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Trump paid no ‘heed’ to Imran Khan’s imprisonment, Pakistani-American aide says

Trump paid no ‘heed’ to Imran Khan’s imprisonment, Pakistani-American aide says
This file photo, taken on September 23, 2019, shows former US President Donald Trump (right) during a meeting with Pakistan’s ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, US. (Reuters/File)
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Updated 14 September 2024

Trump paid no ‘heed’ to Imran Khan’s imprisonment, Pakistani-American aide says

Trump paid no ‘heed’ to Imran Khan’s imprisonment, Pakistani-American aide says
  • Trump aide Sajid Tarar says some Pakistani-Americans conveying through social media that Trump could push for Khan’s release if elected, but there is ‘no truth to it’
  • Khan and his PTI party have waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against Pakistan’s military and now the PTI is aiming to mobilize public for Khan’s release

ISLAMABAD: Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman and close aide to Donald Trump, said on Friday that a few Pakistani-Americans had tried to discuss former prime minister Imran Khan’s imprisonment and local Pakistani politics with the US presidential nominee at a recent fundraiser, but Trump “did not pay any heed to it.”
Khan, who is 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.
Since his removal, Khan and his party have waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the military and now his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is aiming to mobilize the public through rallies for its leader’s release from jail in “politically motivated” cases.
Tarar, who lives in Maryland and met Trump through his lawyer in 2016, is one of 136 members of Trump’s finance team and is believed to be instrumental in raising funds and organizing election campaigns for the former president across the US.
In an interview with Arab News, the Trump aide said some Pakistani-Americans had been conveying through social media that the US presidential nominee could push for Khan’s release if he was elected, but there was “no truth to it.”
“Even if Trump wins, obviously, he won’t be interfering in Pakistan’s judicial system to get Imran Khan released,” Tarar, who moved to the US from Pakistan’s Mandi Bahauddin district to study law some 36 years ago, told Arab News over the phone.
“Some Pakistani-Americans have been pedaling this thing on social media, but there is no truth to it that President Trump would interfere in local Pakistani politics.”
Tarar stressed that Trump had a relationship with the prime minister of Pakistan during his tenure in the office and not with an individual, referring to Khan’s meeting with Trump in the White House in July 2019.
“Representatives of different political parties in Pakistan, including the PTI, have approached me to lobby and meet Trump, but this has not materialized yet,” he added.




This file photo, posted on January 7, 2018, shows Sajid Tarar (right), a Pakistani-American businessman and close aide to former US president Donald Trump, during an event in Washington. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/Sajid Tarar)

Trump is facing Democratic nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election due to be held on November 5, with both candidates struggling to get maximum support of all communities, including Pakistani and Muslim diaspora, in the upcoming elections.
Tarar claimed that a majority of Muslim population in the US supported the Republican nominee in the upcoming presidential election, following the failure of President Joe Biden’s administration to have a ceasefire in Gaza.
“The majority of Muslim voters, including the Pakistani diaspora in the US, has been aligning with Trump after the Biden administration’s failure to manage a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.
Muslims in America have been visibly divided between Republican and Democratic camps ahead of the presidential election in November. Historically, majority of American Muslims have voted for the Democrats, but this time they appear to be leaning toward Republican nominee Trump.
The US presidential election campaign is currently at its peak and both candidates are struggling to woo voters, promising different reforms and policies, according to Tarar. Some 17 percent Muslims voted for Trump in the previous election, but this is going to be more than 50 precent in this election.
The Pakistani-American aide is currently in California for Trump’s fundraising and has been mobilizing Muslim communities, including 0.7 million Pakistanis, in the US. He believes Pakistan-US diplomatic and defense relations would improve under the Trump administration, which will bring peace and stability to the region and the world.
“Pakistan being next to China and Afghanistan cannot be ignored at all [by the US] as the Trump administration will be fully focusing on terrorism eradication and stability in the region,” the aide said.


Pakistan says ‘fully prepared’ to host Champions Trophy tournament amid India row

Pakistan says ‘fully prepared’ to host Champions Trophy tournament amid India row
Updated 36 sec ago

Pakistan says ‘fully prepared’ to host Champions Trophy tournament amid India row

Pakistan says ‘fully prepared’ to host Champions Trophy tournament amid India row
  • PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi meets English counterpart in London to discuss Champions Trophy tournament
  • India has refused to travel to Pakistan for Feb. 9-Mar. 19 tournament next year due to political tensions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi this week reiterated that the country was “fully prepared” to host the Champions Trophy cricket tournament next year, despite India’s refusal to send its cricket team to the neighboring country. 
Pakistan is scheduled to host the Feb. 19-Mar. 9 Champions Trophy 2025 tournament. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) last week informed Pakistan that India had declined to play any games in Pakistan. The PCB has sought clarification from the ICC on the refusal.
India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008 due to political tensions between the two countries. Pakistan was forced to agree to a “hybrid” model for the 2023 Asia Cup through which all of India’s matches were shifted to Sri Lanka. Pakistan has said it will not agree to a similar model for the Champions Trophy. 
“Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan is fully prepared for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament,” state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Friday. 
Naqvi said this in London after meeting England and Wales Cricket Board Chairman Richard Thompson on Saturday. 
Thompson expressed his best wishes to the PCB chairman for the upcoming tournament, the state broadcaster said. 
“He said England’s recent visit to Pakistan was a wonderful experience,” Radio Pakistan reported. 
Speaking about Pakistan renovating its stadiums ahead of the multi-nation tournament next year, Naqvi said the venues are being upgraded with modern facilities. 
While India’s presence is crucial to the commercial success of the ICC event, Pakistan might pull out of the tournament should it be shifted out of the country, the Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday citing sources.
The ICC is in talks with the PCB and the participating boards before finalizing the schedule of the eight-team tournament.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tour kicked off on Saturday after the trophy was displayed at Islamabad’s Pakistan Monument and Faisal Mosque landmarks.


Pakistani environmentalist turns barren wasteland into urban forest in Karachi

Pakistani environmentalist turns barren wasteland into urban forest in Karachi
Updated 8 min 56 sec ago

Pakistani environmentalist turns barren wasteland into urban forest in Karachi

Pakistani environmentalist turns barren wasteland into urban forest in Karachi
  • Masood Lohar says the forest on Clifton beach is home to over 700,000 trees and 140 bird species
  • Karachi’s urbanization has put pressure on open spaces, as developers eye every inch for construction

KARACHI: Over three years ago, Masood Lohar, a passionate Pakistani environmentalist, embarked on a mission to breathe new life into a desolate 220-acre landfill on Karachi’s Clifton beach. 
Today, the barren wasteland is a thriving urban forest, home to over 700,000 trees and a vibrant community of over 140 bird species that find sanctuary in its lush greenery and an adjacent lagoon.
“This particular place was a dump site,” Lohar said as he pointed to the trees around him, the first of which he planted exactly 46 months ago. 
“We cleaned the whole mess and then we started bringing soil from outside and started this plantation.” 
Lohar said the Sindh administration supported his venture by granting official permission to work on the forest and allocating Rs50 million ($179,540), which made its development possible.
The site, called the Clifton Urban Forest, is now a flourishing marine ecosystem, home to over 100 plant species, including native mangroves, fruit trees like pomegranates and guavas, and hardy, drought-resistant grass varieties that thrive in Karachi’s harsh climate.
The aim of Lohar’s project is not just beautifying the port city of over 20 million, which often ranks in the world’s top ten most polluted places. The main goal is to restore Karachi’s dwindling marine ecosystem. 
The city, home to the Malir and Lyari rivers, once boasted a network of creeks, lagoons, and estuaries, many of them destroyed or severely degraded over the decades by industrial development and unchecked urban sprawl. The Obhayo Lagoon, once the largest in the area, has all but vanished, while other water bodies have been cut off from the sea, reducing biodiversity and making the city more vulnerable to environmental hazards.
Lohar’s initiative has helped restore a fragment of this ecosystem by reviving a small portion of the Obhayo Lagoon.
“Now you can see that it is providing the services of a lagoon,” said the environmentalist, who has documented the sightings of 140 bird species, including lesser and greater flamingos and Siberian ducks, at the Lagoon since he launched the restoration project.
The forest is now also teeming with insects, honey bees, and native beetles, with the small creatures playing an essential role in pollination and supporting the growth of various plants and trees in the area.
Lohar’s commitment to the environment is deeply personal. A former UN program professional, he witnessed and studied firsthand worsening air quality and environmental degradation in Pakistan’s urban centers.
“I knew at that time that the time will come,” he said, referring to now record-high air pollution levels in Pakistan, particularly in cities like Lahore and Karachi.
“You see, the Pakistani cities at this moment are fighting for their breath because the air quality is getting worse and worse. And the other thing is the [seasonal] heatwaves because concrete is the dominant outlook of our cities.”
Urban forests, like the one Lohar has created, are part of the solution, he said.
Mangroves, in particular, have proven highly effective in sequestering carbon and Lohar estimates that his urban forest, a combination of mangroves and terrestrial trees, captures 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the emissions of nearly 1,300 cars.
Yasir Husain, an environmentalist and founder of the Climate Action Center, said that projects like the Clifton Urban Forest were vital, though such initiatives were insufficient to address the broader environmental challenges faced by Pakistan.
“These are just [pilot projects], and the city’s challenge is enormous,” he told Arab News, adding that finding a bird sanctuary in such a stressed environment was a gratifying experience.
“These are tiny projects, if you look at it from a macro perspective of the whole city, but they’re experiments,” he continued, appreciating that urban forests were maintained despite such challenging circumstances.
Yet despite its success, Lohar’s project faces significant challenges, particularly from real estate development. 
Karachi’s rapid urbanization has increased pressure on open spaces, with developers eyeing every available inch for construction.
The urban forest itself is at risk from a development project being carried out by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), which Lohar is worried could destroy over 300,000 of the forest’s mangroves.
KDA’s director general did not respond to a request for a comment.
“I’m not sure how that will unfold in the course of time and impact this marine ecosystem project, but I’m sure that it will definitely stress this project,” Lohar said, gesturing toward a marine wall under construction. 
“I have gone through a lot of difficulties and resources-wise and the indifference of the corporate sector and the government brings us on the verge of giving up.


Experts call for action as NASA imagery shows ominous smog cloud over Lahore, New Delhi

Experts call for action as NASA imagery shows ominous smog cloud over Lahore, New Delhi
Updated 36 min 27 sec ago

Experts call for action as NASA imagery shows ominous smog cloud over Lahore, New Delhi

Experts call for action as NASA imagery shows ominous smog cloud over Lahore, New Delhi
  • Met Office expects smog to persist until mid-December and extend to areas in southern Punjab
  • Pakistani official, experts dismiss the claim that smog affecting Lahore is originating from India

KARACHI: Climate experts on Saturday raised alarms over NASA’s latest satellite imagery, which revealed a dense layer of smog stretching between Pakistan’s Lahore and India’s New Delhi, underscoring the severity of an environmental crisis that Pakistan’s meteorological department expects to persist until mid-December and extend to southern Punjab.
Toxic smog has enveloped several cities in the country’s most populous province, particularly Lahore, for over a month, driven by cold air trapping dust, diesel fumes and smoke from illegal stubble burning. In response, the provincial administration has closed schools, restricted heavy transport on specific days and banned access to public spaces such as parks and playgrounds.
The International Air Quality Index classifies values over 300 as hazardous, yet Lahore has consistently recorded alarmingly high levels, reaching up to 1,900 in certain areas in November.
On Saturday, the Punjab government conducted an artificial rain trial using local technology to combat the deteriorating air quality. The development followed days after NASA’s satellite imagery showed a massive gray cloud of smog blanketing Punjab and extending into neighboring India, including New Delhi.
Speaking to Arab News, Pakistan’s Chief Meteorologist, Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz, said the visibility of smog from space highlighted its severity.
“This heavy smog in Lahore, which has now extended to south Punjab, is expected to persist until mid-December as no significant rainfall is predicted in the coming weeks,” he said while predicting its movement to southern parts of the province.
“According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 43 percent of pollution is attributed to transportation, while 25 percent is due to industry,” he continued. “However, the Punjab government’s Urban Unit report suggests that transportation, which has seen a substantial increase, contributes 83 percent of pollution.”
Sarfaraz noted until concrete measures were taken to curb these two major sources of emissions, the situation was likely to continue.
He also dismissed the claim that smog affecting Pakistan was mostly originating from India, blaming the local factors for the situation.
“With no rainfall, the moisture generated under these conditions will condense, leading to smog formation, no matter if it stops coming from anywhere,” he explained.
Yasir Hussain, a climate expert and founder of the Climate Action Center, said that NASA’s image and ground-level observations painted a “dangerous” picture.
“This is extremely dangerous for all inhabitants of this area,” he said, adding that air quality was deteriorating year after year.
“Urgent measures are needed to address the primary source of pollution: vehicles burning petrol and diesel,” he added.
Nadeem Mirbahar, a climate expert, emphasized to deal with the local factors causing the problem.
“There was an opinion that smog from India combines with local pollutants to intensify the problem,” he said. “However, a recent study by the Punjab government has identified local sources, primarily transportation, as major contributors.”
“If there’s an Indian or external factor, a specific strategy can be devised for it in long run,” he added. “But the immediate priority lies in addressing local issues.”
Mirbahar maintained air quality exceeding 350 was “catastrophic” and posed serious health risks to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, patients and the working classes.
“Transportation should be regulated by minimizing its use along with long-term solutions like transitioning to electric vehicles,” he continued. “Increased plantation can also help reduce smog levels over time.”
“The air quality will not improve if pollution-related activities linger,” he added. “Only sustained and significant rainfall can alleviate the situation.”


Government seeks swift justice in May 9 rioting cases as US lawmakers urge Imran Khan’s release

Government seeks swift justice in May 9 rioting cases as US lawmakers urge Imran Khan’s release
Updated 16 November 2024

Government seeks swift justice in May 9 rioting cases as US lawmakers urge Imran Khan’s release

Government seeks swift justice in May 9 rioting cases as US lawmakers urge Imran Khan’s release
  • Pakistan’s information minister says there’s ‘incontrovertible evidence’ of PTI’s involvement in May 9 violence
  • His assertion comes after 40 US lawmakers raised concern over Khan’s imprisonment in a letter to Biden

ISLAMABAD: Information minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday urged the judiciary to deliver swift justice in May 9 rioting cases while presenting “incontrovertible evidence” against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a day after US lawmakers urged President Joe Biden to advocate for the release of the party’s jailed founder, ex-premier Imran Khan.
The violence on May 9, 2023, erupted after Khan’s brief detention on graft charges, with individuals carrying PTI flags vandalizing government buildings and military properties, including setting fire to the official residence of a senior Pakistani general.
PTI has denied any involvement in the violence, maintaining that neither its leaders nor supporters orchestrated the riots, while complaining about a sweeping state crackdown targeted the party.
During a news conference in Lahore, Tarar played videos from May 9, asserting that the footage clearly implicated PTI in the rioting.
“This is incontrovertible evidence,” he said. “Now it is the responsibility of the courts to ensure swift justice.”
The minister asked PTI leaders to publicly apologize over the May 9 events, which he described as part of a larger conspiracy against Pakistan.
His assertion came only a day after more than 40 US lawmakers raised concerns about the former prime minister’s imprisonment, asking President Biden to push for his release.
“A focal point of our concern is the unlawful detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, widely perceived to be Pakistan’s most popular political figure,” the letter said, seeking a more active approach from the US embassy in Pakistan, including “advocating for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of human rights, or respect for democratic principles” in the country.
The letter follows a similar note written last month by the over 60 US lawmakers to Biden, asking him to use his administration’s “substantial leverage” with Pakistan to secure Khan’s release.
The former Pakistani prime minister had accused the Americans of hatching a conspiracy against his administration shortly before his ouster from power in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April 2022.
He was viewed to be critical of US policies, though his supporters believe the change of government in Washington could help secure his release from prison after President-elect Donald Trump takes over.


ICC Champions Trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad ahead of 2025 tournament in Pakistan

ICC Champions Trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad ahead of 2025 tournament in Pakistan
Updated 16 November 2024

ICC Champions Trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad ahead of 2025 tournament in Pakistan

ICC Champions Trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad ahead of 2025 tournament in Pakistan
  • People in Islamabad, Karachi, Abbottabad, Murree, Nathia Gali and Taxila will get a glimpse of the trophy
  • The ICC Champions Trophy, returning after an eight-year gap, will be organized from February 19 to March 9

ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated trophy tour of one of the International Cricket Council’s most prestigious tournaments, scheduled to be played in Pakistan next year, kicked off in Islamabad on Saturday, with the coveted silverware set to visit seven cities across the country until November 25.
Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9. However, political tensions with India have already cast a shadow over the tournament, as Indian authorities have refused to allow their team to play in Pakistan.
Last week, the ICC informed Pakistan of India’s decision, prompting the country’s cricket board to seek clarification. Pakistan has already ruled out a hybrid hosting model for the tournament, unlike last year’s Asia Cup, where all of India’s games were played in Sri Lanka.
The situation created uncertainty and tension until the ICC released the tournament promo, visually reaffirming that Pakistan will host the championship.
“The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour delivered with DP World will start in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday,” the ICC said in a statement. “The prestigious silverware will journey across the eight participating nations during the Tour, providing unique experiences for fans.”
The trophy was displayed in Islamabad on the opening day of the tour and is set to travel to Taxila and Khanpur on November 17, Abbottabad on November 18, Murree on November 19, Nathia Gali on November 20 and Karachi from November 22 to 25.
Following its journey across Pakistan, the trophy will embark on an international tour, visiting Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England and India.
“A series of physical and digital engagements traversing iconic destinations, sporting events, and key battles in the international cricket calendar form the Trophy Tour schedule,” the ICC added. “Fans will be treated to a content series titled ‘Champion on Tour’ that will document the Trophy Tour’s journey around the world through the unique lens of food, music, and cricket,” it continued.
ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya expressed pleasure at the launch of the trophy tour as well.
“The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport’s passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy,” he said.
The men’s Champions Trophy is making a comeback in 2025 after an eight-year hiatus. Pakistan, the reigning champion, claimed the title in the 2017 final against India. The last edition of the tournament was held in England.