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Pakistan’s religion ministry launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ app to facilitate pilgrims

Pakistan’s religion ministry launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ app to facilitate pilgrims
Pakistani pilgrims wait to check in for their Hajj flight to Jeddah at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on May 31, 2024. (SPA/File)
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Updated 24 November 2024
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Pakistan’s religion ministry launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ app to facilitate pilgrims

Pakistan’s religion ministry launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ app to facilitate pilgrims
  • Pilgrims will be able to review Hajj training and flight schedules via app, says ministry
  • Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2025
Updated 24 November 2024
Shahjahan Khurram
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry on Sunday announced it had launched the “Pak Hajj 2025” mobile application to guide and facilitate pilgrims about the annual Islamic pilgrimage next year.
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. Around 15 designated Pakistani banks on Monday started receiving applications for Hajj 2025 from intending pilgrims.
Pakistani pilgrims used the app, which is available for both Android and iPhone, last year to secure important updates and information about the Hajj pilgrimage. 
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched the mobile app ‘Pak Hajj’ for the awareness of Hajj pilgrims,” the religion ministry said in a statement. 
“Hajj applicants will remain informed step-by-step through the Pak Hajj app.”
The ministry said pilgrims can view their Hajj training schedules, including dates, times, and locations, through the app, which also displays flight details with flight numbers, departure cities, dates, and times for both departure and return flights. 
The app also presents information about Makkah and Madinah’s various locations and routes with the help of maps, the ministry said. 
Pakistan’s religious affairs minister this month announced the country’s Hajj 2025 policy, according to which pilgrims can pay fees for the annual Islamic pilgrimage in installments for the first time.
The first installment of Hajj dues, amounting to Rs200,000 ($717), must be deposited along with the Hajj application under the government scheme, while the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) must be deposited within ten days of the balloting. The remaining amount must be deposited by Feb. 10 next year.

Topics: Hajj 2025 Pak Hajj App Pakistani Hajj mission Pakistani Hajj pilgrims Pakistan religious minister

Pakistan telecom regulator delays ban on unregistered VPNs after deadline passes — media

Pakistan telecom regulator delays ban on unregistered VPNs after deadline passes — media
Updated 30 November 2024
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Pakistan telecom regulator delays ban on unregistered VPNs after deadline passes — media

Pakistan telecom regulator delays ban on unregistered VPNs after deadline passes — media
  • Crackdown on VPNs can impact businesses that rely on unrestricted Internet access
  • PTA has not given a new deadline, says only 25,000 VPNs have so far been registered
Updated 30 November 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator has decided not to block unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) despite an earlier deadline expiring on November 30, media reported on Saturday.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had asked businesses, freelancers and information technology (IT) companies to register their VPNs by the end of November to ensure compliance with government regulations.
While the original deadline ended on Saturday, officials say there will be an extension, though it remains unclear what the new deadline will be.
“VPNs are not being blocked starting today, and the decision to extend the registration period is with the Ministry of Interior,” PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez Rehman told Independent Urdu.
Another PTA official, speaking to the same publication, said blocking VPNs was not a viable idea for now.
In recent years, Pakistan has implemented measures to control online content, including social media restrictions, drawing criticism from digital rights activists, who argue that such policies suppress free speech and hinder access to information.
In February 2024, following the general elections, Pakistani authorities imposed a nationwide restriction on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, citing national security concerns.
The move coincided with widespread concerns about alleged electoral fraud and vote manipulation.
The recent crackdown on VPNs has also impacted businesses, particularly in the IT sector, which rely on unrestricted Internet access.
The PTA chairman clarified on Saturday that VPNs were still operational, emphasizing the authority’s awareness of the IT industry’s reliance on them.
“So far, 25,000 VPNs have been registered, and those registered will continue to work,” he said.

Topics: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) VPN Ban in Pakistan

Shahzaib Khan’s brilliant 159 powers Pakistan Under-19 to 43-run victory over India

Shahzaib Khan’s brilliant 159 powers Pakistan Under-19 to 43-run victory over India
Updated 30 November 2024
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Shahzaib Khan’s brilliant 159 powers Pakistan Under-19 to 43-run victory over India

Shahzaib Khan’s brilliant 159 powers Pakistan Under-19 to 43-run victory over India
  • Khan’s extraordinary performance anchored Pakistan’s innings, helped them post 281 for 7
  • In reply, India were bundled out for 238 in 47.1 overs despite a fighting 67 by Nikhil Kumar
Updated 30 November 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Opener Shahzaib Khan’s scintillating 159 powered Pakistan Under-19 to a 43-run victory over arch-rivals India in a Group A match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Shahzaib’s knock, spanning 147 balls and featuring five fours and 10 sixes, anchored Pakistan’s innings as they posted 281 for 7 in 50 overs.
India, in reply, were bundled out for 238 in 47.1 overs despite a fighting 67 by Nikhil Kumar.
The Mansehra-born opener shared a 160-run stand with Usman Khan (60 off 94 balls), setting a solid platform. Their partnership came on the back of impressive recent form, with Shahzaib and Usman scoring 330 and 314 runs, respectively, in a tri-series against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates.
“There was a lot of seam movement, and the fast bowlers were getting good support,” Khan said after the match. “But after spending some time at the crease, when the spinners came on, I focused on dispatching deliveries in my range to the boundary.”
“By God’s grace, it worked out for me today,” he added.
Khan continued to dominate with a 71-run third-wicket stand with Muhammad Riazullah (27). Pakistan accelerated late in the innings, adding 74 runs in the last 10 overs, as captain Saad Baig’s decision to bat first paid off.
India’s Samarth Nagaraj was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-45, while Ayush Mhatre chipped in with 2-30.
India started their chase positively but lost early wickets. Abdul Subhan dismissed Mhatre (20) in the fourth over, while Ali Raza removed Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the next spell, leaving the team reeling at 28 for 2.
Usman Khan and Faham-ul-Haq continued to build pressure, reducing India to 81 for 4.
A 53-run partnership between Nikhil Kumar and Kiran Chormale (20) briefly revived India, but Faham broke the stand by dismissing Chormale.
Kumar’s valiant 77-ball 67 ended when he was caught off Naveed Ahmed Khan at 174, dashing India’s hopes of a recovery.
Ali Raza’s 3-36 led the bowling for Pakistan, with Abdul Subhan (2-45) and Faham-ul-Haq (2-41) providing crucial support.
Pakistan will next face the UAE on December 2 at the same venue.

Topics: Pakistan vs India India Pakistan cricket Pakistan cricket U19 Asia Cup

Pakistan authorities in Kurram district say will treat those spreading sectarian violence as ‘terrorist’

Pakistan authorities in Kurram district say will treat those spreading sectarian violence as ‘terrorist’
Updated 30 November 2024
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Pakistan authorities in Kurram district say will treat those spreading sectarian violence as ‘terrorist’

Pakistan authorities in Kurram district say will treat those spreading sectarian violence as ‘terrorist’
  • Ali Amin Gandapur asks authorities to collect heavy weapons from area residents
  • He urges locals to identify those disrupting peace as death toll surpasses 100
Updated 30 November 2024
REHMAT MEHSUD

PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) administration on Saturday vowed to eliminate trenches dug by warring tribes in Kurram, where 10 days of sectarian clashes have killed over 100, warning that anyone disrupting peace in the area would be treated as “terrorist.”
Kurram, a former semi-autonomous tribal region bordering Afghanistan, has a long history of violent conflicts, including a major clash in 2007 that lasted for years before being resolved by a jirga, or council of tribal elders, in 2011.
The recent clashes erupted on November 21, when gunmen attacked a convoy carrying members of the minority Shiite community in Lower Kurram, killing 41 people.
“Anyone who takes up arms will be called a terrorist, and the fate of a terrorist is hell,” KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced while addressing a grand jirga that brought together tribal chieftains along with senior government functionaries in Kohat, located near Kurram.
Last week, the provincial administration announced it had brokered a seven-day ceasefire to end hostilities between the warring tribes. However, a local police official told Arab News a day earlier that violence continued unabated, with sporadic gunfire echoing in the area, reflecting that the arrangement had not worked.
Gandapur noted the army, police and district administration officials were making concerted efforts to achieve enduring peace in the region.
“Though political differences between federal and provincial governments persist, the central government should provide Frontier Constabulary (FC) troops to maintain peace in the area,” he said.
The members of the grand jirga would remain in the area until peace was established, he added, noting that the provincial government would provide them with all possible support.
“Those who are disrupting peace in Kurram should be identified by the local community,” he added. “Local elders should play their role to end the atmosphere of hatred between the warring factions.”
Only a day earlier, Hameed Hussain, a parliamentarian from Kurram, confirmed to Arab News that the ceasefire announced by the provincial authorities had failed to hold.
He said the death toll from the ongoing clashes had reached 110.
The KP chief minister directed the relevant authorities to collect heavy weapons from residents of the restive district.
“The government will ensure the dignified return of families displaced due to fighting,” he added. “Funds will be released for the repatriation of temporarily displaced people.”

Topics: kurram kurram district parachinar militancy in Pakistan

Pakistan’s top cricket official assures highest security for Champions Trophy teams in Dubai meeting

Pakistan’s top cricket official assures highest security for Champions Trophy teams in Dubai meeting
Updated 30 November 2024
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Pakistan’s top cricket official assures highest security for Champions Trophy teams in Dubai meeting

Pakistan’s top cricket official assures highest security for Champions Trophy teams in Dubai meeting
  • Naqvi visits UAE amid speculation about a hybrid model for the event after India’s refusal to play in Pakistan
  • The PCB chairman emphasizes the importance of keeping cricket and politics separate during the meeting
Updated 30 November 2024
Shahjahan Khurram

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday the government will provide the highest level of security and hospitality to visiting teams for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, amid ongoing speculation about a hybrid model for the tournament after India declined to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns.
Pakistan is set to host the event in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9. However, political tensions with India have already cast a shadow over the tournament, creating uncertainty about how to ensure the participation of the Men in Blue in the event.
Naqvi held a meeting in Dubai with Mubashshir Usmani, former Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board and Chairman of the ICC Associate Members Committee, to finalize key arrangements for the tournament and discuss ways to promote cricket in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
“Pakistan is a peaceful country, and cricket is deeply loved by our nation,” he was quoted as saying in an official PCB statement circulated after the meeting.

“Fans are eagerly awaiting the thrilling contests of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” he added. “All participating teams will be treated as state guests, with the highest level of security and hospitality provided to them.”
India has not sent its team to Pakistan since 2008 due to political tensions between the two countries. However, the PCB chief emphasized the importance of keeping cricket and politics separate.
“Hosting this tournament is a matter of great pride for our nation, and we look forward to welcoming all teams with open arms,” Naqvi said. “We have finalized all arrangements, including comprehensive security measures, to ensure a seamless event.”
The PCB chairman also updated Usmani on Pakistan’s progress in upgrading its stadiums to meet international standards. The discussions included collaborative measures to enhance cricket development in Pakistan and the UAE.
The talks occurred against the backdrop of growing speculation that the ICC may adopt a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, similar to the Asia Cup 2023, which was partially hosted in Sri Lanka due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.
However, the PCB has ruled out such an arrangement, arguing it sent its players to India to participate in the ODI World Cup last year, and Indian cricketers should also play their matches in Pakistan.

Topics: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi

Gunmen attack checkpoint, abduct six laborers in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province

Gunmen attack checkpoint, abduct six laborers in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province
Updated 30 November 2024
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Gunmen attack checkpoint, abduct six laborers in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province

Gunmen attack checkpoint, abduct six laborers in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province
  • The Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for twin attacks in Nushki district this week
  • Pakistan has announced an operation against Baloch separatists targeting Chinese nationals
Updated 30 November 2024
SAADULLAH AKHTER

QUETTA: Baloch separatist militants have targeted a dam construction site and a Levies check post in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan in two separate attacks, a senior official confirmed Saturday, abducting six laborers and seizing weapons just days after Pakistan announced a comprehensive operation against armed factions in the province.
The attacks occurred late Thursday night along the border of the remote Nushki and Kharan districts.
Pakistan’s largest but sparsely populated province, Balochistan borders Afghanistan and Iran and is central to the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The region has been the site of a low-level insurgency by separatist militants for over two decades, though violence has intensified in recent months.
In August, the province witnessed a series of coordinated attacks that killed over 50 people.
“Unknown armed men attacked a dam construction site in Nushki district on Thursday night and abducted six laborers,” Additional Chief Secretary Home Shahab Ali Shah said while speaking to Arab News. “The laborers were working for a private construction company.”
“In another incident, armed men attacked a Levies check post at Zarin Jungle area and snatched three submachine guns from the soldiers,” he continued, adding that no loss of life was reported in the attack.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a prominent militant group in the province, claimed responsibility for the attacks on Friday, saying the group seized weapons from the Levies and “arrested” construction company personnel.
“BLA fighters captured a post of the Pakistani Levies force on the highway at Zarin Jungle and seized the weapons,” it said in a statement. “At the same time, different squads of fighters conducted a snap-check on the highway and arrested five personnel working on a construction project.”
It added the BLA had destroyed the construction company’s machinery and equipment by setting them on fire.
Rich in land and mineral wealth, Balochistan is otherwise an impoverished region, prompting separatist groups to accuse Pakistan of exploiting provincial resources, including gold and copper.
Pakistan denies the allegations and says the government is carrying out several development projects in the region to ensure its prosperity and improve the quality of life of its residents.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif approved a “comprehensive military operation” in Balochistan against the separatist outfits involved in attacks on Pakistani security forces after a suicide bombing at the Quetta Railway Station killed about 25 people, including army troops.
Baloch separatists have also been involved in targeting Chinese workers in Pakistan, prompting Beijing to urge authorities in Islamabad to provide them with foolproof security.

Topics: militancy in Pakistan Balochistan Attacks Baloch Liberation Army Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)

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