Tag: PAKISTAN

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Pakistan’s first direct cargo ship docks in Bangladesh since 1971 

The direct shipment is expected to reduce commodity prices and expedite delivery times….reports Asian Lite News

In a historic move signaling evolving relations, Pakistan’s first direct cargo ship to Bangladesh since the latter’s independence in 1971 docked at Chittagong Port on November 13. The vessel, MV Yuan Xian Fa Zhong, carried raw materials for Bangladesh’s textile and ceramic industries, marking a significant shift in trade logistics between the two nations. 

An official from Chittagong Port Authority confirmed that while the ship began its journey from the UAE en route to Indonesia, it made a stop in Karachi to load goods bound for Bangladesh. Previously, shipments from Pakistan were routed through third countries such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, or Malaysia using feeder vessels. 

The direct shipment is expected to reduce commodity prices and expedite delivery times. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, hailed the move as a step toward fostering regional trade integration. 

Despite the historic shipment, strained political ties persist between the two nations. Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, resisted closer ties with Pakistan due to its failure to fully apologize for the 1971 war. His daughter, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, denied Pakistan’s 2022 request to dock its warship PNS Taimur at Chittagong. 

Foreign relations expert Professor Imtiaz Ahmed noted the economic significance of direct trade but cautioned against actions that might disrupt Bangladesh’s ties with India. He emphasized the importance of balancing regional diplomacy, particularly given interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s efforts to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). 

The Yunus-led interim government, which took office in August after a mass uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina, has expressed intentions to reset its foreign policy approach. This includes Yunus’s meetings with regional leaders, although a potential meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the UN General Assembly did not materialize. 

Experts view these developments as part of a broader recalibration of Bangladesh’s diplomatic and trade priorities, with the potential to reshape regional dynamics. 

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Deadly Attack in Pakistan Targets Military

The attack occurred late Tuesday night when a joint security post of the Pakistan Army and Frontier Constabulary (FC) was targeted by at least six assailants, who drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the post’s wall…reports Asian Lite News

At least 12 security personnel from the Pakistan Army were killed and another 10 critically injured in a suicide attack on a security check post in MaliKhel in Bannu District of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

As per Pakistan military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the deadly attack took place late Tuesday night when a joint security post of Pakistan Army and the Frontier Constabulary (FC) was attacked by at least six men, who rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the wall of the post.

“The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted by troops. The suicide blast led to collapse of portion of perimeter wall and damaged adjoining infrastructure, resulting in shahadat (martyrdom) of 12 brave sons of soil that include 10 soldiers of Frontier Constabulary,” read a statement issued by the ISPR.

“Sanitization operation is being conducted in the area and the perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice. Security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,” the statement added.

ISPR also stated that the six militants who attacked the post were neutralised during exchange of fire with the security forces.

Till now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack but it is believed that terror groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliate groups, could be behind it.

The attack comes at a critical time when KP and Balochistan provinces are seeing a major surge in targeted attacks on security forces.

The latest attack in Bannu district comes only a day after a similar attack was carried out on a paramilitary border post in Balochistan.

The attack in Balochistan’s Kalat district killed at least seven soldiers and injured 15 others. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

BLA had also claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a railway station that had killed 26 people.

Taking a serious note of the increasing spike in militant attacks in Balochistan, Pakistan government and the security establishment has formally approved a comprehensive military operation against organisations operating in the province.

In a high-level meeting of the apex committee held at the Prime Minister House, a military operation in Balochistan against terror groups, including Majeed Brigade, BLA, Baloch Liberation Front, and Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar, was approved. The groups have been involved in several attacks on security forces, civilians and foreign nationals, especially Chinese citizens working on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects in Pakistan.

The apex committee chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was attended by the country’s Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, cabinet ministers, chief ministers and senior government officials.

“The participants of the meeting were briefed on the evolving security landscape an the measures being taken to counter terrorism and other critical challenges, including general law and order situation, actions against efforts to stroke sub-nationalism, religious extremism, tackling the illegal spectrum and crime-terror nexus, subversion and disinformation campaigns, among other issues”, read a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after the meeting.

During the meeting, Munir asserted unwavering resolve to eliminate all threats to the country’s national security.

“All those who create obstruction in Pakistan’s security or try to stop them from performing their duty would face the music. Every Pakistani is a soldier in the war against terrorism, whether in uniform or not,” the Pakistan Army Chief reportedly said at the meeting.

ALSO READ: Pakistan bans large gatherings ahead of PTI rally 

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Pakistan bans large gatherings ahead of PTI rally 

The PTI plans to protest on Saturday against proposed constitutional amendments it claims aim to undermine judicial independence…reports Asian Lite News

Punjab government announced on Thursday a six-day ban on public gatherings in Lahore to “maintain law and order” ahead of a planned protest by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The ban, imposed under Section 144 of the criminal procedure code, prohibits gatherings of more than four people, citing security concerns. 

The PTI plans to protest on Saturday against proposed constitutional amendments it claims aim to undermine judicial independence—a charge denied by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling coalition. The party is also rallying public support to demand the release of Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 and faces multiple legal charges. 

This move follows similar restrictions earlier this week in Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Mianwali, where PTI demonstrations were scheduled. The PTI has criticized the government’s use of Section 144, alleging it is an attempt to stifle their constitutional right to protest and curb their growing public appeal. Known for drawing massive crowds, the party continues to organize rallies to pressure authorities for Khan’s release. 

The government justified the ban as a measure to “maintain law and order and protect human lives and property,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. Meanwhile, PTI has announced another demonstration at Islamabad’s Democracy Chowk on Friday, as protests intensify across the country. 

Tensions remain high in Rawalpindi and other cities. Last Saturday, police dispersed PTI supporters with tear gas during a protest demanding Khan’s release. Earlier in September, over a dozen PTI legislators were arrested for violating rally agreements in Islamabad. 

The crackdown on PTI follows the May 2023 riots, where party supporters allegedly attacked military and government facilities after Khan’s brief detention. Hundreds of PTI leaders and followers remain in custody, with some facing trial in military courts. Khan’s ouster in 2022 and subsequent fallout with the military have further strained Pakistan’s political landscape.

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Pak traders seek reopening of closed Iran border 

Pakistan rushes more troops to Balochistan as rights movement spreads wings.(Photo:IN)

The closure of border points and restrictions on the transportation of Iranian petroleum products and goods have led to widespread unrest and rendered thousands jobless….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan’s heavy-handed restrictions on border trade with Iran have plunged the border towns of Balochistan’s Rakhshan and Makran divisions into turmoil, crippling the local economy and intensifying poverty in one of the country’s most neglected provinces, according to a report by Dawn. 

The closure of border points and restrictions on the transportation of Iranian petroleum products and goods have led to widespread unrest and rendered thousands jobless. The Rakhshan and Makran Border Trade Alliance had called for a complete shutdown in towns such as Washuk, Panjgur, and Nokundi, leaving markets, banks, and businesses shuttered in protest. 

For the residents of these regions, cross-border trade is a lifeline. As Dawn reported, the barren terrain of Balochistan offers limited opportunities for agriculture or industry, forcing thousands to rely entirely on the movement of goods across the Pakistan-Iran border. With the government halting trade for three days a week and imposing restrictions on oil transport, families have been pushed to the brink of destitution. 

The situation in Nokundi is particularly dire, as the closure has disrupted the transport of essential goods, compounding financial losses for traders and residents. Panjgur’s trade leaders also decried the restrictions, warning that generations of livelihoods are at stake. 

Former Senate chairman and Balochistan Assembly member Mohammad Sadiq Sanjrani, quoted by Dawn, criticised the government’s “short-sighted policies” and described the closures as an “economic death sentence” for the province. He urged the federal government to implement modern regulatory systems instead of blanket restrictions, warning that the continued economic marginalisation of the region could push disenfranchised youth toward anti-state elements. 

The protesters demanded an immediate review of government policies, calling for the reopening of border trade routes to alleviate economic distress. According to Dawn, they emphasised that these closures have deepened poverty and despair in a region whose fragile economy cannot bear additional hardships. 

This situation along the Pakistan-Iran border reflects the central government’s neglect of Balochistan, where poverty, unemployment, and unrest continue to grow. 

The ongoing protests underscore the urgent need for Islamabad to prioritise the economic stability of Balochistan, rather than imposing policies that stifle the livelihoods of its people, as highlighted in Dawn’s report. (ANI) 

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China, Pak to hold joint anti-terror drills 

The Pakistan Army - Defenders of the nation or privileged travellers on the 'Milbus.

The participating Chinese troops will be drawn from the Western Theatre Command, responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India and the China-Pakistan border….reports Asian Lite News

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will deploy troops to Pakistan for a joint counter-terrorism exercise as concerns grow in Beijing over mounting militant attacks targeting Chinese nationals working on the $70 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The exercise, titled “Warrior-VIII,” will take place from late November to mid-December, focusing on coordinated anti-terrorism operations, the Chinese Ministry of National Defence announced. 

The participating Chinese troops will be drawn from the Western Theatre Command, responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India and the China-Pakistan border. According to state-run Xinhua news agency, the exercise will involve multi-level, mixed training across various specialties and live troop drills simulating real combat scenarios. 

The joint drills mark the eighth edition of the series, underlining the close military cooperation between the “all-weather allies.” They come amid reports that China is urging Pakistan to allow Chinese forces to directly safeguard its nationals amid a spike in attacks. Groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have intensified operations targeting Chinese nationals and projects in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. 

Despite Pakistan deploying a Special Security Division (SSD) of over 15,000 troops per unit, supported by 32,000 personnel from the Frontier Corps and police, attacks persist. A recent suicide bombing near Karachi airport claimed the lives of six people, including two Chinese engineers, and left 17 others injured. 

China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting Pakistan in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals and projects. However, reports suggest Pakistan remains reluctant to allow Chinese forces on its soil due to potential political fallout. 

The last “Warrior” exercise was conducted in 2019. This year’s drills aim to enhance joint operational capabilities and deepen practical military cooperation, underscoring the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan partnership in regional security. 

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Champions Trophy Plans in Limbo 

Sources said behind-the-scenes talks are ongoing to explain to the PCB why the hybrid model is the best option and why an ICC tournament needs the Indian cricket team…reports Asian Lite News 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) officials are trying to urge the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to work towards the hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy next year through back-channel talks, as per sources. 

Sources said that back channel talks are going on to make PCB understand why the hybrid model is the best way to go for the tournament and why there cannot be an ICC tournament without the Indian cricket team. The sources have also said that top ICC officials are trying to get Pakistan stop making any statements against India. 

There are discussions going on with the host Pakistan and other participating teams of the Champions Trophy next year about the schedule and it is likely to be out in a couple of days or so, the sources added. 

India, the 2017 finalists, will not be playing their matches in Pakistan and their matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the source. 

PCB wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking reasons behind India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan to play the ICC Champions Trophy next year, Geo News reported. 

India conveyed its stance of not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing ‘security concerns’. 

Speaking at a press interaction at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said that PCB is still waiting for a reply from ICC. He also asked not to mix sports and politics.”We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying. 

He added that all the countries who qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 are ready to visit Pakistan except India.”At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don’t think there is any reason for them not to visit,” he added. 

Earlier in the month, ICC conveyed to the PCB in writing that India would not travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy, which will be held in early 2025.PCB consulted with the Pakistan government on the issue and is looking to present its stance. 

The Pakistan board wants India to travel to Pakistan as their team also went during the time of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023. Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asian Trophy, but it was held in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka. India and Pakistan played their last bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, a white-ball series and now mostly play in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup. (ANI) 

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US lawmakers call on Biden to press for Imran Khan’s release 

In a letter to outgoing President Biden, as many as 46 members of Congress urged Biden to take steps and act for the release of the incarcerated PM….reports Asian Lite News

In a major development, over 40 American lawmakers have called upon US President Joe Biden to advocate for the immediate release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with all other political prisoners in the country and ensure their safety in line with the findings of the UN Working Group report, Geo TV reported. 

In a letter to outgoing President Biden, as many as 46 members of Congress urged Biden to take steps and act for the release of the incarcerated PM. 

The details were shared by Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI), American Wing, on the social media platform, X. 

It noted that “46 members of the US House of Representatives, including members from both the Republican and Democratic parties, have written a letter to President Joe Biden calling for urgent action for the release of Imran Khan”. 

According to the post, the letter was jointly led by Susan Wild and John James. 

It is significant to note that PTI said that the letter criticised the role of the US Ambassador Donald Blome and his failure to ‘incorporate the concerns of the Pakistani American community in its work including meaningfully advocating for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of human rights, or respect for democratic principles’. 

Geo News reported that Pakistan had denounced the resolution, saying it “stems from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan”. 

As per Geo News, in their letter to the President, the US lawmakers, while referring to the provision of H. Res. 901, said that the legislation brought together Democrats and Republicans in support of a change in US policy, focusing on escalating human rights violations and erosion of civil liberties in Pakistan in the aftermath of the “flawed” February 2024 elections. 

“These elections were characterised by widespread irregularities, electoral fraud, and state-led suppression of the country’s leading party, PTI, including disenfranchising the party in the leadup to the vote, as well as reversing precinct-level results, which showed an overwhelming victory for PTI-associated independent candidates”, Geo TV noted. 

According to Geo TV, the American Lawmakers also expressed their disappointment over the “use of mass arrests, arbitrary detention, and the implementation of a de facto firewall against social media platforms, with reports of broader efforts to slow internet access speeds”. 

As per Geo TV, the lawmakers said a focal point of their concern is the unlawful detention of former prime minister Imran Khan who has been incarcerated since August last year in multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism “widely perceived to be Pakistan’s most popular political figure”. 

It was also noted that several activists associated with PTI, including senior party leaders like Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, have been in detention for over a year. 

In a significant statement, Geo TV noted that the American lawmakers said, “Given these alarming developments, we believe a change of approach at the US Embassy in Islamabad is urgently needed.” 

Last month, as many as 60 members of the US House of Representatives had written a letter to the president, calling on him to use Washington’s leverage with Islamabad for the release of Khan, Geo News had earlier reported. 

The letter becomes significant as it marks the first such collective call from multiple members of the US Congress for the release of Imran Khan 

Opposition political parties expressed disappointment, stating that “PTI is continuously inviting foreign intervention for the release of PTI founder”, PPP opposition leader Sherry Rehman said. 

The letter written by members of the US Congress was a clear interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs, she said, adding that the move was against international norms, Geo TV reported. (ANI) 

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Asia News PAKISTAN

Toxic smog: Over 75,000 people seek treatment in Pakistan 

Additionally, hospitals treated 3,359 asthma patients, 286 individuals with heart conditions, 60 stroke victims, and 627 cases of conjunctivitis. …reports Asian Lite News

Over 75,000 people in Pakistan’s Punjab province, sought medical assistance on Saturday due to respiratory issues caused by toxic smog and air pollution, according to sources from healthcare monitoring authorities, as reported by the Express Tribune. 

Additionally, hospitals treated 3,359 asthma patients, 286 individuals with heart conditions, 60 stroke victims, and 627 cases of conjunctivitis. 

Lahore recorded the highest number of air pollution-related cases, with 5,353 individuals seeking hospital treatment for respiratory issues, including 359 asthma patients, 171 with heart disease, 20 stroke victims, and 303 cases of conjunctivitis. 

Sources indicated that major hospitals in Lahore and other densely populated cities were overwhelmed, as thousands of patients sought treatment for illnesses caused by pollution. 

In response, the Pakistan Punjab government declared a health emergency in the Lahore and Multan divisions, implementing several restrictions over the past two weeks to manage the smog crisis. 

In both divisions, schools, colleges, and universities were closed, and all outdoor public activities were prohibited. Parks were also closed, and market hours were limited to reduce citizens’ exposure to the smog. 

Artificial rain was triggered, bringing some relief to certain areas, but the smog’s intensity has continued unabated. The ongoing air pollution crisis has stretched the capacity of hospitals in major cities to their limits. In response, authorities have cancelled the holidays of medical staff and made extra arrangements to accommodate the influx of patients in government hospitals. 

However, the monitoring team from the Department of Primary and Secondary Healthcare has reported a concerning situation. 

A senior official from the department’s monitoring wing stated that the number of patients in hospitals had reached its peak, and it may become increasingly difficult to manage the growing influx of patients in outpatient and emergency departments in the coming days. 

The official revealed that over 1.91 million people with respiratory diseases had been admitted to government hospitals over the past 30 days, with 133,429 cases reported in Lahore alone. Additionally, 119,462 asthma patients had been registered, including 5,577 in Lahore. 

During the smog-affected month, Lahore accounted for 5,455 of the 13,862 heart disease patients treated in hospitals across the province and 491 of the 5,141 stroke patients. A total of 11,913 people in the province were affected by conjunctivitis, with 1,945 cases reported in Lahore. 

The official stated that the situation had deteriorated over the past week, with 449,045 people seeking treatment for respiratory issues, 30,146 for asthma, 2,225 for heart diseases, 1,400 for strokes, and 3,889 for conjunctivitis across hospitals in the province. 

A spokesperson for the health department, Sayed Hamad Raza, acknowledged that the situation was critical but assured that authorities had made extensive arrangements in hospitals. He stated that all emergency leaves for medical staff had been cancelled and that treatment services were being provided around the clock. Health ministry officials are also closely monitoring the situation, he added. (ANI) 

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‘No deal with Imran Khan’

Why army chief Asim Munir may triumph over Imran Khan in Pakistan's monumental power struggle.

Senior military officials have reportedly rejected the idea of talks with Imran Khan at any level, the willingness for which was expressed by the PTI founder during his recent interaction with party leaders at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan Army has ruled out any possibility of striking a deal with the country’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, making it clear that the doors of negotiations with the former premier will remain shut. This admittance has left the political future of Imran Khan — and his hopes of having backdoor talks with the country’s powerful military establishment — in jeopardy.

As per a report in a British daily, senior military officials have completely rejected the idea of talks with Khan at any level, the willingness for which was expressed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder during his recent interaction with party leaders at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

Khan had conveyed that he was still willing to strike a deal with the military establishment of the country.

Interestingly, Imran Khan has previously accused the same military establishment and its army chief, General Syed Asim Munir, for his current state and incarceration. Khan had also accused the military establishment for ousting him from power and toppling his government through a US–led regime change conspiracy in Pakistan.

“Khan is facing court cases against him and can’t expect any deals from the military. He wants everyone to follow the rule of law but does not do the same himself and has been applying pressure for discussions with the military. He had even offered unconditional talks while seeking a deal to ensure his release,” said a source in the Pakistani military.

People close to Khan say that the PTI chief wants to deal with the military establishment and not the ruling government because he believes that the real power and authority lies with the powerful military.

“A deal or any engagement with the military would be based on principles and the interests of the people and not personal gain or compromise that undermines Pakistan’s democratic rules,” states a PTI leader.

Khan is facing over one hundred cases and has already spent over one year in jail on charges of corruption. He is expected to be put to trial in a military court for cases related to the May 2023 riots and sedition.

Meanwhile, PTI has announced a major protest rally in Islamabad on November 24, demanding Khan’s release and its electoral mandate, which it claims was stolen during the elections in February, this year.

Disinformation major challenge, says Gen Munir

Severely criticised by social media users and rights activists for targeting former Prime Minister Imran Khan and putting him in jail, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has said that the freedom of expression needs to be regulated under a framework which blocks the fast spreading menace of misinformation and hate speech in the country.

Addressing an event in Islamabad, Munir batted for holding those people accountable who spread fake news, disinformation and cover it under the umbrella of freedom of speech and expression.

“Absence of proper regulations for freedom of expression is leading to deterioration of moral values in societies the world over. The world is confronted with several challenges, including rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation being one of the major challenges,” said the Pakistani Army Chief.

The statement comes at a time when the Pakistani military establishment is being slammed on social media platforms for putting former premier Imran Khan in jail.

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its massive team handling social media campaigns from Pakistan and abroad continue to vent their anger against the country’s military establishment and the army chief for Khan’s current state.

Pakistan’s military maintains that such campaigns are aimed at weakening the image of the armed forces and force them to indulge in petty politics by striking a political deal and reinstating Khan as the country’s prime minister.

The army chief also stated that Pakistan would not become a party to any conflict and would rather strive to maintain global peace and stability.

“Terrorism by violent non-state and state-sponsored entities remains a significant global challenge,” he said.

General Munir also addressed the issue of terrorism, calling on the neighbouring Afghan interim government to ensure that it keeps its promise and does not allow its soil to be used against Pakistan.

“We expect the Afghan interim government to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan and to take strict measures in this regard. Azm-e-Istehkam military initiative is an essential part of the National Action Plan and is aimed at eradicating the menace of terrorism and extremism,” he said.

ALSO READ: ‘Smog Now A Full-Blown Health Crisis In Pakistan’s Punjab’

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‘Smog Now A Full-Blown Health Crisis In Pakistan’s Punjab’

Over the past few weeks, Punjab has experienced hazardous smog levels, with Lahore and Multan among the worst-affected cities. Multan’s Air Quality Index (AQI) readings have crossed 2,000 twice, setting a new record for air pollution, while Lahore recently ranked as the world’s most polluted city, peaking at an AQI of 1,591.

Dense smog across Punjab has escalated into a full-blown health crisis, according to Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Friday, the minister highlighted the severe impact of toxic air pollution on public health and outlined the government’s measures to combat the worsening situation, Dawn reported.

Over the past few weeks, Punjab has experienced hazardous smog levels, with Lahore and Multan among the worst-affected cities. Multan’s Air Quality Index (AQI) readings have crossed 2,000 twice, setting a new record for air pollution, while Lahore recently ranked as the world’s most polluted city, peaking at an AQI of 1,591.

This has led to nearly two million cases of respiratory and related diseases, including asthma, conjunctivitis, and heart conditions, with children and vulnerable groups particularly affected.

Aurangzeb stated, “At the moment, the smog [crisis] has turned into a health crisis,” linking the problem to climate change. She noted that the Punjab government has introduced a 10-year climate change policy addressing various environmental challenges, including smog, floods, and rehabilitation efforts.

“The Punjab chief minister has made a 10-year plan for smog, together with all sectors and departments, and the sectors were given targets,” she explained.

The government’s actions include distributing 1,000 super-seeders at subsidised rates to curb stubble burning, installing emission control systems in industries through a loan program, and demolishing over 800 brick kilns, reported Dawn.

Aurangzeb added that infrastructure for vehicle fitness certification and AQI monitoring has been established, while 30 gas analysers have been deployed to check vehicle emissions.

Addressing Lahore’s inadequate forest cover, which stands at just 3 per cent compared to the international standard of 36 per cent, the minister said the government is implementing the “Green Master Plan” to increase greenery. She also called on journalists and vloggers to help raise awareness about smog: “Criticise [us] but also use that mic to create awareness about smog.”

Meanwhile, Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EPCCD) Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar hinted at drastic measures, including a potential “complete lockdown” and school closures if smog levels persist. Electric buses are also slated to be introduced by June next year as part of long-term measures.

At a Lahore High Court hearing, Justice Shahid Karim emphasised the need for a comprehensive 10-year policy and urged the government to prevent agricultural land from being converted into housing societies. He also called for extensive tree-planting initiatives and the installation of water treatment plants in larger homes to address environmental concerns, Dawn reported.

As Punjab struggles with alarming pollution levels, Aurangzeb remains hopeful that collective action and long-term policies will mitigate the smog crisis over time. (ANI)

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