T H : F M
Ahsan for promoting blue economy to ensure future stability
He
Describing the symposium as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, he announced that Pakistan will host the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting featuring leaders from
The first half of 2024 has been a turbulent period for China
of 2024 standing out in a market where many other firms posted losses The financial performance of China s top solar companies paints a grim picture overall Revenue for the top 42 companies collectively dropped by 18 92%, with net profits plummeting by a staggering 88 80% compared to the same period in 2023 Several major players experienced
GOVT NEVER TO ALLOW PTM ESTABLISH PARALLEL COURT UNDER GUISE OF JIRGA: NAQVI
of 1997 A notification issued by the interior ministry mentioned that the PTM posed a significant danger to public order and safety in the country
The move comes in the lead-up to the Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga, scheduled for October 11 in Khyber district
The notification issued by the office of the KP chief secretary also said the PTM had shown its intent to hold an event adding neither a proscribed organisation holding an event nor participation in it were permissible under the law
It ordered that the following instructions be implemented: “Employees of all government departments/attached departments/police/autonomous and semi-autonomous public sector institutions and their employees are informed, and stand informed, that participation, overt or covert, physically financially or otherwise in any programme or activity of a proscribed organisation is unlawful and shall be acted against under the law The heads shall ensure that this fact/legal position is communicated to all employees under their respective commands ” It continued: “General public, including all segments of society are informed and stand informed that participation overt or covert physically financially or otherwise in any programme or activity of a proscribed organisation is unlawful and will make them liable to lawful action
The notification further said that the following “fact” should also be known adding that the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has also extended its support to the activities of the proscribed PTM and therefore any participation, overt or covert, will make the individual so participating facilitator/supporter of a terrorist organisation working against the state and people of Pakistan and shall be acted against under the law
The notification ordered that the information department should ensure that this fact/legal position is made known to public at large, including all segments of society through announcement on media, including print electronic and social
HRCP CONCERNED OVER REPORTS OF VIOLENCE IN
KHYBER: The Human Rights Commis-
Meanwhile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed officials to resolve tensions in Khyber after Wednesday s violence ahead of the Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga, said provincial government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif
Responding to the matter in a video message Barrister Saif emphasized that following the federal government s ban on the PTM, it could not be permitted to carry out any political activity “In this context, the proscribed organisation’s announced gathering to be held from Oct 11-13 cannot be permitted
He said the district administration had also banned any political gatherings in Khyber district due to Section 144 in force
Despite all the legal measures in place, when the proscribed organisation tried to hold a gathering in the area then violence broke out between their members and the police Barrister Saif said CM Gandapur was chairing a meeting of the provincial cabinet when he was alerted about the unfortunate incident”
He added that CM Gandapur immediately took notice summoning and ordering PTI MPAs from Khyber district to at once go to the area and establish contact with tribal stakeholders and parties to find a peaceful solution to the matter
He said Kukikhel tribesmen and elders were also engaged to find a solution Barrister Saif said the engagement and consultation processes were being carried out under the Peshawar commissioner and district administration s supervision with the authorities aiming to keep control of the law and order situation to prevent events from spiralling out of control
We hope that all stakeholders will say yes to the chief minister s request and will try to peacefully solve the issue through the jirga instead of protest The spokesperson reiterated his request that all stakeholders participate in the jirga and adopt actions to resolve issues through mutual dialogue and understanding
KP ASSEMBLY FORMS COMMITTEE O N I N C I D E N T: Meanwhile, prayers were offered in the KP Assembly for those killed in Khyber violence with Speaker Babar Saleem Swati saying: “The uncertain situation will push the province further into chaos
The assembly also approved the formation of a special committee regarding the incident with the speaker saying its first meeting would be held tomorrow at the Assembly Secretariat under KP Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi’s chairmanship Swati said the KP inspector general of police chief secretary and additional chief secretary (ACS) home and tribal affairs department would clarify their position before the committee He added that the committee’s composition would be issued soon
In a related development in the day a two-member Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench restrained the PTM from holding the jirga on disputed land, directing the police to take action to maintain law and order
The PHC issued a stay order to stop the event on the disputed land and adjourned the case till Oct 15 The bench consisted of Justice Attiq Shah and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah
government had slapped a ban on the PTM citing threats to national peace and security The party was declared unlawful under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA)
sion of Pakistan also said it was deeply concerned by reports of violence being received from Khyber” It added: “We oppose any use of unwarranted and unlawful force against those protesters who are unarmed
“The KP CM is very seriously looking after the matter and it is his utmost effort to resolve matters and control the law and order situation peacefully he said Let it remain clear that all denizens of KP, no matter which organisation or political party they may belong to, the responsibility for their protection belongs to the KP government and we are performing our duties while seriously considering the peace and order situation in the province Saif added It is CM Gandapur s effort to resolve the matter through talks He has summoned all stakeholders to solve all their issues under a jirga platform in line with Pashtun traditions under the chief minister s leadership
Fatima Fer tilizer given prestigious FPCCI Award by the President of Pakistan
The company s commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of farmers has solidified its reputation as
leading provider of agricultural products in Pakistan Fatima Fertilizer is driving digital adoption in agriculture to modernize and improve efficiency Its Sarsabz Pakistan app offers farmers a comprehensive crop advisory and management tool transforming how they access market information and critical farming updates Through the app farmers can learn best practices, find nearby dealers, check rates, and receive weather and agricultural news Additionally, Fatima’s agri-fintech platform, Fasalpay connects farmers with banks and agri-businesses offering financial services market access and expert advice to boost yields and profitability, empowering them in a competitive market
Fatima Fertilizer also launched a dedicated app called Sarsabz Asaan to support its dealers This
mobile application offers a seamless one-stop solution for dealers to place orders, remit payments online, and track order fulfillment in real time all without visiting the company's warehouses
Fatima Fertilizer continues to broaden its digital presence through live podcasts on Facebook and YouTube, offering real-time farming guidance It gives farmers a platform through testimonials and shares crop-specific tutorials that promote modern techniques for better yields The Sarsabz Kahani is another web series initiative by Fatima Fertilizer that showcases inspiring stories of farmers dedicated to their land and heritage
Fawad Ahmed Mukhtar CEO of Fatima Fertilizer expressed his gratitude at the award stating We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the FPCCI and given by the President of Pakistan At Fatima Fertilizer, we are committed to developing pioneering agricultural products that not only increase crop yield but also contribute to protecting the nation s food security Our goal is to support the farmers in their journey towards prosperity by pursuing the development of cutting-edge products and services as a constant endeavor”
With a strong focus on modernization and farmer empowerment Fatima Fertilizer continues to set new benchmarks in the agriculture industry, cementing its position as a trusted partner for farmers and a leader in advancing the nation’s food security goals
He said that action by law enforcement agencies against any banned organisation was legally permissible, adding that the land being used for the gathering was also disputed A resident of the district had moved the PHC against the PTM’s jirga The petitioner Khateer Ullah had listed the federal government provincial government inspector general of police and PTM leader Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen as respondents In his petition, he argued that following the constitutional amendment, all tribal districts had been merged in KP and followed “the law of land” saying that a national court was unconstitutional in this situation The petitioner sought a stay order on the illegal jirga until a final decision was reached
Saudi investment
OTP I N I O N S are crucial for productive discourse in any society, which ultimately leads to better democratization Without one being opinionated society will get monotonous the herd mentality gets solidified and the plurality of opinions is impacted But when these opinions are based on fragile reasoning and prejudice, then it gets alarming, as it works towards dividing the society In today’s modern world, a large number of people possess opinions about things: Political social and economic We can attribute this to the advent of modern communication tools especially social media Social media has contributed greatly to the free flow of information which is necessary for any society to have opinions Without such ease of flow of information we wouldn’t have seen society immersing itself in productive discourse Despite its pros one of the dangerous impacts of social media is that it has led to what can be called as the fragility of Opinion
Opinions are extremely subjective and due to this subjectivity, they need to be based more on logic and rationality, otherwise they deconstruct the social fabric that holds society together For instance if opinions are based on prejudice it directly impacts the social fabric that holds us together With the advent and excessive use of social media opinions have lost the logic and rational reasoning it needs to be based on The reason behind it is the social media tools that work on algorithms, which are designed to increase the reach, or rather these are being fed with the instructions to increase the reach and the easiest way to get greater reach is to feed on fear and hate
As Nual Yuvah Harrari noted that fear instantly gets instigated in the mind it captures human attention so social media algorithms are perpetuating content that is based on fear, hate, segregation and prejudice It helps these kinds of content get more visibility which is affecting the subconscious mind of the people and is resulting in a society where opinions are based on weak reasoning and logic which has clearly affected how the world operates today
This fragility of opinions has had dire consequences which has led to the influencing of public opinions One of the key tools of influencing pub-
C y b e r s e c u r i t y i n t h e a g e o f t e r r o r i s m
errorism
All this has made the world a narrow space where the plurality of opinions is affected which in turn had impacted democracy and positively contributed to the rise of divisions. The world needs the ones in control of algorithms to abandon such measures It needs to strengthen the education system so people are taught the right values, especially about the use of social media, so as to protect the upcoming generations from getting defrauded by scams and sham ideas
IThey commonly include political, ideological, and financial objectives
One of the most compelling reasons cyberterrorism poses a significant threat is the inherent anonymity of the internet Perpetrators can operate virtually anywhere in the world through pseudonyms while disguising their true identities This anonymity not only shields attackers from immediate detection but also complicates the efforts of law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to track and neutralise them
The internet further exacerbates this threat as it provides a vast platform for communication and recruitment, enabling cyber terrorists to spread propaganda, coordinate activities, and recruit sympathisers Websites, forums, and social media platforms serve as breeding grounds for extremist ideologies and facilitate the exchange of knowledge for conducting attacks The ease of communication and recruitment exacerbates the spread of cyberterrorism and amplifies its impact
Cyberterrorists employ a range of techniques to execute their attacks Hacking, password sniffing spam messages and the deployment of computer viruses are among the
commonly used methods to infiltrate and compromise systems Hacking involves unauthorised access to systems, potentially leading to data breaches or system manipulations Password sniffing captures sensitive information transmitted over networks while spam messages often serve as a vehicle for spreading malicious software Computer viruses designed to disrupt or damage systems can cause extensive harm and operational paralysis The consequences of cyber terrorism are profound and multifaceted such as data intrusion which undermines the integrity, confidentiality and availability of critical information The destruction or alteration of data can disrupt organisational operations compromise sensitive information and erode trust in digital systems Attacks on critical infrastructure, such as telecommunications, power grids, and water supplies, can paralyse entire regions, affecting millions of people while causing economic disruptions Similarly the business sectors dependent on digital operations face significant financial losses which can lead to bankruptcy and unemployment Furthermore, the potential for cyberattacks to cause physical harm or loss of life, through disruptions in air traffic control or pharmaceutical systems, highlights the farreaching and dangerous implications of cybert-
Addressing the threat of cyberterrorism requires a multifaceted approach Regular system maintenance and cyber auditing are essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities Such measures include updating software implementing strong passwords and employing intrusion detection systems Cooperation between organisations, governments, and military bodies is crucial for sharing information, developing joint strategies, and enforcing cyber deterrence Education and awareness programmes are also vital as they equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge to recognise and respond to cyber threats effectively Last but not the least, the implementation and enforcement of comprehensive cyber laws are necessary to provide a legal framework for prosecuting offenders and protecting digital infrastructure Syberterrorism represents a significant and evolving threat that demands urgent and comprehensive actions As our reliance on digital systems grows, so does the need to safeguard these systems against malicious actors By understanding the nature of cyberterrorism, adopting proactive security measures and fostering collaboration and education we can better protect our critical infrastructure and ensure the continued safe and effective use of information technology The future of cyberterrorism may well see adversaries winning battles without firing a single shot, making it imperative for us to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital battlefield
Warisha Rashid is a Researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) Lahore She can be reached at info@casslhr com
Addressing the threat of cyberterrorism requires a multifaceted approach. Regular system maintenance and cyber auditing are essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities. Such measures include updating software, implementing strong passwords, and employing intrusion detection systems Cooperation between organisations, governments, and military bodies is crucial for sharing information, developing joint strategies, and enforcing cyber deterrence
Balancing regional aspirations
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the National Assembly and the federal cabinet For an effective resolution of the crisis, a dialogue should be considered the best available option, and unless the GB or AJK governments specifically ask for any help by paramilitary or other security agencies nothing should be imposed on the
Social Fitness
WArishA rAshid
Anarchist protesters and the SCO meeting
Citizens’ right must be respected
FO R Pakistan hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting is indeed an honour, but in the current charged political, security, and law and order situation, it presents an immense challenge In many countries especially established democracies protests during high-profile regional and international meetings are considered a normal and routine affair A small contingent of police is usually deployed to ensure the safety of protesters, pedestrians, motorists, and the surrounding neighbourhood Protesters are regarded as responsible citizens and are not in any way branded as terrorists criminals or lawbreakers
This stands in stark contrast to our current trend of labelling all protesters whether peaceful or otherwise, including women, youth, and children as terrorists, anarchists, and violators of the law and order Unfortunately in Pakistan government leadership whether political or from law enforcement agencies have started labelling protesters as anarchists and vowed to prevent them from reaching their intended venues as if they are an invading enemy force It is as though they are launching an attack on the federal capital or any city in Punjab prompting the entire security apparatus to be put on high alert The authorities are authorized to use the full force of their arsenal to stop defeat arrest or, if necessary, injure the protesters This mindset is both alarming and dangerous We know that Balochistan is on a perilous path Terrorists and separatists in the region do not allow the entry of citizens from other provinces and whenever they get the opportunity they stop buses check com-
muters ID cards and kill those belonging to other provinces They also attack the residences of people from other provinces living in Balochistan and murder them mercilessly
It poses a significant challenge to our national competence and political acumen to come together identify the core issues and find political solutions against using force to quell dissent counter insurgency or separatism While such measures may temporarily suppress the situation on the surface, the underlying flames of perceived injustice, marginalization and tyranny continue to simmer and eventually erupt with greater intensity once the pressure is lifted
We have seen a similar example in Afghanistan, where both the USSR and the USA, despite their might, were unable to subjugate the Afghan people and had to withdraw in total disgrace We have also witnessed the consequences of dissent and injustice in Bangladesh where the tyranny and might of the government could not stop the protestors ultimately leading to the government s disgraceful exit
We are now confronting a similar scenario between KP province and the Federal Capital as well as Punjab The Chief Minister of Punjab the spokesperson for the Punjab government and the Federal Interior minister have labelled protesters originating from KP whether peaceful or not anarchists They have vowed to prevent citizens from KP entering Punjab or the Federal Capital, even though these citizens are exercising their fundamental right to move freely across the country without any restrictions coercion or intimidation Additionally they are exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech
This background raises two important questions Does the federal government or the Punjab government have the right power or constitutional backing to label all protesters from a legitimate political party
originating from KP anarchists?
Peaceful protests are legitimate democratic expressions and conflating them with criminal or terrorist activities erodes these rights, undermining the rule of law and democratic norms Additionally, international human rights obligations emphasize the need to protect peaceful assembly not suppress it through force or fear Such actions set a dangerous precedent stifle political discourse and undermine public trust in institutions For example, during the Yellow Vest protests in France, while there were incidents of violence, the French government did not label the entire movement anarchistic or terroristic Instead law enforcement focused on
Russia aligns with Iran, war clouds scatter
civilians
The US Commission on Religious Freedom condemns Modi’s repression of religious minorities
IS R A E L has apparently shelved its planned attack on Iran A combination of circumstances can be attributed to this retreat, which rubbishes Israel s own highpitched rhetoric that it was raring to go Despite Israel’s brilliant media management reports have surfaced that the Iranian missile attack on October 1 was a spectacular success It was a display of Iran s deterrence capability to crush Israel, if need arises The failure of the US to intercept Iranian hypersonic missiles carried its own message Iran claims that 90 percent of its missiles penetrated Israel s air defence system Will Schryver a technical engineer and security commentator wrote on X: I don t understand how anyone who has seen the many video clips of the Iranian missile
president Joe Biden put it as of October 4 there had been no decision yet on what type of response Israel should mount against Iran If I were in their [Israeli] shoes I d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields, Biden said in a rare appearance in the White House briefing room a day after Israeli officials were saying that a “significant retaliation was imminent Biden added that Israelis have not concluded how they re what they re going to do in retaliation Biden also told reporters that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should remember US support for Israel when deciding on next steps He claimed that he was trying to rally the world to avoid all-out war in West Asia In this pantomime, it is safer to believe Biden, as the honest truth is that without US inputs and practical help, and money and direct intervention Israel simply lacks the stamina to take on Iran
and attacking unarmed
But here too it is debatable how selfsufficient Israel is vis-a-vis Iran Reports have appeared that the US new technological intel pinpointed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Nasrallah s whereabouts, which were passed on to Israel, leading to his assassination Interestingly, CIA Director William Burns stepped in to refute the rumours that Iran conducted a nuclear test on Saturday Speaking at a security conference on Monday Burns stated that the US has closely monitored Iran s nuclear activity for any sign of rushing toward a nuclear bomb
“We don’t see evidence today that such a decision has been made We watch it very carefully he said Burns gently erased another alibi to attack Iran One critical factor that has compelled Israel / US to defer any attack on Iran is the stern warning by Tehran that any attack on its infrastructure by Israel will be met with an even harsher response “In responding we neither hesitate nor rush to quote Foreign
Minister Abbas Araghchi who by the way made a trip to Lebanon and Syria over the weekend by way of giving Israel a defiant “message” as he put it that “Iran has strongly backed the resistance and will always support it ” Earlier on October 4 Supreme
Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had used a rare public sermon to defend Iran s missile attack against Israel, saying it was legitimate and legal and that “if needed,” Tehran will do it again Speaking in both Persian and Arabic during Friday Prayers in Tehran Khamenei said Iran and the Axis of Resistance won t back down from Israel Iran will not procrastinate nor act hastily to carry out its duty in confronting Israel, Khamenei declared
However, what deters the Israelis and causes uneasiness in the American mind is something else Russia s lengthening shadows on the West Asian tapestry
American military analysts have disclosed that certain highly advanced Russian weaponry have been transferred to Iran in the recent weeks backed up by the deployment of Russian military personnel to operate these systems including S-400 missiles There is speculation that the secretary of Russia s Security Council (former Defence Minister)
Sergei Shoigu paid two secret visits to Iran in the recent period Apparently, Moscow also responded to the Iranian request for satellite data on Israeli targets for its missile strike on October 1 Russia also supplied Iran with the long-range electronic warfare system Murmansk-BN The Murmansk-BN system is a powerful EW system, which can jam and
systems and is capable of disrupting high-frequency satellite communication systems owned by the US and NATO
To be sure the Russian involvement in Iran s standoff with Israel is potentially a game changer From the US perspective, it raises the worrisome spectre of a direct confrontation with Russia, which it doesn’t want It is in this scenario that official Russian news agencies have quoted presidential aide Yury Ushakov on Sunday that Putin plans to meet with his Iranian counterpart, Masud Pezeshkian in the Turkmen capital, Ashgabat, on October 11 Ushakov did not elaborate on the meeting Indeed this comes as a surprise since the two leaders are scheduled to meet again at the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan that runs on October 22-24 Of course, Iranians are also playing coy Both Moscow and Tehran announced that their presidents were visiting Ashgabat on October 11 to attend a ceremony marking the 300th birth anniversary of the Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy Smoke and mirrors! It is entirely conceivable that amidst the cascading regional tensions, Moscow and Tehran may have thought of bringing forward the formal signing of the Russian-Iranian defence pact which was originally scheduled to take place in Kazan
If so the event on Thursday will be reminiscent of the unscheduled visit by the then Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko to New Delhi for the signing of the historic Treaty of Peace Friendship and Cooperation Between India and the USSR on 9th August 1971 Interestingly Ushakov added that Putin has no plans to meet Netanyahu Putin is yet to respond to a request by Netanyahu for a phone conversation, made five days ago
A legend that Netanyahu created, typically in the recent years to impress his domestic audience (and confuse the Arab street) that he had a special relationship with Putin is falling apart On the other hand, by chalking up an urgent meeting in Ashgabat in fact, Turkmen president Serdar Berdimuhamedov was in Moscow only on Monday/Tuesday on a working visit Kremlin is making it clear to Washington and Tel Aviv that Moscow is irrevocably aligned with Tehran and will help the latter no matter what it takes Isn t history repeating? The 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty was the most consequential international treaty entered into by India since Independence It was not a military alliance But the Soviet Union boosted India s military capability for an upcoming war and created space for India to strengthen the
O2 October 2024 the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a damning report condemning Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its systematic repression of religious minorities particularly Muslims Released on the International Day of Non-Violence the report paints a bleak picture of the erosion of religious freedoms under Modi s leadership highlighting escalating hate speech, discriminatory laws and violent attacks against religious communities This report is particularly significant because it comes shortly after Modi’s visit to the US and while India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar was still on a diplomatic tour of the country It underscores the increasing hostility towards religious minorities in India, particularly in the run-up to the 2024 general elections The report specifically names Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and several members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as key figures inciting hatred against Muslims The USCIRF report provides an alarming account of the deteriorating conditions for Muslims in 2024 Hate speech has escalated often led by top political figures, leading to lynchings, violence and vigilante attacks Prime Minister Modi has accused opposition parties of wanting to “wipe out the Hindu faith” and referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” rhetoric that has fuelled violent actions across the country Amit Shah falsely claimed that opposition parties would impose Shari ah law if elected, despite no such agenda being present in their manifestos
One notable incident in January 2024 followed the inauguration of the controversial Ram Temple in Ayodhya BJP leaders Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain made inflammatory speeches in Mumbai s Mira Road urging Hindus to ignite and retaliate against Muslims resulting in widespread violence
Another BJP leader, T Raja Singh, called for the demolition of mosques and incited further unrest by accusing Muslims of “love jihad” and forced conversions
LEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND
OPPRESSION : The report highlights how Modi s government has weaponised the legal system to disenfranchise religious minorities The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), for instance, fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim refugees, effectively marginalising Muslims The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and anti-conversion laws which have been enacted in several states have further deepened the divide between religious communities The USCIRF s report warns that these laws create structural inequality The UCC, for example threatens the autonomy of minority communities while anti-conversion laws provide cover for the state to arrest religious leaders and close places of worship Combined with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), millions of Muslims
face the possibility of
Qamar BasHir
CHINA URGES US TO PREVENT ESCAL ATION AS ISRAEL INTENDS TO RETALIATE SIGNIFICANTLY AGAINST IRAN
CORPORATE CORNER
shared the other half for their advancements in protein structure prediction This chemistry prize is the third of the annual Nobel awards, following those for medicine and physics announced earlier in the week Established in the will of dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Prizes honor those who have conferred the greatest benefit to humanity during the preceding year The awards have been presented since 1901 covering achievements in medicine physics chemistry literature, and peace, with the economics prize being a later addition funded by the Swedish central bank While chemistry may not always garner headlines like other fields, it has seen past recipients such as radioactivity pioneers Ernest Rutherford and Marie Curie Last year s chemistry prize was awarded to Moungi Bawendi Louis Brus and Aleksey Ekimov for their discovery of quantum dots which are crucial in modern technology such as flat screens and LED lamps The winners will receive their medals from the Swedish king on December 10, followed by a banquet at Stockholm City Hall
British MP Z ara S ultana condemns arms sales to Israel amid G aza violence
British MP Zara Sultana, of Pakistani descent, has openly condemned Prime Minister Keir Starmer ’s government for its ongoing arms sales to Israel amid escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank During a recent parliamentary session Sultana delivered a plea urging her party leader to reconsider the government s position, emphasizing the profound ethical implications of military support in the face of such humanitarian crises Sultana articulated her concerns directly to Starmer stating that the most principled and constitutional action would be to impose a complete ban on the sale of weapons including F-35 fighter jets to Israel
She urged lawmakers to reflect on the potential consequences of these arms in conflict, questioning where and against whom Israel might deploy them
Her remarks came during a particularly charged moment in Parliament, coinciding with the anniversary of the horrific October 7 attacks which have significantly shaped current geopolitical tensions
Highlighting the urgency of the situation Sultana condemned the global community s silence regarding Israeli aggression, labeling it an unfortunate response that calls for immediate efforts towards a ceasefire
Despite being a member of the ruling Labour Party, Sultana has found herself at odds with her party’s leadership leading to her current six-month suspension due
to her dissenting views Her position on arms sales reflects a broader critique of the Labour government s foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel During Prime Minister s Questions in the House of Commons, Sultana directly challenged Keir Starmer, asking if he believed that Israel’s right to self-defense justified a rising death toll that has surpassed 118 000 in Gaza and over 2 000 in Lebanon She implored Starmer to do what is morally and legally right and end the government s complicity in war crimes by banning all arms sales to Israel Starmer s firm response was a decisive no, reiterating that such a ban would mean depriving Israel of the means to defend itself, particularly in the wake of attacks from Iran
He elaborated stating that the idea of supporting Israel s right to defend itself while simultaneously restricting its access to defensive arms is wholly inconsistent He underscored that, in the current geopolitical climate, especially with the backdrop of the October 7 attacks and subsequent violence, it would be irresponsible to adopt a policy that might weaken Israel’s defense capabilities This decision has drawn criticism from various quarters including arms control experts who challenge the justification for maintaining arms exports to Israel They argue that the government s claim that suspending F-35 parts bound for Israel would disrupt the global supply chain is not only questionable but also overlooks the urgent moral imperatives involved in arms sales during times of conflict
SBP RAISES INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE HOME REMITTANCES, OFFERS UP TO RS4
ISLAMABAD
Senator Sherry Rehman chaired a comprehensive meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change today, with the agenda focusing on the progress and commitments of Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and review of the Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora (Amendment) Bill 2024 The meeting was attended by committee members Senator Shahadat Awan Senator Shahzeb Durrani, and Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, while Senator
pated online Representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change Prime Minister ’s Coordinator for
Traffic plan devised for SCO summit
Bank Alfalah par tners with Cancer Foundation Hospital to suppor t breast c ancer patients
Legal Aid Societ y hosts ’Mela on women’s rights in marriage’
Ch Salik graces cheque distribution ceremony for industrial workers
on Women s Rights in Marriage a unique and interactive event designed to raise awareness about women's legal rights in marriage The event blended cultural traditions with critical legal education, engaging participants through interactive segments that emphasized the significance of understanding Nikahnama clauses haq meher dowry and other legal protections for women One of the key issues discussed at the event is the often-overlooked potential of the Nikahnama as a tool for protecting women’s rights Despite its role as a binding marriage contract, crucial clauses that safeguard women’s autonomy - such as those related to the bride’s haq meher the delegated right of divorce and special conditions - are frequently left blank or crossed out
PTCL
: Chaudhry Salik Hussain Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development presided over a cheque distribution ceremony in Islamabad for the disbursement of marriage and death grants to industrial workers The event, organized by the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF), was attended by dignitaries from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) Bureau of Emigration Directorate of Workers Education (DWE) Labour Federation OGDCL Attock Oil Refinery and Geir Tonstol Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Pakistan
32 leADING SAuDI fIrMS To exPlore MulTI-bIllIoN
Doll Ar INveSTMeNTS IN PAkISTAN
Chinese engineers killed in Karachi attack never par t of IPP talks: Finance Ministry
The security forces thwarted an attack on a Frontier Corps’ (FC) Post in Balochistan’s Zhob District
killing two terrorists including a suicide bomber the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday The attempt to enter the camp was effectively thwarted by the security forces, and resultantly two terrorists, including a suicide bomber and high-value target terrorist Umar alias Umari were sent to hell before they could cause the intended damage ” the ISPR said
The military s media wing added that terrorist killed Umar alias Umari was involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as innocent civilians, including recent attack on a convoy of Deputy Commissioner of Sherani
During an intense exchange of fire while foiling the Zhob attack Havildar Jamshed Khan having fought gallantly paid the ultimate sacrifice and embracd Shahadat
A sanitisation operation is being conducted to neutralize any other terrorists present in the area, the ISPR said “Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace stability and progress of Balochistan and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve the statement read Meanwhile Zhob Assistant Commissioner Naveed Alam said that an attack was carried out on the Joint Response Centre in Zhob s Sabakzai area at 3:40am on Wednesday
The centre, he said, was “attacked by terrorists from three sides while a suicide bomber was killed by security forces as he attempted to enter the building ”
Alam said that at the time of the attack 45 FC of-
ficials, 10 Levies personnel, and five soldiers were present in the building
“During retaliatory fire, Havaldar Jam Sher was martyred,” he said, adding that among the 13 injured, two were civilians
He added that security forces visited the affected area during daylight and collected evidence
Last month an officer of the Balochistan Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) was martyred and three others were injured in an armed attack on the Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan highway According to a monthly security report published by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) a total of 45 terrorist attacks took place across the country in September 2024 reflecting about 24 per cent decline from the month before These attacks resulted in 54 fatalities (29 security personnel, 16 civilians, and nine militants), compared to 84 last month, and injuries to another 117 people Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suffered the most as 27 terrorist incidents occurred across the province followed by 17 in Balochistan and one in Punjab
The report said that 27 terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed the lives of 35 people and wounded 70 others
