SAUDI ARABIA BOOSTS INVESTMENT
Govt, opposition finalise names for key judicial appointment body
BhuttoZardari of the Pakistan People s Party (PPP) from the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) Senator Irfan Siddiqui The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has selected Senator Shibli Faraz and National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub for the commission Omar Ayub confirmed his nomination to Geo News, noting that PTI
founder Imran Khan played a significant role in the decision He mentioned that the names were finalized after consultations that included PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, and were influenced by discussions with the incarcerated former
Gandapur hopeful of Imran Khan release from jail soon
s order She was jailed in fake cases and is out of prison because the court granted her bail , he insisted, asserting that soon Khan would also be released from jail
Dispelling the impression that the PTI was against the army and army chief the KP CM declared that everyone harbouring any such impression must revisit their thoughts and mind that the PTI was neither against the institution of army nor against any individual (army chief) but against the [policies] and simply wanted them to be corrected
The KP CM said that PTI s struggle for its rights was not only peaceful but also within the parameters of law and the Constitution
premier The PPP is pushing for balanced representation within the JCP proposing two names Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Farooq H Naek to sit alongside the government s existing representatives, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Awan This ensures each major party has equal influence in the commission’s decisions The JCP s reformation mandated by the new constitutional provisions is part of a broader overhaul of Pakistan s judicial appointment process The commission, chaired by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, now includes two senators and two MNAs one from each side of the government and opposition This structure is designed to fortify the judiciary s independence by involving a wider array of political representatives in the nomination process These developments follow the contentious legislative changes pushed through by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s government with the support of coalition allies like the PPP and opposition parties like JUI-F These changes not only modify the appointment process of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and establish constitutional benches but also set fixed tenures for these positions aiming to stabilize the judiciary s future governance
Fazl reiterates demand for fresh elections to ‘save countr y ’
DERA ISMAIL KHAN
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday reiterated his demand for fresh elections emphasizing that new polls are crucial for Pakistan
salvation
are the only solution to save Pakistan, he emphasized and criticised the current government, stating that it lacks
‘fake’ mandate Days after the Jamiat Ulema-e-
Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) helped the coalition government pass the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the party s chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that if his party had not voted for the amendment “a very dirty draft” would have been approved Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that if the JUI-F had not participated, the government would have bought 11 votes About the 26th constitutional amendment, the JUI-F chief said that there were 56 clauses in it adding that his party decreased the same to 27 Fazl said We manage to pass this amendment while remaining in opposition Speaking on the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that ‘political’ prisoners should be released
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has reserved its decision regarding a proposed reduction in power tariffs by up to 71 paisa per unit under the monthly fuel price adjustment (FPA) for September 2024 The public hearing took place on Wednesday chaired by NEPRA Chairman Waseem Mukhtar, to evaluate the application submitted by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) During the hearing officials from the National Power Control Center (NPCC) reported that solarization and a reduction in demand have led to peak hours extending until 1 AM They also noted that the shutdown of the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Plant has contributed to a decrease in hydroelectric production In addition some coal-fired power plants generated less electricity during this period In response NEPRA questioned the reasons behind these operational issues, but NPC officials struggled to provide sat-
isfactory explanations The NEPRA Chairman expressed frustration stating “I regret that officials do not come prepared ” The NEPRA chairman also mentioned that an inquiry committee established by the Prime Minister is currently investigating the Neelum Jhelum hydropower project However, he acknowledged that there is no current estimate for the repair costs associated with the plant “Until we have solid numbers the government will not know what to do he added emphasizing the importance of the Prime Minister s approval of the inquiry report before any conclusions can be made The Neelum Jhelum hydropower project is presently inactive raising questions from consumers about NEPRA’s stance on the situation An electricity consumer queried What will the Authority say about this? The NEPRA chairman clarified that the Neelum Jhelum project operates on a take and-pay basis but noted that its shutdown ultimately results in losses for consumers If the Neelum Jhelum hydropower project were operational it would have
generated cheap electricity,” remarked another consumer highlighting the frustration shared by many regarding the situation The NEPRA statement indicated that the public hearing concerning the monthly fuel charge adjustments for September conducted at NEPRA headquarters has concluded However, the authority will release a detailed decision after verifying the submitted data In its application the CPPA requested NEPRA s approval to reduce the electricity price by Rs 0 7057 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
B C O
COMMENT
Back to the future
PR I M E M I N I S T E R Shehbaz Sharif was perhaps right not to speak of his views on solarization as a guest of Saudi Arabia, the world s largest oil exporter, but he showed the modernity of his vision by telling the plenary session of the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on Tuesday that the future belonged to a knowledgebased economy based on innovation in artificial intelligence health and education All of these are truisms, but they need to be operationalised How exactly this is to be done depends on how far the government is willing to prepare the population for the changes that are to come
An important point that Mr Sharif made was that this could only be achieved if countries cooperated in this This would apply to sharing technology as well as best practices This could become a new form of neocolonialism, if certain countries were seen the sources of both, as at present, which allows them also to exercise a cultural dominance as if clothes were substitute for technology, or mores were a substitute for best practices Mr Sharif said that this was only possible if countries cooperated together this implies a free exchange of knowledge even though it will have become the most valuable commodity in the world Mr Sharif has a powerful point: it requires the best ideas to solve the world s problems, ans it will not matter where those ideas come from The current model is of hanging on to ideas, keeping technology secret, and weaponizing it so as to use against the enemy
However as Pakistan is experiencing the problems of today require solutions involving old rivals To take a small example, there is no wy Pakistan or India can solve their smog problem on their own
This requires a change in mindset among those who might have a vested interest in conflict It is essential that they realize that their future is bleak unless they are ready to change This includes all those who support outdated technologies like the oil lobby There must be a willingness to change an open-ness to innovation, among decision-makers In this respect, Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, the host of this event, shows realism, in looking to future for his country in a world where oil no longer drives the world’s economies Though what Mr Sharif said was revolutionary it was also hardheaded realism Now what he has to do is walk the
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late)
E S I S T I N G the temptation of arguing with fools is a necessary condition for spiritual and mental peace It is easier said than done though The root of the difficulty, ironically is a very desirable attribute: namely allegiance to sense and reason When somebody says something exceedingly stupid one cannot help feeling obliged to set the record straight This is usually accompanied by a feeling that one is dutybound to show the person spewing nonsense why and how badly he needs to modify his stance There is nothing wrong with the urge to set the record straight provided
IN a striking alignment of interests certain members of US Congress particularly those with pro-Israel pro-India and antiPakistan inclinations are demonstrating support for Imran Khan, who remains embroiled
However, this alignment is not in Pakistan’s favour if it involves compromising on issues of sovereignty or domestic policy independence The backing from these pro-India and proIsrael members also inadvertently validates Pakistan s long-standing concerns about Indian interference and influence on global platforms India’s considerable lobbying power in Washington and its alignment with Israeli interests mean that any US interference in Pakistan even under the guise of supporting democratic processes can seem highly suspect For the Pakistani public and policymakers, this could feel like yet another instance of foreign players attempting to shape Pakistan’s political landscape Among Congress members supporting Khan’s cause 21 hold anti-Pakistan views This faction has a history of advocating policies that have placed Pakistan in a negative light especially concerning regional security and counterterrorism efforts Their involvement in Khan s case can be interpreted as a further attempt to influence Pakistan’s political stability For these lawmakers supporting a political upheaval in Pakistan could weaken the country internally making it more susceptible to external influence This external interference erodes the very concept of democratic autonomy, transforming an internal political matter into an internationalized issue ripe for manipulation In seeking to bolster Khan’s position, these anti-Pakistan lawmakers may inadvertently (or otherwise) be fueling divisions within Pakistan fostering a political environment that is vulnerable to foreign agendas This is an alarming trend, especially for a country that has historically struggled to maintain political stability and sovereignty without foreign intervention The support from US Congress members with such defined ideological inclinations has raised justifiable suspicions in Pakistan This involvement in Pakistan s domestic politics framed
as support for democracy, might serve as a convenient façade for more strategic motives If the PTI were to gain power with the backing of these foreign lawmakers the potential for external influence over Pakistan s policy decisions becomes even more pronounced For a sovereign nation, this represents a fundamental challenge to the independence and integrity of its political processes
It is imperative that any international support respects Pakistan’s right to self-determination When US lawmakers with pro-Israel pro-India and anti-Pakistan leanings champion political causes in Pakistan, it sends a message that resonates uneasily with many Pakistanis: Are these lawmakers truly concerned with Pakistan’s democratic health, or are they invested in manipulating the country’s political landscape to align with external interests?
For Pakistan the path forward should involve minimizing external influence in its domestic affairs, especially from individuals or entities with conflicting geopolitical alignments Supporting democratic principles does not mean that foreign powers should dictate or influence political outcomes Pakistan’s democratic integrity relies on a political environment free from external intervention where its leaders and citizens can make decisions based on the country s best interests rather than foreign agendas Pakistan’s sovereignty should be upheld by ensuring that foreign players with conflicting interests are kept at a distance from domestic affairs While international relationships and diplomatic ties remain important Pakistan s internal politics must remain shielded from foreign pressures that could compromise its national interests Only by fostering an independent, resilient democratic system can Pakistan chart a path that aligns with its people’s aspirations and its sovereign interests
The writer can be reached at asadmalik2008@gmail com A q u e s t i o n o f s o v e r e i g n t y
Feasting amid chaos
Pothole Hazards
Letter of US Congressmen to Biden
HASAN AFTAB SAEED
Diplomacy in the 21st Centur y
Laique HaiDeR
TH E concept of diplomacy in the 21st century has changed greatly mainly because of the dynamism that characterizes the world today Historically, diplomacy was exclusively conceived as direct relations between states and foreign governments only but this has evolved over time to include anybody anything technology and creativity
A striking example of dynamics in 21stcentury diplomacy is the Paris climate accord signed in 2015 by 196 countries This important treaty proves that the global community can unite on a vital problem by recognizing the initiatives of the USA China and the countries of the European Union
Another piece of successful diplomacy was the Iran nuclear deal or also the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA Signed between Iran and the USA and facilitated with the cooperation of Russia, China, the United Kingdom France Germany and the EU JCPOA is a perfect example of diplomatic endurance and concessions
Using the experience of the USA and Cuba after the announcement of the US authorities on the desire for the normalization of relations in 2014, the subject of the topic is the stranger aspect of engagement diplomacy They resumed their relations and foreign intercourse in art and commerce in the middle of the 21st century
In the era when the use of technologies is becoming dominant in human life, diplomacy has embraced technological developments Communication technology such as social media forums and cybersecurity are some of the key items that have become compulsions for diplomats Primary examples of this new change are the US Department of State s Digital Diplomacy plan and the European Union s Digital Diplomacy Network ” Official diplomacy is accompanied by the phenomenon of public diplomacy: people s diplomacy cultural diplomacy and international education There are the Fulbright
Scholarship programme, the International Visitor Leadership programme, among others, which enhance humility and global ambassadors for the participating nations
This represents a growing trend of economic diplomacy because major countries want free trade foreign direct investments and more sustainable development This has been evidenced by the formation of economic blocs like the European Union and the Association of States of Southeast Asia (ASEAN)
Multilateral diplomacy is still valuable since diplomacy is carried out in international organizations and through international relations Both the United Nations and WTO, as well as the International Court of Justice, best represent collective action
But there are also challenges of diplomacy in the 21 t century to a certain degree Protectionism and geopolitical tensions are on the increase; they are able to destabilize the world Global warming, outbreaks, and disasters can and should be fought collectively across the global community
The coronavirus effects have highlighted the necessity of rising states collaboration and diplomacy plays The WHO coordination of multilateral diplomacy and sharing of vital information cements the impact of multilateral diplomacy
The special attention is paid to the USA and China Climate Change Agreement signed in 2014
Then there is the India-US Nuclear Deal of 2008 the ASEAN Economic Community the development of which has been completed in 2015 ASEAN–China Free Trade Area was signed in 2018 to establish the Intercontinental Free Business District
The above achievements are indicative
to the extent that diplomacy, when practiced and deployed, can enhance the provision of solutions to most of the challenges facing the world
Quite surprisingly a feeling is gradually emerging that today s international relations cannot succeed without resorting to information diplomacy Informal diplomacy can be best described as diplomacy that goes beyond official government-to-government contacts and involves contacts that are people-to-people in their aim of achieving cooperation trust and conflict resolution
Track II diplomacy is an unofficial diplomacy where non-governmental specialists and scholars sit behind closed doors to discuss sensitive Isles Other forms of people-to-people contacts called informal diplomacy are cultural exchange business and trade contacts civil society groups use of social/Internet platforms and other contacts between the citizens
Such channels include the following advantages: trust and confidence, effective cooperation on sensitive matters, the establishment of common interests, the invention of new approaches and raising awareness between the two parties Some of the best examples of informal diplomacy include the Oslo Peace Accord the Helsinki Accord, and the US China Track II
Thus, informals are of rather great importance in the 21 century owing to globalization non-state actors and multifaceted international problems Appropriate informal diplomacy encompasses the understanding of culture adaptability good communication skills, and the skills of building relationships
Despite the formal structures, people s governments can encourage actors to cooperate, trust each other, and solve multifaceted
issues Thus the function of informal diplomacy will remain critical in creating sustainable healing stability and appreciation Diplomacy in the future is continually changing due to technological changes, alterations in the distribution of power, and other new factors
Considering the fact that the Asia-Pacific region occupies the most developing economies and has many different cultures its role in the formation of further diplomatic relations will be crucial to its role in the formation of future diplomacy
The changes are also observable on the level of diplomatic practices vital in the region where digital diplomacy public diplomacy or track-two diplomacy are added to the conventional diplomacy ASEAN has become an important actor for regional diplomacy, advocating for economic integration, the settlement of conflicts, and cooperation
Since the emergence of China and India as superpowers of the world, the diplomacy of the Asia-Pacific states has taken a new turn In both cases diplomacy is being used to serve the economic and strategic needs of both countries while at the same time responding to the questions of regional security Japan, South Korea, and Australia too are very busy in diplomatic processes, nurturing cooperation and managing problems in the region
There are many important diplomatic arrangements situated in the region such as the ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum), the EAS (East Asia Summit), the APEC (AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation Forum), the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), and the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) These initiatives give the region participation in multilateralism economic cooperation and conflict resolution But the Asia-Pacific area also has diplomatic concerns such as the Spratly Islands Issue, the Democratic People’s Republic of
Therefore, international diplomacy in the 21st century is best referred to as a complex, adaptive, and progressive form of diplomacy. Through embracing technological change, international cooperation, or encouraging cultural sensitivity, diplomats can easily understand the relations between two countries and help to promote a peaceful and happy world Today, the art of diplomacy is not the same as in the past, and it is adapting itself to todayÊs world
Korea s Uranium Project nationalism protectionism, climate change and environmental degradation, and cyber security threats
To meet these challenges, diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region must progress toward new forms effectively using high technologies in strengthening diplomatic cooperation and communication increasing people-topeople exchanges, and cultural diplomacy, promoting economic integration and cooperation, developing regional security structures, and combating climate change and environmental issues
Thus the future of diplomacy within the Asia-Pacific region shall be envisioned based on a nation s capacity for change in the face of emerging threats, the incorporation of new technological developments, and the strengthening of relationship horizontality Some important diplomatic enactments are the ASEAN Economic Community the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement the India-ASEAN FTA the China-ASEAN FTA, and the AI CEPA
These agreements are evidence that diplomacy can lead to economic development, formations of regional cooperation, and ultimately stability It also aims at discussing key trends affecting the diplomatic dynamics in Asia-Pacific post-COVID-19 namely the shift of Anglo-Saxon polarity and multilateralism between the USA and China, and the role of India and other emerging powers, regional institutions/non-state actors and technology in this process In this context diplomacy is going to matter as the region has to manage these societal-political realities in order to create a pull for peace, stability, and prosperity Today s diplomats cannot be rigid figures; they have to be dynamic and innovative so they can foster cooperation, understanding, and peace
Therefore international diplomacy in the 21st century is best referred to as a complex adaptive and progressive form of diplomacy Through embracing technological change, international cooperation, or encouraging cultural sensitivity, diplomats can easily understand the relations between two countries and help to promote a peaceful and happy world Today the art of diplomacy is not the same as in the past,
neuroscience and information theory If that sounds like your jam it will be but the new-atheist polemics were written to be whipped through and this book is not
TGod’s nonexistence were suddenly discovered Rather, it arrived because specific events and deeper forces made the time ripe for unbelief because the early internet served as a novel transmission belt for skepticism because Sept 11 advertised the perils of religious fundamentalism because the Catholic Church s sex abuse crisis undermined the West s strongest bastion of organized Christianity and because the digital-era retreat from authority and institutions hit religious institutions first
The point of listing such forces is not to diminish the influence of Dawkins and the rest By seizing their opportunity the anti-God polemicists pushed secularization and de-Christianization further than they might otherwise have gone It s just to emphasize that success in the battle of ideas is often about recognizing when the world is ready to go your way, when audiences are suddenly primed to give your ideas a fuller hearing than before Such an opportunity confronts religious writers today The new-atheist idea that the weakening of organized religion would make the world more rational and less tribal feels much more absurd in 2024 than it did in 2006 Existential anxiety and civilizational ennui not rationalist optimism and humanist ambition, are the defining moods of secular liberalism nowadays The decline of religious membership and practice is increasingly seen as a social problem rather than a great leap forward People raised without belief are looking for meaning in psychedelics astrology UFOs And lately the rise of the “Nones” Americans with no religious affiliation has finally leveled off
So the world seems primed for religious arguments in the same way it was primed for the new atheists 20 years ago But the question is whether the religious can reclaim real cultural ground especially in the heart of secularism, the Western intelligentsia as opposed to just stirring up a vague nostalgia for belief
It’s one thing to get nonbelievers to offer kind words for cultural Christianity or endorse the sociological utility of churchgoing The challenge is to go further to persuade anxious moderns that religion is more than merely pragmatically useful more than just a wistful hope that a religious framework actually makes much more sense of reality than the allegedly hardheaded materialist alternative I have skin in this game, since I will be offering my own attempt at persuasion next year But the past few months have brought three religious books that enter this debate covering the philosophical the scientific and the experiential cases for a religious perspective on the world
The philosophical case comes from polymathic philosophertheologian David Bentley Hart, who has probably forgotten more about obscure Hindu sutras than I know about my own family His new book is “All Things Are Full of Gods: The Mysteries of Mind and Life ” the culmination of decades of argument against the new atheists and all reductive accounts of human consciousness As a culminating work it is not necessarily the best place for a neophyte to start: That distinction belongs to Hart s 2013 book, The Experience of God, a much more straightforward introduction to religious understandings of reality “All
The dialogical format does have one great advantage though: It requires Hart to give extended space to ideas that he s famous for treating with, well, Olympian disdain Through the god Hephaestus, to whom he assigns the skeptical and anti-supernatural part, you get an extended elaboration of the arguments that mind and self and thought are reducible to mindless matter That makes it more compelling when those arguments are defeated (as I think they clearly are) by Hart s argument that mind and spirit have to precede the physical world for our experience of the universe to make any sense at all
If you think this sounds like interesting philosophical noodling but also fundamentally anti-scientific, you can turn to the next book in my trio Spencer Klavan’s “Light of the Mind Light of the World ” which is an argument that the development of modern science supplies laboratory evidence for the primacy of mind
This is not just the familiar case that the fine-tuning of the universe is proof that some divine intelligence set the whole thing up It’s an argument that the materialist model of the universe as a closed physical system, in which units of matter bounce around like billiard balls has been overthrown by the quantum revolution which demonstrated to the bafflement of many scientists that probabilities only collapse into reality itself when a conscious mind is there to measure and observe Klavan argues that really reckoning with this discovery should force a decisive choice On the one hand, we can embrace some kind of “multiverse” conceit (popular in today’s pop culture for a reason) in which there is no singular reality and all possibilities somehow coexist But that yields incoherence nihilism the death of the very scientific project that it s trying to preserve
Which is why the other choice is preferable if you really trust the science: Accept that there is only one reality and that it s created when consciousness gives shape to time and space” created in some sense every time we look upon it and created fundamentally by the power that said let there be light in the first place
This is wild stuff from a materialist perspective but in my experience with open-minded skeptics it s not the place where they hit their limit That s more likely to happen when you proceed one step further, into the territory of the real old-time religion, and start talking about the more personalized and unpredictable ways that supernatural mind might shape material reality the realm of miracles and revelations visions and portents legit angels and real demons
This realm is the subject of the last book in my troika Rod Dreher s Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age It s partly a how-to guide for seekers after the more mystical relationship to reality that most human societies have enjoyed but ours has unwisely amputated But it’s also a collection of anecdata about the persistence of enchantment even under allegedly disenchanted conditions the supernatural happenings that flower constantly in our notionally secularized world
This means that of the three the Dreher book is the most fun it tells the best stories and it covers aspects of human life that are more fundamental to religion s resilience than any argument or theory above all, the fact that even in societies that exclude any hint of supernaturalism from their systems of official knowledge strange experiences just keep on breaking in But from the perspective of the keepers of official knowledge the supernatural is often the place where I m interested gives way to I just can t A God of the philosophers or physicists is one thing, but a God of exorcists, miracle workers and neardeath experiences is just a bit too disreputable at least until you have such an experience yourself From the religious perspective Hart’s and Klavan’s no less than Dreher ’s it’s all the same God So the test for all their arguments is whether a world that s unhappy in its unbelief can be pushed all the way to this conclusion or whether con-
E R N E T freedoms have continued to decline in Southeast Asia, mirroring the region’s ongoing shift away from democratic governance according to a recent survey War-torn Myanmar ranked alongside China as the world s worst country for online freedom marking the first time Beijing has shared the bottom spot in US-based Freedom House s annual Freedom on the Net” report, released last week The survey and analysis measures ways that governments and non-state actors restrict rights online This includes blocking access putting limits on content and violations of the right to privacy along with legal and extralegal repercussions for online speech Thailand and Vietnam were among the bottom 20 countries, while Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia were rated as “partly free No surveyed country in the region was classified as free Cambodia Malaysia Myanmar the Philippines and Singapore saw their scores decline in this year s report, while Thailand s and Vietnam s scores remained unchanged Out of the eight Southeast Asian countries surveyed only Indonesia showed improvement with its rating rising from 47 to 49 out of 100 points These results are not surprising for a region that includes military-ruled Myanmar, communist-governed Vietnam and Laos, and one-party states like Cambodia and Singapore Vietnam and Myanmar also ranked near the bottom of Reporters Without Borders’ latest World Press Freedom Index while most Southeast Asian states except for Timor-Leste placed in the lower half of the table COUNTRIES PRIORITIZE CONTROL OVER ONLINE SPACES: “Few, if any, Southeast Asian governments even feign commitment to improving and protecting online freedoms these days Shawn Crispin the senior Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, told DW Even the region s nominally democratic states are putting priority on online control and regulation over promoting online freedoms,” he added “There is little good news and plenty of bad when it comes to the future of online freedom in the region In March 2024 Indonesia introduced a law imposing fines on tech and social media companies that fail to remove content prohibited by the state Other legislative efforts to restrict online speech stalled in parliament this year but could be revived under the country’s new president Prabowo Subianto who took office last weekend Digital media repression is an imminent threat to Indonesia s declining democracy, argued Sofie Syarief, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, in an essay published this week The recently published Reuters Institute’s Digital
syeD
S H A S U S E L E C T I O N N E A R S
CORPORATE CORNER
Canadian inquir y links Amit Shah to alleged targeting of Sik h ac tivists
Vikash Yadav for allegedly directing a foiled plot to murder Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen and Indian critic in New York City
The FBI warned against such a retaliation aimed at a US resident India has said little publicly since announcing in November 2023 it would formally investigate the US allegations
The accusations have tested Washington and Ottawa’s relations with India, often viewed by the West as a counterbalance to China
Canada opposition leader cancels Diwali event amid India tensions
OTTAWA A G E N C I E S
Amid worsening India-Canada relations after Ot-
tawa accused Indian officials of targeting proKhalistan elements in Canada the country’s Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre canceled a Diwali celebration organized by the overseas Indians at Parliament Hill initially set to be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty, on October 30
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the event’s organizer expressed disappointment over the lack of explanation for the sudden cancellation calling the decision insensitive and discriminatory OFIC President Bhasker noted that previous years celebrations had seen participation from prominent political figures, including Poilievre himself,
Wang Y i meets Russian deputy foreign minister in Beijing
BEIJING
S TA F F C O R R E S P O N D E N T
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that China and Russia enjoy a relationship rooted in historical logic and strong internal momentum unaffected by shifting global dynamics
The China-Russia relationship does not target any third party, nor should it be interfered by any third party, Wang said during a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko in Beijing Wang also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee highlighted the recent BRICS leaders summit in Kazan as a success that advanced BRICS cooperation strengthened the unity and self-reliance of the Global South, and played a constructive role in promoting global peace and stability
With China now holding the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Wang expressed China s commitment to working closely with Russia to foster new progress within the SCO Rudenko commented on the significance of this year, marking the 75th anniversaries of both the founding of the People s Republic of China and the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic relations
Rudenko noted that Russia-China ties have reached a historic high He reiterated Russia s willingness to work with China to implement the strategic plans of both countries leaders enhance high-level exchanges deepen practical cooperation, and maintain coordination on international and regional issues to drive further development in Russia-China relations
CORPORATE CORNER
Islamabad
karachi: MPA Madam Faryal Talpur,
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan-China Institute, chaired by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, hosted an international conference “China at 75: A Journey of Progress Transformation and Global Leadership celebrating 75 years of the founding of People s Republic of China where Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was the Chief Guest Distinguished participants included China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong; renowned economist and former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Dr Ishrat Hussain and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs The conference was uniquely marked by international representation from South Asia, featuring Mahbub Alam, Leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party; Ahmed Thariq, Member of Parliament from the Maldives; and Achyut Prasad Mainali Member of the Federal Parliament of Nepal In his introductory remarks Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, highlighted some unique aspects of China, emphasizing the nation’s peaceful rise without invasion, aggression occupation or colonisation reflecting the essence of China’s 5000-year-old civilization He described Pakistan-China relations as unique as these are neither transactional nor tactical but rooted in deep strategic cooperation Reflecting on China’s recent history, Senator Mushahid Hussain summed up China’s 75 years in what he termed were ‘3 R’s’: Revolution under Chairman Mao Reform under Deng Xiaoping and now peaceful Rise under President Xi Jinping Analysing reasons for China s rise, he listed quality of leadership, continuity in policy, unique ability to make
aimed to alleviate poverty and provide social safety nets for vulnerable populations Her efforts were pivotal in shaping policies aimed at improving the living conditions of millions of Pakistanis Nishtar s political journey began in the interim federal cabinet of 2013 where she was responsible for overseeing public health, education, and science, showcasing her commitment to improving societal welfare through effective governance Her advocacy for health and social issues has garnered her a reputation as a tireless advocate for change and her resignation from the Senate signals her intention to continue this mission on a larger scale Upon announcing her resignation, Nishtar expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she had within the Senate and her dedication to continuing her work in the health sector on an international level “While I am stepping away from my role in the Senate my commitment to public health and social justice remains unwavering I look forward to contributing to
Amnesty International has expressed serious concern regarding the recent arrest and ongoing detention of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali labeling the situation a “violation of their rights to due process ”
The couple was taken into custody by Islamabad police on Monday accused of creating a security risk during the visit of the England cricket team by removing road barriers
Footage shared on social media on October 25 reportedly shows Imaan and Ali moving the barriers to facilitate traffic Following their arrest terrorism charges were filed against them resulting in a threeday physical remand In a statement released by its South Asia regional office Amnesty International criticized the charges as excessive and disproportionate, asserting they do not match the alleged actions of the lawyers While the police cited “interference with state duties” as an offence under Section 186 of the Pakistan Penal Code the first information report (FIR) also invoked Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA)
course corrections and humility in learning from others plus peaceful foreign policy
Referring to his interaction at an American think tank in Washington, DC, where Senator Mushahid Hussain was asked: ‘which side are you on, US or China’, to which he retorted: ‘Pakistan is on the right side of history and the course of contemporary history is determined by the Asian Century where China is our reliable strategic partner
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People s Republic of China to Pakistan expressed heartfelt gratitude to Senator Ishaq Dar for his attendance despite his 32-hour journey from Samoa underscoring the significance attached to the event
Ambassador Jiang celebrated the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), now joined by over 150 countries, as a testament to China s commitment to shared prosperity
He further emphasized the pivotal influence of President Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics which has guided China s progress and resilience in this new era
Expressing appreciation for hosting China s Prime Minister at the recent SCO summit, Ambassador Jiang advocated for deeper more comprehensive cooperation among Global South nations to foster equitable development and shared progress
He outlined Chinese concerns for security of its personnel and projects in Pakistan, terming terrorist attacks as unacceptable , and urging Pakistan’s government to take ‘effective remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such terror acts and ensure that perpetrators are identified caught and punished
In his Keynote Speech Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and
Amnesty argued that the authorities’ actions are excessive and in violation of Pakistan s obligations under international law They pointed out that Imaan and Ali were informed of the specific charges only 24 hours after their arrest Notably, Imaan has previously faced legal challenges for her activism, including an arrest linked to a rally held by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement in August 2023
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also condemned the couple s arrest describing the charges as vague and indicative of a dwindling space for activists in the country
The FIR, registered at Islamabad s Aabpara police station on October 25, was based on a complaint from sub-inspector Tanveer Athar It included multiple charges such as obstructing public servants and rioting The complaint alleges that Imaan and Ali confronted traffic police while removing barriers that had been erected for the international cricket team Previously, in August 2022, Imaan faced arrest in a sedition case related to a speech at a rally After securing bail, she was re-arrested the same day in a terrorism case but was eventually granted post-arrest bail on September 2 2023
Foreign Minister of Pakistan highlighted China s unprecedented pace of transformation stating that its rapid development is unmatched in modern history He commended China s proactive approach to climate change, transforming Beijing from a polluted city to one with clear skies within less than a decade Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One-China policy he expressed gratitude for China s stance on Kashmir Senator Dar emphasized the transformative impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), terming it as a ‘magnificent gift’ from China Addressing misconceptions he firmly dismissed the notion of CPEC as a debt trap underlining its role as a pillar of progress for Pakistan and congratulated China for emerging as a global economic superpower
Dr Ishrat Husain, Economist/Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan highlighted China’s extraordinary journey, achieving unprecedented progress through strategic shifts from a rural to an urban economy and transitioning from a command-driven to a market-oriented system
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs of Pakistan affirmed the enduring bond between Pakistan and China, describing the two nations as “iron friends” bound by an all-weather friendship and emphasised role of Gwadar Port as centrepiece of CPEC
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to South-South cooperation, underscoring its importance for capacity building among developing nations in pursuit of shared objectives
Mahbub Alam Leader of Bangladesh
Nationalist Party Dhaka highlighted China s remarkable ascent to global power since
2013 attributing this progress to its focused
vision of national rejuvenation He noted that China is well-positioned to lead the 21st century, with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) playing a pivotal role in shaping future global development Alam emphasized China’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships across Asia exemplified by its cooperation with Bangladesh within the BRI
Shakeel Ahmad Ramay CEO of Asian Institute of Ecocivilization Research and Development highlighted China s transformative approach to poverty alleviation, attributing its success to practical, commonsense solutions
He explained that China initially prioritized land reforms followed by strategic adjustments to increase output prices while reducing input costs, creating a favourable environment for economic growth In 1949, China’s literacy rate was a mere 20%, a figure that has now surged to nearly 100% due to comprehensive education initiatives Health also became a focal area ensuring a healthier workforce and population
Tariq Fatemi Former Diplomat and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, addressed misconceptions about China’s rise as a threat to global stability emphasizing that China has never harboured extraterritorial ambitions Ambassador (r) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry Former Foreign Secretary and Chairman, Sanober Institute, Islamabad emphasized that, despite being the world s second-largest economy, China continues to identify as part of the Global South, urging developing nations to strengthen their own capabilities and resist relying on external accommodations Ahmed Thariq Member of Parliament Maldives highlighted China s pivotal role in
shaping global politics and steering the world towards a multipolar order with President Xi Jinping at the forefront of this shift This evolving world order, he noted, ensures that smaller nations are not sidelined but rather included in the global development narrative Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) China has fostered trust-oriented relationships and revitalized infrastructure in partner countries including the Maldives Dr Major (r) General Raza Muhammad President, Islamabad Policy Research Institute questioned the concept of a rules-based world order,” asking what rules and whose order truly govern international relations