Six killed, 25 injured as rival tribes clash over property dispute in northwest Pakistan

Six killed, 25 injured as rival tribes clash over property dispute in northwest Pakistan
Pakistani soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint in Parachinar, capital of the Kurram tribal district, on January 22, 2017. (AFP/File)
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Updated 23 September 2024
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Six killed, 25 injured as rival tribes clash over property dispute in northwest Pakistan

Six killed, 25 injured as rival tribes clash over property dispute in northwest Pakistan
  • The clashes erupted over piece of land in Kurram tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan
  • Both sides used heavy and small weapons to pound each other, blocking Parachinar-Peshawar highway for traffic

PESHAWAR: At least six persons have been killed and 25 others injured in three days of armed clashes over a property dispute between rival tribes in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an official said on Monday, as tribal elders and local officials strive for a ceasefire between the warring parties.
The clashes erupted over a piece of land claimed by both sides in the Kurram tribal district of KP, which is located along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan and has witnessed deadly tribal conflicts as well as sectarian and militant attacks in the past. 
A major conflict that began in 2007 continued for years before it was ended with the help of a jirga, a council of tribal elders, in 2011. However, another round of clashes broke out over a property dispute in July this year that left 38 dead and 158 injured in the same district.
“We have received six dead and 25 injured during the last three days, with some of the wounded having been discharged after treatment,” Dr. Mir Hassan Jan, medical superintendent (MS) at the district headquarters hospital in Parachinar, told Arab News.
The Kurram police said the warring tribes used both heavy and small weapons to pound rival positions in the last three days, and the clashes blocked several routes, including Parachinar-Peshawar highway, for traffic.
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud informed the media that tribal elders, security officials and the district administration were trying to resolve the issue through negotiations.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur directed police and district administration to take action and help reach a ceasefire between the warring tribes through a jirga.
“For the last one year, issues about law and order have been taking place in Kurram, which should be resolved permanently,” Gandapur said in a statement. “For a durable solution to the problem, a committee comprising members of national and provincial assemblies, local elders and law enforcement agencies should be formed to take warring tribes on board to resolve the issue once and for all.”
Brig (retd) Said Nazeer Mohmand, a security expert, told Arab News that the involvement of “foreign elements” and rumors played a major role in igniting sectarian tensions in the religiously sensitive district.
In the first phase, he suggested, security and district administration officials, backed by local elders, should discourage the involvement of foreign elements belonging to different sectarian groups.
“If we see the issue from a historical perspective, rumors and unfounded news always flare up fights in Kurram district,” Mohmand said. “Secondly, controlling foreign elements is of paramount importance to discourage armed clashes in the district.”
Mohmand emphasized the formation of committees comprising members from all tribes as well as security and district administration officials to keep a check on the situation regularly.
“The committee then should hold regular meetings to nip the evil in the bud and deny any space to foreign elements and rumors from spreading,” he said. “This way, we will be able to somehow to control things in this sensitive part of the region.”


Amid drought warnings, Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in several regions this week

Amid drought warnings, Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in several regions this week
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Amid drought warnings, Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in several regions this week

Amid drought warnings, Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in several regions this week
  • Last month, Pakistan Meteorological Department said rainfall from Sept. 1 to Jan. 15 was 40 percent below normal across the country
  • Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab were the most affected provinces, with deficits of 52 percent, 45 percent and 42 percent respectively

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has predicted rain, snow and thunderstorms in several parts of Pakistan this week, amid an ongoing drought that has dented winter crops in the country’s breadbasket.

Last month, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said rainfall from Sept. 1 to Jan. 15 was 40 percent below normal across Pakistan, with Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab being the most affected provinces with deficits of 52 percent, 45 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

The severe drought, which was in fact part of a larger trend of increasing climate variability, has adversely impacted the growth of crops like wheat, a staple food, as well as vital cash crops like potato, according to the Pakistani climate change ministry.

However, a fresh weather advisory by the NDMA said rains were expected in Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), which are likely to bring some respite to farmers who rely on rainwater to cultivate their lands.

“Rain and snowfall are expected in Pothohar region, including Murree and Galliyat, upper and northeastern Punjab, and Islamabad from February 19 to 21,” the NDMA said.

“Northern and northwestern Balochistan may experience rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall from February 18 to 20. Upper KP is likely to see similar conditions from February 18 to 20, while GB and AJK will have cloudy weather with rain, wind, and snowfall on February 19 and 20.”

The agriculture sector contributes nearly a quarter of Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 37 percent of the national labor force, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

Pakistan generally relies on water from the Indus river which bisects the country from north to south, where it empties into the Arabian Sea.

Experts say a fast-growing population, climate change and poor resource management with an over-reliance on a single water source are all spurring scarcity, and building water reservoirs, restoring wetlands and promoting drought tolerant crop varieties is vital to mitigating recurring and intensifying drought risks in the country.

In its advisory, the NDMA urged the public to use ‘Pak NDMA Alert App’ to stay updated about the weather conditions before traveling.

“NDMA has advised relevant authorities to stay vigilant, especially in snowfall and rain-prone areas,” it added.


Pakistan urges OIC to dissuade Israel and its backers from reviving Gaza war

Pakistan urges OIC to dissuade Israel and its backers from reviving Gaza war
Updated 17 February 2025
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Pakistan urges OIC to dissuade Israel and its backers from reviving Gaza war

Pakistan urges OIC to dissuade Israel and its backers from reviving Gaza war
  • The statement comes amid a six-week truce between Hamas and Israel that ended 15-month war, which has killed over 48,000 Palestinians
  • Deputy PM Ishaq Dar says ​​Pakistan supports diplomacy to preserve Gaza ceasefire deal and negotiations for its second and third phases

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to dissuade Israel and its supporters from reviving the war on Gaza, while at the same time opposing the proposals for the expulsion of Palestinians from their country.
The statement by the Pakistan deputy premier came during his briefing to the OIC Group on Pakistan’s priorities on the sidelines of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York on multilateralism and global governance.
Israel’s war on Gaza, which began after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians and displaced almost all of Gaza’s 2 million population by laying waste to swathes of neighborhoods, schools and hospitals.
Dar said the Gaza war has had catastrophic consequences for the Palestinian people and the OIC countries should work collectively to preserve the interests of Palestine and the objectives of the Arab and Muslim world.
“​​Pakistan supports the pursuit of diplomacy to preserve the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the negotiation and implementation of its second and third phases,” he said.
“We must dissuade Israel and its supporters from reviving the war in Gaza, and ensure adequate humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, including by preserving the essential role of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine).”
Dar’s statement came amid a six-week truce announced on Jan. 19 between Hamas and Israel that ended 15 months of war, involving the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to the north.
He said the OIC must “rigorously oppose” proposals for the expulsion of the Palestinians from their country. It followed remarks by United States (US) President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu about the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan or other countries, which have been rejected by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and other nations apart from being condemned by international rights groups.
“​​Simultaneously, we should take steps to end Israel’s campaign of violence and displacement in the West Bank. We should clarify our common position of opposition to the plans of Israeli extremists to annex the West Bank,” Dar said. “We must initiate concrete steps to secure the two-state solution.”
Palestinian territory – encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has consistently called for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters
Dar welcomed an agreement brokered by France and the US last November that led to a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, but said Israel’s continued military actions in south Lebanon violate the agreement and threaten to reignite the conflict. He said ​​Pakistan supports the stabilization of Syria through an “inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process,” facilitated by the UN.
He also spoke about a number of African issues of interest to the OIC that are under consideration in the Security Council, including Libya, Sudan, Sahel and Somalia.
“Pakistan will work with other OIC and African countries to promote effective solutions to these situations where the challenges of international terrorism, organized crime, external intervention and the exploitation of national resources are all intertwined,” the deputy PM added.
Speaking about ​Islamophobia, he said it remains a “persistent and alarming challenge” for the world, demanding urgent action.
“The OIC Group must also remain actively engaged in formulation of the Secretary-General’s Action Plan to combat Islamophobia, ensuring sustained progress and impact,” Dar added.


Pakistan economy moving in ‘right direction’ — IMF chief

Pakistan economy moving in ‘right direction’ — IMF chief
Updated 17 February 2025
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Pakistan economy moving in ‘right direction’ — IMF chief

Pakistan economy moving in ‘right direction’ — IMF chief
  • Pakistan, which averted a default in 2023, is currently navigating a path to economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF program
  • Finmin says Pakistan has achieved a primary surplus on the fiscal side, with overall debt-to-GDP ratio having declined to mid-60s

KARACHI: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Monday acknowledged Pakistan’s economic progress, saying the country was moving in the “right direction” by staying the course of IMF-backed structural reforms.
She said this while moderating a panel discussion, titled “A Path for Emerging Market Resilience,” on the second day of AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia. The discussion featured Pakistan’s finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and his counterparts from Türkiye, Brazil and Egypt.
Pakistan, which averted a default in 2023, is currently navigating a path to economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF program and has undertaken several reforms in taxation, energy and others sectors as well as with regard to better management of loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
Aurangzeb shared the South Asian nation had achieved a primary surplus on the fiscal deficit front with its overall debt-to-GDP ratio having declined to mid-60s from more than 73 percent, thanks to “prudent fiscal management.”
“This is indeed the right trajectory, the right direction to travel and I want to thank you for your dedication to stay the course,” Georgieva said after Aurangzeb detailed his government’s efforts to keep the fiscal and current account deficits in check.
The statement by the IMF chief comes days before the arrival of a team of IMF experts to review Pakistan’s performance under the ongoing loan program. A successful review would lead to the release of around $1 billion to the cash-strapped South Asian nation.
Georgieva lauded Pakistan for “improving the overall performance of the economy” through privatization and trying to reform the loss-making SOEs, especially the government’s failed attempt to sell off its stake in the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
“You rightly pointed out the bane of our country has been the twin deficits,” Aurangzeb said, adding that Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio was languishing between 9 percent to 10 percent, the lowest in the region, but the government was able to increase it to 10.8 percent in end-December by mobilizing local resources.
In its 37-month loan agreement with the Washington-based lender, Pakistan has agreed to increase the country’s tax-to-GDP level to 13.5 percent to join the comity of nations and to bring a certain level of sustainability to the primary surplus that it has achieved.
Aurangzeb said his country was working and making “tough policy choices with respect to what is a good cost and bad cost.”
The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is trying to rid Pakistan’s economy of the recurring boom-and-bust cycles by enticing overseas Pakistanis to remit their earnings through formal banking channels as well as increasing exports. Pakistan expects worker remittances to rise above $35 billion this year through June.
“If we have to grow sustainably it has to be export-led growth. And we have to change fundamentally the DNA of the economy and we are working toward that,” Aurangzeb said.
“We just need to make sure we make it sustainable as we go forward.”
To a question, the minister said developing economies like Pakistan were relatively in a good place as they had entered 2025 on a “relatively strong note” in terms of market stability, resilience of the banking system, and the bold and structural reforms, which a number of economies were undertaking at this point.
“Therefore, a lot is in our control in terms of staying the course,” Aurangzeb said, adding Pakistan’s recent 10-year agreement with the World Bank Group would allow it to look at the existential issues of population control and climate change.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is going to become a huge enabler and game changer for a productivity-led economic growth in Pakistan, according to the finance minister. The use of agri-tech and AI-inspired precision farming will hike crop yields by 5 percent to 20 percent, while AI-powered digital banking and other services have already begun to help increase Pakistan’s IT exports by 25 percent.
“What we need to do is to ensure that the third largest freelancer population in the country gets the requisite resources,” he added.


Pakistan win bronze at 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships

Pakistan win bronze at 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships
Updated 17 February 2025
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Pakistan win bronze at 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships

Pakistan win bronze at 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships
  • Republic of Korea made national sporting history as their men’s team won the tournament for the first time
  • In women’s event, Hong Kong ended Malaysia’s decade of dominance by claiming title for first time in 14 years

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan team has won a bronze medal at the 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships held in Hong Kong, state media reported on Monday.

The Asian Junior Team Championships have been held biennially since 1983.

“South Korea secured the gold medal while Malaysia got silver,” Radio Pakistan reported. “Pakistan and India won bronze medals.”

The Republic of Korea made national sporting history as their men’s team won the tournament for the first time, while in the women’s event, hosts Hong Kong ended Malaysia’s decade of dominance by claiming the title for the first time in 14 years.

Prior to Sunday’s conclusion at Hong Kong Squash Center, Republic of Korea had never reached the final of the Asian Junior Team Championships.

Completing the medals in the men’s event were No.6 seeds Pakistan, who beat No.5 seeds Japan in the quarterfinals but lost to Republic of Korea in the semis, and No.4 seeds India, who upset hosts Hong Kong, China in the quarter-final before losing out to Malaysia in the semis.

Completing the medals in the women’s event were No.3 seeds India and No.5 seeds Singapore, with India finishing second in Pool B after comprehensive wins over China, Macau – China, and Mongolia, before losing out to the hosts in the semifinals, and Singapore coming second in Pool A after wins over No.4 seeds Republic of Korea as well as Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei before eventually exiting to Malaysia in the last four.


Nearly 250 Pakistani firms showcase agro-based products at Gulfood trade exhibition in Dubai

Nearly 250 Pakistani firms showcase agro-based products at Gulfood trade exhibition in Dubai
Updated 17 February 2025
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Nearly 250 Pakistani firms showcase agro-based products at Gulfood trade exhibition in Dubai

Nearly 250 Pakistani firms showcase agro-based products at Gulfood trade exhibition in Dubai
  • Since its inception in 1987, Gulfood has become a powerful trade forum and has been driving the global food and beverage industry forward
  • Pakistani companies are presenting rice, meat, dairy, spices, cheese, processed food, bakery items, salt, and others products at the event

ISLAMABAD: Nearly 250 Pakistani firms are participating in the 30th edition of Gulfood trade exhibition in Dubai and are showcasing various Pakistani agro-based products to global buyers, the Pakistani consulate said on Monday.
Since its inception in 1987, Gulfood has become a powerful trade forum and has been driving the global food and beverage industry forward. The event, running from Feb. 17 till Feb. 21, will be featuring over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries.
Pakistan’s Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the exhibition held at the Dubai World Trade Center on Monday, where 45 Pakistani companies are showcasing rice, cereals, meat, dairy, spices, cheese, processed food, bakery items, salt, herbal products, honey, horticulture, juices and beverages.
These companies are participating under the umbrella of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), while another 200 Pakistani firms are participating privately in Gulfood 2025, reflecting the country’s growing presence in the global food market, according to the Pakistani consulate.
“It is a matter of great pride that 45 companies under TDAP, along with a total of 200 Pakistani companies privately, are participating in this prestigious event,” Ambassador Tirmizi said after the launch of Pakistan Pavilion.
“Our stalls are ideally designed and strategically located, with increased space to attract local and global buyers. There is significant interest in our products, including basmati rice, spices, pink salt and cheese.”
He highlighted the upward trend in Pakistan’s agro-based exports, particularly to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and emphasized the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) role as one of Pakistan’s key trading partners.
“Gulfood offers an unparalleled platform for collaboration and innovation, enabling Pakistani exporters to maximize business-to-business opportunities through knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration with global business leaders,” the ambassador said.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE’s foreign ministry. Policymakers in Pakistan consider the Gulf country an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.
Ali Zeb Khan, the trade and investment counselor at the Pakistani consulate, shared that Pakistan’s agri-food exports had reached $8 billion globally in fiscal year 2023-24, which ended in June, marking a 37 percent increase compared to the previous year.
“This growth was driven by significant increases in the exports of rice, maize, sesame, meat, edible fruits, and vegetables,” he said.
On the occasion, Shabbir Merchant, president of the Pakistan Business Council Dubai, pledged full support to Pakistani exhibitors, emphasizing the council’s commitment to promoting Pakistani products in the UAE and beyond.