Latest news with #Pakistan
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at key Iran border crossings as Israel strikes escalate
QUETTA: Pakistani authorities have closed two major border crossings with Iran for pedestrian traffic amid escalating cross-border strikes between Iran and Israel, officials in the southwestern Balochistan province said on Sunday. The closures affect the Taftan crossing in Chaghi district and the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district, both key routes for cross-border movement and local trade between Balochistan and Iran. The Gabd-Rimdan border crossing is a point on the Iran-Pakistan border, specifically at 'BP-250,' the second crossing along the 900-kilometer border between the two countries. The crossing facilitates trade and people-to-people contact between Iran and Pakistan. 'All kinds of pedestrian movement at the Gabd-Rimdan-250 border have been suspended due to the Iran-Israel conflict,' Jawad Ahmed Zehri, assistant commissioner for Gwadar, told Arab News. Trade activity at the crossing would remain open and Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran would be allowed to return, he said, but no new entries into Iran would be permitted through this point until further notice. In a separate order, authorities also closed the Taftan border crossing in Chaghi district for pedestrian traffic. 'We have closed pedestrian movements at the Taftan border until further notice,' said Naveed Ahmed, assistant commissioner for Taftan, adding that trade and customs operations from the crossing were continuing as usual. The closures are expected to affect daily wage laborers, small-scale traders and local residents who depend on frequent cross-border movement for commerce, supplies and family visits. Small items such as fruit, vegetables and household goods are commonly traded by hand or in small vehicles along these routes. The closures come amid heightened tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian cities since Friday with scores killed, including senior Iranian military commanders. The bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Iran reached $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, which ended in June. Both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of increasing this volume to $10 billion. Iran also supplies about 100 megawatts of electricity to border towns in Balochistan.
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Two police officers killed, two wounded in ambush in Pakistan's Balochistan province
QUETTA: Two police officers were killed and two others injured when gunmen ambushed a police patrol in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, officials said on Sunday. The attack took place late on Saturday in Sui, a mountainous town about 50km from Dera Bugti city where police had rushed to respond to reports of a grenade explosion. Jalab Khan, station house officer at Sui Police, said officers were traveling in two vehicles when they were ambushed. 'Nearly a dozen armed men were hiding behind a large rock and attacked our vehicles with heavy gunfire, hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades,' Khan told Arab News. 'Two policemen were killed on the spot and two sustained bullet wounds,' he said, adding that the attackers fled under the cover of darkness. The Baloch Republican Army (BRA), an ethnic Baloch separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The BRA has been involved in multiple attacks on security forces and gas infrastructure in Dera Bugti, one of Pakistan's key natural gas-producing districts. The group emerged after the killing of veteran Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti during a military operation in 2006. Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, is a mineral-rich region that is home to Beijing's investment in the Gwadar deep water port and other projects. It is Pakistan's largest province by size but smallest by population and the most impoverished. It has long been the site of a separatist insurgency by groups like the BRA, who are fighting for independence. Pakistan accuses neighboring India and Afghanistan of supporting Baloch separatist militants, a claim they deny. Islamabad also says neighboring Iran does not do enough against militants operating on their shared border. 'The slain policemen were local residents of Dera Bugti and their bodies have been handed over to families for burial,' said Atta Tareen, the district police officer for Dera Bugti. A first information police report hasd been registered and Balochistan's Counter Terrorism Department was leading the investigation, Tareen added.
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Bitcoin pioneer Michael Saylor holds ‘landmark' talks with Pakistan Crypto Council officials
KARACHI: Pakistani officials held a 'landmark discussion' this week with Michael Saylor, bitcoin advocate and billionaire US business executive, on using digital currencies to strengthen Pakistan's financial resilience and its digital economy, according to a statement released on Sunday. Pakistan set up the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) in March to create a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading in a bid to lure international investment. In April, Pakistan introduced its first-ever policy framework to set rules for how digital money like cryptocurrencies and the companies that deal in it should operate in Pakistan. The policy has been formulated to align with compliance and financial integrity guidelines of the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Last month, the government approved setting up the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), a specialized regulatory body to oversee blockchain-based financial infrastructure, and separately also unveiled the country's first government-led strategic bitcoin reserve at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. Talks this week between Saylor and Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib focused on how bitcoin could be used as part of sovereign reserves and monetary policy. 'Pakistan aspires to lead the Global South in the development and adoption of digital assets, setting a benchmark for innovation, regulation, and inclusive growth in the digital economy,' Finance Minister Aurangzeb, who is the chairman of the PCC, was quoted as saying in a statement released by Saqib's office. Saylor, one of the world's most prominent corporate bitcoin investors, welcomed Pakistan's move to explore digital assets, the statement added. 'Pakistan has many brilliant people. It also has commitment and clarity needed by businesses globally … Bitcoin is the strongest asset for long-term national resilience,' Saylor said during the meeting, according to the statement, adding that emerging markets like Pakistan could benefit from early adoption of blockchain finance. Saylor also reportedly praised Pakistan's efforts to take a 'forward-looking, innovation-friendly stance' in the global digital economy and welcomed the opportunity to advise and support ongoing developments in the country related to digital assets. Saylor's company, Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, is the world's largest corporate holder of bitcoin, reportedly holding about 582,000 BTC valued at over $62 billion as of June 2025. The company's market capitalization has risen from $1.2 billion to over $105 billion since it adopted bitcoin as a core asset in 2020.
Arab News
8 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan forms committee to tackle possible economic fallout of Israel-Iran conflict — adviser
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee led by the finance minister to monitor any possible economic impact of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, a senior government adviser said on Sunday, as rising oil prices threaten to add new pressure on the South Asian nation's fragile economy. Oil prices have climbed about 7 percent since Friday, with Brent crude closing at $74.23 a barrel after hitting a session high of $78.50, amid fears of supply disruptions if Middle East tensions escalate further. 'The prime minister has constituted a committee under the supervision of the finance minister, which will monitor the situation,' Khurram Schehzad, an adviser at the finance ministry, told Arab News. 'The committee will assess the impact of the changes and volatility in oil prices on fiscal and external sides, and devise a strategy to pacify the impacts on Pakistan's economy.' Pakistan relies heavily on imported oil, and any sustained spike in prices could widen its current account deficit and push inflation higher at a time when the country is struggling with low foreign reserves and slow growth. Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other overnight into Sunday, killing scores. The conflict started on Friday when Israel launched a massive wave of attacks targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities but also hitting residential areas, sparking retaliation and fears of a broader regional conflict. A 909 kilometer (565 mile) long international boundary separates Iran's southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province from Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. 'Israel-Iran conflict presents complex challenges for Pakistan as rising oil prices may increase import costs and inflation, influencing monetary policy and growth, while disruptions to key routes like the Strait of Hormuz can affect energy supplies and critical projects,' said Khaqan Najeeb, an economist and former finance ministry adviser. 'It can potentially affect consumer purchasing power and production costs ... Possible disruptions to shipping routes and higher freight charges might result in delays to imports and exports, thereby exerting additional pressure on Pakistan's external sector.' DIPLOMATIC BALANCING As the crisis deepens, analysts widely believe Islamabad should maintain 'careful diplomatic balancing' between its ties with Iran and its other partners in the Gulf, as well as the United States. 'Diplomatically, Pakistan has to navigate a balanced and principled stance, honoring its historic ties with Iran alongside its strategic relationships with the US and Gulf partners, emphasizing dialogue and regional stability.' Former Defense Secretary Lt Gen (retired) Naeem Lodhi said Israel was unlikely to target Pakistan directly but an expanding conflict could complicate matters for Islamabad, adding that it should remain vigilant but avoid 'deeper' involvement. 'If the war expands to include more Middle Eastern countries, some of which are friendly to Pakistan, then it would be a difficult proposition for Islamabad... whose side it takes,' Lodhi added. Former Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said Pakistan would respond 'forcefully' if directly targeted. 'Israel knows that Pakistan has the capacity to hit back hard,' Chaudhry said, referring to a May 2025 military confrontation with India in which Islamabad retaliated to New Delhi's strikes, taking down fighter jets and hitting airfields, air bases and other military facilities. Pakistan's former ambassador to Iran, Asif Durrani, warned that the crisis could spill over if not contained. 'Not only Pakistan, but the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region can be engulfed if the ongoing spat between Israel and Iran turns into an all-out war,' Durrani said. However, he said the likelihood of a refugee crisis was limited unless the conflict escalated into a ground invasion. 'A refugee influx is possible if it becomes a full-fledged war, but Israel or the United States are unlikely to commit boots on the ground in Iran,' Durrani added. Qamar Cheema, executive director of the Sanober Institute think tank, said Pakistani security forces should increase patrols and surveillance in border districts as the conflict could impact militant groups operating along the Iran-Pakistan border region, such as Baloch separatists and other sectarian outfits. 'Whenever such a situation arises, separatist and sectarian outfits often try to take advantage of it, either by increasing their activities or by shifting them from their hideouts inside Iranian territories,' he said. 'Their movement is likely to intensify if the threat reaches the border region.'
Forbes
9 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
Love At First Stitch - One Woman's Journey Preserving The Art Of Ralli
Dr. Patricia Ormsby Stoddard They say some of the best things happen by chance. And for Dr. Patricia Ormsby Stoddard, a serendipitous trip to a handicrafts shop in Islamabad, Pakistan, would lead to a journey in helping preserve one of South Asia's most colorful crafts - ralli. From its unique patterns, eye-catching color combinations and lovely add-ons (mirror work, beads and tassles), the textile enthusiast felt a strong connection to the craft of ralli. She felt both awe-struck and inspired to research an art form that largely remained undocumented. A ralli quilt seller from Sukkur, Pakistan. Thus began her passion for understanding the intricacies of ralli quilt-making. What were the different kinds of stitches that it entailed? What did the patterns symbolize and what variations of the craft existed in different regions? The deeper Stoddard delved into ralli, the more dismayed she felt. 'I was afraid it would disappear without the world knowing about this beautiful tradition,' she stated during the course of this interview. This prompted Dr. Stoddard to write Ralli Quilts: Traditional Textiles from Pakistan and India, one of the best go-to books on the craft, published in 2003. An example of intricate and traditional applique work from Northern Sindh, Pakistan. Each of the designs comes from pieces of cloth cut in different designs sewn unto the base cloth. The ralli is also highlighted by tassel fringe around the edges. In conversation with Forbes Life, Stoddard speaks about her travels during her research, the origins of ralli and the future of this age-old, beautiful craft. A dated photo of Dr. Stoddard giving a gallery talk for the South Asian Seams Exhibit at the International Quilt Museum, in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2010. SR: What do you think many of us overlook when it comes to the craft of ralli? PS: At first glance, many people do not understand what they are seeing with rallis. For people who are accustomed to evaluating quilts by the number of fine stiches per inch and the evenness of size, they may not find that. Instead, they see a textile creation made without a table, a sewing machine, a paper pattern or any of the other conveniences that western quilters use. Rallis are made with only a needle, thread, scissors, and a reed mat on the ground to lay it out. Patterns come from the memories of the quilters. Secondly, decorations on the rallis are made through the pattern of the fabric, embroidery embellishments, and other surprises such as sequins, beads, mirrors or tassels. Thirdly, the rallis use color combinations that are not often seen in western quilts. They often use complementary colors such as red and green together or orange and blue. They intentionally and traditionally use color combinations that pop. In the hot desert regions where rallis are made, families often sleep outside on their charpoys (wooden beds). As the moon and stars light the night, the fabric and tiny mirrors will provide a magical glow to the ralli design. Featured here: Craftswomen from Tehsil Diplo in Thar, Sindh, Pakistan working on various projects for the co-operative, Lila Handicrafts. The artisans made ralli quilts for ten years to supply to the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from 2004-2014. SR: Does ralli-making have a cultural connotation other than its usage as a quilt? PS: There are deep cultural meanings to ralli-making. First, there are the social meanings behind quilts. Women make quilts for the use of their families and as gifts, particularly at weddings. Women and girls make enough quilts that every family member has at least two rallis to sleep between every night. Secondly, there are abstract depictions of their environment, particularly flowers, plants, camel tracks and other symbols. Thirdly, there is community identity with the patterning and specific color schemes of the rallis. The rallis are very valuable to the people who own them. Often in the pictures of the terrible flooding of Sindh in 2010-11 and in 2022 (amongst other years), one will notice people fleeing to safety with a few possessions, some of which include their family rallis. A Tharri woman stitching a traditional ralli in Sindh, Pakistan. SR: You've showcased South Asian ralli pieces in many countries over the years. What was the feedback like during the exhibitions? PS: When I first started exhibits of rallis in the early 2000s, I felt that rallis were totally unknown to the people who saw them in the United States. Many tried to compare them to the quilts they were familiar with. However, many were also mesmerized by the patterns, shapes, colors and workmanship that were new to them. Visitors had glowing comments to make about the craft. They were very inspired by the by the craftswomen who made them. Ralli Quilts by Dr. Patricia Ormsby Stoddard, stands as one of the most well-researched publications on the history, technique and craft of ralli in South Asia. SR: A majority of these age-old crafts, particularly needlework, remain undocumented. Primarily their history. In your opinion, how far back can the craft of ralli be traced? PS: This is a fascinating question. Since the beginning of recorded history, there are reports of cotton production and dyed fabrics from the Sindh and Gujarat areas. There are ship records from Portuguese trading ships (dating to the 1500s) that brought back bedcovers to Europe from Gujarat, India (close to Sindh). They specifically mention pieces with a top cloth, cotton batting and a bottom fabric. Going back further, the patterning on many patchwork rallis can also be found on dozens of pottery pieces from an archaeological dig at Pirak in Baluchistan, Pakistan. Dating back to 1,800-800 BC, many of the geometric patterns, designs and borders match current ralli designs. These designs could have been passed down over so many centuries. An example of a stunning, fully embroidered ralli from the nomadic group called the Saamis from Sindh, Pakistan. In this particular ralli, stitches are in rows about one quarter inch apart. SR: Tell me a little about your travels in Pakistan, meeting the communities and the craftswomen of ralli... PS: Once I started on my ralli 'quest' I tried to take every opportunity to learn more about the craft and the women behind them. I went to craft fairs and met the women who came there. I went to the Lok Virsa Museum in Islamabad and examined their entire ralli collection and interviewed craft experts and academics. I also travelled to Sindh with a friend, in September 1997, to meet craftswomen. We were impressed that these immensely creative women had piles of embroidered clothing, bags and many quilts showcasing a life of handiwork. Many had not left their villages during their lifetimes and only spoke their local dialect. We felt they liked having their work appreciated by other women, even though they had not heard of America. An example of a ralli with fine applique work from Sindh, Pakistan. Each of the hundreds of tiny triangles is sewn on separately. SR: What can one do to sustain ralli? PS: Firstly, I think awareness is a key to the survival of rallis. There are a few challenges though. One is natural disasters, particularly flooding. Older quilts have been lost as communities have been destroyed and patterning on those quilts may be forgotten. Secondly, in past centuries, mothers taught their daughters how to quilt and the tradition was highly prized. Now with the prevalence of cell phones or other distractions, some girls are not taking the time to learn the skills necessary for quilt-making. Lastly, fabric manufacturers have started making printed fabric, the size of a single bed quilt, with ralli patterns pre-printed on it. A woman can buy them for not much money, and complete the quilt by just sewing straight lines instead of creating a pieced pattern. The pre-printed fabric is synthetic and the patterns printed on it are compilations of designs and colors from different regions, losing distinct community identities. Despite these challenges, I think the ralli tradition can survive. There are collectors of rallis. The largest publicly held collection in the world, as far as I know, is at the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. The have hundreds of quilts in their collection, including rallis. "I was totally captivated by the bright colors, the designs and the craftsmanship of ralli." - Dr. Patricia Ormsby Stoddard SR: What currently keeps you busy Dr. Stoddard? Are you working on any ongoing ralli projects? PS: I continue to be involved in promoting rallis in various ways. I give lectures, primarily to quilting groups. Quilters are always a great audience as they know what it takes to make a quilt! I also work as a volunteer with community organizations, international humanitarian groups and researching family history. I especially enjoy spending time with my husband, children and grandchildren. I will always be grateful to have come into contact with rallis when we lived in Pakistan. Not only did it prove to be a fascinating research quest, but it opened doors for me to meet many wonderful and creative women and men around the world who appreciate and care about preserving amazing cultural traditions. A beautiful patchwork ralli quilt from Thar, Sindh, in Pakistan.
