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Indian woman trafficked to Pakistan returns home after 22 years

Indian woman trafficked to Pakistan returns home after 22 years
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry officials welcome Hamida Banu Shaik (center) at Lahore Airport ahead of her departure to India via the Wagah Border crossing on December 16, 2024. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Waliullah Maroof)
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Updated 17 December 2024
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Indian woman trafficked to Pakistan returns home after 22 years

Indian woman trafficked to Pakistan returns home after 22 years
  • Hammida Banu Shaik was trafficked to Pakistan in 2002 under the guise of a job offer in Dubai
  • A local cleric in Karachi located her family via social media and facilitated her return to India
Updated 17 December 2024
NAIMAT KHAN
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KARACHI: An Indian woman trafficked to Pakistan over two decades ago returned to her homeland via the Wagah Border in eastern Punjab province to reunite with her family after 22 years, a local cleric who located her family across the border and facilitated her return confirmed Tuesday.
Hammida Banu Shaik was trafficked in 2002 after an employment agency offered her a job in Dubai. Having spent nine years working in Doha during the 1990s, Shaik did not suspect the job offer was part of a plot to kidnap and traffic her.
She was eventually taken to Pakistan, where she was kept in illegal confinement in the southern city of Hyderabad. After three months, she managed to escape through a window and fled to Karachi, where she spent the remainder of her time in the country.
Arab News reviewed proof of Shaik’s employment in the Middle East and her Indian nationality while covering her story two years ago.
“Shaik was handed over to Indian government officials at the Wagah Border, who processed her immigration, and she entered India,” the local cleric, Waliullah Maroof, told Arab News.
“She was given protocol by the foreign ministry at the Karachi and Lahore airports, and she was transported to the Wagah Border like a VIP [very important personality],” he added.
Maroof recalled receiving a call from an Indian embassy official on Nov. 25, confirming Shaik’s Indian nationality and instructing her to arrive at the Wagah Border on Dec. 16 to ensure her safe return.
The Indian woman expressed her joy upon returning home, where she was reunited with her family amid emotional scenes.
“I’m very happy to go [to my country],” she said in a video recorded before her departure from Karachi and later posted by Maroof on YouTube. “Tomorrow I will travel on an airplane to the border.”
However, Shaik also expressed concern for a friend, Shehnaz, who she said was trafficked to Pakistan alongside her and whose whereabouts remain unknown.
“I appeal to the Pakistani and Indian governments to help my friend just like they have helped me,” she said.
In 2022, Shaik saw her children for the first time in two decades when Maroof managed to locate them through social media and arranged a video call with her family.
During her years in Pakistan, Shaik married a Pakistani man who, she said, cared for her until his death.
She recounted that he had agreed to help her search for her family and send her to India on the condition that she promised to return to Pakistan.

Topics: Pakistan India Ties Hamida Banu Waliullah Maroof

Pakistani PM on three-day visit to Egypt for D-8 summit, Gaza talks, bilateral meetings

Pakistani PM on three-day visit to Egypt for D-8 summit, Gaza talks, bilateral meetings
Updated 18 December 2024
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Pakistani PM on three-day visit to Egypt for D-8 summit, Gaza talks, bilateral meetings

Pakistani PM on three-day visit to Egypt for D-8 summit, Gaza talks, bilateral meetings
  • D-8 summit in Cairo will see gathering of leaders from eight countries to promote economic cooperation
  • PM to attend special session on Gaza where Israeli offensive has killed over 46,000 people since last year
Updated 18 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday began a three-day visit to Egypt to participate in the Eleventh Summit of D-8 countries, hold bilateral discussions with multiple world leaders on the sidelines of the forum and attend a special meeting on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The D-8 Summit is a gathering of leaders from eight developing countries including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. It aims to promote economic cooperation and development among member states, with a focus on areas like trade, energy, agriculture, and transportation.

Ahead of Sharif’s departure for Egypt, Pakistani deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for the 21st Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers, which will be held today. 

The theme of this year’s D-8 Summit is “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.”

“The Prime Minister, representing Pakistan at the Summit, will highlight the importance of investing in youth and SMEs for a strong and inclusive economy based on employment generation, innovation and local entrepreneurship,” Sharif’s office said in a statement. 

“The Prime Minister will express Pakistan’s strong commitment to cooperate and implement the fundamental principles laid down by the D-8 … emphasize the importance of partnerships for mutual benefit and development among the participating countries in the conference, as well as cooperation in agriculture, food security and tourism.”

Sharif will also highlight the steps taken by the government of Pakistan for the empowerment of the youth and their economic development.

While in Cairo, Sharif will attend a special meeting of the D-8 on the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon following Israel military offensives in the Middle East since October last year.

“The Prime Minister will convey Pakistan’s principled position on Palestine and emphasize the establishment of peace in the Middle East,” Sharif’s office said, adding that he will also hold bilateral meetings with various heads of states in Cairo to attend the D-8 summit.

Health officials in the Gaza Strip said on Monday the death toll from the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas had topped 45,000 people. 

The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

Topics: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif D-8 summit

Weeks after family reunion, Pakistani elephant dies of sepsis caused by bacterial infections — charity

Weeks after family reunion, Pakistani elephant dies of sepsis caused by bacterial infections — charity
Updated 18 December 2024
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Weeks after family reunion, Pakistani elephant dies of sepsis caused by bacterial infections — charity

Weeks after family reunion, Pakistani elephant dies of sepsis caused by bacterial infections — charity
  • Sonia, 19, is second elephant to die in two years in the southern city of Karachi
  • Noor Jehan, 17, died in April 2023 after undergoing a critical medical procedure
Updated 18 December 2024
NAIMAT KHAN

ISLAMABAD: Global animal welfare group Four Paws said in a statement this week an autopsy of Pakistani elephant Sonia who died suddenly on Sunday had revealed she had several bacterial infections that ultimately led to sepsis.

Sonia, who was almost 19, is the second elephant to die in two years in the southern city of Karachi, where she had lived since 2009 at the city’s Safari Park. She was reunited recently with her sister Madhubala, who was transferred from the Karachi Zoological Garden last month to be with her family members.

Madhubala was separated from sisters Sonia and Malika about 15 years ago.

“The microbiological results from Sonia’s autopsy revealed the presence of various bacteria,” Four Paws said in a statement on Tuesday. “The source of the bacteria was an advanced abscess on Sonia’s foot which was just recently discovered and treated during our stay [at the Safari Park] for Madhubala’s relocation. The severe bacterial infection ultimately led to fatal sepsis.”

Pakistan has a troubled history with elephants in captivity.

Noor Jehan, 17, was brought to Karachi with three other elephants more than a decade ago. She died in April 2023, days after undergoing a critical medical procedure by a team of international veterinarians.

In 2020, Kaavan, dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant” after languishing alone for years in a Pakistani zoo, was sent to a Cambodian sanctuary for the much-needed company of other elephants. Efforts to transfer him from Pakistan were supported by singer and actor Cher, who campaigned for his rescue.

Four Paws said following Sonia’s death, local authorities had extended an invitation to the charity, requesting further support for Malika and Madhubala.

“In response to this request and the pathological findings, FOUR PAWS experts have sent KMC [Karachi Metropolitan Corporation] a prophylactic treatment plan for Malika and Madhubala, urgently recommending immediate antibiotic treatment, alongside blood tests for both elephants before and after the treatment,” Four Paws said.

“Following the prophylactic treatment, the FOUR PAWS team will return on-site to conduct further examinations of the elephants.”

The organization said Sonia’s and Noor Jehan’s deaths were “tragic consequences of prolonged species-inappropriate living conditions and malnutrition.”

“Since 2021, we have continuously advocated for proper medical care, adequate nutrition, and species-appropriate environments for all four African elephants in Karachi,” it added. 

“This heartbreaking outcome underscores once again the urgent need for proper elephant management. Foot care, in particular, is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring the health and well-being of captive elephants under human care.”

The charity has sent KMC a detailed diet plan that includes essential minerals, vitamins, rice balls, electrolytes, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and green fodder, all of which needs to be implemented consistently to ensure the long-term health of the elephants, the charity added.

Despite the heartbreak over Sonia’s passing, Four Paws said it remained steadfast in its commitment to improving the welfare of the Karachi elephants. 

“Madhubala has stepped into the role of a big sister, providing strength and comfort to Malika. It is heartwarming to see them finding solace in each other,” the statement concluded.

Topics: Elephant Sonia FOUR PAWS Four Paws International

Pakistan offers ‘all possible cooperation’ to Riyadh for promotion of cricket, construction of stadiums

Pakistan offers ‘all possible cooperation’ to Riyadh for promotion of cricket, construction of stadiums
Updated 18 December 2024
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Pakistan offers ‘all possible cooperation’ to Riyadh for promotion of cricket, construction of stadiums

Pakistan offers ‘all possible cooperation’ to Riyadh for promotion of cricket, construction of stadiums
  • PCB chairman and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi is in Riyadh to discuss security cooperation, cricketing ties
  • Naqvi invites Saudi cricket federation chairman to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy being held in February next year
Updated 18 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has offered “all possible cooperation” to Saudi Arabia for the promotion of cricket and the construction of stadiums in the Middle Eastern nation, where the sport is growing in popularity, the PCB said in a statement on Wednesday. 

Naqvi, who is also the interior minister, has been on a visit to Riyadh since Sunday to discuss security cooperation and cricketing ties.

“Naqvi offered all possible cooperation in promotion of cricket and construction of stadiums,” the PCB said in a statement, as the PCB chairman met the head of the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation, Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, in Riyadh and discussed trainings for Saudi players in Pakistan.

“Naqvi said that a players exchange program can be started for cricket development. Saudi Arabia can send its emerging players to Pakistan and will provide full support in terms of cricket development and construction of stadiums.”

According to the statement, there are about 18,000 cricket players in Saudi Arabia, which has also won the Asian Cricket Council Challenge Cup. Naqvi also extended an invitation to Prince Saud to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy which will be held in February and March next year. 

Last January, in a move to strengthen cricket ties between the two countries, then chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Najam Sethi, said his country was prepared to share its expertise in the sport with Saudi Arabia.

Topics: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Pakistan Saudi Arabia ties

Imran Khan’s party temporarily calls off civil disobedience movement in Pakistan

Imran Khan’s party temporarily calls off civil disobedience movement in Pakistan
Updated 18 December 2024
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Imran Khan’s party temporarily calls off civil disobedience movement in Pakistan

Imran Khan’s party temporarily calls off civil disobedience movement in Pakistan
  • Demands government release political prisoners, set up judicial commissions to investigate two protests
  • Khan has been in jail since August 2023 on charges he says are motivated to keep him away from politics
Updated 18 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has instructed his party to temporarily postpone a planned civil disobedience movement in Pakistan, his sister said on Tuesday, calling on the government to release all political prisoners and set up judicial commissions to investigate what his party says were arrests and killings of supporters during two protests.

On Dec. 5, Khan, jailed since August 2023 on charges he says are politically motivated to keep him away from power, said in a message to supporters that he was setting up a five-member negotiations committee to hold talks with the federal government for the release of political prisoners. He also demanded judicial commissions to investigate protests on May 9 last year and Nov. 24 this year in which the government says supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party partook in violence and caused vandalism. If the two demands were not met, Khan said, the party would launch a civil disobedience movement from Dec. 14.

However, speaking to reporters on Tuesday after meeting Khan in prison, his sister Aleema Khan said the jailed leader had been advised by aides that a civil disobedience movement, including a call to overseas Pakistanis who largely support Khan to stop sending remittances, would damage the economy. 

“Party leaders have said this will really affect the economy so Imran Khan has said, “I will wait for a few days, the government should meet these two demands’,” Aleema told the media outside Adiala jail. “Otherwise, if these demands are not met, he will announce a call to stop remittances.”

Pressure on Khan’s PTI party, already at loggerheads with the government and military, has increased since last month when thousands of its supporters stormed Islamabad, demanding Khan’s release. 

The government says protesters killed four security officers in clashes while the PTI says at least 12 of its supporters died and “hundreds” were injured and arrested as security agencies used live ammunition rounds to disperse protesters, which authorities deny. The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif coalition government says it will take legal action against the rioters and bring to justice suspects behind what it has described as a “malicious campaign” to spread fake online news, images and video content against the state and security forces.

Previously, the government and military have accused Khan supporters of attacking and damaging government and military buildings after his brief arrest on May 9, 2023.

Hundreds of PTI supporters and dozens of leaders were subsequently arrested while police registered cases against the party’s top leaders, including Khan. The army is also holding military trials of over a 100 people arrested in connection with the May riots.

Topics: PTI protest PTI protests Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Ex-PM Imran Khan arrested

‘Heritage within heritage’ at Pakistan’s only specialized money museum in Karachi 

‘Heritage within heritage’ at Pakistan’s only specialized money museum in Karachi 
Updated 18 December 2024
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‘Heritage within heritage’ at Pakistan’s only specialized money museum in Karachi 

‘Heritage within heritage’ at Pakistan’s only specialized money museum in Karachi 
  • State Bank museum has large collection including first cheque issued by Pakistani founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah at Habib Bank 
  • Museum is housed in a hundred-year-old building of the former Imperial Bank of India on Karachi’s famed I.I. Chundrigar Road
Updated 18 December 2024
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Nestled in the heart of Pakistan’s commercial capital of Karachi, the State Bank (SBP) Museum and Art Gallery stands as a testament to the region’s monetary history, with an extensive collection of artefacts like ancient coins, currency notes and rare documents, including cheques signed by the nation’s founding father.

The museum — housed in the hundred-year-old building of the former Imperial Bank of India on Karachi’s I.I. Chundrigar Road — takes visitors through a journey of the evolution of finance, from ancient barter systems to sophisticated financial instruments available today.

Notable exhibits displayed at the museum include the first cheque issued at Habib Bank from the personal account of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and his original account-opening form.

“This State Bank Museum is the first and only specialized money museum of Pakistan which covers the theme of the evolution of money, starting from barter trade till e-banking,” museum official Jibran Ali told Arab News.

“One of the specialties of this museum is the coins ... Starting from the 6th century BC up to the coins of Pakistan today, we have all of the different dynasties’ coins available in this museum.”

One gallery displays a collection of coins from emperors that once ruled the region, including the British, the Mughals and the Arab rulers of Sindh. The first currency notes printed by the Reserve Bank of India after India and Pakistan’s independence from British rule in 1947 are also on display. 

One of the highlights is Hajj notes, specially designed for pilgrims from 1949 to the 1980s, which could be used in Saudi Arabia.

“On the same note, we can see that the Government of Pakistan [logo] is also mentioned alongside the Reserve Bank of India,” Ali said.

A range of cowrie shells, Indus seals and Ratti seeds as well as coins from various ancient cultures such as the Indo-Greek and Kushan eras are also on display. 

“Cowrie shells were initially used as money and also as ornaments in jewelry until the 19th century in different parts of the world,” Ali explained. “We have a vast collection of more than 7,000 rare coins available today.”

Old minting machines are another interesting part of the collection.

“These machines used to produce coins and paper money and give visitors a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship behind currency production before modern technology took over,” the museum in-charge added. 

The original office furniture of the central bank’s first governor, Zahid Hussain, and the bank’s inaugural account ledger are also showcased. Visitors can also view antique coin-minting machines, a currency printing press, and the first automated teller machine (ATM) in Pakistan, introduced by Habib Bank in 1988.

“We have the first ATM as well,” Ali said. “And we have original vaults of the 1920s.”

“PAST ECONOMIES”

The building itself is a historical marvel, featuring a Greco-Roman design with a stunning glass ceiling and intricately preserved Burma teak doors. Built in the 1920s for the Imperial Bank of India, the structure is crafted from Jodhpuri Red Sandstone and a grand example of colonial-era architecture.

Professor Altaf Aseem, a heritage and archaeology expert, said the museum was important both for its building and the collection inside. 

“From cowrie shells to modern-day currency, the museum has a wide array of items on display. However, the building that houses these coins and currencies is equally significant, as it is itself a heritage site. In a way, we can say that heritage is housed within heritage,” Aseem told Arab News.

The currency notes and metal coins on display showed an impressive array of art and calligraphy from different periods also, the historian said. 

“For example, some display Khat-e-Kufi, others use Nasta’liq, and some feature the Naskh script,” Aseem added, referring to different calligraphy styles. 

“This variety is a key highlight of the collection. Even though details are often missing such as who made these designers, the collection remains remarkable.”

Babar Ali, a visitor, said the museum offered a “deep dive into the history of money.”

“One of the most impressive sections is the collection of rare coins, including those from the era of Alexander the Great, the Arab rulers, and other significant historical empires,” the retired government official said. 

“The display also includes precious metal coins like gold and silver, which highlight their importance in past economies.”

Topics: state bank museum State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) money museum

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