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Pakistan reports fresh polio case from Balochistan, taking 2024 tally to 46

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Updated 05 November 2024
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Pakistan reports fresh polio case from Balochistan, taking 2024 tally to 46

Pakistan reports fresh polio case from Balochistan, taking 2024 tally to 46
  • Poliovirus detected in male child from Killa Saifullah district, says polio eradication program
  • Pakistan’s immunization campaigns suffer from misinformation campaigns and militant attacks
Updated 05 November 2024
NAIMAT KHAN
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KARACHI: Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province has detected a fresh poliovirus case in a male child, the country’s polio eradication program said on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases reported this year to 46 as Islamabad struggles to clamp down on the infection. 

The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) laboratory confirmed detecting the virus in a male child from Killa Saifullah district in Balochistan, the program said. 

“This is the second polio case from Killa Saifullah, where several environmental samples have tested positive for WPV1,” the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program said. “So far, 23 cases have been reported from Balochistan province, 12 from Sindh province, nine from KP and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.”

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries where polio remains endemic. Since late 2018, Pakistan has seen a resurgence of cases and increased spread of poliovirus, highlighting the fragility of gains achieved in the preceding years when cases dropped in 2023 to six, from 20 in 2022 and just one in 2022. Misinformation about vaccinations and attacks by militants on polio teams have been major impediments to immunization campaigns.

At least seven people, including five school students, were killed and 23 injured in a blast in southwestern Pakistan that targeted a polio vaccination team vehicle on Friday, police said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Last Tuesday, a policeman was killed in an attack on a health office that manages door-to-door polio vaccination campaigns.

The attacks have coincided with Pakistan’s third nationwide polio campaign this year, launched last week with the aim to administer vaccine drops to more than 45 million children.

Pakistani Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, has said that the government is revamping its polio eradication program to make the country free of the virus by mid next year.

“WPV1 has been detected in 76 districts, indicating widespread circulation of the virus and a continued serious risk to children’s well-being from a disease that can paralyze them for life,” the polio eradication program said. 
“Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five is essential to keep them protected.”

Topics: Polio poliovirus Balochistan

‘I belong here’: Pakistan’s legendary classical dancer, whose art and activism are acts of defiance

‘I belong here’: Pakistan’s legendary classical dancer, whose art and activism are acts of defiance
Updated 35 sec ago
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‘I belong here’: Pakistan’s legendary classical dancer, whose art and activism are acts of defiance

‘I belong here’: Pakistan’s legendary classical dancer, whose art and activism are acts of defiance
  • Sheema Kermani, who has led a five-decade-long feminist movement, says dance is integral to Pakistani culture
  • A vocal advocate for oppressed nations, she was asked to leave a diplomatic event after voicing support for Gaza
Updated 35 sec ago
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: A veteran Pakistani classical dancer, who co-founded a feminist organization as early as the 1970s, said on Friday her entire career was an act of defiance against societal norms, as she earned recognition for championing women’s rights through artistic performances and activism.
Born into a family that valued the arts, Sheema Kermani said she was exposed to music, literature, theater and painting from an early age.
Initially, she studied fine arts but later embraced classical dance as a form of expression, training under Guru Ghanshyam and his wife, two prominent dancers originally from Bombay, who set up the Rhythmic Arts Academy in Karachi, contributing to the city’s cultural landscape.
However, she said her passion was restrained under the military rule of General Zia-ul-Haq, who seized power in 1977, just two years after she began dancing, and imposed strict Islamic laws, banning dance and music.
“My dance, without me wanting it to, became a form of protest,” she told Arab News. “It became an act of defiance, but defiance through art.”
“It was a statement saying this is beautiful, this is love, this is devotion, this is a celebration of nature, of the universe, of life, and I will continue doing it,” she added.
Kermani said the general tried to legitimize his rule by launching a program to transform Pakistan into an Islamic state, making people believe that music and dance were alien to their country’s culture.
“But I felt it was part of our culture,” she continued, arguing that a look at Indus Valley Civilization excavations reveals statues of dancing figurines, proving the historical roots of performance arts in the region.
In the late 1970s, Kermani co-founded Tehreek-e-Niswan, a feminist organization that used art to advocate for women’s rights. She also worked as an actor, starring in several dramas, including the popular “Chand Grehan,” where she played the role of Ameer-ul-Nisa.
Kermani said her activism extended beyond the stage, making her instrumental in launching Aurat March in 2018, an annual demonstration advocating for gender equality and social justice.
“We wanted to say that the road is also our space, the park is also our space,” she said. “Why should we be confined only within four walls and a veil? We are equal humans. So, recognize us as equal human beings, and we will fight for our spaces.”
Held annually on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day, Aurat March takes place in major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, often sparking debates due to its bold slogans and demands for legal, social and economic reforms. Over the years, it has gained momentum, drawing thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds.
For Kermani, the day symbolizes global feminist solidarity.
“It’s about our freedoms, it’s about our liberties, it’s about the celebration of those women who died but who struggled, who fought, who kept on fighting and left something better for their daughters to follow,” she said.
This year, Aurat March will be held on May 11, aligning with Mother’s Day to highlight unpaid labor and a woman’s right to choose motherhood.
Kermani said March 8 will focus on solidarity with Palestinian women, who have suffered due to the brutal conflict in Gaza, and Afghan women, who are denied education.
Kermani said such global causes came close to her heart and recalled how she was asked to leave a British diplomatic event in November 2023 after she raised pro-Palestinian slogans.
“I see in the future a society where there is no war,” she said. “You know, I think women will play a role in that because women are basically, I think, intrinsically anti-war. Women are nurturers, they give birth to children, they raise children, they create harmony and love between humans.”
Asked if she ever thought of moving abroad in the face of opposition, she said that while other dancers left Pakistan when their profession was banned under Zia’s regime, she instead chose to perform solo.
“Why should I go away from this country?” she asked. “It’s my country, my heritage and my culture.”
She said she would continue to perform and advocate for social change.
“I don’t feel tired. I think I’ll do it till I die because it makes me happy.”

Topics: Feminism Aurat March 2025 Aurat March sheema kermani women in Pakistan

AI maps Karachi’s stark green space divide, reveals urban climate vulnerability

AI maps Karachi’s stark green space divide, reveals urban climate vulnerability
Updated 19 min 14 sec ago
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AI maps Karachi’s stark green space divide, reveals urban climate vulnerability

AI maps Karachi’s stark green space divide, reveals urban climate vulnerability
  • New study by researchers at New York University and The Aga Khan University uses artificial intelligence to map the difference in Karachi’s urban spaces
  • Researchers say Karachi was chosen for this landmark study due to the deadly heat waves and urban flooding the metropolis has faced in recent years
Updated 19 min 14 sec ago
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: A new artificial intelligence (AI) system jointly developed by researchers at New York University (NYU) and The Aga Khan University (AKU) in Karachi has exposed a stark disparity in urban green spaces across Pakistan’s largest city, highlighting critical vulnerabilities to climate change.
The study was led by Dr. Rumi Chunara, who serves as director of the NYU Center for Health Data Science and is a member of NYU Tandon’s Visualization Imaging and Data Analysis Center (VIDA), and included NYU’s Miao Zhang, Hajjra Arshad, Manzar Abbas, Hamzah Jahanzeb, Izza Tahir, Javerya Hassan and Dr. Zainab Samad from AKU. The researchers used advanced AI techniques to analyze satellite imagery and assess urban greenery in Karachi.
The research, published in the ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies, found that Karachi averages just 4.17 square meters of per capita green space, which is even less than one half of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended nine square meters per person.
“It is the fifth most populous city in the world and in recent years has faced both deadly heat waves and urban flooding,” said Dr. Zainab Samad of The Aga Khan University.
“The greenspace availability varies significantly across union councils. Three union councils — Darsanno Channo, Murad Memon, and Gulshan-e-Hadeed — have the highest greenspace values of over 80 m² per capita, while five union councils — Darya Abad, Behar Colony, Chishti Nagar, Banaras Colony, and Gulshan Said — have the lowest values of less than 0.1 m² per capita.”
Dr. Samad said areas exceeding WHO’s green space recommendations were situated on Karachi’s periphery, particularly in the east.
The AI system, which achieved 89.4 percent accuracy and 90.6 percent reliability in identifying vegetation, represents a significant improvement over traditional satellite analysis, which typically achieves around 63 percent accuracy.
“To train the AI model, we create new images by shifting the hue of original satellite images,” Dr. Chunara told Arab News. “This technique helps the model better recognize diverse vegetation types.”
This “green augmentation” process enhances the model’s ability to distinguish trees from grass, even in complex urban environments, according to the expert.
The study also revealed a correlation between paved roads and increased green spaces, reflecting broader urban development patterns.
“The correlation reflects broader urban development patterns, where more developed areas with paved roads often have higher socioeconomic status, leading to better access to green spaces and urban infrastructure,” Dr. Chunara said.
The disparity in green space distribution has significant implications for public health and environmental sustainability, according to Dr. Samad. These benefits may be unequally distributed, with low-income areas often lacking vegetation that makes them hotter and more polluted.
“A combination of AI techniques could be used to not only identify deficiencies in green space but also be prescriptive about where greening could be most helpful and how this could be achieved,” she said.
The researchers emphasized the importance of making the AI system and its findings accessible to local authorities.
“Ensuring that the AI system and its findings are accessible and usable for local authorities in Pakistan is a crucial aspect of this research,” Dr. Chunara said. “We will also facilitate direct communication with local authorities to provide ongoing support and ensure that the data is effectively integrated into their planning processes.”
Policy recommendations derived from the research include prioritizing green spaces in urban planning, assessing areas where green space is most needed, and exploring potential locations for repurposing underutilized spaces for greenery.
“City planning can prioritize green spaces through master plans and zoning,” Dr. Samad said, adding that addressing the disparity in green space distribution requires interventions at various levels.
“Infrastructure initiatives like public parks and tree planting programs can enhance greenery, while community-based actions such as volunteer maintenance and tree adoption foster local involvement.”
Interestingly, the researchers compared Karachi to Singapore which, despite similar population density, provides 9.9 square meters of green space per person, exceeding the WHO target.
“In addition to Singapore, cities like Katmandu and Perth have implemented greening initiatives, such as the Green Katmandu Project and the Perth Urban Greening Strategy,” Dr. Chunara noted.
“Other cities, like Dubai, have integrated green space initiatives into their master plans to promote sustainable urban development.”
In Pakistan, however, a major challenge remains ensuring that local authorities can effectively use AI-driven research despite limited technical resources.
Dr. Chunara’s said her team was addressing this by creating accessible visualizations, data summaries and tailored reports.
“We are committed to making the findings actionable by creating clear visualizations, data summaries, and tailored reports that are easy to understand,” she said. “By engaging with authorities in a collaborative and user-friendly way, we aim to bridge the technical gap and empower them to make informed decisions for the city’s future.”

Topics: Karachi Ubranization in Karachi climate change Urban flooding

WhatsApp group admin shot dead in northwest Pakistan for allegedly removing member

WhatsApp group admin shot dead in northwest Pakistan for allegedly removing member
Updated 08 March 2025
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WhatsApp group admin shot dead in northwest Pakistan for allegedly removing member

WhatsApp group admin shot dead in northwest Pakistan for allegedly removing member
  • The shooting in the holy fasting month of Ramadan has ignited a broader online discussion
  • Netizens emphasize one of the purposes of fasting in Ramadan is to cultivate self-restraint
Updated 08 March 2025
REHMAT MEHSUD

PESHAWAR: A man was shot and killed in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province after he removed another man from his WhatsApp group, police and the victim’s brother said on Saturday, in what appears to be the first case of its kind.
The incident occurred in Regi, a rundown locality on the outskirts of Peshawar, on Friday evening, bringing to light the dangerous consequences of seemingly minor online disputes.
The suspect, Ashfaq Khan, opened fire on WhatsApp group administrator Mushtaq Ahmed after an altercation over the removal of the former from the latter’s WhatsApp group.
Humayun Khan, the victim’s brother, told Arab News that he was present at the scene when Khan opened fire on his brother, saying they were not aware of the details of the altercation.
“My slain brother Mushtaq and Ashfaq had developed some differences in a WhatsApp group, forcing my brother to remove the latter. Ashfaq got infuriated and shot my brother dead,” Humayun said.
“It was a non-issue or a very trivial matter. No one in our family even knew about the dispute at all.”
Abid Khan, a local police officer, said the brother of the deceased had lodged a complaint with police, accusing Khan of fatally shooting Ahmed.
The police report says both parties were in the process of reconciliation, when the suspect suddenly opened fire and killed the WhatsApp group admin.
Abid said the suspect fled the scene after shooting Ahmed dead and police were conducting raids to apprehend him.
The shooting has ignited a broader online discussion, with many social media users expressing sorrow over the incident during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Many users emphasized that one of the purposes of fasting in Ramadan is to cultivate self-restraint.

Topics: WhatsApp Peshawar Arab News Pakistan

Unidentified men kill religious party leader at mosque in Pakistan’s southwest

Unidentified men kill religious party leader at mosque in Pakistan’s southwest
Updated 08 March 2025
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Unidentified men kill religious party leader at mosque in Pakistan’s southwest

Unidentified men kill religious party leader at mosque in Pakistan’s southwest
  • No group has claimed responsibility for the killing in Balochistan’s Kech district, but police said it appeared to be a targeted attack
  • It follows killing of two Jamiat Ulema Islam members in Khuzdar and a suicide attack that killed Maulana Hamidul Haq in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Updated 08 March 2025
Saadullah Akhtar

QUETTA: Unidentified men gunned down a religious party leader and injured another person at a mosque in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, a police official said on Saturday.
Mufti Shah Meer Aziz, a member of the Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) party, was killed while offering prayers at the mosque in Malik Abad area of Balochistan’s Turbat city on Friday night, according to District Police Officer (DPO) Rashid-ur-Rehman Zehri.
The JUI leader was killed on the spot.
“Mufti Shah Meer Aziz was praying inside the mosque. One attacker barged inside the mosque and another was standing at the exit,” Zehri told Arab News.
“Mufti Shah Meer Aziz was killed on the spot and prayer leader of the mosque was injured.”
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the killing, but Zehri said it appeared to be a targeted attack.
“Police have initiated investigation and hunt for the attackers,” he added.
This was the second attack on JUI members in Balochistan within a week, according to police. Two JUI members, Wadera Ghulam Sarwar and Molvi Amanullah, were killed in a gun attack in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district on March 2.
On Friday, the JUI held a protest in the province against the killing of its members as well as the killing of Maulana Hamidul Haq, the head of Jamia Haqqania seminary, in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province late last month.
Haq, who was the son of the late Maulana Samiul Haq, was one of seven people killed in a suicide bombing at a mosque inside the seminary compound on Friday, Feb. 28.
The bombing at Jamia Haqqania seminary was one of four attacks in Pakistan on Feb. 28, two of them at mosques, which were unusual both in their number and timing, just before the holy month of Ramadan.

Topics: militancy in Pakistan Balochistan Attacks

On International Women’s Day, PM says empowerment ‘imperative’ for Pakistan’s progress

On International Women’s Day, PM says empowerment ‘imperative’ for Pakistan’s progress
Updated 11 min 42 sec ago
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On International Women’s Day, PM says empowerment ‘imperative’ for Pakistan’s progress

On International Women’s Day, PM says empowerment ‘imperative’ for Pakistan’s progress
  • Shehbaz Sharif’s statement comes on International Women’s Day, which highlights issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and violence
  • Women’s rights activists are also scheduled to gather in major cities across Pakistan to demonstrate their support for women as part of the ‘Aurat March’
Updated 11 min 42 sec ago
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that empowering women was no longer an option, it was an “imperative” for the prosperity of Pakistan, promising to advance women’s rights through concerted government efforts.
Sharif said this on the International Women’s Day, celebrated annually as a focal point in the women’s rights movement by focusing on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
In Pakistan, women march in major cities on this day to highlight the issues facing them, including harassment, bonded labor, domestic violence, and lack of representation, work and education opportunities.
In his message, Sharif said they were celebrating the strength and luminosity of women who were redefining possibilities from classrooms to boardrooms, and from fields to frontlines, to shape a bright future of the nation.
“This year’s theme, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ is a call to action, reminding us of our shared responsibility to create a society where women thrive and contribute meaningfully,” the prime minister said.
“Empowering women is no longer an option; it is now an imperative for the prosperity and progress of Pakistan. When we invest in women’s education, health, and economic independence, we uplift not just individuals but generations.”
In Pakistan, just 21 percent of women are in the workforce and less than 20 percent of girls in rural areas are enrolled in secondary school, according to the United Nations. Only 12 women were directly elected to parliament out of 266 seats in last year’s election.
Much of Pakistani society operates under a strict code of “honor,” with women beholden to their male relatives over choices around education, employment and who they can marry. Hundreds of women are killed by men in Pakistan every year for allegedly breaching this code.
Sharif said Pakistan’s journey toward true gender equality was far from over.
“On this day, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to intensify our efforts to further advance respect for women’s rights and build a Pakistan where every woman’s potential is realized and every daughter’s dream is within her reach,” he said.
Women’s rights activists are also scheduled to gather in major cities across Pakistan on Saturday to demonstrate their support for women as part of the ‘Aurat March.’ The march is seen by critics as supporting elitist and Western values in the Muslim country, with organizers accused of disrespecting religious and cultural sensitivities.
In previous years, Aurat March organizers have had to battle in the courts for permission to hold demonstrations, while doctored images of banners held up by women have circulated online leading to harassment and death threats.
In 2020, groups of hard-line men turned up in vans and hurled stones at women participating in the Aurat March in Islamabad.

Topics: International Women Day Women Day women in Pakistan Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

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