facility dedicated to SILQ Financial, the group’s financial services arm.
The funding round includes participation from a broad investor base, led by Sanabil Investments, and joined by Valar Ventures, Flourish Ventures and STV, as well as MSA Capital, VSQ and Rocketship VC. Wafra Investment, Peak XV and Prosus were also involved, along with Tiger Global, Endeavor Catalyst and Raed Ventures.
Qatar Development Bank also participated as a new investor, as SILQ sets its sights on establishing a significant presence in the Qatari market.
This strategic alliance signals a significant step toward deeper commercial integration between the two regions, aiming to serve micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises with improved access to global supply chains and embedded financial tools.
Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Al-Dossary and Khaled Al-Siari, Sary connects small retailers and merchants with manufacturers and lenders across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.
ShopUp, founded in 2016 by Afeef Zaman, offers similar services in Bangladesh, acting as a crucial link between mills, brands, and neighborhood retailers.
The newly formed SILQ Group combines these complementary regional networks, technology stacks, and market expertise.
“Through this merger, we’re entering what’s set to become one of the world’s largest trade corridors — projected to reach $682 billion,” said Zaman, now CEO of SILQ Group.
“We’re in the front seat to serve some of the most exciting, fast-growing economies that are set to shape global consumption in the coming decades, giving them greater access to products from around the world.” He added SILQ will focus on eliminating friction in the B2B supply chain and enabling MSMEs with better technology and financial inclusion.
Al-Dossary, now CEO of SILQ Financial, said: “By merging our strengths, we’re not just expanding our reach — we’re revolutionizing how digital commerce serves Gulf’s merchants and South Asia manufacturers.”
He added: “This alliance brings together the best of both worlds — deep regional expertise and world-class technology to empower every business in our ecosystem where financial services are a cornerstone.”
Language AI platform STUCK? secures six-figure pre-seed round
Saudi-based artificial intelligence startup STUCK?, which offers real-time language support for English and Arabic content, has raised a six-figure pre-seed investment round to advance its product and market reach.
The funding was led by the UK-based Mena Tech Fund, with participation from the KAUST Innovation Fund and several angel investors from Saudi Arabia.
Founded in 2022 by Asmaa Naga, STUCK? delivers AI-powered language assistance to content teams, offering contextual help in writing, editing and translation.
The company aims to remove language barriers for both native and non-native speakers operating in bilingual business environments.
STUCK? provides services via an AI-first platform that combines natural language processing with generative tools optimized for business communication and brand tone consistency.
With this latest round, STUCK? plans to scale its engineering capabilities.
Rabbit launches in Saudi Arabia with Riyadh regional HQ
Cairo-born quick commerce startup Rabbit has expanded its operations to Saudi Arabia by opening a regional headquarters in Riyadh.
The move marks Rabbit’s first major international market entry, as it looks to replicate its rapid delivery model — offering grocery and everyday essentials in under 20 minutes — within the Kingdom’s growing e-commerce landscape.
Founded in 2021 by Ahmed Yousry, Walid Shabana, Ismail Hafezz and Tarek El-Geresy, Rabbit leverages a network of dark stores and a proprietary logistics platform to optimize ultra-fast last-mile delivery.
In Egypt, Rabbit has positioned itself as a leader in q-commerce with its tech-driven approach, and it now seeks to replicate this success in the Gulf by localizing its services for Saudi consumers.
We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our cutting-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households.
Ahmad Yousry, Rabbit co-founder and CEO
Rabbit’s expansion is supported by funding from investors including Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital.
Existing backers Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, Hub71, Simple Capital and Foundation Ventures have also reaffirmed their commitment to the company’s growth strategy.
“We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom,” said co-founder and CEO Ahmad Yousry.
“We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our cutting-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households and delivering the best products — especially local favorites — in just 20 minutes. We’re building Rabbit Saudi for Saudis by Saudi hands.”
Sellou raises seed funding round at $3m valuation
Bahrain-based social commerce startup Sellou has closed a seed funding round at a $3 million valuation, aimed at scaling its video-powered marketplace platform across the MENA region.
Founded by Salman Al-Khalifa, Sellou allows users to create short, interactive videos to showcase and sell a wide range of products — ranging from handmade goods to general merchandise.
The platform is part of a rising wave of social commerce innovation, particularly in the Middle East, where mobile-first consumer behavior is driving the adoption of new retail formats.
Sellou’s app enables sellers to build storefronts with personalized video content and engage buyers through direct messaging, streamlining the e-commerce experience for both sides.
With fresh capital, Sellou intends to invest in expanding its engineering team, enhancing creator tools and entering new markets across the region.
Rentify raises $500k to grow rental payment platform
UAE-based proptech and fintech company Rentify has raised $500,000 in seed funding to accelerate the development of its rental payment and management platform.
The startup was founded in 2025 by Rashed Hareb and Rajneel Kumar with a vision to digitize rental transactions and improve transparency between tenants and landlords.
Rentify enables tenants to manage rental installments through a secure platform.
The company reports that over $408 million worth of property rentals have already been registered on the platform.
The seed funding will be used to further scale operations, integrate more properties across the Emirates, and introduce new fintech features including credit scoring and embedded finance solutions for tenants.
PayTic raises $4m to expand African operations
Morocco-based fintech startup PayTic has secured $4 million in funding to support its expansion into new African markets.
The round was led by AfricInvest, with participation from Build Ventures, Axian Group, Mistral, Island Capital Partner, and Concrete.
Founded in 2020 by Imad Boumahdi, PayTic focuses on automating operational processes for card issuers and banks, such as reconciliation, chargeback management, and regulatory reporting.
The capital injection will enable PayTic to grow its presence in both North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Haball raises $52m to grow Shariah-compliant supply chain financing
Pakistan-based fintech firm Haball has raised $52 million to scale its Shariah-compliant supply chain finance and payment solutions.
The round includes $5 million in equity and $47 million in strategic financing.
Zayn VC and Meezan Bank led the investment, with the capital earmarked for growth in Pakistan and expansion into the Middle East, starting with Saudi Arabia later this year.
Founded to address the credit gap in Pakistan’s SME ecosystem, Haball enables businesses to access Islamic finance products for inventory and procurement needs.
“Supply chain finance in Pakistan is nascent but is expected to be worth over $9 billion; driven by the severe financing gap faced by the country’s SMEs — less than 5 percent can access financing from commercial banks,” the company said in a statement.
The funding will allow Haball to introduce new services tailored to Islamic finance users, integrate further with enterprise resource planning systems, and partner with banks to onboard new business clients.
Veteran Pakistani comedian Javed ‘Kodu’ passes away after prolonged illness
- Muhammad Javed starred in over 150 Punjabi, Urdu films and several stage productions since 1981
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says void left by late comedian’s passing is likely to never be filled
ISLAMABAD: Veteran Pakistani stage and television comedian Muhammad Javed, popularly known as “Javed Kodu,” passed away in the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday after suffering from prolonged illness, state-run media reported.
Javed, who as per media reports was 50 years old, was widely recognized for his comedic talent and distinctive short stature.
He passed away during the wee hours of Sunday after a long battle with illness. The comedian’s funeral prayers will be held at the marquee behind his residence in Lahore’s Singhpura area, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
“The veteran performer, who dedicated more than four decades to the entertainment industry, leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, and heartfelt performances,” APP reported.
Born with dwarfism, Javed faced numerous societal and professional challenges throughout his life, APP said.
It added that his stage name “Kodu” was affectionately given to him by legendary comedian Akhtar Hussain Albela.
Javed began acting in 1981 with the play “Sode Baaz” and went on to star in over 150 Punjabi and Urdu films, along with several stage productions.
His TV drama “Ashiyana” was a hit with fans and is arguably the most popular television project Javed was associated with.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief at Javed’s passing, praising his talent as a comedian.
“Javed Kodu, who was famous for his short stature and towering talent, leaves behind a void in the media industry that is likely never to be filled,” Sharif was quoted as saying by his office.
The late comedian is survived by his wife and two sons. One of his sons, Shera, is a popular performer on the comedy show “Mazaaq Raat.
