dear brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, today in Rahimyar Khan Reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to further strengthen Pak-UAE cooperation and elevate our ties to a mutually beneficial strategic partnership Matters of mutual interest including investments in Pakistan were discussed with a resolve to move forward together PM TAKES NOTICE OF ILLEGAL REINSTATEMENT OF LESCO OFFICERS
Meanwhile Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the illegal reinstatement of several officers who were fired for corruption in the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO)
According to the details a high-level committee has been formed to investigate corruption in LESCO whose notification has also been issued
The committee will complete the investigation and submit a report within 10 days, the committee has asked the Lesko management to respond to the allegations According to the notification the Lesco management is accused of rehabilitating 12 officers by taking money the management is also accused of purchasing equipment from an international company
Muhammad Asif Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi were present In a post on X the prime minister later said Delighted to meet with my
NEPRA, LESCO had previously been instructed to complete the earthing of 100% of their poles but they failed to implement the directions
ISLAMABAD
S ta f f R e p o R t Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
spokesperson Shazia Marri on Sunday lambasted the federal government for “repeatedly making unilateral decisions” including the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority warning the government will collapse if the party withdraws its support In a statement, PPP leader Shazia Marri reacted strongly to the Maritime and Shipping Port Authority decision saying the federal government is consistently making decisions without consulting PPP, including the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime and Shipping Port Authority (PMSPA)
“While we have said it again and again that the federal government has PPP s support the day we withdraw that support the federal government will collapse, Marri warned, adding, “Perhaps, the PMLN does not realise this ” She added that the PPP was not taken into confidence regarding the decision to establish the Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority
Both the Sindh government and the Pakistan People’s Party were kept in the dark regarding the
decision to establish the authority,” she stated She stated that both the Sindh government and PPP were kept in the dark about the establishment of the authority As long as PPP continues to support the federal government, it will remain in power, but once that support ends, the government will cease to exist” she warned Marri further pointed out that the PPP had been demanding the convening of the National Interest Council meeting for a long time, yet it has not been called in eleven months
The PPP spokesperson said that the ongoing violation of the constitution by the Prime Minister who is legally bound to convene the Council of Common Interests every three months, is alarming Marri demanded that the matter of the establishment of the Maritime and Shipping Port Authority be brought to the Council of Common Interests, emphasizing that decisions on key national issues should not be made without consulting the allies and provinces She further stated that the federal government s actions are incomprehensible and could lead to deeper divisions She urged that the country be governed
according to constitutional and legal principles, with consultations with allies and provinces before making decisions on maritime issues and port authority recommendations
Earlier, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider had said the alliance with the PML-N had damaged the PPP in the country’s political powerhouse Punjab However he predicts that now it is the PML-N s turn to bear the brunt of this alliance Haider, who belongs to the PPP, took the oath of office after a power sharing deal struck between the PPP and the ruling PML-N in the wake of the February 8 general elections
According to the agreement the PPP chose the constitutional positions of the president governorship of two provinces Punjab and KP and Senate chairmanship in return for propping up the PML-N led coalition government in the Centre The PPP and the PML-N arch rivals prior to the emergence of the PTI had a long history of turf war in the country s most populous province which the PML-N had snatched from the PPP There is a general impression that the anti-PML-N voter in Punjab is disillusioned with the PPP after it came closer to the PML-N and later started voting for the PTI
K ashmiris renew demand for self-determination on right to self-determination day
t
S ta f f R e p o
R A N D rallies were held in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir today to mark “Right to Self-Determination Day organized by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter
The main rally took place in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with leaders from APHC-AJK, various political parties workers lawyers students and members of the public in attendance APHC-AJK Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi along with other leaders led the rally, which saw significant participation from women and students
The participants carried banners and
Un urged to act on Kashmir dispute resolution
ISLAMABAD
S ta f f R e p o R t
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter held a seminar in Islamabad on the occasion of Right to Self-Determination Day calling on the United Nations to fulfill its obligations and intervene for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute The seminar featured prominent speakers, including former Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Masood Ahmed Khan Gilgit-Baltistan Spokesperson Faizullah Firaq and former APHC-AJK convener Muhammad Farooq Rahmani They emphasized the historical and legal significance of the United Nations resolution passed on January 5, 1949, which recognizes the Kashmiris’ right to selfdetermination Speakers highlighted that this resolution forms the foundation of the Kashmiri struggle for freedom and criticized India for its persistent refusal to honor international commitments They stressed that despite decades of oppression and human rights violations, the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people remain unshaken “India must acknowledge the ground realities and create an environment conducive to resolving the Kashmir conflict peacefully the speakers urged, pointing out that India s actions, particularly the unilateral revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019, are illegal and in direct violation of international laws and UN resolutions The participants also highlighted the urgent need for the global community to address the increasing human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir They appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organizations to pressure India into halting the ongoing atrocities in the region Masood Ahmed Khan noted that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute is critical for lasting peace and stability in South Asia He stated that the Kashmir conflict remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and urged the UN to fulfill its founding mission of maintaining world peace by acting decisively on this issue Special prayers were offered during the event to honor the martyrs of occupied Jammu and Kashmir The seminar was
placards with slogans such as “Kashmiris reject India’s usurping occupation ” “We will continue to uphold our right to self-determination India can never suppress the Kashmiri movement through atrocities, and UN should implement its resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir ” They raised their voices against Indian atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and in favor of the region’s freedom from Indian occupation
Addressing the rally Ghulam Muhammad Safi and other speakers highlighted the immense sacrifices Kashmiris are making for freedom from Indian occupation and their right to self-determination They emphasized that their struggle would continue until the mission of the martyrs is fulfilled
The speakers also pointed out that India s stubbornness remains the main obstacle to the implementation of UN resolu-
tions They criticized India for attempting to suppress the Kashmiri movement through military force rather than fulfilling its promises to the Kashmiris
They reminded the participants that Jammu and Kashmir is the oldest unresolved dispute on the agenda of the United Nations, and that the international community considers the region a disputed territory Therefore India cannot change Kashmir s controversial status through illegal actions The speakers also raised concerns over the non-implementation of UN resolutions, which they called a serious question mark on the existence of the international organization Despite India’s conspiracies and atrocities they declared that the spirit of the Kashmiris remains strong and they would never bow to India
The speakers expressed gratitude to Pakistan for providing full political, diplomatic,
S ta f f R e p o R t Indian authorities have issued visas to only 100 Pakistani pilgrims for the annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif significantly falling short of the allocated quota of 500, a decision that has left 400 potential pilgrims unable to participate in one of the region’s most important religious events, further highlighting the strained ties between the two neighboring countries Muhammad Umar Butt spokesperson for Pakistan s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, confirmed the development on Saturday Despite the restrictions, the 100 approved pilgrims are set to depart for Ajmer Sharif via the Wagah border on Sunday These pilgrims will participate in various ceremonies at the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti widely known as Gharib Nawaz, Butt stated In contrast to India s actions, Pakistan has continued to facilitate Indian pilgrims seeking to visit religious sites Recently the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued 94 visas to Indian pilgrims to attend the 316th birth anniversary of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi in Sindh
The event will take place from January 5 to 15 Charge d Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich extended his best wishes to the Indian pilgrims and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to preserving sacred religious sites and ensuring access for visitors “Pakistan remains committed to ensuring access to sacred religious places and facilitating pilgrims despite ongoing challenges, Warraich said Pakistan s track record of facilitating religious pilgrims was further highlighted in November when it issued over 3 000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji These gestures demonstrate Pakistan s adherence to the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, which was established to promote cross-border religious pilgrimages and cultural understanding The denial of visas to 400 Pakistani pilgrims this year underscores the growing difficulties in maintaining people-to-people and
and moral support to the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir They reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would eventually lead to the liberation of Jammu and Kashmir from Indian rule, with the region becoming a part of Pakistan
The rally was also addressed by Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, Chaudhry Lateef Akbar, Shah Ghulam Qadir Pir Mazhar Mehr-unNisa Razzaq Khan Shaukat Javed Mir Daniyal Shahab Sheikh Aqeel-ur-Rehman Musa Kashmiri Asif Makhdoomi Uzair Ghazali, Saqib Majeed, and Mehnaz
suance of
cultural exchanges between the two countries The annual Urs at Ajmer Sharif, one of the most significant religious events for South Asian Muslims, has traditionally been a symbol of unity and spiritual harmony However India’s decision to limit visas this year raises concerns about the future of such exchanges under the 1974 protocol Analysts warn that restricting access to religious events risks further straining already tense bilateral relations Cross-border pilgrimages have historically served as rare opportunities for fostering goodwill and mutual understanding between Pakistan and India By denying visas to a large number of Pakistani pilgrims, India risks alienating individuals who view these journeys as both spiritual obligations and opportunities to build cultural bridges Meanwhile Pakistan’s consistent facilitation of Indian pilgrims even amid grievances reflects its commitment to upholding the spirit of the protocol The is-
Drizzle adds to Lahore’s chilly weather, dense fog disrupts travel
Lahore to Sialkot Motorway Police have urged motorists to avoid travel during nighttime hours and to take necessary precautions if traveling in foggy conditions Flight operations were also affected, with several delays reported at airports, causing inconvenience to passengers Authorities have advised extreme caution for those driving in reduced visibility and issued reminders to ensure safety measures are in place to prevent accidents
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted further rainfall and snowfall in the northern regions over the next 24 hours Areas in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gilgit Baltistan Kashmir Murree and Galliyat are expected to receive rain and snow Additionally rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms is likely in isolated areas of northeastern Punjab
and the Potohar region The PMD also warned that moderate to dense fog would persist in plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh during the night, continuing to disrupt travel and daily activities in affected areas Rain and snowfall were reported at isolated locations in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan over the past day with cold and partly cloudy weather prevailing in other parts of the country Northern Balochistan experienced very cold conditions, while dense fog blanketed most districts of Punjab and upper Sindh Rainfall was most significant in Chitral which recorded 73mm followed by Mir Khani with 29mm Dir Upper with 27mm, and Drosh with 20mm Kalam recorded 4mm, and Parachinar, Pattan, and Malam Jabba received 3mm each Snowfall was also notable, with Chitral receiving 11 inches Kalam and Drosh recording 2 inches each and Malam Jabba reporting 1 inch
The coldest temperatures over the past 24 hours were -11°C in Ziarat, -9°C in Kalat, and -8°C in Quetta
Other notable minimum temperatures included -6 C in Gupis -4 C in Bagrote and Parachinar and -3 C in Hunza and Leh
The ongoing cold spell combined with rain, snowfall, and fog, continues to disrupt daily life and travel across the country, with authorities urging caution and preparedness in affected areas
ISLAMABAD
mUqam stresses PeaCe in KP as
Key to PaKistan’s ProsPerit y
Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) He further stated that whenever the country faced difficult situations, the people of KP stood firmly in defense of Pakistan Engr Muqam praised the people of Swat for their sacrifices, noting that terrorism had been defeated in Malakand Divi-
sion, and the national flag was hoisted in the region as a symbol of victory He also shared his personal experiences of facing terrorist attacks with resilience and always speaking out against terrorism He reflected on the support the people of KP showed when then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified, with large protest rallies held in solidarity with PMLN’s leadership He emphasized that PMLN leadership faced all legal challenges in court and was ultimately acquitted after the allegations were proven baseless Engr Muqam pointed out that in the 2024 General Elections, PML-N emerged as the second-largest political party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa securing a significant position in the KP Assembly as the opposition leader He reminded the audience that the people of KP voted in favor of Pakistan during the 1947 referendum, reinforcing their commitment to the nation However he criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for deceiving the people of KP with promises of change for a third time He accused PTI of mismanaging the province, leading to increased problems for the masses due to
poor governance, rampant corruption, and the misuse of financial resources on political agitations
Engr Muqam suggested that instead of launching attacks on Islamabad PTI should have used KP s share of the NFC award to improve the welfare of the people, strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Department, and enhance the police force in KP He reiterated that PML-N is the only party capable of providing strong opposition to PTI in KP as it focuses on the welfare of the people rather than personal agendas
Speaking about national progress, Engr Muqam praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ’s leadership, which he claimed had improved Pakistan’s international standing in a short period He noted that foreign investment had started returning confidence in international financial institutions had been restored, the stock exchange had achieved record growth, and inflation had been reduced significantly under the government’s prudent policies Engr Muqam expressed his hope that Rana Mashood would focus on the welfare and development of youth in KP promising his full support for any initiatives in this regard
Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Azam Khan and
principal
minister KP Parvez Khattak joined the witnesses Former federal minister Zubaida Jalal, the chief financial officer of Al-Qadir University, was also among the witnesses The court declared 6 accused, including Zulfi Bukhari Farhat Princess Mirza Shahzad Akbar and Zia-ul-Tustafi Naseem as public servants Pml-n always committed to dialogue for resolution of issues: Kh asif
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The negotiations have so far been limited to discussions without any concrete outcomes, he said He further added “PTI has been given a week s time and we are hopeful for positive developments in the negotiations Khawaja Asif condemned the recent firing on a government convoy in Kurram following a peace agreement in the region He assured that the federal government would stand shoulder to shoulder with the provincial administration to address such threats “The federal government is fully committed to combating this menace alongside the provincial government, he said Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the government s coalition dialogue committee, Senator Irfan Siddiqui revealed that no progress has been made in the ongoing talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as the party has yet to present its demands Talking to a private news channel Siddiqui said the dialogue process had not been proceeded a bit for the last 12 days The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) offered the dialogue several times before to strengthen democracy he added He said that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is striving for the welfare of the country while PTI is trying to create facilities for its leader
North (Malakand Division) Ameer and former provincial minister Inayatullah Khan said that they strongly condemned the KP government’s biased attitude towards the 10 million people of Malakand Division
He was addressing a press conference at Swat Press Club along with former MNA Syed Bakhtiar Moani, former MPA Muhammad Amin and JI
General Secretary Muhammad Haleem Bacha here the other day
Jamaat-e-Islami Swat Ameer
Hameedul Haq Akhtar Ali Khanji Dr Bashir Ahmed and other leaders were also present on the occasion
Inayatullah Khan said that the
provincial government has deprived the people of Malakand Division of development by closing ongoing mega projects worth more than Rs42 billion “The PTI provincial government has withheld funds and cancelled development projects worth a total of more than Rs42 billion approved for the Swat, Buner, Shangla, Dir, Malakand, Chitral and Bajaur districts of Malakand division during the previous tenure” he pointed out adding that the provincial govt has insulted the mandate of the people here by freezing their funds We condemn this in the strongest terms,” he said, adding that the people of Malakand division gave the mandate to PTI three times in a row but this party did injustice to people of the region He said that even the role of PTI ministers and members of the assembly
who were elected with the people s votes has been very disappointing in this regard
The JI leader said that for the first time in the history of the province a government baton charged the local government representatives and subjected them to severe torture He regretted that those who staged sit-ins in Islamabad were depriving local government representatives of their democratic rights Inayatullah Khan announced that if the government does not release funds and revive the previously approved development projects in Malakand division, the Jamaat-e-Islami will launch a full-scale protest movement against these cruel measures of the government and in this regard an all-party conference and other options can be considered he concluded
C hicken prices soar to record highs across countr y
LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t
Amid ongoing government efforts to reduce inflation the price of chicken meat has skyrocketed nationwide with rates surging nearly 100% in some areas leaving consumers grappling with the impact on household budgets In Islamabad, chicken meat now costs an unprecedented Rs880 per kilogram reflecting an alarming increase of Rs430 within just a week Similarly live chicken prices jumped from Rs285 to Rs460 per kilogram Desi chicken, known for its premium quality, has reached a staggering Rs900 per kilogram, further intensifying consumer struggles The situation in Lahore mirrors this alarming trend Broiler chicken meat prices have surged past Rs700 per kilogram with market reports from Tollinton Market placing the price as high as Rs730 per kilogram This is far above the government s official rate of Rs595 per kilogram, underscoring the widening gap between regulated prices and market realities In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has seized 11 counterfeit medicine batches from various cities
vey of the province s medicine market The move follows earlier actions by DRAP in November 2024 when it directed all provincial governments to crack down on unauthorized medicines and medical devices This directive was issued after the discovery of illegal imported drugs and
Directorate to conduct an in-depth sur-
COMMENT
TH E only good thing about the attack on the DC Kurram is that no one was killed, though it was not for want of trying The ceasefire agreement reached only on Wednesday, after prolonged discussions by a jirga, was thus violated The firing on the DC s vehicle came as it brought up a convoy meant to demonstrate the writ of the government, and it was intended to begin the process of de-weaponisation and the demolition of bunkers which has allowed the creation of states within state The most recent bout of sectarian violence had led to 130 people being killed since November 21, when the clashes began after 49 men, women and children were pulled off a bus and killed It is often pointed out that sectarian tensions worsened during the Afghan jihad when the mujahideen clashed with the Shia section of the locals who sought the support of Iran which had undergone its revolution the same year However it should not be forgotten that the sectarian clashes occurred earlier Perhaps there is a tribal dimension to the rivalry for the area is inhabited by two tribes the Turi and the Mengal; the former Shia and the latter Sunni Any inter-tribal dispute then assumes a sectarian tinge
The recent agreement contained one provision which indicated that the recent merger of the tribal areas into KP may not have worked completely There seems to be a return of the concept of collective punishment for the keeping open of the Peshawar-Paraxchinar Road True the rod’s security is the responsibility of the government but the idea of an entire community being punishable for the deeds of one person is the philosophy of the Frontier Crime Regulations which the British Raj used to control the area (or rather make sure that the roads through it remained open) Merger with KP not just adopting the Penal Code was done less because the tribal areas were ready and more because they were providing a base for opponents of the US occupation of Afghanistan
More attention is clearly needed The objection seems to be to demolishing bunkers and the confiscation of weapons That is clearly necessary unless the state is willing to abdicate jurisdiction However there is need to allay two fears: dunderheaded and meddlesome deweaponisation and protection for the future The state’s sensitivity in their first will provide assurance of the second The government must nab the culprits of Saturday’s attack because until they do no one will be safe
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
fies The country’s major crops including wheat rice maize and sugarcane are at risk due to rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns These crops are highly sensitive to water quantity and temperature fluctuations, making them vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change The agriculture sector is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing approximately 24 percent to the Gross Domestic Product It is the largest employer providing livelihoods to around 37 4 percent of the labour force The sector is pivotal for food security and plays a crucial role in rural development and foreign exchange earnings Major crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and maize form the core of this sector, while the livestock sub-sector, including cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats also adds significantly to GDP and agricultural value addition Despite challenges such as climate change and limited access to credit the sector has shown resilience and adaptability Recent trends reported by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), indicate a steady increase in agricultural growth, with a notable 6 25 percent growth in the sector for the fiscal year 2023-24
Research models utilizing crop-growth simulations indicate a troubling future for Pakistani agriculture By 2030 it is estimated that rising temperatures will lead to a 6–10 percent reduction in overall agricultural production The study specifically predicts a four percent decrease in wheat yield and a substantial 10–12 percent reduction in basmati rice yield across various agro-climatic systems except for the northern regions of Pakistan Several agronomic and socioeconomic factors contribute to the vulnerability of crops including water accessibility pesticide use and labor availability due to seasonal variations Climate-induced changes in rainfall patterns, especially during the crucial summer and Kharif seasons, are imperative for the production and yield of winter (Rabi) crops
International studies, such as the one conducted by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria, paint a grim picture for Pakistan’s agricultural future By 2080 a substantial decline in the yield of major crops particularly wheat is anticipated These findings available on the World Bank Knowledge Portal underscore the urgency for substantial adaptive interventions
The potential rise in food insecurity and malnutrition emerges as a significant consequence of climate change Unusual weather patterns, catastrophic events and the destruction of crops and infrastructure can severely impact household earnings food security and livelihoods Coastal regions and river deltas already vulnerable due to rising sea levels face additional distress No doubt, addressing the challenges posed by climate change requires proactive and innovative approaches
Additionally the agriculture sector in Pakistan faces several major threats that could significantly impact its productivity and sustainability Water scarcity is a pressing issue with declining rainfall and over-exploitation of groundwater resources exacerbated by inefficient water management systems Climate change poses a severe threat, bringing rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and extreme events that affect crop yields and livestock productivity along with increased pest and disease outbreaks
As climate change continues to pose a significant threat to agriculture in Pakistan, urgent and coordinated efforts are required to mitigate its impact. It is imperative for policymakers, farmers, and communities to work collaboratively to ensure a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in the face of climate change By addressing these challenges head-on, Pakistan can work towards a future where agriculture continues to thrive, providing food security and livelihoods for its population despite the growing threats posed by climate change
Waves of destruction
in Russia This marked a historic global shift from dictatorship to rebellion, culminating in the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule
By the end of December 8 Syria had fallen to opposition forces signaling the complete collapse of the Assad regime The development is poised to reshape the power dynamics in the
military strain of opposing US interventions and maintaining its position in a neo-Cold War context further constrained Russia s ability to support Assad Similarly, Iran’s isolation in the contemporary world has also negatively affected Syria as her closest ally Iran despite its long-standing relations with the Assad regime faces its own internal and external challenges imposed by Western countries which reduced its capacity to act in Syria Geopolitically, Syria has also faced growing isolation, which has further weakened the Assad regime in Syria It has faced sanctions and economic pressure from Western countries Another external key factor in Assad s downfall has been the backing of the opposition by foreign powers Syria home to proxy war has experienced multiple factions fighting one another, which is a very complex phenomenon Countries like Qatar, Turkey, and the USA have provided logistical and military help to opposition forces Internally various factors have shaped Assad s fate in Syria including economic degradation corruption and fragile governance
followed a pattern of “patronage and pruning” to maintain elite support and public discontent
This involves allowing elites to exploit public power for private gain while periodically pruning the regime to maintain stability
scholars view this victory for Westernbacked opposition forces, as potentially changing the balance of power among global players, including Russia the USA and other regional powers in the Middle East Assad s fall can be analyzed through multiple dimensions encompassing external and internal factors that laid down the groundwork for the huge and historic uprising The fall of the Assad regime marks a significant turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics with far-reaching implications for Russia’s foreign policy
One of the major external factors contributing to the fall of Bashar al-Assad was waning support from key allies, particularly Russia and Iran Initially, Russia played a very important role by striking and giving military support to the Assad regime However, Russia’s priorities have been shifted after delving into the Ukraine war Moscow s resources were increasingly diverted to the Eastern European conflict limiting its military s ability to provide sustained military and political assistance to Assad Russia spends too much on military and defence to oppose the USA’s intervention and its indirect fight against Russia The financial and
The fragility of the Syrian state was further exacerbated by the economic degradation caused by increasing international sanctions Transparency International the most respected index of perceived corruption ranked the Syrian state as the second worst in the Middle East and North Africa after Iraq Similarly the United Nations Development Program, in June 2005, found that more than 30 percent of Syrians (more than five million) lived in poverty, with 11 percent (more than two million) living in extreme poverty Corruption at an elite level and fragile governance have played a pivotal role in firing heat against Assad s regime The state of the Syrian military on the frontlines of Idlib and Aleppo was a reflection of the regime s overall ineptitude, cruelty, and corruption, with soldiers and officers preoccupied with finding ways to survive or enrich themselves such as operating profitable smuggling routes shakedowns and theft rather than fighting The Assad regime has
In light of these factors Russia faces significant challenges in preserving its influence over the region While the loss of Assad’s regime is a major setback for Russia, Moscow is unable to abandon its interests in Syria entirely Russia may focus on retaining military presence importantly at key bases in the Middle East such as Khmeimim and Tartus and forging new alliances with regional powers Nevertheless, Russia will try to do everything to retain its power and ensure that its position does not erode entirely
After Assad’s fall the Kremlin will likely adopt a wait-and-see policy trying to understand how a new coalition will emerge in Syria The Kremlin s main goal will be to maintain a minimal level of influence in the region through a military presence, for instance, as its existing bases of Tartus and Khmeimim
Despite all the challenges Russia would be willing to offer a lot to the new coalition in Syria to retain its power as the priority for countering complete control of the Area by the USA
If Russia is pushed out entirely and they are unable to offset with basing elsewhere in the region, such a serious blow to Russia’s power would make Putin more rigid and determined for power dominance in both Syria and Ukraine
The writer tweets @Sajjad007ali
Despite all the challeng es, Russia would be willing to offer a lot to the new coalition in Syria to retain its power as the priority for countering complete control of the Area by the USA. If Russia is pushed out entirely and they are unable to offset with basing elsewhere in the region, such a serious blow to RussiaÊs power would make Putin more rigid and determined for power dominance in both Syria and Ukraine .
has
of the coastal and riverine ecosystem destruction of mangroves forests scarcity of drinking water decline in fish population and forced migration from the villages located in the affected areas
A provision was made in the Water Accord of 1991 to ensure a certain volume of water in the Indus but that has not been implemented in earnest Even upstream Kotri water is not made available as per the agreed formula because of uncontrolled barrages, dams, diversions and a faulty monitoring system
During the last couple of years the water shortage has heavily damaged crops affecting the income of the farmers on the one hand and the country s economy, on the other For addressing this lingering issue, a coordinated approach is urgently required by the government, water experts as well as environmentalists to counter the challenge which if not properly and promptly addressed will be a disaster for the area and the people living there
SHAMS JAFRANI KARACHI
Toxic love
L A H O R E used to one of my favourite cities I always wanted to live there, and destiny took me to my dream city in November 2022 to pursue my higher education
When I came to Lahore from my hometown in Karak district, I was in good health both physically and mentally I was motivated to explore the city, make new friends, and face the challenges that are part of life
However, the air pollution in Lahore changed me as a person Winter, which used to be my favourite season, has now become a nightmare with the dreaded smog taking over my mind as a monster
The pre-winter anxiety it triggers is unbelievable
It has been
Sajjad ali
It will tr y to remain a player
TH E struggle for self-determination in Kashmir is a tale of unyielding resilience amidst systemic oppression and international apathy It underscores the hypocrisy of global powers that profess to uphold human rights while selectively turning a blind eye to egregious violations in regions like Kashmir
The revocation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution by the Modi government on 5 August 2019, is emblematic of this oppressive trajectory effectively nullifying the special autonomy granted to Jammu and Kashmir and reducing its status to that of a centrally administered territory This action not only disregarded the will of the Kashmiri people but also blatantly contravened United Nations resolutions, undermining the principles of international law The betrayal of Kashmir ’s people is not confined to the actions of the Indian state It is a global failure an indictment of international institutions, world powers, and even the Muslim world While Kashmiris endure decades of violence, dispossession, and denial of basic rights, the champions of democracy and human rights remain silent or complicit The double standards are stark: nations that rally behind Ukraine s sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression or vehemently condemn atrocities in Gaza fail to muster the same resolve for Kashmir The selective outrage and inaction expose a deeply flawed global order where geopolitical interests trump principles of justice Amidst this backdrop Pakistan s unwavering support for the Kashmiri cause shines as a rare beacon of hope, albeit constrained by its own challenges Kashmir ’s plight is not new The region’s right to self-determination, enshrined in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 47 51 and others has been systematically ignored for over seven decades
The resolutions explicitly call for a plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to decide their future, yet India has consistently resisted implementing this democratic mechanism Instead the Indian state has pursued policies aimed at altering the demography of the region marginalizing its Muslim-majority population and erasing its cultural identity The revocation of Articles 370 and 35A was a calculated step in this direction, opening the door for non-Kashmiris to acquire land
Global apathy, local resistance: The Kashmir stor y unfolds
and settle in the region, further exacerbating fears of demographic engineering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies in Kashmir have been widely criticized for their authoritarian nature The lockdown imposed after the revocation of the articles marked by curfews internet blackouts and mass detentions, plunged the region into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis Reports from organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented widespread abuses including extrajudicial killings enforced disappearances and the use of pellet guns against civilians including children Arundhati Roy in her book Azadi: Freedom Fascism Fiction, poignantly critiques the state s brutal tactics in Kashmir, likening the region to an open-air prison where dissent is met with disproportionate violence Pakistan stands as the lone unwavering ally to the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination Successive governments in Islamabad have persistently championed the Kashmir cause at international forums, including the United Nations, where Pakistani representatives have repeatedly underscored the urgency of implementing UNSC resolutions on the region Prime Minister Imran Khan s 2019 address at the UN General Assembly serves as a vivid example of this relentless advocacy In a speech hailed globally, Khan not only highlighted the plight of Kashmiris but also exposed the Hindutva ideology driving the Modi regime’s policies Moreover Pakistan s nuclear deterrence has been a pivotal factor in countering India s aggressive posturing Following the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated, raising fears of a full-scale con-
flict Yet, Pakistan s deterrence strategy has served as a critical check against Indian adventurism, safeguarding regional stability while providing moral and strategic backing to the Kashmiri resistance Analysts like Ayesha Siddiqa in her work Military Inc: Inside Pakistan s Military Economy have argued that Pakistan s nuclear capability has effectively neutralized India s military supremacy, compelling New Delhi to confine its Kashmir policy to internal repression rather than outright annexation Pakistan s support extends beyond diplomacy and strategic deterrence The country has continually rendered humanitarian assistance and opened its borders to Kashmiri refugees fleeing violence Furthermore, Islamabad has consistently leveraged its alliances within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to amplify the Kashmiri struggle even as many Muslim-majority states remain conspicuously silent While the OIC s response has often been criticized as tepid, Pakistan s proactive stance evident in initiatives like the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir ensures the issue remains on the international agenda
These efforts are all the more commendable given Pakistan s domestic challenges including economic instability and counterterrorism concerns Despite these constraints, Islamabad s commitment to the Kashmiri cause remains steadfast The country’s moral and strategic support underscores its recognition of the existential threat posed by India s Hindutva-driven agenda not only to Kashmir but also to regional stability As Maleeha Lodhi notes in Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State, Pakistan’s engagement with the Kashmir issue is as much about solidarity as it is about
The Muslim world must rise above its divisions and prioritiz e the Kashmiri cause , recognizing that unity and solidarity are indispensable for justice Until these steps are taken, the dream of
countering an ideological and geopolitical threat at its borders
The international community’s response to Kashmir has been tepid at best While the United Nations and other bodies have issued statements expressing concern there has been little substantive action The stark double standards of global powers become glaringly evident when juxtaposed with their stance on Ukraine Western nations, led by the USA have rallied to Ukraine’s defense
and self-determination Yet these same principles are conveniently overlooked in Kashmir where India s actions amount to a blatant violation of international norms This selective application of human rights undermines the credibility of these nations as champions of justice and exposes their geopolitical interests as the true drivers of their policies
The situation in Kashmir cannot be viewed in isolation from other global conflicts, such as the genocide unfolding in Gaza The parallels are striking: both regions are witnessing systemic attempts to displace and subjugate indigenous populations yet the international response remains limited to perfunctory condemnations The
In his evocative description of the congregational namaz of Muslims in his classic stor y Eidgah, Munshi Premchand writes: ‘No one bothers about wealth or position here Ever yone is equal in the eyes of Islam How beautifully it is managed and organised Thousands of heads bow together and then rise to their feet together; again, they bow together and rise to their feet together, like thousands of electric bulbs lighting up together and then dimming together What an exceptional sight it presents with its collective actions and unending expanse – filling the hear t with reverence, pride and inner joy. As if one single thread of brotherhood connects all those souls, creating an unbroken chain’
raided after midnight the home of one of the young men who had offered prayers – a pharmacology student Rehaan –who they took into custody They also arrested his two friends Luqmaan and Nomaan, small tea vendors The same summer, three men, two from Hyderabad and one from Azamgarh chose to offer prayers in the mosque in the Taj Mahal in Agra The police arrested them and once again charged them with promoting enmity between religious groups under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code
During Eid in 2022, 1,700 people were charged with criminal offences for offering namaz on the roads outside mosques in three areas of Kanpur without police permission The complaint was filed by a senior sub-inspector of police The charges were under sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharging duties) 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) 283 (danger in public way), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), and 353 (criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), of the Indian Penal Code
Hindutva activists sometimes violently halted congregational prayers even in mosques Early in 2022 in the village Mora in Gujarat s Surat men chanting Jai Shri Ram stormed a mosque disrespectfully wearing their footwear, and drove the devotees out The Imam of the mosque Aaqib Ansari later recounted to Clarion India what happened The mob of around 100 men demanded, “Shut down the mosque, namaz won’t be allowed here” They started throwing out the prayer mats on which the worshippers were sitting They did not allow us to offer Juma namaz he said and namaz could not resume at the mosque ever since We took our complaint to the local police station The policemen on duty there tried to play down the offence of the Hindu men On the auspicious day of the Shab-e-Baraat on March 18 2022 the Delhi Police abruptly without orders in writing prevented the weekly congregational prayers in 16 mosques many of these historic mosques where Muslim believers have offered prayers for hundreds of years Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) during the holy month of Ramzan It is customary to hold Tarawih prayers during which long portions of the Quran are read through the month of Ramzan Rana Safvi religious scholar records that this tradition goes back 17 centuries The prayers can be offered at home alone in a congregation or at a mosque The prayers are often offered together because Muslims want to complete a full reading of the Quran during Ramzan In India, Tarawih prayers have been offered peacefully for generations People frequently collect in homes mosques halls even cafes for these collective prayers Yet especially from 2022 even such gatherings have become fraught with both Hindutva mobs and the police disrupting and preventing such gatherings In 2022, the Uttar Pradesh police in Moradabad booked 26 Muslims who had gathered in two private houses for the Tarawih prayers These 26 persons were charged for “assembling at the house of two locals without any notice and offering prayers” despite the “objections from neighbours belonging to another community under Section 505 (2) (making statements conductive to
public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code
The next year a Muslim businessman Zakir Hussain owner of the Zakir Iron Store, was charged again for praying by the Moradabad police He had gathered with over a dozen members of his family in a godown that he owns in Moradabad’s Lajpat Nagar for Tarawih prayers Suddenly Bajrang Dal men barged in and stridently demanded they terminate their prayers A group of policepersons arrived ultimately and dispersed the Bajrang Dal members and the gathering were able to complete their prayers that night But the police directed them to perform Tarawih from then on at the designated religious places or at their own homes Hussain argued, “It was our personal arrangement to pray together with my family members and we were offering it within the confines of our own property This should not be an issue for anyone They were surprised further when a few days later an additional city magistrate served notice on Hussain and nine members of his family under Section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code, alleging that their offering of prayers could “disrupt peace” in the area They were made to sign a muchalka (an obligation or bond) of Rs 5 lakh each affirming that they will be responsible if any untoward incident occurs in their area
The notice to them read It is apprehensive (sic ) that you might disturb peace and therefore in my opinion there are enough grounds to take action against you Supreme Court advocate Shahrukh Alam aptly described this as a “heckler ’s veto” Now “the very act of reading namaz even inside someone’s own house might provoke people The very existence (of Muslims) is provoking people she said Why is this notice served to Zakir Hussain? Who will disrupt peace? The other party will disrupt peace But even that responsibility is fixed on Hussain It s like saying please don t do something that will make the other person do something wrong’ The blame of violence has shifted from the actual perpetrators to apparently those who cause them to do violence ” observed Alam to Article 14
Objections by neighbours to Tarawih prayer gatherings (always held
Blinken wades into political crisis with stop in South Korea
‘Nuclear
BISMA BATOOL QURESHI
The South Asia is a region known for complex geo-political and strategic rivalries and has recognized as the nuclear flashpoint Rizwan Abbasi and Zafar Khan in their book Nuclear Deterrence in South Asia: New Technologies and Challenges to Sustainable Peace published in 2020, provides a comprehensive framework, determining how the nuclear deterrence works in the region and how nuclear technologies brought shift in geo-politics of South Asia especially between India and Pakistan This book aimed to focus on how technological advancements and regional tensions pose challenge to deterrence theories on South Asia and a contribution in understanding strategic studies peacebuilding and geopolitics of the region
The book comprises of eight chapters, beginning with historical background of nuclear deterrence in South Asia, further covering the analysis of emerging technologies their impacts and challenges on the nuclear deterrence of South Asia The book also discusses the nuclear policies and practices of India and Pakistan, and provides the theoretical and practical insights of deterrence theory applying on South Asia The authors highlights the nuclear strategies such as Mutual Assured Destruction and undermining the technological advancement such as cyber warfare, Artificial Intelligence etc in South Asia Abbasi and Khan in their book trace the origin of nuclear deterrence in South Asia since the partition of British India in case of India and Pakistan Both the rival states conducted their nuclear tests in 1998, giving themselves the status of defacto nuclear states This incident brought the concept of deterrence theory in regional conflicts and security studies The book draw attention towards the conventional asymmetry and nuclear capabilities of the two nations This asymmetry illustrates the Pakistan’s reliance on its heavy nuclear capabilities to
deter potential threats from India
Both the authors argue that the factors including historical background territorial disputes and mistrust between the nations, emphasizes upon the need of new deterrence models In addition, they argues on the concept of stability-instability paradox highlighting the concerns of nuclear stability encouraging the conventional and sub-conventional conflicts The book highlights the role of this paradox played in South Asia from the Kargil war of 1999 until the recent crossborder tensions
The book revolves around the disruption caused by the technological advancement on the nuclear deterrence of India and Pakistan and its impact on the region These technological advancements, such as Artificial intelligence, missile technology threatens the nuclear stability in South Asia introducing new challenges to the command-and-control system of each state and reducing the time of decision making during the time of crisis It also increased the risk of unauthorized use and risk of potential accidents of nuclear weapon This emphasize on the Pessimistic view of nuclear weapons given by Scott Sagan in his debate in 1990s
Moreover, the book provides a detail analysis on these technological advancements and their integration in the military doctrine of both India and Pakistan For example the India s acquisition of hypersonic missile technologies and its use for defense is a factor that contributes in the destabilizing the region This undermines the Pakistan’s second-strike capability, starting an arm race in South Asia and pushing towards aggressive postures such as the full-spectrum deterrence Similarly Pakistan developed its Tactical nuclear weapons in response of India s Cold Start doctrine The authors highlighted the danger of initiating the arms race in South Asia due to these technological advancements and its impact on strategic stability of the region
The book also covers the role of external powers such as United States Russia and China and their influence in geopolitics and strategic stability of South Asia The authors argue that the some of the regional instability is drive by the policies of these Great powers For instance, the US biasness towards India and its support to India on acquiring nuclear capabilities despite of the fact that US is the founder member of many treaties such as the Non-Nuclear Proliferation Regime and many defense agreements with India is destabilizing the region In contrast Pakistan is gaining support from China in its nuclear program to counterbalance India s growing strategic capabilities The authors; Rizwan Abbasi and Zafar khan argues that the involvement of these external powers in some aspect stabilize the region however it also initiates many regional rivalries complexing the geo-political relations in South Asia and complicates the Peace-making efforts These technological advancements, initiating arms race in South Asia pose challenges to peace-building measures and peace efforts in South Asia The book examines the broader challenge in achieving sustainable peace in South Asia The authors point outs the issues, including the absence of dialogues, lack of trust, and the role of non-state actors in increasing tensions between India and Pakistan The lack of institutionalized communication and lack of arms control agreements created a risky security environment, where any sort of miscalculation could escalate into nuclear use The authors are in favor of confidence-building measures between military and political leaders of both the nuclear weapon states such as the joint military actions, and third party mediation etc They also highlights the importance of addressing issues, which increase the domestic instability such as poverty human development and economic crisis that these counties are facing and escalating the interstate
Pakistan to continue political, diplomatic, and moral suppor t for Kashmiri brethren: Tessori
KARACHI s ta f f r e p
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori paid tribute to the Kashmiri people on their Right to Self-Determination Day, saluting their struggle for freedom He emphasized that the right to self-determination is a fundamental human right, stating that India must grant this right to the people of occupied Kashmir Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori reiterated Pakistan s unwavering commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people politically diplomatically, and morally He condemned India's blatant violations of United Nations resolutions, calling on the international community to take serious notice of these breaches Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori underscored that resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions is imperative for lasting peace in the region IT COURSES BEING CONDUCTED AT GOVERNOR HOUSE Meanwhile, under the Governor Initiative modern IT courses being conducted at the Governor House are paving the way for education and development in Sindh Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori s IT Initiative has garnered immense appreciation from the youth His vision is to transform Sindh into a global hub for IT Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori recently briefed various Consul Generals about the significance of IT courses receiving positive responses The Consul General of the UAE expressed a commitment to providing employment opportunities to students completing their IT education under this initiative Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori emphasized that modern education and technology are vital for Sindh s progress He further highlighted that international collaboration would create additional opportunities for the youth enabling Sindh to achieve new milestones in technological and economic development
The Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi, Hasan Nourian on Sunday said that Muslims can fight Israel or the Zionist powers only by uniting to thwart the evil ambitions of the enemy Iranian CG Hasan Nourian was speaking at a seminar held on the death anniversary of General Qasim Soleimani and the Day of the International Protest Movement JUP chief Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair Sheikh Shabir Hasan Mohsami Ayatollah Ghulam Abbas, Allama Baqir Abbas Zaidi, Maulana Azad Jameel, Shah Feroze Rahmani and others also addressed the seminar on this occasion Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Salahuddin offered prayers Hassan Nourian further said that Israel has committed the worst war crimes More than 50,000 people have been martyred in Israel and 100,000 people have been injured, ''Israel considers the areas of Iraq Saudi Arabia Syria and other countries to be its part and wants to occupy these areas too He said that the movement that has started for the freedom of Bait-ul-Maqdis is not only a movement of individuals, but it has become a movement of the Islamic
world ''The countries that shout on human rights are the countries with most in-human actions'' that the day is not far when the Palestinians will get their right and Israel and its followers will have to eat what the sow He said that Iran and Pakistan have always supported the Palestinians Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair said that all the martyrs including Qasim Soleimani have died on the right path and have given a clear message to Israel that it will face humiliation and disgrace at all levels He said that Qassem Soleimani was such a popular figure that America celebrated his martyrdom a section wants to create disunity among Muslims we have to understand this Baqir Abbas Zaidi said that this is a struggle that has
given a clear message to the world that people cannot be suppressed by force Israel is not fighting a war but is killing innocent children Asadullah Bhutto said that the great virtue of Iran is that it has made Muslim countries united against atrocities, today there is an effective voice against Israel in the entire Islamic world the time is not far when Israel will also be divided Feroze Rahmani said that it is necessary for 57 Islamic countries to make the United Nations of Muslims, when so many countries speak together, a message of solidarity will be sent Azad Jameel said that instead of verbal accumulation boycott
KARACHI
s ta f f r e p o r t
The Karachi Marathon 2025, a certified annual marathon event in Pakistan, successfully concluded with an impressive turnout of over 4 000 participants from diverse global backgrounds
This year s event witnessed a notable surge in international participation, with athletes hailing from countries such as Poland, Germany, Japan and many others The marathon's certification by the World Rankings Competition ensured a world-class experience for all participants "We are delighted with the overwhelming success of the Karachi Marathon 2025," stated Shoaib Nizami CEO of Sports in Pakistan The event has emerged as a testament to Karachi s unwavering resilience and warm hospitality and we extend our sincerest gratitude to our participants, sponsors, and partners for their invaluable support "
The Karachi Marathon 2025 featured an array of categories, including the full marathon and half marathon The top performers in each category were: MARATHON CATEGORY: Winners of full marathon included Israr Muhammad secured the first position and Muhammad Riaz secured the second position Among female, Enub Khan and Zeba Shah
Abbasi secured first and second position Winners won Rs500,000 and Rs250,000 respectively In the half marathon
KARACHI
I S T S : K P G O V T
speaker ’s ruling has also been scheduled for hearing on the same day Besides the bench will hear the review petition of Hamza Shahbaz on January 09 On Jan 10 the Supreme Court will hear a petition challenging the discretionary powers of high court chief justices The court will also hear a case concerning the ban on student unions the same day
PM,
President urge world to act decisively to uphold Kashmiris rights
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the Kashmiri people s struggle for self-determination with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging the international community to act decisively to uphold their rights
In a message on the 76th anniversary of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution Zardari emphasised Pakistan’s continued political diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris The UNCIP resolution adopted on 5 January 1949 guarantees a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices for the people of Jammu and Kashmir Today, we reaffirm the inalienable right of Kashmiris to self-determination, which is enshrined in international law and supported by human rights instruments ” Zardari said
The President condemned India for denying this right for over seven decades and criticised its actions since 5 August 2019 which he said aim to alter the demographic and political fabric of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)
“These steps are an attempt to turn Kashmiris into a disempowered community in their own homeland ” he said adding “Despite systemic brutalities the spirit of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken and their struggle for freedom cannot be suppressed Zardari also called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfil its responsibility and support Kashmiris in exercising their right to self-determination
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments urging global powers to honour their commitments to the Kashmiri people In a message on Right to Self-Determination Day for the People of Jammu & Kashmir observed on 5 January 2025, he said the fifth of January is annually observed as the ‘Right to Self-Determination Day’ for the people of Jammu and Kashmir
this day in 1949, he said the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) adopted the historic resolution that guarantees a free and fair plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir to enable the Kashmiri people to realize their inalienable right to self-determination
Right to self-determination is a core principle of the UN Charter, as well as of international law Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that advocates the legal right of people to decide their own destiny It expresses unequivocal support for the realization of the right to self-determination for peoples under foreign occupation Regrettably the Kashmiri people have not been able to exercise this inalienable right for over seven decades, he explained He said the international community must also call for immediate cessation of human rights violations, release of political prisoners and restoration of fundamental rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people
Today India continues to take multiple steps to consolidate its occupation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) undermining the internationally recognized disputed nature of this territory Through a series of illegal and unilateral actions taken since 5 August 2019, India is trying to alter the demographic and political structure of the disputed territory aimed at transforming the majority Kashmiri people into a disempowered minority community in their own homeland
nal offenses along the National Highway According to the SSP dacoit Fareed Teghani lured multiple individuals into kidnapping through a honey trap and subsequently demanded ransom
