ISLAMABAD: The Home Minister of Balochistan, Mir Ziaullah Langau, on Wednesday announced the arrest of what he described as two key commanders of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), saying security forces had apprehended them in a complex operation that thwarted their plans to establish safe havens in the southwestern province.
The TTP, commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban, is a conglomerate of militant groups formed in 2007, which has been designated a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States.
Islamabad says the network’s leadership is mostly based in Afghanistan, from where its operatives launch high-profile attacks within Pakistan, including deadly suicide bombings targeting security forces, public spaces and schools. The government in Kabul denies it allows its territory to be used by militants.
Addressing a news conference, Langau congratulated Pakistan’s intelligence agencies on the arrest of the two commanders, Nasrullah alias Maulvi Mansoor and Idris alias Irshad, and played a ‘confessionary’ video of the former, who introduced himself as a member of the TTP’s defense council.
“Before joining the TTP, I participated in terrorist activities from Baitullah Mehsud’s platform since 2005,” he said, referring to one of the founders of the TTP. “When the TTP was established in 2007, I became its member.”
Nasrullah said he had been associated with the militant network for the last 16 years during which he participated in countless operations and fled to Afghanistan during the army’s 2014 Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan.
He said he was called by the top TTP leader Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud to Kandahar and ordered to go to Balochistan to carry out a special assignment in collaboration with the separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
“The aim was to create safe havens in different areas of Balochistan to launch terrorist activities in the province,” Nasrullah said.
The TTP wanted to pursue three objectives, the militant said, including sabotaging the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor by targeting Chinese nationals, kidnapping for ransom to highlight enforced disappearances and discredit local intelligence agencies, and spreading anarchy and frustration among the people of Balochistan.
He said the plan was masterminded with the help of the BLA and that India’s intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was “behind” it.
“Today, I can say with full confidence that India is behind the entire TTP system, especially in financial matters,” he said. “Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud meets the officials of the Indian secret agency RAW at the Indian embassy in Kabul, which is fully supported by the current Afghan administration.”
Nasrullah also said the Afghan interim government in Kabul was facilitating the TTP network.
It was not immediately clear under what circumstances Nasrullah’s video was recorded and if he was speaking freely or under duress. Neither the Afghan nor the Indian governments have as yet commented on his claims.
The Balochistan province has seen a decades-long insurgency against what separatists call the unfair exploitation of resources in the mineral-rich region.
Most of the separatist groups operate independently, but some recent reports in local media have pointed to increasing cooperation between them and with the TTP.
Pakistani security forces have been their main focus, but in recent years they have also targeted Chinese interests, given Beijing’s increasing economic footprint in the region.
Pakistan minister announces arrest of key Taliban leaders ‘planning’ to establish safe havens in southwest
https://arab.news/rpaed
Pakistan minister announces arrest of key Taliban leaders ‘planning’ to establish safe havens in southwest
- In recorded message played for media by Balochistan home ministry, TTP leader accuses India and Afghanistan of backing attacks in Pakistan
- It was not immediately clear under what circumstances Nasrullah’s video was recorded and if he was speaking freely or under duress
Pakistan’s disaster management authority forecasts ‘significant’ rainfall, flash floods across country till July 9
- Heavy rains may cause flash floods across northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, warns disaster management authority
- Advises authorities and masses to take necessary precautions to mitigate potential impacts of floods and landslides across Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday forecast “significant rainfall” in many regions of the country till July 9, warning the downpours could cause flash floods.
Last week, the NDMA warned of heavy rains in Pakistan’s Sindh and Punjab provinces, saying they could face an “emergency” situation. Pakistan is recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change effects in the world. Unusually heavy rains in June 2022 triggered flash floods in many parts of the country, killing over 1,700 people, inflicting losses of around $30 billion, and affecting at least 30 million people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a high-level committee to tackle any potential emergencies brought about by the monsoon floods.
“NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) anticipated significant rainfall across various regions of Pakistan until 9th July, 2024,” the disaster management authority said. It added that the heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding and rapid rises in water levels in nullahs and trigger flash floods across northern Punjab (Sialkot), KP and Azad Kashmir.
“Additionally, this precipitation is expected to result in high discharge levels within the eastern rivers,” the NDMA said. “Sutlej River is expected to experience a low flood stage with approximately 50,000 cusecs of water while Kabul River is predicted to reach a medium flood level with approximately 95,000 cusecs.”
The NDMA said extreme rainfall may also trigger additional releases from Indian reservoirs such as Salal, Bhakra, and Pong Dam, which could directly impact the Chenab and Sutlej rivers in Pakistan.
The NEOC predicted moderate to heavy rainfall in GB until July 8, 2024, warning it could trigger flash floods in local nullahs putting areas such as Chigar and Khaplu.
“Slightly heavy rainfall is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, KPK, northern parts of Balochistan, and AJK until July 8, 2024,” the NDMA said. “The persistent heavy to moderate rains may cause localized landslides at Karakoram Highway along Hunza and some of the areas of District Nagar, Gilgit, Diamir, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, and Abbottabad, potentially disrupting traffic flows and cutting off far-flung areas from main roads.”
The disaster management authority warned authorities and masses to take all necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the floods and landslides. It said emergency response teams had been alerted and resources are being mobilized to ensure a “swift response” to any arising situations.
“Tourists are advised to avoid traveling to these areas during the forecasted period,” the NDMA said.
Pakistan’s power division promises minimal impact as new electricity tariffs take effect from July
- The decision comes against the backdrop of government’s efforts to secure a staff-level agreement with the IMF
- The government says it will not burden the industrial sector to promote production, strengthen national economy
ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to implement new electricity rates from July, announced the power division on Thursday, adding the new tariffs would not have a huge impact on the monthly bills currently paid by consumers.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of the government’s efforts to secure a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout facility of more than $6 billion.
Some local media outlets reported the new rates reflected a per-unit increase of up to Rs5.72.
The Pakistani people have already been complaining of the high cost of living, especially since the announcement of the federal budget last month, which has fixed an ambitious tax collection target of nearly $47 billion.
“New electricity rates will be implemented from July 2024,” the power division said in a statement. “The new electricity tariff will have a slight impact on most people’s monthly bills.”
“To minimize the increase in electricity bills, the government will provide a subsidy of Rs440 billion,” it added. “For 16.8 million or 58 percent poor household consumers, the increase will be less than two percent.”
The statement said for the relatively wealthier 42 percent consumers, the average increase will be nine percent.
The power division said the electricity rates were expected to decrease as the economy improved.
“By January 2025, electricity rates for all consumers are expected to be on average 3 percent lower compared to June 2024,” it maintained.
The statement said the burden on the industrial sector had been reduced by Rs150 billion to promote production and strengthen the country’s economy.
“The notification of electricity prices will be issued after NEPRA’s [National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s] hearing,” it added.
Pakistan to host SCO members, including India, at October conference in Islamabad
- Pakistan currently holds the rotating chairmanship of Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Council of Heads of Government
- The foreign office spokesperson says Pakistan hopes all members of the regional grouping will be able to attend the conference
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Council of Heads of Government meeting in October this year and invite all members, including India, to attend the gathering in person in Islamabad, the foreign office spokesperson said on Thursday.
Founded by China and Russia in 2001, the SCO is a prominent Eurasian entity focused on political, economic, international security and defense matters.
It is the world’s largest regional organization by geographic coverage and population, encompassing about 80 percent of Eurasia and 40 percent of the world population.
Pakistan became an SCO member in June 2017, after holding observer status from 2005 to 2017.
“The year 2024 is an important milestone for Pakistan-SCO relations, as Pakistan holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, which is the second highest decision-making forum of the SCO,” Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the foreign office spokesperson, informed during her weekly media briefing.
“In that capacity, Pakistan will host the SCO Heads of Government meeting in October this year,” she added.
Baloch said the October conference would be preceded by a ministerial meeting and several rounds of high-level official talks among SCO member states, focusing on financial, economic, social, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
She added the conference would be held as per the SCO procedures and in-person attendance of heads of government.
“So, in our capacity as the chair, we will be extending invitations to all heads of government of SCO member states,” she added.
Baloch hoped all members of the regional grouping would be represented at the conference, which is expected to focus on trade, investment and economic connectivity.
Pakistan’s nuclear-armed neighbor, India, is also part of the SCO. The two countries have a history of strained relations and have fought several wars and border skirmishes since their independence in 1947.
India boycotted the summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 2016, which was scheduled to be held in Islamabad.
Pakistani forces kill militant commander behind deadly Gilgit-Baltistan bus attack — official
- Commander Shah Faisal masterminded the bus attack on Karakoram Highway that claimed the lives of nine passengers
- Gilgit-Baltistan spokesperson says two security forces officials got minor injuries during the intelligence-based operation
KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistani security forces have killed a militant commander involved in an attack on a passenger bus in northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) last December, confirmed a senior government functionary in the region, who said the action was part of an intelligence-based operation.
Nine people lost their lives, while 21 others were injured when militants used firearms to target a bus on the Karakoram Highway that connects Pakistani cities with its border with China.
The bus was carrying passengers from Gilgit to Rawalpindi. The attack occurred in the Hudur area of Chilas district, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a truck, which caught fire immediately.
The GB official informed the operation took place in Darel Valley of Diamer district, a place where extremist violence has been reported in the past, with some incidents claimed by the banned armed network Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
In 2018, militants torched 13 girls’ schools in the area, while six years before that, unidentified gunmen killed nine passengers and torched six buses in the region.
“The operation is still continuing against the culprits involved in the Hudur incident,” Faizullah Faraq, the official spokesperson for the GB administration, told Arab News on the phone. “The mastermind of the incident, Commander Shah Faisal, has been killed by the security forces today.”
He said the operation was planned after three facilitators of the militants targeting the bus were arrested and interrogated.
“They pointed out the culprits involved in the attack and said Commander Shah Faisal was the mastermind,” he continued. “So, the operation was launched today to arrest the culprits. However, they resisted and started firing at the security forces.”
Faraq said it was during the exchange of fire that the militant leader was killed.
“Cross-firing is continuing in the region,” he added. “The security forces have not suffered any loss of life. However, two army personnel got minor injuries, but their condition is stable.”
The military’s media wing, ISPR, has yet to issue a statement about the development.
Empowering voices: How one mother’s journey is transforming speech therapy for children in Pakistan
- Dr. Amina Imran decided to become a speech pathologist at a local hospital after her daughters faced articulation challenges
- She says children with special needs should be able to get early intervention since it can help them overcome speech impediments
RAWALPINDI: Two decades ago, Dr. Amina Imran could not have foreseen her future as a speech pathologist at a local hospital in Rawalpindi.
A devoted housewife, her life changed course when her first child, Haleema, faced articulation challenges after her birth in 2005 and was diagnosed with a speech disorder. The situation intensified when her second daughter, Maidah, encountered the same issue.
Now, with over a decade in this profession, Imran observes that speech and language disorders, ranging from articulation difficulties to complex comprehension issues, are rampant in Pakistan, affecting over 22 million people.
Children with special needs face unique challenges that require early diagnosis and intervention, though many do not receive the essential care they need due to limited resources and a shortage of qualified speech-language pathologists.
“As a dedicated housewife, I never envisioned myself in a professional role, but my daughters’ needs brought me into this field,” she told Arab News in a conversation this week. “I used to take them to a rehabilitation center and always felt something was lacking. So, I decided to pursue training and therapy myself to better help my daughters.”
Imran joined the MS in Speech and Language Pathology program in 2011 and completed the certification in the next two years.
Subsequently, she joined Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital in Rawalpindi and became the head of the department in 2017.
During her career, she has helped numerous young and old people, with many of her patients testifying to her dedication and significant contributions to their lives.
“Raising awareness is crucial,” Imran said while discussing strategies to deal with speech impediments. “The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes for these children. Every child deserves the opportunity to communicate effectively and confidently.”
She said parents should try to determine if their children require professional help at an early stage.
“From four to six months onwards, we do expect that the child turns head to the mother’s voice, the child does have expressions on the face,” she explained. “If the child’s behavior is deviating from the age-appropriate parameters, the red alarm should ring in your mind, consult a professional.”
Samia Bibi, an internationally certified speech and language pathologist and clinical director at Tarteeb Rehabilitation Center said there was growing awareness among parents about addressing such issues in Pakistan, thanks to dedicated professionals like Imran.
“Speech therapy is a guiding light for those, especially children, who are struggling with speech disorders,” she said. “It enhances communication skills and improves the quality of life.”
Muhammad Omer, a teenage student, who benefitted by therapy sessions carried out by Imran said she transformed his ability to engage with others in public settings.
“After struggling with speech delivery and stammering issues, I lacked confidence and found it hard to interact with people,” he told Arab News. “I didn’t want friends. But after my parents consulted the speech-language pathologist and I started therapy, my perspective changed.”
“Now, I feel better and even speak confidently in front of audiences,” he added. “It makes me happy and positive.”
Imran said speech therapy was not limited to children, mentioning that she helped a retired secondary school principal, Hisan Ullah Malik, who faced challenges with eating, swallowing and minor paralysis affecting his speech after pneumonia.
Malik told Arab News being a teacher required him to communicate clearly with students.
He said that his son sought help from a specialist, who referred him to Imran.
Malik informed six months of speech and language therapy, including mouth exercises and massages, greatly improved his speech.
“She has been a savior for me,” he said, urging others to consult professionals in such cases.
Imran also emphasized that people should not view children with special needs as a problem and ensure they receive comprehensive support to improve their quality of life.
She added that parents must address societal stigma and promote early intervention so that children receive timely help and manage to overcome speech and language disorders.
