Another 211 Pakistanis evacuated from Khartoum as Sudan’s warring generals agree to 72-hour truce 

People board a ferry passenger ship as they evacuate from Port Sudan on April 25, 2023.
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Updated 25 April 2023
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Another 211 Pakistanis evacuated from Khartoum as Sudan’s warring generals agree to 72-hour truce 

  • FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari says Pakistan engaged with friendly countries to facilitate citizens’ evacuation process
  • There are around 1,300 Pakistanis in Sudan, out of which 700 have so far been evacuated to safety in country's east

ISLAMABAD: A convoy evacuated another 211 Pakistani nationals from the conflict-ridden Sudanese capital of Khartoum to Port Sudan in the country’s east on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said, taking the total number of Pakistanis evacuated to safety to 700 so far. 

The development came after a US-brokered 72-hour cease-fire between Sudan’s warring generals officially came into effect on Tuesday after 10 days of urban combat killed hundreds, wounded thousands, and sparked a mass exodus of foreigners. 

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to the cease-fire “following intense negotiations,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement shortly before the truce took effect. Previous bids to pause the conflict failed to take hold, but both sides confirmed they had agreed to the three-day halt. 

Around 1,300 Pakistanis were in Sudan, though some of them were still not willing to leave the African country, according to Pakistan’s ambassador Meer Bahrose Regi. The Pakistani embassy in Sudan was planning to give them a deadline for evacuation. 

“In keeping with the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to lead in the relief and rescue of Pakistanis in Sudan,” Bhutto-Zardari was quoted as saying in a statement by the Pakistani foreign office. 

“Today, another convoy carrying 211 Pakistanis dispatched from Khartoum has arrived in Port Sudan. With the latest convoy, the total number of Pakistanis who have been evacuated to safety has reached 700.” 

Ambassador Regi and his team in Khartoum and Port Sudan were working “day and night” to facilitate the stay of these Pakistanis until their return to home, according to the statement. 

“We remain engaged with friendly countries in the region, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to facilitate this process,” Bhutto-Zardari said. 

Ambassador Regi last week said a number of high-profile officials, including the country’s prime minister, foreign secretary, and diplomats in Sudan and Saudi Arabia, were involved in the evacuation process and keeping a close eye on the situation. 

Earlier this month, residents of Khartoum and adjoining cities found themselves under siege as the Sudanese army and its powerful paramilitary, the RSF, clashed with each other in a bid to take control of the country. 

The two sides were allies in the past and worked together to seize power in a 2019 coup. 

However, a power struggle broke out as tensions increased between them, making analysts warn of a nationwide civil war and the international community call for a cease-fire. 


Pakistan stocks drop over 1,900 points amid Israel-Iran tensions

Updated 8 sec ago
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Pakistan stocks drop over 1,900 points amid Israel-Iran tensions

  • Analysts cite fears of broader regional escalation following Israeli strikes on Iran
  • Israel struck Iran, claiming Tehran was “close” to developing a nuclear weapon

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) plunged more than 1,900 points on Friday, as investor sentiment soured following Israel’s strikes on Iran, triggering fears of wider regional escalation.

The benchmark KSE-100 index fell 1,949.56 points, or 1.57 percent, closing at 122,143.56, down from the previous close of 124,093.12.

Shares traded largely in the red, mirroring losses across regional and global markets after the Israeli attacks shook investor confidence, according to a market review by Pakistani brokerage Topline Securities.

“Geopolitical tensions after Israel’s attack in Iran weighed down on world equities, including the KSE100,” Raza Jafri, Head of Intermarket Securities, told Arab News. “In particular, if a geopolitical risk premium gets added to international oil prices on a prolonged basis, it could negatively affect the outlook for the current account deficit and inflation, given more than 25 percent of Pakistan’s import bill comprises of petroleum products.”

He noted that Pakistan was now “much more disciplined” economically, having avoided fuel subsidies and refrained from using foreign exchange reserves to support the currency. This, he said, would help the country better withstand a potential oil price shock than in the past.

Ahsan Mehanti, Chief Executive of Arif Habib Commodities Ltd, said stocks declined across the board in response to the strikes.

“Slump in global equities on geopolitical risks and weakening rupee played catalyst role in panic selling at PSX,” he said.

Israel launched strikes on Iran earlier on Friday, claiming Tehran was “very close” to developing a nuclear weapon. The attacks reportedly targeted nuclear facilities, scientists, and senior military commanders.
 


Pakistan stocks drop over 1,900 points amid Israel-Iran tensions

Updated 15 sec ago
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Pakistan stocks drop over 1,900 points amid Israel-Iran tensions

  • Analysts cite fears of broader regional escalation following Israeli strikes on Iran
  • Israel struck Iran, claiming Tehran was “close” to developing a nuclear weapon

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) plunged more than 1,900 points on Friday, as investor sentiment soured following Israel’s strikes on Iran, triggering fears of wider regional escalation.

The benchmark KSE-100 index fell 1,949.56 points, or 1.57 percent, closing at 122,143.56, down from the previous close of 124,093.12.

Shares traded largely in the red, mirroring losses across regional and global markets after the Israeli attacks shook investor confidence, according to a market review by Pakistani brokerage Topline Securities.

“Geopolitical tensions after Israel’s attack in Iran weighed down on world equities, including the KSE100,” Raza Jafri, Head of Intermarket Securities, told Arab News. “In particular, if a geopolitical risk premium gets added to international oil prices on a prolonged basis, it could negatively affect the outlook for the current account deficit and inflation, given more than 25 percent of Pakistan’s import bill comprises of petroleum products.”

He noted that Pakistan was now “much more disciplined” economically, having avoided fuel subsidies and refrained from using foreign exchange reserves to support the currency. This, he said, would help the country better withstand a potential oil price shock than in the past.

Ahsan Mehanti, Chief Executive of Arif Habib Commodities Ltd, said stocks declined across the board in response to the strikes.

“Slump in global equities on geopolitical risks and weakening rupee played catalyst role in panic selling at PSX,” he said.

Israel launched strikes on Iran earlier on Friday, claiming Tehran was “very close” to developing a nuclear weapon. The attacks reportedly targeted nuclear facilities, scientists, and senior military commanders.
 


Pakistan urges religious devotees to postpone travel to Iran, Iraq amid regional tensions

Updated 13 June 2025
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Pakistan urges religious devotees to postpone travel to Iran, Iraq amid regional tensions

  • A senior government official says currently there are an estimated 5,000 Zaireen in Iran
  • Israel launched strikes against Iranian military and nuclear facilities earlier in the day

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday advised its citizens planning religious travel to Iran and Iraq to reconsider their plans, citing security concerns after Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities earlier in the day.

The advisory mentions Pakistani “Zaireen,” or Shi’ite Muslim pilgrims who travel to Iran and Iraq to visit sacred religious sites, particularly in Mashhad, Qom, Najaf and Karbala.

The region has seen heightened tensions following Israeli attacks on key installations in Iran, prompting fears of broader instability.

“In view of the evolving security situation in the region, the Zaireen from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq,” the foreign office said in a brief statement issued in Islamabad.

According to a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the number of Zaireen traveling to Iran fluctuates, and most do not contact the Pakistani diplomatic missions.

“Currently, there are an estimated 5,000 Zaireen in Iran,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran and its consulates remain available to assist citizens.

“Any Pakistani requiring guidance or support is encouraged to contact our relevant diplomatic missions, which will, as always, provide necessary assistance and facilitate their return to Pakistan,” the official added.

While no evacuation plans have been announced, the authorities say they are closely monitoring the regional situation.
 


Pakistan’s Babar Azam to make Big Bash debut with Sydney Sixers in Australia

Updated 13 June 2025
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Pakistan’s Babar Azam to make Big Bash debut with Sydney Sixers in Australia

  • Former Pakistan skipper says playing first-ever BBL match will be ‘something special’
  • BBL is a Twenty20 cricket competition that features Australia’s eight city-based teams

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been picked by Sydney Sixers to debut in the upcoming 15th season of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), the club announced on Friday.

The BBL is a professional Twenty20 cricket competition in Australia that features eight city-based teams.

Launched in 2011, the league is held during the summer and features a mix of local and international players.

“The SCG [Sydney Cricket Ground] has been home to many legends. Now it’s home to the [king]. Welcome, Babar Azam,” the Sydney Sixers said in a post on X.

Azam said he was “super pumped” to join the team, highlighting that his BBL debut “will be something special.”

“Cannot wait to share the dressing room with my favorite batter Steve Smith and world class bowler Josh Hazlewood,” he was quoted saying in a video posted by BBL on X.

“So really excited and looking forward to getting over there and meeting my craziest cricket fans.”

Azam has featured in several major franchise leagues around the world.

Apart from competing in the Pakistan Super League, Azam has played for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, Sylhet Sixers and Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League, and Somerset in England’s T20 Blast.
 


Pakistan prepares for Joint Ministerial Commission with UAE to deepen trade ties

Updated 13 June 2025
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Pakistan prepares for Joint Ministerial Commission with UAE to deepen trade ties

  • Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar holds a preparatory meeting ahead of the 12th JMC session in Abu Dhabi
  • The bilateral forum will help advance key initiatives, explore new avenue for Pakistan-UAE cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday held a preparatory meeting for the upcoming 12th session of its Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the state media, as the government seeks to strengthen economic and trade relations with the Gulf nation.

The JMC is the primary bilateral platform for institutionalized cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE, focusing on trade, investment, energy, labor and consular matters. After remaining inactive for several years, it was revived recently to accelerate high-level economic engagement.

The preparatory meeting, according to Radio Pakistan, was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as the foreign minister of the country.

“Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to strengthening Pak-UAE economic and trade relations,” the report said. 

“He made the remarks while chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review preparations for the upcoming 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi,” it added. 

Radio Pakistan said discussions during the meeting focused on advancing key bilateral initiatives, formalizing collaboration in existing sectors, exploring new avenues for cooperation and attracting mutually beneficial UAE investments in priority areas. 

The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner. Its proximity to the South Asian state helps minimize export costs, particularly for perishable goods.

Pakistan has increasingly sought stronger economic partnerships with Gulf nations to strengthen its economy amid improving macroeconomic indicators. The UAE has supported Pakistan during recent economic crises, including by maintaining deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan and helping Islamabad unlock critical IMF loan tranches. 

So far, the government has not officially announced any date for the 12th JMC session, though it is expected to help expand bilateral economic cooperation.