PTI Rally: Islamabad police say ‘several’ cops injured in stone pelting by party supporters

Activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former country’s prime minister Imran Khan, take part in a public rally on the outskirts of Islamabad on September 8, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 08 September 2024
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PTI Rally: Islamabad police say ‘several’ cops injured in stone pelting by party supporters

  • Islamabad police, interior ministry say demonstrators linked to Khan’s party pelted stones at police officers 
  • PTI says law enforcers using “brutal violence” and “shelling and attacking attendees for no reason whatsoever”

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police and the federal ministry of interior said on Sunday evening “several” policemen had been injured as participants of a rally led by the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan pelted stones at officers “without provocation,” while the party alleged law enforcers were “shelling and attacking attendees for no reason.”

The Islamabad district administration had told rally-goers to disperse “immediately” or face “legal action” after the time allowed for the rally expired at 7pm. Soon after, local media widely showed footage of clashes between protesters and police, while Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leaders appealed to demonstrators to remain peaceful amid what they said was shelling by police.

“SSP Safe City and several policemen injured in stone pelting,” Islamabad Police said on X. “The protesters continue to throw stones at the police.”

The interior ministry sought a situation report from IG Police Islamabad and ordered “best treatment facilities” for the injured officers.

Local media widely reported soon after that the situation was under control at the rally venue, where the event continued despite the expiry of the deadline. 

The PTI, on the other hand, alleged “brutal acts of violence against families and those attending the peaceful political event of the PTI in Islamabad.”

“Police have started shelling and attacking attendees for no reason whatsoever, cowardly and disgraceful by any standards,” PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari said on X. 

Pakistan’s capital was tense throughout the day on Sunday, with heavy police deployment and many roads and “sensitive” areas of the city and entry and exit points sealed off with shipping containers ahead of the planned PTI to press for Khan’s release, who has been in jail for 13 months. 

The district administration had allowed the PTI to hold the public gathering in the Sangjani locality on the outskirts of Islamabad between 4-7pm. The rally was previously planned for July and then August but was postponed both times after permission was revoked over what officials described as security threats and concerns about unrest.

At around 6pm on Sunday, the Islamabad administration said it had informed the rally’s organizers that the time limit for the gathering was approaching its end.

Because of the roadblocks, thousands of PTI supporters and leaders traveling to Islamabad complained they had been unable to reach on time. 

“The developing situation at the site of Jalsa has given rise to a serious law and order situation,” the Islamabad district magistrate said in a notification to PTI Islamabad President Amir Masood Mughal. 

“I hereby direct you and the management/administration of Jalsa at Sangjani, Islamabad to disperse immediately. The District Administration and ICT Police, Islamabad are hereby directed to proceed and take strict action against the violators and members of unlawful assembly in accordance with law.”

Tanzeela Jahan Khan, a PTI supporter who had arrived in Islamabad with a caravan from Gujranwala city on Sunday afternoon, said more people were trying to make their way to the capital but were facing difficulty due to read closures. 

“More of our people are coming, they are on their way, all roads are blocked,” she told Arab News at the venue of the rally. 

“They do not have any way to come, they are stuck for the last 4 hours. All roads are blocked.”

“RELEASE OF KHAN”

The main aim of the rally — the PTI’s first within Islamabad’s jurisdiction since the Feb. 8 general elections — is to mobilize supporters for the release of Khan, who has been in jail since August last year. He was convicted in four cases since he was first taken into custody, all of which have been either suspended or overturned by the courts. Khan remains in jail, however, on new charges brought by the national accountability watchdog regarding the illegal sale of gifts from a state repository while he was prime minister from 2018-22.

“The basic purpose of this rally is to secure the release of Imran Khan from jail, restore the rule of law and initiate a genuine democratic process in this country,” PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen told Arab News on Sunday morning.

“Islamabad’s district administration has closed all entry and exit routes to the federal capital to prevent our supporters from reaching the venue,” Shaheen said, adding that despite the hurdles, hundreds of PTI caravans were en route to the designated venue for the rally from across Pakistan.

All metro bus services were suspended for Sunday, while the Islamabad Expressway was closed at Khanna Bridge on both sides to Lehtrar Road, and only one lane was open at the key Faizabad Interchange. The Bharakahu entry and exits were closed at Satra Meel point, while GT Road was closed for traffic on both sides at Sangjani. Rawat T Cross was also closed, according to Islamabad traffic police.

Only Margalla Road could be used to access the Red Zone, which houses sensitive government and diplomatic buildings, while Srinagar Highway was open for traffic on both sides and could be used to reach the Islamabad airport and the Rawalpindi railway station as well as the M1 and M2 motorways.

The Islamabad police said the district administration had designated routes for the rally and prohibited travel to the venue through any other routes.

“Strict legal action will be taken over violation of the designated routes and the violators will be arrested immediately,” they said on X.

 A police spokesman said on Sunday morning authorities had recovered a “suspicious bag” from near the rally venue in Sangjani containing hand grenades, detonators, electric wires and other explosive material. A bomb disposal squad had “neutralized” the materials and an investigation was underway.

“Further search operations are being conducted in view of the threat of terrorism at the gathering,” the police spokesman said. “Checking has been increased at the entrances and exits of the city. Citizens are requested to cooperate with the police during checking.”

To bolster security, a heavy contingent of law-enforcement personnel, including police, Rangers, and other paramilitary forces, were stationed at the rally venue and across the capital.

“They [PTI] are holding a rally for what, Imran Khan’s release?” ruling party minister Azma Bukhari told reporters in Lahore. “Have you ever seen them talk about the problems of the common person?”

She added that the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had “no objections” to PTI holding the rally.

“We are not afraid of political rallies,” Bukhari said. “We are only concerned about their actions and background. They have been planted to create chaos in Pakistan … We will not allow them to create instability. No mischief, chaos or disorder will be permitted.”

“GRAND POWER SHOW”

Videos shared by the PTI on social media showed party caravans moving toward the federal capital while some supporters also posted images of cargo containers that had been used to seal off the city.

The rally is being held days after a bill was passed by both houses of parliament to “regulate” public rallies in Islamabad, empowering the district magistrate to ban such gatherings if required.

But the PTI said it would hold a “grand power show” despite the hurdles.

“This jalsa [public gathering] marks the beginning of our wider and coordinated campaign against this incompetent government,” PTI’s Shaheen said in the morning.

“Our workers have begun reaching the venue, and we will hold the rally no matter what,” he added, warning authorities to avoid disrupting the “peaceful” gathering, which he described as the party’s democratic and constitutional right.

The PTI says it has faced a months-long crackdown since protesters linked to the party attacked and damaged government and military installations on May 9, 2023, after Khan’s brief arrest that day in a land graft case. Hundreds of PTI followers and leaders were arrested following the riots and many remain behind bars as they await trial. The military has also initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.

The party says it was not allowed to campaign freely ahead of the Feb. 9 general election, a vote marred by a mobile Internet shutdown on election day and unusually delayed results, leading to accusations that it was rigged and drawing concern from rights groups and foreign governments.

The PTI says it won the most seats but its mandate was “stolen” by PM Sharif’s coalition government which formed the government with the backing of the all-powerful military. Both deny the claim.


PM urges UK businesspersons to benefit from Pakistan’s investment-friendly policies

Updated 03 November 2024
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PM urges UK businesspersons to benefit from Pakistan’s investment-friendly policies

  • The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to boost trade and foreign investment after it narrowly escaped a default last year
  • The South Asian country has since sought to promote closer ties with regional, international allies to bolster its fragile economy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday met a delegation of prominent British business figures and urged them to benefit from Pakistan’s investment-friendly climate, Sharif’s office said, amid Islamabad’s efforts to boost trade and foreign investment.
The business delegation, led by renowned British businessman Zuber Issa, met the prime minister in the eastern city of Lahore, according to Sharif’s office.
Sharif urged the delegates to invest in Pakistan, saying foreign investors were being provided best facilities by Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
“Promotion of foreign investment in the country is the top priority of the government,” he was quoted as saying by his office.
“Due to the efforts of the government, the country’s economy has improved in recent days which has increased the confidence of investors.”
The two sides exchanged views on finding new ways to improve business-to-business relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
“The delegation appreciated and expressed their confidence in the prime minister’s economic policies that put the country’s economy on the path of stability and sustainable development,” Sharif’s office added.
The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to boost trade and foreign investment after it narrowly escaped a default last year by securing a last-gasp $3 billion financial assistance package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The South Asian country has since sought to promote closer economic ties with regional and international allies to bolster its fragile $350 billion economy, which has been suffering from a prolonged macroeconomic crisis.


Rizwan-led Pakistan set to take on Australia in first ODI on Monday

Updated 03 November 2024
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Rizwan-led Pakistan set to take on Australia in first ODI on Monday

  • Mohammad Rizwan was last month appointed 31st ODI captain for Pakistan
  • Pakistan have summoned debutants Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub for the first ODI

ISLAMABAD: Mohammad Rizwan’s first outing as white-ball captain will begin on Monday when Pakistan take on hosts Australia in a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series.
The first game will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, while the second ODI will begin on Nov. 8 at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. Both teams will then travel to Perth where the third ODI will take place on Nov. 10 at the Perth Stadium.
Pakistan have also announced their playing XI for the first ODI, with Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub making their debut. Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram and Haseebullah are the other uncapped players in the ODI squad.
“It is an honor to lead the Pakistan team and we are ready to take on Australia in their own backyard. We all know Australia are a very good side, and world champions, but we look forward to competing hard as we have a number of young and exciting players in our squad and it is their chance to grab the opportunities coming their way,” Rizwan said, reflecting on the team preparations ahead of the ODI series.
“We have had productive training sessions here in Melbourne since our arrival and with the support of Almighty, we look forward to produce positive results in the series.”
He said he was expecting fans to come in good numbers to support the side in the series as they had been a huge support for the Pakistan team wherever they played in Australia.
Australia’s ODI captain Pat Cummins said it was always great to have such high-intensity games for youngsters to get going.
“Pakistan are quite a decent side and they have players who have scored big runs. We have played against them in recent years, so I think it’s always a fairly even match,” he said. “There is going to be good crowd tomorrow at the MCG as we are playing against Pakistan.”
The two sides last met in the 50-over format during the 2023 World Cup on October 20, where Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The last time both sides featured in a bilateral ODI series was in March-April 2022, when Australia visited Pakistan and the hosts won the series 2-1.
The ODI series will be followed by three-match Twenty-20 International (T20I) series, which will be played on November 14, 16 and 18.
Pakistan Playing XI for the first ODI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain.
Schedule of matches:
1st ODI, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (2.30pm local time start)
2nd ODI, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2pm local time start)
3rd ODI, Perth Stadium, Perth (11.30am local time start)
1st T20I, Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (6pm local time start)
2nd T20I, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)
3rd T20I, Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start)


At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities

Updated 03 November 2024
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At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities

  • The event was held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 during the annual Riyadh Season as part of the Saudi Global Harmony Initiative
  • It showcased vibrant performances by Pakistani singers, delicious food, clothing stalls, truck art and other activities

ISLAMABAD: Art, music, delicious cuisine and clothing fascinated more than 300,000 visitors during Pakistan Week at Riyadh Season, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday, adding the event was “well received” by local and expatriate communities in the Saudi capital.

Pakistan Week activities were held at Al-Suwaidi Park, located in the heart of the Saudi capital, from October 30 till November 2 as part of the Global Harmony Initiative under Riyadh Season.

The event featured vibrant performances by Pakistani artistes, delicious food, clothing stalls, and the iconic truck art from the South Asian country, attracting diplomats, top entrepreneurs and community members from both nations.

“Pakistan Week was well received by local and expatriate community in Riyadh as over 300,000 people visited colorful activities and arenas,” the Pakistani embassy told Arab News, adding that performances by leading Pakistani singers, drum maestros and schoolchildren as well as puppet shows and handicrafts captivated audiences with the diversity of Pakistani culture.

“The [Al-Suwaidi] Park was filled with food stalls, truck art, a play zone for kids and a cultural parade, which was a highlight of the event.”

The participants described the event as a “unique and unforgettable experience” as it offered a delightful blend of music, sports and culture.

“For the overseas Pakistanis in Riyadh, Pakistan Cultural Week in Riyadh was not just an event, it was a homecoming as it was a chance to reconnect with their roots, to share their culture with their Saudi friends and other global communities and to create lasting memories with their families,” Waqar Naseem Wamiq, a Pakistani expatriate working as a trade manager in Riyadh, told Arab News.

He said the vibrant atmosphere and the “sea of people” transformed the venue into a buzzing hub of entertainment and cultural exchange, setting a new benchmark for future events.

“Over 130,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to enjoy the performances by [singers] Ali Zafar and Asim Azhar on days two and three of Pakistan Cultural Week,” he said, adding that the overwhelming response not only highlighted the immense popularity of the singers, but also underscored the significance of cultural events in bringing together communities and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

He said the meticulous planning and execution of the event by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media left a lasting impression on everyone.

“Attendees lauded the Saudi hosts for their warm hospitality and dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere,” Wamiq added.

Ali Swati, who manages Traditional Taste Restaurant in Riyadh, said his stall at Pakistan Week featured ‘matka tea,’ ‘samosas,’ ‘biryani’ and other Pakistani dishes.

“Visitors loved these items so much that they placed numerous large orders for home delivery to be fulfilled after the festival,” he told Arab News.

Swati said Arab and other expatriate communities showed “great interest” in Pakistani food, appreciating its taste and diversity.

“It was a great opportunity for our business as it introduced our restaurant to many people and will help attract more customers to our outlet in Riyadh,” he said.

Another Pakistani expatriate, Muhammad Naveed, who works as an engineer in Riyadh, said the seamless blend of diverse cultural performances and activities not only entertained attendees, but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures present.

“This exceptional effort by the Saudi hosts and organizers has set a new standard for cultural events, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to bringing joy and fostering community spirit,” Naveed told Arab News.

“The presence of celebrated cricketers, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed, added a touch of sporting excellence to the event as their participation not only boosted the spirits of the fans, but also highlighted the importance of sports in cultural celebrations.”

Besides the performances, he said, the week was full of a variety of cultural activities that showcased the rich heritage of Pakistan.

“From traditional dance performances to art exhibitions, every aspect of Pakistani culture was on display, providing a holistic cultural experience,” Naveed added.

The Kingdom recently launched the Global Harmony Initiative to celebrate the diverse nationalities and cultures of its residents by exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.

The initiative, a collaboration of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, Ministry of Media and the Quality of Life Program, has been featuring events that showcase cultures, cuisine and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.


Punjab mulling over acquiring national airline, says Pakistan ruling party chief 

Updated 03 November 2024
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Punjab mulling over acquiring national airline, says Pakistan ruling party chief 

  • Nawaz Sharif says Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz consulted him on acquiring PIA, renaming it “Air Punjab”
  • Pakistan this week kicked off national flag carrier’s privatization process, receiving single highest bid of $36 million

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz proposed acquiring the country’s national flag carrier and renaming it as “Air Punjab,” her father and ruling party chief Nawaz Sharif said this week, days after Islamabad started the bidding process for the state-owned asset. 

Pakistan’s government kickstarted the privatization process of the loss-making Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flag carrier on Thursday, holding a televised auction in which it received the sole bid of Rs10 billion ($36 million) from Blue World City, a real estate development firm. 

The bid fell far short of the minimum price of Rs85 billion ($305 million) set by the government, following which Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province formally offered to exceed the bid on Friday, saying that the PIA should remain under government control to preserve its status. 

“Maryam said to me during consultations, “Shouldn’t we acquire the PIA and establish a brand new airline? Bring in brand new planes and that we should give a new airline to Pakistan,” Sharif said to members of his party in New York during a meeting. 

“She told me to name it as ‘Air Punjab.’“

The former prime minister said he told the Punjab chief minister to weigh the option of buying the PIA or the possibility of the Punjab government establishing a new one altogether. 

“We could introduce a new airline that would offer direct flights from Karachi, Lahore, Pesha­war, and Quetta to New York, along with services to London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and other international destinations,” Sharif said. 

He said the Punjab government was holding consultations on the matter. 

Pakistan decided to move ahead with PIA’s privatization under terms agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a 37-month, $7 billion bailout approved in September, aiming to divest over 51 percent of its stake in the financially struggling national carrier.

Critics, including PIA union representatives and independent analysts, called the low bid an “embarrassment” for the government, with airline employees suggesting Pakistani authorities should expand PIA’s fleet to restore its operational viability.


Authorities shut primary schools in Pakistan’s Lahore for a week amid record pollution

Updated 03 November 2024
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Authorities shut primary schools in Pakistan’s Lahore for a week amid record pollution

  • Lahore’s air quality index soared to unprecedented 1,194 as smog enveloped city on Sunday
  • The provincial government says strong winds from India have increased pollution in Lahore

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s second city of Lahore on Sunday announced closure of all primary schools for a week due to record pollution, as smog in the city rose several times above the levels deemed dangerous for health.

For days, Lahore, a city of 14 million people, has been enveloped by dense smog, a mix of fog and pollutants caused by low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal stubble burning and winter cooling.

The air quality index, which measures a range of pollutants, exceeded 1,000 on Saturday, well above the level of 300 that is considered “dangerous” for human health, according to data from IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitor.

The provincial government in Punjab recorded peaks of over 1,000 on Sunday, which it considered “unprecedented” in the country’s most populous province.

“All the classes up to 5th grade in all schools (public, private & special education) located in the territorial jurisdiction of district Lahore shall remain closed for one (01) week with effect from 04-11-2024 (Monday) till 09-11-2024 (Saturday),” Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, a senior environment protection official, said in a notification.

The situation will be assessed again next Saturday to determine whether to extend the closure of schools.

“This smog is very harmful for children. Masks should be mandatory in schools,” provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said at a news conference on Sunday. “We are keeping an eye on the health of children in senior classes.”

The provincial government had established smog counters at hospitals, she added.

“Public should strictly follow precautionary measures, the elderly, the sick and children should be especially careful,” Aurangzeb was earlier quoted as saying by her Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

She urged people to wear face masks and not venture outside their homes unnecessarily, warning farmers against burning crop residues.

“Arrests and fines for violations will continue,” she added.

Breathing the toxic air has catastrophic health consequences, with the World Health Organization saying strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases can be triggered by prolonged exposure.

On Saturday, the concentration of deadly PM2.5 pollutants — fine particulate matter in the air that causes most damage to health — was more than 40 times the level deemed acceptable by the WHO. PM2.5 levels on Sunday morning exceeded that before decreasing slightly.

Last month, authorities banned schoolchildren from outdoor exercise until January and adjusted school hours to prevent children from traveling when the pollution is most punishing.

Children are particularly vulnerable because they have less developed lungs and breathe more rapidly, taking in more air relative to their size than adults.

Last week, the provincial environmental protection agency announced new restrictions in four “hot spots” in the city. Tuk-tuks equipped with polluting two-stroke engines are banned, as are restaurants that barbecue without filters.

Government offices and private companies will have half their staff work from home starting Monday. Construction work has been halted and street and food vendors, who often cook over open fires, must close at 8 pm.

— With additional input from AFP