ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dispatched 40 tons of humanitarian aid for the war-affected people of Gaza, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Sunday, amid continuing Israeli strikes on the Palestinian territory.
The development came as the Palestinian health ministry said hospitals in the Gaza Strip had received the remains of 51 Palestinians over the past 24 hours who were killed in Israeli strikes, bringing the Palestinian death toll from the 18-month-old Israel-Hamas war to 52,243.
The overall toll includes nearly 700 bodies for which the documentation process was recently completed, the ministry said in its latest update. The daily toll includes bodies retrieved from the rubble after earlier strikes.
Pakistan’s NDMA said the latest shipment, which is the 15th aid consignment for Gaza and the overall 26th sent to the Middle East, was sent as part of Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.
“The latest consignment, sent in collaboration with Al-Khidmat Foundation, comprises approximately 20 tons of medicine, 5 tons of hygiene kits and 15 tons of tents,” the NDMA said.
“The aid was transported via a chartered flight from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, to Amman (Jordon). Royal Medical Services Jordan will receive for onward distribution to the people of Palestine.”
Israel ended its months-long ceasefire with Hamas by launching a surprise bombardment on March 18, and has been carrying out daily waves of strikes since then. Ground forces have expanded a buffer zone and encircled the southern city of Rafah, and now control around 50 percent of the territory. Israel has also sealed off the territory’s 2 million Palestinians from all imports, including food and medicine, for nearly 60 days. Aid groups say supplies will soon run out and that thousands of children are malnourished.
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, has consistently condemned Israeli military actions and called for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.
The South Asian country has dispatched a total of 1,518 tons of relief aid exclusively for Palestine, according to the NDMA. Overall, Pakistan has dispatched 2,045 tons of humanitarian aid, including 416 tons for Lebanon and 111 tons for Syria.
“The Government of Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to standing with the people of Palestine and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance based on the evolving needs of those affected by the ongoing crisis,” the NDMA said.
Pakistan dispatches another 40 tons of relief goods for Gaza
https://arab.news/2rfzr
Pakistan dispatches another 40 tons of relief goods for Gaza
- The development comes as the Palestinian death toll from the 18-month-old Israel-Hamas war rises to 52,243
- Pakistan has consistently condemned Israeli military actions, called for uninterrupted flow of aid into Gaza
Pakistan defeat Japan to qualify for Hockey World Cup after eight years
- The national side was trailing 3-1 in the third quarter and smashed three goals in last nine minutes of the final quarter
- PM Shehbaz Sharif tells Pakistan players ‘you can win the World Cup by playing with same hard work, determination’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan defeated Japan 4-3 in the semifinal of the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifier in Egypt on Friday, qualifying for this year’s World Cup.
Pakistan’s victory at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium has earned them a place in the World Cup after eight years. Belgium and the Netherlands will co-host the tournament in Aug.
The Pakistan hockey team has not qualified for the last three Olympics and were ranked 12th when they last played a World Cup in 2018, despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday congratulated the Pakistani side for securing a place in the upcoming World Cup, promising his government support to the players.
“You can win the World Cup by playing with the same hard work and determination,” he said in a statement. “The government will provide you with all the facilities. Your full attention should be focused on outstanding performance in the game.”
The national side, led by Ammad Butt, was trailing 3-1 in the third quarter of Friday’s match against Japan, when it smashed three goals in the last nine minutes of the final quarter to clinch victory.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari called the win a “message of encouragement for hockey revival in Pakistan.”
“Sports play an important role in promoting national unity, discipline and a healthy society,” he said, stressing the need to promote hockey and football across the country.
Pakistan’s hockey journey is marked by past glory and ongoing efforts to revive the sport. Once a dominant force with three Olympic golds in 1960, 1968 and 1984 along with four World Cups in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994, the country was known for its legendary players like Shahbaz Ahmed and Samiullah Khan.
However, poor management, lack of infrastructure and the rise of cricket from the late 1990s led to a decline. The failure to adapt to modern demands, including fitness and artificial turfs also further deepened the crisis.
