95 injured in aerial firing in Karachi on eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day — police

95 injured in aerial firing in Karachi on eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day — police
A youth waves a lit a firework during celebrations for Pakistan's 75th anniversary of Independence Day in Karachi on August 14, 2022. (AFP/File)
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Updated 14 August 2024
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95 injured in aerial firing in Karachi on eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day — police

95 injured in aerial firing in Karachi on eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day — police
  • Seventy-five males, 20 females injured for resorting to aerial firing, say police
  • Fourteen people arrested for resorting to aerial firing from city’s central district 

ISLAMABAD: At least 95 people were injured due to aerial firing incidents in the southern port city of Karachi on Independence Day eve, the city’s top police surgeon Dr. Sumaiya Syed Tariq said on Wednesday. 

Aerial firing is not uncommon in Pakistan, especially Karachi, on joyous occasions where the practice has claimed lives on several occasions in the past. Celebratory gunfire is unlawful, though it is not always possible for the police and other state institutions to implement the rule across the country.

The sound of gunshots and fireworks rang out in many parts of the city on Tuesday around midnight as the country welcomed its 78th Independence Day. 

“A total of 95 people were injured in various parts of Karachi due to aerial firing on Tuesday night,” Dr. Tariq told Arab News. 

She said 39 people were admitted for injuries in the city’s Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center hospital while 29 injured were admitted to the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma. 

Thirty-four people were also admitted to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in the city for gunshot injuries due to aerial firing, Dr. Tariq added. 

Of the total number of people injured, 75 were males while 20 were females. The oldest person to be injured due to aerial firing was a 74-year-old man while the youngest was a five-year-old. Both were admitted to the JPMC for treatment. 

Meanwhile, Karachi District Central police said in a statement it had arrested 14 people for resorting to aerial firing on Independence Day eve. 

Last year, 33 people were injured in Karachi due to aerial firing on New Year’s Eve. 


Pakistani police responsible for killing doctor accused of blasphemy — provincial government

Pakistani police responsible for killing doctor accused of blasphemy — provincial government
Updated 10 sec ago
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Pakistani police responsible for killing doctor accused of blasphemy — provincial government

Pakistani police responsible for killing doctor accused of blasphemy — provincial government
  • This marks first time government has accused security forces of extrajudicial killing of a blasphemy suspect 
  • Provincial home minister says doctor was killed in staged “fake encounter” shortly after he gave himself up to authorities 

MULTAN: The provincial government in Pakistan’s Sindh province said on Thursday police had orchestrated the killing of a doctor who was in custody after he was accused of blasphemy, marking the first time the government has accused security forces of what the doctor’s family and rights groups have called an extrajudicial killing by police.

According to the provincial interior minister, Ziaul Hassan, a government probe concluded that Shah Nawaz, a doctor from Sindh province, was killed shortly after he gave himself up to authorities in what was a staged “fake encounter” engineered by security forces.

There was no shootout with armed men as police had claimed, Hassan told reporters at a news conference in the southern port city of Karachi, and added that Nawaz’s family would be able to file murder charges against the police officers who killed him.

Hours after Nawaz was fatally shot and his body handed over to his family, a mob snatched it from Nawaz’s father and burned it.

Hassan’s statement backed up Nawaz’s family’s allegations earlier this week that officers had lied about the circumstances of his death when they said he was killed in a shootout between police and armed men.

Shah Nawaz had given himself up to police last week in the district of Mirpur Khas, following assurances that he would be given a chance to prove his innocence.

Days earlier in the city of Umerkot, a mob claimed he had insulted Islam’s Prophet Muhammad and shared blasphemous content on social media, and demanded his arrest. The mob also burned Nawaz’s clinic.

Accusations of blasphemy — sometimes even just rumors — can spark riots and mob rampages in Pakistan. Although killings of blasphemy suspects by mobs are common, extra-judicial killings by police are rare.

Under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death — though authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy.

Nawaz’s father thanked the government for backing the family and demanded that his son’s killers face justice under the eye-for-an-eye concept under Sharia, or Islamic law.

“We have only one demand: those police officers who staged the killing of my son ... must also be killed in the same manner,” said Nawaz’s father, Mohammad Saleh.

Saleh told The Associated Press over the phone that he was grateful for all the support that the family was given and to all those who condemned extremist clerics who had enraged the mob with calls for his son to be killed.

“Those who killed my son should be punished quickly so that others learn a lesson and not indulge in extra-judicial killings in the future,” Nawaz’s mother, Rehmat Kunbar, said. 

She added that her son can no longer come back to her but that she wanted to save the children of other parents from the hands of “extremists.”

Nawaz’s killing was the second case of an extra-judicial killing by police this month in Pakistan.

A week before, an officer opened fire inside a police station in the southwestern city of Quetta, fatally wounding Syed Khan, a suspect held on accusations of blasphemy.

Khan was arrested after officers rescued him from an enraged mob that claimed he had insulted Islam’s prophet. But he was killed by a police officer, Mohammad Khurram, who was quickly arrested. 

However, the tribe and the family of the slain man later said they had pardoned the officer.


Ex-PM Khan’s party calls off Sept. 28 Rawalpindi rally, will hold ‘peaceful protest’ instead 

Ex-PM Khan’s party calls off Sept. 28 Rawalpindi rally, will hold ‘peaceful protest’ instead 
Updated 11 min 43 sec ago
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Ex-PM Khan’s party calls off Sept. 28 Rawalpindi rally, will hold ‘peaceful protest’ instead 

Ex-PM Khan’s party calls off Sept. 28 Rawalpindi rally, will hold ‘peaceful protest’ instead 
  • PTI party has sought permission to organize a rally in Lahore on Oct. 5 from 5-11pm
  • PTI is aiming to hold rallies to build public pressure for Khan’s release from prison 

ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Thursday it was canceling a planned rally in the city of Rawalpindi on Sept. 28 on the instructions of party founder and ex-premier Imran Khan, and would hold a peaceful protest instead on the same day.

Following rallies this month in Islamabad and Lahore, the PTI announced this week it would hold public gatherings in Rawalpindi and Lahore on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 respectively to build pressure for Khan’s release. The ex-PM has been in jail since August last year on multiple charges including corruption, sedition and terrorism. Khan says the cases against him are politically motivated to keep him and his party away from politics. 

“On instructions of founding Chairman PTI, Imran Khan, the Rawalpindi Jalsa on Sept 28th is canceled and there will be a peaceful protest instead,” the PTI party said in a statement on Thursday. “More details will be shared soon.”

The PTI’s last two rallies were not without complications. The Sept. 8 rally in Islamabad was first planned for July and then August but was postponed both times as the party was denied permission to hold it by the district administration which cited security threats and a lack of resources to manage large gatherings. 

After the Islamabad rally, a number of PTI legislators were arrested on charges of violating an agreement on the basis of which permission for the rally was given, including abiding by a time limit and supporters sticking to certain routes to reach the designated venue for the rally on Islamabad’s outskirts. 

Last Saturday’s gathering in Lahore also came to an abrupt end after authorities cut off electricity supply to the venue after the 3-6pm deadline expired. 

Khan’s party says the challenges in holding rallies are part of an over year-long crackdown it has faced since protesters allegedly linked to the party attacked and damaged government and military installations on May 9, 2023, after the former premier’s brief arrest the same day in a land graft case.

Hundreds of PTI followers and leaders were arrested following the riots and many remain behind bars as they await trial. The military, which says Khan and his party were behind the attacks, has also initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.

Khan, who has been in jail since last August, was ousted from the PM’s office in 2022 in a parliamentary vote of no confidence after what is widely believed to be a falling out with Pakistan’s powerful military, which denies being involved in politics.


Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out India rival in first round of World Youth Boxing Championship

Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out India rival in first round of World Youth Boxing Championship
Updated 26 September 2024
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Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out India rival in first round of World Youth Boxing Championship

Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocks out India rival in first round of World Youth Boxing Championship
  • Wazeer remains unbeaten in all 14 professional bouts of his career so far 
  • 24-year-old holds Asian Boxing Federation Asian title, first Pakistani to do so

KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer on Thursday knocked out his Indian opponent in the first round of the World Youth Boxing Championship, taking home his 14th consecutive win. 

Wazeer, 24, who hails from the Astore district of Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, is nicknamed ‘The Asian Boy’ and widely regarded as one of the greatest contemporary Pakistani boxers. He is currently an undefeated welterweight boxer and holds the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) Asian title, the first Pakistani to do so.

Wazeer made his professional boxing debut against Moroccan Brahim Oubenais (0-1-0) on May 3, 2019, in Dubai, where the former won by a split decision after four rounds, claiming his first professional victory. The Pakistan boxer, who has so far featured in six professional bouts, remains unbeaten.

Thursday’s match against Thilak Selvam — closely watched as Pakistan and India are longtime political and sports rivals — lasted a mere one minute and five seconds.

“Thank God, Usman has won his 14th fight and made the name of Pakistan proud,” Wazeer Tajwar, the boxer’s father, told Arab News over the phone.

“This time the enjoyment level is very high as he defeated the Indian boxer in the first round. We were watching the fight live in our house in Astore. The whole village, including relatives, gathered in our house to watch the fight. We were all dancing to music and celebrating the moment.”

Tajwar said his son was participating in international competitions without the government’s support. 

“As a father I always push him to fulfill his dream. I have always supported him and will always support him. But the government should also support him as he is making the name of our country proud.”

Ghulam Muhammad, the minister for tourism and sports in GB, congratulated Wazeer on the win. 

“I want to congratulate Usman for winning the fight against the Indian boxer today. And he made the name of Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan proud at international level,” Muhammad told Arab News over the phone.

“Usman is a very talented athlete from Pakistan and he left no stone unturned to fight for the country … We, the GB government, will support him.”

Wazeer has previously secured prestigious titles including the World Youth Title, Asian Title, and Middle East Title. 


Pakistan warns of dengue outbreak in October in 10 major cities 

Pakistan warns of dengue outbreak in October in 10 major cities 
Updated 26 September 2024
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Pakistan warns of dengue outbreak in October in 10 major cities 

Pakistan warns of dengue outbreak in October in 10 major cities 
  • Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, Multan at risk
  • Dengue fever is endemic to Pakistan, which experiences year-round transmission with seasonal peaks

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday warned that at least 10 Pakistani cities could face a dengue outbreak in October, advising all stakeholders to take “preemptive measures.”

Dengue is an illness that spreads through vectors, carried by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is currently no cure or vaccine for dengue fever, which in its most severe form can lead to fatalities.

People affected by dengue go through intense flu-like symptoms including high fever, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea and vomiting, typically persisting for approximately a week.

“Based on the analysis, the environment has become conducive from mid of September 2024 for dengue onset and it is predicted that it may outbreak in October 2024, particularly in ten major cities of Pakistan i.e., Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana and Multan as well as in post monsoon rainfall affected areas of Pakistan,” PMD said in an advisory.

“It is advised to all stakeholders to take preemptive measures for the dengue outbreak in the districts. National Health agencies and Dengue control centers are advised to keep themselves updated on the PMD website.” 

The PMD said dengue outbreaks occured in the post-monsoon season, which usually falls between Sept. 20 and Dec. 5 if conditions are favorable. 

It said the active period for dengue attacks was two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, while breeding stopped once the temperature fell below 16°C. 

Dengue fever is endemic to Pakistan, which experiences year-round transmission with seasonal peaks. 

An advisory published by Pakistan’s National Institute of Health in 2023 said a total of 52,929 cases and 224 deaths from dengue were reported in the country in 2021, while there were approximately 79,007 confirmed cases of dengue with 149 deaths in 2022, with a surge in cases following unprecedented flooding that began in mid-June 2022. 

In 2023, Pakistan reported 3,019 suspected cases and eight deaths from dengue. 

The virus has been surging worldwide, aided by climate change. 

Dengue cases substantially increased in the Americas this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in May, which indicates the mosquito-borne viral illness remains a high-risk threat to public health.

The UN agency said the number of cases in the Americas exceeded 7 million by the end of April, already surpassing the annual high of 4.6 million in 2023.
In comparison, over 7.6 million dengue cases and about 3,000 deaths were reported globally during the same period.


Pakistan signs contract to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan 

Pakistan signs contract to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan 
Updated 26 September 2024
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Pakistan signs contract to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan 

Pakistan signs contract to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan 
  • Pakistan Air Force is mostly reliant on Chinese JF-17 Thunder jets, French Mirages and aging US F-16s 
  • In 2022, Pakistan announced the addition to its fleet of next-generation Chinese J-10 C fighter jets

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan army said on Thursday it had signed an agreement with Azerbaijan for the sale of JF-17 Block-III fighter aircraft “to bolster the airpower capabilities” of the Western Asian nation. 

The PakistanAir Force (PAF) is mostly reliant on Chinese JF-17 Thunder jets, French Mirages and aging US F-16s but in 2022 announced the addition to its fleet of next-generation Chinese J-10 C fighter jets also. 

“President of Azerbaijan expressed that the support extended by Pakistan would go a long way in consolidating the existing military cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, fostering closer defense collaboration and strengthening the warm brotherly ties between the two nations,” the Pakistan army’s media wing, ISPR, said in a statement, announcing the sale agreement. 

The army did not disclose how many jets it would sell to Azerbaijan and at what price or any other details of the deal. 

“JF-17 Thunder Block-III is an AESA [active electronically scanned array] Radar and Long Range BVR [beyond-visual-range] equipped 4.5 generation Multi-Role fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking wide array of combat missions providing contemporary airpower employment options, thus strengthening the National Security Paradigm of Azerbaijan.” the military said. 

Giving background on the deal, ISPR said during his visit to Pakistan in July this year, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev was briefed on the combat capabilities and employment options of the JF-17 Block-III fighter aircraft.

“Pursuant to President Aliyev’s visit and on request of Government of Azerbaijan, Pakistan deployed PAF contingent at Baku to participate in ADEX-2024 showcasing the aerial prowess and static display of Pride of Pakistan JF-17 Thunder Block-III,” ISPR said. 

“During deployment, JF-17 carried out Air to Air Refueling from PAF Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft deploying in a single hop to Baku, Azerbaijan, demonstrating long haul capability and reach of the PAF’s fighter jet.”

Aliyev visited the static display of JF-17 Block-III and witnessed an aerial demonstration of the planes, ISPR added, “showcasing the agility and maneuverability of the fighter jet alongside the professional competence of PAF pilots.”