Pakistan’s main health body warns of Congo fever risk ahead of Eid Al-Adha

Pakistan’s main health body warns of Congo fever risk ahead of Eid Al-Adha
Livestock vendors and customers walk amid sacrificial camels at a cattle market ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Adha in Lahore on June 25, 2023. (AFP/File)
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Updated 23 May 2024
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Pakistan’s main health body warns of Congo fever risk ahead of Eid Al-Adha

Pakistan’s main health body warns of Congo fever risk ahead of Eid Al-Adha
  • Congo fever is viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals
  • NIH also urges timely and appropriate measures to ensure protection from heatstroke and typhoid fever

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s primary health body has issued an advisory for the prevention of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a press release said on Thursday, in light of the upcoming Muslim festival of Eid Al-Adha that could be a breeding ground for the tick-borne virus.

CCHF is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, mainly through handling livestock or their blood, tissue, or excrement. It can also be transmitted from human to human through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. The disease has a high fatality rate, and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for it. 

“During Eid Al-Adha, there is an unusual increase in the movement of animals from all provinces and increased contact between the general public and animals, raising the risk of the spread of Congo fever,” the National Institute of Health (NIH) said on Wednesday, advising people to wear light-colored clothing to easily detect ticks on fabric and avoid areas where ticks were prevalent.

The NIH also urged timely and appropriate measures to ensure protection from heatstroke and typhoid fever.

Pakistan has been experiencing severe climatic changes due to global warming in recent years which has led to heat waves, untimely rains and droughts.

A sunstroke is a form of hyperthermia and medical emergency during which the body temperature is elevated and can be fatal if not promptly treated, the health body said, adding that profuse or no sweating, dry skin, headaches, chills, slurred speech and dizziness were common signs of heatstroke.

Emphasizing precautionary measures during extreme heat, the health advisory advised people to avoid direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and use an umbrella or hat when outdoors. 

On May 21, authorities had urged people to stay indoors as the country was hit by an extreme heat wave that threatens to bring dangerously high temperatures and yet another round of glacial-driven floods. Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, shut all schools for a week because of the heat, affecting an estimated 18 million students.

The country’s chief meteorologist has warned that the heat wave would “intensify” from today, May 23, onwards.

Regarding typhoid fever, a bacterial infection that can prove to be life-threatening if not treated properly, the NIH said Pakistan was among countries with the highest burden of typhoid fever due to a lack of safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices. 

The statement stressed the importance of following hygiene practices, using clean water and avoiding street food. The disease has been reported from various parts of the country since 2016, especially during the monsoon and summer seasons, the health advisory said.


Pakistan warns hail, heavy rains could hit capital, cities in Punjab from today

Pakistan warns hail, heavy rains could hit capital, cities in Punjab from today
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Pakistan warns hail, heavy rains could hit capital, cities in Punjab from today

Pakistan warns hail, heavy rains could hit capital, cities in Punjab from today
  • Hailstorm on Wednesday wreaked havoc in Pakistani capital, damaging thousands of car and windows of homes
  • Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing numerous impacts like rising extreme weather events

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a weather alert on Thursday warning of hailstorms and heavy rainfall in the federal capital, Islamabad, and a number of cities in Punjab province from today, Friday. 

The fresh warnings come a day after a severe hailstorm and heavy rainfall lashed Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and its surrounding areas, damaging thousands of vehicles and smashing the windows of homes. 

Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing numerous impacts like rising temperatures, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and changes in agricultural patterns. The country’s vulnerability is exacerbated by factors like reliance on the Indus River, which is fed by melting glaciers, and its location in a region prone to floods and droughts.

“Heavy rainfall, windstorms, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are expected [from Apr. 18-19], posing risks to infrastructure, transportation and agricultural activities,” the NDMA said in a statement. 

It listed cities in upper and central Punjab including Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Jhang, Khushab, Mianwali, Lahore, Narowal, Sahiwal, Sargodha and Sheikhupura, as being at risk. 

Strong winds accompanied by heavy rain could also cause trees to fall and lead to temporary power outages, the NDMA said, adding that hailstorms posed a threat to weak structures, rooftops, vehicles and power lines. Hail could also damage crops and outdoor structures, particularly those with glass surfaces. The combination of rain and dust could also reduce visibility and increase the risk of road accidents.

The NDMA urged the public to stay informed by using its mobile application, “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert,” for real-time updates and advised tourists and residents to monitor official sources for the latest weather forecasts. 

Travelers were also cautioned to check road conditions before leaving their homes and to avoid unnecessary journeys during severe weather. People living in landslide-prone areas were instructed to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to local safety adviseries.

Experts say there is evidence suggesting a link between climate change and increased hailstorm frequency and intensity. While the exact relationship is still being studied, a warming climate can create conditions more conducive to large hail formation.


Pakistan Senate committee approves bill to establish commission for minority rights

Pakistan Senate committee approves bill to establish commission for minority rights
Updated 17 April 2025
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Pakistan Senate committee approves bill to establish commission for minority rights

Pakistan Senate committee approves bill to establish commission for minority rights
  • Constitution guarantees equal rights and protection for all citizens, including religious minorities but disparities in practice persist
  • Minorities face persistent challenges in accessing public services and participating fully in social and economic life

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Senate Subcommittee on Human Rights on Thursday approved a bill to establish a commission on minority rights in accordance with the United Nations and international standards and regulations, a statement from the committee said on Thursday.
The Pakistani constitution guarantees equal rights and protection for all citizens, including religious minorities, but disparities in practice persist. While the constitution protects freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion, minorities face persistent challenges in accessing public services and participating fully in social and economic life. There is also widespread persecution of minority groups. 
On Thursday, the minister of law briefed the Senate committee on the National Commission for Minorities, which will constitute eight members, four from the government and four representing the parliament.
“There will be Parliamentary Committee consisting of four members: which will be nominated by the Speaker National Assembly, two from the treasury and two from the opposition benches,” according to a statement from the Senate.
“Besides this, two minority members from each province, who are Pakistani citizens not younger than 35 years of age and possessing considerable knowledge and practical experience in Human Rights advocacy, will be included in the commission.”
The statement said the recommended timelines for the process were a maximum of 45 to 60 days. The commission would hold the power to direct other local human rights institutions to take up matters in their own ambit of expertise. 
The committee reached consensus on two key points.
“First, the nomination for the National Commission for Minorities will be shortlisted within 30 days, and the Constitution of Commission will be completed within 45 days,” the statement said. “Secondly, the minimum age for nominated members will be 35 years.”
According to a copy of the bill widely reported by local media, the commission will “assess and monitor [the] implementation of the constitutional guarantees and safeguard for promotion and protection of rights of minorities.”
The commission will also review existing or proposed policies or programs to prevent discrimination and protect minorities and provide recommendations to the relevant departments.


23,620 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj under private scheme this year — ministry

23,620 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj under private scheme this year — ministry
Updated 17 April 2025
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23,620 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj under private scheme this year — ministry

23,620 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj under private scheme this year — ministry
  • Pakistan was given a quota of 179,210 for the pilgrimage this year
  • Nearly 90,000 Pakistanis to perform Hajj 2025 under government scheme

ISLAMABAD: The ministry of religious affairs said on Tuesday only 23,620 Pakistani pilgrims would be performing Hajj under the private scheme this year.
The annual Islamic pilgrimage is expected to take place this year in June. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Hajj Agreement 2025 in January, under which Pakistan was given a quota of 179,210 for the pilgrimage this year. The quota is divided equally between government and private schemes.
Nearly 90,000 Pakistanis are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme this year. 
“General public is hereby informed that only 23,620 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj under the Private Hajj Scheme from Pakistan this year 2025,” the religious affairs ministry said in a statement.
“The list of service providers providing services with the Hajj 2025 quota has been updated on the website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and the Pak Hajj App.”
The ministry urged pilgrims who had made bookings with registered service providers to check the status of their application and contract on the ministry’s website.
“All organizing/service provider companies are directed to provide updated contract (Hajj Form) to Hajj pilgrims as per the approved quota of Hajj 2025 and ensure the process of issuing Hajj visas to pilgrims by April 18 as per the instructions of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the ministry added. 
Hajj flight operations will begin from Apr. 29 when the first flight will depart from Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to probe why Pakistan had failed to use the whole 179,210 quota for Hajj 2025.


Soldier, four militants killed in armed operation in northwest Pakistan

Soldier, four militants killed in armed operation in northwest Pakistan
Updated 17 April 2025
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Soldier, four militants killed in armed operation in northwest Pakistan

Soldier, four militants killed in armed operation in northwest Pakistan
  • Military has launched frequent operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan in recent years
  • Pakistan says militants launch attacks using safe havens in Afghanistan, a charge Kabul denies

ISLAMABAD: A sepoy was killed in an intelligence-based operation in the northwest of Pakistan, the military said on Thursday, as it battles a spike in militant attacks.
In recent months, the military has launched frequent operations in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. The army’s target in the area are militants it says launch attacks inside Pakistan and against the army using safe havens in Afghanistan. The Taliban government in Kabul says it does not allow its territory to be used by insurgents against other countries.
Groups like the Pakistani Taliban, commonly known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have been waging a war against the Pakistani state for nearly two decades in a bid to overthrow the government and replace it with what they consider an Islamic system of governance.
In the latest operation, the army’s media wing said security forces had conducted an intelligence-based operation in general area Maddi in the Dera Ismail Khan district on Apr. 16, killing four militants.
“However, during intense fire exchange, one brave son of soil, Sepoy Basit Siddique (age: 23 years, resident of District Attock), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat [martyrdom],” the army’s statement said. 
Militants have intensified their attacks since revoking a ceasefire with the government in late 2022, with recent months witnessing significant strikes targeting the military and its bases.


Pakistan to seek bids to sell national airline next week

Pakistan to seek bids to sell national airline next week
Updated 17 April 2025
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Pakistan to seek bids to sell national airline next week

Pakistan to seek bids to sell national airline next week
  • Privatization board approves pre-qualification criteria for selection of prospective bidders
  • New expressions of interest in buying between 51-100 percent of airline would be sought next week

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government will seek expressions of interest next week for the sale of Pakistan International Airlines, the privatization ministry said on Thursday, days after it reported its first annual profit in over two decades.
Pakistan has been seeking to sell a 51-100 percent stake in the debt-ridden carrier, to raise funds and reform cash-draining, state-owned enterprises as envisaged under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund program.
Its failed attempt to privatise Pakistan International Airlines last year received a single offer, well below the asking price of more than $300 million.
The privatization commission board has approved seeking new bids, the ministry said in a statement.
“The board approved the pre-qualification criteria for selection of prospective bidders,” it said. It added new expressions of interest in buying between 51 and 100 percent of the airline would be sought next week.
Pakistan has shifted almost all of the national carrier’s legacy debt to government books after issues raised by bidders led to the failure of the last privatization attempt.
Muhammad Ali, government adviser on privatization, said last week all the issues raised at the time of last year’s failed attempt had been dealt with.