Taliban officials say Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 46

Taliban officials say Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 46
Taliban security personnel stand guard in Sarana of Paktia province, south of Kabul, on December 12, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 25 December 2024
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Taliban officials say Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 46

Taliban officials say Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 46
  • Afghan defense ministry condemns the latest strikes as “barbaric, clear act of aggression”
  • Media reports say Pakistan had hit militant hideouts, no official comment from Islamabad

KARACHI: At least 46 people including women and children were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern border province of Paktika, Afghan officials said on Wednesday, while there was no comment from Islamabad on the latest attack.
Pakistani security forces targeted multiple suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban, also known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), inside neighboring Afghanistan on Tuesday, dismantling a training facility and killing several insurgents, the Associated Press reported, citing Pakistani security officials.
Suhail Shaheen, head of the Afghan Taliban’s political office in Doha, confirmed the strikes. 
“Around 46 innocent people have been killed and several others injured, which we strongly condemn,” he told Arab News.
Border tensions between the two countries have escalated since the Taliban government seized power in 2021, with Pakistan battling a resurgence of militant violence in its western border regions.
Islamabad has accused Kabul’s Taliban authorities of harboring militant fighters, allowing them to strike on Pakistani soil with impunity. Kabul has denied the allegations.
The Afghan defense ministry also issued a statement late on Tuesday condemning the latest strikes, calling them “barbaric” and “a clear act of aggression.”
“Mostly civilians, who are Waziristani refugees, were targeted, and a number of civilians including children were martyred and injured as a result of the bombings,” the statement read.
“The Pakistani side should know that such arbitrary actions are not the solution to the problems,” the statement added, vowing that the Taliban government would not let the “act of cowardice” go unanswered.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch did not respond to requests seeking comment and the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), declined to confirm the airstrikes.
The banned TTP group said in a statement the strikes had hit “the homes of defenseless refugees” on Tuesday evening, killing at least 50 civilians, including 27 women and children.
Deadly air strikes by Pakistan’s military in the border regions of Afghanistan in March that the Taliban authorities said killed eight civilians had prompted skirmishes on the frontier.
The latest strikes coincided with a visit to Kabul by Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, to discuss bilateral trade and regional ties. Sadiq met Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s acting interior minister, to offer condolences over the Dec. 11 killing of his uncle, Khalil Haqqani, the minister for refugees and repatriation, in a suicide bombing claimed by the regional affiliate of the Daesh group. 
In a post on X, Sadiq said he also met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and held “wide-ranging discussions,” with both sides agreeing “to work together to further strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as for peace and progress in the region.”


Pakistani PM makes peace offer to India during visit to Iran 

Pakistani PM makes peace offer to India during visit to Iran 
Updated 14 sec ago
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Pakistani PM makes peace offer to India during visit to Iran 

Pakistani PM makes peace offer to India during visit to Iran 
  • PM Sharif says ready to discuss water sharing, terrorism and Kashmir dispute if India was “serious”
  • PM arrived in Iran after visit to Turkiye as part of regional diplomacy tour following India standoff

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a peace offer to India during a visit to Tehran today, Monday, saying Islamabad was ready to hold talks on water sharing, countering terrorism and the Kashmir dispute if New Delhi was “serious.”

The two nuclear-armed nations have just emerged from their worst military conflict in decades earlier this month, when they launched missiles and drones deep into each other’s territories and exchanged gunfire on their de facto border, the Line of Control, until a ceasefire was announced on May 10. Nearly 70 people combined were killed on both sides of the border. 

India had hit Pakistan first, saying it targeted “terrorist infrastructure” in response to an April 22 militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi accused Islamabad of being behind — a charge it denies. After the attack, India also unilaterally suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty that governs the sharing of river waters between the two neighbors. 

The Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan and has been the focus of several wars and diplomatic stand-offs.

“We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks, on the table, and resolve our outstanding issues,” Sharif said in a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Among the issues Pakistan wanted to discuss, the PM said, was the Kashmir conflict, which he said needed to be resolved according to several resolutions passed by the UN Security Council, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the future of the mostly Muslim region of Kashmir.

“We are ready to talk for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbor, we are ready to talk to promote trade and also counter terrorism if they are serious, but if they choose to remain the aggressor then we shall defend our country and territory,” Sharif said. 

“But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely.”

The Iranian president also welcomed the ceasefire established between Pakistan and India. 

“Undoubtedly, settling differences through dialogue and through a peaceful manner is the precondition for sustainable peace and development at the national, regional and international levels,” Pezeshkian said. 

“We believe that in the region, sustaining the sustainable security and trying to create friendly relations with our neighboring countries is among the common policies of Iran and Pakistan.”

REGIONAL DIPLOMACY TOUR

Sharif arrived in Iran today, Monday, after a visit to Turkiye as part of a regional diplomacy tour following the latest military standoff with India. 

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi had called for restraint and visited both nations following India’s first strikes on Pakistan on May 7, setting off nearly four days of fighting.

On Sunday, Sharif reached Turkiye as the first stop in the diplomacy tour to nations that were either supportive of Islamabad during the latest crisis with India, or that helped mediate the conflict. After Iran, he will go onwards to Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with Sharif on May 7 to convey his solidarity after India first hit Pakistan and Azad Kashmir with missiles. Leaders from the two nations had several contacts subsequently and it is widely believed that Turkiye played an important role, besides the US, UAE and Saudi Arabia, in convincing India and Pakistan to back off and agree to a ceasefire. The two nations have strong ties, both being largely Muslim countries and sharing historical links.

Iran’s leadership also offered to mediate the conflict and there were several contacts between its foreign minister and the Pakistani PM and other leaders. 


Pakistan says border control ‘sovereign right’ as UNHCR flags at-risk Afghans amid expulsions

Pakistan says border control ‘sovereign right’ as UNHCR flags at-risk Afghans amid expulsions
Updated 59 min 23 sec ago
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Pakistan says border control ‘sovereign right’ as UNHCR flags at-risk Afghans amid expulsions

Pakistan says border control ‘sovereign right’ as UNHCR flags at-risk Afghans amid expulsions
  • Afghan journalists, activists, minorities, artists, ex-government workers among 110,000 declared at “high-risk”
  • Foreign office says over 44,000 Afghans approved for relocation to Western nations remain in Pakistan 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office said on Monday the country had a “sovereign right” to secure and regulate its borders, as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identified around 110,000 Afghans who faced the risk of persecution at home if deported. 

Facing economic and security crises, Pakistan launched a repatriation drive targeting “illegal” foreigners in November 2023, with approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees, both undocumented and those with Afghan Citizen Card holders, deported since. 

Pakistan has vowed to continue with the deportations until all “illegal” foreigners have been expelled. As of October 2023, there were over 4 million Afghans, registered and illegals, residing in Pakistan.

According to the latest UNHCR Resettlement Factsheet, some 110,000 refugees and asylum-seekers have high-risk profiles with increased international protection needs and vulnerabilities that could qualify them for resettlement in a third country. The agency has said all returns should be voluntary, dignified, and sustainable.

Speaking to Arab News on Monday, foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said the illegal foreign repatriation plan (IFRP) was consistent with both Pakistan’s obligations under international law and its domestic legal framework. 

“The right to secure and regulate our borders is a sovereign right and an internationally recognized practice, which is by no means unique to Pakistan,” he said, adding that IFRP was neither an “indiscriminate nor an arbitrary measure,” and that Afghans would always be welcome to visit Pakistan through a proper visa regime, whether for business, tourism, or education.

Khan said Pakistan had urged all concerned nations to expedite the repatriation process for Afghans awaiting resettlement in third countries.

“On Afghan nationals awaiting evacuation to a third country, we are in touch with those countries and urged them to expedite the process of evacuation,” the FO spokesman said. 

“We are engaged with relevant UN bodies for the protection of people in vulnerable situations, and our legal safeguards and remedies remain functional and effective to address any complaints.”

UNHCR Pakistan spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi said approximately 600,000 Afghans had entered Pakistan following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul and the withdrawal of US and allied forces in August 2021, with about 490,000 seeking asylum through UNHCR due to the absence of a national refugee law.

“We conducted a verification exercise a year ago and ... around 110,000 have high-risk profiles and qualify for resettlement in a third country,” Afridi told Arab News.

He said these were people who could not return to Afghanistan due to “vulnerabilities and safety concerns.”

“There are journalists, human rights activists, religious minorities, ethnic minorities, musicians, singers, or some people who have worked in previous governments, or they are female only families,” the UNHCR official added.

“We spoke with the Pakistani government, urging them not to send these people back to Afghanistan as their lives are at risk,” Afridi said, adding that the UN agency had also requested that the Pakistan government establish a mechanism to allow these individuals to live in the country temporarily.

According to the foreign office, over 44,000 Afghans approved for relocation to Western countries were still in Pakistan, awaiting resettlement.

The resettlement program has been active since the 1980s, with over 20,000 vulnerable refugees sent to third countries since.


Pakistan Railways to run five special trains on Eid Al-Adha

Pakistan Railways to run five special trains on Eid Al-Adha
Updated 26 May 2025
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Pakistan Railways to run five special trains on Eid Al-Adha

Pakistan Railways to run five special trains on Eid Al-Adha
  • Special trains will run between June 2 and 4
  • Eid Al-Adha expected to fall on Saturday, June 7

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways will run five special trains on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha to facilitate passengers wanting to travel to their native cities and villages to celebrate the religious festival with their loved ones, state media reported on Monday.

Pakistan Railways runs special trains on each of the two major Eid festivals, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, for ease of holiday travelers.

“Pakistan Railways will operate five Eid Special Trains from various cities to facilitate passengers during Eid-ul-Adha,” Radio Pakistan said. 

The first special train will depart from Karachi Cantt Railway Station in the southern Sindh province for Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, at 1pm on June 2 while a second train from Quetta, the provincial capital of the southwestern Balochistan province, will leave for Peshawar in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province at 10am on June 3.

On the same day, a third train will depart from Lahore for Karachi at 5pm while a fourth carriage will leave Karachi Cantt for Rawalpindi at 730pm. The fifth and final Eid special train will depart from Karachi Cantt for Lahore at 730pm on June 4.

Eid is expected to fall on Saturday, June 7, this year. 

Commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son on God’s command, Muslims mark the holiday by slaughtering animals such as sheep, cows and goats. The meat is shared among family and friends and also donated to the poor.


OPEC+ output hike puts Pakistan in ‘sweet spot’ — analysis 

OPEC+ output hike puts Pakistan in ‘sweet spot’ — analysis 
Updated 26 May 2025
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OPEC+ output hike puts Pakistan in ‘sweet spot’ — analysis 

OPEC+ output hike puts Pakistan in ‘sweet spot’ — analysis 
  • Saudi Arabia, Russia, six other OPEC+ members have surprised markets by announcing sharp hike in oil production for May, June 
  • Analysts believe development is “broadly positive” for Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook and its equity market

ISLAMABAD: Despite oil trading low at $60, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies — collectively known as OPEC+ — is expected this week to continue to further open the taps, a development that analysts believe is “broadly positive” for Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook and the equity market.

In past months, Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other OPEC+ members have surprised markets by announcing a sharp increase in oil production for May and June despite the low prices. 

This week the cartel will hold two meetings, one online on Wednesday with all OPEC+ members to discuss the group’s common strategy, and one on Sunday with just the eight member states, known as the “V8,” that have made the largest cuts in recent years.

“During the group’s upcoming meeting on June 1, members are likely to approve a production increase that is three times larger than the previously planned hike of 137k barrels per day,” Pakistani brokerage house Topline Securities said in an analysis, saying the “aggressive” output hike had put Pakistan in a “sweet spot.”

“We believe this development is broadly positive for Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook, with positive spillover for equity market, which is trading below historical valuation multiples.”

Topline said companies reliant on Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas such as Tariq Glass Industries, Ghani Glass Limited, and Descon Oxychem Limited were set to gain from declining feedstock prices and poised for margin expansion in the coming quarters. 

“On the other hand, exploration and production companies may face earnings pressure due to weaker oil prices but improved cash recoveries and enhanced liquidity could support their cash flow generation,” Topline said. 

“Overall, we maintain a bullish stance on the equity market, supported by improving macro fundamentals. However, a key risk remains the upcoming federal budget, particularly the possibility of adverse tax measures on capital gains or corporate profits, could temper investor sentiment.”

Analysts expect the V8 to up production by 411,000 barrels a day for July — the same as in May and June — whereas the initial plan called for an increase of just 137,000 barrels.

This could further weigh down prices already slumping to lows last seen during the pandemic, which hit global demand.

OPEC+ have justified their change in strategy by citing “current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories.”

With inputs from AFP


After Turkiye, Pakistan PM in Iran as part of regional diplomacy tour 

After Turkiye, Pakistan PM in Iran as part of regional diplomacy tour 
Updated 26 May 2025
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After Turkiye, Pakistan PM in Iran as part of regional diplomacy tour 

After Turkiye, Pakistan PM in Iran as part of regional diplomacy tour 
  • Sharif is touring nations that were supportive of Islamabad during latest confrontation with India or helped mediate the conflict
  • Sharif held delegation-level talks with Turkish President Erdogan on Sunday, will next visit Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting Iran today, Monday, after a visit to Turkiye as part of a regional diplomacy tour following Pakistan’s worst military standoff with nuclear-armed neighbor India. 

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi called for restraint between India and Pakistan and visited both nations following India’s first strikes on Pakistan on May 7, when New Delhi said it had hit “terrorist infrastructure.” Pakistan retaliated, saying it had downed six Indian fighter jets. 

The conflict went on for nearly four days, with the two nations launching missiles and drones deep into each other’s territories and exchanging gunfire on their de facto border, the Line of Control, until a ceasefire was announced on May 10. India said its assault was in response to a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that it accused Islamabad of being behind — a charge it denies. 

On Sunday, Sharif reached Turkiye as the first stop in a diplomacy tour to nations that were either supportive of Islamabad during the latest crisis with India, or that helped mediate the conflict. 

“The purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit was to thank the people of Turkiye, and especially President Tayyip Erdogan, for their full cooperation and support in the recent Pakistan-India crisis,” Sharif’s office said in a statement. 

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has now left for Tehran, Iran, where he will hold meetings with the Iranian top leadership.”

Sharif will also be visiting Azerbaijan and Tajikistan as part of the five-day tour.

Erdogan spoke by phone with Sharif on May 7 to convey his solidarity after India first hit Pakistan and Azad Kashmir with missiles. Leaders from the two nations had several contacts subsequently and it is widely believed that Turkiye played an important role, besides the US, UAE and Saudi Arabia, in convincing India and Pakistan to back off and agree to a ceasefire. The two nations have strong ties, both being largely Muslim countries and sharing historical links.

Iran’s leadership also offered to mediate the conflict and there were several contacts between its foreign minister and the Pakistani PM and other leaders. 

The Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan and has been the focus of several wars and diplomatic stand-offs.