Previous ‘policy of appeasement’ toward Pakistani Taliban has ended - foreign minister

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari delivers a speech during a Pakistan's Resilience to Climate Change conference in Geneva on January 9, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 18 January 2023
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Previous ‘policy of appeasement’ toward Pakistani Taliban has ended - foreign minister

  • World has ‘exaggerated’ Pakistan’s leverage with Afghan Taliban, says foreign minister
  • Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari says world must engage with Afghanistan government

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s previous “policy of appeasement” toward the Pakistani Taliban has been ended by the incumbent coalition government in the country, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Tuesday. 

Bhutto-Zardari is in Davos with State Minister of Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar to attend the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting. The foreign minister will represent Pakistan and speak on regional challenges, climate disaster and other issues concerning his country. 

As militant attacks in Pakistan surge once again, Islamabad has called on Kabul to rein in the TTP and thwarts its attempts to use Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. Kabul denies the allegations and has said it is doing its best to prevent the use of its soil for militant activities. 

In a top security meeting earlier this month, Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership said in an indirect reference to Afghanistan that it would not allow any country to shelter militants. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also escalated over border skirmishes between the two countries earlier this month that claimed multiple civilian casualties. 

Bhutto-Zardari, leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has accused his political rival and former prime minister Imran Khan frequently in the past of being soft on the Pakistani Taliban. 

“As far as the TTP is concerned, I believe the previous government has the wrong approach,” Bhutto-Zardari told Al-Jazeera in an interview. “Its policy of appeasement toward the [Pakistani] Taliban has created problems for the people of Pakistan. That approach has been ended by the new unity government,” he added. 

The minister said Pakistan was disappointed with the decisions taken by the interim government in Afghanistan related to women’s education. However, he urged the world to engage with the country and not leave it high and dry. 

“I think Pakistan’s leverage with the Taliban has by and large been exaggerated with the international community, in the past and up till this day,” he said. 

“Having said that, we’re neighbors. We couldn’t separate if we wanted to and the only way to enhance leverage on both sides is to engage with them,” he added. 

Bhutto-Zardari acknowledged the economic challenges facing Pakistan. However, he said Pakistan was not along in facing such challenges, adding that the world was also facing similar challenges. He said the climate catastrophe, couple with rising energy prices and inflation, made it “the perfect storm” in Pakistan. 


Forest fires on Islamabad’s Margalla Hills doused after hours-long efforts — official

Updated 01 June 2024
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Forest fires on Islamabad’s Margalla Hills doused after hours-long efforts — official

  • Several firefighters and army helicopters participated in the operation to put out the raging flames
  • Incidents come at a time when Pakistan is experiencing heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 52°C

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have doused forest fires that had erupted on three different locations on Margalla Hills in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, an Islamabad district administration official said on Saturday.
The fires erupted on Friday at two different spots close to the famed Faisal Mosque and the Naval headquarters, as well as near a village within the limits of the neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to authorities.
Several firefighters and army helicopters participated in the hours-long operation to put out the raging flames, according to a spokesperson of the Islamabad district administration.
“The fire on Margalla Hills is controlled and extinguished after hours-long struggle,” Nasir Butt, the Islamabad district administration spokesperson, told Arab News on Saturday, without detailing the cause of the fire.
The Margalla range, part of the Himalayan foothills, has experienced bush fires relatively often in the summer months. There have also been multiple fires during this month, largely attributed to the extreme heat wave affecting the region.
Bush fires erupted at 15 different locations on Margalla Hills on Tuesday, prompting authorities to order a probe to ascertain if they were started deliberately.
On Friday, officials announced the arrest of three people as residents of the city saw plumes of smoke rising from the hills, which stretch along the northern edge of Islamabad.
“We will ensure all those responsible are held accountable,” Muhammad Ali Randhawa, chairman of the Capital Development Authority, said in a social media post.
He said the authorities would protect the beauty of the hills “at any cost.”


Archer, Wood’s ‘extra edge’ excites England’s Livingstone after Pakistan series win

Updated 01 June 2024
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Archer, Wood’s ‘extra edge’ excites England’s Livingstone after Pakistan series win

  • Both Archer and Wood playing their part as England won by seven wickets to seal a 2-0 T20 series victory over Pakistan
  • England hope their renewed confidence is justified following a miserable defense of World Cup title in India last year

LONDON: England all-rounder Liam Livingstone believes the “extra edge” provided by fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will bolster the side’s chance when they begin their T20 World Cup defense in Barbados next week.
The two out-and-out quicks were reunited for the first time in The Oval on Thursday, with both Archer and Wood playing their part as England won by seven wickets to seal a 2-0 T20 series victory over Pakistan.
Archer made the key breakthrough to dismiss in-form Pakistan captain Babar Azam for 36, sparking a collapse that saw the tourists slump from 59-0 to 157 all out.
And Wood, timed at a rapid 96 mph (154 kph) in his first spell, returned to produce two searing bouncers that captured the wickets of Azam Khan and Naseem Shah.
Spin-bowling all-rounder Livingston struck twice in an over before England’s top order spent time in the middle, with captain Jos Buttler (39) and Phil Salt (45) looking in especially fine touch.
“A 2-0 victory going into the World Cup is great,” said Livingstone after England won the only two matches of a four-game series where any cricket was possible following washouts in Leeds and Cardiff.
“I think what was better was what we actually got out of that, especially having Jof and Woody gives us that sort of extra edge that we haven’t had before, which is pretty cool.”
Injuries have blighted the careers of both Archer and Wood, but the 30-year-old Livingstone added: “Any team that has them, before you even start the game you feel like you’re one step ahead.
“We know pace can work one of two ways: it can get you wickets and it can go for runs. They’re not always just going to blow teams away but I think having those two is a pretty big weapon and CJ (Chris Jordan) has been bowling beautifully as well.”
England will hope their renewed confidence is justified following a miserable defense of their 50-over World Cup title in India last year, which led to questions being raised over the positions of skipper Buttler and white-ball coach Matthew Mott.
But the England hierarchy kept faith with the duo, who had some credit in the bank after steering the team to glory at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, with Livingstone insisting: “I think we’re in a much better place than we were six months ago, which is pretty exciting for all of us.”
Livingstone, meanwhile, said he was finally free of pain after struggling with a longstanding knee injury.
“It’s not been the most enjoyable 18 months of trying to play with a niggle,” he said.
“It kind of drains your spirit, drains your enjoyment of cricket,” added Livingstone, who revealed he had been in low spirits at at the end of the Indian Premier League.
But an injection appears to have done the trick for his knee and revived Livingstone’s morale.
“It’s much better,” he said. “I feel like I’ve got a smile on my face and that’s all that really matters to me.”


Saudi Arabia launches health awareness campaign for Hajj pilgrims in Urdu, other languages

Updated 01 June 2024
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Saudi Arabia launches health awareness campaign for Hajj pilgrims in Urdu, other languages

  • This year, around 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform the annual pilgrimage
  • Pakistan has appointed nearly 550 assistants, staff to ensure well-being of these pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have launched a health awareness campaign in several languages, including Urdu, for pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Pakistani state media reported on Friday.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires every adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able.
This year, around 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform the pilgrimage, of which around 70,000 people will undertake the journey under the government scheme, while the rest will use private tour operators.
The health awareness campaign for Hajj pilgrims is being carried out at key locations in the Kingdom through dozens of screens, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“The campaign is being carried out through 97 smart display screens at various locations including Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the Haramain High Speed Railway Station, shuttle buses, pilgrim reception centers, malls and the health cluster’s facilities,” the report read.
“Messages cover issues such as the dangers of direct sun exposure, heat exhaustion, dehydration, food poisoning, first aid, personal hygiene and other health topics.”
More than 42,000 Pakistani pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia and around 390 assistants, including Pakistani civil and uniformed officers, are currently working for their travel and accommodation as well as for providing quality food to the pilgrims, according to the Pakistani religion ministry.
Over 150 officers of the religious affairs ministry are facilitating pilgrims at the Main Control Office, Madinah and Jeddah Airports, Lost and Found Department, Madinah Departure Cell, Monitoring Cell, and Accounts and Administration Departments.
This year’s pilgrimage is expected to run from June 14 till June 19.


Pakistan slashes petrol price by Rs4 amid confusion about bigger cut

Updated 01 June 2024
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Pakistan slashes petrol price by Rs4 amid confusion about bigger cut

  • The confusion stemmed from a statement issued by PM Sharif's office saying he had directed authorities to reduce petrol price by Rs15.4
  • Finance Division says the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority has worked out new prices, based on price variations in the international market

KARACHI: The Pakistani government on Saturday reduced the price of petrol by Rs4 per liter, the Finance Division announced, amid confusion about bigger cuts in petroleum prices.

The confusion stemmed from a statement issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office that said late Friday the premier had directed authorities to reduce petrol price by Rs15.4 and diesel by Rs7.9.

However, the price of petrol was slashed by only Rs4.74, while that of hi-speed diesel was reduced by Rs3.86, according to a notification issued by the Finance Division early Saturday.

"The prices of Petroleum products have seen a decreasing trend in the international market during the last fortnight," the notification read. "The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has worked out the consumer prices, based on the price variations in the international market."

A liter of petrol now costs Rs268.36, while that of high-speed diesel sells for Rs270.22.

Pakistan revises petroleum prices every fortnight. On May 15, the Pakistani government slashed the price of petrol by Rs15.39 per liter in view of declining global energy prices, bringing major relief to consumers reeling from record inflation over the past two years.

The South Asian country significantly increased fuel prices after securing a short-term, $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.

The rising rates also led to spiraling inflation in the country, though the government started offering relief to the people by gradually bringing down the petroleum prices.

Pakistan is already in talks with the IMF to secure another loan which is expected to be bigger in terms of size and duration.


Unusually high temperatures in Pakistan lead to rapid melting of glaciers, threaten lives

Updated 01 June 2024
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Unusually high temperatures in Pakistan lead to rapid melting of glaciers, threaten lives

  • Pakistan is home to more than 7,253 glaciers, containing more glacial ice than any other country on earth outside polar regions
  • Officials, experts believe climate change is behind swift melting of glaciers that could affect regular water availability in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Unusually high temperatures in Pakistan’s northern areas have resulted in rapid melting of glaciers, officials and experts said on Friday, warning that the prolonged phenomenon could lead to water shortages and threaten lives in the longer run.
The South Asian country of 241 million is home to more than 7,253 known glaciers, and contains more glacial ice than any other country on earth outside the polar regions. Almost all these glaciers lie in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The glaciers are an essential source and provide around 70 percent of fresh water for Pakistan that flows into the rivers, supplying drinking water to humans, ecological habitats and for agricultural activity, and even powers electricity, according to the Green Network. But recent heatwaves and above normal temperatures are causing the snow to melt faster.
“The glaciers are our water bank and a lifeline for the whole country, but the high temperatures and climate change are resulting in their fast melting,” Dr. Zaheer Ahmed Babar, a director at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, told Arab News.
“The ratio of snow melting and subsequent water flow in the rivers are comparatively high as temperatures in the northern regions have recorded an increase of four to five degrees Celsius this month. In the longer run, if the phenomenon of high temperatures persists in the northern regions, our snow accumulation on the glaciers may lead to depletion and cause water shortages across Pakistan.”
Pakistan is currently witnessing a heatwave, with temperatures this week soaring above 52 degrees Celsius in the country’s southern regions, according to the PMD.
Babar said extreme weather patterns in Pakistan were getting prolonged with the passage of time, resulting in floods, heatwaves and a rise in seawater level, adding that the mercury was expected to drop after June 15 with the advent of the pre-monsoon rains.
Following an increased waterflow in rivers this month, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has increased the share of water for all provinces, bridging shortages for drinking and agriculture purposes.
“There are no water shortages now as we have been providing water to all the provinces as per their actual demand,” Khalid Idrees Rana, an operations director at IRSA, told Arab News.
“Our rivers are swelling at the moment due to the increased waterflow from the melting glaciers. The unusual high temperatures in the area are resulting in increased waterflow.”
Rana said the authority was providing 140,000 cusecs each to Punjab and Sindh provinces, 11,000 cusecs to Balochistan and 3,000 cusecs to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“The increased waterflows in rivers are good for agriculture in the short term, but this could be dangerous in the longer term as we need a sustainable supply of water from our glaciers the whole year,” he said.
Experts have linked the increase in melting of glaciers to adverse impacts of climate change and called on people to adapt to sustainable use of water, especially in the agriculture sector, to conserve the precious resource.
“The fast glacier-melting is obviously the climate change phenomenon, and Pakistan needs to mobilize a global effort to mitigate its impacts through reduction in carbon emissions,” Dr. Qamar Zaman, a lead author of Pakistan’s national climate change policy, told Arab News.
“We need to ensure sustainable use of water by discouraging flood irrigation as the swift glaciers melting could affect regular water availability in the country.”