Category: 1. Pakistan

KARACHI: When the decomposed body of Pakistani actress Humaira Asghar was discovered in her Karachi apartment earlier this month, it had been at least nine months since she passed away.

The 42-year-old, originally from Lahore, had moved to Karachi to pursue her acting career and had been living alone for nearly seven years. 

Ali’s remains were finally found at a flat in the city’s Ittehad Commercial area when a court bailiff arrived to vacate the rented property, following a complaint by the landlord due to non-payment of rent for months. Police said the bailiff broke open the door and found the deceased inside. The apartment’s electricity had been cut off and food in the fridge had expired months earlier.

Authorities now believe Ali likely died of natural or accidental causes in October 2024, and no one realized.

Her case has stirred uncomfortable conversations in Pakistan about the silent toll of urban isolation, especially in large cities like Karachi, where rapid expansion, changing family structures and weakening community bonds are quietly reshaping how people live — and die.

Deputy Inspector General of Karachi police, Syed Asad Raza, said Asghar had shown signs of severe financial distress before her death.

“She was struggling to revive her career while socially disconnected from family and friends,” Raza told Arab News. “We also found evidence indicating that, shortly before her death, she had reached out to several of her friends seeking financial help.”

Last month, the body of veteran actress Ayesha Khan was also discovered in her Karachi apartment, around a week after her death. Welfare groups like the Edhi Foundation say such cases are rising, though comprehensive national data is lacking.

“There has definitely been an increase in this,” said Faisal Edhi, chairman of the charity, which frequently recovers unclaimed bodies. “Now we have started finding individual bodies and in large numbers.”

URBAN MIGRATION, SHRINKING SAFETY NETS

According to World Bank estimates, nearly 44 percent of Pakistanis now live in urban areas, up from 35 percent in 2010. 

“Maybe 50 years ago, 70 percent of people were living in villages. Now nearly 70 percent or more are in large cities,” Sociologist Dr. Fateh Muhammad Burfat, former vice chancellor of Sindh University, said, linking the rise in unattended deaths to the collapse of traditional village-based social safety nets.

“So this is not only a change from rural life to urban life, but a change in our whole social life.”

Indeed, mental health experts warn that loneliness isn’t just a social issue but a serious health risk. 

Karachi-based psychiatrist Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Afridi cited WHO findings that over 870,000 people died globally in 2024 due to conditions linked to extreme isolation.

“In fact, loneliness has been found to be more painful and damaging than conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure,” he said. “It has also been observed that people who get disconnected from their friends, family and social circles often develop several diseases along with physical, psychological and social issues.”

“BIGGEST CON”

In the wake of Ali’s death, many are asking: why didn’t the industry check in on its own?

Model and actor Zainab Raza, who moved from Lahore to Karachi in 2020, described living alone as “the biggest con” of independence.

“It’s not necessary that everyone has family or friends who check in on them,” she said. “You can find people who also need that support, and you can be there for each other.”

After Asghar’s death, a group of actors in Karachi created a WhatsApp support group called Connectivity 101, where members check in on each other daily via simple polls.

“Maybe if such groups and support systems existed when Humaira was around, things would have been a lot better,” Raza said. “Maybe she would have been with us today.”

Burfat, the sociologist, said women who were financially well-off but independent did not face the same level of social security issues as Ali, “who had been unable to pay her rent, whose electricity was cut off, and whose parents were also not supporting her.”

“So, the world we have now entered,” he said, “these types of incidents will keep happening.”

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and Libyan Armed Forces’ Commander in Chief Lt Gen Saddam Khalifa Haftar agreed on their countries’ collaboration in the defence industry, the military’s media affairs wing said on Friday.

Lt Gen Haftar called on COAS Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi today, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release.

“Both leaders agreed to undertake defence industrial collaboration and exchange of technical expertise to address contemporary security challenges,” the ISPR stated.

It noted that the meeting “encompassed discussion on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional dynamics, security challenges and matters pertaining to defence cooperation”.

Upon his arrival at GHQ, the Libyan armed forces’ chief laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada (martyrs’ monument) to pay homage to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army.

“He was offered a warm welcome, followed by guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army,” the statement said.

In May, Libya’s capital of Tripoli witnessed the worst clashes in years after the killing of a major militia leader. The fighting calmed down two days later after the government announced a ceasefire, residents said.

President Asif Ali Zardari had visited Libya during his previous tenure in May 2009. He met with then-Libyan leader Moammar Qadhafi in Tripoli, where they vowed to bolster bilateral ties and agreed to boost economic cooperation between the two countries.

Federal government will provide free electric bikes to top-performing students across all educational boards in Pakistan, including the Federal Board, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday.

Chairing a high-level meeting on electric vehicle (EV) promotion, the prime minister said the initiative aims to reward academic excellence while supporting the government’s broader push for cleaner, cost-effective transportation.

The scheme will also prioritise economically disadvantaged individuals for the provision of electric rickshaws and loaders, helping to generate employment and reduce dependence on fuel imports.

To ensure accessibility, the government is preparing a comprehensive action plan to introduce electric vehicles at affordable rates through subsidised loans.

Over 100,000 electric bikes and 300,000 loaders will be distributed on easy terms, officials confirmed during the meeting.

The prime minister directed that 25% of the total quota under the EV scheme be reserved for women, with provincial allocations based on population ratios. He further instructed that Balochistan’s share be increased to 10%.

In addition to the student-focused initiative, the government is taking steps to establish a full ecosystem for the manufacturing and maintenance of EVs.

Four new battery manufacturing companies are set to begin operations in Pakistan as part of this plan, which is expected to create new job opportunities and boost the local industry.

To ensure transparency and accountability, PM Shehbaz ordered third-party validation of the distribution and support mechanisms.

He also called for a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the scheme and encourage uptake.

Electric bikes, rickshaws, and loaders distributed under the initiative must meet safety and quality standards, the PM stressed.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Chief Coordinator Mosharraf Zaidi, and senior officials from relevant departments.

• Militants surrender without exchange of fire.
• All suspects are Afghan nationals aged between 15 to 18.
• Detainees moved to undisclosed location for further probe.
  

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Security forces have arrested five suspected suicide bombers who were attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Pakistan on the evening of July 17, according to security sources.

The movement of a large group of terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored militant group ‘Fitna Al Khawarij‘, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was detected on July 17 at 5:00pm, they added.

At approximately 6:25pm, the security sources said that terrorists crossed into Pakistan and moved toward the areas of Azizkhel and Mandikhel.

Faced with a strong security presence, they took refuge inside a mosque in the village of Besi Khel, said security sources.

Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and surrounded the mosque. “After a brief standoff, the terrorists surrendered without any exchange of fire,” as per the sources.

All five arrested terrorists are Afghan nationals, while three of them were carrying Afghan identity cards, they said.

The suspects, believed to be between 15 and 18 years old, have been moved to an undisclosed location for further investigation, sources added.

Pakistan witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, since the return of Taliban rulers in Afghanistan in 2021.

In May this year, Pakistan saw a slight uptick in militant attacks even as heightened military tensions with neighbouring India failed to trigger a significant escalation in violence from extremist groups.

Data released by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicates a 5% increase in attacks compared to April, though the overall picture suggests militant groups largely remained contained despite the regional geopolitical climate.

According to the PICSS monthly security assessment, May recorded 85 militant attacks, a marginal rise from 81 in April.

These incidents resulted in 113 fatalities, including 52 security forces personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees. The month also saw 182 individuals injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member.

While the overall number of attacks saw only a modest increase, a deeper dive into the figures reveals some concerning trends.

Deaths among security personnel surged by a significant 73%, underscoring the persistent threat faced by Pakistan’s armed forces.

Civilian injuries also witnessed a dramatic 145% increase, jumping from 53 in April to 130 in May, highlighting the growing impact of militant activities on the general populace. Conversely, injuries among security personnel decreased by 20%, falling from 59 to 47.

In operations initiated by security forces during the month, at least 59 militants were killed, while five security personnel lost their lives.

Combining militant attacks and security operations, the overall casualty toll for May stood at 172 including 57 security personnel, 65 militants, 46 civilians, and four peace committee members.

Balochistan and KP remained the most affected provinces, accounting for 82 of the 85 attacks nationwide.

Five private companies on Friday proposed routes for the newly announced ferry service from Gwadar to the Gulf region, according to the maritime ministry.

On July 1, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced an ambitious plan to expand Gwadar Port’s operational capacity by introducing additional shipp­ing lines and launching a ferry service connecting Pak­istan with Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The move is expected to provide an affordable, direct maritime link for passengers and cargo, particularly benefiting expatriate communities and cross-border traders.

Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry chaired a meeting on the ferry service today to review the “technical and financial aspects of ferry operations”, a statement by his ministry said.

“Five private companies presented their proposals,” the statement added.

“The interest of the private sector in ferry service has increased,” Chaudhry said, adding that various routes were under consideration. “The ferry service will promote regional connectivity and trade.”

“The movement of passengers and goods from Gulf countries will become easier,” he noted, adding that the service will highlight Gwadar on the international maritime map.

The ministry also stated that the meeting included instructions to conduct further evaluations of the submitted proposals. “Authorities were directed to ensure that all regulatory, technical, and logistical considerations are fully addressed ahead of the ferry service launch,” it said.

During the meeting, the maritime minister held a phone call with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and discussed provincial cooperation. Bugti “assured full cooperation in the ferry service project”, according to the ministry.

In a statement on X, the Balochistan government said, “The meeting discussed important matters related to the development of Gwadar, public facilities, and increasing employment opportunities for the youth.”

CM Bugti was quoted as saying that the provincial government was giving “serious consideration” to the ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, which will “facilitate pilgrims and ease travelling for the local population”.

“Assuring full cooperation from the Balochistan government, the chief minister stated that this initiative will prove to be a milestone in strengthening regional connectivity,” the statement read.

The Balochistan government also vowed to provide cooperation and support at every level for the full operationalisation of Gwadar Port.

“All proposed development projects of the Gwadar Port Authority will be fully supported so that Gwadar Port can play a central role in the national economy,” the statement affirmed.

The statement also said that 1.2 million gallons of clean drinking water will be provided daily to Gwadar citizens through a desalination project that will be established under the Gwadar Port Authority, calling it a “significant step toward a lasting solution to the long-standing water issue”.

CM Bugti was quoted as saying, “The government is committed to providing world-class training to the youth.”

The youth will be taught various skills under the Pak-China Technical Vocational Centre, while the provincial government’s program to train and provide overseas employment to 30,000 youths will be supported by the Pak-China Technical Vocational Centre, the statement added.

Today’s development comes after Chaudhry visited the Gwadar port on Wednesday to review various ongoing development projects.

The country has recently increased efforts on the commercialisation of the Gwadar Port, which was built more than a decade ago but remains a non-starter, turning the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure facility into a white elephant instead of becoming a transhipment hub.

Earlier this year, the government sought the private sector’s support in routing their cargoes through the port, seeking detailed proposals to enhance trade.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had issued directives for devising short- and medium-term strategies to operationalise Gwadar Port effectively within six months. He emphasised the importance of comparing Gwadar’s trade costs with other regional ports.

GILGIT, Pakistan – Pakistan will ban for five years the construction of new hotels around picturesque lakes in the north that attract tens of thousands of tourists each year, a government agency said.

Unregulated construction of hotels and guest houses in Gilgit-Baltistan – which boasts around 13,000 glaciers, more than any other country on earth outside the polar regions – has sparked major concerns about environmental degradation.

The natural beauty of the region has made it a top tourist destination, with towering peaks looming over the Old Silk Road, and a highway transporting tourists between cherry orchards, glaciers and ice-blue lakes.

However, construction has surged in recent years, led by companies from outside the region, straining water and power resources, and increasing waste.

“If we let them construct hotels at such pace, there will be a forest of concrete,” Mr Khadim Hussain, a senior official at the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Authority, told AFP news agency on July 18.

“People don’t visit here to see concrete; people come here to enjoy natural beauty,” he added.

In June, a foreign tourist posted a video on Instagram – which quickly went viral – alleging wastewater was being discharged by a hotel into Lake Attabad, which serves as a freshwater source for Hunza.

The next day, the authorities fined the hotel more than US$5,000 (S$6,400).

Mr Asif Sakhi, a political activist and resident of the Hunza Valley, welcomed the ban.

“We have noticed rapid changes in the name of tourism and development,” he said, adding that hotel construction was “destroying our natural lakes and rivers”.

Mr Shah Nawaz, a hotel manager and local resident of the valley, also praised the ban, saying he believes “protecting the environment and natural beauty is everyone’s responsibility”. AFP

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