August 2022 - Pakistan Special Weapons News

More than three million children at risk as devastating floods hit Pakistan UNICEF 31 Aug 2022 -- More than three million children are in need of humanitarian assistance and at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition due to the most severe flooding in Pakistan's recent history, UNICEF warned today. UNICEF is working with Government and non-government partners to respond to the urgent needs of children and families in affected areas.
As Pakistan's Devastating Floodwaters Recede, Health And Food Fears Rise RFE/RL Gandhara 31 Aug 2022 -- Pakistani officials expressed concerns about waterborne diseases and food shortages as floodwaters from powerful monsoon rains that were thought to have submerged one-third of the country continued to recede in many places on August 31.
Pakistan: WHO warns of significant health risks as floods continue UN News 31 Aug 2022 -- Major health risks are unfolding in Pakistan as unprecedented flooding continues, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday, warning of the threat of further spread of malaria, dengue fever and other water and vector-borne diseases.
China dispatches Y-20 large transport aircraft with 3,000 tents to aid flood-hit Pakistan Global Times 30 Aug 2022 -- China has dispatched two Y-20 large transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Tuesday carrying some 3,000 tents to aid flood-hit Pakistan.
Pakistani ambassador hails China for being among the first to help as Y-20 aircraft arrived with 3,000 tents for flood-hit 'ironclad' brother Global Times 30 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese government and enterprises within and beyond the borders of Pakistan are pouring most needed humanitarian supplies and cash into the flood-hit nation, to stand with the brotherhood country in a difficult time with a fresh batch of 3,000 tents having arrived in Karachi on Tuesday.
Pakistani PM Joins UN Plea For Help To Cope With 'Worst Ever' Floods As U.S. Sends $30 Million RFE/RL Gandhara 30 Aug 2022 -- The United Nations has issued a flash appeal for $160 million in emergency funding to help Pakistan cope with catastrophic floods that the country's leadership calls the worst in its history.
Pakistani minister says floods caused by climate change effects fueled by 'developed world' Press TV 30 Aug 2022 -- A senior Pakistani official says the devastating floods that have hit the South Asian nation are estimated to have incurred more than $10 billion loss as the country continues to appeal for international help to cope with the effects of climate change fueled by "the developed world".
UNHCR urges immediate support for millions caught in Pakistan floods UNHCR 30 Aug 2022 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today urged support for a massive scale-up in emergency relief for millions of people in Pakistan hit by monsoon floods that have already killed more than 1,000 people.
Pakistan: $160 million UN emergency plan launched, as 'monsoon on steroids' continues UN News 30 Aug 2022 -- A $160 million emergency plan to help Pakistan deal with devastating flooding has been launched by the United Nations, aiming to reach "5.2 million of the most vulnerable people in the country".
UN Gearing Up for Massive Flood Relief Operation in Pakistan VOA 30 Aug 2022 -- U.N. agencies are urging a robust response to the $160 million appeal launched Tuesday by the government of Pakistan and the United Nations for emergency aid for millions of people hit by devastating monsoon floods in the south Asian country.
UN Chief Says Flood-Hit Pakistan Facing 'Monsoon on Steroids,' Seeks $160 Million in Aid VOA 30 Aug 2022 -- The United Nations appealed Tuesday for $160 million to support Pakistan's response to more than two months of destructive nationwide flash flooding triggered by climate-driven erratic monsoon rains.
WFP steps up humanitarian support to government relief efforts as Pakistan reels from devastating floods WFP 30 Aug 2022 -- With a record 33 million people affected by this year's heavy monsoon rains and flooding in Pakistan, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is stepping up its support to the Government's relief efforts. The floods are the deadliest in over a decade and more heavy rains are forecast.
Pakistan Has Become More 'Aggressive' Towards India, Indian Air Force Chief Warns Sputnik 30 Aug 2022 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief has said that the country remains prepared for a "two-front war" involving China and Pakistan, saying "collusion" between the two neighbors was one of the threats facing New Delhi. Both Beijing and Islamabad have longstanding border disputes with Delhi.
Pakistan Takes Count Of Human, Economic Losses As Flood Aid Begins To Arrive RFE/RL Gandhara 29 Aug 2022 -- The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,000 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
Third of Pakistan under water, 'crisis of unimaginable proportions': Minister Press TV 29 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's minister for climate change says a third of the country has gone under water as a result of severe torrential rains, with monsoon floods creating a "crisis of unimaginable proportions."
Pakistan: WFP working to expand food aid as deadly flooding continues UN News 29 Aug 2022 -- The World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting Pakistan as the country takes stock of floods which have reportedly killed more than 1,000 people and displaced some 33 million, the UN agency said on Monday.
UN: Devastating Floods 'Biggest Challenge' for Pakistan in Decades VOA 29 Aug 2022 -- Authorities and humanitarian groups are responding to the worst floods Pakistan has experienced in decades, as the devastation has impacted some 33 million people and led to the deaths of almost 1,200 others over the past two months.
Cash-Strapped Pakistan Gets Much-Needed IMF Bailout VOA 29 Aug 2022 -- The executive board of the International Monetary Fund approved almost $1.2 billion for Pakistan Monday, providing much-needed relief as the country grapples with an economic crisis worsened by massive floods.
IMF Approves Latest Tranches Of Loan Program For Pakistan RFE/RL Gandhara 29 Aug 2022 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the revival of a massive loan program for Pakistan as the country struggles to deal with a longstanding economic crisis made only worse by devastating monsoon flooding in recent weeks.
Islamabad Slams Taliban for Claiming Pakistani Airspace Was Used in Al-Qaeda Chief's Killing Sputnik 29 Aug 2022 -- US President Joe Biden announced this month that Al-Qaeda* chief Ayman al-Zawahiri was taken out in a "precision strike" in Kabul on 30 July, in what was Washington's first over-the-horizon drone operation in Afghanistan since it pulled out of the country last August.
Taliban Claim US Drones Use Pakistan Airspace to Invade Afghanistan VOA 28 Aug 2022 -- The Taliban defense minister Sunday directly accused neighboring Pakistan of allowing the United States to use its airspace for drone attacks against Afghanistan.
Taliban Claims Pakistan Allowed U.S. Drones To Use Its Airspace RFE/RL Gandhara 28 Aug 2022 -- The Taliban's defense minister has claimed that Pakistan allowed U.S. drones to use its airspace to access Afghanistan, a charge Pakistan recently denied following a U.S. air strike in Kabul.
Taliban accuse Pakistan of allowing deadly US drones to use its airspace Press TV 28 Aug 2022 -- Taliban's acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob says that Pakistan is allowing deadly US drones to use its airspace to enter Afghanistan.
Taliban Urges Pakistan to Stop Letting US Drones Violate Afghanistan's Airspace Sputnik 28 Aug 2022 -- Local media reports increased drone activity in Afghanistan's Helmand and Kandahar provinces over the past few days. It is reported that the US has stepped up efforts to target Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K in the landlocked nation, which has been under Taliban control since August 2021.
Monsoon Flooding In Pakistan Leaves More Than 1,000 Dead RFE/RL Gandhara 28 Aug 2022 -- More than 1,000 people have died as a result of monsoon flooding in Pakistan since June, officials said on August 28.
Death toll rises to 1,000 as torrential rains wreak havoc in Pakistan People's Daily 28 Aug 2022 -- The death toll in separate accidents caused by heavy rains across Pakistan has surged to 1,000 since the start of monsoon season on June 14, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Saturday night.
Imran Khan Vows to Hold Rallies in Face of Floods and War as Ex-Pakistani PM Faces Contempt Charges Sputnik 28 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, who continues to hold massive rallies across the country, is facing allegations ranging from foreign funding to treason in different courts. In April, Khan was ousted from power in a parliamentary no-confidence vote, a process he considers part of a US conspiracy.
Pakistan Appeals For International Aid As Monsoon Flooding Ravages The Country RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Aug 2022 -- Flash floods across Pakistan have claimed nearly 1,000 lives since June, the government said on August 27. Some 30 million people are reportedly without shelter as monsoon rains show no signs of abating.
IMF to Meet Monday to Decide on Pakistan Bailout VOA 26 Aug 2022 -- The executive board of the International Monetary Fund is slated to convene Monday to decide whether to disburse over $1 billion in loans to Pakistan. The move will unlock critically needed additional foreign funding as the country struggles to avoid economic collapse amid high inflation and low foreign exchange reserves.
Pakistan Inducts China-Made Multi-Role Frigate to Balance Maritime Strength in Indian Ocean Sputnik 26 Aug 2022 -- The Indian Navy considers China's exports of ships and submarines to Pakistan a significant challenge to its naval dominance. Pakistan will receive four frigates and eight submarines by 2027.
Pakistan Blames Climate Change for Deadly Floods, Declares Emergency VOA 26 Aug 2022 -- Officials in Pakistan said Friday that weeks of flooding triggered by historic monsoon rains had killed nearly 1,000 people and "badly affected" 33 million others, and they appealed for international help to deal with the calamity.
Pakistani City's Decision To Close Women's Park Following Islamist Protests Sparks Uproar RFE/RL Gandhara 26 Aug 2022 -- The Jinnah Family Park was a rare recreational area reserved for women and girls in Pakistan's conservative northwestern city of Bannu.
Court Extends Pre-Arrest Bail For Former Pakistani Prime Minister RFE/RL Gandhara 25 Aug 2022 -- A court in Pakistan has extended by one week the pre-arrest bail set for former Prime Minister Imran Khan over terrorism charges that have ignited political tensions in the country.
Islamabad Court Releases Former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Bail, Local Media Report Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has granted interim bail to Imran Khan, Pakistan's former Prime Minister and chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, who is facing charges over statements directed against senior police officials and a female judge at a PTI rally in Islamabad on August 20.
Pakistan floods have affected over 30 million people: Official Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's climate change minister says record monsoon rains and ensuing flooding have affected more than 30 million people across the country.
Rights Watchdog Urges Pakistan To Criminalize Torture RFE/RL Gandhara 24 Aug 2022 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Pakistani lawmakers to speed up the adoption of a bill that criminalizes the use of torture, a practice that the rights group said was widespread in the South Asian country.
Pakistani Politician Alleges Torture, Abuse in Police Custody VOA 24 Aug 2022 -- A detained opposition politician in Pakistan, facing sedition charges, alleged Wednesday that his genitals were electrocuted while he was being subjected to torture in police custody to extract a confession.
Islamabad Court Summons Ex-PM Imran Khan Over Remarks on Judiciary During Public Rally Sputnik 23 Aug 2022 -- Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have been facing allegations ranging from foreign funding to treason in different courts. Khan was ousted from power in April through a parliamentary vote, a process he considered part of a US conspiracy.
Terrorism Charges Against Pakistan's Ex-PM Khan Deepen Political Turmoil VOA 22 Aug 2022 -- A court in Pakistan barred authorities Monday from arresting former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is facing terrorism charges after being accused of threatening police and judicial officers in a weekend speech.
Pakistani Police File Terrorism Charges Against Ex-PM Imran Khan RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Aug 2022 -- Pakistani police have filed terrorism charges against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, authorities said August 22, a move that is likely to further escalate political tensions in the country.
Pakistan: Imran Khan supporters prevent police from arresting him Press TV 22 Aug 2022 -- Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gathered around his home on Monday to prevent police from arresting their leader, who has been charged under anti-terror laws.
'Imran Khan is Our Red Line': Possible Arrest of Ex-PM on Terrorism Charges Leaves Pakistan on Edge Sputnik 22 Aug 2022 -- Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have threatened to take to the streets in protest if police arrest the opposition leader in a terrorism case. Khan has been vocally critical of his successor Shehbaz Sharif's government and accused it of ordering a crackdown on his supporters.
Pakistan Bans Ex-PM Khan's Live Speeches, Books Him on Terrorism Charges VOA 21 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan has banned live broadcasts of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's speeches and booked him on terrorism charges in what critics swiftly denounced as "repressive policies."
Afghanistan Forms Committee to Launch Practical Work on TAPI Gas Pipeline: Official Sputnik 20 Aug 2022 -- Afghanistan has established a committee to launch practical work on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline (TAPI) after a pause following the Taliban (under UN sanctions over terrorism) takeover, Esmatullah Burhan, a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said on Saturday.
Two Pakistani Police Killed In Blast In Former Militant Stronghold RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Aug 2022 -- Two Pakistani policemen have been killed by a roadside bomb in a former militant stronghold in the country's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, authorities said on August 19.
Big Blow to Imran Khan as Election Commission Rejects His Nomination Papers for Faisalabad Bypolls Sputnik 18 Aug 2022 -- The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and ex-PM Imran Khan have been at loggerheads ever since the cricketer-turned-politician lost power in April. While Khan has accused the organization of being in league with the current Shehbaz Sharif-led government, an ECP investigation alleged that his party had received prohibited funding from overseas.
As Fighters Return, Pakistanis Fear A Repeat Of Taliban Carnage RFE/RL Gandhara 17 Aug 2022 -- The return of the dreaded Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to Pakistan's northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is causing great anxiety among civilians.
Greetings to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Arif Alvi and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif President of Russia 14 Aug 2022 -- Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Arif Alvi and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif on the 75th anniversary of the Republic's independence.
Pakistani Regulators Revoke License Of Popular TV Channel, Sparking Protests From Journalists RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Aug 2022 -- Pakistani authorities have revoked the license of a popular TV news channel days after it aired a critical report about the country's armed forces, sparking outrage among some Pakistani journalists.
Pakistan's economic recovery continues: central bank People's Daily 13 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's economic recovery continued during the first half of the 2021-2022 fiscal year ending in June, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has said in a report.
One Year Later, Pakistan's Taliban Rule Hopes Put in Check VOA 10 Aug 2022 -- Last year, many Pakistani government and military officials were pleased with the new state of affairs in Afghanistan, as the Ashraf Ghani-led government collapsed during the U.S. withdrawal, leaving the Taliban to continue capturing vast swaths of the country, ultimately seizing control of Kabul on August 15.
Pakistani Ex-PM's Adviser, TV News Boss To Face Sedition Charges RFE/RL Gandhara 10 Aug 2022 -- An adviser to Pakistani ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan and the news chief of the private TV station that aired his recent comments about the country's powerful military will face sedition charges, the interior minister has said.
Pakistan Urged to Stop Crackdown on TV News Station VOA 10 Aug 2022 -- Police in Pakistan have arrested a senior executive of a popular mainstream television news channel following the suspension of the station's broadcast for airing "seditious" content, moves critics denounced as an attempt to stifle media freedom.
Imran Khan Party Member Arrested For 'Sedition', Faces Death Penalty if Found Guilty - Reports Sputnik 10 Aug 2022 -- The politician was arrested for his comments on Pakistan's biggest private television channel ARY News. ARY News has been critical of the current government, supporting Imran Khan and was subsequently taken off-air on Tuesday after authorities alleged it broadcast "hateful, seditious and malicious content".
Killing Of Senior TTP Commanders In Afghanistan Strikes Blow To Militants, Possible Peace With Pakistan RFE/RL Gandhara 09 Aug 2022 -- The killing of four top commanders of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan has struck a major blow to the militant group and cast doubts over a cease-fire and ongoing peace talks between the TTP and the Pakistani government.
Pakistan TV Station Critical Of Government Taken Off Air RFE/RL Gandhara 09 Aug 2022 -- A Pakistani television station close to former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been taken off the air in much of the country after a segment was aired about the armed forces that was deemed a threat to national security.
Police Arrest Close Aide to Ex-Pakistan PM Khan on Sedition Charges VOA 09 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan police on Tuesday arrested a close associate of former Prime Minister Imran Khan for allegedly inciting army officers to mutiny.
Pakistani Soldiers Killed In Blast In Tribal District Bordering Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 08 Aug 2022 -- Three Pakistani soldiers have been killed and seven people injured in an explosion in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal district.
Pakistan Suspends TV Channel Critical of Government VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- Authorities in Pakistan suspended a mainstream television channel Monday in what critics denounced as an illegal move to stifle media freedom in the country.
Bomb Kills Extremist Pakistani Taliban Leader in Afghanistan VOA 08 Aug 2022 -- A fugitive central commander of an outlawed extremist organization plotting terrorist attacks in Pakistan has been killed in a roadside bomb blast in neighboring Afghanistan.
Three Senior Pakistani Taliban Commanders Killed In Blast In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Aug 2022 -- Three senior commanders of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) - also known as the Pakistani Taliban - have been killed in a blast in southeastern Afghanistan, dealing a heavy blow to the militant group, sources told RFE/RL Radio Mashaal on August 7.
Four People Killed In Attack Targeting Lawmaker In Pakistan RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Aug 2022 -- Four people, including two police officers were killed in northwestern Pakistan in an attack targeting a provincial lawmaker from former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Tehreek-e Insaf Party (PTI), police said on August 7.
Pakistan and Rival India Spring Into Action to Rescue Journalist from Taliban Custody VOA 06 Aug 2022 -- Afghanistan's Taliban found themselves confounded this week when Indian and Pakistani diplomats in Kabul almost simultaneously demanded the release of a foreign journalist they had arrested on charges of breaching regulations.
Blast kills 1, injures 14 in SW Pakistan People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- At least one person was killed and 14 others were injured when a blast went off in Pakistan's southwest Quetta city, according to hospital and police sources on Friday.
'Impunity and lawlessness': Russia, N. Korea, Pakistan rap Pelosi's Taiwan visit Press TV 03 Aug 2022 -- The controversial two-day visit to Chinese Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has drawn strong reactions from many countries, who have blasted the US government for provoking Beijing.
Baloch Insurgents Claim Responsibility for Shooting Down 'Low-Flying' Pakistani Military Chopper Sputnik 03 Aug 2022 -- Balochistan has witnessed a decades-long insurgency, as armed ethnic secessionists have been advocating for independence. Pakistan's largest province borders the Arabian Sea coast, Iran and Afghanistan and has huge reserves of gold, copper and natural gas, making it economically and strategically important.
Pakistan Ex-PM Khan's Party Received Illegal Funding From Abroad, Electoral Body Says RFE/RL Gandhara 02 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's electoral body has found that former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party received illegal funding from abroad, a ruling that could lead to both Khan and his party being banned from politics. The PTI has denied any wrongdoing.
Pakistan's Election Commission Rules Against Imran Khan's PTI in Banned Funding Case Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- The judgment in the eight-year old case has come at a time when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) part is embroiled in a tussle with the poll conducting body, demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. PTI chief Imran Khan has called a protest march outside the Election Commission's office.
China's Belt And Road Grapples With Mounting Debt Crisis, Impacting Central Asia, Pakistan, And Beyond RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- A few weeks before the Sri Lankan president fled the country amid growing protests triggered by its debt-laden economy's default and financial crisis, a top Kyrgyz official issued a warning about the Central Asian nation's own dire forecast as the turmoil unfolded.
Pakistan Military Says Helicopter Wreckage Found, Six Dead, Including Army General RFE/RL Gandhara 02 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's military says the wreckage of a helicopter that went down on August 1 in the country's flood-stricken southwest has been found. An army general and five other members of the military onboard were killed, it said.
Pakistan Military Confirms Top General, 5 Others Killed in Helicopter Crash VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan said Tuesday rescue teams had found the wreckage of a military helicopter that crashed overnight due to bad weather in flood-hit southwestern Baluchistan province, killing all six senior officers on board.
Pakistan Army Helicopter Carrying Senior General, 5 Others, Missing VOA 01 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan said Monday that a military helicopter carrying six people, including a top general, went missing during a flood relief operation in southwestern Baluchistan province.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

August 2022 - Pakistan Special Weapons News