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Hajj 2024
Hajj 2024

PM Sharif expresses condolences over Pakistani Hajj pilgrims’ deaths due to extreme heat

PM Sharif expresses condolences over Pakistani Hajj pilgrims’ deaths due to extreme heat
Muslim pilgrims arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 18, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 20 June 2024
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PM Sharif expresses condolences over Pakistani Hajj pilgrims’ deaths due to extreme heat

PM Sharif expresses condolences over Pakistani Hajj pilgrims’ deaths due to extreme heat
  • Pakistani official this week confirmed nine pilgrims had died due to extreme heat in Saudi Arabia
  • Sharif directs authorities to make arrangements for pilgrims’ bodies to be brought to Pakistan
Updated 20 June 2024
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed condolences over the deaths of multiple Pakistani Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia due to the heat wave, his office said days after 1.5 million people performed the annual Islamic pilgrimage in the Kingdom.

A senior official of the Pakistan Hajj Mission (PHM) confirmed on Wednesday that nine Pakistani pilgrims had died in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat as of June 18. 

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Hajj pilgrims in Makkah,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.

“The prime minister prayed for patience for the relatives of the Hajj pilgrims.”

The PMO said Sharif spoke to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Pakistan’s ambassador to the kingdom about the situation of the country’s Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

“Arrangements should be made to send the bodies of the martyred pilgrims to Pakistan,” the prime minister told authorities, according to the PMO. It added that Sharif directed Pakistan’s religion ministry and consulate to provide all necessary facilities to the pilgrims.

He also directed Pakistani officials to ensure pilgrims admitted to hospitals in Saudi Arabia are provided access to every medical treatment, the PMO said.

Pakistan established two hospitals and 11 dispensaries in Makkah and Madinah to provide health care to the country’s pilgrims during the Islamic pilgrimage.

Hussain on Wednesday thanked Saudi authorities for ensuring “exemplary” arrangements for Hajj despite the sizzling heat in Saudi Arabia.

The Pakistani minister pointed out the Saudi authorities had taken several measures to mitigate the heat by setting up water sprinklers and a distribution system for cold water and beverages.

He also noted that mobile health units and dispensaries had been established in all the major areas to ensure the health of the pilgrims.
 

Topics: Hajj 2024 Pakistan

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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 1 min 11 sec ago
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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 remains unbeaten in all 14 professional bouts of his career so far 
  • 24-year-old holds Asian Boxing Federation Asian title, first Pakistani to do so
Updated 1 min 11 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 holds the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) Asian title, the first Pakistani to do so.

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 59 min 34 sec ago
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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 59 min 34 sec ago
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

Pakistan signs contract to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan 

Pakistan signs contract to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan 
Updated 26 September 2024
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Pakistan signs contract to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan 

Pakistan signs contract to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan 
  • Pakistan Air Force is mostly reliant on Chinese JF-17 Thunder jets, French Mirages and aging US F-16s 
  • In 2022, Pakistan announced the addition to its fleet of next-generation Chinese J-10 C fighter jets
Updated 26 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan army said on Thursday it had signed an agreement with Azerbaijan for the sale of JF-17 Block-III fighter aircraft “to bolster the airpower capabilities” of the Western Asian nation. 

The PakistanAir Force (PAF) is mostly reliant on Chinese JF-17 Thunder jets, French Mirages and aging US F-16s but in 2022 announced the addition to its fleet of next-generation Chinese J-10 C fighter jets also. 

“President of Azerbaijan expressed that the support extended by Pakistan would go a long way in consolidating the existing military cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, fostering closer defense collaboration and strengthening the warm brotherly ties between the two nations,” the Pakistan army’s media wing, ISPR, said in a statement, announcing the sale agreement. 

The army did not disclose how many jets it would sell to Azerbaijan and at what price or any other details of the deal. 

“JF-17 Thunder Block-III is an AESA [active electronically scanned array] Radar and Long Range BVR [beyond-visual-range] equipped 4.5 generation Multi-Role fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking wide array of combat missions providing contemporary airpower employment options, thus strengthening the National Security Paradigm of Azerbaijan.” the military said. 

Giving background on the deal, ISPR said during his visit to Pakistan in July this year, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev was briefed on the combat capabilities and employment options of the JF-17 Block-III fighter aircraft.

“Pursuant to President Aliyev’s visit and on request of Government of Azerbaijan, Pakistan deployed PAF contingent at Baku to participate in ADEX-2024 showcasing the aerial prowess and static display of Pride of Pakistan JF-17 Thunder Block-III,” ISPR said. 

“During deployment, JF-17 carried out Air to Air Refueling from PAF Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft deploying in a single hop to Baku, Azerbaijan, demonstrating long haul capability and reach of the PAF’s fighter jet.”

Aliyev visited the static display of JF-17 Block-III and witnessed an aerial demonstration of the planes, ISPR added, “showcasing the agility and maneuverability of the fighter jet alongside the professional competence of PAF pilots.”

Topics: pakistan azerbaijan ties JF-17 Block-III fighter jets

World Bank president acknowledges Pakistan reforms as IMF approves $7 billion bailout 

World Bank president acknowledges Pakistan reforms as IMF approves $7 billion bailout 
Updated 33 min 51 sec ago
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World Bank president acknowledges Pakistan reforms as IMF approves $7 billion bailout 

World Bank president acknowledges Pakistan reforms as IMF approves $7 billion bailout 
  • Ajay Banga meets Pakistani prime minister and finance minister on sidelines of UN General Assembly 
  • IMF approved loan as Pakistan committed to strengthen macroeconomic stability, address structural challenges
Updated 33 min 51 sec ago
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: World Bank President Ajay Banga on Thursday acknowledged steps taken by Pakistan to strengthen macroeconomic stability and address structural challenges, hours after the International Monetary Fund’s executive board approved a long-awaited $7 billion bailout deal for the struggling economy.

The IMF approved the 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) late on Wednesday after Pakistan agreed to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy and implement reforms to broaden the tax base, secure a level playing field for investment and enhance human capital. 

The bailout deal was reached in July. 

“Your prime minister laid out a very clear set of ideas of what he wants to prioritize. He used the words that he wants to prioritize things that help his people,” Banga told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. 

“Already in these six months, you [Pakistan] are already making a whole series of steps on macro stability and reforms. I think that is something I appreciate.”

The IMF said the new program would require “sound policies and reforms” to strengthen macroeconomic stability and address structural challenges alongside “continued strong financial support from Pakistan’s development and bilateral partners.”

An immediate disbursement of about $1 billion will take place, an IMF statement said.

Pakistan’s stock benchmark index rose in early trade to a record high of 82,905.73 points, before reversing those gains later in the day to close 0.7 percent down at 81,657.

After the bailout approval, PM Sharif thanked the IMF managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, and said the country would continue to implement the tough economic reform agenda, he told reporters in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly on Wednesday.

Georgieva also congratulated Pakistan for moving forward with “home-defined” reforms.

“The economy is on the sound path,” she told reporters after the board meeting. “Growth is up and inflation is down.”

“LAST IMF PROGRAM”

Islamabad had been working on implementing conditions, which Sharif had previously called “strict,” including getting additional external financing, which the country was struggling to do.

The IMF said in its statement that Pakistan had taken key steps to restore economic stability with consistent policy implementation under the 2023-24 standby arrangement.

It added that growth had rebounded to 2.4 percent and inflation has receded significantly, falling to single digits, amid appropriately tight fiscal and monetary policies.

A contained current account and calm foreign exchange market conditions have allowed the rebuilding of reserve buffers, and the central bank of Pakistan has been able to cut the policy rate by a total of 450 bps since June, the statement said.

Despite this progress, it said, Pakistan’s vulnerabilities and structural challenges remain formidable, adding that the tax base remained too narrow.

“Without a concerted adjustment and reform effort, Pakistan risks falling further behind its peers,” it warned.

The South Asian country is the IMF’s fifth-largest debtor, owing the Fund $6.28 billion as of July 11, according to the lender’s data.

Pakistan has been struggling with boom-and-bust economic cycles for decades, leading to more than 20 IMF bailouts since 1958.

Speaking to reporters on the UNGA sidelines, Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb vowed to make this the country’s last IMF program.

“So we will have to undertake structural reforms,” he said. 

With inputs from Reuters

Topics: The World Bank International Monetary Fund

IMF’s $7 billion bailout sends Pakistan stocks to life-time high

IMF’s $7 billion bailout sends Pakistan stocks to life-time high
Updated 26 September 2024
Reuters
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IMF’s $7 billion bailout sends Pakistan stocks to life-time high

IMF’s $7 billion bailout sends Pakistan stocks to life-time high
  • Pakistan’s stock index hits record high of 82,905.73
  • PM Sharif and IMF’s Georgieva emphasize need for reforms
Updated 26 September 2024
Reuters

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s benchmark share index hit a life-time high in opening trade on Thursday, hours after the International Monetary Fund’s board approved a long-awaited $7 billion bailout deal for the struggling economy.
The IMF said the new program will require “sound policies and reforms” to strengthen macroeconomic stability and address structural challenges alongside “continued strong financial support from Pakistan’s development and bilateral partners.”
An immediate disbursement of about $1 billion will take place, an IMF statement said.
Pakistan’s stock benchmark index rose in early trade to a record high of 82,905.73 points, before reversing those gains later in the day to close 0.7 percent down at 81,657.
“We will need to take difficult decisions if we want to make it our last program with the IMF,” Pakistan’s junior finance minister, Ali Pervaiz Malik, told local Geo News TV on Thursday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva and said the country would continue to implement the tough economic reform agenda, he told reporters in New York on the sidelines of United Nations general assembly on Wednesday.
Georgieva congratulated Pakistan for moving forward with “home-defined” reforms.
“The economy is on the sound path,” she told reporters after the board meeting. “Growth is up and inflation is down,” she said.
Islamabad had been working on implementing conditions, which Sharif had previously called “strict” to secure the 37-month loan program agreed in July. One condition was to secure additional external financing, which the country was struggling to do.
Local media reported that Islamabad recently signed its most expensive commercial loan ever for $600 million at 11 percent interest as a last-ditch bid to cover the financing gap and secure board approval.
However, an IMF spokesperson said on Friday that the lender was unaware of a loan at this rate and that it was not necessary for the purposes of the program’s financing assurances.

REFORMS AND RISKS

The IMF said in its statement that Pakistan had taken key steps to restore economic stability with consistent policy implementation under the 2023-24 standby arrangement.
It added that growth had rebounded to 2.4 percent and inflation has receded significantly, falling to single digits, amid appropriately tight fiscal and monetary policies.
A contained current account and calm foreign exchange market conditions have allowed the rebuilding of reserve buffers, and the central bank of Pakistan has been able to cut the policy rate by a total of 450 bps since June, the statement said.
Despite this progress, it said, Pakistan’s vulnerabilities and structural challenges remain formidable, adding that the tax base remains too narrow.
“Without a concerted adjustment and reform effort, Pakistan risks falling further behind its peers,” it warned.
Pakistan has been struggling with boom-and-bust economic cycles for decades, leading to more than 20 IMF bailouts since 1958.
The South Asian country is the IMF’s fifth-largest debtor, owing the Fund $6.28 billion as of July 11, according to the lender’s data.

Topics: Pakistan Stock Exchange IMF

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