As flood waters recede, a rising tide of disease in southwest Pakistan

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Updated 30 September 2022
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As flood waters recede, a rising tide of disease in southwest Pakistan

  • 38,476 cases of malaria, skin and eye diseases, acute respiratory infection and cholera reported in Balochistan since Sept. 17, 2022
  • Influx of patients has overwhelmed Pakistan’s weak health system, particularly in Balochistan, country’s poorest province

Dera Allah Yar, BALOCHISTAN: As Yar Khan stood outside the outpatient ward at the District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) in a small town in southwestern Pakistan, it was not his own stomach ache that worried him but the high fever that had for days gripped his one-year-old nephew.

Khan’s family fears the infant has one of the many infectious and water-borne diseases that have spread in the aftermath of devastating monsoon rains and floods in Pakistan.

Record rains in south and southwest Pakistan that began in mid-June and glacial melt in northern areas triggered the flooding that has killed over 1,600 people and affected nearly 33 million people in the South Asian nation of 220 million, sweeping away homes, crops, bridges, roads and livestock and causing an estimated $30 billion of damage.

Weeks after the rains stopped, large swaths of the country’s southwestern Balochistan and southern Sindh provinces remain flooded, and millions of survivors, many living in tents, makeshift shelters or under the open sky on road sides, face a host of other problems, including diseases like diarrhea, skin infections, coughs and colds, government and relief officials say.

The presence of mosquitoes and the spread of the diseases they carry, like dengue fever and malaria, have become particularly concerning.

Data from the Balochistan health department showed around 38,476 cases of malaria, skin diseases, acute respiratory infection (ARI), cholera and eye infections have been reported in Balochistan since September 17, 2022. The World Health Organization warned on Thursday a “full-scale operation” was needed in Balochistan to stem the tide of disease.

The influx of new patients daily has overwhelmed Pakistan’s already weak health system, particularly in Balochistan, the country’s poorest and least developed province.

“I have taken him to all the doctors in my village but my nephew didn’t get well,” Khan, 21, told Arab News from Dera Allah Yar city in Balochistan’s Jaffarabad division, where he had traveled from his village of Chatan, still “neck deep” in water, six kilometers away.

“Now I have brought him to the DHQ Hospital and traveled through flood water to reach Dera Allah Yar,” the daily wage laborer added.

“For too many days I have been feeling pain in my stomach,” Khan added. “I visited all doctors in my village but they were unable to diagnose what is causing my pain and why my nephew is sick.”

“In the three or four houses of my relatives, everyone is ill.”

Tania Bibi, 20, a resident of Karam Shah Goth in Dera Allah Yar, was diagnosed with a skin disease ten days ago. But her illness is the least of her worries, she said, as her four children are all ill.

“It’s been a month, we have been living on the Dera Allah Yar highway which is surrounded by contaminated flood water,” Bibi told Arab News. “There are too many mosquitoes and insects.”

She lightly touched the spots on her face: “The pimples popped up after the flood. It used to hurt a lot, it still hurts, it’s still the same.”

Bibi said her daughters and one son had been diagnosed with malaria and anemia respectively and now another son had high fever.

Doctors at DHQ Dera Allah Yar had prescribed medicines for the whole family but Bibi, whose husband is an out-of-work daily wage laborer, said she did not have money to buy them.

The hospital itself is struggling to deal with the influx of patients from surrounding areas.

“We have a shortage of medicines and staff to deal with the overburden of patients at the DHQ Hospital,” Dr. Ishma Khoso, a senior medical officer at the DHQ Dera Allah Yar, said. “Because people from Sohbat Pur district and other far-flung areas are now coming here for treatment.”

“The same water, animals are standing in it and using it, and now people are using it to wash clothes and dishes and perhaps drinking it as well,” Khoso said, adding that the hospital was facing a “200 percent increase in the number of patients suffering from water-borne diseases.”

Dr. Imran Baloch, a medical superintendent at the hospital, said at least 12 newborn babies were being regularly treated for ARI at the facility, and the number was steadily rising, creating challenges for doctors.

“There used to be 400 patients regularly coming to the hospital but now 900 plus patients are coming [daily],” Baloch said, “so we are having a lot of difficulty in managing them.”

Umar Khan Jamali, a legislator from Jaffarabad district, called the flood “one of the most severe natural disasters in the history of Pakistan,” saying no government was capable of coping with natural catastrophes on this large scale.

“The government of Pakistan and Balochistan have made international calls for assistance but unfortunately we didn’t receive any positive response, particularly in the health crisis that surfaced after the flood,” Jamali told Arab News. “The provincial health department has been utilizing all its available resources to ensure quality health services to the flood affected people.”

Meanwhile, people like Khan and his family wait for help.

“I want my nephew to be treated by senior doctors here,” Khan said, “but due to a large number of patients in the hospital, we are facing delays in medical treatment. Despite sitting outside the OPD for five hours, I am still waiting for my turn to see a doctor.”


China’s BYD starts delivering vehicle in Pakistan, aim to roll out 100 units in 48 hours

Updated 11 sec ago
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China’s BYD starts delivering vehicle in Pakistan, aim to roll out 100 units in 48 hours

  • BYD partnered with Mega Motor Company last year to introduce electric vehicles in Pakistan
  • Both companies plan to establish 15 experience and care centers across Pakistan this year

KARACHI: China’s BYD, the world’s largest New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, and Pakistan’s Mega Motor Company (MMC) started delivering vehicles in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad on Friday, with plans to roll out 100 units within the first 48 hours, confirmed their official statement.
The milestone comes after BYD and MMC partnered last year to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) in Pakistan, aiming to accelerate the country’s transition toward sustainable mobility.
BYD, a global leader in battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, has expanded aggressively in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Mega Motor, a subsidiary of Pakistan’s Hub Power Company (HUBCO), is spearheading the local manufacturing, distribution and sales of BYD-branded vehicles.
“It is an honor to embark on this crucial development chapter in Pakistan,” said Lei Jian, BYD country head in Pakistan.
“BYD has long been dedicated to fulfilling people’s aspirations for a better life through technological innovation,” he continued. “We firmly believe that BYD’s new energy vehicles and technologies are destined to make even greater contributions to Pakistan’s green development journey.”

This handout photo, released by China’s BYD auto company on February 28, 2025, shows BYD Experience and Care Centers in Islamabad. (BYD Pakistan/Handout)

The companies have launched BYD Experience and Care Centers in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, offering customers access to their advanced automobiles. 
he initial rollout includes models such as SEAL and ATTO 3, with plans to establish 15 centers across Pakistan this year to expand accessibility.
“We are thrilled to begin vehicle deliveries across Pakistan,” said Danish Khaliq, VP Sales and Strategy at MMC. “This marks the beginning of an exciting journey for BYD and our customers, as we introduce world-class NEV technology to drive Pakistan toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
NEVs refer to alternative-fuel vehicles that rely on electric, hybrid, hydrogen, or other non-traditional power sources instead of conventional gasoline or diesel engines.


Pakistan PM forms committee to boost economic growth, seeks recommendations in two weeks

Updated 29 min 5 sec ago
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Pakistan PM forms committee to boost economic growth, seeks recommendations in two weeks

  • Shehbaz Sharif says the most effective way to improve the growth rate is to increase the country’s exports
  • The prime minister wants the leading business personalities and industrialists to be part of the committee

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed to form of a committee comprising industrialists and cabinet members to ensure sustainable economic growth, instructing it to offer recommendations within two weeks.
The move comes as Pakistan grapples with a fragile economy that has witnessed multiple boom-bust cycles over the past decades, forcing successive governments to seek external financial assistance, including repeated bailouts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Sharif’s administration is focusing on increasing exports and attracting investment to drive long-term growth.
The prime minister decided to set up the committee during a meeting with a delegation of prominent businessmen and industrialists, where he highlighted the government’s commitment to create a business-friendly environment.
“The prime minister has sought suggestions from business personalities and industrialists regarding sustainable improvement in the country’s growth rate,” said a statement released by his office after the meeting. “He has directed the formation of a committee comprising business figures, industrialists and government ministers.”
“This committee will provide recommendations to the government within two weeks to achieve sustainable growth,” it added.
Sharif emphasized that boosting exports was the most effective way to improve the growth rate, noting that his administration had been working to facilitate businesses and attract foreign direct investment.
He also pointed to the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which provides a one-window platform for investors, streamlining bureaucratic hurdles and offering incentives to businesses.
“The government is working on a priority basis to promote industry and business in the country,” he was quoted as saying during the meeting. “The business community and industrialists are the backbone of the country’s economy, and resolving their issues is our top priority.”
He highlighted recent improvements in macroeconomic indicators while acknowledging the need for further efforts to ensure the benefits of economic stability also begin to reach the public.


Pakistan signs deal with China for first astronaut mission to Tiangong space station

Updated 28 February 2025
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Pakistan signs deal with China for first astronaut mission to Tiangong space station

  • Both countries have deepened space cooperation, marked by satellite development and a lunar mission
  • Pakistani astronaut will train as a scientific payload specialist, conduct research aboard the space station

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark development, Pakistan’s space agency signed a cooperation agreement with China on Friday, setting the stage for the country’s first astronaut to embark on a mission to a Chinese space station, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to applaud the development.

Pakistan and China have deepened their space cooperation, marked by joint satellite development and a planned lunar mission. Last month, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding for the South Asian nation’s first lunar rover to be included in China’s Chang’e 8 mission in 2028.

The rover, developed by Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), will land at the lunar south pole, carrying scientific instruments designed by Pakistani, Chinese and European scientists. Pakistani scientists will operate the rover from Earth, conducting surface mapping, soil analysis and radiation studies.

Pakistan previously made its mark in lunar exploration in 2024, when its first lunar satellite, ICUBE-Q, developed by students at the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was deployed aboard China’s Chang’e 6 mission to capture lunar images and collect magnetic field data.

SUPARCO has now signed a deal with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) to train and send a Pakistani astronaut to Tiangong, China’s space station, in an initiative expected to boost Pakistan’s presence in space research.

“It’s a great opportunity and a wonderful event where we have just witnessed the signing ceremony between Pakistan and China on extending our cooperation to promote space cooperation and getting ready to train our first Pakistani astronaut on a space flight to the Chinese space station,” Sharif said at the ceremony.

“This is yet another wonderful gesture from the Chinese government to further deepen our cooperation in this field and many other fields over the last many decades,” he added.

Sharif thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for supporting Pakistan, saying the two countries’ collaboration had transformed his country’s economy.

An official SUPARCO statement detailed the agreement, confirming two Pakistani astronauts will initially undergo training at the Astronaut Center of China, with one ultimately selected as a scientific payload specialist to conduct research aboard the Chinese space station. The astronaut selection process will be completed by 2026, with a planned spaceflight in an upcoming mission.

The mission will focus on scientific experiments across multiple disciplines, including biological and medical sciences, aerospace, applied physics, fluid mechanics, space radiation, ecology, material sciences, microgravity studies and astronomy.

“The China Space Station is equipped with state-of-the-art experimental racks and external adaptors, facilitating multi-domain research,” the statement said, adding that findings from the experiments are expected to contribute to medical research, environmental monitoring and space technology with potential benefits for life on Earth.


Russian delegation in Pakistan to discuss ‘economic cooperation’ — embassy

Updated 28 February 2025
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Russian delegation in Pakistan to discuss ‘economic cooperation’ — embassy

  • Pakistan, Russia have strengthened ties in recent years through increased dialogue, trade
  • In 2023, Islamabad began purchasing discounted Russian oil banned from European markets

ISLAMABAD: A Russian delegation arrived in Pakistan today, Friday, for a day-long visit to discuss economic cooperation, the Russian embassy in Islamabad said.

The visit comes days after state media reported Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev had announced cooperation with Islamabad this year in the energy and industrial sectors, including the modernization of a state-owned steel mill.

Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have strengthened ties in recent years through increased dialogue and trade. In 2023, Islamabad began purchasing discounted Russian crude oil banned from European markets due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and also received its first shipment of liquefied petroleum gas from Moscow. 

“It is a trade delegation that came to discuss economic cooperation between Russia and Pakistan,” Russian Embassy Public Relations Officer Igor Kolesenkove told Arab News. “More details will be revealed later.”

He did not respond to questions on whether Pakistan Steel Mills would be on the talks’ agenda. 

A team of technical experts from Russia visited Pakistan in January to assess Pakistan Steel Mills, one of several state-owned firms Islamabad aims to privatize to revive loss-making entities and deliver reforms under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund bailout.

During a meeting earlier this month between Ambassador Khorev and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, both countries agreed to activate a bilateral anti-terrorism dialogue and discussed enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts, with Pakistani officers invited to participate in anti-narcotics training programs in Moscow and Siberia.

Last year, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk visited Pakistan to discuss trade, energy, connectivity, and defense ties. 


‘Don’t care’: Hosts’ exit deflates Champions Trophy buzz in Pakistan

Updated 28 February 2025
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‘Don’t care’: Hosts’ exit deflates Champions Trophy buzz in Pakistan

  • The South Asian country has been gradually returning to hosting international teams after years of militancy marked it a no-go zone
  • Security in cities has vastly improved in recent years, including in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, where the matches are being held

KARACHI: Champions Trophy fever in Pakistan has plummeted after the hosts crashed out of the first major cricket event in the country in three decades without winning a game.
“It feels like attending a wedding where you don’t know the bride or groom,” said Kashan Khan, a medical student who watched Pakistan get beaten by New Zealand by 60 runs in the opening match in Karachi last week.
The defending champions then lost to great rivals India by six wickets to seal their fate, before their dead-rubber last group game against Bangladesh on Thursday was washed out.
“Pakistan’s poor performance has drained my enthusiasm. I don’t care about watching other teams now,” added Khan.
Pakistan’s failure to advance beyond the group phase or even win a game was a huge letdown in a country that has been gradually returning to hosting international teams after years of militancy saw it marked as a no-go zone.
Security in cities has vastly improved in recent years, including in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, where the matches are being held.
But disheartened fans have begun abandoning the tournament.
Outside Rawalpindi Stadium ticket-holders were seen trying to sell their unwanted seats ahead of Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh, but there were no takers.
“I had three tickets but no one wanted to buy them,” said Farooq Ali.
“I even tried giving them away for free, but my friends weren’t interested.”
For many, the final on March 9 holds little appeal, particularly given its location is still undecided.
Arch-rivals India, with which Pakistan has fought several wars, refused to visit its neighbor and are playing all their matches in Dubai.
In painful contrast to Pakistan’s woes, India are into the semifinals and if they reach the title decider, the final will be moved from Lahore to Dubai.
“If Pakistan isn’t playing in it, why should we care?” asked Amna Mashadi, who watched the tournament on television.
Pakistan’s latest flop dealt a severe blow not just to supporters, but also to the financial ecosystem surrounding the eight-nation event.
With Pakistan out, TV viewership has nose-dived, advertising revenues have shrunk and sponsors are demanding reductions in their campaign costs.
Pakistan’s stated-owned PTV and Ten Sports bought the joint broadcast shares of the 15 matches, each paying 1.2 billion rupees ($4.25 million).
Sources with knowledge of the broadcast deal told AFP that the two broadcasters have already lost close to 180 million rupees in two rained off matches in Rawalpindi.
Broadcasters are bracing for losses as they search for takers for the usually prime advertising spots in the semifinals and final.
“Sports advertising is always a gamble,” said a senior employee at a Pakistani company, one of the tournament’s top advertisers.
“Sponsorship deals cover the whole tournament, so pulling out isn’t an option.
“But when the national team exits early, consumers go away and the sale of the product suffers.”
Shopkeeper Mohammad Rizwan — he coincidentally has the same name as the Pakistan captain — had anticipated selling 60,000 cricket shirts of the home team.
Instead he only sold about a third of that.
“The demand for Pakistan shirts was overwhelming and in the week leading up to the event, I doubled my order,” Rizwan told AFP.
“But as soon as the team started losing, the demand plummeted. Now, I have huge unsold stock in my warehouse.
“It’s a massive loss.”
Renowned television and film actor Adnan Siddiqui fears that Pakistan’s underwhelming performance might push young fans away from the sport altogether.
“I grew up watching cricket late at night or early in the morning,” Siddiqui told AFP.
“But after these defeats, my son has lost interest completely. The real loss here is of the next generation of players and fans.”
Siddiqui flew to watch the India-Pakistan match in Dubai on Sunday and returned heartbroken.
“We used to beat India frequently but now they are well ahead of us in terms of skill and bravery. Our team looked scared.”
Despite the gloom some remain hopeful.
“This is a low point but the sun will rise again,” said Khalil Khan, a club-level cricket coach in Karachi.
“Cricket is the only sport that puts Pakistan on the global map and I’m sure our team will bring joy again in the future.”