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Pakistan’s position on Israel unchanged — foreign office spokesman

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Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Dr. Muhammad Faisal. (APP)
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Fishel Benkhald, Jewish Pakistani, wants to perform religious pilgrimage to Israel. (Photo Courtesy: Fishel Benkhald)
Updated 25 January 2019
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Pakistan’s position on Israel unchanged — foreign office spokesman

  • Pakistani Jew insists he was told by foreign office to apply for Israeli visa
  • Foreign office officials say legally impossible for Benkhald to travel to Israel on Pakistani passport
Updated 25 January 2019
Sib Kaifee

ISLAMABAD: A spokesman for Pakistan’s foreign office on Thursday reiterated that Pakistan’s position on the state of Israel, which Pakistan does not recognize, remained unchanged, while responding to questions about a Pakistani Jew who says he has received a go-ahead from Islamabad to apply for a visa to Israel. 
Pakistan does not have diplomatic ties with Israel and has been a staunch supporter of demands for a Palestinian state. 
Fishel Benkhald, 30, a resident of Karachi, posted on Twitter on Wednesday that he had been informed by the foreign office that he could apply for an Israeli visa on his Pakistani passport, adding that he would now reach out to the Israeli embassy for the travel endorsement.
But during a press briefing on Thursday, foreign office spokesman Dr. Mohammed Faisal said Pakistan’s position on Israel remained unchanged.
“Our position on Israel remains unchanged,” the spokesman said, declining to give details of Benkhald’s correspondence with the foreign office.

 

Another foreign ministry official who declined to be named said someone in the foreign ministry had made a mistake and clearly misled Benkhald. “Legally there is no way he can be allowed to get an Israel visa on our passport,” the official said. 
But Benkhald insists he has been in touch with the foreign office throughout January and received a call from a director at the ministry of foreign affairs who told him he could apply for an Israel visa, and also suggested that he visit the Palestinian Embassy in Islamabad. 
Israeli authorities have been in contact with me for over five years, Benkhald said.
Benkhald, the first Pakistani of Jewish faith allowed to record his religion on his national identity card, said he wants to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover or Pesach in Isarel this April without the risk of persecution from Pakistan. 
Born to a Jewish mother and a Muslim father, Benkhald opted to embrace Judaism and later chose the Yiddish name Fischel. His quest to obtain permission to travel to the state of Israel for worship began in 2013.
The number of Jews living in Pakistan has declined since 1947. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, only around 900 Jews were registered voters in 2017. 
Husni Muhammad Mustafa, a first secretary, at the Palestine embassy said Benkhald had not contacted the embassy: “Palestine is under occupation by Israel” and its mission in Islamabad “is not in a position to issue visas.”

Topics: Pakistan Israel Judaism

Pakistan launches first locally made ventilator in bid to achieve technological self-reliance

Updated 50 min 56 sec ago
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Pakistan launches first locally made ventilator in bid to achieve technological self-reliance

  • The AlnnoVent AVB-100 ventilator supports adult patients across five invasive and two non-invasive ventilation modes
  • The ventilator was created in response to the acute shortage of respiratory aid devices during the COVID-19 pandemic
Updated 50 min 56 sec ago
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Monday launched the country’s first locally made ventilator, Pakistani state media reported, describing it as a step toward technological self-reliance.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) last month approved the ‘AlnnoVent’ ventilator, which has been developed by the Alsons Group precision manufacturing firm in Karachi. After successfully passing clinical trials, the ventilator has been officially licensed for production.
The AlnnoVent AVB-100 is an electro-mechanical ICU ventilator that meets international standards of quality and reliability. It supports adult patients across five invasive and two non-invasive ventilation modes, making it suitable for a range of critical care scenarios. The ventilator was created in response to the acute shortage of respiratory aid devices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Iqbal praised the company for its efforts and emphasized that Pakistan needed more such innovators to succeed in a rapidly evolving world, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported.
“We require an army of such individuals – people who combine skill, hard work, ambition and the intelligence that defines our nation,” the minister was quoted as saying.
The development comes as Pakistan’s government attempts to steer the country out of a prolonged macroeconomic crisis that has weakened the South Asian country’s currency and drained its foreign exchange reserves over the past few years.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has consistently emphasized the need for Islamabad to adopt an export-led economy to achieve sustainable, long-term economic growth.
Iqbal emphasized that Pakistan’s economic success depended on its ability to innovate and produce new products, which would help shift the country to a more export-driven economy.
He urged private sector leaders to leverage Pakistan’s affordable human resource to produce high-quality goods that could compete in global markets.
“You are the drivers of Pakistan’s future and the government will stand behind every private sector initiative that helps bring in exports and dollars,” the minister said.

Topics: made in pakistan ventilators Ahsan Iqbal

UNICEF donates ‘mobile clinics’ to Pakistan to strengthen immunization efforts in remote regions

Updated 06 January 2025
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UNICEF donates ‘mobile clinics’ to Pakistan to strengthen immunization efforts in remote regions

  • The donation will help improve service delivery, address immunization gaps and reach children in underserved areas
  • Official says children’s vaccination top priority of government, clinics will help overcome accessibility challenges
Updated 06 January 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has donated seven “mobile clinics” to Pakistan to improve immunization services in the country’s remote regions, it said on Monday.
The move follows the transfer of 23 mobile units in Nov. 2021 to the Pakistani provinces of Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as well as the Islamabad Capital Territory.
The vehicles are crucial for expanding immunization services to Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations, and the project aims to improve service delivery, address immunization gaps, and reach zero-dose children in underserved areas, according to UNICEF.
The 4x4 vehicles were handed over to Pakistani officials at a ceremony held at the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI).
“These mobile clinics will deliver essential immunization services, guaranteeing equitable access for all communities,” UNICEF said in a statement.
On the occasion, Special Health Secretary Mirza Nasir-ud-Din Mashood Ahmad termed the necessary vaccination of children top priority of the Pakistani government.
“UNICEF’s provision of 4x4 vehicles will help overcome accessibility challenges in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring quality immunization services in remote regions of KP, Balochistan, GB, and AJK,” he said.
Director-General Health Dr. Shabana Saleem stressed the importance of ensuring that vaccines reach every child, regardless of their location.
“These vehicles will strengthen our outreach capacity and help ensure that every child has equitable access to life-saving vaccines,” she said.
UNICEF’s Dr. Gunter Boussery said he was honored to contribute to this collective effort to serve Pakistan’s underserved communities.
UNICEF’s humanitarian aid to Pakistan focuses on education, health care and protection for vulnerable populations. In 2025, it seeks to support nutrition, emergency relief, refugee support, and disaster risk reduction, according to the UN agency.

Topics: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan health ministry

Pakistan PM orders immediate steps to confiscate properties, assets of human traffickers

Updated 06 January 2025
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Pakistan PM orders immediate steps to confiscate properties, assets of human traffickers

  • The issue of human trafficking gained attention in Pakistan after last month’s boat capsize in Greece that killed five Pakistanis
  • PM Shehbaz Sharif orders authorities to enhance prosecution for those involved in human trafficking, ensure strict punitive measures
Updated 06 January 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to take immediate steps to seize properties and assets of human traffickers, his office said, following the death of five Pakistani nationals in a migrant boat capsize off the southern Greek island of Gavdos last month.
The issue of illegal immigration to Europe and its consequences gained significant attention in Pakistan after last month’s incident, with the prime minister ordering “intensified efforts” against human traffickers in the country.
The boat tragedy, which occurred on Dec. 14, underscored the perilous journeys many migrants undertake due to conflicts around the world. In the case of Pakistani nationals, the movement is mostly driven by economic reasons, with many young individuals attempting to reach European shores in search of better financial prospects.
On Monday, Sharif presided over a meeting to discuss the progress of actions taken against human trafficking, legal proceedings against facilitators and legislative advancements to combat human smuggling.
“Severe legal action be taken against all human trafficking groups in the country so that they become an example for others,” Sharif was quoted as saying by his office.
“Immediate legal action be taken to confiscate properties and assets of human traffickers.”
The development follows the arrest of multiple suspects involved in last month’s boat tragedy in Greece as well as another major incident in 2023, in which hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, had drowned when an overcrowded vessel traveling from Libya capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos.
The prime minister ordered authorities to enhance prosecution for those involved in human trafficking and ensure strict punitive measures against its facilitators. He directed the Foreign Office take measures for swift extradition of Pakistanis involved in human trafficking abroad.
“The screening process at airports for individuals traveling abroad should be made more effective,” he said, asking the information and interior ministries to launch public awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to pursue only legal channels for overseas employment.
The prime minister also stressed the promotion of technical training institutes to provide certified and skilled workforce to international markets.

Topics: human trafficking anti-human trafficking

South Africa wrap up Test series win over Pakistan

Updated 06 January 2025
AFP
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South Africa wrap up Test series win over Pakistan

  • Forced to follow on 421 runs , Pakistan battled to 478 all out
  • South Africa easily knocked off a target of 58 on the fourth day
Updated 06 January 2025
AFP

CAPE TOWN: South Africa eased to a 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test on Monday in Cape Town to secure a 2-0 series win despite second-innings resistance from the tourists.
Forced to follow on 421 runs behind on the first innings, Pakistan battled to 478 all out but South Africa, who qualified for the World Test Championship final last week, easily knocked off a target of 58 late on the fourth day.
David Bedingham hit 44 not out off 30 balls as South Africa sealed victory in just 7.1 overs.

South Africa’s David Bedingham smashes the ball skyward during the fourth day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa, on January 6, 2025. (AP)

Bedingham was opening in place of Ryan Rickelton, who suffered a hamstring strain in the field after scoring 259 in South Africa’s first innings of 615.
Captain Shan Masood led Pakistan’s fightback, scoring 145.
Masood fell to the second new ball, trapped leg before wicket by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka.

South Africa’s Kyle Verreynne (L) and Aiden Markram (R) appeal the wicket of Pakistan’s Shan Masood (C), during the fourth day of the second test cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa, on January 6, 2025. (AP)

Masood’s dismissal came three balls after Kagiso Rabada had Saud Shakeel caught at second slip for 23, ending a 51-run fourth-wicket stand.
Pakistan, a batter short after Saim Ayub suffered a broken ankle while fielding on the first morning, were still 92 runs in arrears after the double blow.
But Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Agha (48) put on 88 for the sixth wicket and Aamer Jamal hit a quick 34 before the innings was ended.

South Africa’s Kyle Verreynne (C) fields the ball while Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan (R) plays and misses during the fourth day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa, on January 6, 2025. (AP)

South Africa’s bowlers received virtually no assistance from a placid pitch.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who had been expected to be a major factor on a fourth day pitch, achieved minimal spin and toiled for 45 overs to take three for 137.
South Africa will go into the Test championship final against Australia at Lord’s in June on the back of seven straight wins — the second most successful sequence in their history.

Topics: Pakistan vs South Africa Shan Masood

Pakistan suspends mobile, Internet service for two days in capital of restive Balochistan province

Updated 06 January 2025
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Pakistan suspends mobile, Internet service for two days in capital of restive Balochistan province

  • The development came a day after a suicide blast killed five Pakistani soldiers in Balochistan’s Kech district
  • The southwestern province has been the site of a long-running insurgency, which has intensified in recent years
Updated 06 January 2025
SAADULLAH AKHTER

QUETTA: Authorities in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province have suspended cellular and mobile Internet services in the provincial capital of Quetta for two days, officials said on Monday, citing “security reasons.”
The decision came a day after a suicide attack on a convoy of Frontier Corps (FC) paramilitary force in the Kech district, which killed five soldiers and injured several others.
The attack was claimed by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), one of the most prominent armed groups involved in dozens of attacks that killed over 100 people in Balochistan in 2024.
Balochistan, a mineral-rich Pakistani province which shares its border with Iran and Afghanistan, has been the site of a long-running insurgency, which has intensified in recent years.
“The provincial home department requested the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend the mobile service in Quetta,” Deputy Commissioner Saad bin Asad told Arab News.
“Cellular and mobile Internet services have been suspended for two days due to security reasons,” he said, without specifying the nature of these threats.
Baloch separatist groups say they are fighting what they call exploitation of the region’s resources by the state. The Pakistani government denies the allegation and says it is working for the uplift of the impoverished region.
In 2024, Balochistan witnessed a dramatic 41 percent increase in militant attacks. Nearly 300 people were killed in 564 attacks of different variations in the province, while 44 percent of these attacks targeted Pakistani security forces, according to the provincial government data.
Sunday’s mobile and Internet service suspension also came hours after a re-election in a provincial assembly constituency, PB-45, which triggered protests by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) religious party over alleged rigging of poll.
The JUI announced a province-wide shutter down strike in the province on Monday, which was partially observed in areas where the party has strong presence.

Topics: Mobile service in pakistan militancy in Pakistan Balochistan blast

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