PESHAWAR: The government in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has decided to send two delegations, comprising tribal elders, religious scholars, and political leaders, to engage in direct talks with the Afghan Taliban rulers for peace and stability in the region, a KP government spokesman said on Sunday, amid a rise in militant attacks in the province that borders Afghanistan.
The development came a day after KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said the security situation in the province was directly linked to the “developments in neighboring Afghanistan,” following a consultative meeting convened by the KP administration under the title “National Unity Against Terrorism” that brought together representatives from various religious and political parties.
Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in KP since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad broke down in November 2022. The TTP and other militant groups have frequently targeted security forces convoys and check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.
The engagement with Kabul is planned to address critical issues, including cross-border security, economic cooperation and trade and KP government spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif would be the focal person of the KP government and part of all delegations in this regard, according to a statement issued from the provincial information department.
“There is no timeframe given for the visit of the planned delegations but they will visit very soon,” Nisar Khan, an official at the KP information department, told Arab News on Sunday.
Pakistan’s top military and political leadership has blamed the surge in violence on TTP militants launching cross-border attacks from Afghanistan, accusing Kabul of harboring and facilitating them. Afghanistan denies the allegation and says Pakistan’s security is an internal matter of Islamabad.
The TTP continues to get financial and logistical support from Kabul, a United Nations (UN) report said this month, amid Islamabad’s repeated calls for Afghanistan to rein in the group. The ambition and scale of the TTP’s attacks on Pakistan had significantly increased, with over 600 attacks from July till December 2024, the report said.
The KP provincial government intends to send the first delegation to lay the foundation for meaningful talks and pave the way for the second delegation to reach some sort of tangible solution to issues, according to officials.
Saif said tribal communities residing on both sides of the porous Pakistan-Afghanistan border share the same language, tradition and social norms.
“However, due to prolonged conflict and instability in the region, cross-border relationships have been impacted, contributing to security concerns, economic downturn and humanitarian challenges,” he said in a statement.
Aamer Raza, a lecturer of political science at the University of Peshawar, told Arab News that it would be too early to expect “immediate and tangible results” from the intended talks, but the engagements would help build confidence between the two sides.
“The issue of militancy in the province and in the region is interconnected. Cooperation between the two sides can bring down militancy not only in KP but the same will enhance peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said.
“Dealing with the complex ideological landscape of militancy in the region will need an intricate dialogue.”
Saif said the objectives of the delegation include strengthening cross-border tribal diplomacy, confidence-building measures between tribal communities and authorities on both sides.
“[The delegations] will try to address cross-border security concerns, engage tribal leaders to dissuade terrorist organizations from using Afghan territory for launching attacks in Pakistan, seek cooperation in monitoring and preventing the TTP and other militant movements across the border,” he said, adding the delegates would also explore opportunities for trade between border regions, initiatives to enhance health care, education and livelihood opportunities.
Saif said his government intended to explore ways to establish mechanisms for the movement of people of both countries for medical treatment and business, and strengthening cultural and social exchanges.
The first delegation, comprising tribal elders and a senior government official from KP, would establish diplomatic groundwork and coordinate with Afghan counterparts, according to the KP government spokesman.
“Liaison with the federal government will be ensured for approvals and guidance,” he added.
After the first visit, a larger delegation, comprising tribal elders, religious scholars and key stakeholders, would visit Afghanistan to engage with Afghan tribal leaders and government representatives.
“Discussion points will cover security, trade, refugee issues and cross-border collaboration,” he added.
Irfanullah Khan, a Pakistani scholar and expert on tribal affairs, called the KP government initiative a “positive step toward addressing security issues,” but said the likelihood of achieving durable peace depends on the capacity of Afghan authorities to enforce agreements as well as the level of cooperation from Pakistan in addressing local grievances.
“Bilateral engagement is a good gesture which will lay the groundwork for peace, but sustained efforts are needed from both Kabul and Islamabad to address security issues,” he said.
“It is a good move to include tribal leaders in the talks. Local populations must feel empowered in the decision-making process. Combination of security measures, development activities and good governance can contribute gradually to restoration of peace in KP and its tribal areas.”
Irfanullah, however, said the success of negotiations would depend on the evolving political and security landscape.
Saif said the KP government would formally notify the federal government about the initiative, ensuring its alignment with national foreign and security policies.
“No commitments will be made that override Pakistan’s national security framework or diplomatic stance,” he added.
Northwestern Pakistani province to send delegations to Kabul for talks amid surge in militancy
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Northwestern Pakistani province to send delegations to Kabul for talks amid surge in militancy
- Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy since a fragile truce between Pakistani Taliban and Islamabad broke down in 2022
- Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan of sheltering militant groups that launch cross-border attacks, Kabul denies the allegation
Pakistan charges Baloch activist with ‘terrorism’
- Mahrang Baloch staged sit-in in Quetta on Friday to demand release of members of her group allegedly detained by security forces
- Pakistan’s military strongly denies Baloch’s accusations of carrying out extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances of Baloch persons
QUETTA: Pakistan on Sunday charged a Baloch rights activist with terrorism, sedition and murder after she led a demonstration which ended in the death of three protesters, according to police documents.
Mahrang Baloch, one of Pakistan’s most prominent human rights advocates, has long campaigned for the Baloch ethnic group, which claims it has been targeted by Islamabad with harassment and extrajudicial killings.
Pakistan’s military and the central government in Islamabad strongly refute her allegations.
Pakistan has been battling a separatist insurgency in Balochistan for decades, where militants target state forces and foreign nationals in the mineral-rich southwestern province bordering Afghanistan and Iran.
On Friday, she and other activists took part in a sit-in protest outside the University of Balochistan in the provincial capital of Quetta.
They demanded the release of members of their support group, whom they allege had been detained by security agencies.
Police launched a pre-dawn raid on Saturday, arresting Baloch and other activists, during which at least three protesters died. Both sides blamed each other for the deaths.
Mary Lawlor, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights defenders, said she was “very concerned” at Baloch’s arrest.
Baloch and other protesters have been charged with terrorism, sedition and murder, according to the police charge sheet seen by AFP.
Hamza Shafqaat, a senior administrative official in Quetta, said that Baloch and other activists were held under public order laws.
Her lawyer, Imran Baloch, confirmed she was detained in a jail in Quetta.
Baloch was barred from traveling to the United States last year to attend a TIME magazine awards gala of “rising leaders.”
Protests among the Baloch are often led by women. Baloch, now in her 30s, began her activist career aged 16 when her father went missing in what his supporters said was an alleged “enforced disappearance.” His body was found two years later.
Earlier in March, the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) — which accuses outsiders of plundering the province’s natural resources — launched a dramatic train siege that officials said ended in around 60 deaths, half of whom were separatists behind the assault.
President Zardari confers civil awards on 69 Pakistani and foreign nationals
- Asif Zardari confers awards during investiture ceremony on Pakistan’s Republic Day
- Former PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto posthumously awarded Nishan-e-Pakistan award
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday conferred the country’s top civil awards on 69 Pakistani and foreign nationals in recognition of their services in their respective fields, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
The awards were conferred at an investiture ceremony held to mark Pakistan’s Republic Day celebrated every year on Mar. 23 in the capital city of Islamabad.
The ceremony was held at the Aiwan e Sadr or the official residence of the president, in which different personalities were decorated with civil awards in recognition of their services in health, education, literature, journalism, public, research, diplomatic matters and economy.
“President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday conferred Pakistan’s civil awards upon 69 personalities including Pakistani nationals and foreigners in recognition of their outstanding services in various fields,” APP said.
Late former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was also the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led by Zardari, was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan award. His daughter Sanam Bhutto, Zardari’s sister-in-law, received the award on her father’s behalf.
Bhutto was hanged on April 4, 1979, in Rawalpindi District Jail, where he had been confined since his conviction on charges of conspiring to murder a political opponent. The charismatic, Western-educated leader served as the fourth president of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973, and later as the country’s ninth prime minister from 1973 to 1977.
He was ousted in a military coup by General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq on July 5, 1977, following an election in which Bhutto is widely charged with having rigged the vote.
Legal experts have for years questioned Bhutto’s trial both in the Lahore High Court and the Supreme Court, and raised questions on the conduct and procedure of the hearings, as well as on the fact that they took place while Pakistan was under military rule. Analysts argue this is the reason Bhutto’s death penalty judgment has never been cited as a precedent in any subsequent case in Pakistan’s judicial history.
Pakistan’s top court, in a landmark verdict in March last year, admitted Bhutto did not get a fair trial.
The foreign nationals who were awarded by the president include Hyder Qurbanov and Dr. Christine Brunhilde, who received the Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam award, while Agostino Da Polenza and Professor Valeria Picacentini were issued the Tamgha-e-Pakistan, and Dr. Xinmin Liu was awarded the Tamgha-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
Separately, Zardari granted military awards to Military awards to the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.
These awards included two Sitara-i-Basalat, 227 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 82 Imtiazi Asnad, 185 Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards, 23 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 112 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 133 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) awards.
Peace in Afghanistan necessary for regional stability, says Pakistani envoy amid surging tensions
- Muhammad Sadiq Khan is on a three-day visit to Afghanistan to discuss bilateral matters amid surging militancy
- Army says 16 militants attempting to enter Pakistan via Afghanistan gunned down in North Waziristan district
ISLAMABAD: Peace and progress in Afghanistan are necessary for regional stability, Pakistan’s special envoy Muhammad Sadiq Khan said on Sunday, amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries due to militancy.
Khan, Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan, is on a three-day visit to the country to discuss bilateral matters with Afghan officials. His visit takes place amid tense relations between the two countries due to a mix of security, political and border issues, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban-led interim government in Kabul of providing safe haven to anti-Pakistan militant groups facilitating cross-border attacks. Kabul has denied the allegations.
The friction escalated after a recent targeting of a passenger train in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Pakistani officials said the BLA fighters remained in contact with “handlers” based in Afghanistan during the attack that lasted for two days and involved hundreds of hostages.
“Peace and progress in Afghanistan is essential for regional stability,” Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul on the occasion of Pakistan’s Republic Day.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan must synergize their efforts to foster regional economic development.”
The Pakistani envoy described Afghanistan as “one of the most important regional partners” of his country, stressing the need for both to work together to enhance bilateral trade and regional connectivity.
“Pakistan remains committed to a strong and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with Afghanistan,” Khan said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military said in a statement on Sunday that it gunned down 16 militants who attempted to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan on the night between Mar. 22-23 in the North Waziristan district.
“Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said.
“Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.”
The ISPR said Pakistan’s security forces are committed to securing its borders and eliminating “terrorism” from the country.
Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan were also strained after the former launched a nationwide deportation campaign targeting undocumented foreigners, mostly Afghans, in November 2023, shortly after a series of deadly suicide bombings that officials blamed on Afghan nationals.
The move, which added to diplomatic tensions between the two countries, has so far led to the repatriation of more than 800,000 Afghans. Many of them had lived in Pakistan since fleeing the Soviet invasion of their country in 1979.
The Pakistani government earlier this month also directed Afghanistan Citizen Card holders to leave the country by March 31, warning they would face deportation if they failed to comply.
In Pakistani capital, Ramadan night festival showcases over 100 small businesses
- ‘Winter Fete Suhoor and Eid Night Bazaar’ event features businesses selling home decor, food, textiles and fashion accessories
- Entrepreneurs praise festival for helping establish relationships with potential customers, building brand awareness
ISLAMABAD: A vibrant Ramadan festival held in Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad this week featured over 100 small businesses and their products ranging from handcrafted textiles to homemade food items, bringing together entrepreneurs, food lovers and eager shoppers.
The ‘Winter Fete Suhoor and Eid Night Bazaar,’ initially conceived as an annual event, has now grown into a bi-monthly tradition. It offers a vital launching pad for startups and home-based businesses to showcase their products.
The latest edition of the festival was held at founder Sabeen Abdal’s house in Islamabad on Saturday, Mar. 22, from 6:00pm to 1:30am. It featured an eclectic mix of businesses selling home decor, handcrafted textiles, food items and fashion accessories.
“We started this as an opportunity for startups who don’t have storefronts to showcase their products,” Abdal told Arab News.
“There’s a big shortage of such events in our city, so now we host an event every two months,” she explained. “Many of our vendors are women-led businesses and startups, which makes this even more special.”
Zara Nadeem, an entrepreneur whose business specializes in wardrobes and home decor, agreed. She said the festival was an opportunity for entrepreneurs such as herself to engage with potential customers.
“Events like this help us create brand awareness and consolidate our brand,” Nadeem, who recently opened her first showroom, said.
“We are trying to shift the mindset that quality only comes from imported products. We want to produce high-quality items locally in Pakistan.”
Jumana Vijlani, an entrepreneur who recently launched her fashion jewelry business, said the festival was proving to be a stepping stone for her to gain much-needed brand exposure.
“We are a new startup, and it has only been a few months since we began,” Vijlani said. “Events like these provide us with much-needed opportunities to advertise and boost our sales.”
Beyond shopping, the festival served as a lively social gathering where visitors connected with friends and family while supporting small businesses.
The food stalls were a major attraction, offering popular Ramadan treats such as dahi bhallay, chaats, and traditional teas.
Hina Raza, the owner of a home-based food business, shared how such festivals play a crucial role in motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking after leaving her teaching career.
“A year ago, I left teaching to pursue this full-time, and events like this not only help us financially but also motivate and uplift us,” Raza said.
Pakistan PM says will announce relief in electricity costs ‘soon’
- Shehbaz Sharif chairs high-level meeting on matters relating to Pakistan’s Power Division
- Pakistan’s energy sector has struggled with financial strain due to circular debt, power theft
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday he would “soon” announce a comprehensive package providing relief to the masses in terms of electricity prices, state-run media reported.
Pakistan has aggressively pursued reforms in its energy sector, which has long struggled with financial strain due to circular debt, power theft and transmission losses. These problems have led to blackouts and high electricity costs in the country.
Sharif chaired a meeting in Islamabad to review matters related to the Power Division on Sunday, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says a comprehensive package will be announced soon to provide relief to the public in electricity costs,” the state broadcaster said.
Sharif said his government would be able to provide more relief to the people in prices of electricity due to its recent power reforms.
He directed authorities to expedite the process of privatizing power distribution companies, urging them to resolve legal or other matters relating to the liquidation of power generation companies.
The Pakistani premier said promoting renewable energy was a “priority” of his government, clarifying that there is no change in the government’s policy on solar energy.
The clarification comes as Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) earlier this month revised the buyback rate for solar net-metering electricity from Rs27 per unit to Rs10 per unit, saying the move was intended to ease the burden on grid consumers.
Pakistan has sought to ease fiscal pressure aggressively in recent months by undertaking energy reforms that reduce tariffs and slash capacity payments to independent power producers (IPPs).
The federal cabinet approved a plan in January to renegotiate agreements with 14 IPPs in its bid to lower electricity costs and address the country’s mounting circular debt.
