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Around 350 Pakistanis evacuated from Syria, foreign office says

Around 350 Pakistanis evacuated from Syria, foreign office says
This handout photograph, released by Pakistan’s foreign ministry on December 10, 2024, shows Pakistani nationals crossing the Syria-Lebanon border amid the country’s repatriation of expats after Syria’s opposition forces seized the capital of Damascus last week. (Photo courtesy: MOFA)
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Updated 1 min 8 sec ago
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Around 350 Pakistanis evacuated from Syria, foreign office says

Around 350 Pakistanis evacuated from Syria, foreign office says
  • Over 1,300 Pakistanis were stranded in Syria last week when Syrian opposition forces seized the capital of Damascus
  • PM Sharif on Monday sought his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati’s “personal intervention” to evacuate Pakistani expats
Updated 1 min 8 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR
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ISLAMABAD: The foreign office said on Tuesday around 350 Pakistan nationals stranded in Syria, including 245 pilgrims, had crossed the Syria-Lebanon border, hours after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the repatriation of expats was a “top priority” for his government. 
More than 1,300 Pakistanis had been stranded in Syria since last week when opposition forces seized the capital of Damascus unopposed following a lightning advance that sent President Bashar Assad fleeing to Russia on Sunday.
While Pakistan’s foreign office initially said the Pakistanis, which included pilgrims, would be evacuated once the Damascus airport reopened, PM Sharif on Monday sought his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati’s “personal intervention” to evacuate the expats.
“Around 350 Pakistani nationals including 245 Pakistani Zaireen [pilgrims] stranded in Syria have crossed the Syria-Lebanon border,” the foreign office said in a statement on Tuesday evening.




This handout photograph, released by Pakistan’s foreign ministry on December 10, 2024, shows Pakistani nationals crossing the Syria-Lebanon border amid the country’s repatriation of expats after Syria’s opposition forces seized the capital of Damascus last week. (Photo courtesy: MOFA)

“Under the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar the Embassy of Pakistan, Damascus facilitated the repatriation process.”
Deputy head of mission Umar Hayat accompanied the Pakistani nationals to the border where the deputy head of mission in Beirut, Nawab Adil, received them in Lebanon.
Pakistan’s embassy earlier said Syria’s airports and borders with Jordan and Oman were currently closed, posing a “major challenge” to the repatriation effort. The embassy said it would accommodate Pakistani nationals at a school run by the mission in the meantime, so they could have a secure place to stay while repatriation flights were arranged.
Syria’s new interim leader announced on Tuesday he was taking charge of the country as caretaker prime minister with the backing of the former opposition forces who toppled President Assad three days ago.
In a brief address on state television, Mohammed Al-Bashir, a figure little known across most of Syria who previously ran an administration in a pocket of the northwest controlled by opposition forces, said he would lead the interim authority until March 1.

Topics: Pakistan Syria Ties Pakistan Lebanon Damascus Fall of Assad Pakistan foreign office

No ‘political cells’ operating in Pakistani spy agencies, government tells Supreme Court

No ‘political cells’ operating in Pakistani spy agencies, government tells Supreme Court
Updated 28 sec ago
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No ‘political cells’ operating in Pakistani spy agencies, government tells Supreme Court

No ‘political cells’ operating in Pakistani spy agencies, government tells Supreme Court
  • Court directs authorities to submit affidavits from heads of intelligence agencies confirming no political cells exist
  • Political parties and critics often accuse that ISI spy agency interferes in politics and government in Pakistan
Updated 28 sec ago
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court “political cells” were no longer active in any intelligence agency of the country, as the top court directed authorities to submit affidavits by spy agency heads to attest they had no political functions, state-run media reported.
Pakistan’s premier military intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has long been accused of political interference including influencing elections, forming alliances, manipulating political parties and harassing opponents. The army denies it interferes in politics.
Former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali, the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party, has been credited with strengthening the ISI’s role in domestic politics and creating political cells that monitored opposition parties and managed political activities to consolidate his power.
The political role of intelligence agencies once more came in the spotlight in 1996 when Air Marshal Asghar Khan filed a case in the Supreme Court accusing the ISI of distributing funds to political parties to influence the outcome of the 1990 general elections. In 2012, the Supreme Court confirmed that the ISI had indeed funded certain political candidates to weaken the Pakistan Peoples Party. Despite the ruling, no action was taken against those involved, raising concerns about the accountability of intelligence agencies in Pakistan.
A seven-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court heard the Asghar Khan case again on Tuesday, where the additional attorney general informed the court that its previous judgment in the case had already been implemented, political cells in intelligence agencies had been closed and no evidence of the distribution of cash among politicians had been found.
“The federal government has informed the Supreme Court of Pakistan that no political cell is functioning under any intelligence agency,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. 
“The court directed the government to obtain a fresh affidavit from the heads of the intelligence agencies that no political cell is working under their management if such an affidavit is not already obtained.”
The Supreme Court also urged the Federal Investigation Agency to prove that the top court’s judgment in the Asghar Khan case had been implemented and directed the Ministry of Defense, under whose ambit the ISI falls, to submit a report in this regard before the next hearing.
Besides Bhutto, other Pakistani rulers have also been accused of using the ISI to influence political outcomes. It is widely believed that military ruler Gen Ziaul Haq used the agency to unite all opposition parties into an alliance against Bhutto’s PPP. 
During the post-Zia period, when President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed the government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 1990, the reasons officially stated were charges of corruption, failure to work with the provinces and attempts to question the powers of the armed forces. However Benazir said it was the ISI that plotted her government’s downfall.
In more recent years, the parties of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan have also accused intelligence agencies of working against them.

Pakistan greenlights settlement with 8 independent power producers to save national kitty $853 million

Pakistan greenlights settlement with 8 independent power producers to save national kitty $853 million
Updated 10 December 2024
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Pakistan greenlights settlement with 8 independent power producers to save national kitty $853 million

Pakistan greenlights settlement with 8 independent power producers to save national kitty $853 million
  • In October, PM Sharif said his government was terminating purchase agreements with five IPPs to rein in electricity tariffs
  • A decade ago, Pakistan approved dozens of mostly foreign-financed private projects by IPPs to tackle chronic shortages
Updated 10 December 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved settlement agreements with eight bagasse-based Independent Power Producers (IPPs) with the aim to reduce electricity prices and save the national exchequer $853 million, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday.
A decade ago, Pakistan approved dozens of private projects by IPPs, financed mostly by foreign lenders, to tackle chronic power shortages. But the deals, featuring incentives such as high guaranteed returns and commitments to pay even for unused power, ultimately resulted in excess capacity after a sustained economic crisis slashed consumption.
Short of funds, subsequent Pakistani governments have built those fixed costs and capacity payments into consumer bills, sparking protests by domestic users and industry bodies.
In October, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government was terminating purchase agreements with five IPPs to rein in electricity tariffs as households and businesses buckled under soaring energy costs.
The latest approval for settlements with eight bagasse-based IPPS was given during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Sharif. The country’s Central Power Purchasing Agency will now approach the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority for a reduction in the electricity tariff generated from these power plants, state media said. 
“The federal cabinet on the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy and Power Division has accorded approval to settlement agreements with eight IPPs which run on bagasse,” Radio Pakistan said, referring to a fibrous residue left over after sugarcane is crushed to extract juice. It is often used as a biofuel for electricity generation. 
“After the agreements, the price of electricity for common consumers will be reduced, resulting in the benefit of $853 million (Rs238 billion) to the national exchequer.”
The eight power plants include the JDW Unit-I and Unit-II, RYK Mills, Chiniot Power, Hamza Sugar, Al-Mueez Industries, Thal Industries and Chinar Industries, the report added.
In October, when Sharif decided to terminate purchase agreements with five IPPs, he said tariffs would be reduced gradually by revising agreements with other IPPs in the electricity sector.
“This will benefit electricity consumers by Rs60 billion ($215 million) annually. As a result, the national treasury will save Rs411 billion ($1.4 billion),” Sharif said at that time. 
The need to revisit power deals was a key issue in talks for a critical staff-level pact in July with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $7-billion bailout. The program was approved in September. 
Pakistan has also begun talks on reprofiling power sector debt owed to China and structural reforms, but progress has been slow. It has also vowed to stop power sector subsidies.

Pakistan says 79,000 Hajj applicants received in government scheme as submission deadline expires

Pakistan says 79,000 Hajj applicants received in government scheme as submission deadline expires
Updated 10 December 2024
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Pakistan says 79,000 Hajj applicants received in government scheme as submission deadline expires

Pakistan says 79,000 Hajj applicants received in government scheme as submission deadline expires
  • With 79,000 Hajj applications received so far, 10,605 slots remain vacant under the government scheme
  • Last year, Pakistan surrendered 21,000 Hajj seats to Saudi Arabia due to a shortage of applications
Updated 10 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry said on Tuesday all 79,000 applicants who had filed to perform the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage under the federal government scheme were “successful,” as the deadline for submissions expired. 
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj, to be divided equally between the government and private schemes. The government last week extended the deadline for the submission of Hajj applications for government scheme slots from Dec. 3 to Dec. 10.
“The ministry of religious affairs has given great news to Hajj applicants, all 79,000 Hajj pilgrims who submitted applications till Dec. 10 have been declared successful,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday evening. 
With 79,000 Hajj applications received so far, 10,605 slots remain vacant under the government scheme. Last year, Pakistan surrendered 21,000 Hajj seats to Saudi Arabia due to a shortage of applications, but this year the government hopes all slots can be filled.
“Decision taken to continue receiving applications on a first-come, first-served basis for a few thousand vacant seats,” the ministry added, saying the application process would close as soon as the Hajj quota was met.
The religious affairs ministry announced this year’s Hajj policy last month, allowing pilgrims to pay Hajj fees in installments for the first time. The first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) must be deposited along with the application while the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) has to be submitted within ten days of balloting. The remaining amount has to be deposited by Feb. 10 next year.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has launched the ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ mobile application to guide and facilitate pilgrims. The app is available for both Android and iPhone users.
The Pakistan government has also announced a reduction in airfare for Hajj 2025, with a Rs14,000 ($50) drop in ticket prices. Pilgrims enrolled in the federal program will now pay Rs220,000 for airfare, down from last year’s Rs234,000. 
The national flag carrier, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines and other private airlines have agreed to the relief package, according to the Pakistan government.

Topics: Hajj 2025 Pakistan Hajj mission Pakistani Hajj pilgrims

Pakistan to work with US to bring main federal investigation agency to FBI standards

Pakistan to work with US to bring main federal investigation agency to FBI standards
Updated 10 December 2024
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Pakistan to work with US to bring main federal investigation agency to FBI standards

Pakistan to work with US to bring main federal investigation agency to FBI standards
  • Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi discusses modernizing Federal Investigation Agency with US Deputy Mission Chief Natalie Baker
  • FIA is tasked with investigations into terrorism, espionage, smuggling, trafficking, intellectual property rights, other crimes
Updated 10 December 2024
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad on Tuesday and discussed modernizing Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency to bring it at par with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The FIA is a border control, criminal investigation, counterintelligence and security agency under the control of the Interior Secretary of Pakistan, tasked with probing terrorism, espionage, smuggling, trafficking, intellectual property rights and other crimes.
The FIA’s main goal and priority is to protect national interests as well as defend Pakistan’s interests locally and uphold and ensure law enforcement in the country.
“The United States has agreed to assist Pakistan in modernizing FIA along the lines of FBI,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said in a report after Naqvi’s meeting with Baker.
“The United States will also provide assistance in making the National Forensic Agency more effective as per the modern requirements.”
Quoting Naqvi, Radio Pakistan said the minister underscored the importance of US collaboration in enhancing the capabilities of Pakistani law enforcement agencies.
“He stressed the urgent need for providing modern equipment and tools to the Civil Armed Forces to effectively deal with terrorism and emergency situations, calling it a top priority,” the state broadcaster added. 
The FBI is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. As a leading counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigative organization, the FBI has jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crimes. Although many of the FBI’s functions are unique, its activities in support of national security are comparable to those of the British MI5 and NCA, the New Zealand GCSB and the Russian FSB. 
Despite its domestic focus, the FBI also maintains a significant international footprint, operating offices in US embassies and consulates around the world.

Topics: Pakistan US Ties

At Pakistan conference, Palestinians call for concrete actions to end Israeli actions in Gaza

At Pakistan conference, Palestinians call for concrete actions to end Israeli actions in Gaza
Updated 10 December 2024
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At Pakistan conference, Palestinians call for concrete actions to end Israeli actions in Gaza

At Pakistan conference, Palestinians call for concrete actions to end Israeli actions in Gaza
  • Palestine Conference, held on occasion of International Human Rights Day, widely attended by politicians, activists, and students
  • Speakers urge Muslim countries to boycott Israel, halt trade, sever diplomatic ties and block Israel’s communication routes
Updated 10 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Palestinian leaders and activists at a conference held in Islamabad on Tuesday called on the global community, particularly Muslim nations, to take concrete actions to stop Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, ensure a ceasefire and hold leaders like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to account under international laws.
The Palestine Conference, held on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, was jointly organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Save Gaza Campaign, a civil society movement based in Pakistan. The forum was attended by a large number of Pakistanis, including politicians, rights activists, civil society members, journalists, and students.
The ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 43,000 people and injured thousands more since the Oct 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas in Isarel. Israel’s 13-month military campaign has displaced an estimated 1.9 million Palestinians, many of them multiple times. Bombings, movement restrictions and evacuations ordered by Israel’s military block access to health care and keep aid workers from reaching people in need, with aid organizations and charities repeatedly warning of crisis-level hunger affecting nearly two million people. A United Nations-backed assessment last month warned that famine is looming in northern Gaza due to a near-halt in food aid. Essential goods such as water, fresh produce, and medicines are also scarce.
Speaking to Arab News, Dr. Khalid Qaddoumi, a spokesperson and head of the West Asia Desk of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, said it was the responsibility of the international community to act on arrest warrants issued by the International Court of Justice (ICC) last month against Netanyahu for alleged crimes against humanity.
The Israeli premier was an “internationally recognized war criminal” and should be held accountable, Qaddoumi said, calling on global powers to stand by the laws which they had themselves drafted at the UN and other human rights forums. 
“Unfortunately, those bottom lines of humanity ... have been violated continuously by the Israeli army and Israeli government, and with the green light from the world powers,” Qaddoumi said in an interview to Arab News on the sidelines of the conference. 
However, Qaddoumi said Israel could not break the Palestinian people or their resistance.
“Today 2.4 million Palestinians are still in their homeland despite the Israelis, aggressions, operations, and crimes and they fail to impose the enforced displacement, even our people in the north, they are in their own destroyed houses without water,” he added.
The Hamas representative said while Pakistan was providing humanitarian assistance to Palestine, it also needed to employ diplomatic and political means to get the borders opened.
“If the borders are not open, those things [humanitarian aid] will not come as we get not more than 40 trucks a day, which is a joke at a time that the minimum need is more than 1,000 trucks a day,” he said. 
“We were expecting for the last 47 years [but] nothing has come, unfortunately, except statements but now is the opportunity for the Muslim Ummah and countries like Pakistan to move forward and develop their action.”
Bilal Al Astal, a Palestinian journalist from Khan Younis and the director general of Friends of Palestine, an advocacy network that aims to raise awareness and foster international support for Palestine, said though Israel had destroyed nearly 88 percent of the Gaza Strip, including schools, hospitals, and all other infrastructure, there were reasons to be hopeful. 
“We need to remain somewhat optimistic about the situation,” he said, adding that the current situation had put a spotlight on Israel, with more and more countries openly recognizing it as “real perpetrators of genocide.”
“Along with these sacrifices, we have seen some advantages, more countries including European nations are now recognizing Palestine,” Astal added. 
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a former senator and the patron of the Save Gaza Campaign, demanded that the international community, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and particularly the government of Pakistan “move beyond mere condemnations” and take “concrete actions to stop the Israeli genocide.”
“They [Muslim countries] should boycott Israel, halt trade, sever diplomatic relations, prevent Israel and its supporters from using air, sea, and land routes for communication, and employ oil as a strategic tool against Israel and its allies,” he added.
“As around 430 days have passed since the genocide of Palestinians by Israelis began, we demand human rights for Palestinians and urge the international community to take actionable steps.”

Topics: Pakistan Palestine International Human Rights Day

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