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Saudi Arabia condemns Karachi attack that killed two Chinese nationals

Saudi Arabia condemns Karachi attack that killed two Chinese nationals
A member of the Airport Security Force ASF stands guard near the wreckage of vehicles after an explosion near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan on October 6, 2024. (REUTERS)
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Updated 10 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia condemns Karachi attack that killed two Chinese nationals

Saudi Arabia condemns Karachi attack that killed two Chinese nationals
  • The bombing was the latest in a string of attacks against Chinese nationals in Pakistan
  • A March suicide bombing killed five Chinese engineers working on a hydropower project
Updated 10 October 2024
Muhammad Ibrahim
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ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia on Thursday condemned a militant attack near the international airport of the southern Pakistani city of Karachi in which two Chinese nationals were killed last week.
The attack on Sunday was claimed by separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) which said it had used a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device to target the Chinese nationals, including engineers.
“The embassy condemns the attack by Saudi Arabia which took place near the Karachi Airport in which several people, including citizens of the People’s Republic of China, were killed and injured,” Riyadh’s embassy in Islamabad said on X.

The bombing was the latest in a string of attacks against Chinese nationals in Pakistan over the last four years, including a March suicide bombing that killed five Chinese engineers working on a hydropower project.
Beijing called on Islamabad to implement more stringent security measures.
BLA, the largest of several ethnic insurgent groups that has fought the federal government for decades, targets Chinese interests — including the strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea — as it accuses Beijing of helping Islamabad exploit local resources. It has previously killed Chinese citizens and attacked China’s consulate in Karachi.
The port development is part of Beijing’s $65 billion investment in road, rail and infrastructure building under President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
With inputs from Reuters

Topics: Karachi airport attack Karachi airport Chinese national killed Chinese nationals in Pakistan Saudi Embassy in Islamabad

Political leaders meet in Pakistan’s northwest after deadly clashes at gathering by ‘banned’ Pashtun rights group

Political leaders meet in Pakistan’s northwest after deadly clashes at gathering by ‘banned’ Pashtun rights group
Updated 31 sec ago
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Political leaders meet in Pakistan’s northwest after deadly clashes at gathering by ‘banned’ Pashtun rights group

Political leaders meet in Pakistan’s northwest after deadly clashes at gathering by ‘banned’ Pashtun rights group
  • The gathering was called by Chief Minister Gandapur after shooting at Pashtun Tahafuz Movement members
  • PTM was banned by the federal authorities for alleged anti-state activities but plans to hold a national jirga
Updated 31 sec ago
WASIM SAJJAD

PESHAWAR: Representatives of Pakistan’s major political parties met at the Chief Minister’s House in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday to discuss a shooting incident that left three people dead at a gathering organized by a recently banned Pashtun rights movement accused of promoting anti-state rhetoric and targeting Pakistani embassies abroad.
The jirga, a traditional assembly in Pashtun communities used to resolve disputes and make decisions on social and political matters, was called by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and included Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
According to a statement circulated by the provincial authorities, the meeting focused on “the unfortunate incident in Khyber district yesterday,” where a clash broke out between police and members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), resulting in three deaths and 10 injuries.
PTM, which has long advocated against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of Pashtuns and other ethnic minorities in Pakistan, was recently designated as a “proscribed” organization by the federal government due to its alleged links to militant factions, a charge denied by its leadership. The group plans to hold a national jirga on Friday despite the government’s imposed restrictions.
“The purpose of the jirga is to find a peaceful solution to the conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding,” Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, KP administration’s spokesperson, said in a statement.
“The jirga has given Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur full authority to resolve the conflict through dialogue and understanding,” he added.
Saif expressed hope to find suitable solution to the problem soon.
“The jirga members are in contact with both parties, and, God willing, discussions will begin tonight,” he continued.
He maintained the KP government was aware of its constitutional and legal responsibilities, adding that protecting the state of Pakistan and upholding the dignity of the Constitution were its top priorities.
“Establishing peace in the province is not only our responsibility but also our duty,” he said. “We are following a zero-tolerance policy on any issue that affects law and order.”
While the KP administration did not say how it planned to deal with PTM’s gathering amid the ban imposed by the government, Mohsin Dawar, a former lawmaker from North Waziristan who was previously affiliated with PTM, said it was agreed to allow the gathering.
“Participated in the meeting called by the Chief Minister on PTM’s Pashtuns National Jarga,” he said in a social media post. “We demanded from all the political parties in the meeting to allow PTM’s Jarga to be held. Our demand has been accepted and the federal and provincial govts will allow the Jarga tomorrow.”

Topics: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Mohsin Naqvi Mohsin Dawar Grand Jirga

Security forces kill four militants in Pakistan’s northwest

Security forces kill four militants in Pakistan’s northwest
Updated 10 October 2024
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Security forces kill four militants in Pakistan’s northwest

Security forces kill four militants in Pakistan’s northwest
  • Militants were killed in two separate operations carried out in Bannu and North Waziristan
  • Weapons and ammunition were recovered from militants who were involved in several crimes
Updated 10 October 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed four militants in two separate operations in the country’s northwest, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Thursday.
The country has witnessed a surge in militant attacks in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province since a fragile ceasefire broke down between the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the government in November 2022.
Pakistan has frequently said the TTP leadership is based in Afghanistan and gets assistance from the administration in Kabul, though Afghan authorities deny the claim.
“On 9-10 October 2024, four Khwarij [TTP militants] were killed in two separate operations conducted by Security Forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the ISPR said.
On October 9, an intelligence-based operation was carried out in the general area of Janikhel in Bannu district in which two militants were killed.
In another operation, conducted in the general area Hassan Khel in North Waziristan on October 10, Pakistani troops effectively engaged a militant hideout and in ensuing exchange of fire two more militants lost their lives.
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as abductions and target killing of innocent civilians,” the ISPR added.
It said the “sanitization of the area” was being carried out to eliminate any other militant found in the territory.

Topics: TTP Pakistan Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink multiple agreements valuing $2 billion

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink multiple agreements valuing $2 billion
Updated 35 min 1 sec ago
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink multiple agreements valuing $2 billion

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink multiple agreements valuing $2 billion
  • Saudi investment minister is heading a large business delegation on three-day visit to Islamabad
  • Saudi visit comes as Pakistan seeks foreign investments to navigate tricky path to economic recovery
Updated 35 min 1 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing of over $2 billion in agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Saudi and Pakistani businesses on Thursday, calling the ceremony a precursor to many future partnerships.
The event took place as Sharif welcomed Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih at the PM House, describing his visit as an “important milestone” in the economic relations between the two countries.
The Saudi minister brought a large delegation of businessmen representing various economic sectors, including energy, mining, agriculture, tourism and industry, a day earlier, with the aim of finalizing 27 business-to-business deals and MoUs.
The visit took place at a time when Pakistan is seeking to strengthen trade and investment ties with friendly nations, particularly the kingdom, whose leadership reaffirmed its commitment this year to expedite a $5 billion investment package for the South Asian country.
“Today’s ceremony will lead to many more such events in times to come if we are sincere to the cause,” Sharif told the gathering, referring to Pakistan’s commitment to implementing these agreements and turning the MoUs into lucrative business deals.
He assured the Saudi delegation of his government’s full cooperation, saying he would not allow any impediments to thwart the business cooperation between the two countries.
The prime minister said Pakistan’s relations with the kingdom were firmly rooted in history and that both countries had stood by each other through thick and thin.
“Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan, whether after floods or earthquakes,” he continued. “This is not only friendship. This is true brotherhood, which we must transform into a relationship of economic development, cooperation and promoting our investments.”
Earlier, the prime minister told the Saudi minister that his visit was “an important milestone in strengthening investment ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for greater collaboration in sectors of mutual interest.”
The prime minister pointed out that Al-Falih’s trip to Pakistan was the third high-level Saudi delegation to visit the country in the last six months, calling it a testament to the growing momentum in the bilateral relationship.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing readiness to strengthen defense ties, including support for the kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to develop indigenous defense and security capabilities.
According to the PM Office, the Saudi minister reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to increasing its investment portfolio in Pakistan, particularly in mining, agriculture, food security and infrastructure development.
He further said the signing of 27 agreements and MoUs was just the beginning of the journey.

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties Pakistan Saudi Arabia

Triple centurion Brook happy to break Dad’s club record

Triple centurion Brook happy to break Dad’s club record
Updated 52 min 37 sec ago
AFP
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Triple centurion Brook happy to break Dad’s club record

Triple centurion Brook happy to break Dad’s club record
  • 25-year-old smashed a career best 317 that, coupled with Joe Root’s 262, helped visitors pile 823-7
  • With a big 267-run lead over Pakistan in first innings, England then caught the home team napping at 152-6
Updated 52 min 37 sec ago
AFP

MULTAN, Pakistan: England’s rising batting star Harry Brook said he was delighted he had finally eclipsed his father’s highest club score, when he hit a triple hundred against Pakistan in Multan on Thursday.

The 25-year-old smashed a career best 317 that, coupled with Joe Root’s 262, helped visitors pile 823-7 declared — fourth highest total in all Test cricket — England’s third best.

With a big 267-run lead over Pakistan in the first innings, England then caught the home team napping at 152-6. At close, Pakistan still needed 115 to avoid an innings defeat on the final day Friday.

Brook said his father’s highest score was the target.

“I just wanted to get past my dad’s high score 210,” said Brook of his father David’s score in a club match for Burnley in 2001.

Brook had missed a chance of surpassing dad’s best when he scored 186 against New Zealand at Wellington last year.

“I said that to you guys before, I was pretty happy when I got past his score, to be honest.”

Brook said he was satisfied to contribute in team’s strong position.

“I am lost for words, to be honest, I’m just happy that the team’s in a in a strong position to win the game tomorrow morning. It’s an incredible thing.”

Brook and Root enjoyed a run feast on a flat Multan stadium pitch, adding a big 454 for the fourth wicket, England’s highest partnership in Tests.

It eclipsed the 411-run fourth-wicket partnership by Peter May and Colin Cowdrey against the West Indies at Birmingham in 1957.

“It was wonderful batting with Rooty,” said Brook. “We spoke about the game moving forward and going out there after lunch to try and put the foot down and get a decent lead.”

“It makes you feel so comfortable when you’re watching him at the other end, he makes the game look so easy, and he’s playing the ball so late and making the balls look slow.”

Brook completed his triple century with a boundary off part-timer Saim Ayub, reaching the mark off 310 balls before he top-edged a sweep off the same bowler and was caught by Shan Masood.

Brook cracked 29 fours and three sixes in his 439-minute stay at the crease.

It was Brook’s sixth Test century and his fourth against Pakistan following his three in as many Tests when England routed Pakistan 3-0 in 2022.

Topics: Harry Brook Pakistan v England Triple centurion

Imran Khan’s party petitions Pakistani court against ban on jail meetings with ex-premier

Imran Khan’s party petitions Pakistani court against ban on jail meetings with ex-premier
Updated 10 October 2024
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Imran Khan’s party petitions Pakistani court against ban on jail meetings with ex-premier

Imran Khan’s party petitions Pakistani court against ban on jail meetings with ex-premier
  • Khan’s close aide says the former prime minister has been kept in solitary confinement since October 6
  • PTI’s petition comes after Punjab administration banned meetings in Adiala Jail, citing security reasons
Updated 10 October 2024
Arab News Pakistan

KARACHI: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to challenge the “illegal and unacceptable” ban on meetings with him in jail, said the ex-premier’s close aide on Thursday, expressing concerns that Khan has been kept in solitary confinement since October 6.
The development comes just days after Punjab’s provincial administration imposed restrictions on meetings with inmates at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Khan is imprisoned on multiple charges.
A letter issued by the Punjab government called for strict security measures at the prison, citing security concerns following a threat alert issued by the police counterterrorism department on October 6.
The restrictions on meetings with Khan followed clashes between law enforcement personnel and PTI supporters who wanted to stage a large protest in Islamabad last weekend, seeking the release of their leader, with scores of people flocking to the capital chiefly from the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
“We have filed a petition in IHC against the illegal ban of all meetings with Imran Khan,” Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a former federal minister and the ex-premier’s aide, announced in a social media post. “From his legal team to family all have are not allowed to meet him for the next 10 odd days. This is completely illegal and unacceptable.”
“It’s obvious the ban has been placed so a lot [of] oppressive action can be taken and his voice is not heard,” he added.

In another post, Bukhari raised concern over Khan’s life and demanded the authorities allow the former premier’s only sister who has not been imprisoned to see him at the earliest.
“Apparently, he is being kept in complete solitary [confinement] and has not seen daylight since 6th of October,” he added. “Naturally during such frictional times with the government & establishment we are worried for his life.”


The PTI petition submitted in the court by Salman Akram Raja, a prominent lawyer and the party’s secretary general, said the “blanket ban” over Khan’s meetings with his family had also affected other Adiala prisoners.
It said that there was a concern that Khan and his wife, who is also in jail on corruption charges, were kept in “inhuman conditions in death cells” with all their basic facilities withdrawn including regular visits by doctors.
Khan, jailed since August last year, 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.
Since his removal, Khan and his party have waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the military.

Topics: Imran Khan PTI Pakistan

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