ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkmenistan have decided to accelerate work on the TAPI pipeline project linking the energy-rich Central Asian country through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India, Radio Pakistan said on Friday.
The pipeline is expected to carry 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas each year along a route stretching 1,800 km (1,125 miles) from Galkynysh, the world’s second-biggest gas field, to the Indian city of Fazilka near the Pakistan border.
The project was launched in Afghanistan in 2018, when the Taliban was fighting the Western-backed government in Kabul, but it pledged its cooperation for a project it hailed as a key future element of the economic infrastructure.
Afghanistan, which suffers chronic energy shortages, is expected to take 5 percent of the gas itself, with the rest divided equally between Pakistan and India.
“Pakistan and Turkmenistan have decided to accelerate work on TAPI gas pipeline project,” Radio Pakistan reported after Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cabinet of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredow, who was on a two-day visit to Pakistan.
“Substantial progress has been made through collaboration on the TAPI Gas Pipeline project aimed at promoting economic integration and energy security,” Musadik was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan.
The CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company who was also at the meeting said the pipeline project had made “significant progress and was on the right track due to the interest of Pakistan’s Ministry of Petroleum and Special Investment Facilitation Council.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredow said that a “roadmap” would be prepared for enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic sitting on 4 percent of the world’s natural gas reserves, plans to triple gas output to 230 billion cubic meters (bcm) over the next 20 years. With a population of only 5 million, it will export nearly 80 percent.
Turkmenistan traditionally sends its gas north to Soviet-era master Russia but is becoming an increasingly important supplier to China, Iran and Europe. India and Pakistan, via the TAPI pipeline, would also offer potentially large new export markets.
Pakistan wants to position itself as a regional trade hub and to leverage its strategic geopolitical position and enhance its role as a pivotal trade and transit hub connecting the landlocked Central Asian reoublics with the rest of the world. In recent months, there has been a flurry of visits, investment talks, and economic activity between Pakistan and Central Asian states and meetings with leaders from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
Pakistan, Turkmenistan to accelerate work on trans-Afghan gas pipeline
https://arab.news/jz646
Pakistan, Turkmenistan to accelerate work on trans-Afghan gas pipeline
- TAPI pipeline will link energy-rich Central Asian country through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India
- India and Pakistan, via TAPI pipeline, will offer potentially large new export markets to Turkmenistan
Pakistan receives 82,000 applications for government Hajj scheme this year
- Religious Affairs Ministry says it may reopen applications in January to fill the remaining seats
- Pakistan allowed intending pilgrims to pay Hajj fees in installments for the first time this year
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received 82,000 applications for next year’s Hajj pilgrimage under the government scheme, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Wednesday, adding that more applications may be invited in early January to fill any remaining seats.
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2025, divided equally between government and private schemes. The government extended the deadline for applications twice this month, first from Dec. 3 to Dec. 10, and then to Dec. 17, as it aimed to fill over 89,000 seats under the government scheme.
For the first time, the country’s Hajj policy, announced in November, also allowed pilgrims to pay in installments. Under the scheme, the first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) must be submitted with the application, the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) will be deposited within 10 days of balloting and the remaining amount will be paid by Feb. 10 next year.
“We have received 82,000 applications and have stopped accepting further submissions to facilitate the completion of the second installment process,” Muhammad Umer Butt, the ministry spokesperson, told Arab News, referring to the payment of expenses by pilgrims.
He said the second installment could be submitted at the same banks where applications were initially deposited, between Dec. 19 and Dec. 27.
“If any seats remain unfilled, we will reopen applications for a few days in the first week of January,” he said, adding that the ministry may also allocate leftover seats to the hardship quota, currently set at 1,000.
This quota is reserved for pilgrims with special needs or circumstances and attendants for individuals with disabilities.
The spokesperson said the government scheme witnessed about 12,000 to 13,000 more applications this year compared to 2023.
In 2024, Pakistan surrendered 21,000 Hajj seats to Saudi Arabia due to a shortage of applications, but the government hopes to fill all slots this time.
“This increase is due to the positive feedback from last year’s pilgrims regarding government facilities and the introduction of the installment option,” Butt said.
He informed the Pakistani Hajj mission has initiated its operations by starting the process of hiring services and accommodations in Saudi Arabia, adding the advance preparations would help determine the exact amount for the third and final installment, due in February.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile application to guide pilgrims, available for both Android and iPhone users. The government has also announced a reduction in airfare, with ticket prices for federal program pilgrims reduced to Rs220,000, down from last year’s Rs234,000.
Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines and private carriers have agreed to transport pilgrims next year, according to the ministry.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree on player, umpire and coach exchange to boost cricket ties
- PCB chairman assures support for the promotion of women’s cricket in the Kingdom
- He invites Saudi sports minister to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy in February
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement to establish an exchange program for players, umpires and coaches to enhance cricket ties and talent development between the two nations, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday.
The development was announced after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister of Sports Badr bin AbdulRehman Al-Qadi in Riyadh, during which he invited him to attend the ICC Champions Trophy and Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year.
Naqvi, who is also the interior minister, has been in the Kingdom since Sunday and has offered full cooperation for the promotion of cricket and the construction of stadiums in Saudi Arabia.
“The two leaders agreed to introduce an exchange program for players, umpires and coaches between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to foster talent development and knowledge sharing,” the PCB said in its statement.
Naqvi also assured support for the promotion of women’s cricket in the Kingdom.
“Pakistan stands ready to provide complete support for the growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia, including the promotion of women’s cricket,” he was quoted as saying during the meeting.
“With abundant talent in Pakistan and initiatives like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), we are eager to share our expertise with Saudi Arabia to help develop cricket in the Kingdom,” he added.
The Saudi deputy minister of sports thanked the PCB chairman for the invitations to the ICC Champions Trophy and the PSL while expressing enthusiasm for working closely with Pakistan to strengthen cricket ties between the two nations.
Naqvi also met Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation, earlier this week.
According to the PCB, there are about 18,000 cricket players in the Kingdom, which has also won the Asian Cricket Council Challenge Cup.
Pakistan PM orders coordination with global agencies after migrant deaths near Greece
- Pakistani officials confirmed the deaths of four nationals in a migrant boat tragedy earlier this week
- Shehbaz Sharif instructs to launch a public awareness campaign to avoid such tragedies in the future
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday instructed authorities to enhance cooperation with international agencies to combat human trafficking, days after officials confirmed the deaths of four Pakistani nationals in a migrant boat tragedy off the Greek island of Gavdos, located south of Crete.
The tragedy, which occurred last week, underscored the perilous journeys many migrants undertake due to conflicts in the Middle East. In the case of Pakistani nationals, the movement is mostly driven by economic reasons, with many young individuals attempting to reach European shores in search of better financial prospects.
In 2023, hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, drowned when an overcrowded vessel capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos. It was one of the deadliest boat disasters ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Pakistani premier chaired a meeting to discuss the issue, instructing the Federal Investigation Agency to present a report on such incidents taking place in the last one year and directing officials to launch a public awareness campaign to avoid such tragedies in the future.
“We must strengthen collaboration with global institutions to prevent such incidents,” he was quoted in an official statement released after the meeting.
During a high-level meeting, the prime minister also expressed frustration over delays in cracking down on human trafficking networks and ordered strict action against officials responsible for slow progress.
He directed the immediate implementation of an Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to monitor and curb illicit movements more effectively.
The prime minister was also briefed on the measures taken to combat human trafficking and prevent such activities during the meeting.
He was informed that authorities had cracked down on individuals facilitating illegal migration from the country, presenting 174 such cases in court, of which four had resulted in convictions.
Pakistani PM on three-day visit to Egypt for D-8 summit, Gaza talks, bilateral meetings
- D-8 summit in Cairo will see gathering of leaders from eight countries to promote economic cooperation
- PM to attend special session on Gaza where Israeli offensive has killed over 46,000 people since last year
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday began a three-day visit to Egypt to participate in the Eleventh Summit of D-8 countries, hold bilateral discussions with multiple world leaders on the sidelines of the forum and attend a special meeting on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The D-8 Summit is a gathering of leaders from eight developing countries including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. It aims to promote economic cooperation and development among member states, with a focus on areas like trade, energy, agriculture, and transportation.
Ahead of Sharif’s departure for Egypt, Pakistani deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for the 21st Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers, which will be held today.
The theme of this year’s D-8 Summit is “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.”
“The Prime Minister, representing Pakistan at the Summit, will highlight the importance of investing in youth and SMEs for a strong and inclusive economy based on employment generation, innovation and local entrepreneurship,” Sharif’s office said in a statement.
“The Prime Minister will express Pakistan’s strong commitment to cooperate and implement the fundamental principles laid down by the D-8 … emphasize the importance of partnerships for mutual benefit and development among the participating countries in the conference, as well as cooperation in agriculture, food security and tourism.”
Sharif will also highlight the steps taken by the government of Pakistan for the empowerment of the youth and their economic development.
While in Cairo, Sharif will attend a special meeting of the D-8 on the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon following Israel military offensives in the Middle East since October last year.
“The Prime Minister will convey Pakistan’s principled position on Palestine and emphasize the establishment of peace in the Middle East,” Sharif’s office said, adding that he will also hold bilateral meetings with various heads of states in Cairo to attend the D-8 summit.
Health officials in the Gaza Strip said on Monday the death toll from the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas had topped 45,000 people.
The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
Weeks after family reunion, Pakistani elephant dies of sepsis caused by bacterial infections — charity
- Sonia, 19, is second elephant to die in two years in the southern city of Karachi
- Noor Jehan, 17, died in April 2023 after undergoing a critical medical procedure
ISLAMABAD: Global animal welfare group Four Paws said in a statement this week an autopsy of Pakistani elephant Sonia who died suddenly on Sunday had revealed she had several bacterial infections that ultimately led to sepsis.
Sonia, who was almost 19, is the second elephant to die in two years in the southern city of Karachi, where she had lived since 2009 at the city’s Safari Park. She was reunited recently with her sister Madhubala, who was transferred from the Karachi Zoological Garden last month to be with her family members.
Madhubala was separated from sisters Sonia and Malika about 15 years ago.
“The microbiological results from Sonia’s autopsy revealed the presence of various bacteria,” Four Paws said in a statement on Tuesday. “The source of the bacteria was an advanced abscess on Sonia’s foot which was just recently discovered and treated during our stay [at the Safari Park] for Madhubala’s relocation. The severe bacterial infection ultimately led to fatal sepsis.”
Pakistan has a troubled history with elephants in captivity.
Noor Jehan, 17, was brought to Karachi with three other elephants more than a decade ago. She died in April 2023, days after undergoing a critical medical procedure by a team of international veterinarians.
In 2020, Kaavan, dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant” after languishing alone for years in a Pakistani zoo, was sent to a Cambodian sanctuary for the much-needed company of other elephants. Efforts to transfer him from Pakistan were supported by singer and actor Cher, who campaigned for his rescue.
Four Paws said following Sonia’s death, local authorities had extended an invitation to the charity, requesting further support for Malika and Madhubala.
“In response to this request and the pathological findings, FOUR PAWS experts have sent KMC [Karachi Metropolitan Corporation] a prophylactic treatment plan for Malika and Madhubala, urgently recommending immediate antibiotic treatment, alongside blood tests for both elephants before and after the treatment,” Four Paws said.
“Following the prophylactic treatment, the FOUR PAWS team will return on-site to conduct further examinations of the elephants.”
The organization said Sonia’s and Noor Jehan’s deaths were “tragic consequences of prolonged species-inappropriate living conditions and malnutrition.”
“Since 2021, we have continuously advocated for proper medical care, adequate nutrition, and species-appropriate environments for all four African elephants in Karachi,” it added.
“This heartbreaking outcome underscores once again the urgent need for proper elephant management. Foot care, in particular, is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring the health and well-being of captive elephants under human care.”
The charity has sent KMC a detailed diet plan that includes essential minerals, vitamins, rice balls, electrolytes, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and green fodder, all of which needs to be implemented consistently to ensure the long-term health of the elephants, the charity added.
Despite the heartbreak over Sonia’s passing, Four Paws said it remained steadfast in its commitment to improving the welfare of the Karachi elephants.
“Madhubala has stepped into the role of a big sister, providing strength and comfort to Malika. It is heartwarming to see them finding solace in each other,” the statement concluded.
