Pakistan to push for ‘apolitical’ health care at global summit in Islamabad amid Gaza’s medical crisis

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Updated 06 January 2024
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Pakistan to push for ‘apolitical’ health care at global summit in Islamabad amid Gaza’s medical crisis

  • Caretaker Health Minister Nadeem Jan says around 500 Pakistani medical professionals are ready to go to Gaza
  • Pakistan plans to discuss export of doctors, paramedics to Saudi Arabia and UAE on the sidelines of the summit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to propose the idea of making global health matters apolitical, especially in light of the Gaza situation where Israel has flattened out hospitals and left Palestinians without basic medicines, said a government minister on Friday while sharing the agenda of the Global Health Security Summit next week.
The two-day summit will kick off in Islamabad on Wednesday and bring together global leaders, international organizations and civil society activists to foster collaboration, engagement and consensus among the participating nations on solutions contributing to a safer world and healthier future generations.
“We want that health should remain apolitical and that should be one theme of this summit that we would like to echo and resonate from everybody, especially in the context of Gaza,” Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan told Arab News in an exclusive interview.
He emphasized that health care should remain accessible to all global communities, regardless of religious, ethnic and ideological affiliations.
The minister said Pakistan had called for an immediate end to the bombing and victimization of innocent civilians in Gaza along with comprehensive health care interventions from all available sources to address the needs of the people.
“The United Nations or any other country should be provided access to those places and to those people who are in need of [medical attention], and protection of health facilities and health workers should be ensured,” he added.
Pakistan has sent three batches of relief goods for the residents of Gaza who have faced relentless bombing by Israeli warplanes in densely populated neighborhoods. Israel has killed over 22,000 people in the Palestinian territory, mostly women and children, since Oct. 7 while ignoring calls for a cease-fire from countries around the world.
“At least 500 [Pakistani doctors and paramedics] are ready to be transported and shipped to Gaza, but since [their] entry and security is an issue, so, we are waiting for a window,” he said.
Asked about the participants of the summit, the minister said around 70 international experts, officials of health ministries and representatives of international agencies were invited to the event where an international charter would also be signed.
The minister said his country was working on technology transfer from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan for salt production, which serves as the foundation for various medicines.
“Because we don’t have that capacity in Pakistan, therefore, we import it and this [generates] a huge import bill of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients which [are vital for] various medicines,” he informed, adding the government had already chalked out a mechanism for this purpose in collaboration with Saudi health officials.
“They are coming to the summit and hopefully we will go for a formalized approach toward that investment,” the minister said, adding another area where the two countries wanted to collaborate was plasma fractionation.
He said he was hopeful to formalize mechanisms to export health care professionals, including doctors and paramedics, to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the summit.

 

 

Discussing the new wave of COVID-19, he said Pakistan had adopted a proactive approach by enhancing screening at all points of entry to prevent new cases of infection.
“We can confirm that there is no single case of JN.1 here [in Pakistan],” the minister said, adding that two percent of international passengers would be tested to avoid any threat of the virus spreading across the country.
“We have also equipped all 150 of our districts with the disease surveillance and response units to deal with such situation,” he added.


‘Best experience’: Omani motorcyclists praise Pakistan’s landscape, warmth and cuisine

Updated 9 sec ago
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‘Best experience’: Omani motorcyclists praise Pakistan’s landscape, warmth and cuisine

  • Motorcyclists from 40-member Bousher Bikers Club are in Pakistan on a 15-day goodwill tour
  • Motorcyclists laud food and scenery, plan return with families as Pakistan pushes to expand tourism

ISLAMABAD: Riding more than 2,000 kilometers across Pakistan’s diverse terrain — from snow capped mountain passes to fertile river plains — a group of eight Omani bikers say their journey through the country has been unlike any other.

The motorcyclists from Oman’s Bousher Bikers Club are in Pakistan on a 15-day goodwill tour, part of a broader initiative to promote people-to-people ties between the two nations. Over the past two weeks, they have traveled through Islamabad, the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, the Naran resort town and parts of eastern Punjab, with a final stop planned in Lahore before their departure today, Thursday.

“[This is] the best experience. I say that people here in Pakistan, they open their heart before they open their door for us,” said Majid Al-Rawahi, the group’s leader, speaking outside Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque on Monday.

“We really feel as our country here, as our home.”

The Omani riders, all part of a 40-member club based in the Bousher neighborhood of Muscat, arrived in Pakistan on June 20 on a visit facilitated by the Pakistani embassy in Muscat and the Omani government.

During their journey, they’ve explored Islamabad, the Sargodha region in Punjab, the Naran resort town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved international border crossing between Pakistan and China.

Al-Rawahi said that while some of what they had heard about Pakistan before the trip included negative stereotypes, their experience on the road quickly proved otherwise.

“We crossed more than 2,000 kilometers by bike and it was a very interesting trip for us as we met a lot of people, friendly people, peaceful people, and helpful people,” he said.

Issa Al-Hasani, another member of the group, said the journey through northern Pakistan had been filled with “breathtaking landscapes,” including waterfalls, rolling hills, and vibrant small towns. But it was the warmth of the people that left the strongest impression.

“The people were kind and friendly, always greeting us with warm smiles,” he said. “Pakistan is a beautiful country with high security, good people, good manners and respect, and I want to say thank you to everyone.”

EDIBLE MEMORIES

Pakistan has in recent years promoted its northern areas as a haven for adventurists and nature lovers. With snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, historic forts, and expansive deserts, the country offers routes that appeal to both local and international travelers, particularly bikers and overlanders seeking remote, scenic journeys. 

Pakistan offers visa-free entry to citizens of 126 countries for tourism and business purposes, effective August 14, 2024. These travelers can obtain an electronic visa within 24 hours, free of charge, and use e-gates at select airports and Gwadar Port. The eVisa is valid for a single entry for 90 days. 

The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) projects the travel and tourism industry to grow annually by 6.75 percent from 2025 to 2029, reaching a market size of $5.53 billion by the end of the period.

Still, the experience of traveling in Pakistan isn’t without its challenges.

Al-Rawahi said Pakistan’s roadside infrastructure, particularly rest areas, washrooms and restaurants, could benefit from improvement to better serve tourists.

That said, the group also expressed deep appreciation for what they experienced, especially the food.

“We tried various traditional dishes and found them delicious, especially biryani and local sweets,” said Al-Rawahi.

For Kamil Al-Wahaibi, the memories are also edible. 

He said he especially enjoyed kulcha paratha, a flaky, buttery flatbread.

“We call it lola in Oman and we eat it with tea,” he said with a smile.

As the group’s tour enters its final stretch with a visit to Lahore before departure on July 4, the riders are already thinking about returning. 

“I want to bring my family, especially to the [Azad] Kashmir side, and during the winter to the desert as it is a good tourism time here,” Al-Rawahi said.

Al-Wahaibi agreed:

“I will come back with my family and with my friends. They will enjoy it.”


Pakistan calls for stronger agricultural and food security cooperation with Egypt

Updated 59 min 45 sec ago
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Pakistan calls for stronger agricultural and food security cooperation with Egypt

  • Pakistan’s food security minister praises Egypt for arid farming and climate-smart technologies
  • He also acknowledges Egypt’s support on global issues and cooperation at multilateral forums

KARACHI: Pakistan on Thursday called for enhanced collaboration with Egypt in agricultural science, biotechnology and food security, citing Egyptian expertise in climate-smart technologies and arid farming during a ceremony held in Islamabad.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain represented Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the event marking Egypt’s National Day, which brought together diplomats, government officials and members of the business community.

“Referring to Egypt’s impressive progress in agricultural development, the Minister called for enhanced collaboration in areas such as agricultural science, seed development, arid farming, capacity building, drip irrigation and climate-smart technologies, where Egypt has notable expertise,” said an official statement issued after the ceremony.

“Hussain emphasized the importance of joint initiatives in food security, biotechnology and sustainable agricultural practices,” it continued.

“He said that Pakistan and Egypt’s shared experience in managing water-scarce environments offers an opportunity for meaningful partnerships between research institutions and private sectors in both nations.”

The minister acknowledged Egypt’s support to Pakistan on regional and international matters and praised the ongoing cooperation at multilateral forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.

Noting the revival of the Pakistan–Egypt Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), Hussain said both governments are working to finalize new bilateral agreements in trade, agriculture, higher education and cultural exchange.

Egypt’s agricultural sector is on an upward trajectory and has witnessed a strong export performance, though environmental constraints remain a concern.


Pakistan eyes ‘multibillion-dollar benefits’ as it plans direct ferry link to Oman

Updated 04 July 2025
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Pakistan eyes ‘multibillion-dollar benefits’ as it plans direct ferry link to Oman

  • Pakistani minister says Oman can boost regional ties via maritime corridor to South and Central Asia
  • He proposes boosting bilateral trade through improved port infrastructure and closer cooperation

KARACHI: Pakistan and Oman have agreed to deepen maritime cooperation, including launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, in a move that Islamabad says could unlock billions of dollars in trade, investment and transit revenue.

The development follows a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Both officials emphasized the need to boost maritime connectivity and capitalize on their long-standing economic and cultural ties.

“Minister Junaid Chaudhry underscored the economic potential of launching a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, projecting multi-billion-dollar benefits in trade expansion, investment inflows and transit revenue,” said an official statement issued after the meeting.

“He stated that Pakistan stands to earn an estimated $10–15 billion annually through Gwadar’s maritime operations, while Oman could establish a maritime corridor to South and Central Asia, significantly enhancing its regional connectivity,” it added.

A view of newly constructed highway connecting to Gwadar port in the coastal city of Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan on January 14, 2025. (AP/File)

Earlier this week, the government announced its plan to launch a ferry service connecting Gwadar Port, a centerpiece of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, aiming to strengthen regional ties, improve passenger movement and access new markets across the Middle East.

Pakistan’s minister of maritime affairs said his country’s exports to Oman stood at $224 million in 2024, and stressed the need to scale this up through improved port infrastructure and bilateral collaboration.

As part of long-term cooperation, he also offered maritime training and education opportunities for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy.

The Omani ambassador welcomed the proposals and emphasized the importance of expanding cultural and commercial ties.

He acknowledged the positive contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to Oman’s development and noted that Urdu was widely understood in his country, reflecting strong social bonds between the two nations.


Tensions rise for Imran Khan’s party as Punjab speaker signals opposition disqualifications

Updated 03 July 2025
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Tensions rise for Imran Khan’s party as Punjab speaker signals opposition disqualifications

  • Malik Ahmad Khan says lawmakers violating constitution have no place in the provincial assembly
  • KP Governor Faisal Kundi has also hinted at a no-trust move against PTI-backed CM Gandapur

ISLAMABAD: Political temperatures rose on Thursday as Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan, suggested opposition lawmakers backed by Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan could be disqualified from the provincial legislature.

Earlier, the speaker had suspended the membership of 26 lawmakers supported by the former premier’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for 15 sessions following chaotic scenes during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech during budget proceedings last month.

However, the issue of their disqualification gained traction a day after PTI announced a nationwide protest movement against the government in response to a Supreme Court ruling that denied the party reserved seats for women and minorities in national and provincial legislatures.

“Lawmakers violating the Constitution have no right to remain part of the provincial assembly,” the speaker told reporters on Thursday.

He maintained creating disruption in an assembly was wrong for any political party.

“I will fight this case to uphold the Constitution,” he continued. “I have exercised restraint for over a year and a half as speaker … I now have to fulfill my responsibilities as speaker.”

Last month, Pakistan’s top court upheld a verdict by the Peshawar High Court, ruling that the PTI was not entitled to reserved seats for women and minorities in national or provincial assemblies. The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench ruled that since PTI candidates had contested the February 8 general elections as independents after losing their electoral symbol, they could not claim reserved seats under proportional representation.

The fallout from the Supreme Court verdict has also rattled the PTI’s traditional power base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province where the party managed to form its government.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who represents the federal government, has warned that a no-confidence motion could be tabled against PTI-backed Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a close aide of the jailed former prime minister.

Gandapur, however, has dismissed concerns about his government’s stability, saying there is no constitutional way to remove him from office.


European climbers complete rare alpine-style ascent of Nanga Parbat’s deadly Rupal face

Updated 03 July 2025
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European climbers complete rare alpine-style ascent of Nanga Parbat’s deadly Rupal face

  • German climber David Göttler paraglided from near the summit in a daring solo descent
  • Nanga Parbat is infamous for its high fatality rate, earning it the nickname ‘Killer Mountain’

ISLAMABAD: Three European climbers achieved a rare feat on one of the world’s most dangerous peaks, scaling the treacherous Rupal face of Nanga Parbat in alpine style, with one of them paragliding down from near the summit in a daring solo descent earlier this week.

German climber David Göttler was joined by French mountaineers Tiphaine Duperier and Boris Langenstein for the climb via the Schell route, a steep and rarely successful line up the mountain’s massive southern wall. The Rupal face, rising nearly 4,600 meters from base to summit, is considered the world’s highest mountain face and among the most technically demanding.

“Sometimes you need to be patient … It’s taken five attempts, but now that I’ve achieved it, I know it’s all been worthwhile,” Göttler wrote in a social media post on Tuesday, describing his 12-year pursuit of the route.

He said summiting with his teammates in alpine style was “incredible,” and added that being able to fly down from around 7,700 meters to base camp in the same day took his joy “to the next level.”

Unlike traditional expedition climbing, alpine style involves climbing in a single push without establishing fixed ropes or pre-stocked camps, requiring climbers to carry all their gear. The approach demands speed, efficiency and a high degree of skill, especially at high altitude.

“It’s been a long time since an expedition has successfully summited from the Rupal side,” Naiknam Karim, CEO of Adventure Tours Pakistan, which facilitated the expedition’s logistics, told Arab News over the phone. “Normally, people climb from the Diamir face.”

“What makes this climb special is that they did it in alpine style ,” he continued. “What’s even more remarkable is that Göttler paraglided down from the summit. So, that’s his special achievement.”

Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak at 8,126 meters, is infamous for its difficulty and high fatality rate, earning it the nickname “Killer Mountain.”

Over 100 climbers and porters have died on its slopes, with the Rupal face considered particularly unforgiving due to avalanche risk and exposure to extreme weather.