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UK appoints Pakistani-origin Sajid Javid as new health secretary

Sajid Javid, recently appointed as UK's health secretary, leaves 10 Downing Street in central London on June 11, 2019. (AFP/File)
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Updated 27 June 2021
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UK appoints Pakistani-origin Sajid Javid as new health secretary

  • Replaces Matt Hancock who quit the post after public outcry over controversial photos breaking COVID-19 rules
  • Javid says ‘honored’ to be offered the role; ‘Always good to see children of bus drivers do well’, London Mayor Khan says in a congratulatory tweet 
Updated 27 June 2021
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani-origin MP Sajid Javid was appointed as UK health secretary on Saturday night after Matt Hancock quit his role, having breached COVID-19 social distancing rules. 
“The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care,” the No.10 Downing Street said in a statement on Saturday, confirming the appointment. 
It follows a massive public outcry over controversial photographs where Hancock is seen kissing and embracing his top aide in the office, flouting all COVID-19-related protocols that he was tasked with ensuring. 
“Those of us who make these rules have got to stick by them, and that’s why I’ve got to resign,” Hancock said in a video message on Twitter. 

Javid, 51, who has previously served two terms in the UK cabinet — first as the chancellor of the exchequer and later as the home secretary — is one of five sons to his parents who moved to the UK from Pakistan in the 1960s. 
In a Twitter post on Sunday, Javid said he was “honored” to be offered the position and looked forward to “contributing” to the country’s coronavirus response. 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who is also of Pakistani origin, congratulated Javid on his new role. 
“Always good to see the children of bus drivers do well! Congrats @sajidjavid on your appointment as Health Secretary,” Khan said in a Twitter post. 
“Look forward to working together to protect our communities from this awful pandemic, get London vaccinated and continue opening up our city and country safely,” he added. 

Topics: Sadiq Javid Matt Hancock UK health secretary

Pakistan, Qatar seize 4.48 kg cocaine at Islamabad airport in joint anti-narcotics operation

Updated 7 sec ago
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Pakistan, Qatar seize 4.48 kg cocaine at Islamabad airport in joint anti-narcotics operation

  • Female passenger arrested after arriving from Sharjah via Doha, handler detained outside terminal
  • Pakistan lies along regional trafficking routes connecting the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
Updated 7 sec ago
NAIMAT KHAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have seized about 4.48 kilograms of cocaine at Islamabad International Airport and arrested two suspects in a joint operation coordinated with Qatar, Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) said on Tuesday.

Pakistan lies along regional trafficking routes connecting the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with airports — particularly transit hubs such as Doha — frequently used to move narcotics through couriers. Authorities say recent years have seen rising interceptions of cocaine shipments destined for urban markets.

“Following the GCC Conference on Counter Narcotics held at Islamabad in April 2025, Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan, in coordination with Qatari counterparts, has conducted a joint intelligence-based operation at Islamabad International Airport,” the ANF said in a statement.

“Operation underscores the effectiveness of enhanced intelligence sharing and operational coordination between Pakistan and Qatar in countering transnational drug trafficking,” the ANF added. 

“Cocaine — a highly dangerous and expensive narcotic, often linked to elite consumption — is increasingly being trafficked into Pakistan. ANF remains vigilant in monitoring and disrupting its inflow.”

The force said officers intercepted a Pakistani woman arriving from Sharjah via Doha after receiving shared intelligence and recovered cocaine concealed in a hand-carried trolley bag.

During questioning, investigators said the passenger identified a handler waiting outside the arrivals area, after which authorities detained a second suspect and seized a vehicle.

Investigators said the bag had allegedly been handed to the courier during transit at Hamad International Airport in Doha by a foreign national on instructions from handlers based in the United Arab Emirates, and that coordinated investigations were underway in both countries.

The ANF said the case highlighted cross-border trafficking networks using international transit routes and couriers, adding that the suspects and seized narcotics would remain in custody pending further investigation.

Topics: Pakistan Qatar

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