ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Monday it was concerned over reports of the ‘theft and illicit sale’ of radioactive material in India, demanding an investigation into the matter.
Last week, the Crime Investigation Department in India’s West Bengal state arrested two people from an area near the Kolkata airport over the illegal possession of radioactive substances, India’s NDTV news channel reported. One of the four pieces of radioactive materials seized was suspected to be californium, a radioactive chemical element.
This is the third such incident in India in the last four months, according to media reports. In May and June, authorities seized over 13kg of uranium from unauthorized persons in two separate incidents in India.
“It is a matter of grave concern for the international community that an extremely rare Sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material like Californium could be stolen,” a spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Office said in a statement. “As in the previous cases, the arrested individuals apparently got hold of the radioactive material by purchasing it from inside India.”
These repeated incidents, the statement said, raised serious concerns about the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India and the possible existence of a “black market” for such materials inside the country.
“It also indicates the lax arrangements inside India to secure imported SRS material,” the FO said, calling for a thorough investigation and adequate measures to prevent their recurrence.
India has not been the only country where theft of radioactive materials has been reported.
Pakistan is itself accused of trafficking these materials, equipment and the information to enrich radioactive materials to Iran, Libya and North Korea.
The country placed Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the so-called father of its nuclear program, under house arrest in 2004 after he confessed to selling nuclear secrets to foreign countries. Several of his collaborators in Europe have been arrested in Germany, Switzerland and South Africa. Khan was released in 2009.
Pakistan sounds alarm over ‘theft and sale’ of radioactive material in India
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Pakistan sounds alarm over ‘theft and sale’ of radioactive material in India
- Indian authorities last week arrested two people for possessing such materials in Kolkata
- This is the third such occurrence in India in the last four months, media reports say
Libya boat tragedy: Pakistan’s FIA issues Interpol red notices to 20 human traffickers
- Around 262 Pakistanis drowned when overcrowded vessel sank off Greec coastal town of Pylos
- State media says Pakistan arrested 144 people, among them 16 lawyers, in connection to boat tragedy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has issued red notices through Interpol for 20 foreign-based human traffickers involved in the 2023 Libyan boat tragedy that claimed the lives of over 260 Pakistanis, state media said on Thursday.
Hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, drowned when an overcrowded vessel traveling from Libya capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos. It was one of the deadliest boat disasters ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea.
Following the tragedy, the issue of illegal immigration to Europe gained significant attention in Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordering “intensified efforts” against human traffickers.
The incident highlighted the perilous journeys many migrants undertake, often driven by economic hardship, as young individuals seek better financial prospects by attempting dangerous crossings to Europe.
“The red notices were issued through Interpol for 20 foreign-based traffickers,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. “FIA said the arrests of these agents were initiated with the assistance of global law enforcement agencies.”
It added that FIA had also begun blocking identity cards and bank accounts linked to human trafficking facilitators involved in the Libyan boat accident.
The state media said that at least 144 people, among them 16 lawyers, were arrested by the FIA in connection with the boat tragedy. The FIA said it has registered 197 cases and blacklisted the passports of 55 others involved in the incident.
APP said DG FIA Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir directed officers deputed at the airport to ensure strict surveillance and prevent suspects from fleeing abroad.
Several Pakistanis, in a bid to escape economic hardships at home, often undertake these illegal and dangerous journeys to enter Europe. The latest incident involving Pakistani passengers took place last month, on Dec. 19, when Pakistan’s mission in Greece confirmed that five Pakistanis had been killed in a migrant boat tragedy off the Greek island of Gavdos.
Subsequently, on Dec. 27, Pakistani authorities arrested a woman along with two other human smugglers.
Pakistani prosthetics startup launches AI-powered limb factory in Gaza to aid amputees
- Established in 2016, BIONIKS says its mobile factory is equipped with AI tools to design limbs
- Company says its initiative is part of its belief that technology has the power to transform lives
KARACHI: BIONIKS, a Karachi-based startup specializing in orthotics and prosthetics, has launched a mobile AI-powered limb factory in Gaza to provide customized prosthetic arms and legs to amputees in the conflict-stricken region, the company announced in its newsletter on Wednesday.
The company, established in 2016, announced the initiative as part of its commitment to creating an inclusive world by leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform lives.
The mobile factory is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence tools to design and produce prosthetic limbs, enabling on-site assistance in underserved areas.
“We believe technology has the power to transform lives,” BIONIKS said in a statement. “By taking advanced prosthetic solutions directly to those in need, we aim to restore independence, mobility, and dignity to individuals affected by conflict and hardship.”
The initiative comes as Gaza grapples with a dire humanitarian crisis since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in October 2023. BIONIKS said it hoped the factory would act as a lifeline for amputees by providing accessible and innovative solutions in regions where resources are limited.
BIONIKS gained international attention in 2021 when it provided a multi-grip bionic arm to four-year-old Mohammed Sideeq, making him the youngest recipient of such a prosthetic limb.
The startup’s co-founder, Anas Niaz, said designing the arm for a child so young was unprecedented.
“No one in the world has ever made a bionic arm for such a young age,” Niaz told Arab News in 2021. “We knew this was nearly impossible, but Mohammed had high hopes to get a bionic arm.”
The lightweight and durable arm allowed Sideeq to resume daily activities, including playing and buttoning his shirt, showcasing BIONIKS’ commitment to blending innovation with functionality.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar denies diplomatic isolation claims, highlights Pakistan’s global presence
- Dar says government’s approach was to increase Pakistan’s diplomatic footprint in the region
- A flurry of visits by foreign dignitaries to strengthen business ties marked the last year in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday dismissed claims that Pakistan was diplomatically isolated, emphasizing that the country remained fully engaged on all international platforms last year.
Dar had promised to prioritize economic diplomacy to bolster Pakistan’s international standing and attract much-needed foreign investment after taking office last year. He highlighted the government’s active external engagements, marked by a flurry of visits from foreign dignitaries as Pakistan sought sustainable growth and investment in key economic sectors.
Efforts have focused on strengthening business and investment ties with regional allies, including Russia, Central Asian states and Gulf nations, as the country navigates economic recovery after a prolonged crisis.
“Faced with the unprecedented challenges at the national, regional and global levels, our consistent and successful approach was to improve our diplomatic footprint, especially in the region,” the deputy prime minister said while addressing a news conference.
“You witnessed that in the past year, the perception or reality [of diplomatic isolation] has vanished by the grace of God,” he added. “Today, Pakistan is fully activated [diplomatically].”
He also mentioned Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visit to Pakistan last year, noting that all global issues were discussed during his meetings with Pakistani officials.
Dar spoke about the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who visited the country last year to strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan amid surging tensions in the Middle East.
He recalled that Pakistan had been represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia last year, praising him for speaking openly against Israel for its war in Gaza.
Dar said Sharif’s visits to the Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan were aimed at promoting investment, adding that Pakistan expected about $29 billion in business and commerce from these countries.
The deputy prime minister noted that Pakistan was also active on the humanitarian front, pointing out it had sent 14 relief consignments to Gaza, nine to Lebanon and four to Syria in 2024.
Pakistan military pardons 19 convicted for May 9 riots ‘on humanitarian grounds’
- Last month, a military court sentenced 85 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years
- May 9 riots followed ex-PM Khan’s brief arrests and involved the targeting of military properties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military on Thursday announced it had accepted the mercy petitions of 19 convicts involved in the May 9, 2023, violence, granting remission of their punishments “purely on humanitarian grounds,” according to an official statement.
Last month, a military court sentenced 85 civilians to prison terms ranging from two to ten years for their roles in the riots, during which supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan were accused of attacking military facilities.
The violence, sparked by Khan’s brief arrest in a corruption case, saw hundreds storming military and government installations, including the torching of a top commander’s house.
The trials, held under the Pakistan Army Act, included convictions of two former military officers, Brig. (retired) Javed Akram and Captain (retired) Viqas Ahmed Mohsin, as well as Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi.
The military had initiated trials for over 100 individuals following the violence.
“A total of 67 convicts have given their mercy petitions,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in its statement. “48 petitions have been processed to Courts of Appeal, while petitions of 19 convicts have been accepted purely on humanitarian grounds, in accordance with the law.”
“Mercy petitions of the remaining will be decided in due course of time, following the legal process,” it added.
The military shared a list of the individuals whose petitions had been approved, adding that they would be released after completing procedural formalities.
The trials and convictions raised concerns that Khan himself could face prosecution under the Pakistan Army Act, with charges including treason and inciting mutiny in the military.
The former premier, jailed for over a year, has denied these allegations and multiple other charges, describing them as politically motivated attempts to sideline him from power.
Khan, however, faces accusations of orchestrating the May 9 riots, a claim he has consistently rejected. He remains imprisoned in a high-security facility in Rawalpindi.
“The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of the due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” the ISPR said.
It also noted the military had released 20 convicts last year in April on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with law.
Pakistan telecom regulator partners with DeafTawk to improve accessibility at offices
- The initiative will help promote an inclusive society in Pakistan, home to over 10 million deaf people
- DeafTawk, a social enterprise founded in 2018, has app linking deaf users with qualified interpreters
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DeafTawk, a social enterprise supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, to provide sign language interpretation services at PTA offices, state-owned media reported on Thursday.
DeafTawk, founded in Pakistan, operates a globally available mobile application offering real-time sign-language solutions. The app connects deaf users with qualified interpreters to facilitate communication in various scenarios, such as medical consultations, education, transportation, and family interactions.
Users can download the app, subscribe, and access round-the-clock services, with group calls also supported. The service is currently available in Pakistan, Denmark, Singapore, and Puerto Rico.
“Through this partnership, DeafTawk will provide ‘DeafTawk Plus,’ enabling online sign language interpretation for deaf visitors at PTA offices,” Radio Pakistan said. “PTA will also integrate AI-powered text-to-sign and speech-to-sign tools into its digital platforms, with annual accessibility audits to ensure continuous improvement.”
“This groundbreaking initiative addresses communication challenges faced by over ten million deaf individuals in Pakistan, promoting an equitable and inclusive society,” it added.
DeafTawk was launched in 2018 by Wamiq Hassan, Pakistan’s first deaf software engineer and one of the app’s developers, who told Arab News in a 2022 interview he wanted to uplift the deaf community and make this world inclusive for all with the help of mobile technology.
Reflecting on his experience, Hassan emphasized the critical need for such solutions in a country where communication barriers for the hearing impaired remain prevalent.
“From my personal experience I know that deaf people face extreme communication barriers in Pakistan and there must be a solution to it,” he said. “So, we are trying to bridge this gap through this app.”
