Pakistan PM expresses sorrow over US midair collision, wishes for safety of survivors

Debris is seen at the site of the crash, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River, U.S. on January 30, 2025. (REUTERS)
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Updated 30 January 2025
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Pakistan PM expresses sorrow over US midair collision, wishes for safety of survivors

  • Pakistan PM expresses sorrow over US midair collision, wishes for safety of survivors
  • Washington police have yet to confirm any casualties, massive search operation underway to find any survivors

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed sorrow over a mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a United States (US) military helicopter in Washington DC, wishing for the safety of survivors.

A US passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into Washington’s Potomac River after colliding midair with a military helicopter during a night training exercise, according to international news agencies.

American Airlines, whose subsidiary PSA Airlines operated the jet, confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the aircraft. The US Army said the Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers.

In a post on X, Sharif said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragic news of the accident that took place mid-air.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with President Donald Trump and the American people at this difficult time,” he said.” Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones and pray for the safety of the survivors.”

Washington police have yet to confirm any casualties and a massive search operation was underway, with divers using powerful lights to search for survivors and scour the wreckage of both aircraft.

Trump criticized the US air traffic control for the collision.

“Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane,” he said on his Truth Social platform.

“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”

There has not been a fatal US passenger airplane accident since February 2009, but a series of near-miss incidents in recent years have raised serious safety concerns.

In 2009, Continental Flight 3407, traveling from New Jersey to Buffalo, New York, crashed, resulting in the deaths of 49 people on board. In January 1982, Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737, crashed shortly after taking off from Washington Airport, killing 78 people.


Pakistan’s finmin calls for technical support in meeting with World Bank delegation

Updated 19 February 2025
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Pakistan’s finmin calls for technical support in meeting with World Bank delegation

  • World Bank delegation arrived in Pakistan this week to discuss country’s economic projects and investments 
  • Muhammad Aurangzeb informs delegation of Pakistan’s economic gains and reforms agenda, says Finance Division 

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday told a World Bank delegation that the country has enough financial assistance, stressing that it requires technical support and expertise to make the most of it. 
A delegation of nine executive directors of the World Bank arrived in Pakistan this week to discuss the country’s economic projects and investments, meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday.
The World Bank last month announced it would provide Pakistan with $20 billion in loans over the next decade. These loans are expected to be invested in nutrition, education and renewable energies in the hope of stimulating private-sector growth in the country. 
“We have enough financial support and assistance; what we truly need now is the expertise and technical support to make the most of them,” Aurangzeb was quoted by Pakistan’s Finance Division as saying in a statement. 
Aurangzeb appreciated the international institution’s support for Pakistan’s economic growth and development agenda. He outlined the government’s structural reforms, focusing on revenue mobilization, energy sector reforms, restructuring of state-owned enterprises and privatization efforts. 
“He emphasized the government’s focus on fiscal discipline through expenditure control and broadening the tax base, highlighting ongoing rightsizing efforts and projected revenue growth,” the Finance Division said. 
The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to privatize loss-making public assets, saying that Islamabad was committed to ensuring a business-friendly environment where the private sector takes the lead in driving economic growth.
The Finance Division said that the delegation appreciated Pakistan’s reform agenda, noting that key economic measures were already yielding visible results. 
“Your government has been successful in touching every important aspect of the economy, and things seem to be achievable now if you stay the course,” the delegation said, as per the Finance Division.  
The World Bank officials also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with Pakistan, supporting priority sectors and providing the necessary technical expertise to help the country navigate economic challenges, the Finance Division said. 
Cash-strapped Pakistan has long suffered from a macroeconomic crisis, which caused it to come to the brink of a sovereign default in 2023. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescued Islamabad by agreeing to a last-gasp $3 billion bailout in 2023.
Last year, Islamabad secured a new $7 billion loan deal from the IMF. Since then, the country’s economy has started improving with weekly inflation coming down from 27 percent in 2023 to 1.8 percent in January year-on-year.


Pakistan PM assures top judge of expediting effective measures on ‘missing persons’

Updated 19 February 2025
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Pakistan PM assures top judge of expediting effective measures on ‘missing persons’

  • Hundreds of political workers, rights activists have gone missing in Pakistan over the years
  • Pakistan’s security forces deny allegations they abduct, torture these “missing persons”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday assured Chief Justice Yahya Afridi of expediting effective measures related to “missing persons,” a statement from Sharif’s office said, as the two met to discuss the country’s justice system.
Hundreds of political workers, rights activists and professionals have gone missing in Pakistan over the years, particularly in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the southwestern Balochistan provinces, where militants have waged a war against the state for long.
Families and rights activists say people picked up by security forces often disappear for years and are sometimes found dead, with no official explanation. Pakistani security agencies have been blamed in many cases, though they have always denied involvement in such disappearances.
Sharif met Justice Afridi at the Chief Justice House in Islamabad, where he congratulated him on assuming his responsibilities. Justice Afridi was sworn in as Pakistan’s 30th chief justice in October 2024.
“The prime minister also assured the chief justice of expediting effective measures regarding missing persons,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement, without elaborating what these measures were.
The PMO said Sharif informed the chief justice about pending tax disputes in Pakistani courts, requesting Justice Afridi to decide these cases on merit at the earliest.
Sharif’s office said he discussed Pakistan’s economic situation and security challenges with the top judge.
Justice Afridi sought suggestions from Sharif on improving the country’s justice system, the statement said.
“Chief Justice Yahya Afridi welcomed the Prime Minister’s discussion on improving the justice system,” the PMO said. 
Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and the Supreme Court’s registrar were also present during the meeting. 
Pakistan’s government set up a Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIOED) in 2011 to trace missing persons in the country and hold those responsible for abducting them. 
In a report released last year, the commission said around 10,285 cases had been registered with the body since January 2018, of which 4,514 individuals had returned home. 
It said around 1,002 persons were in internment centers, 671 in prisons and the bodies of 277 had been recovered. Additionally, the report said 1,551 cases were closed for various reasons.


Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to form joint committee to produce films, songs and documentaries

Updated 19 February 2025
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to form joint committee to produce films, songs and documentaries

  • Pakistan’s information attends fourth edition of Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh 
  • Islamabad, Riyadh stress on collaborating to combat misinformation, propaganda

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to form a joint committee to produce songs, films and documentaries, Pakistan’s information ministry said on Wednesday, as the two countries aim to foster stronger ties in the media industry. 

Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary in Riyadh as he attended the fourth edition of the Saudi Media Forum. 

The event brings together over 200 leading media professionals, innovators and thought leaders from across the world. This year’s edition is taking place under the “Media in an Evolving World” theme and will run from Wednesday to Friday.

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agree to form a joint committee for joint productions, songs, films and documentaries,” Pakistan’s information ministry said. 

“The meeting also focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors including the exchange of journalists and training programs.”

The ministry said discussions between the two ministers focused on strengthening media relations and enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in promoting regional peace and stability.

Tarar and Al-Dossary also emphasized the importance of collaborating to combat misinformation and propaganda, the statement said, adding that Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The Pakistani minister said Islamabad’s brotherly ties with Riyadh were transforming into an economic partnership. He said relations between the two countries were growing stronger with each passing day. 

Al-Dossary said several Pakistanis were playing an important role in Saudi Arabia’s development, the information ministry said. 

“Promoting cooperation with Pakistan in all sectors, including information, is our priority,” Al-Dossary was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s information ministry. 

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close regional partners and economic allies. Both countries signed 34 agreements worth $2.8 billion in October last year. 

The Kingdom is also home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top destination for remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian country.


New Zealand thump hosts Pakistan by 60 runs in Champions Trophy opener

Updated 19 February 2025
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New Zealand thump hosts Pakistan by 60 runs in Champions Trophy opener

  • Tom Latham bags Player of the Match for stellar knock of 118 runs from 104 balls
  • Pakistan next face Group A opponents and arch-rivals India in Dubai on Feb. 23

KARACHI: New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the tournament opener of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament on Wednesday, defeating the hosts and defending champions by 60 runs in Karachi.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. However, the decision did not bode well for the green shirts as driven by centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, New Zealand finished on 320-5 at the end of their 50 overs. 

New Zealand's Will Young celebrates after scoring century during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. (AP)

In turn, Pakistani batters were not good enough to chase the impressive total. Former captain Babar Azam scored 64 runs from 90 balls while left-handed all-rounder Khushdil Shah top-scored with 69 runs from 49 deliveries. Salman Ali Agha scored 42 while Fakhar Zaman scored 24 runs from 40 balls. Pakistan were bowled out for 260 runs in 47.2 overs. 

New Zealand's Tom Latham celebrates after scoring fifty during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. (AP)

“Clinical New Zealand down Pakistan in #ChampionsTrophy 2025 opener,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) wrote on social media platform X. 
The Kiwis contained Pakistani batters from chasing the total, with impressive performances from Will O’Rourke who returned figures of 3-47 from nine overs while Mitchell Santner finished with 3-66 from 10 overs. 

Matt Henry took 2-25 from 7.2 overs Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith each took once wicket. 
Latham was awarded the Player of the Match for his stellar knock of 118 runs from 104 balls. 

Pakistan's Naseem Shah celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of New Zealand's Will Young, caught out by substitute Faheem Ashraf during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. (REUTERS)

Pakistan will next face New Zealand on Feb. 23 in Dubai before facing Bangladesh on Feb. 27. India will take on Group A opponents Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday.

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi, right bowls as New Zealand's Tom Latham watches during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. (AP)

 


Gunmen shoot dead policeman guarding Pakistan polio team

Updated 19 February 2025
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Gunmen shoot dead policeman guarding Pakistan polio team

  • Two motorcycle riders open fire on police officer in northwestern Bajaur district, say police
  • Militants have attacked vaccination teams, police guarding them over the years in Pakistan

PESHAWAR: Gunmen shot dead a Pakistan police officer guarding a polio vaccination team on Wednesday in a remote area close to the Afghan border, police said.
Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan are the only countries where polio is endemic and militants have for decades targeted vaccination teams and their security escorts.
Polio has resurged in Pakistan, with two cases reported so far this year, and at least 73 polio infections last year, compared to six in 2023.
“Two motorcycle riders opened fire... as a result, the police officer died on the spot, but the polio team remained unharmed,” Niaz Muhammad, a police officer in Bajaur district, told AFP.
Bajaur district in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province shares a 52-kilometer (32-mile) border with Afghanistan.
The start of the polio campaign had been delayed in the district for security reasons, after a rise in militant attacks in the area, said Waqas Rafiq, a senior police official.
“Despite the attack, the campaign continues in all areas (of the district) except the site of the incident,” he said.
Polio mostly affects children under five and sometimes causes lifelong paralysis but can easily be prevented by the oral administration of a few drops of vaccine.
Over the past decade, hundreds of police officers and health workers have been killed by militants waging an offensive against the Pakistani state.
In the past, firebrand clerics falsely claimed the vaccine contained pork or alcohol, forbidding it for consumption by Muslims.
A fake vaccination campaign organized by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Pakistan in 2011 to track Osama bin Laden compounded the mistrust.
Pakistan has witnessed a dramatic uptick in attacks in its remote border regions since the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021, with Islamabad claiming hostile groups plan their attacks from Afghan soil.
The Taliban government denies the claim. 
It comes as the Champions Trophy cricket tournament kicked off in Pakistan on Wednesday, with the hosts and seven international teams visiting Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore under improved security.