Search form

You are here

  • Home
  • Pakistan PM condemns Israel’s siege of Khan Yunis leading to large-scale Palestinian displacement


Pakistan PM condemns Israel’s siege of Khan Yunis leading to large-scale Palestinian displacement

Palestinians displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip flee from parts of Khan Younis, following an evacuation order by the Israeli army to leave parts of the southern area of Gaza Strip's second largest city, on July 27, 2024. (AP)
Short Url

https://arab.news/5f38b

Updated 27 July 2024
Follow

Pakistan PM condemns Israel’s siege of Khan Yunis leading to large-scale Palestinian displacement

  • Israel ordered the evacuation of the city on Monday, causing international displacement affecting over 150,000 people
  • Shehbaz Sharif asks the international community to hold Israel accountable for its ‘war crimes’ and bring it to justice
Updated 27 July 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday condemned Israel for besieging the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis, saying it had uprooted more than 150,000 Palestinians and disrupted food supplies to the area.
The Israeli military ordered the evacuation of parts of the city after announcing on Monday that its military would “forcefully operate” in the area.
The United Nations said a day earlier that the intensified hostilities in Khan Yunis had fueled another wave of internal displacement in Gaza that had affected about 182,000 people.
Israel announced during the week it had recovered the bodies of five captives who had been captured by Hamas on October 7, saying its forces had also killed nearly “100 terrorists.”
“The brutality in Khan Younis has displaced over 150,000 Palestinians,” the prime minister said in a statement released by his office in Islamabad. “The siege of Khan Younis has disrupted the supply of food and other essential items in the area. A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Palestine.”
The statement said Sharif condemned Israel’s action in Khan Yunis and expressed concern over the situation.
He asked the international community, including the United Nations, to fulfill its responsibilities to end Israel’s military campaign.
“Israeli forces are committing the grave crime of genocide against Palestinians,” he continued. “We reiterate the demand for the implementation of the recent decisions of the International Court of Justice regarding Palestine and the UN resolutions.”
Sharif said his government had sent 1,200 tons of relief goods through six Pakistan Air Force planes and 1,500 tons via three ships to Palestine.
He also highlighted special arrangements made by his country for Palestinian medical students to continue their education in Pakistan.
“The international community should hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and bring it to justice,” he added.
Israel launched its air and ground offensive targeting Gaza last October following a surprise attack by Hamas in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostages.
The Palestinian group said its attack was in response to the deteriorating condition of Palestinian people living under occupation.
Israel’s response was widely viewed as disproportionate by the international community in which over 39,000 people, mostly women and children, have died.
Israel was taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by South Africa on the allegation of committing genocide where other nations joined the proceedings as well.

With input from AP
 

Topics: Khan Yunis

Over 50,000 power looms shut in Pakistan in two years, leaving thousands jobless

Updated 11 sec ago
Follow

Over 50,000 power looms shut in Pakistan in two years, leaving thousands jobless

  • Industrial stakeholder says the closure owes to soaring power tariffs, raising the cost of doing business
  • Punjab administration’s economic adviser vows to look into the issue to find viable solution to problem
Updated 11 sec ago
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Tens of thousands of workers have lost their jobs as over 50,000 power looms shut down in Pakistan’s Faisalabad district over two years due to soaring electricity prices, an industry stakeholder said over the weekend, with officials pledging to explore viable solutions.

Power looms are mechanized devices that automate the weaving process. Faisalabad, located in Pakistan’s populous Punjab province, is the hub of the country’s textile industry, housing 125,000 power looms in its industrial zone.

The sector produces nearly 91% of Pakistan’s grey cloth, which also sells well in international market.

“In the last two years, over 200,000 workers have been rendered jobless in Faisalabad after the closure of some 50,000 power looms,” Saeed Ahmad, deputy secretary of the All Pakistan Cotton Power Looms Association, told Arab News. “The remaining industry is also on the verge of closure due to inefficient government policies.”

Ahmad said the hike in electricity prices over the last two years was the major factor behind the closures, as the per-unit cost of power had risen from Rs19 to Rs55, along with additional taxes.

“This is a small industry, and people cannot afford to pay millions in electricity bills each month,” he said, adding that the additional cost of doing business, such as higher interest rates, had also reached double digits.

Ahmad noted that while some power loom owners had switched to solar energy to run their industrial units, the option was prohibitively expensive for most.

“If you have to run the power loom, you cannot disconnect from the national grid because the solar station won’t work on cloudy days,” he explained.

Ahmad urged the government to lower electricity prices and provide loans to the industry to keep it operational.

“The power loom industry has been contributing to the national economy through textile exports, but the government is not willing to provide incentives to keep it afloat,” he said.

Speaking to Arab News, Javed Iqbal Malik, senior economic adviser to Punjab’s Industries, Commerce, Investment and Skills Development Department, acknowledged that the cost of doing business has increased due to a spike in electricity tariffs.

“I am not aware of the exact scale of the closure of power looms in Faisalabad, but one thing is for sure that the cost of doing business has increased and many businesses, including manufacturing, have become uneconomical, he said.

“We will look into the issue and discuss it with the industry to find out some viable solutions as this industry is vital for textile exports and economy,” he added.

Khurram Shahzad, a senior economist, said Pakistan’s economy had faced significant hardships in the last two years as the country narrowly avoided sovereign debt default, which also impacted the manufacturing sector.

“The manufacturing sector, including the power looms industry, has been affected by three factors: the interest rate, energy costs and taxes, all of which hit record highs in the last two years,” he told Arab News.

Shahzad noted that while the interest rate had declined in recent months, it remained in double digits.

He added that the government was promising to lower electricity tariffs to ease the cost of doing business.

“Taxes on the formal sector are expected to be reduced in the coming months with the stabilization of the economy, and this will help the manufacturing sector grow,” he said.

Topics: Pakistan Power looms textile industry All Pakistan Cotton Power Looms Association Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan compares failed PIA privatization bid to Air India, saying it sold on fifth attempt

Updated 17 min 41 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan compares failed PIA privatization bid to Air India, saying it sold on fifth attempt

  • It took PM Narendra Modi administration more than four years to find a buyer for Air India in 2021
  • PIA privatization hit a snag last month when the final bidding round attracted just one bid of $36 million 
Updated 17 min 41 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s privatization chief Abdul Aleem Khan on Monday defended a recent failed bid to sell loss-making national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines by comparing it to Air India, which was sold after multiple attempts.

Cash-strapped Pakistan was looking to offload a 51-100 percent stake in debt-ridden PIA to raise funds and reform state-owned enterprises as envisaged under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund program approved in September. The process, however, hit a snag last month when the final bidding round attracted just one bid of Rs10 billion ($36 million) for a 60 percent stake in the national flag carrier.

PIA’s existing liabilities stand at approximately Rs250 billion ($896 million).

“Khan compared PIA’s situation to Air India, which had undergone multiple failed privatization attempts before ultimately succeeding on its fifth attempt,” the privatization ministry said in a statement, quoting Khan’s remarks at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization on Monday. 

“Khan expressed hope that Pakistan’s national airline could follow a similar path but underscored the need for thorough reforms.”

It took Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration more than four years to find a buyer for Air India in 2021. For a decade before that, the Indian government had spent about $15 billion of taxpayer money on the airline, famous for its Maharaja mascot.

The Pakistan government had pre-qualified six groups for PIA’s privatization process in June, but only real-estate development company Blue World City participated in the bidding process in October, placing a bid that was below the government-set minimum price of Rs85 billion ($304 million). 

The disposal of PIA is a step former governments have steered away from, as it has been highly unpopular given the number of layoffs that would likely result from it.

Other concerns raised by potential bidders for the PIA stake included inconsistent government communication, unattractive terms and taxes on the sector, and the flag carrier’s legacy issues and reputation.

Khan also highlighted hurdles in the privatization process during Monday’s meeting, saying it would require a “fresh approach and big-hearted decisions.”

“The first consultant engaged for the task was deemed unsatisfactory, and a new consultant would be hired to help move the process forward,” Khan told the committee, adding that privatization could only take place if PIA’s financial and operational situation was “clean and attractive to potential buyers.”

“We need to ensure that PIA is clean and profitable before privatization can proceed. Without addressing these fundamental issues, investors will not show interest,” Khan said.

Losses running into billions of dollars in the power and gas sector, the main hole in the economy, were also discussed.

“The privatization process for the first three Discos [power distribution companies] is expected to be completed by January 31, 2025,” the statement said, with Khan acknowledging that privatizing Discos would be even more challenging than PIA.

Topics: Pakistan PIA PIA privatization Air India Abdul Aleem Khan Arab News Pakistan

Public gatherings banned in Islamabad for two months ahead of opposition protest

Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Public gatherings banned in Islamabad for two months ahead of opposition protest

  • District magistrates bans gathering of more than five people for next two months
  • Ban comes as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is planning protest in Islamabad on Nov. 24
Updated 18 November 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A two-month ban on public gatherings has been imposed in Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad, a notification from the district magistrate said on Monday, days ahead of a planned protest march by the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) announced last week it would lead a ‘long march’ to the capital on Nov. 24 over alleged rigging in Feb. 8 general elections and to call for the release of political prisoners, including Khan, and in support of the independence of the judiciary.

The party’s recent rallies and marches have been thwarted by similar bans on public gatherings imposed under Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code which allows the government to prohibit various forms of political assembly, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, and other activities for a specified period.

In a notification dated Nov. 18, the district magistrate, without naming the PTI, said processions being planned in the capital “can disrupt public place and tranquility and keeping in view the current law & order and security environment, it is necessary to control such types of illegal activities which present a threat to public peace, tranquility and maintenance of law & order.”

He added that the demonstrations would cause “public annoyance or injury, endanger human life and safety, pose a threat to public property, and may lead to a riot or an affray including sectarian riot within the revenue/territorial limits of district Islamabad.”

In light of this, all gatherings of more than five people are banned in the capital, the notification said:

“This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force for a period of TWO MONTHS.” 

Khan has been in jail since August 2023 and has faced dozens of cases since he was removed as prime minister in 2022 after which he launched a protest movement against a coalition of his rivals led by current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and backed by the all-powerful military, which denies interfering in politics. 

Khan says cases against him, which disqualified him from contesting the February elections, are politically motivated. His party has held several protest rallies in recent months to build public pressure for its leader’s release.

With regards to the latest protest, the PTI’s first demand is a rollback of recent constitutional amendments like the 26th amendment that the PTI says is an attempt to curtail the independence of the senior judiciary. It is also calling for the release of party leaders and supporters and a return of what it describes as a “stolen mandate” after Feb. 8 general elections.

Pakistan’s government denies being unfair in its treatment of Khan and his party and the election commission rejects allegations the elections were rigged. The government also says recent amendments related to the judiciary are meant to smooth out its functioning and tackle a backlog of cases.

Topics: Islamabad Pakistan

Pakistan Stock Exchange may gain at least 27% by end of 2025 — Bloomberg

Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Pakistan Stock Exchange may gain at least 27% by end of 2025 — Bloomberg

  • Benchmark KSE-100 Index forecast to increase to 127,000 points by Dec. 2025, a 34% rise, from 94,704 points it closed on Friday
  • Key index advanced as much as 0.6% on Monday, taking gains to more than 50% this year, the second best performer globally
Updated 18 November 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s stocks are expected to advance by more than a quarter by the end of next year as the nation’s economy shows improvement under a loan program with the International Monetary Fund and the currency stabilizes, Bloomberg reported on Monday, quoting two brokerage houses. 

The benchmark KSE-100 Index is forecast to increase to 127,000 points by December 2025, or a 34% rise, from the 94,704 points it closed last Friday, according to Topline Securities Ltd. in a report announced on Nov. 16. Arif Habib Ltd. targets the index to reach 120,000 points, a gain of 27%.

“The stage is set for a potential market re-rating with declining interest rates, a stable rupee, and improving macroeconomic indicators,” Karachi-based brokerage Arif Habib commented in a report.

Pakistan’s economy has stabilized with inflation easing from record levels that has allowed the central bank to cut the interest rate for four straight meetings to 15 percent, the lowest in two years. 

The key index advanced as much as 0.6% on Monday, taking its gains to more than 50% this year, the second best performer globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The equity market will be offering a 37% return including 10% dividend yield by the end of 2025 because of economic stability and falling bond yields, Karachi-based Topline said in a separate report.

Pakistan is also increasingly attracting the attention of foreign investors, particularly in its debt and equity markets, said Arif Habib.

Topics: Pakistan Stock Exchange PSX stocks Pakistan economy

Pakistan says taking steps to put climate change studies in national curriculum

Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Pakistan says taking steps to put climate change studies in national curriculum

  • PM’s aide says government has developed modules to build climate awareness from primary to university levels
  • Says teachers across Pakistan are being equipped with the skills and tools to deliver climate education effectively
Updated 18 November 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is taking steps for climate change studies to become a standard part of the school curriculum from the primary to university levels and training teachers to become key agents in creating awareness in young people, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, said on Monday.

The United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization, UNESCO, has said environmental studies should be standard teaching in all countries by 2025.

Such studies are crucial for a country like Pakistan, one of the most vulnerable to climate change according to the Global Climate Risk Index. Floods in 2022, which scientists said were aggravated by global warming, affected at least 33 million people and killed more than 1,700. The country’s economic struggles and high debt burden impinged its ability to respond to the disaster.

 “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development and climate action for a resilient and environmentally-sustainable society,” the PM’s climate aide said in a keynote address at an event on the sidelines of COP29 global Climate Summit, which is taking place from Nov. 11-22. 

“Our commitment to greening education stems from the belief that equipping our youth with climate knowledge is fundamental to achieving long-term resilience and sustainability.”

Outlining steps to mainstream climate education into the national education system, Alam said the government had developed educational modules tailored to build climate awareness from the primary to university levels. 

“These modules emphasize the science of climate change, its impacts, and actionable solutions, ensuring that students grow up with a sense of responsibility toward the environment,” the aide said. 

“These efforts also extend to training teachers as key change agents in this mission … Teachers across Pakistan are being equipped with the skills and tools to deliver climate education effectively … and community-based programs have been introduced to create broader awareness and engage parents, caregivers and local leaders in the process of greening education.

“By greening our education systems, we are equipping the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address climate change and build a resilient future,” Alam added.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said last month Pakistan was targeting around $1 billion in a formal request for funding from the IMF facility that helps low and middle income countries mitigate climate risk.

The International Monetary Fund had already agreed a $7 billion bailout for Pakistan, but has further funding available via its Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST).

The RST, created in 2022, provides long-term concessional cash for climate-related spending, such as adaptation and transitioning to cleaner energy.

Pakistan is also in talks with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for a credit enhancement for a planned Panda bond, Aurangzeb said. It is targeting an initial issuance of $200-250 million by the end of June.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who spoke at a number of events at COP29 last week, used the forum to highlight the need to restore confidence in the pledging process and increase climate finance for vulnerable, developing countries. He said developing countries would need an estimated $6.8 trillion by 2030 to implement less than half of their current nationally determined contributions (NDCs), or national action plans for reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts defined by the Paris Agreement.

The main task for nearly 200 countries at the COP29 summit is to broker a deal that ensures up to trillions of dollars in financing for climate projects worldwide.

Topics: climate change Pakistann

Latest updates

Over 50,000 power looms shut in Pakistan in two years, leaving thousands jobless
Pakistan compares failed PIA privatization bid to Air India, saying it sold on fifth attempt
Stray dogs in Giza become tourist draw after ‘pyramid puppy’ sensation
A stray dog sits in front of the Great Pyramid of Khoufou (Cheops or Keops), at the Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of Cairo.
Public gatherings banned in Islamabad for two months ahead of opposition protest
G20 leaders gather for deadlocked talks on climate, Middle East, Ukraine wars

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.