ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal capital of Islamabad witnessed an incredible display of athleticism and community spirit as over 3,000 national and international athletes participated in the 5th Islamabad Marathon on Sunday.
The event, organized by the Islamabad Run with Us (IRU) group, brought together runners of all ages, genders and nationalities, making it a vibrant and energetic occasion for the participants.
Among the participants were United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, who completed a 10-kilometer run, and Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf, who completed the grueling 42.2-kilometer Full Marathon.
“We started promoting the running culture in Islamabad in 2016 and this marathon began in 2020,” said IRU founder Qasim Naz, sharing his excitement about the growing popularity of the marathon.
“It’s heartening to see the event evolve into a family festival, with increasing participation from women, kids and the diplomatic community.”
The marathon featured five categories: Full Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21km), 10km run, 5km race, and Kids Fun Race.
The UAE ambassador said he was “really happy” and “proud” to be part of the Islamabad Marathon.
“As you see, more than 3,000 participants from the different communities here in Islamabad, coming together with their family in this energetic environment,” he told Arab News.
“Really happy, as the UAE embassy here in Islamabad, to be part of this function, and we really support this kind of activities.”
The ambassador said the UAE embassy also organizes its own marathon each year, adding that “we’re really happy to see the people come together.”
The event aimed to foster a culture of healthy living across all age groups, according to Salman Lodhi, an IRU member.
“Our vision is to encourage youngsters, especially in today’s gadget-driven world, to engage in physical activities,” he said.
Runners from various parts of the world expressed their enthusiasm for the event.
Dr. Peter Deli from Hungary, a veteran runner with over 30 years of experience, praised the event for its impact on physical and mental health.
“This is my third Islamabad Marathon, and it’s wonderful to see more people adopting an active lifestyle here,” he said.
First-time participants Bisma and his wife Anita from Indonesia echoed similar sentiments.
“This is a great opportunity to exercise, have fun, and connect with the community,” Anita said. “I’m looking forward to participating again next year.”
The IRU organizes multiple weekly and annual events, including trail running and duathlons, all aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle. This year’s marathon not only brought communities together but also showcased Islamabad as a hub of fitness and unity.
Durez Majeed, a student who lives in Islamabad, said she was thrilled to be a part of the marathon.
“The engaging activities and vibrant atmosphere make this event truly enjoyable,” she added.
Over 3,000 athletes participate in Islamabad Marathon to celebrate fitness, community spirit
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Over 3,000 athletes participate in Islamabad Marathon to celebrate fitness, community spirit
- The marathon brought together runners of all ages, genders and nationalities, making it a vibrant occasion
- The event featured a Full Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21km), 10km run, 5km race, and a Kids Fun Race
Customs seize narcotics, smuggled goods, vehicles worth $4.9 million in southwest Pakistan
- Customs seize 22.14 kg narcotics, consignments of smuggled betel nuts, Hino trucks, auto parts, says FBR
- Smuggled goods enter Pakistan’s Balochistan province from neighboring countries Iran and Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs seized narcotics, smuggled goods and vehicles worth a total of Rs1.38 billion [$4.92 million] in the southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said in a statement.
Customs Enforcement Quetta seized and recovered 22.14 kilograms of narcotics and consignments of smuggled goods comprising betel nuts, Indian medicines, Chinese salt, auto parts, a ROCO vehicle and three Hino trucks in two separate operations, the FBR said. All items cost an estimated Rs1.38 billion, it added.
Smuggled items make their way into Pakistan through southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.
“These operations are part of the collectorate’s intensified enforcement drive aimed at curbing smuggling and dismantling illegal trade networks,” the FBR said.
“All the seized narcotics, goods and vehicles have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings under the Customs Act 1969 have been formally initiated.”
In the first operation, customs officials intercepted three containers during routine checking at FEU Zariat Cross (ZC) area. The containers were being transported from Quetta to Pakistan’s Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, the FBR said.
The vehicles intercepted included three Hino trucks. Their detailed examination led to the recovery of the smuggled goods which were concealed in the containers.
In the second operation, the staff of the Collectorate of Enforcement Customs, Quetta, intercepted a ROCO vehicle at Zariat Cross area with the local police’s assistance.
The driver was interrogated while the vehicle was searched, the FBR said.
“During interrogation, it was disclosed that drugs were concealed inside the spare wheel at the bottom side of the vehicle,” it said.
“Upon thorough checking, suspected narcotics believed to be heroin was recovered which was packed in 41 packets, each weighing 0.54 kilograms.”
The narcotics weighed a total of 22.14 kilograms, with an estimated value of Rs1.23 billion in the international market, the FBR concluded.
“The Federal Board of Revenue has commended the Customs Enforcement Quetta team for their effective action and reiterated its firm resolve to combat smuggling, illicit trade and illegal economic activities across the country,” it said.
