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Punjab Police charge KP chief minister under Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly inciting violence

Punjab Police charge KP chief minister under Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly inciting violence
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party nominated Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur shows a portrait of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, during a protest against the alleged skewing in Pakistan's national election results, in Peshawar on February 17, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 4 min 10 sec ago
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Punjab Police charge KP chief minister under Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly inciting violence

Punjab Police charge KP chief minister under Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly inciting violence
  • Police say people in Ali Amin Gandapur’s caravan smashed the window of a toll plaza near Sialkot Interchange
  • Police also accused them of targeting private vehicles and threatening uniformed personnel with AK-47 rifles
Updated 4 min 10 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Police have registered a case against Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 for inciting violence while en route to a public rally organized by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Lahore on Saturday.

Thousands of people had arrived in the city from various parts of Pakistan to attend the rally, which demanded Khan’s release, as he has been imprisoned on multiple charges for over a year. By the time Gandapur, who is also a close aide to the ex-premier, arrived at the rally’s venue, PTI leaders had been asked to wind up since the designated time for the public gathering had expired.

However, people in the KP chief minister’s convoy reportedly engaged in violence at one of the toll plazas and threatened the police officers deployed there.

According to a police report, his convoy broke traffic rules by using the wrong side of the road due to congestion while approaching the toll plaza near the Sialkot Interchange.

“On Ali Amin’s orders, an armed group began smashing the windows of the toll plaza cabins, the barriers used to stop vehicles and the CCTV cameras,” the police complaint said.

It maintained the people accompanying the chief minister also targeted the private vehicles at waiting to cross the toll plaza and broke their windows.

When the police officials jumped into action, the vehicles driven by the group sped toward them “with the intent to kill.”

“But we managed to save ourselves by jumping to the sides,” the police complaint continued, adding the armed individuals also “pointed their AK-47 rifles at us with the intent to take our lives.”

Gandapur faces charges in Punjab, where the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is in power, while his province is governed by Khan’s PTI.

Both parties are at political odds, with PTI in opposition at the federal level and PML-N leading the central government.

Topics: Punjab Police Anti-Terrorism Act Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur Arab News Pakistan

After losing arms to electrocution, Pakistani boy learns to paint with feet

After losing arms to electrocution, Pakistani boy learns to paint with feet
Updated 21 sec ago
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After losing arms to electrocution, Pakistani boy learns to paint with feet

After losing arms to electrocution, Pakistani boy learns to paint with feet
  • Ali Gohar started painting with his feet after both his arms had to be amputated following an accident in 2015
  • Gohar, now 19, has finished 25-30 paintings and sketches and won local art competitions in his hometown of Quetta 
Updated 21 sec ago
SAADULLAH AKHTER

QUETTA: Ali Gohar fished in the pencil case for several minutes, looking for the right tool to sketch on a black chart paper spread out on the ground below him. He then picked out a small pencil and started scribbling — with his feet. 

Tragedy struck Gohar in 2015 when, as a nine-year-old in Pakistan’s southwestern Quetta city, the kite he was flying got stuck in a high voltage electricity transmission tower as it started to rain. Gohar was electrocuted and was subsequently treated for over two weeks in Quetta and Karachi before doctors recommended amputating both his arms. 

The tragedy, though it made his life difficult in many respects, also helped him acquire an extraordinary dexterity of his feet and learn to
sketch and paint with them. 

“Before losing my arms, I was not good at drawing at my school,” Gohar, 19, told Arab News. “But after that incident, when I started using my mobile phone with my feet, my sister helped me hold a paintbrush and pencil between my feet’s big toe and index toe.”

Pakistani artist Ali Gohar (right) is seen holding a pencil with his foot in Quetta, Pakistan, on September 22, 2024. (AN photo) 

And the rest is history. Art has since become Gohar’s outlet, and he has finished about 25-30 paintings in the last four years, often taking months to complete a single work of art.

“In sketching, I create images. I also do conceptual art, which reflects my thoughts,” Gohar explained, saying art helped best put his thoughts and feelings onto a canvas and make sense of a “life full of tragedies.” 

 “I have seen a lot of agony in my life and have gone through an accident, and I want to show that to people,” he said. 

And his work has gained recognition. According to Gohar, he has participated in three local art competitions held in Marriabad and Hazara town neighborhoods in Quetta between 2021 to 2023 and secured the first position in all three. 

Gohar also has an intermediate qualification in computer sciences from a local college in Quetta and now wants to go to university to study software engineering. 

“My focus is on computers, and artwork is a hobby,” he said. 

But it wasn’t easy getting here. Gohar’s mother and other family members help him out with daily tasks such as eating and wearing clothes. When his studies resumed following the amputation, Gohar still hadn’t learned how to write. While other students gave written exams, he had no choice but to give his answers orally till the eighth standard, when Gohar finally learned how to write with his feet. 

“After writing with my feet, I remained a bright student in my class with the highest marks in all exams,” he said. 

Shazia Batool, Gohar’s first art teacher who also has a disability that requires her to use a wheelchair, described him as a “brilliant” student who had developed “astonishing skills” in a short time due to his determination. 

“During the initial days, it was difficult for Gohar to hold a pencil with his feet because he was afraid of using his feet for artwork but I taught him how to use his feet on the canvas, shaping and lining,” Batool said. 

“Anyone else might have gotten nervous and said, ‘I can’t do it.’ But I saw Gohar, and he did it. He didn’t have that ‘I can’t do it’ mindset.”

Pakistani artist Ali Gohar (right) talks with his teacher Shazia Batool in Quetta, Pakistan, on September 22, 2024. (AN photo) 

Gohar has considered prosthetic arms but says his family cannot afford them. 

“There is a surgery of hand transplantation which is yet to be introduced in Pakistan,” he said. “But I am very much looking for hand transplantation from abroad.”

Gohar said he gets his strength from the belief that God blesses everyone with the skills and talents they need to survive. 

“Yes, I may not have hands, but I have a skill that I can perform with my feet,” he said. “Perhaps those who work with their hands cannot do it with their feet, and that’s why I don’t lose hope.”

Topics: Pakistan Pakistani artist Quetta Ali Gohar

PCB says lack of unity within Pakistan team discussed in ‘Connection Camp’

PCB says lack of unity within Pakistan team discussed in ‘Connection Camp’
Updated 24 September 2024
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PCB says lack of unity within Pakistan team discussed in ‘Connection Camp’

PCB says lack of unity within Pakistan team discussed in ‘Connection Camp’
  • Pakistani media has reported on rifts among players and PCB management over captaincy changes, overseas cricket leagues
  • “Connection Camp” led by PCB chairman featured Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Pakistan’s white and red-ball coaches 
Updated 24 September 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer this week acknowledged that the board’s officials and cricketers discussed the lack of unity in the national team and PCB management during the recently held “Connection Camp,” vowing that fans will see positive results both in the short and long term. 

The Connection Camp was a series of day-long discussions led by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi featuring prominent cricketers including Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan as well as the national men’s coaching staff. The camp focused on reviving Pakistan cricket’s glorious past amid a string of humiliating losses.

Pakistan’s local media has extensively reported on an alleged rift between Azam and Afridi. The Pakistani batter was replaced with Afridi as skipper of the T20 squad last year but was reappointed once after Pakistan suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to New Zealand. Afridi reportedly did not take his sacking well as cricket commentators claimed rifts between Azam and Afridi led to two opposing camps in the Pakistan team, leading to the national team’s lackluster performance in the T20 World Cup in June and the Bangladesh series at home this month. 

When asked whether lack of unity among players was discussed during the camp, PCB’s chief operating officer said at a news conference:

“The session was about this (lack of unity) that we openly and candidly accept and identify (issues) and ask for a commitment from each other, demand it, on how we can improve our performances and how we work together as a team.

“Our unanimous view was that we need to resolve this going forward and need to identify how we do it.”

Media reports have also cited tensions between the PCB and some Pakistani cricketers after they were denied no-objection certificates to participate in overseas cricket leagues over the summer. Afridi, Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah were all prevented from playing in leagues before the start of Pakistan’s home season, with workload management the primary reason cited by the board.

“Where the talk is of unity, it wasn’t only about the team,” Naseer said. “It was between the team and management and how we can work together to do things more successfully. These were part of the discussions. We talked about planning, we talked about workload management.”

Pakistan’s white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, who was also part of the camp, said he was encouraged by the quality of the players he had witnessed during the ongoing Champions Cup tournament and enjoyed the competitive tournament. 

“Been great to see a lot of young players showcasing what they are capable of,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s red-ball coach Jason Gillespie maintained that the discussions would continue, citing the players cared about their performances and were “desperate” to do well. 

“Because we’re new to the job, our job is to listen and learn and look to implement ways where we can be more effective as players, as a team, and as coaches,” he said. “What was really clear today was the pride the Pakistan players have in playing for Pakistan and how they want to inspire the country. We’re on this journey together and we’ll do everything we can to help.”

Pakistan is set to host England for a three-match Test series next month from October 7 to 28 and play three Tests. The first and second matches will be played in Multan from October 7-19 while the third Test will be played in Rawalpindi from October 24-28.
 

Topics: Pakistan cricket Pakistan Cricket Board

Qatari naval ship Al Khor arrives in Karachi to hold bilateral exercise with Pakistan Navy

Qatari naval ship Al Khor arrives in Karachi to hold bilateral exercise with Pakistan Navy
Updated 24 September 2024
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Qatari naval ship Al Khor arrives in Karachi to hold bilateral exercise with Pakistan Navy

Qatari naval ship Al Khor arrives in Karachi to hold bilateral exercise with Pakistan Navy
  • Pakistan regularly conducts exercises with friendly countries’ navies to enhance maritime cooperation, regional security
  • Qatari officials to take part in bilateral training and discussions with Pakistan Navy counterparts during stay in Karachi 
Updated 24 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A Qatar naval ship named Al Khor arrived in the southern port city of Karachi this week to participate in a joint exercise and partake in bilateral trainings with the Pakistan Navy, a statement from the navy confirmed. 

Pakistan regularly conducts bilateral exercises with the navies of friendly countries to enhance maritime cooperation, promote regional stability, and strengthen overall ties. These exercises focus on improving interoperability, tactical operations and counter-terrorism capabilities. Pakistan’s navy also showcases its commitment through these exercises to collaborate with allies on maritime security efforts.

“The Qatari Ship will participate in a joint exercise Asad Al Bahr and bilateral training and discussions with Pakistan Navy counterparts during its stay at Karachi,” the Pakistan Navy said in a statement on Monday. “Upon arrival, the ship was warmly welcomed by Pakistan Navy officers and sailors.”

During the visit, the Qatari ship’s commanding officer paid a visit to the mausoleum of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah to pay homage to him. He also called on Pakistan Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Faisal Abbasi wherein the two officials discussed matters of mutual interest and enhancing bilateral relations.

The Qatari commander also appreciated Pakistan Navy’s efforts in promoting peace and security in the region, the press release said.
 

Topics: Pakistan Qatar ties Al Khor

PIA partners with Saudi company to boost tourism, air travel between Pakistan and kingdom

PIA partners with Saudi company to boost tourism, air travel between Pakistan and kingdom
Updated 24 September 2024
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PIA partners with Saudi company to boost tourism, air travel between Pakistan and kingdom

PIA partners with Saudi company to boost tourism, air travel between Pakistan and kingdom
  • Partnership aims to promote Saudi Arabia as top tourist destination among Pakistanis through joint marketing initiatives, travel packages
  • Agreement expected to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, enhance both countries’ tourism potential, says Pakistan’s flag carrier
Updated 24 September 2024
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Funadiq Travel & Tourism Services, the official marketing representative of the Saudi Tourism Authority in the country, this week inked an agreement to boost air travel and tourism between the two nations, Pakistan’s national flag carrier said. 

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two parties on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day on Monday. The partnership aims to promote Saudi Arabia as a top tourist destination for Pakistani travelers through joint marketing initiatives, co-branded travel packages, and sustainable tourism practices, the PIA said. It added that the collaboration also supports the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program. 

“This partnership reflects PIA’s commitment to providing enhanced travel experiences for our passengers,” Amir Hayat, PIA’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “By working with Funadiq and the Saudi Tourism Authority, we aim to make travel between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia more accessible and enjoyable for our customers.”

Funadiq CEO Mohammad Salman Arain said the company was “thrilled” to join hands with the national flag carrier to promote the kingdom as a world-class destination. 

“Together, we will ensure that Pakistani tourists enjoy seamless travel experiences while exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Saudi Arabia,” Arain said. 

The partnership is expected to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, enhance tourism potential, and offer new opportunities for both countries to collaborate on multiple fronts, PIA said. 

Thousands of Pakistanis every year travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The two countries enjoy strong cultural, defense and economic ties and the kingdom is home to over two million Pakistanis. For years, it has remained the largest contributor to the South Asian country’s remittance inflows.

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties Funadiq Pakistan International Airlines PIA memorandum of understanding (MoU)

Family of doctor accused of blasphemy in Pakistan say police killed him in fake encounter

Family of doctor accused of blasphemy in Pakistan say police killed him in fake encounter
Updated 24 September 2024
AP
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Family of doctor accused of blasphemy in Pakistan say police killed him in fake encounter

Family of doctor accused of blasphemy in Pakistan say police killed him in fake encounter
  • Shah Nawaz was arrested last week and later killed in an encounter, with his body burnt by a mob
  • Police suspend officers who killed Nawaz, who were applauded and showered with rose petals by locals
Updated 24 September 2024
AP

MULTAN: The family of a doctor accused of blasphemy said Monday he was killed by police while in custody in southern Pakistan after he voluntarily surrendered following assurances that he would be given a chance to prove his innocence, denying a police account that he was accidentally killed in a shootout.

If true, it would be the second extra-judicial killing in a week, drawing condemnation from human rights groups.

Shah Nawaz, a doctor in Umerkot district of Sindh province, had gone into hiding last week after being accused of insulting Islam’s Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and sharing blasphemous content on Facebook. Nawaz said someone had hacked his account and that he had not posted anything against Islam.

His family said he was arrested last Wednesday and killed hours later in a fake encounter with police. A mob also burned Nawaz’s clinic on Wednesday, officials said.

Police said Nawaz was killed unintentionally when officers in the city of Mirpur Khas signalled for two men on a motorcycle to stop. Instead of stopping, the men opened fire and tried to flee, prompting police to shoot, killing one of them, police said.

They said it was only after the shootout that officers learned that the slain man was the doctor being sought by them for alleged blasphemy.

“I want justice for my son who was killed when he was in the custody of police,” said Rehmat Kunbhar, Nawaz’s mother.

“We asked him to face an investigation after police assured us that he would be given protection,” she said by telephone. “I did not know that police would kill him,” she said, sobbing.

She said the posts on Facebook had continued after his arrest, showing that someone had hacked it.

Nawaz’s father, Mohammad Saleh, said a mob had snatched his son’s body after his death and burned it in front of him. “They sprinkled petrol on the body of my son and burned it, as I watched helplessly,” he said.

Police said they arrested nine people on charges of taking the body and burning it. Noor Mohammad, a police official who is investigating the case, said officers are seeking the arrest of more than 100 people who were involved in the violence that erupted before and after Nawaz’s arrest.

On Friday, authorities suspended the policemen who had opened fire and killed Nawaz, who were applauded and showered with rose petals by local residents after the killing.

Members of civil society visited Nawaz’s village on Thursday and met with his family and put flowers on his grave in a sign of respect and support.

“We are terrified and we cannot send our children to school,” said Niamat Bibi, Nawaz’s widow.

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.

A week before Nawaz’s killing, an officer opened fire inside a police station in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta, killing Syed Khan, another 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. The police officer who killed him, Mohammad Khurram, was quickly arrested. However, the family of the slain man later said they pardoned the officer.

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.

Topics: blasphemy Multan Pakistan police

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