g Premier emphasizes climate financing must be grant-based,
g Praises strong Pak-Azerbaijan ties, expressing optimism about further enhancing cooperation
despite its negligible contributions, was committed to work with Azerbaijan and the international community on climate change related challenges
Both leaders reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations They expressed their commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, particularly in the areas of economic and defence cooperation; as well as people to people and cultural ties
The two leaders also exchanged views on the escalating situation in the Middle East and other regional and international developments
Separately, on X handle, the prime minister posted that he held a most warm and cordial meeting with brother President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan Congratulated him on hosting the successful World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Baku and appreciated his commitment to working on issues related to climate change Pakistan, as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations is dedicated to working closely with Azerbaijan and the global community on climate hallenges
Aliyev
and commitment to
national cooperation to address challenges posed by climate change PM Office Media Wing said in a press release The prime minister assured him that Pakistan being itself among the most affected countries due to climate change
We also discussed strengthening our strategic partnership, with a focus on economic and defense cooperation, tech sharing and renewable energy Exchanged views on the Middle East situation and other global issues Together we resolve to strive for a resilient and collaborative future, he said in a post
The ISPR issued another press release stating that security forces conducted an operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Miranshah district and killed eight
10 terrorists and injured eight others during three different engagements in North Waziristan On Nov 7 security forces killed five terrorists during an exchange of fire in South Waziristan while four soldiers were martyred in the operation
FBR L AUNCHES NEW EPAYMENT 2.0 SYSTEM,
ISLAMABAD
G h u l a m a b b a S
TH E high-powered committee tasked with investigating the interception of pesticides residues in Pakistani rice consignments in European Union (EU) has completed its findings and will soon submit its report to the Prime Minister s Office
The committee was constituted by the Prime Minister to carry out a thorough investigation and submit its findings Ali Tahir Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MoNFSR) briefed the National Assembly s Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research on the committee s progress He confirmed that the committee has thoroughly examined the matter and will submit its findings shortly
The committee chaired by the former Federal Secretary Shahid Khan included key officials from various government intelligence and law enforcement agencies and organizations but unfortunately without any technical experts in codex standards Members included the Secretary of National Food Security and Research the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) the Special Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce the Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association
of Pakistan (REAP) the Secretaries of Agriculture for Punjab and Sindh as well as senior representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) This is first investigation of its kind in the world ordered by the premier of Pakistan where the primary task of the non-technical bureaucratic committee was to investigate the technical reasons behind the non-compliance with food safety / codex standards that led to rice interceptions in the EU
During a meeting on Wednesday, Secretary Tahir informed the Standing Committee that, according to initial findings, at least 72 Pakistani rice consignments were intercepted in the EU due to pesticides contamination above EU standards However he noted that the number of interceptions in Pakistani rice was much lower compared to those in Indian rice consignments The Secretary attributed the interceptions primarily to the indiscriminate use of non-recommended pesticides on rice crop during its cultivation Several options have been identified to ensure that pesticides are used in accordance with international safety standards Surprisingly, the successive federal governments since 1970 after becoming member of Codex Alimentarius Commission has neither established nor promulgated nor implemented federal food safety regulations on import and export of food in Pakistan being
fallen within mandate of the Federal Government and appearance of food safety regulations at port in Federal legislative list The ignorance of the Government is evident from this fact that they are attributing their negligence for law making and put in place requisite infrastructure to the Department of Plant Protection primarily responsible on the protection of plant health which involves preventing the introduction and spread of pests and diseases that can affect agriculture
Their biosecurity mandate is generally specific to plant protection, which includes regulating the import and export of plant materials to prevent pest infestations Due to these criminal enquiries the integrity of Pakistan s system regarding biosecurity and food safety has been badly discredited and suspected Even Iran has imposed strict food safety measures on import of rice from Pakistan Other country is expected to follow similar steps soon In addition to the rice issue the committee also discussed ongoing challenges facing Pakistan s cotton industry Secretary Tahir updated the committee on the recommendations made in August 2024 concerning disputes between the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), the All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA)
The Ministry has since held two meetings
with stakeholders to address these concerns The committee was informed that over the past decade there had been little to no increase in the Cotton CESS with only minimal rises The Ministry has also raised concerns over high taxes with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) A dispute over a 3 4 billion rupee discrepancy in CESS calculations is ongoing especially in relation to the PCCC s proposed 30% annual increase in CESS Both APTMA and PCGA expressed deep concern about the challenges facing Pakistan’s cotton industry, including high taxes, rising production costs, energy shortages and the impact of climate change on cotton yields These issues they argued have made Pakistan s textile sector less competitive Additionally both organizations highlighted problems such as poor-quality seeds and frequent power outages that affect both farmers and textile producers APTMA and PCGA have called for profarmer policies increased investment in agricultural research and improved infrastructure to address these challenges They stressed the importance of coordinated
Girl students rally against construc tion of boys college on girls ’ college land
Imran gives
c all for March on Islamabad, nationwide protests on Nov 24
until November 15 (Friday)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The lawyer said that the party founder had also formed a committee for the march and asked not to reveal the names of those who are part of it as Imran fears they’ll be arrested All party leaders are aware of their responsibilities the lawyer said adding that the committee would have the authority to call off the protest ensuring that no single person calls the shots There was much disappointment, as previously said by PTI leader Ali Zafar when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur ended the Swabi rally without a date for the protest This added to the existing frus-
tration of the workers who were part of the Islamabad protest last month, which ended abruptly
The lawyer further added that KP CM Gandpur would also lead a convoy from the province on the PTI founder s directions Detailing the demands of the protest, Chaudhry said that the party demands the withdrawal of the contentious 26th Constitutional Amendment “return of PTI’s mandate” and release of workers who are in jails without trials Earlier today Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, stated that Imran Khan’s expected final call to action will mark the decisive conclusion of the coalition government
In a statement, he stated that protest preparations across the province are underway with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur overseeing arrangements According to Saif only the final signal from PTI founder Imran Khan is awaited Once announced, he claims a wave of protests will launch across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, delivering a blow to what he described as a “fake” government He also claimed the recent arrests of PTI officials reflect government panic as the opposition s final call looms Saif promised the protests would lead to upholding constitutional order, repealing false charges, and enforcing accountability of those who, he alleged, stole the PTI’s mandate
Gandapur backs call for Nov 24 protests, warns of no turning back
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
There is no turning back now The government will be held responsible for any consequences that arise from this protest, Gandapur added, signaling that PTI’s position on the matter was firm Aleema Khan, the sister of Imran Khan and a prominent PTI figure also voiced her support for the call for protest reiterating her brother s demand for an end to what he sees as an unjust political system In a statement shared from Islamabad, Aleema Khan stressed that the upcoming protests would represent a stand not just for the PTI leadership but for all Pakistanis who believe in democratic principles Earlier in the day, Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated in Adiala Jail, issued a strongly worded statement to PTI’s supporters across the country
close associates, who communicated his grievances regarding the government’s actions, including the passage
views as an effort to undermine the powers of the judiciary and further entrench the current regime
Imran s final call echoed similar sentiments, urging citizens to take to the streets on November 24 in an attempt to reclaim what he describes as stolen democracy He also repeated allegations of widespread electoral manipulation during the February elections, claiming that the results were rigged in favor of the ruling coalition, a claim that has been a focal point for PTI throughout its ongoing protests The call for protests on November 24 follows a turbulent few months for the PTI, which has been embroiled in
False terrorism cases against leaders an assault on democrac y: PTI
political and legal battles since Imran Khan s arrest in August 2023 on charges related to corruption and other offenses
Since then, the party has staged a series of rallies and demonstrations across Pakistan many of which have been met with resistance from the government including the use of Section 144 and other measures to restrict public gatherings
The PTI leadership has repeatedly accused the government of undermining the constitution and obstructing their right to protest On October 15 2024 Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) decided to call off its planned protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad The protest was originally set to take place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit but PTI leadership reconsidered following internal discussions within the party s core committee
R I M E M I N I S T E R Shehbaz Sharif joined the many voices calling for climate justice, though perhaps at the wrong time With a climate change denier elected to the White House, it seems unlikely that the world’s worst polluter will step up and admit its responsibility for a very expensive crisis, Even though the US representative spoke for the Biden Administration, there was no guarantee that Presidentelect Trump would not tear up any commitment made by the USA at COP 29 After all, the previous Trump Administration had resiled from the 2015 Paris Accord, the result of the COP21, with President Trump saying that climate change was merely a Chinese conspiracy against the USA He had been on the side of the oil and gas interests with the new Environmental Protection Agency Director he announced on Tuesday likely to sanction new and invasive drilling and exploration
An important aspect Mr Sharif highlighted was the debt trap Justice demands that the developed world pays for the consequences of the climate change they have caused It is to be remembered that climate change damages impact the Third World disproportionately without regard to its inhabitants ever having contributed to climate change in a big way The money which he said would reach $6 8 trillion by 2030 (barely six years away) is not so much needed for improving infrastructure so that it could withstand the challenges of climate change as for building infrastructure to replace that lost to the depredations of climate change Mr Sharif rightly pointed out affected countries were already burdened by debt and that polluting countries were not paying for the damage except as more loans Even those loans apparently they are not putting up There is also an unfortunate tendency mostly among finance bureaucrats to regard these payments as just another source of foreign exchange
While Pakistan must not desist from efforts to obtain climate justice it should realize that no one is going to help Developing nations are going to face a new kind of neo-colonialism with not just money on offer but orders on how it to be spent and even on how the country should be governed Another problem that Pakistan faces is the need for cooperation with neighbours The smog crisis which needs Indian help to resolve is a case in point And behind all this will be the insidious danger of the oil lobby which is presently fighting to stop the adoption of renewables
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan
TH E word khuda has received some particularly bad press during the last four decades I vividly remember the time when ‘Allah’ and ‘khuda’ were used interchangeably If anything, in everyday conversations in our part of the world ‘khuda’ was more popular with khuda hafiz being pretty much the standard parting greeting It was the 1980s when religious zealots especially in Pakistan but elsewhere too (no doubt with the best of intentions), suddenly started taking exception to ‘khuda hafiz’ on grounds that ‘khuda’ was somehow ‘unislamic’ and ought therefore to be replaced everywhere by ‘Allah’ the ‘Islamic’ name of God The propaganda was relentless and proved to be extremely effective Khuda had become almost extinct by the turn of the millennium It was a classic example of much fuss over a nonissue For Islam places no emphasis on names and cares little for labels The changing of a man or a woman’s name to an ‘Islamic’ version upon converting to Islam has no doubt been the vogue (and there is nothing wrong with it if it is voluntary) but it has nothing to do with Islamic teachings As far as Islam is concerned, one name is as good as another Of course, it is natural and very human to select names with positive meanings and connotations, but in the ultimate analysis a name is but a symbol that points to a person or thing It need not therefore necessarily even have a meaning– an undisputed meaning at any rate It is only when there is something objectionable in a name that it is advisable to opt for one without that drawback So much for the names of mortals When it comes to the personal name of God (as opposed to the adjectives used to describe Him), it is instructive to note that the Bani Ismail – the first audience of the Quran – by tradition all used Allah Since there was nothing objectionable in the name per se the Quran adopted it However since their beliefs about the attributes of God left a great deal to be desired, the Quran did not shirk– in the interest of tolerance or striking the middle ground–from correcting anything that needed correcting The Quranic approach in the matter is instructive: It is not important what one calls God so long as one has the correct beliefs about His attributes
In fact the Quran addresses this issue explicitly when it declares that it is all right to call God by any name since all good names belong to Him A rose by any other name would smell as sweet! There is absolutely nothing wrong with khuda – literally, one who owes its existence to nothing An important point needs to be made here though Etymology is a rewarding and exciting subject for linguists and historians of language but it has no relevance whatever to language as it is used in any given age and geographical context For quite irrespective of the origin of a word, what matters is what a word means in that setting khuda is beyond reproach in that respect as well, regardless of its etymology A narrative that has been very popular among those crusading against the word is this: ‘khuda’ is equivalent to god (with a small g) whereas Allah refers to God (with a capital G) Etymology is again pressed into service claiming that Allah is a contraction of al-ilaah (the Arabic definite particle al converting god to THE god = God ) Even if this is true, (as mentioned above) what is relevant is not the origin and history of a word but what it means as far as those using it are concerned There is nothing in khuda that precludes its use for God In fact as a singular noun it has traditionally been used in Persian and the languages influenced by Persian precisely as an Arab would invoke ‘Allah’ This is how the word was used in Pakistan and by the non-Arabs around the globe before the Arabization of Islam in the 1980s When Shah Wali Ullah produced his famous Persian translation of the Quran he naturally translated Allah everywhere to khuda It was more than 200 years before the aforementioned Arabization of Islam, so nobody batted an eye He was not the first to do it either In fact, as far back as the seventh century Salman Farsi (RA) is reported to have translated parts of the Quran (some say only alFatiha) into Persian for the benefit of his compatriots Though no reliable copy of the work has survived, he would conceivably have used the same word for God There are disputes regarding the details of the event That scarcely matters though because to settle fundamental issues we refer to the Quran and the
n o n - A r a b m a s s e s t o l e a r n A r a b i c A l l t h a t i s r e q u i r e d o f a l l M u s l i m s
i s t h a
Balancing scales, balancing life
two male lawyers waiting to present their cases To many this scenario might suggest a lapse in professionalism But for me it was a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the complex balancing act required of female judges who must juggle demanding careers and caregiving responsibilities This incident is not an isolated one It highlights broader systemic issues faced by female professionals within Pakistan s judiciary and indeed across the legal profession In her study, The State of Women Representation in Law 2020-2021, Nida Usman Chaudhary, with the United States Institute of Peace, examines the stark gender disparities and challenges encountered by women in the legal field I had the opportunity to collaborate with Chaudhary in 2021 on this critical research which focused on the experiences of women in the legal fraternity in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi Our work emphasized how cultural expectations, gender biases, and structural barriers shape the professional lives of female lawyers and judges in Pakistan Women continue to encounter unequal opportunities pay disparities and limited access to leadership roles in the legal fraternity despite their qualifications and capabilities
The reaction to the Multan judge s struggle exemplifies these biases While male lawyers in the courtroom viewed her actions as a potential breach of duty female colleagues whom I later spoke with praised her unwavering dedication Such contrasting perspectives are indicative of a pervasive societal mindset that scrutinizes working mothers more harshly than their male counterparts My own observations from the litigation experience and Chaudhary’s broader findings highlight women in Pakistan’s legal community often face heightened scrutiny and criticism for attempting to balance professional duties with familial responsibilities The stereotype that women cannot be as committed as men due to their caregiving roles persists, undermining their contributions and hindering their progress The challenges faced by female judges and lawyers extend beyond mere perception; they are systemic and structural Pakistan s judiciary remains a male-dominated institution and female representation in senior judicial roles remains limited According to our findings from Nida Usman’s study, women constitute a small
fraction of higher court judges This underrepresentation is reflective of the broader gender disparities within Pakistan s legal sector It is not merely a question of numbers but also of equity in opportunities, resources, and support In my personal opinion, one of the most significant obstacles is the lack of institutional support for women in the judiciary such as on-site
and
and lawyers are
and
tween
reer
or even
their
For
profession The lack of such support structures is deeply rooted in societal norms and patriarchal mindsets that view caregiving as a woman s primary responsibility When women, especially in highpressure roles, struggle to fulfil both their professional and domestic duties, they are unfairly labelled as inefficient or irresponsible In contrast men in similar positions rarely encounter such scrutiny even when facing similar challenges
Our society needs to create a more inclusive legal system, we must dismantle these biases and invest in support mechanisms for female professionals This includes creating accessible daycare centres within court premises offering flexible working hours and implementing mentorship programmes to guide and uplift women in their careers Equally crucial is fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, acknowledges the
and
dual burdens shouldered by many women and promotes gender equality at all levels
A society that aspires to achieve true justice must first ensure that its legal institutions are inclusive and equitable The contributions of women in the judiciary and the broader legal community enrich our justice system, offering diverse perspectives and experiences that enhance decision-making and legal interpretation Their resilience often displayed quietly amidst significant challenges deserves recognition and respect
The female judge in Multan, like countless others across Pakistan, exemplifies strength, perseverance, and commitment Their struggles reveal not just personal challenges but structural flaws in our legal and societal frameworks To empower and uplift female professionals we must address these issues through concrete policy measures, cultural change, and a collective commitment to gender equity
By recognizing and supporting the sacrifices and contributions of women in demanding professions we can build a more inclusive just and prosperous society It is our shared responsibility to ensure that women in the legal fraternity are not left to balance the scales alone but are equipped with the resources and support they need to succeed In doing so, we empower not only women but the entire justice system and ultimately the society it serves
The writer is a lawyer (L L B LUMS L L M Notre Dame Law School) practising in Multan
‘Littered
Luxur y – Karachi’
Building integrit y
The struggles of female judges
HASAN AFTAB SAEED
MAngr y, not at voters, but the democrats’ campaign decisions
problem has become aggravated by the emergence of what are known as super-PACs independent committees that can receive and spend unregulated contributions from billionaires who, hiring the same groups of consultants now hold even greater sway over the political process than the parties themselves
One problem with the political consultant class isn t just the power they wield, it s the judgements they make, and to whom they are ultimately answerable It’s not to the political parties, or the voters It’s to the donors who are paying their tab Another problem is how overly cautious unimaginative and out of touch these consultants are with voters and their needs A former Obama official once decried the foreign policy blob which he described as a self-perpetuating cast of characters who had served in past administrations They now populate the think tanks and the commentariat They are out of touch with a changing world and yet offer the same ideas a kind of groupthink of conventional wisdom which failed before and are destined to fail again The same is true of the political consultancy blob They are out of touch with a changing electorate and have nothing more to offer other than the same old ideas that may have succeeded once but given the changes that have occurred in the electorate are destined to fail
For example, those who ran this year s Democratic campaigns failed to appreciate the economic insecurity of white working class voters instead focusing their attention
on what they called the Obama coalition of young and non-white voters and college ed-
In hearing this, I am reminded of one of the sayings attributed to St. Augustine that in the contest between the church and the world, itÊs the church that must go to the world, not the world to the church. In other words, donÊt blame the voters. If you want their votes, you must earn them ThatÊs why IÊm mad at the campaign, the party, and the consultants. They made their money, they made poor choices. And now we will pay the price.
multiple reprints and editions
who burnt midnight oil to produce history on the ground with a rational scientific approach are labelled in a derogatory way and their massive oeuvre is being bypassed by the dominant political tendency
The worrying point is that the social perception currently being shaped through this medium is the most important tool in the hands of those who have a retrograde political agenda of hindutva or hindu Nationalism
This point surfaced recently when historian William Dalrymple whose books have been popular, in a chat with journalists concluded that “ As a result, you’ve got the growth of ‘WhatsApp history’ and ‘WhatsApp University ’ It was the failure of Indian academics to reach out to general audiences
This, as per Dalrymple is the source of present misplaced social perceptions, such as Aryans were the original inhabitants of this land, ‘we’ had all the scientific knowledge like Pushpak Viman (aeroplanes) plastic surgery genetic engineering and what have you This perception is also the source of the social common sense that Islam and Christianity are ‘foreign’ religions’, that Muslim kings destroyed hindu temples and wrought immense atrocities against hindus; including spreading Islam by force To add to the list Gandhi was anti-hindu; India did not get freedom due to the National Movement led by Gandhi and so forth These misconceptions are ruling the minds of the majority of the people in the society
This narrative is currently being highlighted by this medium (WhatsApp) but this narration was there in the womb of a political tendency hindu communalism represented mainly by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS to begin with and later backed up by its progeny
During the freedom movement, the dominant narrative was articulated by the National Movement which was inclusive It understood that India is a Nation in the making This was in contrast to the narration of the marginal tendency of hindu nationalists, who held that hindus were a nation from time immemorial Muslim nationalists held that the Muslim Nation began with Mohammad bin Qasim ruling Sindh in the eighth century
The roots of communal historiography lay in British popularised books, such as those by James Mill (history of India) which divided Indian history into hindu Period Muslim Period and British Period On similar lines there was the multi-volume elliot and Dawson s history of India as Told by her historians Both these were based on the notion that Kings were representatives of their religion hindu communal historiography began its march through RSS shakha baudhiks (thought leaders of the morning drill held for its cadre) to begin with and later picked up through various conduits like Saraswati Shishu Mandirs, ekal Vidyalayas their unofficial mouth pieces Organiser Panchjanya etc
After veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader lal Krishna Advani became Information and Broadcasting Minister in the Janata Party government, the infiltration of this narrative began by using the government mechanisms Already there are signs that RSS volunteers are out to change the total education system and the content of history social science and other books A set of nine books authored by Dinanath Batra of Shiksha Bachao Abhiyan Samiti (Save education Campaign Committee) an RSS affiliate have already been translated into Gujarati and introduced in 42 000 schools in the state In a total takeover of the media by BJP-friendly corporates (Adanis, Ambanis), most of it has been converted and are today sitting on the lap of the ruling BJP With the BJP strengthening its IT cell WhatsApp has become the major mechanism of this narrative The best analysis of this can be seen in the book by journalist Swati Chaturvedi, I am a Troll: Inside the Secret World of the BJP’s Digital Army Academic historians wrote for school textbooks and general readers The most popular among these books are by eminent historian Romila Thapar, on Ancient Indian history historian Irfan habib has done major work in Medieval history and Bipan Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence must have gone through
Many of these academic historians’ books were part of the NCeRT (National Council for educational Research and Training) syllabus in the 1980s As BJP came to power in 1998, they began saffronisation of education’, which became much stronger after the BJP came with full majority in 2014 Now there is a talk of introducing this pseudo history and mythology into history in a fullfledged way
Popular perceptions are just partly shaped by academic historians Today, the political tendencies that are dominating or ruling the country are mainly shaping perceptions among large parts of society Noam Chomsky the American linguist involved with human rights activism, propounded the concept of Manufacturing Consent’ his book articulated that governments manufacture a popular understanding like the plan to invade Vietnam or Iraq or other policies are for the benefit of society Despite the outstanding work of historians, the truth remains under shadow and the needs of the State or the dominating political tendency shapes the popular common sense
While one appreciates Dalrymple s concern about the totally irrational understanding propagated by WhatsApp, the real issue is that the Right-wing politics has ascended and spread its wings in a clever way, to push its political agenda Their constructed history has nothing to do with rational or academic history
In India in particular an attack has been unleashed against those who have pursued the discipline of history Veteran journalist Arun Shourie, once a fellow traveller of BJP, wrote a book against some historians of global repute The eminent historians even at present there are many who present a distorted version of history and are unleashing a barrage against those who do not subscribe to hindu Nationalism In a sense WhatsApp is an addon to the prevailing mechanisms of propaganda of hindu nationalism To popularise the work of rational scientific historians more political and social groups need to come forward to work as a bridge from academic historians to the people at large, to ensure that social common sense and social perceptions are based on values of inclusiveness scientific temper and Indian Nationalism WhatsApp s success is more due to the rise of communal politics rather than failure of academic historians The
photoshoot by Melania Trump was interpreted as a coded message to the future president
A segment circulating on the internet from Russian T V featuring a 20-year- old nude
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Trump names anti-‘woke’ Fox News host Hegseth as defence secretar y
US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday said he has picked as his secretary of defence Pete Hegseth a Fox News commentator and veteran who has expressed disdain for the socalled “woke” policies of Pentagon leaders including its top military officer Hegseth if confirmed by the US Senate could make good on Trump s campaign promises to rid the US military of generals who he accuses of pursuing progressive policies on diversity in the ranks that
have rallied against It could also set up a
course between Hegseth and the chairman of
Chiefs of Staff Air Force General CQ Brown a
Israeli airstrikes hit southern Beirut in largest day time attack, 23 dead BEIRUT/JERUSALEM A G E N C I E S
The Israeli military launched extensive airstrikes on southern Beirut on Tuesday, delivering one of its most significant daytime assaults on Hezbollah-controlled areas along with attacks on central Lebanon that resulted in at least 23 fatalities Smoke filled the skies over Beirut as approximately twelve airstrikes hit southern suburbs by mid-morning After issuing warnings on social media, the Israeli military reported targeting Hezbollah s weapon and missile facilities in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, claiming substantial destruction of the group’s infrastructure Israel stated it had taken measures to reduce civilian casualties reiterating its longstanding accusation that Hezbollah deliberately places its operations in residential areas to use civilians as human shields a charge Hezbollah denies In northern Israel, two people were killed in Nahariya when a residential building was hit by an attack; later, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone assault targeting a military base near the city Israelis across the north sought shelter due to continued drone attacks with one drone landing in a kindergarten yard in a Haifa suburb
fighter pilot with command experience in the Pacific and the Middle East, who Hegseth accused of “pursuing the radical positions of left-wing politicians ” The 44-year-old NATO sceptic is perhaps Trump s most surprising pick as he fills out his cabinet ahead of the Jan 20 inauguration, and the decision drew swift condemnation from some of Trump’s opponents “The job of Secretary of Defence should not be an entry-level position ” Representative Adam Smith the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said on X Trump, announcing his decision, praised Hegseth, who is an Army National Guard veteran and according to his website served in Afghanistan Iraq and Guantánamo Bay Cuba
Chinese President Xi Jinping s special representative Ding Xuexiang also Chinese vice premier on Tuesday called for collective action in the face of climate challenges and highlighted the necessity of a fundamental shift in development patterns to tackle climate change
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee made the remarks while attending the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at COP29 in Baku Azerbaijan where he delivered a speech on global climate governance
Marking the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Ding emphasized that the global community must work together to push for successful outcomes at COP29 He called on all nations to rise to the occasion and meet the expectations of the international community, stressing the urgency of collective action in the face of climate challenges Ding reiterated the principle of common, but differ-
was criticised by Public Citizen, a progressive consumer rights NGO that challenged several of Trump’s first-term policies “Musk not only knows nothing about government efficiency and regulation his own businesses have regularly run afoul of the very rules he will be in position to attack in his new ‘czar ’ position,” Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, said in a statement “This is the ultimate corporate corruption Trump likened the efficiency effort to the Manhattan Project the US undertaking to build the atomic bomb that helped end World War Two, while Musk promised transparency “All actions of the Department of Government Efficiency will be posted online for maximum transparency Musk said on X inviting the public to provide tips
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entiated responsibilities, saying developed countries must demonstrate greater ambition by fulfilling their emissions reduction commitments and advancing carbon neutrality while developing countries must also make their best efforts within their own capacities
He underlined that tackling climate change requires a fundamental shift in development patterns As part of this transformation, Ding highlighted the importance of accelerating the global energy transition in a fair, orderly and just manner He emphasized the need for stability in the new energy industry chain and supply chain while also promoting the innovation and accessibility of green products and technologies Ding further stressed the role of funding and technology transfer in helping developing countries enhance their climate resilience and adopt sustainable practices He called on developed countries to increase financial support and provide greater technology transfer to developing nations enabling them to meet their climate goals He expressed hope that the summit would lead to the establishment of more ambitious funding targets that would provide the necessary resources for the next phase of global climate action
IDEAS -2024: A Platform for Innovation and Global Security Collaboration
SABIHA AYUB KHAN
In 2024 International Defence Exhibitions and Seminar is more relevant than ever, serving as a stage for defence industry giants, military officials, and security experts to collaborate learn and innovate in field of defence and associated industries These events bring together minds and resources from across the globe to address pressing security challenges, harness cutting-edge technology, and forge partnerships that enhance global stability With rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical landscapes the IDES-24 promises to be crucial in shaping future defence strategies The International Defence Exhibition and Seminar IDEAS-2024 to be held from 19-22 November in Karachi Expo Centre stands as a vital platform for defence cooperation technological innovation and strategic partnerships Since its inception in 2000 IDEAS has evolved into one of the premier defence exhibitions in Asia, drawing participants from global defence industries, military personnel, researchers, and policy analysts This biennial event is organized by the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) under the Ministry of Defence Production
IDEAS-24 is likely to surpass all previous records of participation in field of defence industry at national and international level In addition to the four-day exhibition the event will include international seminar on topics related to defence industry Tri-services
demonstration showcasing at Sea View, Karachi presenting advancements in areas such as military technology defence systems and security solutions Pakistani engineering universities are planning to contribute deploying AIpowered chatbots to assist visitors in navigating the event in multiple languages, an innovation under the “Noor Pakistan” initiative
A P L AT F O R M F O
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E N C E C O L L A B O R AT I O N The essence of IDEAS lies in its role as a platform for collaboration and cooperation in defence, allowing regional and global defence entities to engage in mutually beneficial exchanges This event facilitates the sharing of insights technology transfers and joint ventures among defence manufacturers military professionals and government officials from around the world Pakistan s Ministry of Defence Production and the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) spearhead IDEAS, ensuring that the event reflects the country's strategic priorities and responds to emerging global defence trends
S
IDEAS-24 will showcase an impressive spectrum of modern military technologies from advanced air defence systems armoured vehicles drones and cyber defence solutions to aerospace engineering and naval equipment The exhibition is expected to include live demonstrations, interactive displays, and seminars led by experts in various defence fields These showcases not only
display the technological capabilities of international and local defence companies but also offer insights into the evolving nature of warfare addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE IN A CHANGING GLOBAL LANDSCAPE
This year, IDEAS-24 comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and an evolving global defence landscape With South Asia as a region of strategic interest particularly for the US China Russia and emerging powers IDEAS-24 is expected to be especially significant for discussions on regional stability The exhibition will underscore Pakistan s commitment to regional peace and security BOOSTING PAKISTAN'S DEFENCE INDUSTRY AND ECONOMY
IDEAS serves as an economic catalyst for Pakistan helping promote its indigenous defence production sector The event attracts foreign investment and highlights Pakistan’s capabilities in developing defence technology, boosting the reputation of Pakistan’s defence industry on the international stage By participating in IDEAS local defence companies can form partnerships with international firms, expand their export markets, and benefit from technology transfer and collaboration
Beyond the exhibition halls IDEAS 2024 will feature seminars on contemporary security challenges, regional dynamics, and technological advancements Military experts, analysts, and defence strategists will present on topics such as
cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, spacebased defence initiatives, and the impact of artificial intelligence on future warfare These seminars provide valuable insights for participants contributing to informed decision-making within the defence sector and offering a broader understanding of global defence policies and strategies STRENGTHENING PAKISTAN’S POSITION ON THE GLOBAL STAGE IDEAS underscores Pakistan s commitment to playing an active role in global defence initiatives and highlights its significance as a regional defence player By hosting a platform that brings together such a diverse set of global stakeholders Pakistan reinforces its diplomatic and defence relationships with numerous countries while projecting an image of stability innovation and collective cooperation for peace C O N C L U S I O N IDEAS-24 represents more than just a defence exhibition; it is a symbol of Pakistan’s aspiration for growth in defence technology strategic alliances and economic development In a world of shifting geopolitical alliances and technological advancements, IDEAS serves as a timely reminder of the importance of dialogue, innovation, and partnership in addressing global security challenges
The writer is a Student of Mphil Strategic Studies at National Defence University Islamabad and can be reached at: Email:sabihakhan979@gmail com
PAKISTANIS ATTEMPT 20 MILLION DAILY ACCESSES TO BLOCKED EXPLICIT CONTENT USING VPNS
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Former Punjab interim minister proposes Odd-Even Vehicle Polic y to combat smog and improve air quality
In response to the alarming air quality situation in Punjab former Minister for Transport Ibrahim Hasan Murad, has proposed an urgent measure to reduce pollution and safeguard public health Emphasizing the critical need for immediate action Murad has reaffirmed his support for implementing an Odd-Even Vehicle Rationalization policy to curb vehicular
BISP and NAVTTC collaborate to empower BISP registered families through skills training
attention to successful outcomes in major cities worldwide, he highlighted the positive impact of similar policies in Beijing Delhi Jakarta Paris and Mexico City where these measures have proven effective in reducing emissions and easing traffic congestion In Beijing, for example, an OddEven policy helped achieve a 40%
reduction in emissions a result that Murad believes could be replicated in Punjab with the proper support and enforcement Given the severe air quality challenges we face I strongly advocate for the Odd-Even Vehicle Rationalization policy as a necessary step to protect the health of our citizens and preserve our environment ” stated Ibrahim Hasan Murad Both citizens and relevant authorities must rally behind this scientifically supported solution to ensure cleaner air and healthier communities for future generations ”
CDA chief chairs 16th board meeting
Pakistan became a member of International Labour Organization (ILO) on 31
including eight out of ten fundamental conventions and two governance conventions One significant initiative is the ILO s involvement in drafting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Hong Kong Convention (HKC) of 2009 which pertains to safe ship recycling practices at Ship Breaking Yards Pakistan acceded to same on 30 November 2023 Ships typically have a lifespan of 30 to 40 years Beyond this period repair or maintenance becomes economically impractical, leading to their classification as reaching the End of Life (EOL) stage Upon reaching this stage, a ship is dismantled to dispose of its hazardous wastes and to reuse its useful parts in different industries wherever feasible Pakistan Bangladesh & India are the three countries which undertake most of the ship recycling activities in the world However, till late the age old rustic practices are used for the same
Workers face significant challenges at the Gadani Ship
ing heavily in addressing these issues with Government of Balochistan and is also now endeavouring to put its feet on the ground and devise a mechanism of practical implementation of workers centric regulations of ILO-IMO led HKC 2009 for the safety of workers Since accession of HKC 2009 Pakistan is working towards upgrading its yards as per the International requirements In this regard, European Union, which owns a large chunk of the nearing End of Life (EOL) Ships has also drafted its own European Union Safe Ship Recycling Rules (EUSSR) Yards conforming to those rules are only eligible for the disposal of EOL ships which are EU States registered Norway is also one of the biggest stakeholders who are envisaging a large number of its fleet reaching EOL Stages in next two to three years Overall it has been estimated that around 15000 ships would
PM REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SAFET Y OF CHINESE NATIONALS
viral diseases including pneumonia, chest infections, and skin conditions In response to the smog crisis, the
will continue, with officials aiming to mitigate the
and health impacts of the
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions avoid outdoor activities and seek medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms Earlier on November 10 it was reported that hospitals in Lahore had seen over 35,000 cases in just one week
The surge in patients suffering from respiratory issues skin problems and eye irritation has overwhelmed medical facilities despite the government s ongoing efforts to tackle the growing smog Hospital sources say the majority of patients are suffering from dry coughs, breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and chest infections, particularly among children Many others have been affected by severe eye irritation dry eyes and various skin diseases Individuals with preexisting heart conditions and asthma are also facing heightened risks due to the deteriorating air quality
ISLAMABAD
M I A N A B R A R Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as an important landmark project in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, has brought a total of US $25 4 billion in direct investment, 236000 jobs 510km of highways more than 8000 megawatts of electricity and 886km of core transmission network to Pakistan
The Ambassador while addressing the students during Chinese Speech Contest, also shared experiences of his childhood at NUML University during a visit to the varsity and gave them some useful tips and his thoughts about learning and studying He also expressed his happiness and said he was touched to see the students full of vigor and vitality First life in university is wonderful Entering university means crossing the threshold of youth It is the best time in a person s life You are energetic, active in thought, curious about the world, and full of hope for the future As described in Chairman Mao’s poems Young we were schoolmates at life s full flowering; filled with student enthusiasm boldly we cast all restraints aside he said Second, he added, life in university is hard Chinese people often talk about 寒 窗 苦
which literally means studying hard at the cold window actually means persevering in one’s studies despite hardships Studying itself is hard and the material conditions during this period are still very limited so we always keep in mind that hard-working is the boat to the endless sea of learning In this regard, he said President Xi Jinping has set a shining example for us that “Diligence is the path to the mountain of knowledge” President Xi Jinping once worked as a farmer in rural areas when he was less than 16 years old where he spent seven years in the
countryside, where the life conditions were far more difficult than now, but his desire for knowledge remained consistent He worked during the day read books during labor breaks and studied hard under the kerosene lamp until late at night Third the struggle during college time is happy There has always been an ancient saying in
young people to cherish time, live up to their time, learn eagerly, and improve constantly,” he added
“Although I have long left the campus and am no longer young I still want to encourage everyone and wish all of you to enjoy your college time study hard and im-
shared future for mankind We have maintained the world s second largest economy, and our average contribution to world economic growth has exceeded 30% for the past 10 consecutive years; we have made victory in poverty alleviation lifting nearly 100 million rural poor people out of poverty and our contribution to world poverty alleviation has
