Glacial outburst destroys strategic bridge connecting Pakistan with China

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Updated 08 May 2022
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Glacial outburst destroys strategic bridge connecting Pakistan with China

  • Floodwater damaged over 15 houses, hundreds of trees, cultivated lands as well as two power houses
  • Video of the incident in Hunza went viral on social media, resulted in renewed climate change worries

KHAPLU, GILGIT-BALTISTAN: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) has destroyed and swept away a strategic bridge in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, disconnecting it with China and renewing concerns about disastrous effects of climate change in the South Asian country. 

The incident occurred near Hassanabad, a village in Pakistan’s mountainous Hunza valley, on Saturday after Shishper glacier started melting more rapidly. The floodwater destroyed Hassanabad Bridge on the strategic Karakoram Highway (KKH) that links Pakistan to China.  

The GLOF-induced erosion damaged over 15 houses, hundreds of trees, cultivated lands as well as two power houses. 

"Shishper glacier started to move and surge towards an adjacent glacier three years ago and the GLOF phenomenon came into existence," Hunza Assistant Commissioner Abdul Wahab Khan told Arab News on Sunday.  

"Since then, the glacier outbursts in June-July every year. The district administration stood alert with all machinery for mitigation work." 

He said the outburst began at around 8:30am on Saturday morning and the Hassanabad Bridge collapsed when the flow of water reached 8,500 cusecs between 4pm and 4:30pm.  

The incident halted traffic on the KKH from central Hunza to lower parts of the district, however, the local administration opened an alternate route for light traffic through Nagar district. 

"There is no shortage of food and medical supplies, but we are facing a shortage of petroleum [products] due to the collapse of the bridge. We are in contact with PSO (Pakistan State Oil) officials to supply fuel through an alternative route," the assistant commissioner said. 

"The situation is under control and the water discharge is only 700 cusecs. The rehabilitation and restoration work being carried out on war footings."  

On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Khurram Agha, the National Highway Authority (NHA) chairman, also reached Hunza to examine the situation and damage caused by glacial flooding. 

"On an emergency basis, a compact bridge would be temporarily installed to restore traffic, while a team of experts would visit the site on Monday to prepare the design of the permanent bridge," Agha said. "The permanent bridge would be ready within next seven-eight months." 

Khalid Saleem, the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority director-general, said an alternate route had been opened for tourists and locals, bypassing the GLOF-hit Hassanabad area. He, however, said it had only been opened for light traffic. 

"Work for the restoration of road has begun and alternate arrangements are being made for power supply. A tourist facilitation center has also been established at the Hunza AC (assistant commissioner) office in Aliabad," Saleem said on Twitter. 


India’s Modi denies third party brokered peace with Pakistan

Updated 8 sec ago
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India’s Modi denies third party brokered peace with Pakistan

  • The fighting in May brought the rivals close to another war, but Trump announced a ceasefire between them before the two countries did
  • Soon, opposition parties in India started raising questions about third-party mediation between the foes, a claim New Delhi has always denied

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday denied that any world leader pushed India to stop fighting Pakistan during their recent conflict, after repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that he had brokered peace.

The South Asian rivals fought an intense four-day conflict in May that left more than 70 people dead on both sides before Trump announced a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

“No world leader asked us to stop the operation,” Modi told parliament during a debate on “Operation Sindoor,” the military campaign launched against Pakistan in May.

Modi did not name Trump in his speech.

The Indian prime minister also claimed that it was Pakistan that pleaded with India to stop fighting after feeling the “heat of our attacks.”

The conflict was sparked by an April attack on tourists by gunmen in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 men dead, mostly Hindus.

India accused Pakistan of backing the attackers, a charge Islamabad denied.

Trump has claimed numerous times that he brokered peace between the rivals, including most recently on Monday.

“If I weren’t around, you’d have, right now, six major wars going on. India would be fighting with Pakistan,” Trump said during his visit to Scotland.

Modi’s assertion came after Rahul Gandhi from the opposition Congress party challenged the premier to say “inside the parliament that Donald Trump is lying.”

Earlier Tuesday, home minister Amit Shah told lawmakers that three Pakistani gunmen involved in the attack in Indian-administered Kashmir were killed during a military operation on Monday.

Shah told parliament that all three were Pakistani nationals and identified two of them as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist group based in Pakistan.

Muslim-majority Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, and the neighbors — who both claim the region in full — have fought two wars and several conflicts over its control.

The fighting in May brought the rivals close to another war, but Trump announced a ceasefire between them before the two countries did.

Soon, opposition parties in India started raising questions about third-party mediation between the foes, a claim New Delhi has always denied.


CM Gandapur to lead Peshawar rally as Imran Khan’s party finalizes Aug. 5 protest plans

Updated 13 min 49 sec ago
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CM Gandapur to lead Peshawar rally as Imran Khan’s party finalizes Aug. 5 protest plans

  • The federal, Punjab governments have repeatedly warned in recent weeks they would not tolerate any form of violence in protests
  • Political analysts voice doubts about the ability of Khan’s party to stage effective protest, citing ‘internal fragmentation, leadership crisis’

ISLAMABAD: Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party said on Tuesday that it has finalized all preparations for a “strong and large” protest on Aug. 5, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur set to lead the main rally in Peshawar.

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced a 90-day “do or die” protest movement on July 13, saying it would peak on August 5, the second anniversary of Khan’s arrest.

The PTI has staged several protests in recent years to secure Khan’s release and demand an audit of the February 2024 general election, with a number of demonstrations resulting in clashes with law enforcers and in some cases paralyzing the capital Islamabad for days.

Pakistan’s election authorities deny the allegation of election irregularities, while the federal and Punjab governments have repeatedly warned in recent weeks that they would not tolerate any form of violence, accusing the PTI of trying to derail efforts for sustainable economic growth.

“We have completed our preparations and instructions have been issued to all district-level leaders to mobilize the public,” CM Gandapur told media on Tuesday, adding the party would move forward with its protest plan.

“I will lead a historic and the largest rally in Peshawar and other districts in the province will also arrange their rallies.”

Arab News reached out to the information and interior ministries in Islamabad and Punjab for comments on the government’s strategy to respond to the protest call but did not receive a response by the time of filing of this story.

Speaking to Arab News, Syed Zulifkar Bukhari, a close Khan aide, lamented arrests of supporters and disqualification of PTI lawmakers ahead of the protest, criticizing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

“The ECP has been biased toward the PTI since the times when polls were conducted and well before too. Disqualification [of lawmakers] on the basis of false charges and politically motivated cases will cause more unrest in the country, in an already highly volatile situation.”

Pakistan’s election regulator this week disqualified PTI Senator Ijaz Chaudhry, Member of National Assembly Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, and Member of Punjab Provincial Assembly Ahmad Khan following their convictions by an anti-terrorism court in cases relating to May 9, 2023 protests, when hundreds of Khan supporters attacked government and military installations over the ex-premier’s brief arrest on graft charges.

Khan’s party termed the ECP’s decision “biased,” saying its lawmakers were not even issued notices before disqualification. In a statement, the ECP rejected the allegations of biasness, saying the three lawmakers had been convicted by the anti-terrorism court and their sentences were still in effect.

Bukhari expressed hopes that a large number of people would respond to their call for protest on Aug. 5.

“We are hopeful this time not only a large gathering from across the country will stage the protest to record their concern over illegal incarceration of former prime minister Khan and [his wife] Bushra Bibi, but also that the cornered quarters will heed to the solidarity at display,” he said.

But analysts were skeptical of an impressive show of political strength by Khan’s party, amid “internal fragmentation.”

“I still hope that sanity will prevail and PTI will call off the protest on August 5,” Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Islamabad-based think tank Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), told Arab News.

“It may not be a very impressive show for a variety of reasons and the process of fragmentation in the party may be hastened if it is not a huge affair.”

Reports of rifts within the PTI emerged after CM Gandapur announced the 90-day protest drive against the government on July 13. The protest call appeared to contradict an earlier call for a nationwide protest posted on Khan’s official X account, set to culminate on August 5.

Speculation about differences within the party further grew after PTI Punjab’s chief organizer Aliya Hamza Malik voiced concerns on X about a lack of clarity around the protest campaign, questioning the origins of the 90-day plan and seeking details on the party’s strategy to secure Khan’s release.

Dr. Huma Baqai, another political commentator, said a possible government crackdown would deter mass mobilization and affect public participation in the protest.

“The PTI is too fragmented and facing a leadership crisis, yet it still evokes insecurities within the sitting government and perhaps even the establishment, leading to numerous arrests that are likely to have an impact,” she told Arab News.

“Interestingly, Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a rally for Palestine and Kashmir on the same day, a move seen as aimed at creating both confusion and diffusion.”


Pakistan PM offers condolences to China over deadly floods and landslides

Updated 29 July 2025
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Pakistan PM offers condolences to China over deadly floods and landslides

  • At least 30 people have been killed as torrential rains triggered devastation across northern China
  • Sharif says Pakistan has been facing similar challenges and stands in solidarity with Chinese people

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep condolences to China on Tuesday following a wave of deadly floods and landslides that have killed dozens and displaced thousands across northern regions of the country, including Beijing and Hebei province.

The message came as torrential rains overwhelmed parts of northern China, dumping record volumes of water, triggering landslides and forcing mass evacuations.

At least 30 people have been killed, according to Chinese state media, with more fatalities feared as rescue operations continue.

Beijing and surrounding provinces have witnessed some of their worst flooding in years, with entire villages cut off and widespread infrastructure damage reported.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and displacement caused by the recent torrential rains and landslides in China,” Sharif said in a statement posted on social media. “On behalf of the people of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected.”

Sharif noted that Pakistan itself has suffered from extreme weather in recent years and understood the hardship faced by Chinese communities.

“We fully understand and empathize with the hardship that our Chinese brothers and sisters are enduring,” he added. “We are confident that the resilience and unity of the Chinese people, under the resolute leadership of President Xi Jinping, will see them through this difficult time.”

Sharif said the people of Pakistan stood in solidarity with the people of China, adding they were “bound together through thick and thin, in the spirit of iron clad brotherhood.”

China and Pakistan share a longstanding strategic partnership, with close cooperation in defense, infrastructure, and economic development.

Beijing has invested tens of billions of dollars in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance regional connectivity.


Pakistan launches digital payment services at train stations in modernization push

Updated 29 July 2025
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Pakistan launches digital payment services at train stations in modernization push

  • ATM machines, POS systems will be installed at 348 train stations nationwide, minister says
  • These systems will modernize ticketing, simplify payments and improve financial transparency

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday announced the launch of digital payment services at several train stations across the country, marking a significant milestone in the department's modernization efforts.

The announcement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan Railways and Allied Bank Limited in June to launch Point of Sale (POS) systems at 348 railway stations across the country.

The installation of POS systems aims to modernize ticketing, simplify payment procedures and improve financial transparency within the railways department, according to Abbasi.

"POS machines have started their work at some stations," he told reporters at the ceremony in Lahore. "God willing, we will be installing ATM machines and POS systems in 348 stations."

Train passengers will now be able to purchase tickets and access other railway services using debit and credit cards, according to the minister.

The POS systems are expected to enable faster and more efficient transactions, eliminating long queues and manual procedures. The initiative will also help Pakistan Railways boost revenue while curbing financial fraud, theft and accounting errors.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the ceremony as the chief guest and praised the efforts of both the current and former management of the railways department.

In 2024, Pakistan Railways achieved a 40% revenue increase to Rs88 billion, according to Pakistani state media. The department added 229 new wagons, introduced 10 new trains, and enhanced passenger services with increased coach capacity and premium lounge dining cars.

Alongside the latest initiative, Abbasi said, the department would also ensure improved inspection and stronger staff presence.

 

 


Pakistan moves to draft first esports policy with UK and Commonwealth support

Updated 29 July 2025
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Pakistan moves to draft first esports policy with UK and Commonwealth support

  • IT minister says Pakistan has strong gaming talent but faces bottlenecks in commercialization and global market access
  • Government aims to support esports through training, youth-led funding and assistance in bringing local games to market

KARACHI: Pakistan is taking initial steps toward developing its first national esports policy and has sought support from the British Esports Federation and Commonwealth Secretariat to help shape the effort, the country’s IT minister said on Tuesday.

The remarks came after a meeting between Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and representatives from the British Esports Federation and Commonwealth Secretariat. The collaboration aims to guide the policy’s development and support the formation of a national esports federation.

“We have immense young talent [but] commercialization is the bottleneck,” Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said during the meeting, according to an official statement released later. “We seek your support to help Pakistani developers reach international markets.”

While Pakistan has a growing number of young game developers, some already publishing on platforms like SEGA and Nintendo, most lack access to funding, publishing infrastructure or export pathways.

The statement said the development of a national policy is aimed at formally recognizing esports as an economic sector and unlocking its potential as a structured platform for youth-driven innovation and employment.

The policy under development includes a strategy focused on training in game-tech, youth-led funding schemes and support for bringing locally developed games to market.

Officials said the policy will be shaped using international best practices and aligned with Pakistan’s wider goals for youth engagement and digital innovation.

Pakistan considers IT a priority sector in its broader economic strategy, hoping to boost digital exports, reduce youth unemployment and build global partnerships in creative tech.

The inclusion of esports in this agenda reflects a shift toward recognizing digital entertainment as a viable economic contributor.