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Pakistan Taliban deny attack on convoy of foreign ambassadors

Pakistan Taliban deny attack on convoy of foreign ambassadors
Security personnel stand near a damaged police vehicle at the site of a bomb explosion, in Malam Jabba at Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on September 22, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 3 min 49 sec ago
AFP
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Pakistan Taliban deny attack on convoy of foreign ambassadors

Pakistan Taliban deny attack on convoy of foreign ambassadors
  • The convoy of more than 10 foreign ambassadors was passing through the picturesque town of Malam Jabba when it was hit by a roadside bomb
  • Diplomats from Russia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries were part of the convoy
Updated 3 min 49 sec ago
AFP
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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Taliban on Monday denied carrying out a roadside bomb attack on a police convoy escorting foreign ambassadors that killed a policeman.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in a statement said it had “nothing to do with the attack” in the northwest of the country, which also wounded three other officers.
The convoy of more than 10 foreign ambassadors was passing through the picturesque town of Malam Jabba in the Swat district when it was hit by a roadside bomb.
Top diplomats from Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Indonesia and Vietnam were part of the convoy.
In a statement, the Russian embassy said its ambassador was taking part in the trip along with several other ambassadors.
The foreigners were unhurt in the incident and later returned to Islamabad, Pakistan’s foreign office said on Sunday.
Police officials said the trip was organized by Islamabad and Swat’s Chamber of Commerce to promote the region’s local industries, including handicrafts and gemstones.
Swat — a snow-capped mountain valley split by turquoise waters — is one of Pakistan’s most famed beauty spots, but its reputation has a dark side.
In 2012 Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by the TTP while campaigning as a schoolgirl for education, activism that later earned her the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Pakistani Taliba historically has roots in Afghanistan and shares the same ideology as the Afghan Taliban.
From 2007 to 2009, they killed thousands of civilians and seized control of several districts before being driven back by the military.
Pakistan has witnessed a dramatic uptick in attacks since the Taliban seized control in 2021 of Kabul, but diplomats are rarely targeted.
Islamabad says such offensives are being launched from neighboring Afghanistan by various militant groups, many linked to the TTP, which the Taliban authorities deny.

Topics: Pakistan Taliban militancy in Pakistan convoy of foreign ambassadors attack on ambassadors

Pakistan appoints Lt. Gen. Asim Malik new spy chief— state media 

Pakistan appoints Lt. Gen. Asim Malik new spy chief— state media 
Updated 45 min 9 sec ago
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Pakistan appoints Lt. Gen. Asim Malik new spy chief— state media 

Pakistan appoints Lt. Gen. Asim Malik new spy chief— state media 
  • Lt. Gen. Asim Malik to assume charge of his office on Sept. 30, says Pakistan Television 
  • ISI is rated as one of the best-organized intelligence agencies in the developing world
Updated 45 min 9 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has appointed Lt. Gen. Asim Malik as the new head of its powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, the country’s state television said on Monday, who will assume charge of his office on Sept. 30. 

The army is arguably the most influential institution in Pakistan, with the military having ruled the country for about half of its 77-year history since independence from Britain and enjoying extensive powers even under civilian administrations.

Malik is currently serving as an adjutant general at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Pakistan’s garrison city of Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Television (PTV) News said. He will be replacing Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum, who was appointed by then-prime minister Imran Khan in 2021. 

“Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik has been appointed as DG ISI,” PTV News said. “Lt. Gen. Asim Malik will assume charge of his new responsibilities on Sept. 30.”

The state television said Malik has previously served in the Balochistan infantry division and commanded the infantry brigade in Pakistan’s northwestern Waziristan district. 

Pakistan’s new spy chief earned an honorary sword in his course, PTV said, adding that he has also served as chief instructor at the National Defense University (NDU) and as an instructor at the Command and Staff College Quetta.

Malik is a graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the United States and the Royal College of Defense Studies in London, the statement said.

The head of the ISI occupies one of the country’s most powerful positions. His posting comes at a time when Pakistan faces surging militant attacks in the country’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and southwestern Balochistan provinces by separatists and religiously motivated militants. The surge in militant attacks in KP has marred Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, whose government it accuses of providing sanctuaries to the Pakistani Taliban militants who launch attacks in Pakistan. 

The Taliban deny these allegations and have urged Pakistan to resolve their security challenges internally. 

Created in 1948, the ISI gained importance and power during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, and is now rated one of best-organized intelligence agencies in the developing world.

The agency is seen as the Pakistani equivalent of the US Central Agency (CIA) and Israel’s Mossad. Its size is not publicly known but the ISI is widely believed to employ tens of thousands of agents, with informers in many spheres of public life.

The military intelligence agency is believed to have a hidden role in making many of the nuclear-armed nation’s policies, including in Afghanistan and India. The threat to Pakistan from nuclear-armed neighboring India has been a main preoccupation of the ISI through the decades.

Topics: Pakistan ISI Asim Malik

Pakistan PM congratulates Saudi Arabia on National Day, hails Vision 2030 as ‘ideal model’ 

Pakistan PM congratulates Saudi Arabia on National Day, hails Vision 2030 as ‘ideal model’ 
Updated 43 min 47 sec ago
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Pakistan PM congratulates Saudi Arabia on National Day, hails Vision 2030 as ‘ideal model’ 

Pakistan PM congratulates Saudi Arabia on National Day, hails Vision 2030 as ‘ideal model’ 
  • Saudi Arabia celebrates September 23 each year as its National Day to commemorate kingdom’s unification 
  • Shehbaz Sharif praises Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince for Saudi Arabia’s development and progress
Updated 43 min 47 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday praised Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 government program, describing it as an “ideal model” for the entire world to follow as the Kingdom marks its 94th National Day today. 

Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day on September 23 each year to commemorate the unification of the kingdom and its founding by King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud. 

Under the Vision 2030 program, Saudi Arabia is consolidating its economy along modern lines. This is a strategic development framework intended to cut the kingdom’s reliance on oil and is aimed at developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism. 

Sharif congratulated the kingdom on its National Day, praising King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for ensuring Saudi Arabia emerged as a great country of the 21st century, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said. 

“He said Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is an ideal model for the whole world,” the state broadcaster said. “In today’s era, Saudi Arabia is leading by example the developing countries in business, technology, economy and other fields.”

Sharif said Pakistan’s ties to Saudi Arabia are rooted in common culture and faith, adding that both countries have always stood by each other during difficult times.

“The Prime Minister said the entire nation is grateful for Saudi Arabia’s cooperation in the recent stabilization of Pakistan’s economy,” Radio Pakistan said. “He said the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will always remain intact.”

Separately, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq congratulated the kingdom on the occasion. 

“We at the embassy of Pakistan remain committed to further enhancing this partnership, exploring new avenues for cooperation and working toward our shared vision of progress and prosperity,” Farooq said in a video message, speaking in Arabic. 

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Saudi embassy in Islamabad and felicitated Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, state-run media reported. 

He congratulated the ambassador and expressed good wishes for the Saudi royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia. 

“Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan, whether during floods, earthquakes, economic or other challenges,” he said. “Their support has been unparalleled.”

Naqvi said every Muslim held Saudi Arabia in special esteem, adding that Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Pakistan through thick and thin, and every Pakistani takes pride in “our historic friendship.”

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties Saudi Vision 2030

Pakistan Railways says it reunited 626 children with their families in past 8 months 

Pakistan Railways says it reunited 626 children with their families in past 8 months 
Updated 23 September 2024
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Pakistan Railways says it reunited 626 children with their families in past 8 months 

Pakistan Railways says it reunited 626 children with their families in past 8 months 
  • Most children left their homes after fighting with relatives or in search of a better life, says Pakistan Railways 
  • Children, both boys and girls, belong to Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Multan and Quetta cities of Pakistan
Updated 23 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Railways said on Monday it has rescued and reunited 626 children with their families from Jan. 1 to Aug.31 and returned lost luggage amounting to $67000 to various passengers in the same period. 

According to the figures released by Railways Police, 149 of the 626 children who were rescued hailed from the eastern city of Lahore, 146 were from Rawalpindi, 128 from Karachi, 66 from Sukkur, 57 from Multan and 13 from Quetta. 

It said that while some were sent home, others were handed over to welfare institutions such as the Edhi Foundation. 

“Pakistan Railways Police in an unparalleled professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty have rescued and reunited around 626 vulnerable children including girls, boys and women with their heirs in the last 8 months over the period of Jan 1 to Aug 31,” Pakistan Railways public relations officer said in a statement. 

“Most of the children were found unaccompanied and loitering at railway stations after they left their house following a fight or getting scolded or in search of glamor or a better life.”

Around 2,000 pieces of lost luggage valued at approximately $69,000 were also retrieved and returned to passengers, said. Many valuables, including laptops, smartphones, gold and artificial jewelry, handbags and currencies were also returned to their rightful owners.

At least 13,360 passengers were provided with first aid, wheelchair, and stretcher facilities for the handicapped and injured passengers, the spokesperson added. 

Topics: Pakistan Railways misisng children

Ex-PM Khan’s party announces nationwide protests for his release on Friday

Ex-PM Khan’s party announces nationwide protests for his release on Friday
Updated 23 September 2024
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Ex-PM Khan’s party announces nationwide protests for his release on Friday

Ex-PM Khan’s party announces nationwide protests for his release on Friday
  • Khan’s party has held rallies in Islamabad and Lahore this month to demand his release from prison 
  • Gandapur says party to hold rally on Sunday in Mianwali to demand Khan’s release, freedom of judiciary
Updated 23 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party will hold nationwide protests on Friday to demand his release from prison and press for the independence of judiciary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a key aide of the former premier, said. 

Khan, who has been in jail since August on charges of corruption, treason and attempting to incite a mutiny in the military, has waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against Pakistan’s military since his ouster in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April 2022. He has accused the then army leadership of orchestrating his ouster together with his political rivals as part of a United States-backed “foreign conspiracy.” The military, Khan’s rivals and Washington have repeatedly denied this.

His PTI party, which had struggled to organize rallies in the country since last year to build public pressure for his release, held public gatherings in Islamabad and Lahore this month.

“Remember, Pakistanis, Imran Khan will only be released when the judiciary is free,” Gandapur said in a video message on Sunday. “So we will come out this Friday in every city and village across Pakistan and peacefully demand protection of the constitution, independence of the judiciary and Imran Khan’s release.”

The PTI has vowed not to accept any of the government’s proposed 53 constitutional amendments that experts and political opponents say are aimed at asserting the executive’s authority over key judicial appointments. The proposed amendments are expected to establish a federal constitutional court, raise the retirement age of superior judges by three years and modify the process for the appointment of chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The amendments have also invited protests and anger from Pakistan’s legal fraternity, who have vowed to take to the streets in protest if the government manages to pass them with a two-thirds majority. The government, on the other hand, has vowed to build a “wider consensus” on the constitutional amendments. 

Gandapur said the party will also hold a large public gathering in Mianwali city this Sunday, vowing he would partake in it. He also said the PTI would then hold a rally in the garrison city of Rawalpindi but did not share the exact date of the event. 

“I am telling the entire nation that now you have to lead this movement,” the KP chief minister said. “With every passing moment, you have to become a part of this movement.”

The PTI’s rally in Lahore on Saturday ended rather abruptly after authorities cut the electricity supply shortly after a 6pm deadline provided by the administration. The Lahore administration had allowed the PTI to hold the rally from 3-6pm in the Kahna area of the city, subject to compliance with 43 conditions. One of the conditions was that the party’s supporters would not cause unrest or chant anti-state slogans.

While the government called the public gathering a “flop show,” the party alleged their rally had been marred by underhanded tactics which included blocking roads and preventing the PTI from holding the rally for an extended time. 

The PTI says it has been facing a state-backed crackdown and the mass arrest of its members and supporters for standing by Khan. Pakistani authorities deny the allegations.

The crackdown against the opposition party began after people carrying its party flags attacked and damaged government and military installations on May 9, 2023, after Khan’s brief arrest that day in a graft case.

Hundreds of PTI workers and leaders were arrested following the May 9 riots and many remain behind bars as they await trial. The military has also initiated trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.

Topics: Pakistan Imran Khan PTI Ali Amin Gandapur nationwide protests Arab News Pakistan

Brewing independence: Karachi café serves skills to people with cognitive disabilities

Brewing independence: Karachi café serves skills to people with cognitive disabilities
Updated 45 min 32 sec ago
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Brewing independence: Karachi café serves skills to people with cognitive disabilities

Brewing independence: Karachi café serves skills to people with cognitive disabilities
  • Café Khudee is operated by a local non-profit that has been supporting individuals with disabilities for 35 years
  • Trainees at the café are hopeful that the practical experience they gain will boost their employment prospects
Updated 45 min 32 sec ago
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Under the guidance of a professional chef, Asad Javed, an apprentice at Karachi’s Café Khudee, skillfully prepares breakfast platters, while Fatima Irtiza, a trainee guest relations officer, welcomes and serves customers with a practiced smile.

But this café is more than just about food and warm service – it’s part of a mission to empower individuals with cognitive disabilities through vocational training in the hospitality industry. Opened last week, the facility, whose name “Khudee” translates to “selfhood” in Urdu, aims to equip its trainees with the skills needed to build careers in cafés, restaurants and hotels.

According to a recent report by The Borgen Project, a US-based non-profit, over six percent of children in Pakistan are diagnosed with developmental disorders, including cognitive disabilities.

These individuals often face social stigma, exclusion from the workforce and limited economic opportunities – challenges this café aims to address by fostering independence and professional skills.

“This is the training ground for differently abled,” Maria Khan, the project manager at the café, which is part of the Karachi Vocational Training Center (KVTC), working to help people with cognitive disabilities for 35 years, told Arab News.

“We are making them learn how they can be in the service industry so that we can find jobs for them and make them into independent individuals for society,” she added.

A waiter (right) takes an order from a customer at Café Khudee in Karachi, Pakistan, on September 21, 2024. (AN photo)

Unlike the developed world, Pakistan has lagged behind in integrating persons with disabilities into the mainstream due to weak implementation of disability policies and insufficient public awareness.

The situation can be particularly tough for individuals with cognitive disabilities, which affect mental processes such as memory, problem-solving and attention, often leading to significant social barriers that limit employment opportunities.

The café offers a diverse menu, catering to a wide range of tastes. From delectable pastries and cakes to savory breakfast platters along with local and international cuisines, there’s something for everyone.

For the trainees at Café Khudee, the opportunity to work in a professional environment is invaluable.

“I’m enjoying here,” Umair Ali Khan, a 37-year-old trainee cashier, said while expressing his enthusiasm. “After finishing my training here, I will go to another café or restaurant in the food industry to work.”

“We’ll do what we’ve learned, of course,” he continued while pointing out that everyone around him was very helpful.

Irtiza, 34, echoed the same sentiment, highlighting the importance of the practical experience offered by the café.

“I’m doing an internship here,” she said. “After it’s finished, I will get a job at a café, make new friends and try many new things.”

Fatima Irtiza (left), trainee guest relationship officer at Café Khudee, is assisting customers at Café Khudee in Karachi, Pakistan, on September 21, 2024. (AN photo)

According to Javed, his work at the training facility has earned him appreciation from his family.

“They were really happy with this work and said that I was learning well,” the 37-year-old trainee chef said. “I will continue to work hard and show them even more.”

Javed believes that if people with disabilities are given a little support, they can accomplish a great deal on their own.

Café Khudee has attracted many customers since its inauguration just a few days ago, with many describing it as a great experience.

“It was a very good experience,” Umar Khalid, an IT professional and customer, said.

“The engagement they’ve created for differently abled people, the restaurant, the café they have opened for their future – it’s a very good effort in my view,” he added.

Asked about the food, he said he ordered a sandwich, which was great.

“Everything was fantastic,” he continued.

Khan, the project manager, said the café has received a good response from the outset.

“We are mostly full here, and I’ve seen people who come today and they’re coming again tomorrow with different groups,” she said.

She noted that many customers who initially came out of sympathy were now returning for the quality of the food, saying many of them had told her they were back because they found the food to be quite amazing.

“They are coming back for the kids [with disabilities] and the food both,” she added.

Topics: Pakistan Karachi cafes in Karachi Café Khudee Sindh Arab News Pakistan

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