Tag: Pakistan

  • IFC chief says $2bn annual investment in Pakistan not rigid target

    IFC chief says $2bn annual investment in Pakistan not rigid target

    Canada Global (Web News) Following key meetings with Finance Division officials, International Finance Corporation (IFC) chief Makhtar Diop stated on Thursday that a $2 billion annual investment is feasible for Pakistan, given its pressing infrastructure needs in airports, energy, water, and ports.

    Diop’s visit, his first to Pakistan, comes as part of the World Bank’s broader plan to allocate up to $20 billion for the country under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) announced in January, with IFC set to contribute the same amount.

    In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Diop expressed optimism about progress on major transactions by October, signaling Pakistan’s readiness for large-scale financing in critical infrastructure.

    Pakistan, currently navigating economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF bailout program, urgently requires external funding for development projects. The country’s foreign exchange reserves remain insufficient to cover even a month’s worth of controlled imports.

    During the fiscal year 2024, IFC had an investment exposure of $2.1 billion in Pakistan—its highest yet in the country’s $350 billion economy, which saw minimal growth of 0.92% in the first quarter. Diop highlighted IFC’s interest in agriculture, infrastructure, financial services, and the digital sector.

    The government is pushing for privatization to generate revenue, but efforts to privatize Pakistan International Airlines and outsource Islamabad’s airport have faced challenges.

    Diop noted that while debt financing remains crucial, equity-based transactions will also play a greater role in Pakistan, reflecting IFC’s long-term commitment to the country.

    Earlier, Diop and his delegation met with Finance Division officials to discuss strategies for industry-driven growth, particularly through export expansion. During a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Finance, he reaffirmed IFC’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in areas such as green energy, data centers, agriculture, telecom, and digitization.

    Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb and his team were also present at the meeting, where Diop praised Pakistan’s CPF agreement with the World Bank, calling it a model for global best practices.

    Dr. Syed Tauqeer Hussain Shah, Executive Director (Pakistan) at the World Bank Group, described the recently approved $40 billion CPF as a strong vote of confidence in Pakistan’s economic reforms. He emphasized that IFC has a robust investment pipeline for the country, though continued economic and political stability will be key to sustaining investor confidence.

  • Pakistanis among 120 migrants sent from US to Panama

    Pakistanis among 120 migrants sent from US to Panama

    Canada Global (Web News) U.S. deported 119 people of various nationalities to Panama under an agreement between the Trump administration and the Central American nation, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced Thursday.

    The first deportation flight, carrying individuals from Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, arrived Wednesday, with two more flights expected soon, bringing the total to 360 deportees. Before being repatriated, they will be housed in a shelter near the Darién Gap, a major migrant route.

    Mulino confirmed the agreement during a press conference, highlighting U.S.-Panama cooperation. He also noted that discussions are underway to expand a July memorandum with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the return of Venezuelans, Colombians, and Ecuadorians from the Darién Gap at U.S. expense.

    Panama’s Deputy Security Minister Luis Icaza reported that migrant crossings through the Darién Gap dropped by 90% in January compared to the previous year, attributing the decline to bilateral efforts. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not yet commented.

  • Turkish President welcomed with guard of honour at PM House as Pakistan visit begins

    Turkish President welcomed with guard of honour at PM House as Pakistan visit begins

    Canada Global (Web News) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House upon arriving in Pakistan for a two-day official visit on Thursday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed him and First Lady Emine Erdogan with a formal salute, followed by the national anthems of both countries.

    As part of the reception, PM Shehbaz introduced Erdogan to members of the federal cabinet and met the Turkish delegation. Later, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also met Erdogan and extended greetings. The Turkish president was further honoured with a flypast by F-16 fighter jets.

    Erdogan, accompanied by the First Lady and a delegation of investors and business leaders, landed at Noor Khan Airbase late at night. President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz personally received him, and a 21-gun salute was presented in his honour.

    His visit focuses on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye. High-level meetings will take place to discuss trade, investment, and strategic collaboration.

    Erdogan will co-chair the seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) with PM Shehbaz. The discussions will cover key areas of mutual interest, including trade, defense, and technology.

    The visit will conclude with a joint declaration, along with the signing of several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The two leaders will also address a joint press conference to outline future cooperation between the two nations

  • Babar Azam urges fans to stop calling him ‘King’

    Babar Azam urges fans to stop calling him ‘King’

    Canada Global (Web News) Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, has requested fans to stop calling him “king,” stating that he does not see himself as one yet.

    Speaking after Pakistan’s victory against South Africa in the tri-nation series, Babar emphasized that his main focus while batting is to score runs, though he has struggled to finish games.

    “Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to see the innings through, but Rizwan and Salman performed well today. Contributions like these help boost the team’s confidence,” he said.

    Reaffirming his stance, Babar urged people to avoid referring to him as “king.”

    “I don’t consider myself a king yet. That’s something to reflect on when I leave. Opening is a new challenge for me, and I’ve taken on this role to meet the team’s needs,” he told reporters.

    He explained that once his innings progresses, he gains a clearer understanding of the game and pitch conditions. “I always aim to perform well, but I haven’t been able to convert starts into big innings consistently,” he added.

    Discussing his approach, Babar shared that he frequently reminds himself to stay focused on the present rather than past performances.

    “What’s done is done. If I keep thinking about past games, it will affect my future performances. Each day brings a fresh strategy and mindset. Successfully chasing big targets gives us confidence moving forward,” he concluded.

     

  • Father ends own life after killing four children in Swabi

    Father ends own life after killing four children in Swabi

    Canada Global (Web News) A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Swabi, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where a father took the lives of his four children before ending his own.

    According to rescue officials, the incident occurred early Thursday morning in the Yar Hussain Sarra China area. The man, identified as Saif-ul-Islam, allegedly used a sharp-edged weapon to kill his children before taking his own life.

    The victims included two sons and two daughters, ranging in age from two to twelve years. They have been identified as 12-year-old Zia, 10-year-old Abdul Rehman, 8-year-old Sana, and a two-year-old girl.

    Local residents shared that Saif worked as a tailor and had been living alone after his wife left for her parental home due to domestic disputes.

    Authorities have begun gathering evidence from the scene. While initial reports suggest it was a case of murder-suicide, police officials stated that further investigations will provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

  • PAF training jet crashes in K-P, killing pilot

    PAF training jet crashes in K-P, killing pilot

    Canada Global (Web News) A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilot, Squadron Leader Ahmed Mian, lost his life on Tuesday when a K8 training aircraft crashed during a routine operational training mission near the runway in Risalpur, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as reported by Pakistani News.

    The aircraft, which had departed from the Asghar Khan Academy in Risalpur, was conducting a routine low-altitude flight when it went down in a field close to the runway.

    Following the crash, senior military officials promptly arrived at the site. The area was secured by personnel from the Air Force, Army, and Police, who also initiated an investigation into the incident.

    The fire that engulfed the aircraft was extinguished by the fire brigade, allowing rescue teams to recover the pilot’s body and transport it to a hospital. The Pakistan Air Force has commenced an inquiry to identify the cause of the crash.

  • Pakistan, India exchange lists of nuclear sites

    Pakistan, India exchange lists of nuclear sites

    Canada Global (Web News) Pakistan and India have exchanged their respective lists of nuclear installations and facilities, the Foreign Office reported on Wednesday.

    This annual exchange takes place under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between the two nations, according to the FO statement.

    Pakistan’s list of nuclear sites was handed over to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the same time, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs delivered India’s nuclear list to a representative of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

    The agreement, signed on December 31, 1988, stipulates that both countries must exchange lists of nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 each year. The agreement came into effect on January 27, 1991, and the exchange has been occurring annually since January 1, 1992, said FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.

  • Four more Pakistani bodies recovered from Greek boat tragedy

    Four more Pakistani bodies recovered from Greek boat tragedy

    Canada Global (Web News) Four more bodies of Pakistanis who died in last month’s Greek boat tragedy have been recovered, bringing the total to nine, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reported on Wednesday.

    The victims have been identified as Shabbir, Zain Ali, and Zeeshan from Narowal, and Owais Ali from Sialkot.

    The bodies have been moved to a hospital in Athens from the Greek island of Gavdos. The Pakistani embassy is arranging their repatriation, which may take another week, according to the FIA.

    The tragedy occurred when over 80 Pakistanis drowned after boats capsized near Greece during the night of December 13-14. While 36 Pakistani nationals were rescued, the remaining passengers are presumed dead, according to a report from the Pakistani Embassy.

    The boats, which set sail from Libya’s Tobruk port, were also carrying nationals from Bangladesh, Egypt, and Sudan.

    In response to the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for strict action against human smugglers and any FIA officials found to have facilitated their activities.

  • 29 injured in Karachi during New Year aerial firing

    29 injured in Karachi during New Year aerial firing

    Canada Global (Web News) Celebratory New Year gunfire in Karachi resulted in injuries to 29 people, including two women, according to police statements on Wednesday.

    The injured were rushed to Civil Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medical attention.

    Rescue teams reported that stray bullets struck individuals in areas such as Liaquatabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shah Faisal Colony, and Orangi Town.

    Law enforcement responded by arresting 30 suspects involved in aerial firing. Karachi police had previously warned that such actions would lead to charges of attempted murder.

    Meanwhile, in Lahore, several arrests were made in connection with violations during New Year festivities. Police reported incidents of aerial firing and disorderly conduct across various parts of the city.

    DIG Operations conducted late-night patrols to monitor enforcement efforts. In Shad Bagh, officers detained 15 individuals involved in aerial gunfire and unruly behavior, confiscating weapons in the process.

    Additional arrests occurred in Cantt, Hanjarwal, and Shahdara, where suspects were taken into custody for disruptive actions. Police also apprehended individuals in Shafiqabad and Ichhra for participating in celebratory gunfire and related misconduct.

     

  • Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to Canada arrives in Ottawa

    Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to Canada arrives in Ottawa

    Canada Global (Web News) Muhammad Saleem has officially assumed his duties as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada. Appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, Saleem brings decades of diplomatic experience to his new role.

    He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1995, Saleem has served at Pakistani missions in Germany, Bahrain, and Canada.

    He also held the position of High Commissioner to Tanzania from 2020 to 2022, further strengthening his expertise in international diplomacy.

    His arrival marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Canada relations, with hopes of bolstering bilateral ties and collaboration in various sectors.

  • NGO reports record number of migrants lost at sea bound for Spain in 2024

    NGO reports record number of migrants lost at sea bound for Spain in 2024

    Canada Global (Web News) In 2024, at least 10,457 migrants died or went missing attempting to reach Spain by sea, marking a 58% rise compared to 2023 and the highest toll since records began in 2007, according to the migrant rights group Caminando Fronteras.

    Among the victims were 1,538 children and 421 women, averaging 30 deaths daily, up from 18 per day in the previous year.

    The NGO attributed the surge to the use of unsafe boats, more perilous routes, and inadequate rescue operations. Most fatalities—9,757—occurred on the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, which saw record migrant arrivals for the second consecutive year.

    The islands, located about 100 kilometers from North Africa, are reached via a dangerous crossing with strong currents.

    The victims hailed from 28 countries, primarily in Africa, but also included individuals from Iraq and Pakistan. From January to mid-December 2024, Spain saw 60,216 irregular migrant arrivals, a 14.5% increase from the previous year, with over 70% landing in the Canaries.

  • Karachi to experience strong winds on Dec 24-25

    Karachi to experience strong winds on Dec 24-25

    Canada Global (Web News) Karachi is expected to experience strong winds starting tomorrow, with gusts reaching speeds of 25 to 35 km/h, as reported by Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz. These winds, coming from the northeast, will affect the city on December 24 and 25.

    Along with the winds, a noticeable drop in temperatures is forecasted, with daytime highs around 25°C. However, nighttime temperatures could fall significantly, ranging between 9°C and 11°C. This comes after Karachi has seen temperatures dip to single digits multiple times this month.

    The cold wave is affecting more than just Karachi. Several areas in Balochistan have experienced temperatures below freezing, with Quetta at -5°C, Kalat and Zhob at -4°C, and Ziarat at -7°C.

    Additionally, areas in Lahore and Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), received their first rain of the winter season on Monday. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts that Lahore could see more light rain in the next 24 hours. In line with the changing weather, snowfall has also been reported in Murree.

  • Feroze Khan’s mother reveals family’s struggle with black magic

    Feroze Khan’s mother reveals family’s struggle with black magic

    Canada Global (Web News) Pakistani actor Feroze Khan’s mother, Sofia Malik, recently shared that her family has been subjected to black magic on multiple occasions. In a vlog on her YouTube channel, Sofia revealed the disturbing experiences she and her family faced due to these occult practices.

    She described finding lemons with needles inserted in them, as well as amulets and effigies mysteriously placed around their home. “I can’t comprehend how these things appeared in our house,” she said in the video.

    According to Sofia, each time they encountered black magic, Feroze’s health would worsen. “The last time it happened, the very next day, Feroze’s father narrowly escaped death,” she explained. “He was ill for six months, and I even lost my hair. Feroze began behaving strangely and also fell ill. There were constant arguments in our home.”

    Sofia affirmed that black magic is real but questioned the motives behind it. “What do these people gain from practicing magic? Don’t they realize that it will eventually backfire on them, and they will face severe consequences?” she remarked.

    She urged people to avoid seeking help from spiritual leaders, recommending instead that they turn to God and pray five times a day. Feroze Khan, who has been in the media spotlight due to his divorce, violence allegations, and subsequent remarriage, was married to Alizey Sultan in 2018. Their relationship ended bitterly, with Alizey accusing him of violence, leading to a legal dispute over the custody of their children.

  • 25 criminals sentenced for May 9 tragedy: ISPR

    25 criminals sentenced for May 9 tragedy: ISPR

    Canada Global (Web News) The ISPR has announced the sentencing of 25 individuals involved in attacks on military and government installations during the May 9 tragedy. Jan Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Imran Mehboob, Abdul Hadi, Ali Shan, Shad Khan, Umar Farooq, and Ali Iftikhar Ahmed were sentenced to 10 years in prison for their roles in the Jinnah House attack.

    Raja Muhammad Ehsan and Umar Farooq received 10 years for the GHQ attack, while Rehmatullah, Adnan Ahmed, and Shakirullah were sentenced to 10 years for their involvement in the Punjab Regimental Center Mardan attack.

    Anwar Khan and Babar Jamal, involved in the PAF Base Mianwali attack, received 10 years in prison. Muhammad Afaq Khan was sentenced to 9 years with hard labor for his role in the Bannu Cantt attack. Dawood Khan, involved in the Chakdara Fort attack, received 7 years, and Faheem Haider and Tahir Bashir were sentenced to 6 years for their participation in the Jinnah House attack.

    Several individuals received lesser sentences. Zahid Khan and Naseeb Khan were sentenced to 4 years with hard labor for the Multan Cantt check post and Jinnah House attacks, respectively. Khurram Shahzad received 3 years with hard labor for the Multan Cantt check post attack, while Manzoor Hussain and Syed Alam were sentenced to 2 years for their involvement in the Jinnah House and Punjab Regimental Center Mardan attacks, respectively.

    Other convicts include Yasir Nawaz Khan, Laik Ahmed, and Ziaur Rehman, who received sentences ranging from 2 to 10 years for their roles in various attacks. Each of these individuals was found guilty of directly participating in violence against critical installations, causing significant damage and disruption.

    These convictions underscore the accountability measures taken by authorities against those who violated national security and disrupted public order. The sentences, ranging from 2 to 10 years, include both simple imprisonment and hard labor, reflecting the severity of their crimes.

    Sentences for other accused individuals involved in the May 9 tragedy will be announced as their legal processes conclude, according to the ISPR. This decision marks a crucial step in the nation’s quest for justice. While cases against several accused remain pending in anti-terrorism courts, the tragic events of May 9, 2023, stand out as a grim episode of politically motivated violence and arson in Pakistan’s history.

    These sentences serve as a stern warning to those who succumb to political propaganda, urging restraint and respect for the law. The ISPR stressed that true justice will only be achieved when the masterminds and planners of these violent incidents are held accountable under the constitution and legal framework.

    Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the rule of law is evident in its determination to deliver justice for the events of May 9. Ensuring accountability for all involved will dismantle violent and destructive political narratives, fostering a more stable and lawful society.

  • Opponents of Madrasas Will Fail; All Scholars Are Brothers: Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Opponents of Madrasas Will Fail; All Scholars Are Brothers: Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Canada Global (Web News) Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that opponents of madrassas will fail, adding that the opponents’ position is weak in principle, constitutionally and legally.

    JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while addressing students at Jamia Islamia, said that today there is definitely a difficulty in the madrasas, but God willing, Allah will grant us success, and the opponents of the madrasas will fail.

    He said that the opponents’ position is weak in principle, constitutionally, and legally. They are pitting scholars against each other. Scholars are all brothers.

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that in the Ittehad-e-Tanazeem Madrasain Deeniya, we have united different schools of thought with us. The real enemy has to be found, who is creating division among us.

  • India concerned by Pakistan Navy’s surprising progress

    India concerned by Pakistan Navy’s surprising progress

    Canada Global (Web News) The Indian Navy chief said that India is fully aware of the “astonishing development” of the Pakistan Navy, which is trying to increase the capacity of its current fleet to 50 ships in the coming years. That is why we are changing our strategy and operational plan to eliminate any possible negative impact on our interests.

    China is currently helping the Pakistan Navy build ships and submarines.

    Disturbed by the astonishing growth of the Indian Navy, the Pakistan Navy, which commanded the Pakistani submarine PNS Hangar that sank the Indian ship INS Khakri in 1971, says that the Pakistan Navy’s policy of transferring technology with other countries has proven very successful.

    Recently, ships built in Turkey and Romania have also been inducted into the navy. Pakistan and China are jointly building 8 submarines.

    The BBC has obtained details of the warships, submarines and aircraft in the navies of both countries from military sources in Pakistan and India. According to the Indian Navy, it currently has 150 large and small ships, two aircraft carriers, 16 conventional and two nuclear-powered submarines.

    There are 275 aircraft, helicopters and drones and 50 ships and submarines in various stages of preparation. According to military sources in Pakistan, the Pakistan Navy has 45 ships of various types, five submarines, while eight submarines and several warships are still under construction. There are also three fixed-wing aircraft, three rotary-wing aircraft and a squadron of drones.

  • Acting High Commissioner Shah Faisal  Unfurled The National Flag At The Pakistan Day Ceremony At The Pakistan High Commission In Ottawa

    Acting High Commissioner Shah Faisal Unfurled The National Flag At The Pakistan Day Ceremony At The Pakistan High Commission In Ottawa

    Canada Global(Web News) Pakistan Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Pakistani High Commission in Ottawa. Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Canada Shah Faisal Kakde hoisted the national flag to the tune of the national anthem.
    A large number of Pakistanis and Canadians participated in the event.
    In his message, Acting High Commissioner Shah Faisal Kakar paid great tribute to the founders of the nation, especially Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal for their vision and tireless struggle for the establishment of Pakistan.
    Highlighting the significant progress the country has made over the decades in various fields, the High Commissioner highlighted the determination of Pakistanis to meet the challenges.
    He also appreciated the cooperation of active Pakistanis across Canada for playing the role of a bridge between the two countries and promoting Pakistan in their adopted homeland and also prayed for the security of Pakistan

  • Champions Of Legend Cricket Tournament Pakistan Defeated Australia

    Champions Of Legend Cricket Tournament Pakistan Defeated Australia

     Canada Global(Web News) In the match played in Birmingham, Australia batted first and scored 189 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Finch scored 68 runs, Ben Dunk scored 27 runs and Ferguson scored 26 runs for the Australian champions. Pakistan champions achieved the target of 190 runs in the 20th over.

    Younis Khan scored 63 runs, Shoaib Malik scored 23 runs and Sohaib Maqsood scored 21 runs. Younis Khan was declared the player of the match in the Champions of Legends cricket tournament match against Australia. are being telecasted.

  • Our Team’s Morale Is High, We Will Win The Match Against Pakistan, Canadian Bowler

    Our Team’s Morale Is High, We Will Win The Match Against Pakistan, Canadian Bowler

     Canada Global(Web News) Canada will face Pakistan today in the T20 World Cup, Canadian bowler Kaleem Sana, who played under-19 for Pakistan in the past, is hopeful of taking the wicket of his old teammate Babar Azam in the T20 World Cup. Before the match, the fast bowler of the Canadian team Kaleem Sana said that he was selected for the Pakistan U-19 team in 2009, was selected for the U-19 World Cup in 2010, 8 years of U-16 cricket with Babar Azam. played

    Babar was also part of the rival team in the last first-class match played in Pakistan. Kaleem Sana said that I was born in Pakistan, but now I am a Canadian player, excited for the World Cup match, my family and friends. Those who are in Pakistan, their support will be divided, my family will support me but they want Pakistan to win.

    The fast bowler of the Canadian team said that we have worked hard for the World Cup, the morale of the Canadian team is quite high at this time, Pakistan will be under pressure after losing two matches, we are planning to beat Pakistan. He said that we have also come to play the World Cup and are doing well. I am a new bowler so my target is to take the wicket of Babar and Rizwan. Childhood friendship will not come in the way of competition with Babar. Kaleem Sana said. That Babar is still one of the four best batsmen.

  • Air Pollution Increased Due To Forest Fires In Canada

    Air Pollution Increased Due To Forest Fires In Canada

    Canada Global(Web News) While Canada is known around the world for its clean and beautiful natural resources, now due to forest fires, it has happened for the first time that the air quality in Canada has become worse than the United States. Wildfires have a significant impact on Canadian air quality. According to the latest report released by the World Health Organization, there are only 7 countries in the world whose air is considered good.

    Swiss company Air Air’s 2023 World Air Quality Report says wildfires are the leading cause of deterioration in Canada’s air quality. The report found that 13 of the 15 most polluted cities in both the U.S. and Canada are in Canada, with Alberta’s Fort McMurray and Peace River topping the list.
    According to the reporter, in this list of 134 countries where Canada is ranked 93rd, that means 91 other countries are more polluted than Canada. The US ranks 102nd, with Bangladesh leading the way with the worst air in the world. After that comes the name of Pakistan and India. Delhi, the capital of India, has been ranked as the capital city with the most polluted air in the world. Where air density is shown to be worst.