ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s Consul-General in Peshawar Mohibullah Shakir and Ali Amin Gandapur, chief minister of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, on Sunday called for efforts to reopen a key border crossing between the two countries, the closure of which has resulted in suspension of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistan closed the Torkham border crossing in KP’s Khyber district on Feb. 21 when Afghan authorities initiated “construction of trenches and other development work” along the border, Naheed Khan, a senior police official in the Khyber district, told Arab News last month.
Torkham serves as a vital corridor for transporting goods from Pakistan to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. Thousands of trucks and vehicles carrying goods, including fruits and vegetables, have been stranded on both sides since the closure of the border, according to Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, a director of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
On Sunday, the Afghan consul-general met CM Gandapur to discuss bilateral trade, regional peace and security, and issues faced by Afghan nationals residing in the northwestern Pakistani province, according to KP CM’s office.
“Discussion took place at the meeting on the difficulties faced by traders and common people on both sides due to the closure of the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham,” CM Gandapur’s office said in a statement.
“[Both figures] agreed on efforts to open the border as soon as possible in view of the month of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr.”
Both sides have held at least two rounds of talks at Torkham, but negotiations between border officials had failed to yield any results.
“The Torkham border is still closed to all types of traffic. A number of conditions have been set in the negotiations by both the sides for the opening of the road, which will only be opened after both sides agree on these conditions,” Mullah Abdul Jabbar Hikmat, the Afghan commissioner at Torkham, said in a statement on Sunday.
“An announcement will be made when it is opened.”
In the past, border clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces have led to the closure of key crossings like Torkham and Chaman, severely disrupting trade and halting the movement of people between the two countries.
The development comes at a time of strained ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan over a surge in militants attacks in Pakistan’s western provinces that border Afghanistan.
Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks. Afghan officials deny involvement and insist that Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.
“The closure of the border is not in the interest of the people on both sides, it is causing difficulties to the business people as well as the common people,” CM Gandapur was quoted as saying by his office.
“There is a need to open the border as soon as possible in view of the difficulties faced by the people.”
The KP chief minister said people on both sides of the border were troubled by the current security situation in the region.
“We are making efforts on our part to open the border, the Afghan embassy should also play a role in this regard,” he said. “Regional peace is in the interest of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Gandapur’s statement came hours after the KP administration urged Pakistani federal authorities to approve the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for its talks with Afghanistan on surging militancy “as soon as possible.”
The KP government said in February that it had decided to send two delegations, comprising tribal elders, religious scholars, and political leaders, to Kabul to engage in direct talks with the Afghan Taliban rulers for peace and stability in the province.
It followed a statement by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, in which he said the security situation in the region was directly linked to “developments in neighboring Afghanistan,” following a consultative meeting of various religious and political parties in the province.
However, Pakistan’s foreign office said it was not informed of KP’s decision to engage in talks with Kabul, adding that external ties with another country fell under the federal government’s jurisdiction.
Pakistan, Afghanistan officials seek urgent reopening of Torkham border to ease Ramadan trade, travel
https://arab.news/yxzsm
Pakistan, Afghanistan officials seek urgent reopening of Torkham border to ease Ramadan trade, travel
- Pakistan closed Torkham border crossing on Feb. 21 when Afghan authorities initiated ‘construction of trenches and other development work’ along border
- Torkham serves as a vital crossing for transporting goods from Pakistan to Afghanistan and its closure has affected thousands of traders and travelers
UK urges de-escalation as Pakistan-India crisis deepens over Kashmir attack
- The development comes as Indian military holds naval drills and releases images of warships firing missiles
- Deputy PM Ishaq Dar reiterates Pakistan’s resolve to defend its interests while promoting peace in the region
ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom on Sunday urged de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India over a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry, amid fears that the two nuclear-armed neighbors may go to another war.
The statement came after Pakistani and Indian troops exchanged fire in disputed Kashmir for a third night in a row, officials said Sunday, as relations between the nuclear-armed rivals plunged to their lowest level in years.
New Delhi has accused Islamabad of involvement in the latest attack in a scenic tourist resort of Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 tourists were killed. Pakistan has denied involvement and says it is ready to take part in a credible and transparent investigation.
Amid escalating tensions, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy and shared the current regional situation, and Indian accusations and unilateral measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
“He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to defend its national interests while continuing to promote peace and stability in the region,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said in a statement.
“UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the importance of de-escalating the situation through dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues.”
The development came as Indian military held naval drills — releasing images of warships firing missiles — while the country’s security forces pressed on with their hunt for those behind the April 22 attack at a tourist hotspot in Pahalgam in Kashmir.
The military blamed Pakistan for the “unprovoked” firing of small arms along Kashmir’s Line of Control that separates the two countries.
“(Our) own troops responded effectively with appropriate small arms fire,” it said of the latest incident.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday in Islamabad, Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said there was “no official confirmation” of any clashes at the border with India.
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both rule it in part but claim it in full and have fought two wars over the Himalayan territory.
This is the second time since 2019 when the two nuclear-armed nations have come close to war over Kashmir.
Pakistan dispatches another 40 tons of relief goods for Gaza
- The development comes as the Palestinian death toll from the 18-month-old Israel-Hamas war rises to 52,243
- Pakistan has consistently condemned Israeli military actions, called for uninterrupted flow of aid into Gaza
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dispatched 40 tons of humanitarian aid for the war-affected people of Gaza, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Sunday, amid continuing Israeli strikes on the Palestinian territory.
The development came as the Palestinian health ministry said hospitals in the Gaza Strip had received the remains of 51 Palestinians over the past 24 hours who were killed in Israeli strikes, bringing the Palestinian death toll from the 18-month-old Israel-Hamas war to 52,243.
The overall toll includes nearly 700 bodies for which the documentation process was recently completed, the ministry said in its latest update. The daily toll includes bodies retrieved from the rubble after earlier strikes.
Pakistan’s NDMA said the latest shipment, which is the 15th aid consignment for Gaza and the overall 26th sent to the Middle East, was sent as part of Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.
“The latest consignment, sent in collaboration with Al-Khidmat Foundation, comprises approximately 20 tons of medicine, 5 tons of hygiene kits and 15 tons of tents,” the NDMA said.
“The aid was transported via a chartered flight from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, to Amman (Jordon). Royal Medical Services Jordan will receive for onward distribution to the people of Palestine.”
Israel ended its months-long ceasefire with Hamas by launching a surprise bombardment on March 18, and has been carrying out daily waves of strikes since then. Ground forces have expanded a buffer zone and encircled the southern city of Rafah, and now control around 50 percent of the territory. Israel has also sealed off the territory’s 2 million Palestinians from all imports, including food and medicine, for nearly 60 days. Aid groups say supplies will soon run out and that thousands of children are malnourished.
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, has consistently condemned Israeli military actions and called for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.
The South Asian country has dispatched a total of 1,518 tons of relief aid exclusively for Palestine, according to the NDMA. Overall, Pakistan has dispatched 2,045 tons of humanitarian aid, including 416 tons for Lebanon and 111 tons for Syria.
“The Government of Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to standing with the people of Palestine and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance based on the evolving needs of those affected by the ongoing crisis,” the NDMA said.
PSL X: Peshawar Zalmi lock horns with Quetta Gladiators at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium
- Zalmi have lost three of their four matches this season and secured their only win over Multan Sultans
- Gladiators, on the other hand, draw confidence from their solid 80-run win over Zalmi in PSL X opener
LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and chose to bowl first against Quetta Gladiators in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League 10th edition (PSL X) at Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.
Zalmi have lost three of their four matches this season and secured their only win over Multan Sultans. All eyes have been on Zalmi skipper Babar Azam, who has been consistently performing in PSL X, in Sunday’s encounter against Gladiators.
Zalmi said it was “time to shine” in a post on Instagram as their skipper said they were going in with a clear approach.
“Our approach is clear — smart cricket, sharp mindset, and full fight,” Azam said after winning the toss. “Every moment, every move, with one goal in mind.”
Gladiators, on the other hand, draw confidence from their solid 80-run win over Zalmi in the PSL X opener, which gives them a psychological edge in Sunday’s encounter.
However, the Saud Shakeel-led side has failed to maintain consistency since their win against Zalmi and secured a narrow victory against Karachi Kings by defending a modest total of 142.
Fans anticipated a tough battle between Gladiators’ superior bowling line-up and Zalmi’s hard-hitting batsmen.
SQUADS
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, George Linde, Mohammad Ali, Hussain Talat, Nahid Rana, Abdul Samad, Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Najibullah Zadran, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, Mitchell Owen, Ahmed Daniyal, Alzarri Joseph, Ihsanullah
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c) Finn Allen, Faheem Ashraf, Mark Chapman, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Akeal Hossein, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Haseebullah Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Kyle Jamieson, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Zeeshan, Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis and Sean Abbott
Pakistan says will not renegotiate Indus Waters Treaty with India, vows to defend rights
- India suspended the key water-sharing treaty after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan
- Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack that killed 26 tourists and described India’s suspension of the treaty as an ‘act of war’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will not renegotiate the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), brokered by the World Bank, with India, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Sunday, following India’s suspension of the 1960 agreement that regulates water-sharing from the Indus River and its tributaries.
Pakistan has rights to the western rivers— Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab— for irrigation, drinking, and non-consumptive uses like hydropower, according to the Indus Waters Treaty. India controls the eastern rivers— Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej— for unrestricted use but must not significantly alter their flow. India can use the western rivers for limited purposes such as power generation and irrigation, without storing or diverting large volumes.
Relations between the neighbors have deteriorated amid heightened tensions over an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam resort town that killed 26 tourists on April 22. New Delhi has accused Islamabad of involvement in the attack. Pakistan has denied any involvement and has expressed its willingness to participate in a “credible and transparent” international investigation into the attack.
Both sides have since announced a series of punitive measures against each other, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has described the suspension an “act of war,” vowing to defend its water rights. There are also mounting fears that India may carry out limited airstrikes or special forces raids near the border with Pakistan, raising concerns that the nuclear-armed rivals may once again come close to an all-out war.
“I do not believe so,” Tarar said, when asked by foreign media journalists whether Pakistan will accept India’s long-term demand of renegotiating the IWT.
“If ever there is reconsideration of terms, which I don’t see happening anytime in the near future, then I think India will lose out and Pakistan will benefit,” he said, adding that Pakistan, being the lower riparian, had more rights and was entitled to more water.
The top Pakistani leadership has clearly stated that if the country’s water is stopped or diverted, it will respond with “full force,” according to Tarar. Pakistan is prepared to fight and defend its water rights at every forum.
“It does not mean that we are seeking an arbitration, I think that we have always been very active and our legal team works on future prospects as well, if faced with any situation,” he said.
The minister denied any back-channel contacts between the two nuclear-armed neighbors to ease the situation at the moment.
The two neighbors have fought three wars, including two of them on the disputed region of Kashmir, since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both rule the Himalayan territory in part but claim it in full.
“At this point in time, there is no contact. There is no back channel [talks with India],” he said.
Tarar said the international community had not responded to New Delhi’s claims about the Pahalgam attack, according to India’s hopes, which was a “diplomatic success” of Pakistan.
“The international community believes in Pakistan, believes in the effort that Pakistan has made in the war against terror,” he said.
“Diplomatically, I consider statements from the world leaders as Pakistan’s successes as India was expecting a lot from the rest of the world by playing victim, but you cannot play victim without having evidence in your support.”
The minister said India had “built a false narrative on a completely baseless premise” in order to divert Pakistan’s attention from the western border with Afghanistan where it has been successfully fighting militancy.
“But we will continue to fight the war against terrorism and will continue to protect the world, the citizens of the world,” he said.
Tarar said the reason Pakistan had called for an independent, impartial, and transparent inquiry into the Pahalgam attack was because its “hands are clean,” accusing India of supporting extremism and encouraging attacks on Pakistani missions abroad.
“Their extremist ideology, through which they are encouraging their people to attack our foreign missions, has led to very unfortunate incidents,” he said.
“In London, our high commissioner was attacked twice, and stones were pelted [at the Pakistani high commission]. Let me reiterate, they shouldn’t attack our space, our world, our people as Pakistan has always defended itself.”
Pakistan army says 54 militants killed attempting to enter from Afghanistan
- The Pakistani military alludes that the Pakistani Taliban militants were infiltrating the border at the behest of India
- No immediate response to Pakistani military’s statement by New Delhi, which blamed Pakistan for recent attack in Kashmir
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed 54 Pakistani Taliban militants who were attempting to infiltrate the country’s border with Afghanistan in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the Pakistani military said on Sunday.
The large group of militants attempted to infiltrate the border in Pakistan’s North Waziristan district that borders Afghanistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing. Pakistani forces precisely engaged the militants and killed all 54 of them, seizing a sizeable cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives.
Pakistan has struggled to contain surging militancy in KP in recent years, where the Pakistani Taliban have mounted their attacks against security forces and police since their fragile, months-long truce with Islamabad broke down in late 2022. Islamabad has variously accused Afghanistan and India of supporting the Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups, an allegation denied by Kabul and New Delhi.
In its statement, the ISPR said intelligence reports indicated that the group of Pakistani Taliban militants was specifically infiltrating at behest of their “foreign masters” to undertake “high-profile terrorist activities inside Pakistan.”
“Such actions by Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), at a time when India is leveling baseless accusations against Pakistan, clearly implies on whose cues FAK is operating,” it said.
“The recent [meeting of] NSC (National Security Committee) also underscored the fact that distracting Pakistan’s security forces from their focus on the war against terror seems to be the strategic intent of India to allow a breathing space to FAK which is reeling from the onslaught of our Armed Forces resolute offensive against them.”
The ISPR said this was the highest ever number of Pakistani Taliban militants killed in a single engagement and the Pakistani security forces prevented a “potential catastrophe” by demonstrating exceptional professionalism, vigilance and preparedness.
There was no immediate response to the Pakistani military’s statement by New Delhi.
The statement comes at a time of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India over an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam town, which killed 26 tourists. New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan, an allegation denied by Islamabad.
Both nations have since unleashed a raft of measures against each other, with Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian airlines and India suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty that regulates water-sharing from the Indus River and its tributaries.
Ties between Islamabad and Kabul have also been fraught over the surge in militancy in Pakistan’s western regions that border Afghanistan. Pakistan says the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul has emboldened the Pakistani Taliban, which is a separate group but seen by Islamabad as an ally of the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan. Kabul denies the allegations and insists Pakistan’s security is an internal matter of Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Pakistani security forces for their timely action and professionalism in preventing the militants from entering the country.
“These successful operations indicate that Pakistan is winning the war on terror and achieving significant successes against terrorists,” he said.
