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  • ‘Oh, to be like Sadpara’: Tributes pour in as Pakistan declares missing K2 climbers dead


‘Oh, to be like Sadpara’: Tributes pour in as Pakistan declares missing K2 climbers dead

An undated file photo of Ali Sadpara shared on his social media. (Photo courtesy: Ali Sadpara/Twitter)
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Updated 19 February 2021
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‘Oh, to be like Sadpara’: Tributes pour in as Pakistan declares missing K2 climbers dead

  • Ali Sadpar’s son announces end of search operation for father and two other missing climbers attempting K2 winter ascent
  • Pakistan foreign minister, celebrities, journalists, members of the public take to Twitter to write tributes for one of Pakistan’s greatest mountaineers
Updated 19 February 2021
Sabah Bano Malik

ISLAMABAD: Tributes poured in for Pakistani climber Muhammad Ali Sadpara on Friday, a day after his son announced the end of a search operation for his father and two other missing climbers who had been attempting a winter ascent of the K2 mountain.

Pakistan’s Sadpara, Iceland’s John Snorri and Chile’s JP Mohr were last sighted on February 5, at around 10 am, at what is considered the most difficult part of the climb: the Bottleneck, a steep and narrow gully just 300 meters shy of the 8,611 meter (28,251 ft) high K2.
Addressing a news briefing with the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region’s tourism minister, Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Sajid Sadpara, who last saw his father at about 8,200 meters, announced that he was “no more.”
“Rest in peace @ali_sadpara, @john_snorri & #JPMohr,” Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi tweeted. “Your spirit, passion, grit & determination in the face of every kind of hardship leaves behind a rich legacy, inspiring generations.”

Nestled along the China-Pakistan border, K2 is the world’s second highest peak and its most deadly mountain, with immense skill required to charter its steep slopes, high winds, slick ice and ever-changing weather conditions. Of the 367 people that had completed its ascent by 2018, 86 had died. The Pakistani military is regularly called in to rescue climbers using helicopters, but the weather often makes that difficult.
Earlier in January, a team of 10 Nepali climbers made history by becoming the first to ever scale K2 in winter. Sadpara and his expedition members were making their second attempt at climbing K2 this winter in a season that had already seen three other climbers die in the area.
Britain’s high commission in Pakistan, Christian Turner, wrote a message of tribute for Sadpara with the Urdu lyrics of the song: “Tum Chalay aao pahaaroun ki kasam” (Please come back for the sake of the mountains).

Amal Khan, features editor for Arab News, who has extensively reported on Sadpara’s story since he went missing, wrote a poem for the climber:
“Oh to be like Sadpara-- to die in the arms of my truth, kissed forever by the suns of my youth. Nuzzled in the Neck where my peace and story, my God and glory held me like a dream. Back when I was afraid, back when I was still here-- to be like Sadpara when my time is near.”

“Dedicating the 1st ever match at Gwadar Stadium to Pakistan’s son #MuhammadAliSadpara. The match tomorrow [Friday] will start with a prayer in his memory ... This is the beauty of our land, even our loss unites us ..from K2 to Gwadar to Quetta,” special assistant to the prime minister on overseas Pakistanis, Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari said on Twitter, referring to the inaugural match to be held at a new stadium built in Pakistan’s southwestern port city of Gwadar.

Senior leader of the ruling PTI party, Jahangir Khan Tareen, said: “Deeply saddened at the death of Ali Sadpara. He was a real hero of Pakistan. My heart goes out to his family.”

Journalist Nuzhat S Siddiqi said the only way to honor Sadpara’s memory was to “never to ignore his son, and to fund and sponsor each and every one of his mountaineering expeditions and other social endeavours for the betterment of his people.”

On Thursday, Gilgit-Baltistan tourism minister Raja Nasir Ali Khan had requested the federal government to present a civil award to Sadpara and his son.
He also said the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan would personally announce a financial package to support the Sadpara family.
“We will arrange scholarships for [Sadpara’s] children to help them with their education,” Khan said. “We will also request [the government] to name the Skardu airport after Muhammad Ali Sadpara and do the same with the mountaineering school in Shigar district.”

Author Fatima Bhutto tweeted for Sadpara: “Against all the terrible odds, he gave us hope.”

One of Pakistan’s top actors, Humayun Saeed wrote: “The tale of his love for the mountains, his passion & bravery will continue to inspire many.”

Topics: Ali Sadpara K2 K2summit Pakistani climbers

Pakistan’s Lahore hosts 24th edition of Asian Forum’s tech innovation event

Updated 18 April 2024
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Pakistan’s Lahore hosts 24th edition of Asian Forum’s tech innovation event

  • The three-day exhibition is set to fetch nearly $500 million investment from a dozen countries
  • These companies participating in the expo include Microsoft, Inbox, Lenovo, HP, NetSol and Dell
Updated 18 April 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore is set to host the 24th edition of Asian Forum’s Information Technology Commerce Network (ITCN) today, on Thursday, Pakistani state media reported.

State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima will be the chief guest, while Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya will be guest of honor on the opening day of summit at Lahore’s Expo Center.

The main sessions include Artificial Intelligence Summit, Global Security Symposium, Gaming and Scholars Roundtable, Investor Summit, Freelancer Summit, Made in Pakistan Roundtable Conference, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.

“In this edition, a delegation of international investors belonging to twelve counties will participate along with an investment of five hundred million dollars,” the report read.

“Over seven hundred stalls will be established and renowned international and national technology companies will participate in this event.”

These companies include Microsoft, Inbox, Red Hat, TP-Link, Lenovo, HP, NetSol, Abacus and Dell, according to the report.

The event is being jointly supported by the Pakistani Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan Software Export Board and Pakistan Software Houses Association.

Topics: Pakistan Lahore Asian Forum

Pakistan wants to re-engage with Middle Eastern banks to boost investment — finance minister

Updated 4 min 58 sec ago
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Pakistan wants to re-engage with Middle Eastern banks to boost investment — finance minister

  • Statement came during Mohammad Aurangzeb’s meeting with his Emirati counterpart on sidelines of his US visit 
  • The Pakistani finance minister briefed about priority areas of taxation, energy and privatization of state entities
Updated 4 min 58 sec ago
KHURSHID AHMED   

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday met with his Emirati counterpart and expressed his country’s desire to re-engage with Middle Eastern banks to boost investment in Pakistan, the Pakistani finance ministry said.

Aurangzeb’s meeting with UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini came on the sidelines of his visit to the United States to meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank officials.

The Pakistani foreign minister acknowledged long-standing brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and appreciated the Gulf country’s support to help Pakistan deal with its economic challenges.

“He highlighted Pakistan’s firm resolve to address economic challenges and create a conducive environment for sustainable growth and investment,” the Pakistani finance ministry said in a statement.

“He also expressed Pakistan’s keen interest to re-engage with Middle Eastern Banks to revive their interest in potential investment opportunities in the country.”

Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb (left) poses for a picture with his Emirati counterpart, Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, in Washington, US on April 17, 2024. (@Financegovpk/X)

He said his government intended to continue with reforms initiated under a $3 billion IMF program in priority areas of taxation, energy and privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), according to the statement.

Aurangzeb arrived in Washington on Sunday to participate in spring meetings organized by the IMF and World Bank. His tour is an important one for the South Asian country as the ongoing nine-month, $3 billion loan program with the IMF designed to tackle a balance-of-payments crisis, is set to expire this month.

With the final $1.1 billion tranche of that deal likely to be approved later this month, Pakistan has begun negotiations for a new multi-year IMF loan program worth “billions” of dollars, according to the finance ministry.

Pakistan seeks at least a three-year IMF program and plans to continue with necessary policy reforms to rein in deficits, build up reserves, and manage soaring debt servicing.

On Wednesday, Aurangzeb attended the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Ministers and Governors meeting with the IMF managing director and highlighted geo-economic fragmentation and its impact on Pakistan.

“He thanked IMF, MDBs (multilateral development banks) and its time-tested sincere bilateral partners for their support in helping the country respond to unprecedented challenges,” Aurangzeb’s ministry said in a separate statement.

“He further underscored aggressive reforms including broadening the tax net, privatizing loss making SOEs, expanding social safety net and facilitating the private sector.”

The minister underlined the importance of rechanneling special drawing rights (SDRs), reviewing surcharges policy, and prioritizing the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) in view of climate vulnerabilities.

“The minister called for a more proactive and responsive Global Financial Safety Net to tackle the elevated risks,” the statement read.

“He welcomed the renewed emphasis of the Fund on Capacity Building through Regional Capacity Development Centers (RCDCs).”

During the engagements, Aurangzeb also met with Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Executive Vice President Hiroshi Matano and appreciated the Agency’s continued support to Pakistan in attracting foreign investments.

“The minister discussed the ongoing economic reforms, investment climate and measures to enhance investor confidence in Pakistan,” his ministry said.

Topics: Pakistan UAE ties Mohammad Aurangzeb

Australia mulls citizenship for Pakistani guard in Sydney mall attack

Updated 18 April 2024
AFP
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Australia mulls citizenship for Pakistani guard in Sydney mall attack

  • The guard, Muhammad Taha, reportedly said he believed he ‘deserved recognition, consideration for citizenship’ after being stabbed
  • He was attacked just after fellow Pakistani security guard, Faraz Tahir, one of the six people killed at the Westfield shopping complex
Updated 18 April 2024
AFP

SYDNEY: Australia’s prime minister said Thursday he will consider granting citizenship to a Pakistani security guard wounded in the deadly Sydney shopping center knife attack.

The guard, Muhammad Taha, reportedly said he believed he “deserved recognition and consideration for citizenship” after being stabbed.

In a bedside interview with The Australian, Taha said he was attacked just after fellow Pakistani security guard Faraz Tahir, one of the six people killed at the Westfield shopping complex in Bondi Junction.

Taha has a graduate visa due to expire in less than a month, the paper said.

The guard reportedly noted that Frenchman Damien Guerot, since dubbed “bollard man,” had been offered permanent residency after video shared on social media showed him using a bollard to fend off the attacker, Joel Cauchi.

Asked in a radio interview if the Australian government would entertain Taha’s citizenship request, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Yes, we certainly will.”

Albanese described the killing of Faraz Tahir as a “tragedy.”

“This other person, Muhammad Taha, he confronted this guy, the perpetrator, Joel Cauchi, on Saturday. And it just shows extraordinary courage,” the prime minister said.

Both men put themselves in danger to protect Australians they did not know, Albanese said.

“That’s the sort of courage that we want to say thank you to, frankly.”

Albanese said Guerot would receive permanent residency, which he had been seeking, on Thursday.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday hailed Guerot and his fellow Frenchman Silas Despreaux for trying to stop the mall attacker.

Topics: Australia Sydney knife attacker

Pakistan kick off T20 World Cup 2024 preparations with New Zealand series today

Updated 18 April 2024
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Pakistan kick off T20 World Cup 2024 preparations with New Zealand series today

  • Today’s match to see return of Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah to Pakistan’s national squad
  • Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam says team eager to express themselves as a unit in today’s match 
Updated 18 April 2024
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan cricket team will kick off their preparations for the ICC World Cup 2024 by taking on New Zealand in the first match of the T20I series against the Black Caps in Rawalpindi today, Thursday. 

Led by experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell, New Zealand’s cricket team arrived in Pakistan last week to play the five-match T20I series from April 14-28. Rawalpindi will also host matches on Saturday and Sunday, while Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will be the stage for the remaining two matches next week on Thursday and Saturday.

This will be the third five-match series between the two sides inside a 12-month period. Last year, Pakistan and New Zealand drew the series at two-all in Pakistan, while New Zealand clinched the series 4-1 earlier at their home. 

“This five-match T20I series holds a lot of importance for us as we look forward to preparing for the all-important mega-event,” Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam said during a news conference on Wednesday. 

“We had a great fitness camp in Kakul and are looking forward to express ourselves as a unit.”

Pakistan have named uncapped Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan in the 17-player squad. Pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who came back from retirement last month. are also back in the national squad. 

The series will also mark fast bowler Naseem Shah’s return to the national squad, who last played for Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 before suffering a shoulder injury. The injury proved to be a fatal blow for Pakistan, sidelining Shah from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and tours of Australia and New Zealand.

Bracewell said he was excited to lead New Zealand on the Pakistan tour, adding that his team was raring to play good cricket against the hosts.

“Pakistan are formidable side at home and we’ll look to put challenges in their backyard,” he said. 

The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time. 

Squads:

Pakistan — Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Zaman Khan

New Zealand — Michael Bracewell (captain), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Zak Foulkes.

Topics: Pakistan New Zealand

Analysts hail Saudi FM’s ‘significant’ visit, say investments will boost Pakistan’s economy

Updated 17 April 2024
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Analysts hail Saudi FM’s ‘significant’ visit, say investments will boost Pakistan’s economy

  • Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister visited Pakistan this week to discuss investments and enhance bilateral economic cooperation
  • Former diplomat says Saudi investments could increase to $25 billion if Pakistan provides conducive environment to Saudi investors
Updated 17 April 2024
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani diplomats and analysts on Wednesday hailed Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud’s “significant” visit to Pakistan, saying that investment agreements reached between the two sides could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs in the South Asian country and boost its economic prospects. 
Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit on Monday. The minister led a high-powered delegation to Islamabad with his visit aimed at enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and pushing forward previously agreed investment deals. 
His trip came a little over a week after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Makkah and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to expedite investments worth $5 billion.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and cultural ties. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and the top source of remittances to the cash-strapped South Asian country.
“Pakistan has longstanding ties with Saudi Arabia but now it has taken a new dimension of economic cooperation,” Zahid Hussain, a senior journalist and political analyst, told Arab News. 
“And that’s why this visit was very significant.” 
Hussain said the Saudi foreign minister’s visit had turned out to be a “very productive” one as both sides held discussions on investment opportunities that he said Pakistan could offer to Saudi businessmen.
“They have discussed various opportunities which are beneficial for Saudis for investment and that could be said as the turning point in the Pakistan and Saudi relationship,” Hussain added.
During his two-day official trip, the Saudi foreign minister held meetings with top civilian and military leadership including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief General Syed Asim Munir. The Saudi delegation was also briefed by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a key government body set up in June 2023 to fast-track decisions related to international investment in Pakistan’s key sectors IT, mining, energy and agriculture.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday along with his counterpart Ishaq Dar, Prince Faisal said there was a “significant opportunity” for the Kingdom to increase its investments in Pakistan. 


Former diplomat Javed Hafeez said potential Saudi investments will enhance Pakistan’s exports and lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs for Pakistani professionals in the energy, mining, agriculture, and other sectors. 
“This would have an overall positive effect on other sectors as well and on Pakistan’s economy,” he noted.
Hafeez said the Kingdom’s investments in Pakistan could increase to the tune of $25 billion from initial investments of $5 billion, provided Islamabad succeeds in ensuring a conducive environment for Saudi investors. 
“I see it [initial investments of $5 billion] as a test case,” Hafeez said. “If we can provide the foolproof security [to Saudi investors] and if these projects are successful, then of course much more investment will come.”

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties

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