US says working to prevent Afghanistan from becoming militant threat for countries like Pakistan

US says working to prevent Afghanistan from becoming militant threat for countries like Pakistan
US State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel speaks during a news conference at the State Department in Washington, DC, on January 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Screengrab/YouTube/@StateDept/File)
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Updated 02 August 2024
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US says working to prevent Afghanistan from becoming militant threat for countries like Pakistan

US says working to prevent Afghanistan from becoming militant threat for countries like Pakistan
  • US official says Washington is cooperating with partners, including those in the region, to deal with the issue
  • The UN brought out a report this week, saying TTP and Daesh were launching cross-border attacks in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The United States said on Thursday it was working to prevent Afghanistan from turning into a hub of militant violence targeting its interests or posing a threat to other states like Pakistan, following a recent United Nations report expressing concerns over the rise of armed groups under the Taliban administration in Kabul.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks since November 2022, when a fragile truce between its government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down. Pakistani officials blamed the interim Afghan Taliban government for facilitating the group and urged it to take action against the armed militants, though Kabul rejected Islamabad’s claims.
The UN report, released this week, raised similar concerns about groups like TTP and Daesh, noting that they were launching cross-border attacks, particularly in Pakistan.
Asked about its findings and the claim that these groups had over 6,000 fighters attacking Pakistani soldiers and undermining regional peace, US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted his country’s counterterrorism efforts.
“We’re working to ensure that Afghanistan never serves as a launching pad for terrorist attacks against the United States or our allies,” he said during a media briefing. “We are taking a whole-of-government approach to our Afghanistan counterterrorism efforts.”
“We are cooperating with partners and allies, including in the immediate region,” he continued. “And we’re working vigilantly to prevent the re-emergence of external threats from Afghanistan, including by working with partners to counteract terrorist recruitment efforts as well.”
Patel agreed with the findings of the UN report, saying that Daesh had the “ambition and capacity to launch international terrorist attacks.”
Afghanistan was widely viewed as a hub of transnational militant groups, particularly during the years leading up to the US invasion in 2001 and throughout the subsequent two decades.
US forces withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021 after securing an agreement with the Taliban in February 2020, which stipulated that the war-torn country would no longer be used as a militant basecamp.
In recent months, Washington has raised concerns about militant presence in Afghanistan, expressing its willingness to assist Pakistan with counterterrorism efforts.


Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan

Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan
Updated 11 sec ago
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Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan

Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan
  • The event, hosted at Mushaf Air Base, brings together air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye in a comprehensive training scenario
  • Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, commander of the RSAF, saw off departure of Saudi contingent from King Abdulaziz Air Base in Eastern Sector

RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Air Force has deployed to Pakistan for the multinational Shield of Sindh 2024 exercise.

The event, hosted at Mushaf Air Base, brings together air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye in a comprehensive training scenario.

Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, commander of the RSAF, saw off the departure of the Saudi contingent from King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector.

Before takeoff, he conducted a thorough inspection of equipment and received detailed briefings on the operational readiness of flight crews, technical teams and support personnel. The Saudi contribution to the exercise is substantial, featuring a squadron of six Tornado aircraft.

Speaking about the exercise, he said: “Our participation in Shield of Sindh 2024 serves multiple objectives. It strengthens our bonds with Pakistan and other participating nations, while also providing a platform to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities and professionalism of the Royal Saudi Air Force, and allowing air and support crews to gain more combat experience in unconventional and electronic warfare environments.”


ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan to face India in Dubai tomorrow

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan to face India in Dubai tomorrow
Updated 4 min 8 sec ago
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ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan to face India in Dubai tomorrow

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan to face India in Dubai tomorrow
  • Pakistan, who have never made it out of the group stages, beat Sri Lanka by 31 runs in opener
  • On the other hand, India lost their opening group match to New Zealand on Friday by 58 runs

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan women’s team will face India on Sunday in their Twenty20 World Cup group stage match in Dubai, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan, who have never made it out of the group stages in eight previous attempts, beat Sri Lanka by 31 runs in their World Cup opener on Thursday.
The Pakistani side is scheduled to play its second group match against India at the Dubai Cricket Stadium.
“The match will start at 3:00 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time,” the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported on Saturday.
Pakistan made 116 in their 20 overs in the opening match. They staged a determined fightback to beat Sri Lanka, with left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal claiming three wickets.
Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail and player of the match Fatima Sana all took two each for Pakistan against Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, India lost their opening match to New Zealand on Friday by 58 runs.
India were never in the chase after losing openers Shafali Verma, for two, and Smriti Mandhana, for 12, inside the first five overs.


Pakistani and Russian generals review defense cooperation, express satisfaction with progress

Pakistani and Russian generals review defense cooperation, express satisfaction with progress
Updated 13 min 28 sec ago
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Pakistani and Russian generals review defense cooperation, express satisfaction with progress

Pakistani and Russian generals review defense cooperation, express satisfaction with progress
  • Pakistan and Russia have worked to strengthen their defense and security relations in recent years
  • Russia’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Sergey Istrakov lauds the professionalism of Pakistani armed forces

ISLAMABAD: Russia’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Sergey Yuryevich Istrakov held a meeting with Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza in Rawalpindi on Friday, during which both military commanders reviewed bilateral defense cooperation and expressed satisfaction with its trajectory.
Pakistan and Russia have worked to strengthen their defense and security relations in recent years, marking a shift from their historically strained ties during the Cold War period. The two sides conducted a joint military exercise in 2021, a few years after Pakistan received four Mi-35 attack helicopters from Russia in 2017.
Earlier this year, General Mirza also visited the Russian Federation to engage with the top military leadership in Moscow.
“During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction on positive trajectory of bilateral defense cooperation and discussed the evolving security situation in the region with a view to promote regional peace and stability,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement while sharing details of the meeting.
“The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism,” it added.
In addition to defense ties, Pakistan and Russia have expanded their collaboration in economic and energy sectors.
This includes discussions on gas pipelines, crude oil supplies and broader trade relations, underlined by Moscow’s recent support for Pakistan’s inclusion in an economic bloc consisting of five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.


Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit

Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit
Updated 25 min 53 sec ago
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Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit

Government deploys army troops in Islamabad to ensure security of SCO summit
  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit is scheduled to be held on October 15 and 16
  • The decision comes at a time when Islamabad and nearby areas have witnessed political protests

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Saturday deployed army troops in the federal capital of Islamabad to ensure security ahead of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on October 15 and 16, according to an official notification, with foreign dignitaries arriving from various countries.
The SCO is an important Eurasian political, economic and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia and several Central Asian nations. Over the years, it expanded to include countries like India and Pakistan, making it a significant regional bloc.
Pakistan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government summit in Islamabad under its rotating chairmanship of the organization, with the participants expected to discuss issues related to trade, economic cooperation, security, and regional stability.
Among other international leaders, Pakistan also extended invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though the delegation from New Delhi will be spearheaded by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
“Pursuant to the request made by the Office of the Chief Commissioner, ICT [Islamabad Capital Territory] ... the Federal Government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of Constitution, 1973, and under Sections 4 & 5 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, is pleased to authorize deployment of requisite strength of Pakistan Army in aid of civil power from 5th to 17th October, 2024, in ICT, for maintaining law and order situation with respect to 23rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government and visits of VVIP delegation for the said meeting,” the interior ministry announced in an order on Friday.
Television footage showed vehicles of Pakistan Army patrolling various areas of the federal capital on Saturday morning as the government’s order came into effect.
Article 245 allows the government to call in the armed forces to act in aid of the civilian administration.
“The validity of any direction issued by the Federal Government under clause (1) shall not be called in question in any court,” it reads. “A High Court shall not exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199 in relation to any area in which the Armed Forces of Pakistan are, for the time being, acting in aid of civil power in pursuance of Article 245.”
Section 4 of the ATA allows for the deployment of armed forces in any area, while Section 5 allows the use of “necessary force” to prevent any “terrorist acts or scheduled offenses.”
The decision comes at a time when Islamabad and the nearby city of Rawalpindi have witnessed protests by various political actors in recent months.
The police also attempted to prevent a protest by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party near the parliament building on Friday, blocking highways and suspending cellphone services in the capital.
The government maintained it was not the time for protests as state guests were visiting Islamabad, making it crucial to ensure their safety.
The interior ministry also said in its order that the exact area of deployment, along with the number of additional troops if required, would be worked out by the capital territory administration in consultation with relevant stakeholders.


After Islamabad, ex-PM Khan party to hold protests in Lahore and other Punjab cities today

After Islamabad, ex-PM Khan party to hold protests in Lahore and other Punjab cities today
Updated 34 min 45 sec ago
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After Islamabad, ex-PM Khan party to hold protests in Lahore and other Punjab cities today

After Islamabad, ex-PM Khan party to hold protests in Lahore and other Punjab cities today
  • Mobile phone services suspended, major roads leading to Islamabad blocked for a second consecutive day on Saturday
  • Khan’s party says the demonstration will continue in Islamabad, where the government has deployed Pakistan Army troops

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced protests in Lahore and all other districts across Pakistan’s biggest Punjab province on Saturday, saying the demonstration in the federal capital of Islamabad would continue simultaneously.
The PTI has been holding protests across several Pakistani cities this week against proposed constitutional amendments that it claims are aimed at curtailing the independence of the judiciary, a charge the government denies.
The Pakistani opposition party is also trying to mobilize supporters through large public gatherings to put pressure for the release of Khan, who has been in prison since August last year and faces a slew of legal challenges.
The PTI initially announced a protest in Lahore on Saturday, but Hammad Azhar, a key member of the party, announced on X that demonstrations would be held in all districts across the province.
“Islamabad protest will continue,” he said. “Apart from this, it is announced that protests will begin in all districts of Punjab from today. People from Lahore and its surroundings will join the protest in Lahore. There is a call for peaceful protests from today in all the rest of the districts of Punjab.”
The announcement came hours after police fired tear gas and arrested Khan supporters at the demonstration in Islamabad, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi saying the government would not allow violent protests in the capital.
Mobile phone services remained suspended, while all major roads and highways leading to Islamabad were blocked off with shipping containers for a second consecutive day on Saturday. The federal government also deployed army troops in the capital on Saturday to ensure security ahead of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) that is scheduled to be held later this month.
Clashes erupted on Friday evening as Khan supporters tried to march toward the D-Chowk square in Islamabad, where they had planned to hold the demonstration.
Islamabad police chief Ali Nasir Rizvi told media over 30 people had been arrested for violating Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows the district administration to outlaw gatherings of more than four people on account of security threats. The ban was imposed in Islamabad as well as the cities of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha ahead of this week’s protests by the PTI.
Addressing a press conference, Naqvi accused PTI supporters of coming to the Islamabad protest armed.
“They have a right to hold a rally but not the way it’s going on,” he told reporters. “It’s every Pakistani’s right [to protest]. If they want to voice their opinion they can, but this is not the way to do it. It’s wrong what they are doing, and we can’t give permission for this.”
Residents complained of immense difficulties in navigating the twin cities.
“You don’t want people to come into the city [Islamabad] and get to D-Chowk where the protest is but at least let people go outside the city,” taxi driver Arshad Shad, who was on foot, told Arab News. “Buses can’t move, there is no Internet, no mobile phone service. Families are stuck, they can’t come or go. So I don’t understand what the government is doing, they are only making life more difficult for the public.”
Zafar Iqbal, who deals in the sale and purchase of property, lamented frequent protests and their impact on businesses in the twin cities.
“Every fourth day there is a protest. This is very wrong. This shouldn’t happen. People’s businesses are getting affected and the public is being humiliated,” he told Arab News. “This is a curse for the public, for businessmen. There is already no business and people are worried.”