Punjab police raid Lahore home of ex-PM Khan aide — party 

Policemen detain Salman Akram Raja (C), a member of former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party at a protest against the alleged skewing in the national election results, in Lahore on February 17, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 17 September 2024
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Punjab police raid Lahore home of ex-PM Khan aide — party 

  • Salman Akram Raja has been PTI secretary general since Sept. 2024, head of legal affairs since August 
  • Unclear why police raided Raja’s home and no confirmation of the operation from Punjab police force

ISLAMABAD: Several members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday confirmed raids by provincial police in Punjab on the home of senior party leader Salman Akram Raja.

Raja has been serving as the secretary general of the PTI since September 2024 and as the party’s head of legal affairs since August 2024. It was unclear why police had raided his home but many PTI top leaders have been arrested since the party held a rally on Sept. 8 to demand their leader’s release from prison. Authorities say a law related to public gatherings in the federal capital was violated during the rally. 

“Shame on Punjab Police for raiding residence of Salman Akram Raja sb in Lahore. Alhamdulillah, he is safe,” lawyer Abuzar Salman Niazi, who is a member of the PTI Core Committee, said on X. 

“Such unwarranted police raids show the desperation and shamelessness of this unlawful [government],” Lawyer and PTI leader from Multan, Taimur Malik, said on X. “This raid at Salman Akram Raja’s residence will only increase the resentment against this Govt in the public & legal community.”

There was no confirmation of the raids by Punjab police. 

Earlier this week, PTI lawmakers arrested on Sept. 9 following the rally in Islamabad were ordered released by a local court. The legislators had been charged with violating the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act by holding a rally in Islamabad on Sept. 8 that went on longer than the designated time and in which one policeman was injured as PTI supporters clashed with authorities en route to the rally. 

The PTI said a number of the lawmakers were detained from inside the parliament building, triggering protests and condemnation from the party. They were granted bail on Monday submission of surety bonds worth Rs30,000 [$100]. 

Following the arrests, the National Assembly speaker had opened an inquiry into the incident on Tuesday, citing that under Pakistani law, legislators cannot be detained from within the precincts of the parliament without the speaker’s permission.

Khan’s party alleges it has faced an over a year-long crackdown since protesters allegedly 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, which says Khan and his party were behind the attacks, has also initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.

Khan, who has been in jail since last August, was ousted from the PM’s office in 2022 in a parliamentary vote of no confidence after what is widely believed to be a falling out with Pakistan’s powerful military, which denies being involved in politics.

Since his removal, Khan and his party have waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the military and now the PTI is aiming to mobilize the public through rallies to call for their leader’s release from jail in “politically motivated” cases.

The party’s next rally is planned for Sept. 22 in the eastern city of Lahore.


Pakistani students force closure of Lahore college campus amid protests over rape reports

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Pakistani students force closure of Lahore college campus amid protests over rape reports

  • Police said no victim had come forward to file a complaint and the college dismissed the allegations as 'false'
  • Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari urges people to share if they had confirmed information about incident

ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of students on Monday staged protests over a reported rape of a student at a college in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore and forced closure of one of the campuses, with police and provincial government officials denying the incident.

The incident was first reported on social media over the weekend, with varying accounts stating the rape took place on Thursday or Friday evening in the basement of a Punjab College for Women campus.

However, the police on Monday said no victim had come forward to file a complaint and the college dismissed the allegations as "false".

"The records of all the CCTV cameras in the campus have been checked," Faisal Kamran, a senior Lahore police official, said at a press conference. "Till now, we are unable to verify the incident."

"The alleged victim has not been identified as yet," he said, adding the police had also checked hospital records.

The Punjab College for Women said in a post on Instagram that no such incident had been reported to police and false information was being spread online.

The police, however, took a security guard into custody who was identified online.

"The accused guard has been in custody since yesterday, but no girl or incident has been reported yet," Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on X.

"If anyone has any confirmed information about this incident, please share."

— With additional input from AFP


Pakistan seizes US-made weapons worth Rs35 million at border with Afghanistan — security sources

Updated 14 October 2024
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Pakistan seizes US-made weapons worth Rs35 million at border with Afghanistan — security sources

  • The weapons were seized at the Torkham border crossing in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that has witnessed a surge in militant attacks
  • Pakistan blames the surge in attacks on Pakistani Taliban and other militants operating out of neighboring Afghanistan, Kabul denies the allegation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s custom authorities have seized a large cache of US-made weapons and ammunition worth approximately Rs35 million ($125,000) at a border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Pakistani security sources said on Monday.

The weapons seized at the Torkham border crossing in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province included M4 rifles and magazines, according to the security sources.

The smuggling of US leftover weapons from Afghanistan into Pakistan exposes the Afghan Taliban's struggle with weak governance and poses a “threat to regional stability.”

"The recent seizure of US-made weapons raises concerns about potential Taliban support for TTP [Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan], either directly or indirectly, as a strategic move to pressure Pakistan or assert influence in the region," the sources said.

"The rising activity of terrorist groups in Afghanistan risks destabilizing the entire region, potentially leading to increased violence, displacement, and economic hardship."

Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks, mostly in KP, by the outlawed TTP and other militant groups, which have targeted security forces convoys and check posts, and carried out targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.

Islamabad blames Kabul for facilitating anti-Pakistan militants and says it has consistently taken up the issue of cross-border attacks with the Taliban administration. The Taliban deny allowing the use of Afghan soil for attacks against any country.

"Afghanistan’s situation has far-reaching implications for international security," the Pakistani security sources said. "The presence of terrorist groups and IAG's [interim Afghan government] persistent denial of the reality could fuel global terrorism and threaten regional stability."

 


Chinese PM virtually inaugurates Beijing-funded airport in Pakistan's restive southwest

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Chinese PM virtually inaugurates Beijing-funded airport in Pakistan's restive southwest

  • Premier Li Qiang said the start of operations at the Gwadar airport will help boost investment and trade in Pakistan’s western regions
  • The inauguration of the airport had been delayed amid deadly attacks by separatist militants in the Balochistan province in recent months

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Qiang virtually inaugurated on Monday a Chinese-funded airport in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, saying it would bring more investment and trade opportunities to the South Asian country.

The start of operations at the $200-million Gwadar International Airport had been delayed amid deadly attacks by separatist militants in the southwestern Pakistani province in recent months.

Li inaugurated the airport alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Islamabad to attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Oct 15-16.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang shake hands after unveiling a plaque to mark the completion of New Gwadar International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan on October 14, 2024. (PMO)

This marks the first visit by a Chinese prime minister to Pakistan in 11 years. Li is leading a high-level delegation of ministers and officials on the visit that runs from October 14 till October 17.

“I believe that the inauguration of the new airport will significantly enhance the security of the Gwadar region, capitalize integration of port shipping and bring more investment and trade opportunities to Pakistan's western regions,” the Chinese premier said, while addressing the inauguration ceremony.

China, a key regional ally and investor, has invested billions in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a network of transport, energy and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing regional trade and connectivity.

Li said through the concerted efforts of both sides, CPEC had produced significant outcomes and played a positive role in Pakistan's economic and social development as well as regional integration.

“China will continue to work with Pakistan to uphold the principle of planning together, building together and benefiting together, engaging in open, green and clean cooperation and pursue the goal of high standard people sustainability in order to make the model project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sharif said the new international airport would not only transform the economy of Gwadar, a port city in Balochistan that lies at the heart of CPEC, but also positively impact Pakistan’s overall economy.

"I want to assure you that I will work with you very closely, not only to promote CPEC’s second phase, but also to promote peace and security for the people of China and Pakistan," he added.

MoU signing

In a televised ceremony, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs), agreements and protocols aimed at enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and China in various fields.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (2nd right)) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang (2nd left) witness the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs), in Islamabad, Pakistan on October 14, 2024. (PMO)

The agreements were aimed at promoting cooperation within the CPEC Livelihood Working Group, strengthening collaboration in information and communication technology, advancing cooperation on water conservancy facilities, flood control and disaster reduction, enhancing security cooperation, and supporting the construction of joint laboratories.

Additionally, agreements on a currency swap between the People’s Bank of China and the State Bank of Pakistan as well as co-production of television programs were also reached between the two countries.

“Exchange of MoUs between Pakistan and China in agriculture, commerce and other fields will shape into agreements very soon through joint efforts of both the countries,” Sharif said, after the signing ceremony.

The Pakistan prime minister's office said Sharif and his Chinese counterpart also held a delegation-level meeting and discussed all aspects of bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. 

“The two leaders reiterated their support for each other on all core issues and expressed their commitment for high-quality development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase 2,” Sharif's office said, adding that both leaders emphasized on the need for timely completion of all ongoing projects.

Sharif also assured Premier Li of Pakistan's commitment to ensure the safety of Chinese residents and projects in Pakistan, it added.

 


Major tech show in Dubai offers Pakistan opportunity to increase IT exports manifolds — envoy

Updated 14 October 2024
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Major tech show in Dubai offers Pakistan opportunity to increase IT exports manifolds — envoy

  • The annual GITEX Global exhibition is considered one of the world’s largest tech shows that connects industry leaders with major tech and innovation startups
  • Pakistan's ambassador encourages business leaders, IT professionals to visit the Pakistan pavilion, where 24 exhibitors are showcasing innovative technologies

ISLAMABAD: The four-day Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2024, being held in Dubai from Oct. 14 till Oct. 18, offers Pakistan an opportunity to boost its Information Technology (IT) exports by tapping into new markets, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said on Monday, as he inaugurated Pakistan's pavilion at the event.

The annual GITEX Global exhibition is considered one of the world’s largest tech shows that connects industry leaders with major tech and innovation startups as well as government officials, expert investors and corporate buyers. This year’s exhibition will run from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18.

Pakistan aims to showcase its growing capabilities in the IT sector through a contingent of 24 leading exhibitors at the event, which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and offers an opportunity for companies to connect with global tech leaders, investors, and potential partners.

"It's a great opportunity for business leaders and IT experts from Pakistan to meet their counterparts from around the world to increase exports of Pakistan from $3.2 billion to manifolds," Ambassador Tirmizi said, after inaugurating the Pakistan pavilion.

He encouraged business leaders and IT professionals to visit the pavilion, where 24 exhibitors are showcasing innovative technologies and services, highlighting the substantial growth of Pakistan’s IT exports to the UAE that had risen by 34% to $265 million.

The Pakistani ambassador acknowledged collaborative efforts by the Pakistani Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA), and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in organizing and showcasing Pakistan’s IT industry at the exhibition.

“Their joint efforts have made it possible for Pakistan to present its full spectrum of capabilities at GITEX Global,” the ambassador said.

“Pakistan, with the third-largest English-speaking population and the second-largest provider of freelance IT services globally, is uniquely positioned to expand its IT exports.”

GITEX Global is known for bringing together global tech giants, governments, start-ups, and investors, offering a platform for transformative innovations. Pakistan’s involvement in the event demonstrates its commitment to advancing its digital economy and enhancing its global footprint in the tech industry.

 


Indian FM’s visit to Pakistan unlikely to thaw frosty ties, experts say

Updated 14 October 2024
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Indian FM’s visit to Pakistan unlikely to thaw frosty ties, experts say

  • Jaishankar has said he will not discuss bilateral relations during Pakistan visit
  • High-level trip may still contribute to ‘slight improvement’ to India-Pakistan ties  

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad is unlikely to thaw frosty relations between India and Pakistan as both countries struggle with their domestic issues, experts said on Monday ahead of the first such trip by a high-level Indian official.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed last Friday that Jaishankar will be leading the Indian delegation to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization — a 10-member trans-regional economic and security body established by China and Russia — from Oct. 15 to 16 in the Pakistani capital. 

Jaishankar has said he will not discuss bilateral relations during the visit. 

India has fought three wars with its nuclear-armed neighbor, including two over control of the disputed Kashmir region in the Himalayas.

India controls Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger Kashmiri territory that has been the subject of international dispute since the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.

Both countries, which claim Kashmir in full and rule in part, further downgraded their diplomatic ties in tit-for-tat moves in 2019, after India unilaterally stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its limited constitutional autonomy. In protest, Pakistan also suspended all bilateral trade. 

“It would contribute in certain ways in thawing the relationship that has been frozen for the last 10 years and may provide an opportunity for India to construct, begin conversation with Pakistan,” Sanjay Kapoor, analyst and political editor, told Arab News. 

Yet Pakistan’s political instability and security challenges are also a drawback to potential bilateral engagements, said Prof. Harsh V. Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. 

“Pakistan is in such a febrile that who to talk to is a big question,” he told Arab News.

“The way political challenges are rising for the Pakistani government, they are quite substantive and there is no way in which a unified machinery exists … even if India wants to have a conversation with Pakistan and take that conversation forward.” 

Unless “something fundamental shifts” in Islamabad concerning its approach to regional security and terrorism, Pant said that India will not be “very incentivized to engage with Pakistan.”

Cross-border terrorism was a top-of-mind issue for the Indian government, said Manish Chand, president of the think tank Center for Global India Insights. 

“Pakistan has not done anything tangible, concrete” to address Delhi’s concerns over the matter, he told Arab News, adding that any dialogue with Islamabad also depended on the Indian public perception and mood, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party lost its absolute majority in parliament in June. 

“This government, the BJP, does not want to be seen as soft on Pakistan or cross-border terror, so they don’t want to take a political chance because that would mean that it could be they will face cracking political scrutiny,” Chand told Arab News. 

Despite the challenges, Jaishankar’s trip should still be seen as a “very positive gesture” that may lead “to a slight improvement” in bilateral relations, which “may eventually lead to some tangible move leading to reengagement at some level or revival of the dialogue process,” he said. 

But Prof. Siddiq Wahid, a Srinagar-based political analyst, said engaging with Pakistan is not a priority for the Indian government. 

“The current Indian government is hampered by itself-image of India in the world. That self-image is of a major global player. As a result it thinks that time is on its side and it does not have to deal with Islamabad,” he told Arab News.

“Meanwhile, the regional rivalry between Delhi and Islamabad continues to fester.”