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Pakistan says will solve ‘tough problem’ of vaccinating over 3 million stateless people

People wait for their trun to get a dose of the Covid-19 coronavirus Sinopharm vaccine at a vaccination camp in Karachi on May 25, 2021. (AFP)
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Updated 26 May 2021
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Pakistan says will solve ‘tough problem’ of vaccinating over 3 million stateless people

  • Stateless people lack 16-digit national identity card number required to register for government vaccine program
  • Senior health official say all non-Pakistani residents eligible for COVID-19 jabs after proving identity using relevant documents
Updated 26 May 2021
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s health chief Dr. Faisal Sultan said on Wednesday the government would solve the “tough problem” of vaccinating its more than three million stateless people living in different parts of the country.

In a story published in Arab News on Tuesday, several refugees in Pakistan described being unable to get citizenship despite decades of living in the country. Now they fear being left out of a national vaccination drive as registering for a free government-run immunization drive requires that citizens send a 16-digit computerized national identity card number to a 1166 number.
“Slightly tough problem but will be solved,” Dr. Faisal Sultan, who advises Prime Minister Imran Khan on public health, told Arab News.
According to Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “everyone has the right to a nationality.” Nevertheless, statelessness remains a reality across the world.
While the exact numbers are not known, Pakistan’s leading association of doctors recently wrote a letter to the government about the plight of stateless people in Pakistan, saying they were no fewer than three million in number.
In September 2018, Prime Minister Imran Khan pledged citizenship for Bengali and Afghan refugees, a decision widely hailed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees agency, civil society groups and human rights organizations. However, that promise is yet to be fulfilled.
Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations says “every person currently in Pakistan” would get the COVID-19 vaccine by waiting for the immunization process to begin for people in their respective age brackets.
Rana Muhammad Safdar, director-general health at the ministry, told Arab News refugees or any other persons in Pakistan would have to prove their identity to be eligible to get a vaccine.
“This can be done using any document from the UNHCR or any other organization that proves their identity as non-Pakistani residents of the country,” he said in an interview on Tuesday.
Safdar, however, declined to comment when asked how individuals could register themselves through the official helpline when it only recognized 16-digit computerized national identity card numbers issued to Pakistani citizens, or why some people were being turned away even when they directly approached vaccination centers with relevant documents.

Topics: CORONAVIRUS PAKISTAN refugees Coronavirus vaccination

Pakistan government warns of ‘hurdles’ to talks if Imran Khan’s party doesn’t submit demands

Updated 6 sec ago
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Pakistan government warns of ‘hurdles’ to talks if Imran Khan’s party doesn’t submit demands

  • Second round of talks between Khan’s party, government ended inconclusively this week after PTI did not submit demands in writing
  • Khan’s party has publicly stated two demands: release of political prisoners and setting up of judicial commissions to probe protests
Updated 6 sec ago
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: A leading government spokesperson this week warned that negotiations with former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party may face “serious hurdles” if the party fails to submit its demands in writing in the next meeting. 

The PTI and the government’s second round of talks on Jan. 2 ended inconclusively after Khan’s party demanded more time to meet and consult the jailed former premier before submitting their demands in writing to the government. 

The two sides kicked off negotiations last month to end the political deadlock in the country. Khan’s party has publicly stated two demands: the release of political prisoners and the establishment of judicial commissions to investigate protests on May 9, 2023, and Nov. 26, 2024, which the government says involved his party supporters, accusing them of attacking military installations and government buildings.

“In an interview with a private television channel, he [Senator Irfan Siddiqui] said that if PTI does not submit its demands in writing as promised, the negotiation process may face serious hurdles,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. 

“He said even after 12 days, no significant progress has been made.”

Siddiqui, who is the parliamentary leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ()PML-N) in the Senate and a member of the government’s negotiation committee, said the government had facilitated Khan’s party by arranging its meetings with the former prime minister in jail. 

However, he said the PTI remained “indecisive” about formalizing their demands despite written assurances made in joint declarations. 

“However, if the written demands are not presented in the third meeting, the negotiations could face significant setbacks,” Radio Pakistan quoted Siddiqui as saying. 

He said the date for the third meeting between the two sides would be decided by the PTI.

Khan’s ouster in a parliamentary no-trust vote in 2022 has plunged Pakistan into a political crisis, particularly since the PTI founder was jailed in August last year on corruption and other charges and remains behind bars. His party and supporters have regularly held protests calling for his release, with many of the demonstrations turning violent.

The talks between the two sides opened days after Khan threatened a civil disobedience movement, and amid growing concerns he may face trial by a military court for allegedly inciting attacks on sensitive security installations during the May 9, 2023 protests.

Topics: Pakistan Imran Khan

Pakistan Business Council elects new board to strengthen trade, investment ties with UAE

Updated 17 min 6 sec ago
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Pakistan Business Council elects new board to strengthen trade, investment ties with UAE

  • PBC provides a platform to Pakistani companies and professionals in Dubai, helping them with networking
  • It also engages in initiatives to enhance Pakistan’s image, organize business forums and cultural activities
Updated 17 min 6 sec ago
REHMAT MEHSUD

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai, a non-profit organization established in 2004 to strengthen trade and investment ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has elected its new board of directors for the 2025-2026 term, according to its statement on Saturday.

PBC serves as a platform for Pakistan-related companies and professionals operating in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, facilitating business networking, information exchange and maintaining strong connections to Pakistan.

Established under the patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the council boasts a membership of over 200 Pakistani businessmen and companies from diverse sectors, including trade, manufacturing, professional services, finance, technology and health care.

Pakistan’s Consul General in Dubai, Hussain Muhammad, congratulated the newly elected board during a ceremony held at the Pakistan Association Dubai.

“The PBC serves as a dynamic platform for fostering trade, investment and collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE,” he said, according to a council statement. “I urge the new board to continue identifying and promoting sectors where both nations can collaborate for mutual benefit.”

PBC actively engages in initiatives to enhance Pakistan’s image. It also closely works with local government departments in Dubai and organizes events such as business forums, seminars, workshops and cultural celebrations related to Pakistan.

During the ceremony, the consul general praised the outgoing board for their contributions and highlighted the strong relationship between Pakistan and the UAE.

Members of both the outgoing and incoming boards also addressed the gathering, saying the council was playing a vital role in promoting business-to-business collaboration between the two countries.

Topics: Pakistan Business Council

Vehicle-borne bomb in Balochistan kills five paramilitary soldiers, injures over two dozen

Updated 04 January 2025
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Vehicle-borne bomb in Balochistan kills five paramilitary soldiers, injures over two dozen

  • The attack occurred when a convoy of Frontier Corps personnel was moving near Turbat city
  • A Baloch separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack that also injured 11 civilians
Updated 04 January 2025
SAADULLAH AKHTER

QUETTA: At least five paramilitary soldiers of the Frontier Corps (FC) were killed and over two dozen others injured in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeted a bus carrying security personnel near Turbat city on Saturday.
The attack was initially confirmed by Rashid Zehri, the area’s district police officer, who said it occurred when a convoy of paramilitary soldiers escorted by FC vehicles was moving from an area about 10 kilometers from Turbat in Kech district.
Zehri said the bus carrying FC personnel caught fire after the attack, adding that the explosion also destroyed two civilian vehicles and two motorbikes without confirming the number of casualties in the attack.
“Civilians injured in the attack have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Turbat, while the paramilitary force has taken its soldiers to the FC camp for medical treatment,” he told Arab News over the phone.
However, a senior provincial administration official, who requested anonymity since he was not authorized to speak to the media, said five paramilitary soldiers were killed in the attack, which also injured nearly 40 others, including civilians.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, saying “terrorists will not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious objectives.”
Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti also called the perpetrators of the attack “unworthy of being called humans.”
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an armed separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Balochistan, a mineral-rich province sharing borders with Iran and Afghanistan, has faced an insurgency for decades, which has intensified in recent years. The Baloch separatists accuse the Pakistani state of exploiting the region’s resources without adequately benefiting its population. However, Pakistani governments deny the allegations, saying they have launched several development projects to promote prosperity and improve the lives of residents in the province.
The BLA, with a strong presence in Balochistan, has emerged as a major threat to the state, carrying out deadly attacks, including suicide bombings, to target Pakistani security forces. According to provincial administration data, Balochistan witnessed a dramatic surge in militant violence in 2024, resulting in about 300 deaths in over 550 attacks.
Dr. Amjad Baloch, Medical Superintendent of the DHQ Hospital in Turbat, said his staff treated 11 civilians injured in the blast.
“All the injured were brought in stable condition and discharged after their initial medical treatment,” he told Arab News.

Topics: Balochistan Attacks Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) Frontier Constabulary (FC) Turbat city

Pakistan PM calls SMEs ‘backbone’ of national economy, seeks steps for their global integration

Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan PM calls SMEs ‘backbone’ of national economy, seeks steps for their global integration

  • The government has initiated the process of hiring experts for the development of the SME sector
  • State Bank of Pakistan has also directed banks to simplify the loan application process for SMEs
Updated 04 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday described Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of national economy, issuing directives to take necessary measures to integrate them into the global supply chain, according to a statement from his office.
Pakistan has been striving to attract foreign investment as it recovers from a prolonged economic crisis characterized by a tough balance of payments situation, dwindling foreign currency reserves and a depreciating national currency.
While the government has signed various agreements with close allies and sought to promote business-to-business partnerships to drive growth, Sharif recently noted that foreign investment would remain elusive without first strengthening domestic investment.
“Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the economy,” he said while presiding over a meeting in Lahore to evaluate the SME sector, according to the statement. “Comprehensive steps are needed to make Pakistani industries a part of the global supply chain.”
The prime minister received a detailed briefing on the operations of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) and was told its board of directors had been constituted and had started holding regular meetings.
“The process of hiring international-standard experts for the development of the SME sector has been initiated,” the official statement said.
“The State Bank of Pakistan has also instructed banks to simplify and streamline the loan application forms for SMEs,” it added.
The meeting was also informed that authorities were in the process of gathering data on SMEs across Pakistan to enable informed decision-making for the sector.

Topics: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan in trouble after Ryan Rickelton leads South African run feast

Updated 04 January 2025
AFP
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Pakistan in trouble after Ryan Rickelton leads South African run feast

  • Pakistan were 64-3 at the close after double centurion Rickelton led his team to 615 in the first innings
  • Kyle Verreynne says Saim Ayub’s absence due to a broken ankle has made South Africa’s task easier
Updated 04 January 2025
AFP

CAPE TOWN: South African wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne said his side “need nine more big wickets” after the Proteas dominated Pakistan on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Saturday.
Pakistan were 64-3 at the close after double centurion Ryan Rickelton led South Africa to a first innings total of 615.
Verreynne, who hit 100 in a 148-run partnership with Rickelton, said the absence of Pakistan opening batsman Saim Ayub, out for up to six weeks with a broken ankle, made South Africa’s task easier.
“We are focusing on taking nine more wickets, then it will be their tailenders to come,” said Verreynne of the task of bowling out Pakistan twice.
South Africa, already assured of a place in the World Test championship final in England in June, are seeking a seventh successive Test win.
“We have three days to go,” said Verreynne. “We have to stay nice and patient, stay in the channel and the loose shots will come.”
Kagiso Rabada struck twice and Marco Jansen once when Pakistan started their innings.
Babar Azam, forced to open the batting in Ayub’s absence, was 31 not out at the close with his side still 551 runs behind.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam plays a shot, right, as South Africa’s David Bedingham attempts a catch during the second day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa on January 4, 2025. (AP)

Left-handed opening batsman Rickelton made a chanceless 259, South Africa’s joint seventh highest Test score, before he was seventh man out with the total on 557.
South African captain Temba Bavuma opted to keep Pakistan in the field until the last man, 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka, was out 40 minutes after tea.
By then, South Africa had added 299 runs to their overnight 316-4, scoring at almost five runs an over.
Resuming on 176, Rickelton was content to play the anchor role while Verreynne hit 100 off 147 balls in a sixth-wicket partnership of 148 off 222 deliveries.

South Africa players celebrate the wicket of Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam during the second day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa on January 4, 2025. (AP)

“It was so nice batting with him,” Verreynne said of his partnership with Rickelton. “I thought he would be really tired after batting the whole day yesterday but he was so calm, it just felt like he could do this for ages. It put me at ease and I could just bat normally.”
A rapid seventh-wicket stand of 86 was ended when Rickelton was caught at mid-on going for a big hit after batting for 607 minutes. He faced 343 balls and hit 29 fours and three sixes.
Jansen made 62 off 54 balls and Keshav Maharaj hit 40 off 35 deliveries as the bowlers continued to take a pounding.

South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj in action during the second day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa on January 4, 2025. (AP)

South Africa’s innings ended when Maphaka was bowled second ball for nought to become the 100th Test wicket for Mohammad Abbas.
At 18 years 270 days, Maphaka became South Africa’s youngest Test player when the match started on Friday.
Abbas took three for 94, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan held six catches in the South African innings.

Pakistan’s Aamir Jamal in action during the second day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa on January 4, 2025. (AP)

With ten wickets, Abbas is the leading wicket-taker in the series after being recalled to the team after a three-year absence.
“I am glad to be back,” 34-year-old Abbas said. “I would enjoy it more when my team was winning but I am satisfied with my effort.”

Topics: Pakistan v South Africa Saim Ayub Babar Azam Ryan Rickelton

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