Pakistan reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping on International Day of Police Cooperation

This photo, released by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations on social media platform X on September 7, 2024, shows Pakistani police officers with their counterparts from different countries. (Photo courtesy: X/ @PakistanUN_NY)
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Updated 08 September 2024
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Pakistan reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping on International Day of Police Cooperation

  • Pakistan says it has contributed 235,000 troops to 48 peacekeeping missions in 29 countries since 1960
  • Over 180 Pakistanis deployed in different parts of the world have died during these UN operations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to UN peacekeeping missions while marking the International Day of Police Cooperation, noting its police contingents have actively contributed to global peace by serving the world body since the 1960s.
UN peacekeeping operations, carried out in conflict zones, are crucial in maintaining security, protecting civilians and fostering sustainable peace in post-conflict areas.
In May, Pakistan announced it had contributed 235,000 troops to 48 missions in 29 countries since 1960.
A month later, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi pledged to send 128 additional police officers to UN peacekeeping forces after meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York.
“Since the 1960s, Pakistan’s police have actively contributed to United Nations’ peacekeeping missions in countries such as Sudan, Haiti, Kosovo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the Pakistani diplomatic mission said in a social media post. “Their roles include maintaining law and order, training local police forces, and providing security for humanitarian operations.”
It said Pakistan also deploys female officers, enhancing their ability to engage with vulnerable groups, adding the professionalism of the country’s police has earned them international recognition.
“On the International Day of Police Cooperation today, we reiterate our resolve to continue working under the @UNPeacekeeping to promote global peace, security and stability,” it continued.

 
According to the Pakistan military’s statement, more than 180 Pakistanis deployed in different parts of the world have died during the peacekeeping operations.


10 militants killed, four paramilitary soldiers injured in separate incidents in Pakistan

Updated 24 February 2025
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10 militants killed, four paramilitary soldiers injured in separate incidents in Pakistan

  • The militants were killed in an operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while a roadside explosion apparently targeted a convoy of Chinese mining firm in Balochistan
  • Islamabad has frequently accused neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering groups that launch attacks in Pakistan’s western regions, Kabul denies the allegation

QUETTA: Ten militants were killed and four paramilitary soldiers injured in separate incidents in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and southwestern Balochistan provinces, the military and local administration said on Monday.

Pakistan has been battling twin insurgencies in its western provinces that border Afghanistan. One is led my religiously motivated groups, mainly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in KP and the other by ethno-nationalist Baloch separatist groups in Balochistan.

On Monday, Pakistani security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Bagh area of KP’s Khyber district on reported presence of TTP militants that killed 10 insurgents, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.

“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji [TTP militant] found in the area,” the ISPR said in a statement.

Pakistani authorities brand the Pakistani Taliban, or the TTP, fighters as “khwarij,” a historical reference to an extremist sect in early Islam known for rebelling against authority, declaring other Muslims as apostates, and justifying their killing.

Separately, four Pakistani paramilitary troops were injured in a roadside explosion that appeared to target a convoy of Chinese mining firm MCC Resource Development Limited (MRDL) in Balochistan’s Kalat district, according to Kalat Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shabbir.

The convoy of Saindak-based MRDL was moving goods from Quetta to Karachi when an IED explosion hit the convoy in Mangochar.

“Four soldiers of a Pakistani paramilitary force escorting the convoy and two civilians were injured in the attack,” DC Shabbir told Arab News, adding the area had been cleared.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by landmass, that has long faced an insurgency led by separatist groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), who accuse Islamabad of exploiting the province’s natural resources, such as gold and copper, while neglecting the local population.

The separatists have frequently attacked police and security forces as well as civilians and foreigners they see as “outsiders” in the resource-rich region, where China has been building a deep-sea port in Gwadar on the Arabian Sea and has made huge investments under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Pakistan’s government denies these allegations and says it has prioritized Balochistan’s development through investments in health, education and infrastructure projects.

Violence by Baloch separatist factions, primarily the BLA, killed about 300 people last year, according to official statistics, marking an escalation in the decades-long conflict in Balochistan.

Islamabad has frequently accused neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks in Pakistan’s western regions. Afghan officials deny involvement, insisting Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.


Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in northern and western regions this week

Updated 24 February 2025
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Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in northern and western regions this week

  • The South Asian country last week received rains after a months-long drought severely dented winter crops in several areas
  • Authorities have warned of flash floods, landslides due to rains and urged citizens to exercise caution from Feb 24 till Mar. 1

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday forecast rain, wind, thunderstorms and snowfall in northern and western parts of the country till March 1, urging citizens to exercise caution during this period.

Parts of the South Asian country last week received rains after a months-long drought severely impacted crops like wheat, a staple food, as well as vital cash crops like potato in several regions, according to the Pakistani climate change ministry.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said rainfall from Sept. 1 to Jan. 15 was 40 percent below normal across Pakistan, with Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab being the most affected provinces with deficits of 52 percent, 45 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

However, the NDMA says a strong westerly wave is expected to bring fresh rains, thunderstorms and snowfall in upper parts of the country between Feb. 24 and Mar. 1.

“Islamabad, upper Punjab, Pothohar Region, central and southern/northeastern Punjab, is expected to experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms accompanied by snowfall or hailstorms. Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in vulnerable areas,” the NDMA said in a statement.

“In Balochistan, rain, wind, and thunderstorms with snowfall over hills are anticipated in western, northwestern, and northern parts of the province, with the possibility of flash flooding in susceptible regions.”

Similarly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province is likely to witness rains, winds and hailstorms along with snowfall over the hills in upper and western parts, including the Malakand and Hazara divisions, according to the NDMA.

In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), rain and snowfall are expected over the hills, which may disrupt travel and routine activities. Sindh is likely to experience mostly cold and dry weather throughout this period.

“Heavy rainfall in northern KP may lead to flash flooding and landslides,” the authority said. “The NDMA is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure timely response and mitigation efforts.”

Meanwhile, local authorities have issued warnings regarding potential hazards associated with the weather system, particularly the risk of heavy snowfall in Murree, Galliyat and other northern regions, which may impact travelers and tourists.


Saudi Arabia reaffirms $500 million pledge for polio eradication in Pakistan, Afghanistan

Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia reaffirms $500 million pledge for polio eradication in Pakistan, Afghanistan

  • Contagious disease is endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which together reported 99 cases last year
  • GPEI hopes to declare an end to wild virus and vaccine-derived variant by 2027 and 2029 respectively

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its $500 million pledge to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the World Health Organization said on Monday.
The funds, initially pledged in April 2024, will be disbursed to help end the wild form of polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan and stop outbreaks of variant polio.
Wild polio — a naturally occurring form of the viral disease — is endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which together reported 99 cases last year, according to the WHO. Variant polio is caused by the weakening of the oral polio vaccine.
The GPEI hopes to declare an end to the wild virus and the vaccine-derived variant by 2027 and 2029, respectively, compared with a previous deadline of 2026 for both forms.
The US, which has announced its intention to withdraw from the WHO, was previously a major donor to a program to eliminate polio and contributed 17 percent of its budget during 2024-2025, the WHO data showed.


Pakistan crash out of Champions Trophy after New Zealand beat Bangladesh

Updated 24 February 2025
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Pakistan crash out of Champions Trophy after New Zealand beat Bangladesh

  • Pakistan lost to New Zealand and then India in the first ICC event they are hosting in three decades
  • New Zealand’s victory against Bangladesh also advances India to the semifinals of the tournament

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan were crashed out of the Champions Trophy after New Zealand defeated Bangladesh in their group stage encounter in Rawalpindi on Monday.

Bangladesh’s middle order capitulated against the off-spin of Michael Bracewell, who took 4-26 in 10 overs. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 77 to lead Bangladesh to 236-9.

Rachin Ravindra, who took a blow on the forehead in a game 16 days ago and missed the last three one-day internationals, recovered to strike 112 off 105 balls and carry New Zealand to 240-5 in 46.1 overs.

The victory eliminated tournament hosts and defending champions, Pakistan, and Bangladesh from contention, while it also advanced India to the semifinals. Pakistan have been under fire since losing their group-stage match to India on Sunday.

“I don’t say this lightly. I didn’t see an effort [by Pakistan]. I didn’t see the, you know, the wanting to be out there and putting themselves in the fire line, you know, I didn’t see that,” former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq said in an Arab News-hosted Instagram live after Sunday’s match.

“And it’s been too long now, you know, it’s been, it’s been far too long.”

Both New Zealand and India have two wins from two matches and will now meet in Dubai on Sunday to decide team one and two from the group.

Pakistan, who won the previous edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017, lost their opening match to New Zealand in the first International Cricket Council (ICC) event they are hosting since the 1996 ODI World Cup.

Pakistan were also knocked out in the group stage at the last two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and suffered the same fate at last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after losing to co-hosts USA.

Angry and dejected Pakistan fans have also demanded the country’s cricket stars be held accountable for the national squad’s lackluster performance in the tournament, which led to a crushing defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals.

“We’re always praying for Pakistan’s success, but prayers alone aren’t enough,” Iqra Tahir, a cricket fan in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi, told Reuters. “We need to focus on improving our performance. It’s time for us to take responsibility and work on our game.”


Pakistan watchdog announces cash rewards for exposing cartels manipulating markets

Updated 24 February 2025
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Pakistan watchdog announces cash rewards for exposing cartels manipulating markets

  • Initiative aimed at promoting public participation in eliminating illegal practices, competition commission says
  • Scheme will encourage members of public to be part of protecting economy, economic rights, watchdog says 

KARACHI: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), a government agency for the enforcement of economic competition laws, said on Monday it would pay cash rewards to people who exposed cartels involved in the manipulation of various markets.

The development comes ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, during which various elements hoard essential items and artificially increase prices at local levels to make unjust profits.

The artificial increase in prices of goods and services in Pakistan, and a lack of quality goods is largely the result of business cartelization in the markets, according to the CCP.

Cartels are formed when suppliers in a market coordinate or enter into agreements to fix prices for goods and services and control the supply which is an illegal practice.

“If any individual is aware that a business association or product suppliers have colluded to fix prices or control supply, he is urged to immediately report such information to the CCP,” the watchdog said.

“Those who provide information and evidence regarding such illegal cartels will be rewarded with amounts ranging from Rs200,000 ($714) to Rs2,000,000 ($7,146). It is important to note that the identity of the informant will remain confidential.”

People can reach the CCP through WhatsApp number 0304-0875255 or its website www.cc.gov.pk to report any cartelization in the country.

“If your information is verified, you will not only receive a reward but also be recognized as a national hero,” it said.

The CCP said the initiative is aimed at promoting public participation in eliminating illegal business practices and the scheme would not only provide a legal avenue but also encourage the public to be part of protecting the country’s economy and their economic rights.

To ensure the provision of better-quality goods and services at fair prices to consumers, it is essential that all suppliers in the market compete with each other by offering better services and products at better prices, rather than colluding to fix prices, according the watchdog.

Engaging in agreements or understandings to control prices or supply of goods and services for unjustifiable profits is a serious crime under the Competition Act 2010.

“The Competition Commission of Pakistan has called for cooperation from the public in general and the concerned stakeholders in particular to take strict action against such illegal business nexus and cartels and to report any such act,” it said.