KARACHI: Every year in Pakistan, while televisions boom with the news of Eid moon-sighting, one southern fishing town still feels the nostalgia of old Arab cannons going off to announce the holy festival.
The city of Gwadar, a natural hammerhead-shaped headland, was relinquished by the Sultanate of Oman in 1958 when Pakistan purchased it for Rs5.5 billion. The city is central to the multi-billion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is situated on a tapered and sandy 12 km long strip that links the Pakistani coast to rocky outcroppings in the Arabian Sea.
Before Pakistan took reign of the fishing town, rituals in the area were a mix of local and Arab traditions, locals say.
“In our childhood... we would stand at a distance and witness the scene,” Hasan Ali Sohail, an author and local historian, told Arab News.
First, nitrous would be put inside the cannon and then sacks pressed inside to strengthen it, he said.
“All those sacks would fly skyward and when they would fall down, we would run, pick them and run toward our homes while shouting,” Sohail laughed. “This was an expression of happiness in those days.”
“The scene is still fresh in my mind despite the passage of over seven decades.”
A cannon would be placed right in front of the residence of the Wali-e-Gwadar (administrator of the city) he continued, and when the moon of Ramadan or Eid would be sighted, the people would be informed through the firing.
“When the Arab soldier would get news of the moon-sighting, a rod on fire would be inserted inside the cannon, and when the iron branding reached the sacks, he would run back and stand at a distance.”
Muhammad Akbar, 80, who was a young fisherman then, has similar memories of the Eid cannon.
“I still remember that on one Eid, while I accompanied my father for deep sea fishing, we heard the sound (of the cannon), and we turned back and anchored our fishing boat, and hurried toward home,” Akber said.
Despite the passage of time, all the old rituals haven’t faded, and some links with the former state have stayed strong.
“We still break our fasts like Arabs,” Akbar told Arab News.
Unlike the rest of the country, the people of Gwadar consume a substantial quantity of dates and lassi (yogurt-based drink) during Ramadan and have their dinner after Tarawih prayers. Sukoun, an Arabian dish, is also made and shared by the people of the town.
Noor Mohsin, a local journalist, told Arab News that thousands of Gwadar locals possess dual Pakistani and Omani nationality and live and work between the two countries.
“There is a strong bond the people of Gwadar feel with Arabs... which will always remain intact,” Mohsin added.
In Pakistan’s Gwadar, every Eid brings nostalgia for an Arab cannon blast
https://arab.news/p65rw
In Pakistan’s Gwadar, every Eid brings nostalgia for an Arab cannon blast
- Gwadar, once a tiny fishing town and now a port city centric to the multi-billion dollar CPEC, remained part of Oman from 1783 to 1958
- Thousands of Gwadar locals have dual Pakistani and Omani nationality, and continue to live and work between the two countries
Pakistan’s foreign minister discusses humanitarian crisis in Gaza with Malaysian counterpart
- Development takes place amid US President Trump’s controversial comments on relocating Palestinians from Gaza
- Ishaq Dar expresses support for convening OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting to discuss Palestine crisis
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with his Malaysian counterpart and expressed steadfast support for the Palestinian cause on Monday, the foreign office said in a statement, amid calls by US President Donald Trump to relocate people from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.
Dar previously spoke to the foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt on Sunday to drum up support for Palestinians in Gaza. His interactions come after last week’s comments by Trump in which he floated the idea of US administration over Gaza, envisioning rebuilding the devastated territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East” after resettling Palestinians elsewhere, namely Egypt and Jordan.
The remarks have prompted global backlash, mostly from Arab countries who have firmly rejected the proposal and insisted on a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Dar spoke to Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Hajji Mohamad bin Hajji Hasan over the phone to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the overall situation of the Middle East region, the foreign office said.
“The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister expressed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their just cause,” the statement said. “He also conveyed Pakistan’s support for the convening of an Extraordinary OIC meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers to discuss this urgent issue.”
The development also takes place ahead of Egypt hosting a summit of Arab nations on Feb. 27 to discuss “the latest serious developments” concerning Palestinian territories, its foreign ministry said on Sunday.
Aid trucks have flooded into Gaza after an uneasy ceasefire between Hamas and Israel began on Jan. 19, raising hopes that the war that led to seismic shifts in the Middle East may be headed toward an end. The truce, however, is fragile.
Israel has said it won’t agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas’ military and political capabilities are eliminated. Hamas says it won’t hand over the last hostages until Israel removes all troops from the territory.
During the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is gradually releasing 33 Israeli hostages captured during its Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and a flood of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The deal also stipulates that Israeli troops will pull back from populated areas.
In the second phase, all remaining living hostages would be released in return for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and “sustainable calm.”
England’s Bethell ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy— captain
- Left-handed Jacob Bethell sat out second ODI against India with hamstring injury
- England call up Somerset batsman Tom Banton on Sunday as cover for injured Bethell
NEW DELHI: Jacob Bethell is set to miss next week’s Champions Trophy after the left-handed batsman sat out the second one-day international against India with a hamstring injury.
The 21-year-old Bethell made 51 in the opening defeat last week, but was missing on Sunday as India took an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Cuttack.
The 50-over Champions Trophy begins on Feb. 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.
“I’m pretty sure (Bethell) has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest,” captain Jos Buttler admitted after England’s four-wicket defeat.
“That’s really disappointing for him. Obviously, he played nicely the other day and has been one of the really exciting players,” he added.
“It’s a shame that injury is going to rule him out.”
England have not made an official statement on Bethell’s status, but they called up Somerset batsman Tom Banton on Sunday as cover.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Banton, 26, was due to arrive in India on Monday and join the England squad for the final match of the series in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
Banton has played in six ODIs, with a top score of 58 and averages 26.80 with the bat.
England’s first match in the Champions Trophy is against World Cup winners Australia on Feb. 22.
Final squads must be submitted by Feb. 12.
On the frontline: Over 300 women officers join Balochistan police amid rising security threats
- Female officers will participate in snap checking of vehicles, conduct investigations and carry out raids
- They completed seven-month training alongside their male colleagues, including intense shooting practice
QUETTA: In the heart of Quetta’s Fayaz Sumbal Shaheed Police Lines, 24-year-old Nimra Muhammad Suleman stands poised among over two dozen female police officials, all preparing for their morning parade.
Having completed a rigorous seven-month training in January at the Police Training College on Quetta’s outskirts, Suleman is driven by a singular purpose: serving and protecting the women and children of Balochistan’s conservative tribal society.
Pakistan’s largest province in terms of landmass, the country’s southwestern region of Balochistan has long grappled with security challenges, with separatist groups intensifying their insurgency in recent years, notably by employing female suicide bombers.
Two years ago, a 30-year-old mother of two blew herself up at Karachi University, killing a group of Chinese academics to avenge Beijing’s decision to jointly undertake infrastructure and energy projects with Pakistan.
The collaboration did not sit well with separatist Baloch outfits, who accuse Pakistan of exploiting the province’s natural resources without benefiting the local population— an allegation denied by successive governments, which say they are carrying out development projects to improve people’s quality of life.
Given the changing nature of the threat, law enforcement agencies have also inducted more female officials in recent years.
“We are not lady constables,” Suleman said while speaking to Arab News on Friday. “We are police officers, and we can do everything by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our male colleagues, including protecting women and children and countering terrorism.”
The recent graduation of over 1,600 cadets from the Police Training College, including 386 women from 32 districts, marks a transformative moment for Balochistan’s security.
“In other areas such as Punjab and Sindh, [women] police constables were in higher proportion. And now in Balochistan, a very large batch has passed out this time,” she continued. “We will now be equal [in terms of our strength] to Punjab and Sindh.”
According to the provincial police department, the newly graduated women police officers have completed various training sessions alongside their male colleagues, including intense shooting practice and lessons on sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Now, female officers will also take part in snap checking of vehicles, conduct investigations and carry out raids against suspected criminals.
“When I was posted here in 2014, the total strength of women police personnel was 32, but as crime rates against women increased, the department raised the number to over 500,” said Station House Officer Zarghoona Kakar who trained Suleman and her batch.
“From now on, women will be seen everywhere in Balochistan because the time has changed when women police officers were limited to raids and office work,” she added.
The integration of these female officers comes at a critical juncture. In 2024 alone, Balochistan reported nearly 40 attacks against its police force, resulting in 25 fatalities and 61 injuries.
For many of these newly inducted officers, joining the police force required overcoming societal and familial hurdles. Javeriya Sarwar, another graduate, emphasized the importance of parental support.
“Many people in Balochistan have a negative mindset toward sending their daughters to the police department, but girls should join the police force since it provides us the opportunity to serve the masses,” she said.
Initially, Sarwar’s father was hesitant about her career choice, but she persuaded him to allow her to pursue her passion for policing.
“A man in uniform can sacrifice his life for the country,” she said. “With Balochistan being plagued by terrorism, it was my passion to sacrifice everything for the police force and Pakistan.”
Pakistani restaurants showcase culinary expertise, artistic creativity at Riyadh Food Festival
- Food festival organized from Feb. 5-9 featured prominent Pakistani restaurants, country’s iconic truck art
- Pakistani embassy in Riyadh says event provided “excellent opportunity” for country to promote food industry
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani restaurants showcased their culinary expertise and artistic creativity during the five-day Riyadh Food Festival in Saudi Arabia, a statement from Pakistan’s embassy in the Kingdom said on Sunday, offering visitors from across the world a taste of the country’s cuisines and delicacies.
The festival, which was held from Feb. 5-9 under the patronage of the Culinary Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, brought together diverse culinary traditions and cultural experiences from around the world, with Pakistan making a significant impact through its rich flavors and vibrant artistic heritage, the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh said.
Among other outlets, Pakistan was represented at the festival by three prominent restaurants--Zouq Nihari, Lahore Village and Tikka Masala.
“Visitors had the opportunity to indulge in traditional delicacies and an array of delectable Pakistani street food, all of which received an enthusiastic response from food lovers in Riyadh,” the embassy said.
It said Pakistan’s pavilion at the festival also featured two dedicated retail kiosks showcasing the country’s culinary and artistic brilliance. Mehran Foods, a leading name in Pakistani spices, set up a display of its premium spice range, offering visitors a chance to experience Pakistan’s “bold and aromatic flavors.”
A special kiosk dedicated to Pakistan’s iconic truck art was also set up at the festival. It featured intricately designed truck art wares such as hand-painted decorative pieces, household items and souvenirs.
“A live painting demonstration by skilled Pakistani truck artists further captivated audiences, allowing visitors to witness the meticulous craftsmanship and cultural storytelling embedded in this unique art form,” it said.
“The enthusiastic response from visitors underscores the growing appreciation for Pakistani cuisine and craftsmanship in Saudi Arabia,” Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia said in a statement.
The embassy said the festival provided an excellent opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its cultural ties with Saudi Arabia while promoting its food industry and artistic heritage to a wider audience.
“The Embassy of Pakistan remains committed to fostering deeper cultural exchanges between the two nations and looks forward to future collaborations that showcase Pakistan’s rich traditions on the international stage,” it said.
Pakistan president in Lisbon to condole death of Aga Khan IV
- Prince Karim Aga Khan IV passed away at age of 88 last week in Lisbon
- Asif Ali Zardari to meet Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari is in Portugal’s capital Lisbon to offer his condolences on the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, state-run media reported on Monday.
The late Aga Khan, who led the global Ismaili community for nearly seven decades, passed away last week at the age of 88. His death was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community.
A private funeral service took place at the Ismaili community center in Lisbon on Saturday, attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spaincs King Emeritus Juan Carlos, Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. He was laid to rest on Sunday at a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt.
“President Asif Ali Zardari is set to meet Prince Rahim Agha Khan in Lisbon, Portugal,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said. “During the meeting, he will extend his condolences on the passing away of late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.”
The Pakistani president will also meet his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa during his trip to the country, the state media said.
Following the late Aga Khan’s passing, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, 53, was named the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the community, in accordance with his father’s will.
The AKDN, founded by the late Ismaili leader, has been instrumental in various development projects in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions. Initiatives such as the Aga Khan Rural Support Program have focused on poverty alleviation, health care, education and cultural preservation, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of these areas.
The Ismaili community in Pakistan, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, has benefited from these initiatives, which have also had a positive impact on the national economy through improved infrastructure and human development.
