PESHAWAR: Authorities in Pakistan’s northwestern district of Peshawar have temporarily restricted the movement of Afghan refugees due to security concerns ahead of religious processions scheduled next week, according to a notification that came to light on Saturday.
The decision was made as the city’s Shia population plans to mark the 40th-day mourning ritual by taking out processions, following the observance of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), last month.
The notification issued by Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar, Captain (retired) Sarmad Saleem Akram, mentioned “substantive threats” to Shia processions and gatherings that could lead to loss of lives and affect the security situation in the district.
“In exercise of powers conferred on me u/s 144 CrPC [Criminal Procedure Code], [I] do hereby order and impose ban on the movement of Afghan Refugees out of their camps and not be allowed to move around within the jurisdiction of District Peshawar,” he said in a notification issued on Friday.
“Anyone found violating this order shall be proceeded against,” he added.
The notification specified the order will remain in force for a period of six days starting August 24.
Pakistan launched a deportation drive against “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghans, last year following a spike in suicide bombings, which the government blamed on Afghan nationals without providing evidence. Pakistan also claimed that Afghan citizens were involved in smuggling and other crimes in the country.
According to the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the government has so far repatriated over 691,000 Afghans since initiating the expulsion last year, amid criticism from international rights organizations.
Responding to the development, Khan Muhammad, the focal person for refugees at the Afghan Commissionerate in Peshawar, expressed concern, noting that most of these people were daily wage laborers.
“We will abide by the law of the land,” he told Arab News. “But these restrictions also multiply our problems. Most of the refugees go out to find work in the morning to make a livelihood and feed their children in the evening.”
However, Haider Ali, the Commissionerate’s security chief, said imposing such restrictions was an annual practice by the provincial administration to prevent untoward incidents.
“Yes, the ban multiplies the problems of refugees,” he said. “But we can’t compromise people’s security, especially under the current security environment in neighboring Afghanistan.”
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks in recent years, which it blames on armed groups in Afghanistan, while accusing the interim Taliban administration in Kabul of facilitating cross-border attacks against Pakistani civilians and security forces.
The Afghan authorities have frequently denied these charges, calling Pakistan’s security challenges an internal issue of Islamabad.
Until the government initiated the deportation drive against Afghans last year, Pakistan was home to over four million refugees, of which around 1.7 million were undocumented, according to government figures.
Authorities temporarily restrict Afghan refugee movement in Peshawar amid security concerns
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Authorities temporarily restrict Afghan refugee movement in Peshawar amid security concerns
- The decision has been made as the city’s Shia community plans religious processions in the coming week
- Peshawar’s DC says there are threats to these processions while restricting Afghan movement for six days
Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth
- Shaza Fatima Khawaja says it is vital to equip Pakistani youth with necessary skills to bolster the economy
- The training program will use Huawei’s resources and global expertise to deliver comprehensive education
ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday stressed the importance of equipping youth with digital skills as the IT ministry, in collaboration with Huawei, launched a training portal to develop a more technologically skilled workforce, the state media reported.
The government views information technology as a driver of economic change, seeking to transform the sector into a cornerstone of its strategy for financial stability. Pakistan has earmarked IT as a priority sector, courting foreign investment from countries like China and the Gulf states.
“The main objective of this program is to impart training to our youth, making them eligible for jobs and enabling them to contribute to the country’s development,” Khawaja was quoted by the Associated Press of Pakistan as saying at the launch of the portal.
“To bolster the economy, it is essential to equip our young population with the necessary training and skills,” she added.
The minister emphasized the importance of IT in the modern age, pointing out that the government was also setting up e-employment centers and e-libraries.
Highlighting the country’s potential in the field, Khawaja noted that over 150 million young people in Pakistan were under 30, adding that they could play a critical role in driving economic progress.
The minister announced the formation of a National IT Skills Committee, comprising representatives from IT boards and provincial ministries, to strengthen governance and coordination in the sector.
Huawei’s Deputy CEO Ahmed Bilal Masud highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs.
“By investing in the future of our youth, we are paving the way for a skilled workforce that will drive Pakistan’s economic growth and technological advancement,” he said.
He informed that the training program would utilize Huawei’s extensive resources and global expertise to deliver comprehensive education for students and trainers, aiming to enhance ICT education nationwide and promote digital transformation in Pakistan.
Pakistan naval chief lauds fleet readiness, highlights role in securing vital maritime zones
- Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnesses Pakistan Navy’s annual efficiency competition parade in Karachi
- Ashraf praises officers and sailors for achieving the operational objectives and milestones in 2024
ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Friday expressed satisfaction with the operational readiness of Pakistan’s fleet, highlighting its critical role in safeguarding strategic maritime zones, including Gwadar Port developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to boost trade and regional connectivity.
The Gwadar Port, a vital link in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional trade, has been at the center of the country’s push to convince landlocked Central Asian states to utilize its ports for international trade via sea lanes.
The navy has also been instrumental in fostering the development of Pakistan’s blue water economy, ensuring maritime security and facilitating economic growth.
“Chief of the Naval Staff expressed complete satisfaction and confidence in the operational readiness of Pakistan Navy Fleet,” the navy said in a statement after holding fleet annual efficiency competition parade. “He lauded the dedication and professionalism of officers and sailors in safely and efficiently achieving the operational objectives and milestones for the year 2024.”
“He highlighted Pakistan Navy’s efforts to ensure the security of strategic maritime zones, particularly Gwadar Port and maritime projects under CPEC,” it added.
The parade was held at the dockyard in Karachi. The naval chief attended the event as the chief guest and elaborated on the evolving maritime security challenges in the region.
He also stressed the need for the navy to remain vigilant and prepared to counter any threats to Pakistan’s maritime boundaries.
Earlier, Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, in his welcome address, highlighted the fleet’s operational achievements over the past year.
Awards and trophies were presented to the best-performing squadrons and units during the ceremony, recognizing their exemplary contributions to the navy’s operational success in 2024.
Pakistan pledges support for occupied peoples as it joins Security Council as non-permanent member
- Senior Pakistani diplomat at the UN highlights the significance of multilateralism in tacking global challenges
- Pakistan plans to actively pursue just solutions to issues on the council’s agenda, help with conflict prevention
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to being a strong voice for people under foreign occupation as it raised its flag at the United Nations on Thursday, marking the beginning of its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
This is the eighth time Pakistan has secured a seat as a non-permanent UNSC member since joining the world body in 1947. The 15-member council comprises five permanent members — the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France — along with 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Non-permanent members play a crucial role in shaping global discussions on peace and security and in influencing the drafting of resolutions.
“Pakistan will continue to be guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including maintenance of international peace and security and development of friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the UN, said during the flag-raising ceremony.
“Pakistan will always remain a strong voice for peoples under foreign occupation and oppression for the realization of their right to self-determination,” he added.
Iftikhar said the flag ceremony symbolized democratic renewal through the periodic rotation of the UNSC membership, reinforcing the global aspiration for a Security Council that “is more effective, open and transparent, and accountable to the UN membership.”
He also highlighted the importance of multilateralism in tackling global challenges.
“We are convinced that cooperative multilateralism – with the UN at its core – is the best way of tackling the multifaceted challenges of today,” he said.
The Pakistani diplomat called for addressing the root causes of conflicts, prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy and supporting confidence-building measures at regional and global levels to foster peace and stability.
He also pledged that his country will actively pursue just solutions to issues on the council’s agenda and to contribute to conflict prevention and peacekeeping efforts.
“Never forgetting our solemn duty toward the millions of men, women, and children suffering in conflicts, Pakistan is assuming this responsibility, fully resolved to our collective endeavor for a more peaceful and secure world,” he said.
Pakistan PM blames ‘external hand’ for militant violence, urges coordinated action on security
- Shehbaz Sharif asks federation, provinces and army to formulate a security strategy at the earliest
- Military says security forces have killed 925 militants last year in 59,775 operations across Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday blamed external forces for the surge in militant violence in Pakistan, urging a unified approach involving federal and provincial authorities along with the military to tackle the crisis.
Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southwestern Balochistan provinces witnessed a spike in deadly militant attacks last year. Groups such as the Pakistani Taliban and other militant and separatist factions have targeted security convoys, checkpoints and carrying out daily killings and kidnappings of law enforcement personnel and government functionaries.
Officials in Islamabad have frequently accused Afghanistan of enabling “cross-border attacks,” a claim rejected by Kabul, which insists Pakistan’s security challenges are an internal matter.
Pakistan has also pointed fingers at India for stoking unrest in Balochistan, an allegation dismissed by New Delhi.
“In certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the conspiracies being woven against Pakistan involve an external hand,” Sharif said while addressing the apex committee meeting of the National Action Plan in the federal capital. “We are well aware of the countries providing assistance [to militant groups].”
The prime minister emphasized closer cooperation among the Pakistani authorities to defeat militancy.
“I would only request that if the provinces, along with the federation and the Pakistan Army, could make a plan,” he said. “I feel we have to discuss how to eliminate this [militant violence].”
Sharif stressed that Pakistan’s success in different domains depended on improved law and order and the complete elimination of militants.
“Unity of thought and action” among stakeholders, he noted, was essential to thwarting militant schemes aimed at destabilizing the country.
The meeting was attended by Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, DG Inter-Services Intelligence Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, federal ministers and all provincial chief ministers.
Last month on December 27, military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reported that 925 militants were killed in 59,775 operations across the country in 2024, with the majority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Militant attacks have surged in Pakistan since November 2022, following the collapse of a fragile truce between Islamabad and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Ethnic Baloch separatists are also engaged in a decades-long struggle for independence, accusing the central government of exploiting the province’s natural resources.
Rickelton, Bavuma tons propel South Africa to commanding position against Pakistan
- Both batters forged a 235-run partnership after South Africa stumbled to 72 for three
- Pakistan opener Saim Ayub sustained ankle injury after an awkward fall in the outfield
CAPE TOWN: Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma hit centuries and batted South Africa into a strong position on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Friday.
South Africa were 316 for four at the close of play.
Rickelton (176 not out) and South African captain Bavuma (106) put on 235 for the fourth wicket after the pair came together with the total on 72 for three.
At that stage South Africa were in danger of wasting the advantage of winning the toss on a good batting pitch.
But Rickelton and Bavuma were seldom troubled as they posted a fifty partnership off 66 balls and scored consistently at better than four runs an over throughout their stand.
It was the left-handed Rickelton’s second Test century in three matches, following a shaky start to his Test career in which he had failed to register a half-century in his first 12 innings. He was in commanding form, striking 21 fours and a six off 232 balls.
Bavuma recorded the fourth Test hundred of a career in which he has made 24 half-centuries. He was out 15 minutes before the close, caught behind off occasional off-spinner Salman Agha. He hit nine fours and two sixes in a 179-ball innings.
Despite taking three wickets before lunch, it was a lacklustre performance by Pakistan, who only managed to bowl 80 overs in six-and-a-half hours and seldom looked threatening.
Pakistan opening batsman Saim Ayub suffered an ankle injury when he fell awkwardly in the outfield in the seventh over of the day. He was taken to the dressing room on a mobile stretcher and did not return to the field.
Pakistan’s hopes rose when Aiden Markram was caught behind off Khurram Shahzad for 17 after he and Rickelton put on 61 for the first wicket.
Wiaan Mulder (5) and Tristan Stubbs (0) followed in quick succession shortly before lunch, caught behind off Mohammad Abbas and Agha respectively. But the rest of the day belonged to South Africa.
