Rwanda allows entry of stranded Pakistanis as conflict escalates in Congo 

Rwanda allows entry of stranded Pakistanis as conflict escalates in Congo 
Congolese civilians who fled from Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, following clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), carry their belongings as they walk toward the Grand Barrier crossing point to return home, in Gisenyi of Rubavu district, Rwanda, January 30, 2025. (REUTERS)
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Updated 31 January 2025
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Rwanda allows entry of stranded Pakistanis as conflict escalates in Congo 

Rwanda allows entry of stranded Pakistanis as conflict escalates in Congo 
  • M23 rebels captured Goma, a city of 2 million people in the DRC, on Monday, ignoring widespread calls to halt offensive 
  • Rwandan forces backed up M23 in Goma, according to Congo, the United States and other Western powers, Rwanda denies this

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Thursday Rwanda had agreed to allow entry to its nationals stranded in Congo where rebel fighters this week marched into Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, in the worst escalation of a long-running conflict in more than a decade, leaving bodies lying in the streets and hospitals overwhelmed.

M23 is the latest in a string of ethnic Tutsi-led, Rwandan-backed insurgencies that have roiled Congo since the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda 30 years ago, when Hutu extremists killed Tutsis and moderate Hutus, and then were toppled by the Tutsi-led forces led by Kagame.

Rwanda says some of the ousted perpetrators have been sheltering in Congo since the genocide, forming militias with alliances with the Congolese government, and pose a threat to Congolese Tutsis and Rwanda itself.

Congo rejects Rwanda’s complaints, and says Rwanda has used its proxy militias to control and loot lucrative minerals such as coltan, which is used in smartphones.

“Following the recent escalation of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), around 150 Pakistanis were stranded in the city of Goma,” the foreign office in Islamabad said in a statement. 

“With the active engagement of Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Kigali, Ambassador Naeemullah Khan, the Rwandan authorities have allowed the entry of stranded Pakistanis into Rwanda. So far around 75 Pakistanis have moved to Rwanda.”

The Pakistan High Commission in the Rwandan capital of Kigal has arranged accommodation and food for the affected Pakistanis.

“The High Commission is also reaching out to the Pakistani community to identify and reach out to any other citizen in difficulty,” the statement said. “There is likelihood of more Pakistanis crossing over to Rwanda in the coming days.”

High commission staff is in contact with all individual who have sought assistance and help and is also reaching out to Pakistanis in the border city of Bukavu.

The statement said any Pakistanis requiring assistance could contact the high commission at the following number: Mr. Pervez Bhatti, Head of Chancery, WhatsApp +92 333 5328517.

M23 rebels captured Goma, a city of 2 million people in the DRC, on Monday, ignoring widespread calls for them to halt their offensive and enact a ceasefire. They extended their advance on Wednesday. 

Rwandan forces backed up M23 in Goma, according to Congo, the United States and other Western powers. Rwanda has denied its involvement.


Players more hurt than fans, coach says as Pakistan crash out of Champions Trophy 

Players more hurt than fans, coach says as Pakistan crash out of Champions Trophy 
Updated 7 sec ago
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Players more hurt than fans, coach says as Pakistan crash out of Champions Trophy 

Players more hurt than fans, coach says as Pakistan crash out of Champions Trophy 
  • Defending champions’ hopes of reaching the semifinals were ended after defeats to New Zealand and India
  • Defeats a disappointing conclusion to Pakistan’s first hosting of a major international cricket competition in three decades

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s hurting players will be motivated by pride in their dead rubber against Bangladesh on Thursday, head coach Aaqib Javed said, after the hosts were dumped out of the Champions Trophy in the group stage.

The defending champions’ hopes of reaching the semifinals were ended after defeats to New Zealand and India, leaving their final Group A game in Rawalpindi inconsequential.

Rain washed out the Australia-South Africa Group B match on Tuesday and more is predicted on Thursday, leaving Pakistan in danger of finishing fourth and last on net run-rate.

Whatever happens it will be a disappointing conclusion to Pakistan’s first hosting of a major international cricket competition in three decades.

“There are no excuses, there shouldn’t be any in life, but I can assure you that the players are more hurt than the fans and want to leave a mark in the last game,” said Aaqib on Wednesday.

“The players are not satisfied, no one is satisfied after losing, but everyone tries hard to win and by doing so we have recently won a series in Australia and South Africa.”

Pakistan beat Australia 2-1 in November — their first ODI series win there for 22 years — before whitewashing South Africa 3-0 in the build-up to the Champions Trophy.

“This is the Champions Trophy, where the eight best teams are playing, so after two defeats we have to start from zero,” said Aaqib.

“Every game is played for pride so we want to leave a mark on Thursday,” said Aaqib.

Their Champions Trophy flop left former Pakistan players and fans angry over the continuous failure of the team, having also crashed out of the 2023 World Cup and Twenty20 World Cup last year both in the first round.

Aaqib admitted losing to arch-rivals India left fans emotional.

“People are more involved in an India-Pakistan match and they do not accept a defeat against India and that defeat in Dubai has left them more dejected,” said Aaqib.

Pakistan were below par against a formidable India in Dubai on Sunday, losing by six wickets.

“We managed just 241 in batting and when facing a strong batting line-up you attack in order to get wickets and in the process you bowl on both sides,” said Aaqib.

A fast bowler himself, who played 22 Tests and 163 ODIs for Pakistan, Aaqib backed his struggling pace trio.

“People blamed two, three players, which is not correct,” said Aaqib. “If you assess Shaheen (Afridi), Naseem (Shah) and Haris (Rauf), they are still the best bowlers in the world.”


Pakistan, Uzbekistan call for Muslim unity, two-state solution in Middle East

Pakistan, Uzbekistan call for Muslim unity, two-state solution in Middle East
Updated 11 min 1 sec ago
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Pakistan, Uzbekistan call for Muslim unity, two-state solution in Middle East

Pakistan, Uzbekistan call for Muslim unity, two-state solution in Middle East
  • PM Shehbaz Sharif discusses Gaza situation with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Tashkent 
  • Pakistan advocates for Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as capital

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Wednesday reiterated their support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, calling for Muslim countries to unite in the face of complex challenges worldwide. 
Prominent Muslim countries around the world, including Pakistan, have been advocating for an independent state of Palestine based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Sharif, who arrived on an official visit to Uzbekistan to promote trade and investment on Tuesday, said he and Mirziyoyev reviewed the Middle East situation, where an uneasy truce currently holds after Israel’s 15-month war on Gaza. 
“Finally, I would like to mention that Pakistan stands by the people of Gaza, we believe in a two-state concept, an independent state of Palestine and their rights enshrined in UN Security Council resolutions,” Sharif said. 

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev speaks during a joint press stakeout with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tashkent on February 26, 2025. (Photo courtesy: X/@PakPMO)

He said both leaders agreed on the need for greater Muslim unity to navigate the challenges of the complex world. 
“I also told you that in this complex world we need to unite the Muslim world and we talked about Gaza during the negotiations,” Mirziyoyev said.
“There should be a two-state concept whether anyone would like it or not.”
Israel killed over 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza through its relentless military campaigns that began since Oct. 7, 2023 after a surprising Hamas attack. 
Both sides agreed to an uneasy truce in January this year which has led to the cessation of hostilities and exchange of hostages. 
Fears of the truce collapsing were renewed last week after Israel delayed the release of some 600 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday to protest what it says is the cruel treatment of hostages during their release by Hamas.
The Palestinian group has released hostages, and the bodies of four dead hostages, in large public ceremonies during which the Israelis were paraded and forced to wave to large crowds.
Hamas has said the delay is a “serious violation” of their ceasefire and that talks on a second phase of the truce are not possible until the Palestinians are freed.


Key Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing remains shut for fifth day over ‘construction’ dispute 

Key Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing remains shut for fifth day over ‘construction’ dispute 
Updated 26 February 2025
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Key Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing remains shut for fifth day over ‘construction’ dispute 

Key Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing remains shut for fifth day over ‘construction’ dispute 
  • Pakistani authorities closed border Friday night after Afghan forces constructed trenches, says police official 
  • Pakistani, Afghan customs clearing agents say border closure resulting in perishable items getting spoiled 

PESHAWAR: The key Torkham border crossing connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan remained shut for trade and traffic for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday, a senior police official confirmed, as a dispute between both sides related to “construction” work lingers on. 

Pakistani authorities closed the Torkham border crossing late Friday night when Afghan authorities initiated “construction of trenches and other development work” along the border, Naheed Khan, a senior police official in Pakistan’s Khyber district that borders Afghanistan said.

Border clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces have led to the closure of key crossings like Torkham and Chaman in the past, severely disrupting trade and halting the movement of people between the two countries.

Khan said both sides held two rounds of talks at Torkham recently but negotiations between border officials failed to yield any results. 

“Now it is highly likely that the issue will be taken up for high-level discussions between Islamabad and Kabul,” Khan told Arab News. 

The police official said some families from Bacha Mina, a dusty town on the Torkham border’s outskirts on the Pakistani side, had already left the area out of fear of a skirmish the two between border forces. 

He said most trucks loaded with perishable items had returned to Landi Kotal and Jamrud Bazaar towns in Pakistan near Torkham.

There was no immediate comment from the Afghan side on the closure of the key border crossing.

Kiftan Bacha, an Afghan customs clearing agent, told Arab News that fruits and vegetables laden on trucks on Afghanistan’s side were being spoiled due to the border closure. 

“Passengers and especially patients suffer the most,” Bacha said. “Authorities on both sides should at least allow patients to cross the border for immediate treatment in Pakistan.”

Zarqeeb Shinwar, a Pakistani customs clearing agent agreed, calling on both countries to seek a permanent solution to the dispute. 

“Its [border] closure creates a logistical crisis, discouraging trade and causing immense problems for travelers,” Shinwar told Arab News.

“Both sides need to explore its immediate and permanent solution to alleviate problems of people living in border areas.”

The development comes at a time of strained ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan over a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan’s western provinces that lie on its border with Afghanistan.

Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks. Afghan officials deny involvement and insist that Pakistan’s security issues are the country’s internal matter. 

In August, the Torkham border was shut down for three days after the Afghan Taliban announced they were investigating reports of Pakistani fighter jets allegedly violating Afghanistan’s airspace in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces.

Tensions escalated again between the two countries in December, following reports of Pakistani airstrikes targeting alleged militant camps in Afghanistan. Afghan officials reported that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties.


Pakistan opposition alliance holds conference in Islamabad to demand ‘supremacy of constitution’

Pakistan opposition alliance holds conference in Islamabad to demand ‘supremacy of constitution’
Updated 26 February 2025
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Pakistan opposition alliance holds conference in Islamabad to demand ‘supremacy of constitution’

Pakistan opposition alliance holds conference in Islamabad to demand ‘supremacy of constitution’
  • Opposition’s PTI, SIC, PkMAP, members of civil society and journalists attend Islamabad conference
  • Pakistan’s opposition accuses coalition government of stifling dissent, interfering in judicial matters

ISLAMABAD: An alliance of Pakistan’s leading opposition parties kicked off a two-day conference in the capital city on Wednesday to demand rule of law and “supremacy of the constitution” in the country, calling on the government to refrain from committing alleged rights abuses. 
The meeting has been organized by the six-party Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (or the Movement to Protect the Constitution of Pakistan) at Islamabad’s Legend Hotel. Leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Awam Pakistan, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) parties and others are attending the conference. 
Pakistan’s leading opposition parties have accused the ruling coalition government of cracking down on opposition supporters, resorting to rights abuses, interfering in judicial matters and passing legislation to stifle dissent. The government rejects these allegations and accuses the opposition of creating hurdles in its mission to reform Pakistan’s economy. 
Led by former prime minister Imran Khan’s PTI, the multi-party opposition alliance has also demanded the government investigate alleged irregularities in the February 2024 general election. 
“We demand supremacy of the constitution and rule of law in Pakistan,” former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, leader of the Awaam Pakistan party, told participants at the conference. 

Awaam Pakistan party leaders Miftah Ismail (left), former finance minister, and ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (2L) attend the two-day “National Conference on Constitution Supremacy” in Islamabad on February 26, 2025. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/PkMAP)

He said lawyers, journalists, intellectuals and members of the civil society had been invited on the first day of the conference to present their point of view on the state of affairs regarding the rule of law and constitution in Pakistan. 
“Till we do not have supremacy of the constitution, there will be political turmoil in the country,” Abbasi said. “And if there is political turmoil, the economy cannot move forward, the country cannot move forward.”
In a post on social media platform X, the PTI said it was being represented at the conference by the party chairman Gohar Ali Khan and opposition leader Omar Ayub.
SIC Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza and PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai are also attending the event. 
Pakistan has been plagued with political turmoil since Khan was ousted as prime minister via a parliamentary vote in April 2022. He was later convicted in a slew of charges and sent to jail in August 2023. 
Khan denies the charges and says they are politically motivated to keep him and his party away from power. He accuses the country’s powerful military of orchestrating his removal from office and backing his political rivals in the government. The military denies Khan’s allegations and insists it does not interfere in political matters. 
Protests led by Khan’s party in May 2023 and November 2024 led to violence and clashes with law enforcers.


UAE launches higher education scholarship program for students from Balochistan

UAE launches higher education scholarship program for students from Balochistan
Updated 26 February 2025
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UAE launches higher education scholarship program for students from Balochistan

UAE launches higher education scholarship program for students from Balochistan
  • 20 boys and five girls have been selected from different districts of Balochistan after written tests
  • Balochistan has low literacy rate compared to rest of Pakistan, gender gap in education also significant

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a higher education scholarship program for students from Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.

Balochistan has a low literacy rate compared to the rest of Pakistan. The gender gap in education is also significant. 

In 2022–2023, Balochistan’s literacy rate was 54.5 percent, the lowest in Pakistan. The literacy rate for women in Balochistan is lower than the national average. In some districts, like Washuk and Kharan, female literacy is less than 10 percent, according to official data. Across the province, only 34 percent of girls attend school, compared to 52 percent of boys. More than 60 percent of government schools in Balochistan lack electricity and 45 percent operate without clean water. Classrooms are overcrowded, with a pupil-teacher ratio of 50:1.

“The UAE has announced a scholarship program for students of Balochistan to promote higher education in the province,” Radio Pakistan reported. “Under the scholarship, 25 candidates including five girls have been selected from different districts of the province after conducting written tests.”

Students selected for the scholarship thanked the Pakistan and UAE governments for the “educational journey milestone.”

One of the girls selected for the scholarship, Husun Bano, a resident of Turbat district, said in a video message the scholarship offered her a way to fulfill her childhood dreams.

Another student identified as Malik Lehri, a resident of the provincial capital of Quetta, said he would be completing his civil engineering bachelor’s degree from Abu Dhabi University. 

Earlier this month, the Balochistan government had announced fully funded scholarships for talented students from the province.

In 2018, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Al-Maliki announced 50 scholarships for Balochistan students to allow them to study in Saudi universities.