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Prominent actress Angelina Jolie ‘saddened’ by Pakistan’s decision to expel Afghan refugees

Actress Angelina Jolie speaks during a press conference in Washington, US on February 9, 2022. (AFP/File)
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Updated 13 November 2023
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Prominent actress Angelina Jolie ‘saddened’ by Pakistan’s decision to expel Afghan refugees

  • Thousands of Afghans fearing arrest, deportation have left Pakistan since September
  • Angelina Jolie says forcible deportation a ‘new tragedy’ for Afghans who have suffered for several years 
Updated 13 November 2023
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie on Monday criticized Pakistan’s decision to “abruptly push back” Afghan refugees it says are residing illegally in the country, describing it as a “new tragedy” for the people of Afghanistan. 

Thousands of Afghans have left Pakistan since Sept. 2023 after Islamabad launched a nationwide crackdown against illegal immigrants in the country. A surge in terrorist attacks and a crippling economic crisis has made Islamabad wary of Afghans, who form the majority of foreign nationals in Pakistan. Many Afghans have complained of harassment by police and law enforcers, saying that they are being forced to leave despite possessing legal documents that allow them to stay in Pakistan.

Jolie, a prominent American actress known for her outspoken views on social issues, has dedicated over 20 years of service to the UN Refugee Agency. She served as a Goodwill Ambassador from 2001-2012 and then as a special envoy from 2012-2022. 

“Pakistan has been a supporter for many Afghan refugee families for decades,” Jolie wrote on photo and video sharing app Instagram on Monday. “I am saddened they would so abruptly push back refugees who face the impossible realities of trying to survive in today’s Afghanistan, where women have again been deprived of all rights and the possibility of education, many are being imprisoned, and there is a deep humanitarian crisis.”

Jolie described the deportation of Afghan refugees as “yet another example of the backsliding in human rights globally,” saying that it is a new tragedy for the people of Afghanistan. “People who have experienced nothing but war and conflict and displacement for over forty years, and are being abandoned by the world after all the promises that were made of a better future for the Afghan people,” she added. 

Pakistan has long hosted millions of Afghans, most of whom fled during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation. More than half a million fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, according to the UN Refugee Agency. 

Pakistan’s decision to expel illegal Afghans from the country has drawn criticism from Afghanistan and further strained its ties with the country. The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has disputed Pakistan’s claims that Afghan nationals are involved in militant activities and organized crime in the country. 

International rights groups have requested Pakistan to ensure the deportation of Afghan refugees to their country is done voluntarily and in a safe manner. 

Topics: Angelina Jolie Pakistan Pakistan Afghanistan Ties migrants Arab News Pakistan

Pakistani actor Yasir Hussain says ready to put career on hold for wife Iqra Aziz

Updated 13 sec ago
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Pakistani actor Yasir Hussain says ready to put career on hold for wife Iqra Aziz

  • Hussain and Aziz are among Pakistan’s most talked-about celebrity couples who tied the knot in 2019
  • Despite shared background in showbiz, Hussain says they maintain professional boundaries in the industry
Updated 13 sec ago
BURAQ SHABBIR

KARACHI: Pakistani actor and director Yasir Hussain has said he is willing to pause his career and stay home with his young son if his wife, acclaimed actress Iqra Aziz, required him to, highlighting his support for her flourishing career in the entertainment industry.

Aziz and Hussain, one of Pakistan’s most talked-about celebrity couples, tied the knot in December 2019 following a public proposal at the Lux Style Awards that year. The couple welcomed their son, Kabir, in July 2021 and have since carefully balanced their personal life with demanding professional commitments.

Aziz is currently starring in the television drama Paradise, while Hussain is performing as the director and male lead in the theater production Monkey Business, running at the Karachi Arts Council. 

Despite their shared background in showbiz, the two have taken different routes, with Aziz focusing largely on television dramas and Hussain leaning toward theater and directing.

“Today, if she [Iqra] tells me to leave everything and take care of Kabir because she is doing a film, I’ll leave everything,” Hussain told Arab News in an interview this week. “Obviously, my child comes first for me.”

He said fatherhood and marriage had brought a noticeable change in his temperament.

“I was very hyper before marriage,” he said.. “It’s a good change and I am liking it.”

Hussain said being part of the same profession had helped him and his wife better understand each other’s demanding schedules.

“If I was married to a doctor, maybe, so I don’t know her profession, she doesn’t know mine,” he said. 

“So, maybe there would have been some issues in between us like what are these shift timings or it’s not fair that you go to the theater everyday all day. So, there would have been issues perhaps. But now we know how it works.”

Still, Hussain said he made a conscious effort to maintain professional boundaries, including not seeking roles opposite his wife on screen.

“I think there is a gap of 10 or 11 years between Iqra and I,” he added. “I want her to work with actors her age. I don’t want her screen age to increase for no reason because of me.”

Hussain also said he didn’t seek to share the small screen with his wife just because she was a famous actress.

Previously, though, the couple have worked together in the drama serial Jhooti while they were engaged, and later in the mini-series Aik Thi Laila, which Hussain directed. He has also produced Paradise, which Aziz is currently starring in alongside actor Shuja Asad.

“Marriage is a very personal thing and I don’t want to show that chemistry onscreen in a TV drama at least.”

And though they were both part of the entertainment industry, Hussain said they maintained clear professional independence.

“We have a life as individuals as well. We don’t influence each other on the career choices we wish to make,” he said.

That said, he expressed a preference for Aziz to avoid dark or gritty roles.

“I don’t want Iqra to do films like Javed Iqbal or Taxali Gate or the series Khatarnaak that I’m shooting in Lahore,” he said. 

“I don’t want her to get into such dark content. She is a very lively person and has the image of a happy-go-lucky individual. I don’t want her image to be dark or political.”

Topics: yasir hussain iqra aziz

Pakistan warns hail, heavy rains could hit capital, cities in Punjab from today

Updated 27 min 4 sec ago
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Pakistan warns hail, heavy rains could hit capital, cities in Punjab from today

  • Hailstorm on Wednesday wreaked havoc in Pakistani capital, damaging thousands of car and windows of homes
  • Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing numerous impacts like rising extreme weather events
Updated 27 min 4 sec ago
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a weather alert on Thursday warning of hailstorms and heavy rainfall in the federal capital, Islamabad, and a number of cities in Punjab province from today, Friday. 

The fresh warnings come a day after a severe hailstorm and heavy rainfall lashed Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and its surrounding areas, damaging thousands of vehicles and smashing the windows of homes. 

Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing numerous impacts like rising temperatures, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and changes in agricultural patterns. The country’s vulnerability is exacerbated by factors like reliance on the Indus River, which is fed by melting glaciers, and its location in a region prone to floods and droughts.

“Heavy rainfall, windstorms, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are expected [from Apr. 18-19], posing risks to infrastructure, transportation and agricultural activities,” the NDMA said in a statement. 

It listed cities in upper and central Punjab including Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Jhang, Khushab, Mianwali, Lahore, Narowal, Sahiwal, Sargodha and Sheikhupura, as being at risk. 

Strong winds accompanied by heavy rain could also cause trees to fall and lead to temporary power outages, the NDMA said, adding that hailstorms posed a threat to weak structures, rooftops, vehicles and power lines. Hail could also damage crops and outdoor structures, particularly those with glass surfaces. The combination of rain and dust could also reduce visibility and increase the risk of road accidents.

The NDMA urged the public to stay informed by using its mobile application, “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert,” for real-time updates and advised tourists and residents to monitor official sources for the latest weather forecasts. 

Travelers were also cautioned to check road conditions before leaving their homes and to avoid unnecessary journeys during severe weather. People living in landslide-prone areas were instructed to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to local safety adviseries.

Experts say there is evidence suggesting a link between climate change and increased hailstorm frequency and intensity. While the exact relationship is still being studied, a warming climate can create conditions more conducive to large hail formation.

Topics: Pakistan weather Hailstrom NDMA

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Pakistan Senate committee approves bill to establish commission for minority rights

Updated 17 April 2025
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Pakistan Senate committee approves bill to establish commission for minority rights

  • Constitution guarantees equal rights and protection for all citizens, including religious minorities but disparities in practice persist
  • Minorities face persistent challenges in accessing public services and participating fully in social and economic life
Updated 17 April 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Senate Subcommittee on Human Rights on Thursday approved a bill to establish a commission on minority rights in accordance with the United Nations and international standards and regulations, a statement from the committee said on Thursday.
The Pakistani constitution guarantees equal rights and protection for all citizens, including religious minorities, but disparities in practice persist. While the constitution protects freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion, minorities face persistent challenges in accessing public services and participating fully in social and economic life. There is also widespread persecution of minority groups. 
On Thursday, the minister of law briefed the Senate committee on the National Commission for Minorities, which will constitute eight members, four from the government and four representing the parliament.
“There will be Parliamentary Committee consisting of four members: which will be nominated by the Speaker National Assembly, two from the treasury and two from the opposition benches,” according to a statement from the Senate.
“Besides this, two minority members from each province, who are Pakistani citizens not younger than 35 years of age and possessing considerable knowledge and practical experience in Human Rights advocacy, will be included in the commission.”
The statement said the recommended timelines for the process were a maximum of 45 to 60 days. The commission would hold the power to direct other local human rights institutions to take up matters in their own ambit of expertise. 
The committee reached consensus on two key points.
“First, the nomination for the National Commission for Minorities will be shortlisted within 30 days, and the Constitution of Commission will be completed within 45 days,” the statement said. “Secondly, the minimum age for nominated members will be 35 years.”
According to a copy of the bill widely reported by local media, the commission will “assess and monitor [the] implementation of the constitutional guarantees and safeguard for promotion and protection of rights of minorities.”
The commission will also review existing or proposed policies or programs to prevent discrimination and protect minorities and provide recommendations to the relevant departments.

23,620 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj under private scheme this year — ministry

Updated 17 April 2025
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23,620 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj under private scheme this year — ministry

  • Pakistan was given a quota of 179,210 for the pilgrimage this year
  • Nearly 90,000 Pakistanis to perform Hajj 2025 under government scheme
Updated 17 April 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The ministry of religious affairs said on Tuesday only 23,620 Pakistani pilgrims would be performing Hajj under the private scheme this year.
The annual Islamic pilgrimage is expected to take place this year in June. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Hajj Agreement 2025 in January, under which Pakistan was given a quota of 179,210 for the pilgrimage this year. The quota is divided equally between government and private schemes.
Nearly 90,000 Pakistanis are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme this year. 
“General public is hereby informed that only 23,620 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj under the Private Hajj Scheme from Pakistan this year 2025,” the religious affairs ministry said in a statement.
“The list of service providers providing services with the Hajj 2025 quota has been updated on the website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and the Pak Hajj App.”
The ministry urged pilgrims who had made bookings with registered service providers to check the status of their application and contract on the ministry’s website.
“All organizing/service provider companies are directed to provide updated contract (Hajj Form) to Hajj pilgrims as per the approved quota of Hajj 2025 and ensure the process of issuing Hajj visas to pilgrims by April 18 as per the instructions of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the ministry added. 
Hajj flight operations will begin from Apr. 29 when the first flight will depart from Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to probe why Pakistan had failed to use the whole 179,210 quota for Hajj 2025.

Topics: Hajj 2025

Soldier, four militants killed in armed operation in northwest Pakistan

Updated 17 April 2025
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Soldier, four militants killed in armed operation in northwest Pakistan

  • Military has launched frequent operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan in recent years
  • Pakistan says militants launch attacks using safe havens in Afghanistan, a charge Kabul denies
Updated 17 April 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A sepoy was killed in an intelligence-based operation in the northwest of Pakistan, the military said on Thursday, as it battles a spike in militant attacks.
In recent months, the military has launched frequent operations in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. The army’s target in the area are militants it says launch attacks inside Pakistan and against the army using safe havens in Afghanistan. The Taliban government in Kabul says it does not allow its territory to be used by insurgents against other countries.
Groups like the Pakistani Taliban, commonly known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have been waging a war against the Pakistani state for nearly two decades in a bid to overthrow the government and replace it with what they consider an Islamic system of governance.
In the latest operation, the army’s media wing said security forces had conducted an intelligence-based operation in general area Maddi in the Dera Ismail Khan district on Apr. 16, killing four militants.
“However, during intense fire exchange, one brave son of soil, Sepoy Basit Siddique (age: 23 years, resident of District Attock), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat [martyrdom],” the army’s statement said. 
Militants have intensified their attacks since revoking a ceasefire with the government in late 2022, with recent months witnessing significant strikes targeting the military and its bases.

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