Deash claims Quetta mosque blast, says target was Afghan Taliban
Two Taliban sources confirm the mosque and attached religious seminary belong to the Taliban
Senior police official among 14 people killed in Friday evening blast
Updated 11 January 2020
Naimat Khan & Tahir Khan
LARKANA/ISLAMABAD: At least 14 people, including a deputy superintendent of police, were killed and 19 others were injured in an explosion at a mosque in Quetta, Friday evening, the officials said.
“The blast occurred during Maghrib prayers at a mosque in Ghousabad neighborhood,” Quetta police chief Abdullah Afridi told Arab News, adding that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Amanullah was among the victims.
He said it was too early to say if the police officer was the target of the attack as “the nature of the blast is yet to be ascertained.”
Deash claimed responsibility of the attack in a statement issued Friday night saying it had targeted the Afghan Taliban. The suicide bomber, according to the statement, was a man named Abu Jarrah al-Balouchi.
Meanwhile, two Afghan Taliban confirmed to Arab News that the mosque and the attached religious school belonged to the Taliban chief justice, Sheikh Abdul Hakeem, who is considered an influential leader in the Taliban hierarchy.
The Taliban said that Hakeem’s brother was killed in the blast while his son was in critical condition.
"The brother of Sheikh sahib and four or five other people have embraced martyrdom. Maulvi Abdul Ali, son of Sheikh sahib is critically injured," a Taliban leader said in an audio message sent in Pashto language to other Taliban figures – a copy of which has been received by Arab News.
However, Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousaf said, "None of the Taliban leaders was present in the mosque. No meeting was taking place there. Any reports suggesting so are untrue."
The authorities in Quetta said that the injured “have been brought to the (Quetta) civil hospital,” Dr. Waseem Baig, spokesman of the government-run health facility, told Arab News. He confirmed that 14 people died in the explosion and another 19 were injured.
The Pakistan army’s military wing said that FC Balochistan troops reached Quetta blast site, the area has been cordoned off and a joint search operation with the police was in progress.
Friday attack in Quetta was widely condemned by the government.
FC Bln troops reached Qta blast site. Area cordoned off. Joint search operation with police in progress.Injured being evacuated to hosp.
“Every possible assistance be given to police & civil administration. Those who targeted innocents in a mosque can never be true Muslim”, COAS.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly condemned the attack and expressed grief over loss of precious lives, a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday reads. Khan instructed best medical facilities to be provided to the injured.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also condemned the terrorist attack terming it a “vile conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan.” Expressing his profound condolences to the families of the victims, the foreign minister said that “Mosques & places of worship are sacred places and their sanctity must be respected by all,” according to a statement issued by the foreign ministry.
Earlier, on Tuesday, two people were killed and 18 others injured in another blast in Quetta, when a vehicle of the Frontier Corps (FC) was targeted with a bomb planted on the McConaghey Road of the city.
According to reports, the security personnel were on routine patrol when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Privatization and Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stressed launching direct flights to Belarus and enhancing trade with the eastern European country, state-run media reported this week, as its president arrived in Islamabad for a three-day trip to hold talks on bilateral trade and investment.
Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko arrived in Pakistan on Monday following the arrival of his 68-member delegation, as Islamabad pushes for foreign investment from allies old and new in a bid to shore up its $350 billion economy while navigating a tough reforms agenda mandated by the IMF.
Khan met Belarusian Transport Minister Alexei Lyakhnovich with senior communication in the presence of sector officials from both countries on Monday to discuss the importance of enhancing connectivity through roads and railways, the Associated Press of Pakistan said.
“Federal Minister for Communications, Privatization and Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan on Monday emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing connectivity through the launch of direct flights to Moscow and Belarus, alongside the development of trade corridors linking China, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Belarus,” the APP reported.
The Belarusian transport minister described cross-border trade as “pivotal” for strengthening the economy and promoting bilateral relations, adding it was a significant step toward collaboration between both countries.
The pending construction of different motorways and highways also came under discussion with both sides agreeing to take steps in this regard, APP said.
Emphasizing the communication sector’s importance, Khan said Pakistan wanted a trade corridor to Central Asia along the Karakoram Highway and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor lines to promote business activities.
“We want to further enhance G2G and B2B activities with Belarus in the future for which both the countries will make serious efforts,” Khan said.
“Like Azerbaijan and Turkiye, we also want to make Belarus an investment partner with our country as Pakistan is rich in natural resources and blessings of Allah Almighty while positive results can be achieved with our skilled workforce.”
On Tuesday, Lukashenko arrived at the Prime Minister House where he was welcomed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and presented with a guard of honor.
Pakistan and Belarus, the world’s 74th-largest economy by GDP, celebrated thirty years of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Belarus after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and maintained an embassy in Minsk.
The prime minister of Belarus was in Islamabad earlier this year where he met his counterpart as well as the chief of the Pakistan army, among other key leaders.
In September, Pakistan and Belarus discussed different options for a joint venture to establish a tractor plant in the country and reached a consensus on collaborating on a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine to protect cattle, as well as on the capacity building of agricultural engineers in machinery design.
They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the sectors of livestock and seeds and work together on the mechanization of agriculture and on increasing market access for agricultural and livestock products. Belarus also wants to set up a veterinary medicine plant in Pakistan.
The First Pakistan-Belarus Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was held in 2015 in which the two countries agreed to initiate joint ventures in the textile, pharmaceutical and lighting solution industries and share technological expertise.
In recent months, there has been a flurry of visits, investment talks and economic activity between Pakistan and Central Asian states, including meetings with leaders from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on hosts Zimbabwe in the second ODI today, Tuesday, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, after reeling from an embarrassing defeat in the first match last week.
All-rounder Sikandar Raza inspired Zimbabwe to a stunning 80-run win on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method on Sunday against a new-look Pakistan team.
Raza made a crucial 39 runs and lifted Zimbabwe from a precarious 125-7 to 205 all out.
Under overcast conditions, Raza picked up two wickets in one over as Pakistan limped to 60-6 in 21 overs before it rained and denied further play as Zimbabwe took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
“The second One-Day International of three match series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will be played in Bulawayo on Tuesday,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
The three-match ODI series will be followed by three T20s with Bulawayo hosting all the matches.
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.
The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is now the sixth-largest solar market in the world and its “rapid adoption” of solar energy provides valuable lessons for emerging markets, a World Economic Forum report said this week as Islamabad tries to dodge rising fuel prices through renewable energy resources.
Pakistan’s energy sector has long struggled with financial strain due to circular debt, power theft and transmission losses, leading to blackouts and high electricity costs.
Experts say Pakistan has ideal climatic conditions for solar power generation, with over nine hours of sunlight in most parts of the country. According to the World Bank, utilizing just 0.071 percent of the country’s area for solar photovoltaic (solar PV) power generation would meet Pakistan’s electricity demand.
According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, currently, only 5.4 percent of Pakistan’s installed power generation capacity of 39,772 megawatts comes from renewables like wind, solar and biomass, while fossil fuels still make up 63 percent of the fuel mix, followed by hydropower at 25 percent.
“The country is now the world’s sixth-largest solar market,” WEF said in its report published on Monday. “Declining solar panel prices, coupled with skyrocketing grid electricity tariffs that have increased by 155 percent over three years, are fueling a rush in renewable energy adoption in Pakistan, with solar power leading the way.”
The report highlighted that Pakistan’s move to adopt solar energy was driven by external factors such as China’s overproduction of solar panels, which had lowered the costs for Pakistan, making the country the third-largest destination for Chinese solar exports.
“Industrial, agricultural and residential sectors have embraced solar, with imported Chinese modules totaling 13 gigawatts (GW) in the first half of the year, and forecasts reaching 22GW by year-end,” the report said.
The WEF said the inability of state-owned energy providers to provide a stable supply and the government’s inconsistent energy policy characterized by ” inefficiencies in production, pricing and regulations” has deepened Pakistan’s energy crisis, aiding in the usage of solar energy.
“Grid electricity demand dropped by more than 10 percent in the past fiscal year as inflated tariffs burden consumers with covering inefficiencies,” the report added. “This trend has sparked a wave of solar adoption among industrial, commercial and private users who can afford self-generation.”
Supportive policies like offering credit for solar in off-grid areas and unbundling customer categories can also boost renewable energy adoption, it said.
“Pakistan’s journey underscores the importance of balancing policy innovation with market adaptation to drive sustainable and equitable energy solutions,” the WEF report concluded.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine on Tuesday and demanded an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, as the world marks the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People today.
The International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People is marked every year on Nov. 29 to express support for the people of Palestine facing occupation at the hands of Israel. This year, the day is being observed on Nov. 26.
Pakistan’s message of support for Palestine comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Israel has killed over 44,000 people since Oct. 7, 2023 after Hamas launched a surprise attack on the Jewish state the same day. Israel has also launched military operations against Lebanon and exchanged missile attacks with Iran over the past few months.
“International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is being observed on Tuesday to express solidarity and support with the oppressed people of Palestine,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said.
“In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the unwavering support of the people and Government of Pakistan for the just cause of Palestine and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.”
Sharif said Pakistan calls on the international community to “act swiftly and decisively, to impose an immediate halt to Israel’s atrocities.”
He condemned Israel’s attacks on Palestinian civilians, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure in Gaza.
“He said Pakistan further calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and stresses the urgency of ensuring unhindered humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people,” the state broadcaster said.
Pakistan does not recognize nor have diplomatic relations with Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Since the beginning of the war in October last year, Pakistan has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and raised the issue at the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international forums, urging an end to Israeli military actions.
ISLAMABAD: Three Rangers personnel and two policemen have been killed in clashes with Imran Khan’s supporters in Islamabad, state-run media reported on Tuesday, as thousands of protesters entered Pakistan’s capital demanding the jailed former prime minister’s release from prison.
Thousands of rallygoers, who had reached the edges of Islamabad on Monday night in protest caravans that set out from various parts of the country last week, entered Islamabad where they reportedly clashed with law enforcers on the city’s Srinagar Highway. Khan’s party wrote on X that its caravan of supporters had reached Zero Point interchange in the capital.
Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party set out despite the government refusing to grant the PTI permission to enter Islamabad for a sit-in. Last week, the district administration also imposed a two-month ban on public gatherings in the capital, citing security challenges and inconvenience to the public.
Policemen fire tear gas shells to disperse supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party during a protest to demand the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, in Islamabad on November 26, 2024. (AFP)
Khan’s PTI is protesting for the release of political prisoners, including Khan, among other demands. State broadcaster Radio Pakistan said the government had invoked Article 245 of the constitution to deploy the army in the capital “to deal with the miscreants with an iron hand.”
“According to security sources, miscreants rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel resulting in the martyrdom of three Rangers officials during PTI’s protest on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad,” Radio Pakistan said.
“Five other Rangers personnel and several police officials sustained severe injuries.”
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi holds a press briefing at the Red Zone in Islamabad on December 25, 2024, as the supporters of Pakistan’s ex-PM Imran Khan enter Islamabad for a sit-in to demand his release from prison. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/Interior Ministry)
The report said that Khan supporters pelted stones on Rangers personnel and carried out indiscriminate firing on security personnel at the Chungi no. 26 area in Islamabad’s twin city of Rawalpindi.
It said two police officers were also killed in clashes.
The PTI, however, rejected the allegations its supporters had killed the Rangers personnel. The party quoted an eyewitness named Safeer Ali, saying that he was the brother of “one of the five victims run over by vehicles belonging to the police and paramilitary forces near Islamabad’s checkpoint number 26.”
“He watched as fleeing police and Rangers deliberately ran people over as they sped away,” the party said on social media platform X.
It said that other media reports had also indicated that the Rangers personnel killed and injured were “accidentally crushed” under the tires of vehicles belonging to security forces.
Teargas, fired by police to disperse supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, is seen during a protest demanding his release in Islamabad late on November 25, 2024. (AFP)
ARMY DEPLOYED IN ISLAMABAD
Separately, Pakistan’s government invoked Article 245 of the constitution to bring in the army in Islamabad as the unrest grew.
“Under Article 245, the Pakistan Army has been called in, and orders have been issued to deal with the miscreants with an iron hand,” Radio Pakistan said.
“Clear orders have also been issued to shoot miscreants and troublemakers on sight.”
Meanwhile, the PTI alleged on social media platform X that law enforcers had opened fire on its unarmed supporters in the capital. It said that the party’s protest caravan in the city’s G-11 area was being heavily teargassed.
“The fake government is ready to go to any extent to maintain its illegal occupation,” the PTI said.
Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party shout slogans as they march toward Islamabad after clearing shipping containers placed by authorities during a demonstration demanding Khan’s release, in Hasan Abdal in Punjab province on November 25, 2024. (AFP)
Islamabad has remained under a security lockdown since Sunday, with authorities closing all schools in the capital and the adjacent garrison city of Rawalpindi, while Internet and WhatsApp messaging services have also slowed.
All routes connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been completely shut since Sunday, as are highways and roads from other cities leading to the federal capital.
Inspector General (IG) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, said on Monday that 119 cops had been injured, some of them due to gunfire by miscreants.
Speaking to reporters late Monday night, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government had offered the PTI a designated place at Sangjiani area in Islamabad to protest.
“A head of state is in Islamabad, it is a sensitive [time], we do not want to go to an extreme step at D-Chowk,” Naqvi said, referring to the Belarusian president, who is in Islamabad with a high-level delegation.
“But do not cross the red line which forces us to go to that extreme step.” US CALLS FOR PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATIONS
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reacted to ongoing protests in Islamabad, saying that Washington supports freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly in every country.
“We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence, and at the same time, we call on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to ensure respect for Pakistan’s laws and constitution, as they work to maintain law and order,” the Miller said.
He declined to comment when a reporter asked him whether it looked like Pakistan’s future was heading in the same direction as that of Bangladesh, where protests this year toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government and forced her into exile. ‘TILL MY LAST BREATH’
The PTI march started on Sunday but could not reach Islamabad the same day as shipping containers placed by the government on key points on major highways slowed the pace of the caravans. The PTI says its final destination is D-Chowk, a high-security area in the capital’s Red Zone that houses key government buildings and is a popular site for protests.
The largest PTI protest caravan began its journey from Peshawar, the provincial capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province where Khan’s party is in power. It is being led by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan’s wife Bushra Khan, who was released on bail in October after nearly nine months in detention.
Khan has been in jail since August last year and faces a slew of charges he says are politically motivated.
“Until Khan does not return to us, we will not end this march,” Bushra said to supporters from atop the protest caravan on Monday afternoon.
“I will stand there till my last breath, you people have to stand by me. I will keep standing even if nobody does because this does not concern just my husband but the country and its leader.”
Islamabad police has confirmed over 400 arrests related to the protest in the past few days, saying the detainees were being held in different police stations. The PTI said over 3,500 of its leaders and supporters had been arrested in connection to the protests.
A supporter of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), looks from a prison van after he was detained during anti-government rally, in Lahore on November 24, 2024. (REUTERS)
The PTI’s march has coincided with a visit to Islamabad by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and a 68-member delegation to discuss investment deals. The government has accused the PTI of trying to sabotage the foreign visit in a bid to destabilize its economic recovery efforts.
The PTI rejected this criticism, saying its protest had been called before the announcement of the Belarusian delegation’s visit.
