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  • Government says won’t be 'blackmailed' as TLP holds 12 police, paramilitary troops hostage


Government says won’t be 'blackmailed' as TLP holds 12 police, paramilitary troops hostage

Policemen stand guard as supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party take part in a protest while blocking a street after their leader was detained following his calls for the expulsion of the French ambassador, in Lahore on April 18, 2021. (AFP)
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Updated 18 April 2021
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Government says won’t be 'blackmailed' as TLP holds 12 police, paramilitary troops hostage

  • Information minister says government believes in negotiations not blackmail, PM Khan has “strongest affection” for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
  • Security beefed up in capital Islamabad with heavy contingents of police
Updated 18 April 2021
BENAZIR SHAH Aamir Saeed

LAHORE/ ISLAMABAD: Twelve security forces personnel, which includes policemen and paramilitary troops, taken hostage by the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) religious party during police clashes on Sunday morning have yet to be released, Lahore Police spokesperson Arif Rana said, while the interior ministry said in a statement it would not be blackmailed by the group.
Rioting by the rightwing group has rocked the country since Monday after TLP chief Saad Rizvi was arrested in Lahore a day after he threatened the government with rallies if it did not expel the French envoy to Islamabad over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) published in France last year.




Supporters of Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) block a road during a protest in Lahore, Pakistan, on April 18, 2021. (REUTERS)

The protests have paralyzed major cities and highways, leading to the deaths of six policemen, according to the government, with thousands of TLP workers under arrest, police say. The riots have also prompted the French embassy to recommend all its nationals temporarily leave the country.
Following last week’s crackdown to quell the protests, there was relative calm in major cities  until clashes erupted in Lahore early morning Sunday, when protesters attacked the Nawankot Police Station. 
“The officers are currently being held [by the TLP] in a mosque in Lahore,” Rana said on Sunday evening. “They are still there.”
"It is the government's mandate to negotiate or not to negotiate with the protesters. We can't do it,” he said.




Paramilitary soldiers stand guard on a road during a protest by supporters of the banned political party Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore, Pakistan, on April 18, 2021. (REUTERS)

Hostages include Nawankot deputy superintendent of police, five police constables and two Rangers personnel, Rana had told Arab News earlier in the day, adding that police were trying to recover the abducted officers.
On Sunday evening Information Minister Fawad Hussain Chaudhry said in a statement the government believed in negotiating but wouldn’t be blackmailed.
“The government believes in negotiations but can't be blackmailed,” he said.
“The operation was started after police and Rangers personnel were kidnapped. The state can't be blackmailed by a proscribed armed outfit. [Prime Minister] Imran Khan has the strongest affection with the Prophet (PBUH) and he has talked about this at every forum.”
Earlier on Sunday, police spokesman Rana said the operation against the TLP had been halted as the attackers were armed with petrol bombs and a tanker with 50,000 litres of petrol. By Sunday evening, he said the situation was “at a standstill” with protesters sitting on roadsides with sticks and petrol bombs in their hands and law enforcement personnel standing guard.
“The police are handling the situation cautiously as we don't want to put the lives of our fellows [the hostages] in any danger," he said, adding that over 3,000 law enforcement personnel had been deployed in the area.
On Thursday, the interior ministry said it was moving to have the TLP party banned for attacking law enforcement forces and disrupting public life during its protests. The interior ministry’s decision has been approved by the federal cabinet but needs to be ratified by the Supreme Court for the TLP to be dissolved.
Talking to the media in Islamabad on Sunday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said no negotiations were underway with the TLP.
“We tried to negotiate for two, three months with them but in vain. They are not ready to retreat from their agenda, so the government is left with no option but to establish the writ of the state," the minister said.
Meanwhile, security has been heightened in the capital, Islamabad, the DIG operations tweeted Sunday evening.
“Security beefed up in the whole city. Heavy contingents deployed at entry/ exit points & other important installations. All possible steps would be taken for maintenance of law and order situation in the city. Stand by your police & forces,” he tweeted.
Earlier on Sunday, Lahore police told Dawn newspaper that three people had been killed in clashes with police.
In October 2020, protests broke out in several Muslim countries over France’s response to a deadly attack on a teacher who showed cartoons mocking the Prophet Muhammad to his pupils during a civics lesson.




A Pakistani protester returns a teargas shell during a demonstration in Islamabad on October 30, 2020, following French President Emmanuel Macron's comments over the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) caricatures. (AFP/File)

During similar protests in Pakistan, the government negotiated with the TLP and met a number of its demands, including that it would debate expelling the French ambassador in parliament.
A deadline to make that parliamentary move expires on April 20.

Topics: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP)

Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment

Updated 4 min 55 sec ago
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Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment

  • Pakistan plans to phase out key import duties over five years to boost export competitiveness
  • Analysts say the decision is driven by local budget proposals, not tariff pressure from Washington
Updated 4 min 55 sec ago
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday approved a major reduction in import tariffs as part of its broader effort to revive the economy, boost exports and attract foreign investment, an official statement circulated by the Prime Minister’s office said.
The move comes as Pakistan emerges from a prolonged economic crisis and shifts from restrictive import controls, previously used to protect dwindling foreign currency reserves, toward policies aimed at sustaining growth and attracting investment. With inflation easing and macroeconomic indicators improving, the government is working on tariff reforms to boost industrial productivity.
Pakistani exports, especially in textiles, engineering and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties a key factor in export competitiveness. The issue came up for decision during a high-level meeting on the National Tariff Policy, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
“In line with the government’s economic recovery plan, the prime minister has taken a historic step by approving a gradual but significant reduction in import tariffs,” the statement said, calling it “a key milestone” in achieving economic stability and enabling export-led growth.
Under the approved changes, Pakistan will phase out additional customs duties, currently ranging from two to seven percent, along with regulatory duties, between five and 90 percent, over the next four to five years.
The government will also cap general customs duties at 15 percent, compared to current rates that sometimes exceed 100 percent, and limit tariff slabs to four categories to reduce complexity and ensure a level playing field across industries.
“It’s too early to comment whether the focus of the government is to reduce or abolish these duties on raw materials or finished products,” Shankar Talreja, head of research at Topline Securities, told Arab News.
“If duties are abolished on raw materials, it may generate the desired results of increase in exports,” he added.
Talreja maintained some industries in Pakistan needed these duties to remain in place to continue being viable businesses.
He noted that in the absence of them, Chinese products could inundate the market, which could adversely impact the local industry.
However, the official statement said the policy shift was expected to support the government’s goals of curbing unemployment, containing inflation further and providing dignified employment opportunities, particularly for educated youth.
Rao Aamir Ali, deputy head of research at Arif Habib Limited, said the government’s decision related to the import duties was not in response to the United States’ “reciprocal tariffs.”
“This move is not related to Pakistan’s tariff issue with the US,” he told Arab News.
“It is part of the budget proposals from various industrial sectors seeking reduction in customs duties to cut their input costs,” he added.
Sharif ordered the formation of an implementation committee to oversee the rollout of the tariff reforms during the meeting and reiterated that economic revival remained his administration’s top priority.

Topics: Pakistan UK Ties British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott Pakistan foreign office

Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment

Updated 16 May 2025
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Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment

  • Pakistani exports rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties important for export competitiveness
  • Government plans to phase out additional customs and regulatory duties in Pakistan in the next five years
Updated 16 May 2025
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday approved a major reduction in import tariffs as part of its broader effort to revive the economy, boost exports and attract foreign investment, an official statement circulated by the Prime Minister’s office said.

The move comes as Pakistan emerges from a prolonged economic crisis and shifts from restrictive import controls, previously used to protect dwindling foreign currency reserves, toward policies aimed at sustaining growth and attracting investment. With inflation easing and macroeconomic indicators improving, the government is working on tariff reforms to boost industrial productivity.

Pakistani exports, especially in textiles, engineering and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties a key factor in export competitiveness. The issue came up for decision during a high-level meeting on the National Tariff Policy, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

“In line with the government’s economic recovery plan, the prime minister has taken a historic step by approving a gradual but significant reduction in import tariffs,” the statement said, calling it “a key milestone” in achieving economic stability and enabling export-led growth.

Under the approved changes, Pakistan will phase out additional customs duties, currently ranging from two to seven percent, along with regulatory duties, between five and 90 percent, over the next four to five years.

The government will also cap general customs duties at 15 percent, compared to current rates that sometimes exceed 100 percent, and limit tariff slabs to four categories to reduce complexity and ensure a level playing field across industries.

The policy shift is expected to support the government’s goals of curbing unemployment, containing inflation further and providing dignified employment opportunities, particularly for educated youth.

Sharif also ordered the formation of an implementation committee to oversee the rollout of the tariff reforms and reiterated that economic revival remained his administration’s top priority.

Topics: Karachi port

Pakistan says agreed with India on ‘phased de-escalation’ after last week’s strikes

Updated 16 May 2025
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Pakistan says agreed with India on ‘phased de-escalation’ after last week’s strikes

  • The latest conflict between India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war
  • Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery strikes left around 70 people, including civilians, dead on both sides
Updated 16 May 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has agreed with India for “phased de-escalation” after last week’s military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, the Pakistani foreign office said on Friday, adding that military officials from both countries had been in “periodic contacts.”

The latest conflict between India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war before a ceasefire was announced by United States President Donald Trump. Fighting began when India launched strikes on May 7 against what it called “terrorist camps” in Pakistan following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people.

New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it claimed were behind the attack — the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in decades. Pakistan denies the charge and has demanded a credible, international probe into the assault. Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges left around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, dead on both sides.

Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Pakistani foreign office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan said the ceasefire between both nations was achieved through “facilitation of several friendly nations,” reiterating Islamabad’s support for President Trump’s announcement of engaging with Pakistan and India to seek a resolution to the Kashmir dispute.

“I would like to highlight that Directors General of Military Operations of Pakistan and India have maintained periodic contacts since 10th May 2025. Both sides have agreed on a structured mechanism for phased de-escalation,” he said, adding that Pakistan was committed to the ceasefire.

“As a goodwill gesture, Pakistan handed over an Indian Border Security Force constable on May 14, 2025. In return, India released a sepoy of Pakistan Rangers.”

There was no immediate response from New Delhi to Khan’s statement but it came hours after Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should reconsider a one-billion-dollar loan to Pakistan, alleging Islamabad was “funding terror.” Both India and Pakistan, who are members of the International Atomic Energy Agency, have also accused each other of failing to control their nuclear weapons.

“I believe a big portion of the $1 billion coming from IMF will be used for funding terror infrastructure,” Singh told troops at an air force base in western India. “I believe any economic assistance to Pakistan is nothing less than funding terror.”

The IMF last week approved a loan program review for Pakistan, unlocking a $1 billion payment which the state bank said has already been received. A fresh $1.4 billion loan was also approved for Pakistan under the IMF’s climate resilience fund.

Khan said at a time when the international community was actively promoting regional peace and stability, India’s rhetoric reflected a “persistent tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and cast unwarranted aspersions” on Pakistan’s nuclear assets.

“Pakistan as a responsible state remains committed to the ceasefire and to taking necessary steps toward de-escalation and regional stability,” he said.

“Given India’s belligerent posture, we call upon our international partners to ensure that India honors its commitments and refrains from further aggression. Should India resume hostilities, Pakistan will have no choice but to respond.”

Bitter rivals India and Pakistan have fought three wars, including two over the disputed region of Kashmir, since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety but rule it in part.

India has long battled an insurgency on the side it rules by armed separatists fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan. New Delhi accuses Pakistan of backing the militants, Islamabad says it only offers political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris.

The region has long been described as the “nuclear flashpoint” of South Asia and prompted President Trump last week to offer Washington’s mediation to resolve the issue.

“Pakistan firmly believes in peaceful coexistence. We prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation. We have consistently advocated for meaningful engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir,” Khan said.

“A just and peaceful settlement of these disputes remains indispensable for lasting peace in South Asia.”

India has for years insisted Kashmir is a bilateral issue and not allowed any third-party mediation.

Topics: Pakistan India ceasefire

UK, Pakistan foreign ministers meet after India conflict

Updated 16 May 2025
AFP
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UK, Pakistan foreign ministers meet after India conflict

  • The conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors India, Pakistan sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war
  • Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges, killed around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, on both sides
Updated 16 May 2025
AFP

ISLAMABAD: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with his Pakistani counterpart in Islamabad on Friday, a week after the country’s most serious military confrontation with India in decades.

The latest conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war before a ceasefire was announced by United States President Donald Trump.

Lammy was received by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Office, images broadcast by state television showed.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (L) in a meeting with  Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, on May 16, 2025. (PMO)

The United Kingdom was among several nations to urge de-escalation after last week’s clashes, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the time that Britain was “urgently engaging” with both countries.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, separately visited both countries last week offering to mediate.

Fighting began when India launched strikes on May 7 against what it called “terrorist camps” in Pakistan following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people.

New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it claimed were behind the attack — the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in decades. Pakistan denies the charge.

Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges ensued, leaving around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, dead on both sides.

Both India and Pakistan are members of the International Atomic Energy Agency and have accused each other of failing to control their nuclear weapons.

Topics: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy Foreign minister Ishaq Dar Pakistan India Ties

Flydubai begins operations in Pakistan’s northwest as first flight lands in Peshawar

Updated 16 May 2025
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Flydubai begins operations in Pakistan’s northwest as first flight lands in Peshawar

  • Peshawar is one of the oldest cities in South Asia, which features several cultural and historical landmarks
  • Flydubai will operate daily flights between Dubai and Peshawar, offering customers ‘more options for travel’
Updated 16 May 2025
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Flydubai, an Emirati government-owned airline, has launched its daily flights to the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, the Pakistani Airports Authority (PAA) said on Friday.

Peshawar in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has a rich history that makes it one of the oldest cities in South Asia. Peshawar features cultural landmarks like the historic Bala Hisar Fort and the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, which once served as a gathering places for traders and poets.

The inaugural flydubai flight arrived at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport at around 12:30am on Friday, carrying 164 passengers, according to the PAA. It was given a water cannon salute upon arrival at the airport, followed by a ceremony to mark the start of airline operations in Peshawar.

“Flight FZ-375 departed back to Dubai at 2:20am with 184 passengers,” the PAA said in a statement. “Flydubai will operate seven flights a week.”

Officials celebrate the inaugural flight of UAE’s flydubai operations between Peshawar and Dubai at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar on May 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy: CAA)

Flydubai has built a growing network of more than 130 destinations, 97 of which were underserved markets and did not previously have direct air links to Dubai, according to the airline, which has a fleet of 89 Boeing 737 aircraft.

The airline first started operating flights to Pakistan in 2010 with the launch of flights to the southern port city of Karachi. In addition to Islamabad and Lahore, the carrier also flies to Faisalabad, Multan, Quetta and Sialkot cities of Pakistan.

Flydubai this month said its flights to Peshawar airport will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB).

“Flydubai will operate a daily service between Dubai and Peshawar, offering customers from the UAE and the region more options for travel,” it said.

Topics: Flydubai Peshawar airport Dubai airport Pakistan UAE ties

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