the session for an hour due to an ongoing meeting and a cabinet session a suggestion supported by Senator Irfan Siddiqui A meeting is underway and the cabinet is also in session If appropriate, we can postpone for an hour,” Gilani stated G o v t p u t s o f f
Govt
prime minister highlighted that Pakistan will dispatch additional tents and blankets to those affected by Israeli atrocities and aggression in Palestine Gaza and Lebanon Specifically an additional 3 000 tents and 12,000 blankets will be sent to aid the victims in these regions PM Shehbaz directed Pakistan s ambassadors in neighboring countries to report on the required number of tents and blankets He reiterated Pakistan s commitment to also send food and medical supplies to those facing Israeli oppression Furthermore the prime minister condemned Israel s continued obstruction of humanitarian aid to Palestinians During the meeting, the prime minister praised the contributions of NGOs working in coordination with the government’s relief efforts for Palestinians and Lebanese He also emphasized that there should be no compromise on the quality of the relief items being sent including ensuring that the tents are fireproof Pakistani diplomats in neighboring countries were instructed to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of all relief
SC reaffir ms amended Elections Act can’t under mine July 12 verdict retrospectively
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday reiterated that amendments introduced to the Elections Act cannot be applied retroactively to alter its July 12 ruling
In a detailed clarification issued by eight judges on Friday, the court responded to applications from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) both seeking clarification on the impact of recent amendments made to the law governing elections
The clarification was made in light of the ECP s query regarding the legal effect of the Elections (Second Amendment) Act, 2024 The ECP argued that amendments to Sections 66 and 104, along with the addition of Section 104-A had altered the legal landscape and sought the top court s guidance on whether its July 12 judgment delivered before the amendments still held force
PTI, in a separate application, contended that the Supreme Court s judgment was based on constitutional principles and should not be overridden by legislative changes It argued that the amendments could not retroactively affect the judgment particularly concerning the allocation of reserved seats in parliament
The Supreme Court had earlier ruled on a case concerning the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities The court s July 12 judgment emphasised proportional representation for political parties in line with the number of general seats won under Articles 51 and 106 of the Constitution The amendments made by parliament were seen as an attempt to adjust this allocation process prompting the ECP s request for clarification In its latest response, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its original stance, making it clear that the amendments could not undermine the judgment retrospectively “The effect of the amendment made in the Elections Act cannot undo our judgment with retrospective effect ” the judges stated in the two-page clarification
The court explained that its original ruling had provided a window for parties to seek clarification, should any misunderstanding arise before the release
of the detailed reasons However, with the detailed reasons now issued, the apex court said there was no need for further clarification
“The judgment of this court has binding effect in terms of Article 189 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 and should have been implemented the clarification read It emphasised that the amendments made after the July 12 decision had “no bearing” on the ruling and that the ECP was legally bound to implement it in full
The court granted the original relief to uphold the right of political parties to proportional representation in reserved seats which it deemed a constitutional requirement The commission [ECP] is bound to implement the judgment passed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, in its letter and spirit, without seeking any further clarification ”
The clarification was signed by eight of the Supreme Court s senior judges including Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah Justice Munib Akhtar Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar Justice Ayesha A Malik Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan Previously, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Ayaz Sadiq had issued a forceful letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) urging it to respect parliamentary sovereignty in the allocation of reserved seats to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
The letter comes on the heels of a Supreme Court judgment that had ruled that independent candidates, after winning elections, could join political parties and alter their political allegiance followed up by a note released by eight SC judges directing ECP to implement the judgment at the earliest
On July 12 the Supreme Court declared PTI a parliamentary party and held that PTI was eligible to get reserved seats that were earlier distributed among other parties in the national and provincial assemblies
but warns of risks from global uncertainties and domestic challenges
alignment of this initiative with the broader vision of expanding digital banking services across the nation
Our goal is to provide innovative and secure payment solutions that empower citizens This collaboration with NADRA will not only improve service delivery but also encourage the adop-
tion of digital payment systems nationwide contributing to Pakistan’s
This strategic partnership comes at a time when digital transactions and e-governance are becoming increasingly important in providing efficient public services Through this initiative, citizens will have the ability to pay for NADRA’s services online reducing reliance on traditional
The integration of BoP s secure payment systems with NADRA s services is expected to promote transparency accountability and ease of access ensuring a smoother experience for users across the country
in
Fer tilizer
plummet amid agricultural crisis in Pakistan
a full-fledged bank account
Furthermore,
Gov t puts off Senate, NA sessions without tabling 26th Amendment
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
However, the session continued without a formal break Senator Siddiqui, from the
Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), expressed that there was
with
objection to a
of a
condemning
Meanwhile, Senator Talal Chaudhry, also from PML-N, criticised the Supreme Court’s recent clarification, stating it had further complicated its judgment and appeared to favour one political party “Such decisions are making the judges themselves controversial he remarked In the National Assembly, the session was adjourned until Saturday, October 19 Earlier in the day, an emergency cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also postponed until 9:30am the following day without any formal proceedings The government now plans to present the constitutional amendment in the Senate on Saturday, followed by the National Assembly Sources indicate that the delay stems from ongoing consultations between the government and allied parties, with further discussions scheduled Prime Minister Sharif has also called for a parliamentary party meeting on Saturday at 2:00pm where he will brief members on the 26th Constitutional Amendment Additionally, a breakfast event for senators will be hosted by the prime minister, aimed at consolidating support for the amendment All parliamentarians have been advised to remain in Islamabad as the amendment is expected to be tabled in both houses on Saturday
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
According to his input we will present our final version
However PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja slammed the most recent draft of the constitutional package, terming it an attack on the Constitution and judicial freedom”
“We have not reached a consensus with the government on the amendments and have engaged a great deal with Maulana Fazlur Rehman Raja said while talking to a private TV channel We do not accept the latest draft which was presented in the special committee we have major problems with it Raja said that how the constitutional bench would be formed in the proposed draft allowed the government to choose its composition
“The power to appoint the chief justice of Pakistan from the three most senior judges has been granted to the government he criticised
Asked about Barrister Gohar s earlier press conference, Raja acknowledged that most things have been agreed on except for two points
“There is disagreement on how the government is trying to weaken Article 8 and the amendment that allows high court judges to be transferred from one court to the other he elaborated We are glad these are being removed H
consensus then that makes sense since the government is getting the power to pick who sits on the constitutional bench ”
The PTI secretary general added that the party only received the draft today and would meet the JUI-F at 9pm to discuss it We will not accept the way this bench is being formed I certainly don t he maintained
Asked how the bench would be formed, Raja outlined that a chief justice would be picked by a parliamentary committee accompanied by four judges, four parliamentarians the law minister and representatives from the Pakistan Bar Council
If you look at how this committee will be formed it shows how much control the government has over the bench, Raja warned We cannot accept or agree with
this It will be an attack on the constitutional system and judicial freedom
Raja added that the PTI had yet to receive permission to meet Imran, alleging that the government was trying to distance him from his family lawyers and doctors “We will go to court again to fight this
While the government seemed confident of introducing the amendment draft in the Senate today the plans face the challenge of maintaining support from Fazl, who in a media talk with Gohar last night threatened to walk out of negotiations over alleged harassment of opposition lawmakers to secure support for the bill In a late-night development on Thursday today s sitting of the National Assembly originally scheduled for 11am was rescheduled to 6pm
Separately, according to a notification issued by the Senate secretariat on Friday, the Senate session adjourned for 2pm today was changed for 6pm
The Constitutional package was not part of the NA agenda a copy of which is available with Dawn com
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui while speaking to reporters yesterday had said that most of the amendments had been agreed upon and it was likely that a full consensus would be reached The amendments will be presented in the Senate tomorrow,” Senator Siddiqui had said
Earlier senior PPP leader Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah who is spearheading the special parliamentary committee claimed that consensus had been achieved within the body
A day after the heads of the PPP, PML-N and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) met at Jati Umra, Shah told media persons on Thursday that the PML-N JUI-F and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan seemed to be in agreement On the other hand the PTI said it would not share its proposals without getting a sign-off from its incarcerated founder Imran Khan
A meeting of the special committee was convened today Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Shah said: “The committee has unanimously accepted the bill that was presented today ”
KARACHI M o n i to r i n g D e s k Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) a subsidiary of Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO) has reported substantial financial losses amounting to Rs2 35 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2024 This marks a stark contrast to the previous year’s profit-after-tax of Rs4 48 billion for the same period In a notice to
COMMENT
Wishful thinking?
Mian Nawaz Sharif ’s saying the Indo-Pak ice is
PML(N) President Mian Nawaz Sharif has told a group of Indian journalists visiting to cover the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit just ended when they called on him at his Jati Umra residence that the presence of Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the summit was a good sign, and that it could be the beginning of a normalization of ties between the two countries Mr Jaishankar had attended only because Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to avoid coming to Pakistan, which he had last done in 2015, when he made a sudden visit on returning from Kabul This refusal by Mr Modi has meant that no SAARC summits have been held since 2014 Mr Sharif ’s statement cannot be dismissed as starry-eyed optimism because of his long experience of dealing with India and because of the influence has over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif However it should be noted that Mr Jaishankar carefully avoided any bilateral contacts, However, Mr Sharif managed to touch on many of the reasons why Pakistan and India need to mend fences Himself a cricket enthusiast, he expressed the sentiments of fans on both sides of the border when he said that cricketing ties should be resumed He also had a point when he said that the two countries had to work together on climate change, and on bilateral trade He noted that trade took place via third countries, and that direct trade would mean saving on transport costs He did not mention it but normalization of relations would mean less justification on both sides of the border for the defence establishments that they presently maintain However it is only because he probably wished to remain upbeat that he did not address the real reason for the Indo-Pak stalemate: the obdurate refusal of India under Modi and his BJP to address any of the concerns of Pakistan Indeed, as the revocation of Indian-Held Kashmir s status showed, the Modi government has gone out of its way to worsen them This is all of a piece with its anti-Muslim policy Mr Sharif cannot gloss over the fact that the Indian government consists of Hindu chauvinists and extremists Mr Sharif seems to have forgotten that Pakistan was created precisely because of this Hindu mindset which has been bedevilling communal relations ever since the British conquered the Subcontinent
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami
A n e w e
IN V E S T I N G in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) is crucial to achieving Pakistan s climate adaptation goals The National Adaptation Plan of Pakistan emphasizes the importance of NBS as a vital element in the country s climate policy However this inclusion needs to be followed by concrete actionable interventions along with systematic monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure effectiveness Globally, countries increasingly incorporate NBS into their climate strategies, with 92 percent of national climate targets referencing these solutions For developing countries like Pakistan NBS can represent one of the most impactful investments in addressing the severe consequences of extreme climate events Pakistan, over the years, has been on the precipice of economic instability, standing on the pillars of external debt and remittances to finance its development needs Adding to these development needs is the devastation from climate events like floods droughts desertification and others With people displaced and houses battered the need to invest in rehabilitation increases The rehabilitation is expensive and covers aspects from building houses to rejuvenating schools to including more people in the social safety net through programmes like the Benazir Income Support Programme These rehabilitation efforts are costly and contribute to already widening trade deficits sluggish improvements in human capital and increasing unemployment rates The most viable long-term solution is to prevent the exacerbation of this destruction in the first place This can only be achieved by strengthening communities’ resilience to climate change while expanding efforts to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Although technological solutions such as carbon capture and storage or developing carbon credit frameworks may be ideal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these initiatives demand significant financial investment and a strong regulatory framework both of which are limited in Pakistan That is not to say Pakistan cannot build on it; but considering the present economic and political landscape the need of the hour is cost-effective ecologically friendly and people-empowering solutions to help communities fight extreme climate events Nature-based solutions are actions to protect, conserve, restore, and sustainably use and manage ecosystems in a way that addresses social economic and environmental challenges while simultaneously benefitting human well-being and biodiversity In its essence nature-based solutions as a concept focus on urging communities, practitioners, and policymakers to work with nature, rather than against it To give an example, in Chennai, India, a restored wetland would not only provide habitat for wildlife and improve water supply but also increase communities’ resilience to floods Similarly the tremendous growth in Pakistan s mangroves is not only going to improve
fishing communities’ livelihoods but also act as great carbon sinks Most importantly NBS promotes the participation of local communities in enhancing climate adaptation efforts This is critical because no one understands the impacts of climate change better than the people who experience it firsthand and are intimately familiar with the environmental, social, and economic issues within their communities As beneficial an investment in NBS could be the momentum for this is not immense Perhaps one reason can be the mere definition of nature-based solutions and what types of interventions fall under these solutions At present, there are more than 20 different definitions of ‘nature-based solutions’, each with their own varying scope For instance some limit nature-based solutions to only those based in functioning ecosystems that would not count nature-derived solutions or nature-inspired solutions However its significance can be realized from the fact that naturebased solutions can provide one-third of the carbon mitigation to meet the Paris Agreement goals This is where Nature-based solutions become
r a i n E u r a s i a n c o n n e c t i v i t y
TAfter Uzbekistan joined the organisation in 2001 it was formally called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and its purpose was expanded to include political economic and cultural cooperation During the 16th Heads of State Summit in Astana in June 2017, Pakistan became a permanent member of the SCO China Russia India Pakistan
gives the nation the chance to take the lead in trade commerce counterterrorism and regional stability Because of its abundant resources for producing gas and oil, the SCO has the ability to influence the global geopolitical, economic, and strategic environment States in South Asia are experiencing serious shortages of energy as a result of the rapid population expansion driving up energy needs South Asian nations have an ideal chance to launch new energy projects through the SCO that will not only supply energy but also advance economic integration
The two massive projects the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and Iran-Pakistan gas pipelines will benefit the area and China is determined to invest in projects including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Bangladesh-ChinaIndia-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor The Asian Development Bank has identified 52 potential roads to connect the CARs and five seaports to connect Iran Afghanistan and Pakistan The Pakistani ports will be connected through 31 roads to central Asia, increasing regional trade by 160 percent China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the strongest massive project of 65 nations aimed at establishing a modern Silk Road to connect the second largest economy of the world with Africa Europe and Central Asia
The CPEC is one of the cornerstones of this mega project, as it will provide China access to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan China is looking to re-route its trade, and Gwadar port is the safest route for China due to cost and time effectiveness
CPEC is a flagship project of China s Belt and Road Initiative aiming to enhance economic connectivity through infrastructure development, energy projects, and trade facilitation It includes infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and ports, which are expected to boost Pakistan’s economy and improve connectivity with Central Asia Energy cooperation under CPEC aims to address Pakistan s energy crisis by investing in power generation and distribution, enhancing industrial productivity and contributing to overall economic growth Pakistan needs to enhance trade relations with other SCO members leverage its agricultural and textile sectors for export growth and investment and participate in cul-
tural exchange programmes for cultural understanding tourism and business opportunities
From a security perspective the SCO membership is particularly critical since Pakistan has been afflicted by extremism and terrorism Pakistan may work with member nations to drive out terrorism from its borders and share its expertise in a platform provided by the SCO Coordination between Pakistan and India is crucial for the regional development and stability of South Asia, as well as the development of South Asian trade routes and energy corridors
The SCO can provide a neutral venue for both countries to discuss and address their concerns through dialogue and peaceful approaches Economic prosperity is closely linked with foreign policy and the SCO can provide a forum for creating a soft image for enhancing trade relationships and exploring new markets for trade Pakistan can use the SCO forums to highlight its sacrifices and success against terrorism to improve its image in the region
The SCO offers numerous opportunities for Pakistan but challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and issues related to terrorism and extremism persist Ongoing tensions between member states, particularly between Pakistan and India, complicate regional cooperation Economic disparities among members can hinder collaborative efforts and despite collective initiatives terrorism remains a significant challenge for Pakistan
As the host of the SCO, Pakistan stands to benefit from increased market access to Central Asian markets, infrastructure development through initiatives like CPEC and joint security efforts that can enhance stability Pakistan’s geostrategic location economic potential and active involvement in various initiatives make it a vital player in the SCO s objectives
As the SCO evolves, Pakistan s role will likely become even more significant, especially amid ongoing geopolitical changes and emerging economic opportunities By leveraging its strengths and addressing challenges Pakistan can contribute to a more stable prosperous and interconnected Eurasia
The writer has a PhD in Political Science, and is a visiting faculty member at QAU Islamabad He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo com and tweets @zafarkhansafdar
As the SCO evolves, PakistanÊs role will likely become even more significant, especially amid ongoing geopolitical changes and emerging economic opportunities. By leveraging its strengths and addressing challenges, Pakistan can contribute to a more stable, prosperous, and interconnected Eurasia.
A tale of economic renewal
it
melting may be premature
Umaima ahmeD
Pakistan hosts the SCO
How nature -based solutions can save Pakistan
Dr Zafar Khan SafDar
State, People, Army and Anarchy
TH E relationship between the state, its people, and the army is crucial for the strength and stability of a nation This triadic connection forms the foundation of national cohesion security and progress fostering a harmonious environment where each component supports and reinforces the others A strong connection between the state and the army ensures robust national security The state provides the necessary resources and support for the military while the army protects the nation from both external and internal threats When citizens understand and support military objectives, they contribute to a unified front, enhancing the overall security and resilience of the country
The bond between the people and the army is essential for fostering national unity and civic pride Public support for the military fosters a sense of shared purpose and collective identity, nurturing a strong national spirit Effective communication and mutual respect among the state, people, and army build trust and collaboration When the state and military openly share their goals and challenges and when the public is informed and engaged it leads to greater understanding and support This transparency encourages a cooperative environment where all parties work together towards common objectives A cohesive relationship between the state army and citizens enhances national stability and resilience During crises such as natural disasters or security threats a unified and supportive populace facilitates swift and effective responses The army s role in these situations is strengthened by public trust and cooperation, resulting in more efficient and coordinated efforts
The bond between the people and the state mediated by the army promotes civic responsibility and active participation Citizens who recognize the military s role in national security are more likely to engage in supportive actions, such as volunteering, contributing to defense initiatives, or participating in national events This active involvement strengthens societal fabric and
reinforces democratic values The army often participates in humanitarian and development efforts supported by the state and appreciated by the public Initiatives like disaster relief, infrastructure development, and community assistance benefit from the strong bond among all three parties Public support for these efforts combined with state resources and military capability leads to effective and impactful outcomes In the context of Pakistan, the relationship between the state, its people, and the Pakistan Army exemplifies the nation’s resilience and unity This dynamic partnership is evident through numerous instances of cooperation support and mutual respect demonstrating the strength and effectiveness of this triadic alliance One of the most striking examples of this bond is the response to natural disasters, with the 2005 Kashmir earthquake serving as a prime illustration In the aftermath the Pakistan Army was pivotal in rescue and relief operations delivering immediate aid to the affected areas The state mobilized resources effectively while the public contributed through donations and volunteer work This collective response demonstrated the effective coordination between the army, government, and citizens during a crisis Similarly during the 2010 and 2011 floods the synergy between the army state-organized relief efforts and public contributions was crucial The army s logistical support, combined with state initiatives and public donations, played a key role in providing aid, rebuilding infrastructure and assisting displaced communities Operation Zarb-e-Azb launched in 2014 highlighted the strong partnership between the Pakistani state and its military with the state providing policy and resource support while the army executed the mission with precision and commitment Despite facing challenges and making sacrifices the people supported the army’s efforts with patience and resilience The success of the operation marked a significant advancement in counterterrorism efforts Currently, the Pakistan Army continues its robust fight against terrorism, with Operation Azm-e-Istehkam also underway The development of Pakistan’s defense capabilities often reflects the collaborative spirit among the state army and people Examples include the creation of the indigenously produced JF17 Thunder fighter jets and successful nuclear tests These advancements in military technol-
ogy and defense strategies are bolstered by state olicies and public confidence
The Pakistan Army s engagement in various humanitarian and community development projects further illustrates this remarkable partnership The army’s involvement in constructing schools hospitals and infrastructure in underserved regions such as the Thar Coalfield project and educational development in remote areas is supported by the state and valued by the public
National events and ceremonies frequently highlight this bond Celebrations like Pakistan Day, Independence Day, and military parades are moments when the army state officials and citizens unite to honor the nation s history and achievements These events foster national unity and pride reflecting the shared values and aspirations of the army, government, and people Additionally, the army s role in educational and professional training initiatives such as the “Pakistan Army Professional Development” programmes and collaborations with civilian educational institutions demonstrates its commitment to skill development and leadership Support from the state for these programmes, coupled with public recognition of military achievements, contributes to a comprehensive approach to national development
Despite encountering various challenges Pakistan s distinctive strengths and opportunities offer a path to a prosperous future Its strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East provides significant advantages Proximity to major global trade routes and emerging markets presents opportunities for economic expansion through enhanced trade and regional connectivity Initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) demonstrate how Pakistan can capitalize on its strategic position to advance infrastructure development and economic integration Additionally with a young and growing population Pakistan benefits from a substantial demographic advantage The substantial pool of young talent in Pakistan offers significant opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship By investing in education and skill development this youthful demographic can be transformed into a powerful driver of technological progress and economic advancement Pakistan is rich in diverse natural resources, including minerals, energy reserves,
and agricultural assets Proper exploration and development of these resources can stimulate industrial growth and reduce dependence on imports Strategic management and investment in sectors such as mining, energy, and agriculture can greatly contribute to national development and economic self-reliance The market economy in Pakistan is evolving with expanding opportunities in sectors like information technology, manufacturing, and services The rise of startups and small businesses highlights a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit Government policies that improve the ease of doing business promote investment and support innovation can further boost economic activity and attract foreign investment Infrastructure development is a crucial driver of economic progress Pakistan has initiated various projects to enhance its transportation, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure Completing major projects such as highways railways and energy facilities will improve connectivity support industrial growth and facilitate trade creating a more favorable environment for economic activities
Pakistan s diverse landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage present substantial
Yahya Sinwar died fighting Israel. His death will not defeat Hamas
after his release from detention,
in 2012 as a member of Hamas political bureau and played a leading role in administering the movement’s military wing, Izziddin Al-Qassam Brigades Sinwar gained further prominence in 2021 when he was elected head of the Hamas local organisation in Gaza This was the year when tensions in Jerusalem over Jewish settlers repeated attempts to storm into Al-Aqsa Mosque and Israeli restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers, sparked yet another war in Gaza that lasted for 11 days This was Israel s fourth major attack on Gaza in 14 years There was so much devastation and hundreds of casualties Yet the war established Sinwar as the undisputed leader of the enclave
circles, was born in Khan Younis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip in October 1962 to a family of refugees hailing from the Palestinian city of Majdal In 1948 Zionist gangs occupied the village during the Palestinian Nakba (the creation of the state of Israel) and renamed it Ashkelon
Like many thousands of residents of areas located to the north of Gaza, which became overnight the “State of Israel”, Sinwar ’s family fled southwards for what they thought at the time was going to be a temporary refuge All such refugees were convinced that within days they would
According to a recent New York Times report citing Hamas documents which the Israelis allegedly found in a laptop in Gaza, Sinwar and a very close circle of a few of his comrades started preparing for a major offensive against Israel as early as 2021 Following Israel’s assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on 31 July 2024, after lengthy deliberations and much speculation Hamas s Shura Council named Sinwar successor to Haniyah as the new political leader of the movement on 5 August This was surprising to many observers
A RESILIENT MOVEMENT: According to convention, such a position would usually be filled by a Hamas figure in the diaspora because of the political and diplomatic tasks the position entails that require free movement Khaled Meshaal was thought by many to be the likely candidate Yet Meshaal refused to accept the nomination and insisted that Gaza, which had been resisting Israeli aggression, should alone have the right to lead the movement during this critical period in the history of the movement Although the killing of Sinwar will be seen as another major blow to Hamas it is highly unlikely that it will affect its long-term strategy Israel succeeded many times before in almost decapitating the movement Yet it has not managed to weaken its resolve let alone crush it The list of top leaders eliminated since the emergence of Hamas on the Palestinian scene in the late 1980s is quite long It includes the movement’s founder Sheikh Yassin on 21 March 2004 and his successor Abd al-Aziz al-Rantisi on 17 April 2004 The leader of Hamas s military wing Izziddin AlQassam Brigades Ahmed al-Jaabari was assassinated on 14 November 2012 More recently the Israelis assassinated Hamas deputy leader Salih al-Arouri on 2 January 2024 and the movement’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh on 31 July The resilience of the movement derives from two factors First Hamas stands for an idea and the idea is that the Palestinians once had a homeland that was taken away from them to make way for the creation of a Jewish homeland deemed a century ago to be the perfect solution to Europe s Jewish problem The Palestinians have been struggling to go back home for more than three-quarters of
countr y ’s
AGENCIES
Wang Y i c
alls for C hina-US cooperation to tackle global challenges
of China, change its zero-sum mentality and work with China to actively explore the correct way for the two major powers to coexist
Bremmer noted that U S -China relations are the most important bilateral relationship in the world today He expressed satisfaction in seeing the relationship show signs of stabilization due to efforts from both sides and indicated a willingness to continue providing candid advice for the long-term peaceful coexistence of the two nations Bremmer also expressed hope that the two major powers will jointly contribute to maintaining a stable international order
Netanyahu says war on G aza ‘not over yet ’ af ter death of Yahya Sinwar
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip was the “beginning of the end” of the year-long war in the Palestinian territory
The Israeli military said that after a lengthy hunt troops had on Wednesday eliminated Yahya Sinwar in an operation in the southern Gaza Strip Netanyahu, who vowed to crush Hamas at the start of the war, hailed Sinwar ’s killing, saying:
“While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it’s the beginning of the end ” He had earlier called Sinwar s death an important landmark in the decline of the evil rule of Hamas
The chief of Hamas in Gaza at the time of the October 7 attack that sparked the war, Sinwar became the fighters group s overall leader after the martyrdom in July of its political chief, Ismail Haniyeh Israel’s announcement of Sinwar ’s death comes weeks after it assassinated Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a strike in Lebanon where the Israeli military has been at war since late September With Hamas already weakened more than a year into the Gaza war, Sinwar s death deals an immense blow to the organisation US President Joe Biden, whose government is Israel’s top arms provider, said:
“This is a good day for Israel for the United States and for the world
There is now the opportunity for a day after in
Gaza without Hamas in power and for a political set-
tlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike
Hamas also seized 251 hostages during the October 7 attack and took them into Gaza Ninety-seven remain there, including 34 who Israeli officials say are dead Following the attack, Netanyahu vowed to defeat Hamas and bring home all the hostages Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed 42 438 people in Gaza the majority civilians according to data from the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures which the UN considers reliable Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi said: We are settling the score with Sinwar, who is responsible for that very difficult day a year ago ”
The Israeli military said Sinwar was killed in a firefight in southern Gaza s Rafah near the Egyptian border while being tracked by a drone
It released drone footage of what it said was Sinwar s final moments, with the video showing a wounded militant throwing an object at the drone
With the civilian toll in Gaza mounting, Israel has faced criticism over its conduct of the war including from the United States
In northern Gaza s Jabalia two hospitals said Israeli air strikes on a school sheltering displaced people killed at least 14 people
According to a UN-backed assessment, some 345,000 Gazans face “catastrophic” levels of hunger this winter Nearly 100 percent of Gaza’s population now lives in poverty the UN’s International Labour Organization said warning that the war s impact on Gaza will be felt for generations to come
showed on Friday The country s gross domestic product (GDP) experienced a growth of 4 6 percent in the third quarter following a 4 7 percent growth in the second quarter In the first three quarters China s GDP grew by 4 8 percent reaching over 94 97 trillion yuan (about $13 34 trillion), according to the NBS data At a press conference on Friday, Sheng Laiyun, NBS deputy director said that based on the economic performance in the
CORPORATE CORNER
BankIslami
the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasized that the preservation of underwater ecosystems and the sustainable use of marine resources are critical to ensuring global biodiversity and economic stability “Through a combination of stringent international regulations innovative technologies and effective conservation strategies we can secure a sustainable future for underwater environments while balancing human and environmental needs, the Naval Chief added
Advocate General of Punjab Khalid Ishaq appeared before the court
Every student is saying that the assault took place but no one had any evidence, Ishaq told the court During the hearing, Justice Neelum censured the Punjab IG for not being able to stop videos on different matters from spreading saying that it was his “failure” that students had taken to the streets The LHC chief justice then decided that the matter of harassment of students and a separate ongoing case of Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari s fake videos be clubbed together and heard by a full bench on October 22
the alleged assault ignited widespread outrage Students and others vandalized property, set motorcycles on fire, and clashed with police forces The Lahore Police filed a case at the Harbanspura police station with sub-inspector Usman Akbar citing that 200 to 250 unidentified individuals were involved in the disturbances The FIR indicated that protesters attacked police with petrol bombs, leading to the destruction of six motorcycles and significant damage to the college As part of the crackdown, police have arrested 24 individuals linked to the vandalism
SC forms seven benches for upcoming week’s hearings
ISLAMABAD
Separately the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal In-
vestigation Agency (FIA) carried out province-wide raids yesterday for the arrest of some senior journalists, lawyers, and TikTokers, arresting three of them for allegedly spreading false information on social media regarding the incident The case was registered in light of an inquiry conducted by the cyber crime wing of the FIA (Lahore) on the complaint of Punjab College for Women (Gulberg) Principal Sadia Yousuf At the outset of the hearing, Justice Neelum asked IG Anwar, Why were the videos not prevented from spreading [on social media]? Did you approach any authority to stop the videos [from being spread]?”
The Punjab police chief replied he had approached the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) The chief justice then noted that the videos went viral on October 13 and 14 remarking: You wake up when the fire has been set alight when everything has been burned Did you contact the relevant authorities very late? she asked, to which the Punjab IG replied that more than 700 accounts were involved in sharing the videos He stressed that the police “only have one agency to oversee cybercrime IG sahib this is your failure that you let the children take to the streets, Justice Neelum observed She asked the Punjab police chief to give an account of what the police did on October 14 and 15, noting that some videos were still present on the platforms of X and
Noman and S ajid lead Pakistan to vic tor y over England in Multan Test
MULTAN S TA F F R E P O R T
It had been a long wait for Pakistan, but the conclusion was swift Noman Ali and Sajid Khan teamed up once more to bowl out England, securing Pakistan’s first home Test victory since 2021 In a dramatic session eight wickets fell in under two hours as England succumbed to a flurry of sweeps and reverse-sweeps
Noman claimed seven wickets finishing with figures of 8 for 46 and 11 for 147 in the match Sajid, who took 7 for 111 in the first innings, contributed the other two wickets, making them the first pair to claim all 20 wickets in a Test since Dennis Lillee and Bob Massie in 1972
This crushing result achieved in just over three days on a used pitch designed to assist the spinners levels the series at 1-1 ahead of the third Test in Rawalpindi It also marks Shan Masood s first victory as captain after a challenging run of six consecutive defeats On day four of the second Test yet the ninth day of action for the Multan pitch consistent turn was evident England’s not-out batters Ollie Pope and Joe Root had been practicing their sweeps before play resumed attempting to chase down a target of 261 for victory
However, Pope quickly fell to Sajid, poking his second ball back to the bowler Harry Brook’s attempt to sweep his first ball also met with failure and the early dismissals set the tone for England s batting collapse Root faced eight balls attempting sweeps before being given lbw, a decision confirmed on review Brook managed to score a boundary but was
Omar Ayub calls for dialogue amid claims of political oppression
Omar Ayub Leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly has called on the government to engage in dialogue instead of intimidation regarding proposed constitutional amendments Speaking after his court appearance in the Peshawar High Court for a bail case, Ayub criticized Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi urging them to clarify allegations of oppression in the political sphere
He noted that many PTI members have been arrested and claimed that assembly members have been offered bribes ranging from one billion to three billion rupees to change their allegiances
Ayub stressed that any constitutional amendments should involve discussions with opposition parties including representatives from Bar Councils rather than
coercive measures
“The government does not have enough numbers for the constitutional amendment ” he said asserting that it is the government’s responsibility to gather the necessary support in the House
Despite facing multiple legal challenges and fearing arrest following protests at D Chowk, Ayub expressed his determination to attend upcoming National Assembly sessions
The Peshawar High Court granted him and fellow PTI leaders Barrister Saif Mashal Yousafzai and Wazirzada bail for three weeks overseen by Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim During the proceedings Ayub s concerns about political persecution were evident I have been nominated in 22 cases I want to go to the assembly session, but there is a fear of arrest, he stated The court also approved Ayub’s transit bail until November, providing him some relief as political tensions rise in the country
S TA F F R E P O R T The Supreme Court of Pakistan has constituted seven regular benches for the upcoming week to preside over various cases The first bench will be led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, alongside Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal The second bench includes Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Justice Ayesha Malik and Justice Aqeel Abbasi Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Athar Minallah will make up the third bench while the fourth bench will consist of Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, and Justice Shahid Waheed The fifth bench includes Justice Amin ud Din Khan, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan Meanwhile, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmed will form the sixth bench Lastly the seventh bench will consist of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel Four
growing concerns over road closures, which have exacerbated food and fuel shortages and heightened fears of a major humanitarian emergency in the region
incite citizens to protest The Lahore police released a list of over 1 600 active workers which led to detention of more than 350 activists These individuals were arrested in connection with cases registered in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other districts Police conducted raids in areas including Wahdat Road Iqbal Town Johar Town Mustafa Town Nawab Town Sattokatla Kahna Kot Lakhpat Defence Factory Area Southern Cantt, Northern Cantt, Mughalpura, Shalimar, Bagbanpura, Misri Shah, Achharah, and Garhi Shahu
The teams from Operations Investigations and the Operational Control Unit (OCU) have been formed for the arrests According to police officials the orders for the detention of individuals disrupting public order are also being obtained
In Rawalpindi, the PTI call for districtlevel protests largely failed with only a small group of workers gathering at Committee Chowk
