11 cops killed in eastern Pakistan as dacoits target police in rocket attack 

Pakistani officials inquire the health of police officers, who were wounded in gunmen ambush on a police convoy in a deserted area, at a hospital in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, on August 23, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 23 August 2024
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11 cops killed in eastern Pakistan as dacoits target police in rocket attack 

  • Attack took place in Rahim Yar Khan district’s Machka area, confirms chief minister of Punjab 
  • Maryam Nawaz Sharif vows attack will not go “unavenged,” warns dacoits of decisive police action 

ISLAMABAD: At least 11 cops were killed and several were injured in Pakistan’s eastern Rahim Yar Khan district on Thursday after bandits targeted police in a rocket attack, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said. 

The Kacha (riverine) area, spread over 15,000 square kilometers on both sides of the Indus river, is notorious for heavily armed bandits who seek shelter from police and law enforcement authorities for their criminal activities. Numerous police operations to eliminate these bandits have taken place in the Kacha areas of Sindh and southern Punjab in the past. 

The attack took place on Thursday when one of two police vehicles broke down in a Kacha area in Rahim Yar Khan district, a Punjab Police spokesperson said in a statement. 

“11 police jawans embraced shahadat [martyrdom] in a rocket launcher attack by Kacha gangs in Machka,” Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz wrote on social media platform X. 

“It is indeed very sad but this will not go unavenged. My team under the supervision of Home Secretary, IG and CTD has been dispatched with clear directions to sort them out decisively.”

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, directing authorities to punish those involved in it.

“The president emphasized the need for strict action against criminals in the Kacha area and warned that attacks on personnel of police and law enforcement agencies would not be tolerated,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report. 

Meanwhile, Inspector General Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, Additional IG Special Branch, Additional IG CTD, and senior officers have departed for Rahim Yar Khan, the state-run media said. 


Pakistani, Indian cricketers could play as teammates in a revived Afro-Asia Cup

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Pakistani, Indian cricketers could play as teammates in a revived Afro-Asia Cup

  • Afro-Asia Cup is a series of white-ball matches between Asia XI, Africa XI cricket squads
  • Pakistani and Indian cricketers in 2005 and 2007 played under Asia XI squad as teammates

ISLAMABAD: In what would be a rare sight, prominent Pakistani and Indian cricketers could play for the same Asia XI squad, with efforts underway to revive the Afro-Asia Cup after almost two decades, the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) said recently. 
The Afro-Asia Cup is a series of 50-over white-ball matches that have been played in the past between Asian XI and African XI teams. The tournament was only played twice, in 2005 in South Africa and in 2007 in India. A third edition scheduled for 2009 in Kenya never took place. 
Political tensions between India and Pakistan mean that the two countries have played only one white-ball bilateral series since 2012-13. The two countries only play against each other at neutral venues and at International Cricket Council (ICC) events. Pakistan traveled to India last year for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup but India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.
The Africa Cricket Association (ACA) held its annual general meeting on Saturday during which it decided to reach out to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and explore cross-continental opportunities such as the Afro-Asia Cup. 
“The Afro-Asia Cup, apart from the cricket, brings the much-needed financial input to the organization, and the appetite is huge from both ends,” Tavengwa Mukuhlani, interim chair of the ACA, who is also the Zimbabwe Cricket chair, said at a press conference on Saturday. 
“We have had conversations with our counterparts within the Asia Cricket Council, and obviously our African contingents, they want the Afro-Asia Cup to be revived.”
Cricket website ESPNcricinfo reported on Tuesday that no formal request has been made to the ACC, neither did any discussion around reviving the Afro-Asia Cup took place at the body’s recent meeting in Malaysia. 
In 2005, the Asia XI squad was captained by Pakistani batting icon Inzamam-ul-Haq and included Indian legends Rahul Dravid, Ashish Nehra and Anil Kumble. 
The 2007 Asia squad comprised Indian cricketers M.S. Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, HarbHajjan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Pakistani cricketers Mohammed Asif, Mohammed Yousuf and Shoaib Akhtar.


IMF mission chief to visit Pakistan next week to discuss $7 billion loan ‘performance’

Updated 06 November 2024
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IMF mission chief to visit Pakistan next week to discuss $7 billion loan ‘performance’

  • Nathan Porter to visit Pakistan from Nov. 11-15, says official with knowledge of development
  • International lender approved 37-month, $7 billion loan program for Pakistan in September 

ISLAMABAD: International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Pakistan Mission Chief Nathan Porter will travel to the South Asian country from Nov. 11-15 to discuss Islamabad’s performance regarding the $7 billion bailout program approved in September, an official with direct knowledge of the development said on Wednesday. 
In July, the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies with Pakistan for a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of about $7 billion. In September, the Fund’s executive board approved the 25th loan program that Pakistan has obtained since 1958.
Islamabad was able to secure the loan, critical to keeping its $350 billion fragile economy afloat, after taking painful measures such as hiking fuel and food prices, and implementing reforms to broaden the country’s tax base and privatize state-owned entities. 
“IMF staff, led by Mr. Nathan Porter, will travel to Pakistan between November 11-15 for a staff visit to discuss recent developments and program performance to date,” the official said.
“This mission is not part of the first review under the EFF, which will be no earlier than the first quarter of 2025.”
Since it secured the bailout package, Pakistan’s government has said it has been able to increase its foreign exchange reserves and moved toward economic stability. 
The country’s stock market has also seen a bullish trend in recent weeks that the government and analysts have attributed to Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic conditions, among other factors. 
Inflation in the South Asian country has dropped from a record 38% in May 2023 to 7.2% in October 2024, which the government says dropped due to its prudent fiscal policies.


Pakistani teen captivates social media with intricate leaf art

Updated 06 November 2024
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Pakistani teen captivates social media with intricate leaf art

  • Kamran Khan, 19, specializes in making intricate designs, patterns and portraits on dried leaves
  • Artist says social media has played “huge role” in expanding his outreach, he also takes orders online

PESHAWAR: A young Pakistani artist based in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has captivated social media with his unusual canvas: plant leaves. 
From a small corner in Peshawar city’s bustling Storytellers’ Market, popularly known as Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Kamran Khan carves intricate portraits on delicate leaves, blending tradition with artistry and earning a growing online fan base.
Originally from Bajaur in Pakistan’s tribal belt, the 19-year-old artist moved to Peshawar for his education and livelihood and is now a third-semester political science student at the city’s historic Islamia College. While he has to balance his studies and a small family business he helps run, he also finds moments in between to pursue his passion.
“I have been doing art and drawing since childhood, but then I thought of taking it in a new direction to make it more unique,” he told Arab News in an interview this week. “I started practicing leaf art. I watched a video from where I decided to adopt the idea since it felt different.”

Pakistani artist Kamran Khan speaks during an interview with Arab News in Peshawar on October 31, 2024. (AN Photo)

Khan specializes in leaf carving, carefully etching designs and images into the surface of leaves, often using blades to create detailed scenes and portraits. The process requires a firm hand, patience and precision to avoid damaging the delicate structure of the leaf. He also uses a special kind of leaf that is dried for two days before it is ready to be used. 
The artist has made hundreds of portraits and designs, including images of politicians, artists, tribal elders, celebrities and world leaders.
Carving the logo of Arab News, he said, “I have sketched many leaders. I made the sketch of [Saudi Crown Prince] Mohammed bin Salman and uploaded its video on TikTok.”

This photo, taken on October 31, 2024, shows Pakistani artist Kamran Khan’s artwork featuring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during an interview with Arab News in Peshawar. (AN Photo)
 

Social media had played a “huge role” in expanding his outreach, Khan said. 
“I take orders [to create art] using social media platforms, from TikTok, Instagram and Facebook,” he said. “International orders also come in, often requesting videos only. Orders are also placed for leaf art in physical frames, and we can adjust to both.”
Khan’s dedication was rewarded when a piece featuring Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a Pakistani politician who became the chief minister of Punjab after the last general elections, caught her attention.

In this photo, taken and released by Punjab Chief Minister office on October 9, 2024, shows Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz receives artwork, featuring her portrait, created by Kamran Khan in Lahore. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/Maryam Nawaz)

“I made a video of Maryam Nawaz’s sketch, and then she picked up my [work] from the social media platform and invited me over,” he added. “When we reached the CM House in Lahore to meet her, she appreciated [my work] and gave me a cash prize.”
Sharing his future plans, he said that he wanted to represent Pakistan on the world stage.
“I strive to promote our province and culture through this art,” he said, “and would love to represent my country Pakistan as well.”


Record-high pollution sickens thousands in Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore

Updated 06 November 2024
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Record-high pollution sickens thousands in Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore

  • Authorities warn a complete lockdown could be imminent if smog-related guidelines are ignored
  • Lahore remained world’s most polluted city Wednesday morning as air quality index rose to over 1,100

LAHORE: Record-high air pollution in Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore is sending more people to hospitals and private clinics, doctors said Wednesday as authorities warned a complete lockdown could be imminent if residents fail to don face masks and follow other guidance related to smog.
The warning came after residents out on the streets in Lahore, which has a population of 14 million, were seen overwhelmingly without masks. Doctors say most people are complaining of either having a cough or that they feel their eyes are burning.
“Tens of thousands of patients suffering from respiratory diseases were treated at hospitals and clinics in a week,” said Salman Kazmi, vice president of the Pakistan Medical Association.
You can see people coughing whenever you go, but they still hardly wear face masks, he said.
Lahore remained the world’s most polluted city Wednesday morning, with air quality index hitting a record high of over 1,100. Anything over 300 is considered hazardous to health.
A toxic smog has shrouded the city since last month.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, a senior minister in the Punjab province asked people to wear face masks to avoid a complete lockdown in the city. Lahore is the provincial capital.
Authorities in the city have already banned barbecuing food without filters, as well as the use of motorized rickshaws — and wedding halls must close by 10 p.m.
The government said it was also looking into methods to induce artificial rainfall to combat the pollution.


UAE diplomat urges greater food security collaboration with Pakistan at Karachi summit

Updated 06 November 2024
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UAE diplomat urges greater food security collaboration with Pakistan at Karachi summit

  • UAE Consul General in Karachi emphasizes his country’s commitment to supporting Pakistan
  • Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says current Pakistani policies are leading to stability

KARACHI: A top United Arab Emirates diplomat said on Wednesday his country was actively investing in Pakistan, as he highlighted the possibility of greater bilateral collaboration in food security while addressing a major economic conference.
UAE Consul General Bakheet Ateeq Al-Rumaithi was speaking at the Future Summit, a two-day event taking place in Karachi that aims to foster business ties and economic partnerships and has drawn participation from local and international leaders.
Pakistan has been working to enhance trade and investment to address a prolonged economic crisis that has compelled its governments to seek external financing from friendly nations and global lending organizations.
Among the various economic sectors the government plans to strengthen is agriculture, which has faced reduced yields, particularly amid erratic weather patterns attributed to climate change.
“The UAE is making significant investments in Pakistan,” Al-Rumaithi told the participants of the Future Summit. “There are opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in food security sectors.”

UAE Consul General Bakheet Ateeq Al-Rumaithi speaks during the Future Summit in Karachi on November 6, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Future Summit)

The UAE diplomat highlighted his country’s commitment to supporting Pakistan, noting that both nations share longstanding brotherly ties.
He underscored that Pakistani nationals, particularly in the health care sector, play a vital role in the UAE’s workforce.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, also present at the conference, said the government’s policies were steering Pakistan toward economic stability.
During his address, he noted improvements in key economic indicators, citing “a decrease in the current account deficit, an increase in remittances, the stabilization of the rupee and a reduction in the policy rate,” according to state-owned Radio Pakistan.
The minister stressed the need for institutional reforms to enhance transparency, address gaps in areas like tax collection and leverage technological advancements to improve governance.