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Tag: Balochistan

  • PCB to donate earnings from match against England to flood victims

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that gate earnings from the first T20I against England will be donated to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022.

    The match will be played on September 20 at the National Stadium in Karachi and will begin at 7:30pm (local time).

    The PCB has urged cricket supporters and fans to buy tickets in large quantities once they go on sale online the following week in order to show solidarity with all those affected by the floods.

     “We at the PCB express our grief and sorrow for all those affected by the extreme monsoon rainfall and floods, which has ​resulted in havoc and devastation beyond imagination, killing over 1,000 and leaving around a million homeless. As cricket unites our proud nation, we stand firmly with the victims and all those involved in​ the flood relief and rescue operations,” said PCB chairman Ramiz Raja in a statement.

    According to the data issued by the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA), at least 1,033 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains in the country.

  • Pakistan is drowning. Why don’t we care until it’s too late?

    Floods in Pakistan have affected more than 30 million people, which is about 15 per cent of the country’s population. More than a thousand people have lost their lives and millions have been displaced, prompting the government to proclaim a national emergency. This is one of the worst natural calamities in recent times. The harrowing videos and pictures on our television screens and social media show massive devastation, pain, tears, and death spread across the country. Entire villages have been washed away, and there are places that have been fully drenched due to the inundated rain and floods, turning them into islands without any access to the outside world. There are places without electricity, without internet, without phone data, without roads, and without food and help. What Pakistan witnessed in the 2010 floods is not even close to what the country is facing today. A decade later, the country is fully swamped with water. Unfortunately, we the people woke up a little too late to this harsh reality. With every passing day, the death toll increases and so does the destruction.

    The national response has been slow, to say the least, but mercifully all governments, federal and provincial, are actively helping the flood victims. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been actively visiting the flood-affected areas and trying to be at the top of his game by showing empathy towards the needy and has categorically said that it is time Pakistanis show unity and keep everything aside to save the flood victims while Chairman PTI Imran Khan will be hosting a telethon for fundraising on Monday. However, Khan has said that the PTI’s movement for Haqeeqi Azadi will continue alongside its flood relief work. PTI held a jalsa in Jehlum for its fight for haqeeqi azadi on August 27. A PTI member took to the stage and said that overseas Pakistanis should not give funds to the flood victims because the present government took away their right to vote. Khan also reiterated that his struggle against thieves will continue whether come what may. Such calamities demand a bipartisan approach from our leaders but well here too we have managed to fail our country. Khan seems pretty adamant that his quest against those he does not approve of will continue, even if there is a flood or war. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that the Opposition can keep playing “jalsa, jalsa” while they will deal with the flood catastrophe.

    The question remains: will the politicians be able to let their politics take a backseat for now and show some empathy towards their own citizens? Can’t politics, the numbers game, and the blame game wait? For once, our politicians should look beyond their own personal interests and agendas and stand united. Our politicians must give priority to those millions of people who have been affected by floods. It is time that all Pakistanis must donate wholeheartedly. The people need to be prompt with their help and generosity. We hope that partisan politics is put on hold, and all political leaders fully dedicate their voices and efforts to helping the flood victims. They need to be rescued right now and relief efforts must continue. They will later need to be rehabilitated and relocated. It will take a lot of resources and hard work. We must all come together to help them right now. Our political battles can wait.

  • KP to open govt buildings for flood victims: CM Mahmood Khan

    Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Mahmood Khan has announced to open all the government buildings for the flood victims.

    According to Provincial Minister for Higher Education Kamran Khan Bangash, colleges, libraries and all higher education offices located in the flood-affected areas have been opened for the flood affectees.

    CM Khan will also pay a visit to flood-hit areas of Swat and Lower Dir today, a tweet from PTI’s official handle said.

    He will assess the damage caused by the floods and overview the relief efforts underway.

    The province witnessed another day of deaths on Saturday as three casualties have been reported today. The authorities in Nowshera renewed their call for evacuations amid a “very high flood” in the Kabul River.

    In KP, many hotels are also offering their services to accommodate displaced people.

    According to the latest statistics, nearly 1,000 people, including 300 children, have lost their lives because of floods. The devastating crisis has also impacted nearly 33 million people – almost 15 per cent of the country’s population.

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tweeted that damages to optical fibre cables and power outages have been reported in some areas of KP.

    “PTA is monitoring the situation closely. Work is underway to fully restore services,” it said.

    More than 100 districts across four provinces have been hit by the floods. Balochistan’s capital Quetta isolated from the rest of the country as many highways and bridges have been swept away. Telephone and internet services were also disrupted in several parts of Balochistan due to damage caused by torrential rains.

    PM Shehbaz visits Sindh today

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif visited Faqirani Jat, Oplano, and other flood-affected areas of district Sajawal in Sindh province today (Saturday) to review the situation. Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah also accompanied the PM.

    COAS to visit flood-hit areas of Balochistan and Sindh today

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit flood-hit areas of Balochistan and Sindh today. The army chief will get the latest update on the ground and meet the troops busy in rescue and relief efforts.

  • Flood Emergency: Here is how you can help

    Flood Emergency: Here is how you can help

    At least 982 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains in different parts of the country, according to the most recent data issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

    You can help the flood victims by donating to the following government and private organisations.

    PM Flood Relief Fund:

    All Pakistanis could join the work of helping flood victims through donations. All commercial banks and their branches could collect donations in the Prime Minister Flood Relief Fund 2022 as per the State Bank of Pakistan circular.

    Akhuwat foundation:
    The Indus Hospital
    The First Step:

    Bank Name: MCB
    Account Title: Ridha Tahir
    Account No: 1330908731003018

    For International transactions:
    IBAN Number:
    PK84MUCB1330908731003018

    Govt. of Balochistan:

    Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan:

    Women Democratic Front:

    Edhi Foundation:

    EDHI Foundation Pakistan flood relief teams are on the ground all across flood-affected areas in Pakistan. You can go to their website to make donations.

    Muslim Aid UK

  • Bilawal appeals to media to ignore ‘tamasha in Islamabad’ and focus on floods

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appealed to the media that the number one priority at the moment should be the flood-affected people across the country.

    “Whatever tamasha that is going on in Islamabad should be kept aside during this national calamity that has hit us. Those who have been affected by floods don’t have food or roofs over their heads anymore. Floods have taken everything from them. So I appeal to media owners, politicians, federal government and the provincial governments that all attention must be given to the people suffering right now,” said Bilawal Bhutto.

    Bilawal visited different areas of Sindh affected by heavy rains and floods.

    PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari said that all attention must be given to the flood-affected people across the country.

    “We should all focus on the flood-affected people,” said Zardari.

    ‘I will live among the people in this difficult situation,’ Bilawal postpones official visit to Europe

    Bilawal postponed his official visit to four European countries due to the calamities across Pakistan caused by the ongoing heavy monsoon rains and flooding.

    “My countrymen are suffering and I cannot go abroad in these circumstances,” said Bhutto in a statement. “I will live among the people in this difficult situation.”

    Bilawal Bhutto also instructed elected representatives of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to stay among the people in their constituencies.

    According to a statement by the foreign ministry, Bilawal delayed his European visit due to the heavy damages to lives and property caused by the torrential rains in the country.

    The FM was set to depart on a four country-trip including Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway in a bid to strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with Europe and share its perspective on regional and global issues from August 22-26.

    Bilawal’s visits to these capitals will be rescheduled at mutually agreed later dates in consultation with the host governments, said the ministry.

    At least 400 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. According to the data issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 216 people have lost their lives to rain and flood-related incidents in Balochistan and 216 people have lost their lives in Sindh.

    Read More: Floods in Balochistan and Sindh kill at least 400 people

    A total of 777 people have died in the country from June 14 to August 21

     

  • Zulfiqar Jabbar announces support for ‘Kana Yaari’ singer Wahab Bugti amidst floods

    Zulfiqar Jabbar announces support for ‘Kana Yaari’ singer Wahab Bugti amidst floods

    As torrential rain continues to wreak havoc across Balochistan, stories are emerging of thousands of people being homeless, amongst them is musician Wahab Bugti.

    The Kana Yaari singer and his family have been affected by the flooding in Dera Bugti and required help. Fellow Coke Studio artist Kaifi Khalil and activist Muniba Mazari requested public to help him and his family.

    Activist Mazari shared photo of the singer with his family surrounded by floodwater on Twitter.

    Khalil asked his followers to help as much as they can. “Please help him koyi bhi in say nazdeek rehta hai ya in k touch main hain [whoever lives nearby or is touch with him] lots more of prayers for you Wahab bhai,” he wrote.

    The musician is currently staying at his friend’s home, since his house has been affected by the water.

    Now the producer of Coke Studio 14, Zulfiqar Jabbar has announced that he and his team are providing support to Bugti and his family amidst the crises.

    Read More: Floods in Balochistan and Sindh kill at least 400 people

  • Punjab on top in sexual, physical assault and domestic abuse cases

    Punjab on top in sexual, physical assault and domestic abuse cases

    At least 133 women were kidnapped and as many as 85 were subjected to rape in Pakistan in the month of July alone, a report has revealed.

    The data has been compiled by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) and the Centre for Research, Development and Communication (CRDC). The cases that have been reported in mainstream media are added in the report.

    Punjab

    A total of 77 cases of physical assault were reported in Punjab — 93 women in Punjab were abducted, 47 cases of sexual assault cases were recorded. As far as domestic violence cases are concerned, Punjab reported 58 cases. Three honour killing incidents took place. At least five cases of workplace harassment were reported in the province. In July, 42 children were sexually abused and 30 children were kidnapped. Meanwhile, 10 children were murdered and eight child labour cases were reported. 10 cases of physical violence against children were recorded. The province also reported three cases of child marriage.

    Sindh

    Sindh recorded 34 physical assault cases. A total of 20 cases of abduction took place, 16 women were subjected to rape, 15 cases of domestic violence were reported and in the name of honour killing, four women were killed in Sindh. Moreover, two work harassment incidents were reported in the province. Over July, 21 children were sexually abused,13 children were kidnapped from Sindh, 14 children were physically abused while five children were murdered in the province. Three cases of child marriage were reported.

    Islamabad

    Six incidents of physical assault occurred in the capital and 15 cases of kidnapping were reported. 10 cases of rape were reported. Four cases of domestic abuse were reported. Ten children were sexually abused and eight children were kidnapped. Two incidents of physical abuse against children were reported and two children were murdered.

    Balochistan

    The province had no reported case of physical assault. Two cases of abduction were reported during the month of July. Balochistan reported one rape incident. When it comes to domestic violence, Balochistan registered zero such incidents. Three children were sexually abused in Balochistan and four children were kidnapped. No physical abuse case was reported. Two children were murdered.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

    16 incidents of physical assault were reported, three cases of abduction occurred, 11 cases of rape were reported and17 cases of domestic violence were reported in KP. 32 children were sexually abused and 27 children were kidnapped. 11 cases of physical violence against children were reported and three children were murdered. One child labour case was reported.

    DATADownload

  • FIA constitutes team to probe social media campaign after Balochistan helicopter crash

    FIA constitutes team to probe social media campaign after Balochistan helicopter crash

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has constituted a team to probe those running a negative social media campaign after the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash while carrying out flood relief operations in Balochistan. Six military personnel were martyred in the tragic incident.

    On Sunday, August 7, the FIA constituted a four-member team and tasked it with pointing out, arresting, and taking legal action against those involved in running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of the helicopter crash.

    “Belittling & ridiculing the sacrifices of our martyrs was horrifying,” said Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.

    “This is what self-righteous political narratives do: they poison the minds of the youth & weaponise hate speech. Which way are we headed? The moment calls for a deep reflection,” tweeted the PM.

    The military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday, August 5, condemned a social media campaign after the tragic Pakistan Army helicopter crash in Balochistan.

    “The regretful social media campaign after the unfortunate helicopter crash on August 1 has caused deep anguish and distress among Shuhada families and rank and file of the armed forces,” said the ISPR.

    “While the whole nation stood with the institution in this difficult time, certain insensitive quarters resorted to hurtful and derogatory comments on social media, which is unacceptable and highly condemnable,” said Director General (DG) ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, DG ISPR emphasised that this should not happen and that the elements spreading negative propaganda and rumours should be rejected.

    “Insensitive behaviour is unacceptable and should be condemned at every platform,” added DG ISPR.

    “We have been distressed since the accident on August 1. The propaganda has caused immense pain, particularly to the families of the martyrs.”

  • Hurtful and derogatory comments on social media unacceptable: ISPR

    Hurtful and derogatory comments on social media unacceptable: ISPR

    The military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday condemned a social media campaign after the tragic Pakistan Army helicopter crash in Balochistan during a flood relief operation. Six military personnel were martyred in the tragic incident.

    “The regretful social media campaign after the unfortunate helicopter crash on August 1 has caused deep anguish and distress among Shuhada families and rank and file of the armed forces,” said the ISPR.

    “While the whole nation stood with the institution in this difficult time, certain insensitive quarters resorted to hurtful and derogatory comments on social media, which is unacceptable and highly condemnable,” said Director General (DG) ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, DG ISPR emphasised that this should not happen and that the elements spreading negative propaganda and rumours should be rejected.

    “Insensitive behaviour is unacceptable and should be condemned at every platform,” added DG ISPR.

    “We have been distressed since the accident on August 1. The propaganda has caused immense pain, particularly to the families of the martyrs.”

    “The derogatory and insensitive remarks were very hurtful. Especially when everyone was grieving. It was necessary to say this because we know everyone is standing with the Pakistan armed forces and supporting us. It is because of this support that the Pakistan Army is standing and is serving the nation day and night. Our people and their support are our pride,” said DG ISPR.

    “We need to look into these things in our society. The way campaigns start on social media is not right. We collectively need to dismiss and reject such elements from our society,” said DG ISPR.

    DG ISPR was also asked about reports and rumours if President Dr Arif Alvi’s absence from the funeral of the martyred military personnel was because he was stopped by families of the Shuhada from attending due to the “false and negative propaganda created by social media trolls”.

    “I think it is better that I don’t comment on this,” responded Maj Gen Babar.

    ‘Unnecessary controversy’: President Alvi

    President Dr Arif Alvi clarified his absence from the funeral of the martyred military personnel and tweeted, “There is unnecessary controversy on why I did not attend Janaza of the Shaheeds recently.”

    The president said that he is taking the opportunity to condemn, in unequivocal terms, the despicable tweets by those who are “neither aware of our culture [nor] our religion”.

    President Alvi said that he has called hundreds of families, attended funerals, and visited them to offer his condolences — stressing that he does not keep away during such occasions.

    “When the family members have cried, I have cried. There is no doubt in my mind that Pakistan is safe only because of their ultimate sacrifices. That is what makes me proud of Pakistan.”

    However, his tweets did not specify why he did not attend the funeral.

  • Six army personnel martyred in Balochistan helicopter crash

    Six army personnel martyred in Balochistan helicopter crash

    The wreckage of a Pakistan Army aviation helicopter that went missing in Balochistan yesterday has been found and all six Pakistan Army personnel on board have embraced martyrdom, confirmed the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) today. A Pakistan Army aviation helicopter on a flood relief operation in Lasbela, Balochistan, went missing on Monday at 5:30pm when it lost contact with the air traffic control (ATC).

    “Accident occurred due to bad weather as per initial investigations,” said the ISPR statement.

    ‘Will remain eternally indebted to these sons of soil‘: PM Shehbaz Sharif

    Following the news, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of six army personnel.

    “Nation is deeply grieved on the martyrdom of Lt. General Sarfraz Ali & 5 other officers of Pakistan Army. They were doing a sacred duty of providing relief to flood affectees. Will remain eternally indebted to these sons of soil.”

    About Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali who lost his life, PM Shehbaz said that “he was an excellent professional, dutiful and capable officer, very honest and a good human being”.

    PM Shehbaz extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the six martyrs.

    Martyrs who lost their lives while serving Pakistan

    Commander XII Corps Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali

    Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali was supervising the flood relief operations in Balochistan when the helicopter crashed yesterday. In 2020, Gen Sarfraz Ali, who was serving as a Major-General, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General. Following his promotion, he was posted as the Corps Commander of XII Corps, which is also known as the Southern Command, in 2021.

    General Sarfraz was one of the contenders interviewed by former prime minister Imran Khan for the post of director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in October last year.

    Before his posting to the Quetta Corps, he served as the inspector general of the Frontier Corps in South Balochistan He had also served as defence attache at the Pakistani embassy in the United States (US).

    Brigadier Amjad Hanif

    Pakistan Coast Guard Director General Brigadier Amjad Hanif Satti was also on board.

    Brigadier Muhummad Khalid

    Brig Muhummad Khalid was also accompanying the army officers.

    Major Saeed Ahmed

    Major Syed was the pilot of the helicopter.

    Major M. Talha Manan

    Major Talha Manan was the co-pilot of the helicopter.

    Naik Mudassir Fayyaz

    Naik Mudassir embraced martyrdom along with others.

    PM Shehbaz telephonic conversation with COAS Gen Bajwa

    Earlier in the day, it was reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the then-missing Pakistan Army aviation helicopter during his telephonic conversation with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.