As Pakistan condemns Hamas leader’s assassination in Iran, thousands attend funeral prayers in absentia 

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Updated 31 July 2024
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As Pakistan condemns Hamas leader’s assassination in Iran, thousands attend funeral prayers in absentia 

As Pakistan condemns Hamas leader’s assassination in Iran, thousands attend funeral prayers in absentia 
  • Foreign Office says Israeli “adventurism” constituted a “dangerous escalation” in an already volatile region
  • Thousands offer funeral prayers in absentia for Ismail Haniyeh in Karachi, vow to raise their voices for Palestine

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Pakistan on Wednesday condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, expressing shock over the “reckless act” that coincided with the new Iranian president’s oath-taking ceremony as thousands attended his funeral prayers in absentia in the southern port city of Karachi. 

Iran’s state television announced the killing of the Palestinian leader early Wednesday. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards said Haniyeh and a security guard had been ambushed in their place of residence and an investigation was underway.

Haniyeh was in Iran for the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian.




Activists and supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party carry Palestinian flags as they attend an absentia funeral prayers for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Karachi on July 31, 2024, after his assassination in an air strike. (AFP)

“Pakistan condemns the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Chief of Hamas Political Bureau in Tehran today,” the foreign office said in a statement, sending condolences to his family and the people of Palestine.

“We are deeply shocked by the timing of this reckless act, coinciding with the inauguration of the President of Iran, an event attended by several foreign dignitaries, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan.”

The foreign office expressed “serious concern” over what it described as “growing Israeli adventurism in the region.”

“Its latest acts constitute a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region and undermine efforts for peace,” the statement said.

Separately, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, who heads a major Pakistani religious political party, announced funeral prayers in absentia for the “martyred” 62-year-old Hamas leader in Karachi on Wednesday. 

FUNERAL PRAYERS IN ABSENTIA




Activists and supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party offer absentia funeral prayers for for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Lahore on July 31, 2024, after his assassination in an air strike. (AFP)

Thousands gathered at the city’s busy New M.A. Jinnah Road for the funeral prayers to pay tribute to the Hamas leader. 

Muhammad Hussain Mehnati, the head of the party’s Sindh chapter, said conscientious people worldwide should reject Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land.

“Ismael Haniyeh and other Palestinian leaders among tens of thousands sacrificed their lives in the glorious struggle,” he noted.

Mehnati praised the “ongoing Palestinian resistance against tyranny,” criticizing the US, the UK, and other nations for supporting Israel.

“I urge the Pakistani government and other Muslim-majority countries to actively assist the oppressed Palestinians,” he said.

The JI, which is holding a sit-in protest against inflation and rising energy costs, had planned to hold another demonstration in front of the Governor’s House in Karachi on Wednesday. 

However, it called off the protest, urging residents to attend Haniyeh’s funeral prayers in absentia.

The event was also attended by a large number of women. One of the participants, Dr. Hareem Khurshid, praised Haniyeh for resisting Israel’s military campaign and credited him for protecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“We are happy because he embraced martyrdom and at the same time we are sad,” she told Arab News. “But we will never stop protesting and raising our voices for Palestine.”

INCREASING HOSTILITIES IN MIDDLE EAST

Haniyeh’s assassination comes amid an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which was blamed for an attack on the Israel-annexed Golan Heights that killed 12 children on the weekend.

On Tuesday night, Israel struck a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, saying that it had killed Fuad Shukr, the head of Hezbollah’s military operations room.

Israel has promised to wipe out Hamas after the group conducted a deadly raid into settlements outside the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking hostages back to the Palestinian enclave.

Israel soon after launched a devastating military assault in Gaza and has since killed over 40,000 people, mainly civilians. Both sides have been trying to negotiate a hostage release agreement, which would include a cessation of fighting, with the help of the US and regional negotiators.

Haniyeh, normally based in Qatar, has been the face of Hamas’s international diplomacy as the war set off last year. Hamas said in a statement Haniyeh’s killing would “take the battle to new dimensions and have major repercussions,” while Iran also vowed to retaliate.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Israel had provided the grounds for “harsh punishment for itself” and it was Tehran’s duty to avenge the Hamas leader’s death as it had occurred in the Iranian capital. Iranian forces had already made strikes directly on Israel earlier in the Gaza war.

There was no comment nor claim of responsibility from Israel. In 2021, Israel assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran’s top nuclear scientist.


EU mission to host business, investment forum in Pakistan this year — finance ministry

EU mission to host business, investment forum in Pakistan this year — finance ministry
Updated 23 sec ago
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EU mission to host business, investment forum in Pakistan this year — finance ministry

EU mission to host business, investment forum in Pakistan this year — finance ministry
  • The forum aims to foster collaboration and discuss how Pakistan can continue to attract European businesses, investment
  • Finmin thanks EU envoy for the initiative, underscores his government’s commitment to supporting EU businesses in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) mission in Pakistan will be hosting a business and investment forum in Islamabad this year, the Pakistani finance ministry said on Friday.
The statement came after EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka’s meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, which focused on a range of matters of mutual interest, particularly business and investment ties between the EU and Pakistan.
During the meeting, the two figures discussed opportunities for European businesses in Pakistan and emphasized the need to create an enabling investment climate to harness the growing appetite for expansion, according to the Pakistani finance ministry.
Dr. Kionka said the EU had already mapped over 300 European companies in Pakistan and there were many more present, extending an invitation to Senator Aurangzeb to attend the business and investment forum, which the EU mission is planning to host in Islamabad in mid-May.
“The forum aims to foster collaboration and discuss how Pakistan can continue to attract European business [and] investment,” the finance ministry said. “She emphasized that European companies were increasingly viewing Pakistan as a hub for potential business opportunities, especially in light of the upcoming forum.”
Pakistan, currently bolstered by a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, is seeking foreign investment and an increase in trade to revive its fragile $350 billion economy.
Aurangzeb thanked the EU envoy for taking the initiative to host the forum, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting EU businesses in Pakistan, facilitating their operations, and ensuring timely repatriation of dividends and profits.
He expressed appreciation for the EU’s support for Pakistan, particularly the importance of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) facility, which has been a critical enabler of Pakistan’s efforts to drive export-led growth.
The GSP+ scheme grants beneficiary countries’ exports duty-free access to the European market in exchange for voluntarily agreeing to implement 27 international core conventions, including on human and civil rights. In October 2023, the EU unanimously voted to extend GSP+ status until 2027 for developing countries, including Pakistan.
“The Minister also emphasized the need for a more proactive approach in reaching out to European capitals for constructive engagement on key issues, including the continuation of the GSP Plus facility, which is vital for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU in the coming years,” the finance ministry said.
“Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing the economic and trade ties between Pakistan and the European Union, and to creating a thriving and mutually beneficial business environment for both sides.”


At UNSC, Pakistan calls for ceasefire, technocratic government in Sudan

At UNSC, Pakistan calls for ceasefire, technocratic government in Sudan
Updated 41 min 39 sec ago
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At UNSC, Pakistan calls for ceasefire, technocratic government in Sudan

At UNSC, Pakistan calls for ceasefire, technocratic government in Sudan
  • The war between Sudan’s army and Rapid Support Forces has displaced around 12 million people since 2023
  • Pakistan’s envoy says any scheme that undermines UN Charter principles will further complicate the conflict

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Munir Akram has called for the establishment of an independent technocratic government in Sudan to manage the transitional period and urged warring parties to declare a ceasefire, Pakistani state media reported on Friday.
The war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023 over disputes regarding the integration of the two forces, has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and left half of the Sudanese population facing hunger.
The conflict has also triggered waves of ethnically driven violence, largely blamed on the RSF, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN says that nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population, or more than 30 million people, will need aid this year.
“The appointment of an independent prime minister and formation of an independent national technocratic government to oversee the transitional period could be steps in a positive direction,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency quoted Akram as saying at a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to discuss the Sudan situation.
“The conflict will not be resolved on the battlefield [and] war will only bring more death and destruction to the Sudanese people.”
Akram condemned the signing of a charter by the RSF and its allies for a parallel governing authority in Sudan.
“Any such external intervention and any scheme that undermines the UN Charter principles will further complicate the conflict, prevent an early solution and further undermine regional and international peace and security,” he said.
The Pakistan envoy urged warring parties in Sudan to abide by the international humanitarian law and facilitate humanitarian assistance in the affected areas.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell said the Sudanese children were enduring “unimaginable suffering and horrific violence,” calling for an immediate end to the conflict.
“This is not just a crisis, it is a poly-crisis affecting every sector, from health and nutrition to water, education and protection,” she said.
“I met with families and children who are living through this nightmare. Their stories are heartbreaking – and demand immediate action.”


PM Sharif stresses need for diversity, inclusion as Hindus celebrate Holi in Pakistan

PM Sharif stresses need for diversity, inclusion as Hindus celebrate Holi in Pakistan
Updated 14 March 2025
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PM Sharif stresses need for diversity, inclusion as Hindus celebrate Holi in Pakistan

PM Sharif stresses need for diversity, inclusion as Hindus celebrate Holi in Pakistan
  • There are over 5 million Hindus in Pakistan who have often complained of discrimination, blasphemy accusations, abduction and forced conversions
  • Authorities, striving to improve Pakistan’s image regarding religious tolerance, have repeatedly asserted commitment to equal rights for all citizens

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday stressed the importance of diversity and inclusion to build a stronger nation as he wished Hindus celebrating Holi in Pakistan.
The Hindu festival, which heralds the start of spring, is observed at the end of the winter season on the last full moon of the lunar month.
There are more than 5 million Hindus in Pakistan who have often complained of discrimination, blasphemy accusations, abduction and forced conversions.
Pakistani authorities, striving to improve the country’s image regarding religious tolerance, have repeatedly asserted the state’s commitment to diversity and equal rights for all citizens.
“I extend my heartfelt greetings to our Hindu community in Pakistan on the joyous occasion of Holi. The vibrant energy that surrounds this festivity mark the arrival of spring, symbolizing love and the triumph of good over evil,” Sharif said on X.
“While celebrating new beginnings, renewal, and the strengthening of relationships, this occasion also highlights the importance of diversity and the power of inclusion in building a stronger, more unified nation.”
Hindu men, women and children celebrate the festival by spraying colored powder solutions into the air through water guns and water-filled balloons and smearing it on each other. The devotees serve visitors with delicacies such as gujia, shakkarpaare, matri and dahi-bade as well as desserts and drinks.
People also gather around a lit bonfire and perform various rituals on the eve of Holi, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and removal of the old and the arrival of the new.
In Pakistan, major Holi festivities are witnessed in Tharparkar, Karachi and a number of other cities.
“May this festival of colors fill your lives with happiness, health success, and prosperity,” Sharif said on X. “Happy Holi!”


IMF review talks keep stock investors jittery in Pakistan

IMF review talks keep stock investors jittery in Pakistan
Updated 14 March 2025
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IMF review talks keep stock investors jittery in Pakistan

IMF review talks keep stock investors jittery in Pakistan
  • Pakistan stock market has seen four bullish runs and as many bearish sessions since an IMF team arrived in Pakistan this month
  • Analysts says the talks with the IMF will have a ‘direct impact’ on stocks such as energy, cement and even the cost of borrowing

KARACHI: Stock investors have been trading cautiously since last week when an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission arrived in Pakistan to review the country’s economic performance under its reforms-oriented, $7 billion loan program, analysts said on Thursday.
Pakistan’s stocks turned green on Thursday after losing more than 300 points in the last three sessions, with the benchmark KSE-100 index gaining 0.9 percent to close at 115,094.23 points. The stocks, which have gained about 3 percent since March 3 when the IMF experts landed in the country, have been fluctuating and witnessed four bull-runs and as many bearish sessions.
While the IMF and the government remain tightlipped about what they are discussing behind the closed doors, local media reports claim that the two sides are not on the same page over issues relating to Pakistan’s revenue shortfall, debt sustainability, and the resolution of the country’s power sector debt. The central bank unexpectedly maintaining the interest rate at 12 percent this week is being seen as another negative for stocks investors.
“The stock market is jittery because of the IMF review along with other factors,” Sana Tawfik, head of research at Karachi-based Arif Habib Ltd., told Arab News.
She said the market was mainly reacting to news reports about the IMF expressing concern over Pakistan’s tax shortfall of around Rs600 billion ($2.1 billion) and rejecting the government’s plans to resolve the lingering circular debt that was expected to increase to as much as Rs1 trillion by June.
The IMF wants Pakistan to increase its tax-to-GDP ratio, which is the lowest in the region, to 13 percent by taxing incomes from agriculture, real estate and retail sectors. Pakistan, however, fell short of the IMF-backed tax collection target this year.
“There is a concern in the market that this tax shortfall may upset the review,” Tawfik said, adding that the selling pressure and a lack of a proper trigger were other drags on the stock index.
Ahsan Mehanti, chief executive officer at Arif Habib Commodities Ltd., said the issues being discussed with the IMF would have a “direct impact” on stocks, including energy, cement and even the cost of borrowing that is directly related to economic growth.
“Generally higher interest rates are negative for the stocks and we believe the IMF certainly does play a role in the central bank’s decisions,” Mehanti told Arab News.
Pakistan’s policymakers avoid squeezing the interest rate much at a time when the IMF is reviewing the release of its first tranche under the $7 billion program.
“The market expects IMF’s proposal may be growth negative owing to higher interest rates to check inflation risks, thin LSM (large-scale manufacturing) growth in case of a cut in the PSDP (public sector development program) or refusals of circular debt plans,” the commodity analyst said.
But Amjad Waheed, chief executive officer at the NBP Fund Management Ltd., held a different view and said the recent fluctuation looked more like a case of profit-taking as investors booked handsome profits during the last couple of years, when the stock market rose as much as 84 percent.
“The IMF talks are ongoing stable and as per routine. I haven’t heard of any tough conditions that the IMF is going to set,” said Waheed, who manages billions of rupees of investor savings.
“People have earned enough and some people now booking profit is normal. The market corrects a bit because of profit-taking.”
The fund manager said some investors might be selling their stocks as their expectation for a rate cut of as much as 1,500 basis points could not materialize because of Monday’s decision by the central bank.
“As an investor I am very conscious at the moment. I am holding on to my stocks. I am holding on to my investments. I am very careful with that,” Isra Ghous Rasool, a 22-year-old stock investor from Karachi, told Arab News in a recent interview.


German coach hopes more teams tour Pakistan to make hockey ‘bigger’ in country

German coach hopes more teams tour Pakistan to make hockey ‘bigger’ in country
Updated 14 March 2025
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German coach hopes more teams tour Pakistan to make hockey ‘bigger’ in country

German coach hopes more teams tour Pakistan to make hockey ‘bigger’ in country
  • Germany’s U-21 team clean sweep Pakistan in four-match series played in Lahore, Islamabad
  • The visit marks first time in 21 years any German hockey team toured the South Asian nation

ISLAMABAD: Impressed with the hospitality extended by Pakistani fans during the German junior hockey team’s first tour to Pakistan in 21 years, the visiting team’s coach Mirko Stenzel hoped on Thursday that more international teams would tour the South Asian country to make the sport “bigger” here.
Germany’s Under-21 hockey team, current world champions, arrived in Pakistan last week to play a four-match series in the country. This marked the first time an international German hockey team visited Pakistan in 21 years, and the return of international hockey to the country after nearly a decade and a half.
Since the September 11 attacks in the United States, foreign teams have been reluctant to travel to Pakistan in many sports and the South Asian country was left completely isolated as a sporting venue after militants attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in March 2009.
The visiting world champions beat Pakistan 4-0 in the four-match series, three of which were played in the eastern city of Lahore while the final fixture was played in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Thursday. Germany outclassed Pakistan 4-1 to win the final match and lift the trophy.
“I can imagine that once the first start [of an international tour] has taken place with us here, then a lot of other countries will think about it,” Stenzel told Arab News.
“And hopefully for Pakistan and for hockey as well, I hope it is going to get bigger and bigger.”
Field hockey, Pakistan’s national sport, once propelled the country to Olympic gold and global glory, but the game has waned in popularity and participation over the past two decades. Poor management, lack of infrastructure and the rise of cricket has contributed to the decline.
The failure to adapt to modern demands, including fitness and artificial turfs, has further deepened the crisis.
Stenzel said the experience for the German players in the U-21 squad was “really amazing” as most of them had not traveled outside Europe ever.
“It’s been very interesting for them to see what Pakistan is like, the love for hockey, the hospitality,” he said.
German skipper Johan Wehnert was all praises for the Pakistan team, saying that despite the 4-0 series sweep, the green shirts are a “pretty good team.”
“They are pretty strong in counter-attacks and technically they are very, very strong,” Wehnert said. “It was very difficult for us to defend against them.”
About Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup tournament, the German skipper said the green shirts can play for “good places” in the tournament.
Wehnert praised the hospitality extended by fans in Pakistan, noting that the German side had many opportunities to see the country.
“The people are very friendly, not cheering always [only] for Pakistan but also for Germany,” he said. “We are very happy about it.”
Like Stenzel, Wehnert was all praises for Pakistan’s spicy cuisine.
“We tasted some Pakistani dishes, I liked very much the chicken biryani,” the German skipper said, smiling. “I think it was very nice and everyone liked it here.”