pakistan rejects afghan
| |

Pakistan rejects Afghan claim over alleged weapons…

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected claims by the Afghan Taliban that weapons are being smuggled from Pakistan into Afghanistan, calling the allegation baseless and contrary to established facts.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the allegation appeared to be an attempt to divert international attention from the more serious security concerns emerging from Afghan territory.

The ministry said Afghanistan already possesses a large quantity of modern weapons and military equipment left behind after the withdrawal of US and allied forces.

According to the ministry, the value of the abandoned military equipment has been estimated at around $7.2 billion.

Pakistan also pointed to Afghanistan’s large stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons. These weapons, it said, accumulated during decades of conflict in the country and remain another major source of arms available on Afghan soil.

The ministry argued that attributing such weapons to Pakistan was misleading. It said the claim could shift attention away from the presence of militant groups operating from Afghanistan.

Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over militant activity originating from Afghan territory. Islamabad maintains that terrorist groups continue to find shelter and operational space there.

The ministry said these groups were allegedly using Afghan territory to plan, support and carry out attacks against Pakistan.

It urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to focus on addressing militant safe havens instead of making what Pakistan described as unsupported allegations against Islamabad.

“Afghan Taliban” authorities, according to the statement, should take effective measures against terrorist groups operating from their territory.

Pakistan also called on Afghan authorities to honour their commitments and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan or any other country.

The latest statement comes amid continued tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over security and cross-border militancy.

Islamabad has repeatedly demanded concrete action against groups that it says are involved in attacks inside Pakistan.

Pakistan has also stressed that the issue should be addressed through practical measures rather than accusations.

The ministry maintained that Afghanistan’s existing weapons stockpiles and the continued presence of militant groups are important factors in the regional security situation.

It said efforts to blame Pakistan for the presence of weapons in Afghanistan should not distract the international community from addressing terrorism and militant activity based in the region.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Jim Carrey pays heartfelt tribute after The Mask d…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Hollywood star Jim Carrey has broken his silence following the unexpected death of acclaimed filmmaker Chuck Russell, the director who helped shape one of the actor’s most beloved films, The Mask. Russell passed away on July 22 at his home in the San Diego area at the age of 74, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in Hollywood. His family confirmed his death, though the cause has not yet been disclosed.  Carrey, who starred as Stanley Ipkiss in the 1994 blockbuster, shared an emotional statement remembering the filmmaker’s creativity, warmth, and joyful spirit. Speaking to People, the actor said it was a privilege to work alongside Russell and praised the director for creating a fun, imaginative atmosphere on set. “I consider it a privilege to have worked with Chuck Russell, who, during the shooting of The Mask, created an ebullient, childlike atmosphere of wonder and camaraderie on his set,” Carrey said. He added that everyone involved in the production was inspired by Russell’s playful energy and passion for filmmaking.  Released in 1994, The Mask became a massive box-office success, earning more than $351 million worldwide. The film not only cemented Jim Carrey’s status as one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars but also introduced Cameron Diaz in her feature film debut. Russell’s unique vision transformed the Dark Horse comic adaptation into a colorful, family-friendly comedy filled with groundbreaking visual effects that continue to impress audiences decades later.  Chuck Russell’s career extended far beyond The Mask. He directed fan-favorite films including A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, Eraser starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and The Scorpion King, which marked Dwayne Johnson’s first leading film role. His ability to blend action, horror, comedy, and visual innovation made him one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors.  Tributes from across the entertainment industry continue to pour in as colleagues and fans celebrate Russell’s contributions to cinema. For Jim Carrey, the loss is deeply personal, as the filmmaker played a key role in one of the defining moments of his career. Although Chuck Russell is gone, the unforgettable films he created—and the memories shared by those who worked with him—will ensure that his legacy lives on for generations of movie lovers.  

  • Thai Embassy Seeks Clearance as Cambodia Blocks Thais from Returning Home

    ByJustpaste.in

    SA KAEO – Tensions at a primary border crossing escalated on Wednesday as Cambodian immigration officials refused to allow Thai nationals to leave Cambodia through the Poipet-Klong Luk checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province, stranding an unknown number of Thai citizens. The reasons for the refusal were not immediately clarified by Cambodian authorities. Thai Army Accuses […]

  • |

    Alzarri Joseph responds to Darren Sammy’s selection remarks

    ByJustpaste.in

    BRIDGETOWN: West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has responded to comments made by head coach Darren Sammy regarding his absence from the ongoing Test series against Pakistan, saying his decision was taken out of context and has created a misleading public perception. The controversy emerged after Cricket West Indies initially cited “personal reasons” for Joseph’s unavailability. However, subsequent remarks by Sammy suggested that the pacer had declined selection for the series, sparking widespread discussion among cricket fans and analysts. In a statement, Joseph clarified that his decision was based solely on his physical condition following a lengthy recovery from his second stress fracture in the back within the past year. The fast bowler explained that he had only recently returned to Test cricket and had already played two demanding Tests against Sri Lanka, followed by five consecutive One-Day Internationals against New Zealand. After that workload, he felt his body was not ready for another Test series without adequate rest. Joseph said the coach’s comments were made without presenting the full background, leading many to misunderstand his position. “I believe the remarks were incomplete and created the wrong impression among the public,” he said, stressing that his commitment to West Indies cricket remains unchanged. The 29-year-old also dismissed suggestions that he had turned his back on the national team, saying he has always been proud to represent the West Indies whenever he is physically fit. Joseph reaffirmed that he remains a professional cricketer dedicated to serving his country and its supporters. He added that his responsibility is to the West Indies team and the people of the Caribbean, not to any individual. His clarification comes as the West Indies continue their Test campaign against Pakistan, with discussions over player workload and injury management increasingly becoming an important issue in international cricket. The latest exchange has highlighted the challenges teams face in balancing player fitness with the demands of a packed international schedule.

  • | |

    Salman Shahid claims seniors also annoy youngsters

    ByJustpaste.in

    The conversation sparked by Muhammad Ahmed’s recent remarks about the behaviour of junior actors on set has drawn a thoughtful and balanced response from veteran Pakistani actor Salman Shahid, who offered a perspective that many in the industry may have been thinking but had not yet said out loud. Shahid, who built his reputation through beloved comedy productions including Such Gup, Teen Bata Teen and Family Front before going on to appear in acclaimed dramas such as Seerhian, Aseer Zadi, Khuda Aur Mohabbat, Main Manto Nahi Hoon and Sher, appeared on Rise and Shine, hosted by Zohaib Hassan, where the conversation turned to Muhammad Ahmed’s complaints about junior actors on set. His response was measured, fair and grounded in his own experience of what set dynamics actually look like from the inside. “Listen, if juniors misbehave with seniors, there are also seniors who become unreasonable and behave the same way with younger actors,” he said. “It depends on a person’s nature. Sometimes, seniors also annoy juniors because they want to show their authority. They say things like, ‘You’re young, what do you know about acting? We’ve been doing this for so many years. You’re doing it wrong.’ So, this issue exists on both sides.” The point Shahid was making was not that Muhammad Ahmed’s concerns were invalid. It was that the problem is not generational but personal. Difficult behaviour on set is not exclusively a junior actor problem. It can come from anyone, regardless of how many years they have spent in the industry or how much respect they command. What made his remarks feel credible rather than defensive was the contrast he drew with his own approach to working life. He spoke with evident warmth about the aspects of set culture that he actively enjoys. “Personally, I love socialising,” he said. “I enjoy tea breaks and interacting with my co-stars on set. I really love it. It’s part of my social life, no matter what age my colleagues are. The image he painted was of someone who genuinely takes pleasure in the shared environment of a drama production, for whom the time between scenes is as much a part of the experience as the work itself. It was a reminder that sets are workplaces where people spend long hours together, and that the atmosphere on them is shaped by everyone present, senior and junior alike. Shahid is currently earning praise for his performance in the ongoing drama Bas Tera Saath Hu, which has resonated strongly with audiences. He is the son of legendary actress Begum Khursheed Shahid, is married to Tahira Ali, and has been a consistent and respected presence in Pakistani television for decades. His contribution to the current conversation about generational dynamics in the industry is characteristically grounded. He did not take sides. He simply told the truth.

  • |

    Balochistan flood resilience project faces delays despite housing support progress

    ByJustpaste.in

    QUETTA: Implementation of a major World Bank-backed flood resilience programme in Balochistan is facing significant delays, with slow progress on infrastructure, climate services and housing reconstruction raising concerns about the project’s ability to meet its targets before the scheduled completion date. The Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (P180323), launched in the aftermath of the devastating 2022 floods, has seen mixed results. While more than 74,000 affected households have received the first tranche of financial assistance for housing reconstruction, several key components of the project remain substantially behind schedule. According to the World Bank’s latest Implementation Status and Results Report, overall implementation progress has been downgraded to “Moderately Unsatisfactory”, while the project’s development objective continues to carry a “Moderately Satisfactory” rating. The overall risk associated with the project remains high. The programme was approved in May 2023 with the broader objective of helping flood-affected communities restore livelihoods, regain access to essential services and strengthen their ability to withstand future climate-related disasters. Infrastructure work gains momentum The project includes several major components covering community infrastructure, resilient housing, hydro-meteorological and climate services, as well as institutional strengthening and project management. The World Bank reported some improvement in the community infrastructure component following the appointment of a dedicated project director and the strengthening of the Project Implementation Unit. Detailed engineering designs and bidding documents are now close to completion, while procurement activities have begun. Despite these developments, the project has yet to achieve any of the three development-objective-linked output indicators associated with the component. The gap reflects the difference between preparatory work and actual delivery of infrastructure on the ground, with authorities still required to translate procurement and planning progress into completed projects for flood-affected communities. Climate services remain behind schedule Progress has also been reported in the climate-services component following the appointment of a new deputy project director and the award of a contract for Automatic Weather Stations (AWS). However, several critical steps remain outstanding. The onboarding of the system integrator has yet to be completed, while a number of important procurement activities are still pending. The project aims to strengthen Balochistan’s ability to monitor weather conditions and provide timely warnings to communities exposed to floods and other climate-related hazards. Under the programme, the authorities are targeting the installation of 110 Automatic Weather Stations and the operationalisation of four weather radars. As of July 2026, none of the targeted weather radars had become operational. One positive development has been the establishment of a hydrological modelling-based early warning system for hill torrents in Balochistan, which could improve preparedness in areas vulnerable to sudden flooding. Housing component performs better The strongest performance has been recorded under the resilient housing component. More than 74,000 households have received the first tranche of housing assistance, providing financial support to families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the 2022 floods. However, the World Bank has identified several risks that could affect further progress. These include a decision by the Project Steering Committee to limit beneficiary coverage, a funding shortfall affecting other eligible households, unresolved complaints and grievances, and communication difficulties with beneficiaries. The World Bank warned that these issues could undermine confidence in the programme and affect its ability to reach the intended beneficiaries. The physical reconstruction figures also show that considerable work remains. By July 2026, only 30,226 housing units had been restored or reconstructed against the project’s target of 97,000 homes by December 2028. This means authorities will need to significantly accelerate reconstruction during the remaining implementation period if the target is to be achieved. Essential services target remains distant The project also aims to restore access to essential services for flood-affected communities. By July 2026, around 214,217 people had regained access to at least one essential service. However, the eventual target is 1.5 million people, indicating a substantial gap between current achievements and the programme’s planned outcome. Similarly, the project has yet to register progress against its target of improving climate resilience for 1.8 million people. The figures suggest that while financial assistance and preparatory activities have moved forward, the broader resilience-building objectives are yet to translate into measurable results on the required scale. Irrigation and flood protection work yet to deliver The restoration of flood-damaged irrigation systems is another major area where implementation remains slow. The project has a target of restoring irrigation infrastructure covering approximately 50,000 hectares. A similar target has been set for improving flood-protection infrastructure over an area of 50,000 hectares. However, as of July 2026, no achievement had been recorded against either target. The lack of progress is particularly significant given the importance of irrigation to livelihoods in Balochistan, where agriculture and livestock remain major sources of income for many communities. Restoring damaged irrigation networks is also critical to rebuilding economic activity in areas affected by the 2022 floods. Financing constraints add pressure Financial challenges are adding another layer of difficulty to implementation. The project has a revised allocation of approximately $214.03 million under the IDA-73330 facility. Of this amount, around $113.97 million, equivalent to 62.61%, has been disbursed, while approximately $68.05 million remains undisbursed. In addition, a separate $32 million IDA-78980 facility remains completely undisbursed. The financing position means authorities have both resources and time constraints to manage as they seek to accelerate implementation. Bridging funding gaps for eligible beneficiaries and ensuring timely utilisation of available financing will be crucial to maintaining momentum during the remaining project period. Grievances and communication concerns The World Bank has also highlighted unresolved grievances and communication shortcomings as risks to the housing component. For a project involving thousands of flood-affected households, effective communication is essential to ensure beneficiaries understand eligibility criteria, payment arrangements, construction requirements and complaint-resolution procedures. Unresolved grievances could not only delay implementation but also create dissatisfaction among communities that expected assistance following the 2022 floods. Authorities will therefore need to strengthen communication channels and grievance mechanisms alongside accelerating physical reconstruction. Limited time remains The Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project is scheduled to close on December 31, 2028.

  • Songkran Safe: Cambodia’s UNESCO Bid for Maha Songkran Poses No Threat to Thailand’s Listing

    ByJustpaste.in

    BANGKOK – Thailand’s traditional Songkran festival remains secure in its UNESCO recognition despite Cambodia’s recent application to list its own Khmer New Year, “Moha Sangkranta Chnam Thmey,” as an intangible cultural heritage, officials confirmed. Yuthika Isarangkura na Ayutthaya, Director-General of the Cultural Promotion Department, addressed concerns following Cambodia’s submission, explaining that UNESCO listings do not […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *