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, UAE resolve to foster collaboration in various economic sectors
- The statement follows a meeting between PM Shehbaz Sharif and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Rahim Yar Khan
- UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner and major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in last 20 years
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday resolved to foster bilateral collaboration in various economic sectors, the Pakistan prime minister's office said, following PM Shehbaz Sharif's meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
The Pakistan premier met with the UAE president in Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan city, according to Sharif's office. They discussed a wide range of issues, including economic collaboration, regional stability, climate change, and the promotion of mutual interests on the global stage.
PM Sharif praised the UAE’s role as a key development and investment partner of Pakistan, and underscored Pakistan’s readiness to expand this cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, trade, infrastructure and skill development.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the Gulf nation’s "keen interest" in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals and agriculture sectors, PM Sharif's office said.
"The meeting concluded with a joint resolve to foster greater cooperation, particularly in priority sectors, ensuring a brighter future for both nations," it said in a statement.
The development comes as Pakistan, faced with a prolonged economic crisis, has been making efforts to leverage its geopolitical position to enhance trade with various countries in the region as well as to attract foreign investment to revive its $350 billion economy.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States (US), and a major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE foreign ministry. It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates. Policymakers in Pakistan consider the UAE an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.
In January last year, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure, a Pakistani official said, amid Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit to Davos, Switzerland to attend 54th summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
During Sunday's meeting, PM Sharif extended his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed for the UAE’s support to Pakistan during critical times, particularly in humanitarian assistance and development aid.
The UAE president expressed admiration for the manner in which Pakistan’s economy had stabilized and was moving in the "right direction," and emphasized that this "renewed economic vigor has created prospects for enhanced bilateral investment and collaboration," Sharif's office said.
"In his remarks, His Highness also reiterated the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and shared prosperity," it said.
"Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to peace and progress in the region, vowing to work closely on matters of mutual interest."
Pakistan begins voting for PSL Fans’ Choice Awards
- Voting for six categories will take place on PSL official YouTube Channel at 6pm every day till January 10
- PSL Players’ Draft is scheduled for Jan. 11, while the 2025 edition will be held between April 8 and May 19
ISLAMABAD: The voting process for the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) Fans’ Choice Awards began on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said, with voting for the best batter taking place on PSL’s official YouTube channel from 6pm Pakistan time.
PSL is set to welcome its landmark 10th edition later this year. The Fans’ Choice Awards mark the celebration of some of the star players who have entertained fans and contributed toward the popularity of the Twenty20 league worldwide.
The nominees for the best batter of the HBL PSL included the top-three leading run-getters across the nine seasons — Babar Azam (3,504 runs), Fakhar Zaman (2,525 runs) and Mohammad Rizwan (2,403 runs).
“The voting for the six categories will take place on the official YouTube channel of the HBL PSL till Friday, 10 January and the winners of the Fans’ Choice Awards will be announced on Saturday, 11 January at the Players’ Draft ceremony,” the PCB said in a statement.
A total of six lucky fans, who would cast their votes on the PSL YouTube channel between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, will also become eligible to win 2025 edition tickets through a lucky draw.
The six categories for the awards include, best batter, best bowler, best all-rounder, most valuable players, best individual performance, and the PSL icon.
Nominees will be revealed on the PSL official social media handles at the start of voting every day till Jan. 10.
Pakistan, all out for 194, forced to follow on against South Africa
- Pakistan collapsed after a fourth wicket partnership of 98 between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
- The stand was broken by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka five balls after the morning drinks break
CAPE TOWN: South Africa enforced the follow-on after they bowled out Pakistan for 194 to take a first innings lead of 421 runs on the third day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday.
Pakistan collapsed after a fourth wicket partnership of 98 between Babar Azam (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (46).
The stand was broken by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka five balls after the morning drinks break when Babar was caught behind by Kyle Verreynne, glancing the ball down the leg side.
Rizwan followed five overs later when he charged down the pitch against Wiaan Mulder and edged a wild slog into his stumps.
Pakistan were without injured opening batsman Saim Ayub and there was minimal resistance from the rest of the batsmen.
Brief scores:
South Africa, first innings, 615.
Pakistan, first innings 194 (Babar Azam 58, Mohammad Rizwan 46; K. Rabada 3-55, K. Maphaka 2-43, K. Maharaj 2-14).
Match situation:
South Africa lead by 421 runs on the first innings and have enforced the follow-on.
Pakistan to fly injured Ayub to London for treatment as Champions Trophy looms
- Saim Ayub has been ruled out of cricket for six weeks after he sustained ankle injury on Friday
- Pakistan are scheduled to play Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand on Feb. 19
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send injured left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub to London for immediate medical treatment, the board said on Sunday, with the important Champions Trophy tournament just weeks away.
Ayub has been ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture that he sustained while fielding against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.
Ayub, one of Pakistan’s in-form batters who has performed well in white-ball matches against Australia and South Africa in recent weeks, is in danger of missing Pakistan’s Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand at Karachi on Feb. 19.
“Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send Saim Ayub to London for immediate treatment and the decision was made after consulting the doctors,” the board said in a statement.
The PCB said that Ayub, who was supposed to return to Pakistan with the squad, will now head to England. It said Naqvi spoke to Ayub over the phone and inquired about his well-being.
Naqvi said the Pakistani batter will be checked by sports ortho specialist doctors in England, adding that an immediate appointment has been made by the PCB.
“The medical team is looking into the entire case and Dr. Mumraiz has shared Saim’s medical reports with specialists in England,” Naqvi said.
He described Ayub as a “brilliant stylish batsman and asset of Pakistan cricket.”
“Saim’s treatment will be done in the best hospital in the world and in this regard all resources will be used for his treatment,” Naqvi said. “We hope that the left-handed batter will make a full recovery before the ICC Champions Trophy.”
Saim will travel to London from Cape Town on the first available flight, with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood accompanying him.
Over 4,000 participate in second World Athletics-certified marathon in Karachi
- Athletes from Poland, Germany, Japan and other countries take part in marathon event
- The event featured Marathon (42.195 KM), Marathon Relay, Half Marathon (21.0975 KM) and 5KM Fun Race
KARACHI: At least 4,000 people from all walks of life took part in an annual marathon event, accredited by the World Athletics and held in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi on Sunday, its organizer said.
The event kicked off on Sunday morning from the city’s Nishan-e-Pakistan monument at Sea View. It featured five types of marathons, such as the Full Marathon (42.195km) the Half-Marathon (21.1 km), the Relay Marathon, a team of four participants for 42.2km (10.5km run, 10.5km run, 10.5km run, 10.5km run and the Fun Run, a 5 km run.
Athletes hailing from Poland, Germany, Japan and many others participated in the event, Sports in Pakistan, one of the organizers of the event, said in a press release. The marathon’s certification by the World Rankings Competition ensured a world-class experience for all participants, it added.
“We are delighted with the overwhelming success of the Karachi Marathon 2025,” Shoaib Nizami, CEO of Sports in Pakistan, said.
“The event has emerged as a testament to Karachi’s unwavering resilience and warm hospitality and we extend our sincerest gratitude to our participants, sponsors, and partners for their invaluable support.”
The top performers in each category were:
Marathon Category:
- Male Winner (1st Prize): Israr Muhammad (Pakistan) – Time: 2:30:13 won Rs. 500,000/
- Male Winner (2nd Prize): Muhammad Riaz (Pakistan) – 2:32:13 won Rs. 250,000/
- Female Winner (1st Prize): Enub Khan (Pakistan) – 3:47:49 won Rs. 500,000/
- Female Winner (2nd Prize): Uzma Abid (Pakistan) – 4:01:13 won Rs. 250,000/
Half Marathon Category:
- Male Winner (1st Prize): Muhammad Ajhtar (Pakistan) – Time: 1:12:08 won Rs. 50,000/
- Second Runner-up Male (2nd Prize): Qasim Bajwa (Pakistan) – 1:12:52 won Rs. 40,000/
- Female Winner (1st Prize): Mumtaz Naimat – 1:43:26 won Rs. 50,000/
- Second Runner-up Female (2nd Prize): Dua Nazakat (Pakistan) – 1:51:45 won Rs. 40,000/
The city saw its first-ever World Athletics-certified marathon last year in January 2024 where hundreds of people from all walks of life participated.
