PM Sharif expresses condolences over Pakistani Hajj pilgrims’ deaths due to extreme heat
PM Sharif expresses condolences over Pakistani Hajj pilgrims’ deaths due to extreme heat/node/2534271/pakistan
PM Sharif expresses condolences over Pakistani Hajj pilgrims’ deaths due to extreme heat
Muslim pilgrims arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 18, 2024. (AP)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed condolences over the deaths of multiple Pakistani Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia due to the heat wave, his office said days after 1.5 million people performed the annual Islamic pilgrimage in the Kingdom.
A senior official of the Pakistan Hajj Mission (PHM) confirmed on Wednesday that nine Pakistani pilgrims had died in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat as of June 18.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Hajj pilgrims in Makkah,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
“The prime minister prayed for patience for the relatives of the Hajj pilgrims.”
The PMO said Sharif spoke to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Pakistan’s ambassador to the kingdom about the situation of the country’s Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
“Arrangements should be made to send the bodies of the martyred pilgrims to Pakistan,” the prime minister told authorities, according to the PMO. It added that Sharif directed Pakistan’s religion ministry and consulate to provide all necessary facilities to the pilgrims.
He also directed Pakistani officials to ensure pilgrims admitted to hospitals in Saudi Arabia are provided access to every medical treatment, the PMO said.
Pakistan established two hospitals and 11 dispensaries in Makkah and Madinah to provide health care to the country’s pilgrims during the Islamic pilgrimage.
Hussain on Wednesday thanked Saudi authorities for ensuring “exemplary” arrangements for Hajj despite the sizzling heat in Saudi Arabia.
The Pakistani minister pointed out the Saudi authorities had taken several measures to mitigate the heat by setting up water sprinklers and a distribution system for cold water and beverages.
He also noted that mobile health units and dispensaries had been established in all the major areas to ensure the health of the pilgrims.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s interior ministry confirmed that Internet services will be suspended in areas where there were security concerns today, Sunday, as Islamabad braces for a planned protest by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Pakistani users reported slow Internet services in many parts of the country on Saturday night, with independent Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirming WhatsApp backends were restricted.
The development takes place ahead of the PTI’s “long march” to the capital on Sunday. The party is seeking the release of the jailed Khan, who has been in prison for well over a year, and to challenge alleged rigging in the February general elections. The PTI also seeks to highlight its concerns about judicial independence, which it claims has been undermined by the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a charge denied by the government.
“Mobile data and Wi-Fi services will be suspended only in areas with security concerns,” a federal interior ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
“Internet and mobile services will continue to operate as usual in the rest of the country.”
A worker places shipping containers to close a road ahead of a planned rally by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, in Islamabad on November 23, 2024. (AP)
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in a separate statement assured people that all operations at airports across the country, including the Islamabad International Airport, are “running smoothly and without disruption.”
“We categorically refute the baseless rumors regarding a 72-hour stay for international passengers at Islamabad International Airport,” the PAA said. “This claim is completely false and misleading.”
The PAA’s statement comes amid stringent security measures taken by authorities over the past few days to preempt potential disruptions, sealing off motorways and key roads leading to Islamabad with shipping containers.
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) stated on Friday that it had shut down major highways based on intelligence reports indicating that protesters might carry sticks and slingshots and attempt to disrupt public order.
A paramilitary soldier stands guard as a motorcyclist drives on a highway, which is partially closed with shipping containers ahead of a planned rally by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, in Islamabad on November 23, 2024. (AP)
Additionally, a ban on public gatherings has been imposed in Punjab until November 25, while the Metro Bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain suspended on November 24.
Pakistan’s parliament earlier this year passed legislation regulating public demonstrations in the capital, including designated protest areas and specific timings for rallies. Violators risk imprisonment of up to three years for illegal gatherings and up to 10 years for repeat offenses.
The interior ministry has also deployed paramilitary forces, including Punjab Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel, in Islamabad to maintain order during the PTI’s planned demonstration. ‘NO COMMUNICATION ON ANY LEVEL’
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Saturday denied any negotiations with the PTI, warning of arrests if anyone joined the demonstration on Sunday.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed the government to engage in talks with PTI leadership regarding the protest, emphasizing the need to avoid disruptions during the three-day visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko starting Monday.
The court hoped the PTI would have “meaningful communication” with the government, acknowledging that law and order would be the administration’s priority if there was no breakthrough.
“There is no communication on any level,” Tarar said during a news conference, adding that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s contact with PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan was limited to informing him of the IHC order that “declared protests, rallies, sit-ins and marches illegal.”
Vehicles use alternate way on road, which closed with shipping containers ahead of a planned rally by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, in Islamabad on November 23, 2024. (AP)
“The court’s directive is clear, and anyone who attempts to protest will be arrested and face legal consequences,” he continued. “There is no confusion on our part.”
However, chief minister of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Ali Amin Gandapur, a close aide of the jailed former prime minister, reiterated the call to all Pakistanis to join the protest during the day.
“It is imperative for us to leave our homes to protest the illegal incarceration of Imran Khan and stage a demonstration at D-Chowk on Nov. 24,” he proclaimed in a video message on Saturday, referring to a high-security area located right next to sensitive government installations like Parliament, Presidency and the PM House.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Zimbabwe are set to begin their three-match One Day International series in Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club from Nov. 24 to Nov. 28, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Saturday, with the Green Shirts all pumped up following their recent ODI series win against Australia.
Pakistan’s 15-member squad led by captain Mohammad Rizwan reached Zimbabwe last week after defeating Australia 2-1 down under earlier this month. The Pakistani players have held three practice sessions ahead of the Zimbabwe series.
“Pakistan and Zimbabwe will lock horns in a three-match ODI series followed by as many T20Is at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from Nov. 24 to Dec 5,” the PCB said.
“In the 15-member squad Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been replaced with the uncapped duo of Abrar Ahmed and Ahmed Daniyal along with pacer Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir.”
It highlighted that the ODI series against Zimbabwe was former pacer and National Men’s Selection Committee member Aqib Javed’s first assignment as the white-ball head coach.
“Pakistan and Zimbabwe last faced each other in the 50-over format in November 2020 in Rawalpindi where Pakistan beat the visitors 2-1,” the PCB added. “Pakistan, on their last visit to Zimbabwe, whitewashed the Chevrons in a five-match ODI series in July 2018.”
Pakistan’s ODI captain termed the Zimbabwe series as “equally important” as the upcoming International Cricket Council Champions Trophy 2025 tournament.
“We aim to test out our bench strength and plan toward the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at home,” Rizwan said. “With the help of the Almighty, we aim to keep the winning momentum from our last ODI series going.”
“With the trio of our main players resting up after the Australia series, it will be exciting to see other players putting their hands up and helping the team at various times during the 50-over contests,” he continued.
“Having played against the home team various times, we do expect them to put up challenges for us during the three ODIs but crucially this series will also test out temperament in terms of backing up a historic win in Australia.” Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, and Tayyab Tahir Zimbabwe ODI squad: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa and Trevor Gwandu. Schedule of matches:
24 Nov – 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm PST)
26 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm PST)
28 Nov – 3rd ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm PST)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday the nation stands firmly with its security forces as the military announced the killing of three militants in two separate operations in the country’s northwest amid a sharp rise in violence.
Pakistan’s military also injured three combatants during intelligence-based operations conducted in Khyber and South Waziristan districts on Nov. 21-22.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), two militants were killed in an operation in Bara, Khyber district, while another was killed and three injured during an attempt to infiltrate Pakistan from the Afghanistan border.
The ISPR reiterated Pakistan’s call for Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government to prevent its territory from being used for violent attacks against Pakistan, emphasizing the country’s commitment to securing its borders and eradicating militancy.
“The enemies of humanity will continue to face failure in their evil designs,” the prime minister said in a statement released by his office after the ISPR shared the information. “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the brave soldiers of our security forces in the fight against terrorism.”
Sharif added his government remains committed to eradicating militancy and ensuring the complete elimination of extremist violence in the country.
The ISPR’s announcement comes amid escalating violence in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, which has witnessed multiple deadly attacks in the past week.
In the latest assault on Thursday, gunmen attacked vehicles carrying minority Shiite community members in KP’s Kurram district, triggering deadly sectarian clashes that have so far killed 64 people.
Prior to that, militants targeted a checkpost in KP’s Bannu district during the week, killing 10 army soldiers and two paramilitary Frontier Constabulary personnel.
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, during a visit to Peshawar on Friday, vowed decisive action against militant groups and emphasized the need for synchronized operations to dismantle militant networks.
Pakistan’s other western province of Balochistan has also seen a resurgence in militant activity this year.
On Tuesday, the prime minister chaired a meeting of civil and military leaders that approved a “comprehensive operation” to counter separatist insurgents in Balochistan.
The government’s latest actions underline Pakistan’s struggle to address growing instability along its borders and in remote regions, where a combination of militant activity and weak governance continues to pose significant challenges to security forces.
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has suspended six officials at Nishtar Hospital Multan, including the medical superintendent, for severe negligence that led to the spread of AIDS among dialysis patients, state media reported on Saturday.
According to local news outlets, the negligence involved reusing disposable dialysis kits and dialyzers, failing to conduct mandatory AIDS and hepatitis tests every three months and improper adherence to medical protocols.
Hospital officials acknowledged that 25 patients contracted AIDS after undergoing dialysis using equipment previously contaminated by infected individuals.
“Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Nishtar Hospital Multan and suspended six officials, including MS Nishtar Hospital and the head of the nephrology department, on severe negligence,” Radio Pakistan reported.
“She took action against doctors and nurses for spreading AIDS during dialysis,” it added.
AIDS, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), attacks the immune system and leaves individuals vulnerable to infections and certain cancers. In Pakistan, the social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS has led to significant underreporting, with UNAIDS estimating approximately 290,000 people living with HIV in the country as of 2023.
According to Pakistan’s Geo TV, the chief minister inspected the hospital during her visit and criticized its poor compliance with standard operating procedures.
She described the situation as “criminal negligence” and expressed dissatisfaction despite the government’s allocation of resources to the health sector.
“It is unacceptable that patients who come to government hospitals for treatment end up contracting AIDS instead,” Geo quoted her as saying.
Public health facilities in Pakistan face a severe trust deficit, with many patients preferring private hospitals despite their high costs. Poor management, insufficient oversight and a lack of adherence to medical protocols continue to erode confidence in the public health care system.
The Punjab chief minister emphasized the need for stricter compliance with protocols and greater accountability for medical staff to prevent such incidents in the future.
She also inspected cardiology and other wards during her visit.
PESHAWAR: The death toll in days-long sectarian clashes in Pakistan’s northwestern Kurram district has risen to 64, authorities said on Saturday, as the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) announced it was striving for a ceasefire and would develop its strategy to address the situation in consultation with local elders.
The violence in the restive tribal district bordering Afghanistan began on Thursday when gunmen attacked a convoy carrying members of the minority Shiite community, killing 41 people.
Clashes intensified over the next 24 hours, with sporadic gunfire reported in multiple areas of Kurram, leaving 23 more dead and at least 86 wounded, according to local officials.
“The provincial government is making serious efforts for a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the Kurram conflict,” KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who chaired a meeting via video link to discuss the situation, was quoted as saying in an official statement. “A ceasefire in the area is essential to move toward resolving the conflict.”
“The provincial government will formulate its plan of action in light of consultations and proposals from local elders,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the KP administration dispatched a high-level delegation to Kurram to assess the situation and engage with tribal leaders. Local media widely reported that the delegation’s helicopter came under fire while landing, a claim the provincial authorities denied as “baseless.”
“We landed safely and held meetings with tribal elders and officials of the district administration in Kurram,” said provincial government spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif in a video statement. “There was no such incident [of firing on the helicopter].”
Former parliamentarian Sajid Hussain Turi, who was part of the delegation, also dismissed the reports as “propaganda,” urging media outlets to verify information before circulating.
The delegation met with Shia elders in Parachinar, the district’s main town, to seek proposals for ending the violence and is scheduled to meet Sunni elders in Sadda on Sunday, officials said.
The clashes mark one of the deadliest incidents in Kurram in recent years, following outbreaks of sectarian violence in July and September that killed dozens.
Gandapur described Friday’s attacks as “deeply regrettable and condemnable” and said the government would fulfill any legitimate demands from both sides to prevent further bloodshed.
“Establishing peace in the region is currently the provincial government’s top priority,” he added.
Shop owners in Parachinar have announced a three-day strike in protest against the violence, as residents report an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty across the district.
