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Pakistan condemns Israeli attack on Rafah refugee camp, calls it ‘blatant defiance’ of ICJ ruling

Pakistan condemns Israeli attack on Rafah refugee camp, calls it ‘blatant defiance’ of ICJ ruling
Palestinians put out a fire at the site of an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced people, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip on May 27, 2024. (REUTERS)
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Updated 27 May 2024
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Pakistan condemns Israeli attack on Rafah refugee camp, calls it ‘blatant defiance’ of ICJ ruling

Pakistan condemns Israeli attack on Rafah refugee camp, calls it ‘blatant defiance’ of ICJ ruling
  • Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people on Sunday and ‘numerous’ others were trapped under debris
  • Gaza’s Health Ministry said women and children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded
Updated 27 May 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan condemns Israeli bombardment of tents for displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that killed dozens of people, the Pakistani Foreign Office said on Monday.
Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people on Sunday and “numerous” others were trapped in flaming debris. Gaza’s Health Ministry said women and children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded.
The attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population had sought shelter before Israel’s incursion earlier this month.
“Targeting of individuals who were displaced earlier because of Israeli bombardment and were sheltered in a refugee camp, is yet another breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupation forces,” the Pakistani Foreign Office said in a statement.
“The attack is also a blatant defiance of the additional provisional measures of 24 May 2024 by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah in conformity with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and the worsening humanitarian conditions faced by civilians.”
The case against Israel was initiated by South Africa in December 2023, where it labeled Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip as “genocidal,” asserting that they intended to destroy the Palestinian people in ways specified under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The war on Gaza broke out after Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, which killed more than 1,100 people, in response to the deteriorating condition of Palestinian people living under Israeli occupation.
Israel launched a retaliatory offensive, widely viewed as disproportionate, in which more than 35,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have lost their lives, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
“Pakistan reiterates its demand for immediate and unconditional implementation of the orders of the ICJ of 24 May 2024. Measures must be taken to fully protect civilians in Gaza and the Israeli occupation forces must be held accountable for the Gaza genocide,” the Pakistan Foreign Office said further.
“We call on the UN Security Council to play its role in preventing Israel from any further attacks against the civilians in Rafah and taking effective measures to protect the people of Gaza.”
Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
In recent months, the South Asian country has repeatedly raised the issue of Israel’s war on Gaza, launched last October, at the United Nations through its permanent representative, Ambassador Munir Akram.

Topics: War on Gaza Pakistan Palestine rafah Gaza strip

Pakistan minister criticizes opposition for ‘unilaterally’ ending talks with government

Pakistan minister criticizes opposition for ‘unilaterally’ ending talks with government
Updated 2 min 11 sec ago
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Pakistan minister criticizes opposition for ‘unilaterally’ ending talks with government

Pakistan minister criticizes opposition for ‘unilaterally’ ending talks with government
  • Information Minister Ataullah Tarar says Imran Khan’s party ended talks “in a hurry with ill intention”
  • Khan’s PTI has ruled out further talks unless government forms judicial commissions to probe protests
Updated 2 min 11 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar this week criticized former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for ending negotiations “unilaterally” with the government, saying it should have waited for the other side’s response. 

PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan announced the party’s decision to end further talks with the government on Thursday, saying that it would only resume negotiations to break political tensions if authorities established judicial commissions to investigate violence at anti-government protests organized by the PTI. 

Negotiations between the two sides kicked off in December 2024 after Khan threatened a civil disobedience movement. Both sides held three rounds of talks, and the government was expected to submit a formal response to the PTI’s demands on Jan. 28. 

“Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar says Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf unilaterally terminated the dialogue process without any reason,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Friday. 

The minister said the PTI should have waited for the government’s response to their demands, lamenting that it took the decision to end talks in a “hurry with ill intention.” 

Khan’s ouster in a parliamentary no-trust vote in 2022 has plunged Pakistan into a political crisis, particularly since he was jailed in August 2023 on corruption and other charges. His PTI party has regularly held protests to demand his release, with many of the demonstrations turning violent. 

But despite the government-opposition stalemate, Junaid Akbar Khan, a lawmaker from the PTI, was elected on Friday unopposed as the head of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), according to a statement issued by the National Assembly Secretariat. The post of the PAC chairman had been vacant since the general election in February last year.

The PTI’s demands to the government revolve around the release of all political prisoners including Khan, and the formation of two judicial commissions to probe into violent protest rallies, including one on May 9, 2023, when PTI supporters rampaged through military offices and installations, and a second one on Nov. 26, 2024 to demand Khan’s release, in which the government says four troops were killed.

So far, the government has remained tight-lipped on whether or not it would form the judicial commissions as per the PTI’s demands.

Topics: Attaullah Tarar Government PTI talks

Pakistan president confers civilian award on citizen who saved pilgrims’ lives during Hajj 2024

Pakistan president confers civilian award on citizen who saved pilgrims’ lives during Hajj 2024
Updated 25 January 2025
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Pakistan president confers civilian award on citizen who saved pilgrims’ lives during Hajj 2024

Pakistan president confers civilian award on citizen who saved pilgrims’ lives during Hajj 2024
  • Asif Bashir was instrumental in saving 17 pilgrims’ lives during Hajj 2024 when they fainted due to extreme heat
  • Indian Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijju also thanked Bashir in letter of gratitude last year
Updated 25 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari this week conferred the country’s third highest civilian award on Asif Bashir, a Pakistani Hajj assistant who saved the lives of several pilgrims during last year’s pilgrimage after they fainted due to the extreme heat. 

Bashir was among 550 Pakistani Hajj Moavineen (assistants) recruited by the government to provide facilities to Pakistani pilgrims. However, they also provide facilities to pilgrims belonging to other countries.

Bashir, along with his five-member team, rushed to provide first aid to several pilgrims as they fainted to the ground while the temperature soared above 51 degrees last year. He was able to transport 26 to the hospital, most of whom were Indians. Nine of them died while 17 survived. 

“President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday conferred the Sitara-i-Imtiaz award on Asif Bashir in recognition of his outstanding services in the field of public services,” state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Friday. 

The state-run media said Zardari conferred the award during a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr or President House, which was attended by parliamentarians.

Bashir and his team were able to save the pilgrims by giving them water and ORS [Oral Rehydration Solution] and transporting those who needed medical attention to a nearby hospital that was almost 5-6 kilometers from their check-post.

Out of the 17 that Bashir was able to save, 15 were Indians, one was British and one was a Canadian national.

In recognition of Bashir’s efforts, Indian Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijju even wrote him a letter of gratitude.

Topics: Pakistan Hajj Hajj 2024 Asif Zardari Pakistan President

Kashif Ali to debut for Pakistan as West Indies opt to bat in second Test

Kashif Ali to debut for Pakistan as West Indies opt to bat in second Test
Updated 25 January 2025
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Kashif Ali to debut for Pakistan as West Indies opt to bat in second Test

Kashif Ali to debut for Pakistan as West Indies opt to bat in second Test
  • Pakistan lead series 1-0 after winning first Test in Multan by 127 runs last week
  • Pakistan retain three specialist spinners in playing XI after their first Test heroics
Updated 25 January 2025
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani pacer Kashif Ali will make his debut against West Indies today, Saturday, at the Multan Cricket Stadium as the two sides lock horns in the second Test match of the series. 

Pakistan lead 1-0 in the two-match series after winning the first one at the same venue by 127 runs. Pakistan’s spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan once again did the trick for Pakistan, spinning a web around West Indies batters to dismiss them before they could chase Pakistan’s target. 

Khan took nine wickets in the Multan Test while Noman took six and Pakistan’s third spin option Abrar Ahmed took five wickets to skittle the West Indies. 

“West Indies win the toss and elect to bat first,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement. 

Kashif Ali will get the Test cap today as Pakistan announced its playing XI on Friday. He will serve as the sole pacer in the upcoming fixture as Pakistan retain their spin-heavy bowling attack, featuring Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan’s playing XI:

Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Kashif Ali.

West Indies squad:

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (vc), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, and Jomel Warrican.

Topics: Pakistan vs West Indies Multan Test Pakistan cricket

Pakistan police say bound to follow SOPs to protect Chinese nationals amid harassment allegations

Pakistan police say bound to follow SOPs to protect Chinese nationals amid harassment allegations
Updated 25 January 2025
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Pakistan police say bound to follow SOPs to protect Chinese nationals amid harassment allegations

Pakistan police say bound to follow SOPs to protect Chinese nationals amid harassment allegations
  • Group of Chinese nationals filed petition in high court accusing Sindh Police of extorting, imposing unlawful restrictions on them
  • Chinese nationals, under threat from separatist groups in neighboring Balochistan, have suffered attacks in Karachi in recent past
Updated 25 January 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: The police in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province this week said they are bound to follow the federal and provincial governments’ instructions to ensure protection for Chinese nationals, responding to a group of Chinese citizens who filed a petition against alleged police harassment and extortion. 

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday sought a response from Pakistani authorities over alleged harassment, extortion and unlawful restrictions on Chinese nationals imposed by police in Sindh, after a group of 12 Chinese nationals filed a petition in December alleging their families were confined to their residences for nearly a week, forcing them to pay police hefty bribes. 

A significant number of private Chinese investors have arrived and established businesses with local partners in Pakistan since both countries initiated the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2015. 

In Sindh, the provincial government has established a Special Protection Unit (SPU) within the provincial police force to ensure security for Chinese nationals, under threat from separatist groups operating in neighboring Balochistan province which have also carried out attacks on Chinese interests and citizens in Karachi, the commercial hub of the country.

“Sindh Police is bound to implement at any cost the instructions/SOPs issued by the Government of Pakistan and the Sindh government in the context of the safety of Chinese guests,” a statement from the Sindh Police’s Public Relations officer said on Friday. 

It said the provincial police aims to provide convenience and security to Chinese investors, and is ensuring all possible measures for their “foolproof security measures.”

“The responsibility of the security of Chinese citizens associated with non-CPEC projects lies with Sindh Police and local sponsors,” the statement said, adding that security lapses and gaps are regularly checked to ensure security for Chinese nationals. 

The provincial police said In case of any security complaints by Chinese investors, senior officers immediately check and resolve it.

“Sindh Police will ensure the implementation of instructions issued by the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Sindh regarding the safety of Chinese citizens so that a safe environment can be provided to Chinese investors,” it concluded. 

China has repeatedly urged Pakistani authorities to ensure protection for its citizens living and working in the South Asian country. 

A suicide blast claimed by the separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) killed two Chinese nationals in Karachi in October, while five Chinese workers were killed in a suicide bombing in March 2024 in northwest Pakistan.

Topics: Chinese nationals in Pakistan Pakistan China Ties Sindh police

From mechanic to maestro, fire dancing reignites Pakistani cancer survivor’s life

From mechanic to maestro, fire dancing reignites Pakistani cancer survivor’s life
Updated 25 January 2025
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From mechanic to maestro, fire dancing reignites Pakistani cancer survivor’s life

From mechanic to maestro, fire dancing reignites Pakistani cancer survivor’s life
  • Zulfiqar Hussain took up art of fire dancing in 1986 to ‘see outer world in a better way’ but says it is now about survival
  • Fire dancing is a dramatic artform in which artists manipulate flames to create striking visual displays before an audience
Updated 25 January 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: The crowd jumped up in excitement and applauded as flames erupted from the mouth of Zulfiqar Hussain, illuminating the darkened stage around him. 

Dressed in traditional ‘jangli’ attire with his face painted black, Hussain’s fire dancing performance is both a reflection of his struggle against a life of difficulties and a way to showcase the unique cultural identity of Lyari, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the Pakistani port city of Karachi. 

Fire dancing is a dramatic art form in which performers manipulate flames to create striking visual displays before an audiences or as part of rituals. Originating in Polynesia, it was part of cultural traditions like Samoan fire knife dancing but over time has evolved into global variations such as poi spinning from New Zealand, fire breathing, and baton twirling. In African culture, a fire dance typically represents a connection to the spiritual power of fire, signifying purification, courage and ancestral connection, with many tribes using it in rituals to appease fire deities. 

Modern-day fire performers blend traditional techniques with music and choreography to captivate audiences. In Lyari, dancers wear jungle-themed costumes and paint their faces with watercolors before each performance. They dance to the beat of drums, drawing influences from African tradition.

“The prime thing for me was not Lyari, but I wanted to see the outer world in a better way,” said Hussain, 57, who began fire dancing in 1986 at the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) in Karachi, inspired by his mentor Ibrahim Dada.

For Hussain, the ACP stage was his gateway to the world beyond Lyari, a neighborhood known for its vibrant sports and literary culture but which has also for decades grappled with drug abuse and gang violence.

“Our ancestor, the master of the masters, Malang Charlie, brought this art from Africa in 1947,” Hussain said, saying the blend of African and local traditions had given Lyari’s fire dancing a distinct identity.

The art form has also helped the father of four, who worked most of his life as a mechanic and a driver, fight personal turmoil, including an early-stage cancer diagnosis in 2019. Following a year of treatment, Hussain returned to the stage in 2020, saying his desire to perform again was a source of strength and motivation for healing.

“As long as life is in me, I will keep doing this,” he said.

Hussain, who has performed at weddings and shows across Pakistan and internationally, lamented that the art of fire dancing was “undervalued” in Pakistan.

“In our country, there is no value for such things,” he added.

But despite a lack of recognition, the performer continues to teach others, ensuring the art form survives.

Hussain has mentored a majority of the up to 30 students currently practicing the art in Karachi, with many of them going on to perform on the local and global stage, keeping the flames of the tradition alive.

Abdul Hafeez, 38, one of Hussain’s disciples, said the challenge of being a fire dancer was assuaged by the energy of the audience.

“When people around us feel good, we feel good doing it,” he said. 

But fire dancing is also replete with danger.

“You have to watch the wind, look at the audience, and check the place. Then you have to look at yourself. Only then you have to perform the item,” said Arsalan Majeed, another performer aged 24, describing the careful preparation required ahead of each performance.

Despite precautions, accidents are not uncommon, but the thrill and fulfillment of the art outweigh the risks.

“I’ve had a couple of accidents myself. I was pretty burned at one point,” Majeed confessed. “But it happens, the mind wanders, doesn’t it?“

Hafeez, Hussain’s student, also lamented the “unpredictable” income earned from the art form:

“It’s like air in the pocket. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not.”

But for Hussain, the fire he dances with symbolizes “the fire of the belly” — the need to survive.

“If there’s no fire in the belly, there’s no need to light this one,” he said, pointing to one of his torches made with cotton gauze. “The fire in the belly is greater, and for that reason, we keep playing with fire.”

Topics: Layari fire dancer

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