Family of Pakistani inmate killed in Indian jail appeals to Pope Francis

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Shehzad Gulfam, flanked by his wife Rubina Shehzad, is speaking to Arab News here on Thursday, February 21, 2019 (AN Photo)
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Shehzad Gulfam and his wife Rubina Shehzad are protesting outside Karachi press Club here on Thursday, February 21, 2019 (AN Photo)
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Shehzad Gulfam is holding photo of his bother Shakirullah (AN Photo)
Updated 22 February 2019
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Family of Pakistani inmate killed in Indian jail appeals to Pope Francis

  • Urges Pakistani prime minister to help get Shakirullah’s body from India
  • Shakirullah was serving a life sentence in India’s Jaipur Central Jail 

KARACHI: The brother of a Pakistani prisoner killed this week in a jail in neighbouring India said on Friday the family had appealed to Pope Francis to help bring the killers of their brother to justice. 

Pakistan’s foreign office said Pakistani inmate Shakirullah, 47, had died at the Jaipur Central Jail on Wednesday after a “scuffle” with Indian inmates. 

The news of his death comes amid escalating tensions between arch-rivals Pakistan and India over a suicide bombing last week in the disputed Kashmir region in which at least 40 Indian troopers were killed. Jaish-e-Muhammed, a group said to be based in Pakistan, accepted responsibility for the attack. India says the group has the Pakistani state’s backing but Islamabad denies any complicity. 
Media carried varying reports of when Shakirullah was arrested and what he was charged with but his family said he had been missing since 2003 and was innocent. The Pakistani foreign office did not provide any details of India’s charges against Shakirullah. The BBC reported that he was believed to have been an operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group India blames for attacks in Mumbai in 2008 in which 166 people perished. 
“We appeal to the Pope to help us,” Shakirullah’s brother Shehzad Gulfam told Arab News. He also urged Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to “take personal interest in getting us the dead body of our brother.”
Shakirullah’s family, from Jessarwala village on the outskirts of the central Pakistani city of Sialkot, belongs to the Christian minority faith. Shakirullah had converted to Islam, according to his brother, and his Christian name was Shakir Jalil. 

Gulfam said Shakirullah had a history of mental illness and had disappeared once before as a child while the family was visiting relatives in Karachi. He had returned home but in 2003, he went missing again and the family did not know about his whereabouts until they learnt about his death through media reports. 

Gulfam could not explain why the family had never filed a police report about their missing family member. 

“We had no clue; I searched for him in all nearby villages but in vain,” Gulfam said. “But when I saw his photo on news channels, I came to know that he had actually crossed the border and was languishing in jail in India.”

He conjectured that Shakirullah might have travelled with friends to a shrine on the Pakistan-India border and “probably mistakenly crossed the border.” 

There are an estimated 357 Pakistanis in Indian jails, according to a report submitted by the ministry for foreign affairs to the Pakistani Supreme Court last year. Many Pakistanis and Indians inadvertently cross the border each year and have to endure long ordeals in the absence of a mechanism aimed at ensuring their early return.

“We played together during our childhood, we grew up together and spent a long time together before he went missing sixteen years ago,” said Gulfam, who has since shifted with his family from Sialkot to the port city of Karachi. “I’m dead sure he cannot fight with anyone,” he added, referring to claims by Indian authorities that Shakirullah had been killed in a fight with inmates.

Instead, Gulfam said he was sure the killing was in “revenge” for last week’s suicide attack in disputed Kashmir which India has blamed on Pakistan. 

Human rights activist Ansar Burney said his organization, the Ansar Burney Trust International, had sent letters to the governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that Shakirullah’s body was delivered to his relatives at the “earliest.”
“Whether it’s the result of scuffle or deliberate attack on the prisoner, it was responsibility of the authorities to protect the life of a prisoner,” Burney told Arab News. “The government of India shouldn’t only ensure earliest transfer of the dead body, take firm action against those involved in the murder but also pay compensation to the family of deceased.”

In his letter to the Indian government, Burney requested that “necessary directions may also be issued to facilitate the transportation of dead body of deceased Shakirullah back to Pakistan to be buried in his homeland at the hand of his family, for as soon as possible.”

Gulfam said no one from the Pakistan government had as yet contacted the family with information about his brother. “We only ask for his body to be returned,” he said, “He was like my son. I could not see him while he was alive; at least I should be allowed to see his dead body.”




Ansar Burney trust’s letter to Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj




Ansar Burney trust’s letter to PM Imran Khan





Ansar Burney trust’s letter to PM Imran Khan (Page 2)


Pakistan’s religion ministry launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ app to facilitate pilgrims

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Pakistan’s religion ministry launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ app to facilitate pilgrims

  • Pilgrims will be able to review Hajj training and flight schedules via app, says ministry
  • Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry on Sunday announced it had launched the “Pak Hajj 2025” mobile application to guide and facilitate pilgrims about the annual Islamic pilgrimage next year.
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. Around 15 designated Pakistani banks on Monday started receiving applications for Hajj 2025 from intending pilgrims.
Pakistani pilgrims used the app, which is available for both Android and iPhone, last year to secure important updates and information about the Hajj pilgrimage. 
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched the mobile app ‘Pak Hajj’ for the awareness of Hajj pilgrims,” the religion ministry said in a statement. 
“Hajj applicants will remain informed step-by-step through the Pak Hajj app.”
The ministry said pilgrims can view their Hajj training schedules, including dates, times, and locations, through the app, which also displays flight details with flight numbers, departure cities, dates, and times for both departure and return flights. 
The app also presents information about Makkah and Madinah’s various locations and routes with the help of maps, the ministry said. 
Pakistan’s religious affairs minister this month announced the country’s Hajj 2025 policy, according to which pilgrims can pay fees for the annual Islamic pilgrimage in installments for the first time.
The first installment of Hajj dues, amounting to Rs200,000 ($717), must be deposited along with the Hajj application under the government scheme, while the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) must be deposited within ten days of the balloting. The remaining amount must be deposited by Feb. 10 next year.


Pakistan confirms Internet shutdown in areas with security concerns ahead of Islamabad protest today

Updated 14 min 7 sec ago
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Pakistan confirms Internet shutdown in areas with security concerns ahead of Islamabad protest today

  • Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirms WhatsApp backends were restricted nationwide on Saturday night
  • Thousands of ex-PM Khan supporters are expected to arrive in Islamabad today for anti-government protest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s interior ministry confirmed that Internet services will be suspended in areas where there were security concerns today, Sunday, as Islamabad braces for a planned protest by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. 
Pakistani users reported slow Internet services in many parts of the country on Saturday night, with independent Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirming WhatsApp backends were restricted. 
The development takes place ahead of the PTI’s “long march” to the capital on Sunday. The party is seeking the release of the jailed Khan, who has been in prison for well over a year, and to challenge alleged rigging in the February general elections. The PTI also seeks to highlight its concerns about judicial independence, which it claims has been undermined by the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a charge denied by the government.
“Mobile data and Wi-Fi services will be suspended only in areas with security concerns,” a federal interior ministry spokesperson said in a statement. 
“Internet and mobile services will continue to operate as usual in the rest of the country.”

A worker places shipping containers to close a road ahead of a planned rally by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, in Islamabad on November 23, 2024. (AP)

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in a separate statement assured people that all operations at airports across the country, including the Islamabad International Airport, are “running smoothly and without disruption.”
“We categorically refute the baseless rumors regarding a 72-hour stay for international passengers at Islamabad International Airport,” the PAA said. “This claim is completely false and misleading.”
The PAA’s statement comes amid stringent security measures taken by authorities over the past few days to preempt potential disruptions, sealing off motorways and key roads leading to Islamabad with shipping containers.
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) stated on Friday that it had shut down major highways based on intelligence reports indicating that protesters might carry sticks and slingshots and attempt to disrupt public order.

A paramilitary soldier stands guard as a motorcyclist drives on a highway, which is partially closed with shipping containers ahead of a planned rally by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, in Islamabad on November 23, 2024. (AP)

Additionally, a ban on public gatherings has been imposed in Punjab until November 25, while the Metro Bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain suspended on November 24.
Pakistan’s parliament earlier this year passed legislation regulating public demonstrations in the capital, including designated protest areas and specific timings for rallies. Violators risk imprisonment of up to three years for illegal gatherings and up to 10 years for repeat offenses.
The interior ministry has also deployed paramilitary forces, including Punjab Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel, in Islamabad to maintain order during the PTI’s planned demonstration.
‘NO COMMUNICATION ON ANY LEVEL’
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Saturday denied any negotiations with the PTI, warning of arrests if anyone joined the demonstration on Sunday.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed the government to engage in talks with PTI leadership regarding the protest, emphasizing the need to avoid disruptions during the three-day visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko starting Monday. 
The court hoped the PTI would have “meaningful communication” with the government, acknowledging that law and order would be the administration’s priority if there was no breakthrough.
“There is no communication on any level,” Tarar said during a news conference, adding that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s contact with PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan was limited to informing him of the IHC order that “declared protests, rallies, sit-ins and marches illegal.”

Vehicles use alternate way on road, which closed with shipping containers ahead of a planned rally by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, in Islamabad on November 23, 2024. (AP)

“The court’s directive is clear, and anyone who attempts to protest will be arrested and face legal consequences,” he continued. “There is no confusion on our part.”
However, chief minister of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Ali Amin Gandapur, a close aide of the jailed former prime minister, reiterated the call to all Pakistanis to join the protest during the day.
“It is imperative for us to leave our homes to protest the illegal incarceration of Imran Khan and stage a demonstration at D-Chowk on Nov. 24,” he proclaimed in a video message on Saturday, referring to a high-security area located right next to sensitive government installations like Parliament, Presidency and the PM House.


Pakistan, Zimbabwe ODI cricket series begins today in Bulawayo

Updated 53 min 53 sec ago
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Pakistan, Zimbabwe ODI cricket series begins today in Bulawayo

  • Pakistan will play three ODI and three T20I matches against Zimbabwe from Nov. 24 to Dec. 5
  • Skipper Mohammad Rizwan to lead Pakistan while Zimbabwe will be captained by Graig Ervine

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Zimbabwe are set to begin their three-match One Day International series in Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club from Nov. 24 to Nov. 28, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Saturday, with the Green Shirts all pumped up following their recent ODI series win against Australia.
Pakistan’s 15-member squad led by captain Mohammad Rizwan reached Zimbabwe last week after defeating Australia 2-1 down under earlier this month. The Pakistani players have held three practice sessions ahead of the Zimbabwe series.
“Pakistan and Zimbabwe will lock horns in a three-match ODI series followed by as many T20Is at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from Nov. 24 to Dec 5,” the PCB said.
“In the 15-member squad Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been replaced with the uncapped duo of Abrar Ahmed and Ahmed Daniyal along with pacer Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir.”
It highlighted that the ODI series against Zimbabwe was former pacer and National Men’s Selection Committee member Aqib Javed’s first assignment as the white-ball head coach.
“Pakistan and Zimbabwe last faced each other in the 50-over format in November 2020 in Rawalpindi where Pakistan beat the visitors 2-1,” the PCB added. “Pakistan, on their last visit to Zimbabwe, whitewashed the Chevrons in a five-match ODI series in July 2018.”
Pakistan’s ODI captain termed the Zimbabwe series as “equally important” as the upcoming International Cricket Council Champions Trophy 2025 tournament.
“We aim to test out our bench strength and plan toward the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at home,” Rizwan said. “With the help of the Almighty, we aim to keep the winning momentum from our last ODI series going.”
“With the trio of our main players resting up after the Australia series, it will be exciting to see other players putting their hands up and helping the team at various times during the 50-over contests,” he continued.
“Having played against the home team various times, we do expect them to put up challenges for us during the three ODIs but crucially this series will also test out temperament in terms of backing up a historic win in Australia.”
Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, and Tayyab Tahir
Zimbabwe ODI squad: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa and Trevor Gwandu.
Schedule of matches: 
24 Nov – 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm PST)
26 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm PST)
28 Nov – 3rd ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm PST)


PM Sharif says nation stands with security forces after killing of militants amid surge in attacks

Updated 23 November 2024
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PM Sharif says nation stands with security forces after killing of militants amid surge in attacks

  • PM says government is committed to eradicating militancy after security forces kill three in northwest
  • The development comes amid rising violence in Pakistan that has witnessed deadly attacks recently

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday the nation stands firmly with its security forces as the military announced the killing of three militants in two separate operations in the country’s northwest amid a sharp rise in violence.
Pakistan’s military also injured three combatants during intelligence-based operations conducted in Khyber and South Waziristan districts on Nov. 21-22.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), two militants were killed in an operation in Bara, Khyber district, while another was killed and three injured during an attempt to infiltrate Pakistan from the Afghanistan border.
The ISPR reiterated Pakistan’s call for Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government to prevent its territory from being used for violent attacks against Pakistan, emphasizing the country’s commitment to securing its borders and eradicating militancy.
“The enemies of humanity will continue to face failure in their evil designs,” the prime minister said in a statement released by his office after the ISPR shared the information. “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the brave soldiers of our security forces in the fight against terrorism.”
Sharif added his government remains committed to eradicating militancy and ensuring the complete elimination of extremist violence in the country.
The ISPR’s announcement comes amid escalating violence in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, which has witnessed multiple deadly attacks in the past week.
In the latest assault on Thursday, gunmen attacked vehicles carrying minority Shiite community members in KP’s Kurram district, triggering deadly sectarian clashes that have so far killed 64 people.
Prior to that, militants targeted a checkpost in KP’s Bannu district during the week, killing 10 army soldiers and two paramilitary Frontier Constabulary personnel.
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, during a visit to Peshawar on Friday, vowed decisive action against militant groups and emphasized the need for synchronized operations to dismantle militant networks.
Pakistan’s other western province of Balochistan has also seen a resurgence in militant activity this year.
On Tuesday, the prime minister chaired a meeting of civil and military leaders that approved a “comprehensive operation” to counter separatist insurgents in Balochistan.
The government’s latest actions underline Pakistan’s struggle to address growing instability along its borders and in remote regions, where a combination of militant activity and weak governance continues to pose significant challenges to security forces.
 


Punjab chief minister suspends top hospital officials over AIDS outbreak during dialysis

Updated 23 November 2024
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Punjab chief minister suspends top hospital officials over AIDS outbreak during dialysis

  • Action comes after 25 patients in Multan contract AIDS due to reuse of disposable dialysis kits
  • Maryam Nawaz visit Nishtar Hospital, emphasizes stricter compliance with medical protocols

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has suspended six officials at Nishtar Hospital Multan, including the medical superintendent, for severe negligence that led to the spread of AIDS among dialysis patients, state media reported on Saturday.
According to local news outlets, the negligence involved reusing disposable dialysis kits and dialyzers, failing to conduct mandatory AIDS and hepatitis tests every three months and improper adherence to medical protocols.
Hospital officials acknowledged that 25 patients contracted AIDS after undergoing dialysis using equipment previously contaminated by infected individuals.
“Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Nishtar Hospital Multan and suspended six officials, including MS Nishtar Hospital and the head of the nephrology department, on severe negligence,” Radio Pakistan reported.
“She took action against doctors and nurses for spreading AIDS during dialysis,” it added.
AIDS, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), attacks the immune system and leaves individuals vulnerable to infections and certain cancers. In Pakistan, the social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS has led to significant underreporting, with UNAIDS estimating approximately 290,000 people living with HIV in the country as of 2023.
According to Pakistan’s Geo TV, the chief minister inspected the hospital during her visit and criticized its poor compliance with standard operating procedures.
She described the situation as “criminal negligence” and expressed dissatisfaction despite the government’s allocation of resources to the health sector.
“It is unacceptable that patients who come to government hospitals for treatment end up contracting AIDS instead,” Geo quoted her as saying.
Public health facilities in Pakistan face a severe trust deficit, with many patients preferring private hospitals despite their high costs. Poor management, insufficient oversight and a lack of adherence to medical protocols continue to erode confidence in the public health care system.
The Punjab chief minister emphasized the need for stricter compliance with protocols and greater accountability for medical staff to prevent such incidents in the future.
She also inspected cardiology and other wards during her visit.