You are here

  • Home
  • ‘Important to show respect,’ says Pakistan pacer Rauf after spat with fan 

‘Important to show respect,’ says Pakistan pacer Rauf after spat with fan 

‘Important to show respect,’ says Pakistan pacer Rauf after spat with fan 
Haris Rauf of Pakistan looks on during the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 match between India and Pakistan at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on June 09, 2024 in New York, New York.(AFP)
Short Url

https://arab.news/97r25

Updated 19 June 2024
Follow

‘Important to show respect,’ says Pakistan pacer Rauf after spat with fan 

‘Important to show respect,’ says Pakistan pacer Rauf after spat with fan 
  • Video of Rauf charging angrily at a fan in the US goes viral on social media 
  • Pakistan Cricket Board chairman warns of legal action if fan doesn’t apologize
Updated 19 June 2024
Shahjahan Khurram
Follow

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf urged fans to respect cricketers and their families after a video of his spat with a fan went viral on social media, days after Pakistan failed to qualify for the second round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Rauf can be seen talking to a few people as he stands with his wife somewhere in the United States. One of the men uses an expletive against Rauf at which the fast bowler can be seen rushing across a hedge toward the group as one of the men tries to stop him. 

The video appears to be shot in the United States. Pakistan’s last group-stage match at the T20 World Cup being held in the USA and West Indies was played in Lauderhill against Ireland. The green shirts won the fixture narrowly but were unable to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the tournament, having lost to minnows US and arch-rivals India earlier this month. 

Pakistan’s poor performance in the megaevent has enraged cricket fans and commentators alike. Many of them have called on skipper Babar Azam to resign and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to probe the national team’s hapless performance in the tournament. 

“As public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the public. They are entitled to support or criticize us,” Rauf wrote on social media platform X. 

“Nevertheless, when it comes to my parent and my family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly. It is important to show respect toward people and their families, irrespective of their professions.”

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi took to social media to address the “appalling” incident, warning that such acts would not be tolerated. 

“Those who are involved must immediately apologize to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible,” he wrote on X. 

Compared to other Pakistani pacers, Rauf fared better in the T20 World Cup. The fiery pacer, known for clocking above 150 km/h on pitches that favor bounce and speed, grabbed seven wickets in four bowling innings, at an economy rate of 6.73. 

Topics: Haris Rauf t20 world cup 2024

Electrical short circuit causes blast at police station in northwestern Pakistan, injuring 15

Electrical short circuit causes blast at police station in northwestern Pakistan, injuring 15
Updated 2 min 11 sec ago
Follow

Electrical short circuit causes blast at police station in northwestern Pakistan, injuring 15

Electrical short circuit causes blast at police station in northwestern Pakistan, injuring 15
  • The blast was initially suspected to be a militant attack, which have been on the rise in Pakistan in recent months
  • Separately, 31 people killed and 96 injured in a property dispute that turned into sectarian clashes in Kurram district 
Updated 2 min 11 sec ago
WASIM SAJJAD

PESHAWAR: At least 15 cops were injured on Thursday as a blast caused by an electrical short circuit ripped through a police station in the northwestern Pakistani district of Swabi, police and Rescue 1122 officials said.

The blast was initially suspected to be a militant attack, which have been on the rise in Pakistan in recent months, with many taking place in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan.

Islamabad says fighters mainly associated with the Pakistani Taliban or TTP group frequently launch attacks from hideouts in Afghanistan, targeting police and other security forces. Islamabad has even blamed Kabul’s Afghan Taliban rulers for facilitating anti-Pakistan militants. Kabul denies the charges.

Nearly 80 policemen have been killed in attacks, ambushes and target killings in KP in 2024, according to police data. 

“The Swabi police station explosion was not an incident of terrorism,” a spokesperson for local police, Liaqat Khan, told Arab News. “The incident occurred due to an electrical short circuit in the arms warehouse of the police station.”

He added that the building had been “damaged severely,” confirming that 15 policemen were injured. 

Bilal Faizi, a spokesperson for the Rescue 1122 service, said at least 15 injured people had been shifted to various hospitals in Swabi, mainly the Bacha Khan Medical Complex.

“The injured include two in critical condition,” Faizi said. “Four room building of the police station has collapsed and a rescue operation is still underway.”
 
Separately, tribal elders from Kurram, a district in the Kohat Division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, held a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club and said fighting between rival tribes had entered a sixth day, with at least 31 people killed and 96 injured.

The clash erupted over a piece of land claimed by both tribes in the Bushehra and Ahmadzai villages of Kurram, which borders Afghanistan. The property dispute soon took a sectarian turn and spread to the whole of Khurram, an area with a history of bloody clashes between Shia and Sunni tribes.

In July, this year, at least 38 persons were killed and more than 150 others injured in a clash that also erupted over a piece of land. In 2007, a sectarian war broke out and lasted until 2011 when the issue was resolved with the intervention of a jirga, or council of tribal elders.

On Thursday, tribal and political elders from Kurram called for an “immediate ceasefire” amid the latest fighting and said the government needed to intervene. 

“Several peace jirgas have been held from time to time, but why the peace has not been restored is a question,” a representative from Parachinar, Hassan Raza, told reporters. “We don’t want war in our area but peace in Kurram. The government should immediately intervene and restore peace in the area.”

Deputy Commissioner Kurram Javedullah Mehsud told media the district administration, police and military officials, tribal elders and jirga members were actively engaged in efforts for a ceasefire.

Topics: Swabi blast police station

Pakistani police responsible for killing doctor accused of blasphemy — provincial government

Pakistani police responsible for killing doctor accused of blasphemy — provincial government
Updated 26 September 2024
AP
Follow

Pakistani police responsible for killing doctor accused of blasphemy — provincial government

Pakistani police responsible for killing doctor accused of blasphemy — provincial government
  • This marks first time government has accused security forces of extrajudicial killing of a blasphemy suspect 
  • Provincial home minister says doctor was killed in staged “fake encounter” shortly after he gave himself up to authorities 
Updated 26 September 2024
AP

MULTAN: The provincial government in Pakistan’s Sindh province said on Thursday police had orchestrated the killing of a doctor who was in custody after he was accused of blasphemy, marking the first time the government has accused security forces of what the doctor’s family and rights groups have called an extrajudicial killing by police.

According to the provincial interior minister, Ziaul Hassan, a government probe concluded that Shah Nawaz, a doctor from Sindh province, was killed shortly after he gave himself up to authorities in what was a staged “fake encounter” engineered by security forces.

There was no shootout with armed men as police had claimed, Hassan told reporters at a news conference in the southern port city of Karachi, and added that Nawaz’s family would be able to file murder charges against the police officers who killed him.

Hours after Nawaz was fatally shot and his body handed over to his family, a mob snatched it from Nawaz’s father and burned it.

Hassan’s statement backed up Nawaz’s family’s allegations earlier this week that officers had lied about the circumstances of his death when they said he was killed in a shootout between police and armed men.

Shah Nawaz had given himself up to police last week in the district of Mirpur Khas, following assurances that he would be given a chance to prove his innocence.

Days earlier in the city of Umerkot, a mob claimed he had insulted Islam’s Prophet Muhammad and shared blasphemous content on social media, and demanded his arrest. The mob also burned Nawaz’s clinic.

Accusations of blasphemy — sometimes even just rumors — can spark riots and mob rampages in Pakistan. Although killings of blasphemy suspects by mobs are common, extra-judicial killings by police are rare.

Under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death — though authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy.

Nawaz’s father thanked the government for backing the family and demanded that his son’s killers face justice under the eye-for-an-eye concept under Sharia, or Islamic law.

“We have only one demand: those police officers who staged the killing of my son ... must also be killed in the same manner,” said Nawaz’s father, Mohammad Saleh.

Saleh told The Associated Press over the phone that he was grateful for all the support that the family was given and to all those who condemned extremist clerics who had enraged the mob with calls for his son to be killed.

“Those who killed my son should be punished quickly so that others learn a lesson and not indulge in extra-judicial killings in the future,” Nawaz’s mother, Rehmat Kunbar, said. 

She added that her son can no longer come back to her but that she wanted to save the children of other parents from the hands of “extremists.”

Nawaz’s killing was the second case of an extra-judicial killing by police this month in Pakistan.

A week before, an officer opened fire inside a police station in the southwestern city of Quetta, fatally wounding Syed Khan, a suspect held on accusations of blasphemy.

Khan was arrested after officers rescued him from an enraged mob that claimed he had insulted Islam’s prophet. But he was killed by a police officer, Mohammad Khurram, who was quickly arrested. 

However, the tribe and the family of the slain man later said they had pardoned the officer.

Topics: Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar

Ex-PM Khan’s party calls off Sept. 28 Rawalpindi rally, will hold ‘peaceful protest’ instead 

Ex-PM Khan’s party calls off Sept. 28 Rawalpindi rally, will hold ‘peaceful protest’ instead 
Updated 26 September 2024
Follow

Ex-PM Khan’s party calls off Sept. 28 Rawalpindi rally, will hold ‘peaceful protest’ instead 

Ex-PM Khan’s party calls off Sept. 28 Rawalpindi rally, will hold ‘peaceful protest’ instead 
  • PTI party has sought permission to organize a rally in Lahore on Oct. 5 from 5-11pm
  • PTI is aiming to hold rallies to build public pressure for Khan’s release from prison 
Updated 26 September 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Thursday it was canceling a planned rally in the city of Rawalpindi on Sept. 28 on the instructions of party founder and ex-premier Imran Khan, and would hold a peaceful protest instead on the same day.

Following rallies this month in Islamabad and Lahore, the PTI announced this week it would hold public gatherings in Rawalpindi and Lahore on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 respectively to build pressure for Khan’s release. The ex-PM has been in jail since August last year on multiple charges including corruption, sedition and terrorism. Khan says the cases against him are politically motivated to keep him and his party away from politics. 

“On instructions of founding Chairman PTI, Imran Khan, the Rawalpindi Jalsa on Sept 28th is canceled and there will be a peaceful protest instead,” the PTI party said in a statement on Thursday. “More details will be shared soon.”

The PTI’s last two rallies were not without complications. The Sept. 8 rally in Islamabad was first planned for July and then August but was postponed both times as the party was denied permission to hold it by the district administration which cited security threats and a lack of resources to manage large gatherings. 

After the Islamabad rally, a number of PTI legislators were arrested on charges of violating an agreement on the basis of which permission for the rally was given, including abiding by a time limit and supporters sticking to certain routes to reach the designated venue for the rally on Islamabad’s outskirts. 

Last Saturday’s gathering in Lahore also came to an abrupt end after authorities cut off electricity supply to the venue after the 3-6pm deadline expired. 

Khan’s party says the challenges in holding rallies are part of an over year-long crackdown it has faced since protesters allegedly linked to the party attacked and damaged government and military installations on May 9, 2023, after the former premier’s brief arrest the same day in a land graft case.

Hundreds of PTI followers and leaders were arrested following the riots and many remain behind bars as they await trial. The military, which says Khan and his party were behind the attacks, has also initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.

Khan, who has been in jail since last August, was ousted from the PM’s office in 2022 in a parliamentary vote of no confidence after what is widely believed to be a falling out with Pakistan’s powerful military, which denies being involved in politics.

Topics: PTI rally Imran Khan arrest

Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out India rival in first round of World Youth Boxing Championship

Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out India rival in first round of World Youth Boxing Championship
Updated 34 min 31 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out India rival in first round of World Youth Boxing Championship

Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out India rival in first round of World Youth Boxing Championship
  • Wazeer, 24, remains unbeaten in all 14 professional bouts of career so far 
  • Boxer is first Pakistani to hold the Asian Boxing Federation Welterweight title
Updated 34 min 31 sec ago
Nisar Ali

KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer on Thursday knocked out his Indian opponent in the first round of the World Youth Boxing Championship, taking home his 14th consecutive win. 

Wazeer, 24, who hails from the Astore district of Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, is nicknamed ‘The Asian Boy’ and widely regarded as one of the greatest contemporary Pakistani boxers. He is currently an undefeated welterweight boxer and the first Pakistani to hold the Asian Boxing Federation Welterweight title.

Wazeer made his professional boxing debut against Moroccan Brahim Oubenais (0-1-0) on May 3, 2019, in Dubai, where the former won by a split decision after four rounds, claiming his first professional victory. The Pakistan boxer, who has so far featured in six professional bouts, remains unbeaten.

Thursday’s match against Thilak Selvam — closely watched as Pakistan and India are longtime political and sports rivals — lasted a mere one minute and five seconds.

“Thank God, Usman has won his 14th fight and made the name of Pakistan proud,” Wazeer Tajwar, the boxer’s father, told Arab News over the phone.

“This time the enjoyment level is very high as he defeated the Indian boxer in the first round. We were watching the fight live in our house in Astore. The whole village, including relatives, gathered in our house to watch the fight. We were all dancing to music and celebrating the moment.”

Tajwar said his son was participating in international competitions without the government’s support. 

“As a father I always push him to fulfill his dream. I have always supported him and will always support him. But the government should also support him as he is making the name of our country proud.”

Ghulam Muhammad, the minister for tourism and sports in GB, congratulated Wazeer on the win. 

“I want to congratulate Usman for winning the fight against the Indian boxer today. And he made the name of Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan proud at international level,” Muhammad told Arab News over the phone.

“Usman is a very talented athlete from Pakistan and he left no stone unturned to fight for the country … We, the GB government, will support him.”

Wazeer has previously secured prestigious titles including the World Youth Title, Asian Title, and Middle East Title. 

Topics: Usman Wazeer boxer Pakistan vs India

Pakistan warns of dengue outbreak in October in 10 major cities 

Pakistan warns of dengue outbreak in October in 10 major cities 
Updated 26 September 2024
Follow

Pakistan warns of dengue outbreak in October in 10 major cities 

Pakistan warns of dengue outbreak in October in 10 major cities 
  • Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, Multan at risk
  • Dengue fever is endemic to Pakistan, which experiences year-round transmission with seasonal peaks
Updated 26 September 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday warned that at least 10 Pakistani cities could face a dengue outbreak in October, advising all stakeholders to take “preemptive measures.”

Dengue is an illness that spreads through vectors, carried by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is currently no cure or vaccine for dengue fever, which in its most severe form can lead to fatalities.

People affected by dengue go through intense flu-like symptoms including high fever, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea and vomiting, typically persisting for approximately a week.

“Based on the analysis, the environment has become conducive from mid of September 2024 for dengue onset and it is predicted that it may outbreak in October 2024, particularly in ten major cities of Pakistan i.e., Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana and Multan as well as in post monsoon rainfall affected areas of Pakistan,” PMD said in an advisory.

“It is advised to all stakeholders to take preemptive measures for the dengue outbreak in the districts. National Health agencies and Dengue control centers are advised to keep themselves updated on the PMD website.” 

The PMD said dengue outbreaks occured in the post-monsoon season, which usually falls between Sept. 20 and Dec. 5 if conditions are favorable. 

It said the active period for dengue attacks was two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, while breeding stopped once the temperature fell below 16°C. 

Dengue fever is endemic to Pakistan, which experiences year-round transmission with seasonal peaks. 

An advisory published by Pakistan’s National Institute of Health in 2023 said a total of 52,929 cases and 224 deaths from dengue were reported in the country in 2021, while there were approximately 79,007 confirmed cases of dengue with 149 deaths in 2022, with a surge in cases following unprecedented flooding that began in mid-June 2022. 

In 2023, Pakistan reported 3,019 suspected cases and eight deaths from dengue. 

The virus has been surging worldwide, aided by climate change. 

Dengue cases substantially increased in the Americas this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in May, which indicates the mosquito-borne viral illness remains a high-risk threat to public health.

The UN agency said the number of cases in the Americas exceeded 7 million by the end of April, already surpassing the annual high of 4.6 million in 2023.
In comparison, over 7.6 million dengue cases and about 3,000 deaths were reported globally during the same period.

Topics: Dengue Outbreak

Latest updates

Saudi Arabia on a Guinness World Records winning streak
Saudi Arabia on a Guinness World Records winning streak
KSrelief head participates in Sudan meeting on sidelines of UNGA
Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah participates in a meeting on Sudan.
UN Security Council must reform to ‘reflect realities of modern world’: Kuwait crown prince
UN Security Council must reform to ‘reflect realities of modern world’: Kuwait crown prince
All eyes on Iran’s balancing walk as IRGC’s Middle East proxies face Israel’s onslaught
All eyes on Iran’s balancing walk as IRGC’s Middle East proxies face Israel’s onslaught
Madinah’s attractions enrich visitor experience
Madinah’s attractions enrich visitor experience

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.