Pakistani leader sworn in with quiet ceremony
Compiled from news services
Imran Khan, the former cricket star turned firebrand politician, was sworn in as Pakistan’s prime minister Saturday, taking control of a country facing an economic crisis as observers questioned whether he had the political acumen to govern a divided nation.
Mr. Khan’s first decision was to scrub the ninecourse meal traditionally served after the oath-taking ceremony. It was a sign of the “austerity drive” he had promised while on the campaign trail, his party said.
Since winning the July 25 election, Mr. Khan has stressed that he would lead a lean life, shunning the ostentatious displays of power and wealth of his predecessors. He has said that he will not live in the prime minister’s house, a lavish, white marble building.
Instead, he vowed to take a smaller house belonging to the military secretary. Mr. Khan, however, maintains a sprawling, private Mediterranean-style villa nearby.
Saudis prepare for hajj
MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the annual hajj pilgrimage beginning Sunday, as over 2 million Muslim faithful are ready to take part in the ultraconservative kingdom.
The pilgrimage represents one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their life. In recent weeks, the faithful have arrived in Mecca from across the world, all chanting “Labayk Allahuma Labayk,” or “Here I am, God, answering your call. Here I am.”
Thehajj offers pilgrims anopportunity to feel closerto God amid the Muslimworld’s many challenges,including the threat ofMiddle East extremists.
Safety for aid workers
KABUL, Afghanistan — The United Nations urged all sides of the Afghan conflict to protect aid workers delivering assistance to a population caught in relentless violence.
Afghanistan remains among the three most dangerous countries for aid workers, and a recent escalation in violence has often blocked important relief from reaching civilians.
The appeal on Saturday came as the Afghan government and aid agencies began delivering assistance to Ghazni, a city 90 miles south of the capital Kabul that was under a Taliban siege for several days.
Taiwan improves missiles
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan is responding to China’s arms buildup by developing missiles and interceptors that could reduce Beijing’s military advantage over the selfruled island.
Since President Tsai Ingwen took office in 2016, Taiwan has deployed one set of missiles, perfected another and sped production of a third, military analysts say, in the latest sign of how it’s handling a Chinese military threat.