ISLAMABAD: Two Afghan nationals were killed while some others were injured this month in targeted attacks inside Iranian territory bordering Pakistan, Afghanistan’s Deputy Spokesperson Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat said on Thursday.
Afghanistan this month formed a committee headed by Deputy Minister of Interior for Security, Mullah Mohammad Ibrahim Sadr, to probe reports of the killing of Afghan nationals in Iran. The committee also featured representatives from Afghanistan’s Ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, Borders and Tribal Affairs, and the General Directorate of Intelligence.
The probe was announced after an Iranian rights group, known as Halvash, initially reported the alleged Afghan casualties in attacks this month, saying they occurred in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan border province with Pakistan.
“Thus far, based on the collected evidence, explosions and gunfire have targeted Afghan nationals within the Kalgan Valley, situated in Iranian territory,” Fitrat said in a press release that he posted on social media platform X.
“Presently, the bodies of two martyrs, along with 34 eyewitnesses, some of whom sustained injuries during the incident, have been repatriated by the committee.”
His statement did not specifically blame Iranian authorities for the killings.
The Afghan government spokesperson said certain Afghan individuals remain both in Iran and Pakistan, adding that the committee is “actively engaged” in locating and repatriating them.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and the committee persists in its efforts,” he wrote. “Detailed findings will be disseminated upon the conclusion of the investigation.”
Iran and Pakistan have so far not responded to the Afghan spokesperson’s statement.
Pakistan and Iran both host 90 percent of Afghan refugees, a report released by the United Nations in October 2023 said.
The two countries launched deportation drives to expel hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals last year, which they said were staying in their countries illegally.
Two Afghans killed in targeted attacks inside Iranian territory bordering Pakistan — Kabul
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Two Afghans killed in targeted attacks inside Iranian territory bordering Pakistan — Kabul
- Kabul formed a committee to probe reported attacks targeting Afghan nationals this month in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province
- Pakistan and Iran have hosted millions of Afghan refugees since the ‘80s who fled their country to seek refuge from conflicts
IFC to provide $400 million loan for Pakistan’s copper-gold Reko Diq mine
- The loan adds to a $300 million commitment announced in April, bringing the total to $700 million
- Reko Diq, one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, is being developed by Barrick Gold
ISLAMABAD: The International Finance Corporation will provide a $400 million subordinated loan for Pakistan’s Reko Diq copper-gold mine, according to an IFC disclosure on Friday.
The loan adds to a $300 million commitment announced in April, bringing IFC’s total financing for the project to $700 million. The estimated cost of the mine is $6.6 billion, to be funded through a mix of debt and equity from a consortium of lenders.
“The estimated total Project cost is $6.6bn, and it will be financed using a combination of debt and equity,” the disclosure said, adding that other parallel lenders will provide the remaining debt financing.
This type of loan, known as subordinated debt, is typically repaid after other senior loans and helps absorb more risk, making it easier for other lenders to invest.
Other financiers, including the US EXIM Bank, Asian Development Bank, Export Development Canada, and Japan’s JBIC, are also expected to join the financing package, project director Tim Cribb told Reuters in April.
Term sheets are expected to close by early in the third quarter. IFC chief Makhtar Diop said earlier this year that the institution was “doubling down” on Pakistan, with a focus on infrastructure, energy and natural resources.
Reko Diq, located in Balochistan, is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits. It is being developed by Barrick Gold, which holds 50 percent, with the remainder split between Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments.
Production is expected to begin in 2028. Barrick has projected the mine will generate up to $74 billion in free cash flow over its estimated 37-year life.
Pakistan stocks drop over 1,900 points amid Israel-Iran tensions
- Analysts cite fears of broader regional escalation following Israeli strikes on Iran
- Israel struck Iran, claiming Tehran was “close” to developing a nuclear weapon
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) plunged more than 1,900 points on Friday, as investor sentiment soured following Israel’s strikes on Iran, triggering fears of wider regional escalation.
The benchmark KSE-100 index fell 1,949.56 points, or 1.57 percent, closing at 122,143.56, down from the previous close of 124,093.12.
Shares traded largely in the red, mirroring losses across regional and global markets after the Israeli attacks shook investor confidence, according to a market review by Pakistani brokerage Topline Securities.
“Geopolitical tensions after Israel’s attack in Iran weighed down on world equities, including the KSE100,” Raza Jafri, Head of Intermarket Securities, told Arab News. “In particular, if a geopolitical risk premium gets added to international oil prices on a prolonged basis, it could negatively affect the outlook for the current account deficit and inflation, given more than 25 percent of Pakistan’s import bill comprises of petroleum products.”
He noted that Pakistan was now “much more disciplined” economically, having avoided fuel subsidies and refrained from using foreign exchange reserves to support the currency. This, he said, would help the country better withstand a potential oil price shock than in the past.
Ahsan Mehanti, Chief Executive of Arif Habib Commodities Ltd, said stocks declined across the board in response to the strikes.
“Slump in global equities on geopolitical risks and weakening rupee played catalyst role in panic selling at PSX,” he said.
Israel launched strikes on Iran earlier on Friday, claiming Tehran was “very close” to developing a nuclear weapon. The attacks reportedly targeted nuclear facilities, scientists, and senior military commanders.
Pakistan stocks drop over 1,900 points amid Israel-Iran tensions
- Analysts cite fears of broader regional escalation following Israeli strikes on Iran
- Israel struck Iran, claiming Tehran was “close” to developing a nuclear weapon
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) plunged more than 1,900 points on Friday, as investor sentiment soured following Israel’s strikes on Iran, triggering fears of wider regional escalation.
The benchmark KSE-100 index fell 1,949.56 points, or 1.57 percent, closing at 122,143.56, down from the previous close of 124,093.12.
Shares traded largely in the red, mirroring losses across regional and global markets after the Israeli attacks shook investor confidence, according to a market review by Pakistani brokerage Topline Securities.
“Geopolitical tensions after Israel’s attack in Iran weighed down on world equities, including the KSE100,” Raza Jafri, Head of Intermarket Securities, told Arab News. “In particular, if a geopolitical risk premium gets added to international oil prices on a prolonged basis, it could negatively affect the outlook for the current account deficit and inflation, given more than 25 percent of Pakistan’s import bill comprises of petroleum products.”
He noted that Pakistan was now “much more disciplined” economically, having avoided fuel subsidies and refrained from using foreign exchange reserves to support the currency. This, he said, would help the country better withstand a potential oil price shock than in the past.
Ahsan Mehanti, Chief Executive of Arif Habib Commodities Ltd, said stocks declined across the board in response to the strikes.
“Slump in global equities on geopolitical risks and weakening rupee played catalyst role in panic selling at PSX,” he said.
Israel launched strikes on Iran earlier on Friday, claiming Tehran was “very close” to developing a nuclear weapon. The attacks reportedly targeted nuclear facilities, scientists, and senior military commanders.
Pakistan urges religious devotees to postpone travel to Iran, Iraq amid regional tensions
- A senior government official says currently there are an estimated 5,000 Zaireen in Iran
- Israel launched strikes against Iranian military and nuclear facilities earlier in the day
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday advised its citizens planning religious travel to Iran and Iraq to reconsider their plans, citing security concerns after Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities earlier in the day.
The advisory mentions Pakistani “Zaireen,” or Shi’ite Muslim pilgrims who travel to Iran and Iraq to visit sacred religious sites, particularly in Mashhad, Qom, Najaf and Karbala.
The region has seen heightened tensions following Israeli attacks on key installations in Iran, prompting fears of broader instability.
“In view of the evolving security situation in the region, the Zaireen from Pakistan are advised to reconsider their travel plans to Iran and Iraq,” the foreign office said in a brief statement issued in Islamabad.
According to a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the number of Zaireen traveling to Iran fluctuates, and most do not contact the Pakistani diplomatic missions.
“Currently, there are an estimated 5,000 Zaireen in Iran,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran and its consulates remain available to assist citizens.
“Any Pakistani requiring guidance or support is encouraged to contact our relevant diplomatic missions, which will, as always, provide necessary assistance and facilitate their return to Pakistan,” the official added.
While no evacuation plans have been announced, the authorities say they are closely monitoring the regional situation.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam to make Big Bash debut with Sydney Sixers in Australia
- Former Pakistan skipper says playing first-ever BBL match will be ‘something special’
- BBL is a Twenty20 cricket competition that features Australia’s eight city-based teams
ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been picked by Sydney Sixers to debut in the upcoming 15th season of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), the club announced on Friday.
The BBL is a professional Twenty20 cricket competition in Australia that features eight city-based teams.
Launched in 2011, the league is held during the summer and features a mix of local and international players.
“The SCG [Sydney Cricket Ground] has been home to many legends. Now it’s home to the [king]. Welcome, Babar Azam,” the Sydney Sixers said in a post on X.
Azam said he was “super pumped” to join the team, highlighting that his BBL debut “will be something special.”
“Cannot wait to share the dressing room with my favorite batter Steve Smith and world class bowler Josh Hazlewood,” he was quoted saying in a video posted by BBL on X.
“So really excited and looking forward to getting over there and meeting my craziest cricket fans.”
Azam has featured in several major franchise leagues around the world.
Apart from competing in the Pakistan Super League, Azam has played for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, Sylhet Sixers and Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League, and Somerset in England’s T20 Blast.
