Global outrage erupts over Trump’s Gaza ‘takeover ’ proposal
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, land annexation, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people the ministry said in a statement Riyadh also made it clear that normalization of relations with Israel would not be possible without the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state based on international agreements “Our stance is firm and non-negotiable ” the statement added highlighting Saudi Arabia’s longstanding advocacy for the two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace in the region HAMAS CONDEMN PROPOSAL: Palestinian factions were quick to condemn the U S president’s remarks Hamas described the plan as “a recipe for chaos and destabilization Senior Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri called the idea an attempt to expel Palestinians from their homeland, vowing resistance against any forced relocation The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) also issued a statement rejecting Trump’s proposal PLO Secretary-General Hussein alSheikh emphasized the group s commitment to international law and the two-state solution Our people will never abandon their rightful homeland, he said, urging the international community to reject Trump’s dangerous rhetoric
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov strongly opposed the plan, warning against the use of collective punishment and forced population transfers Lavrov reiterated Russia’s
stance that peace could only be achieved through diplomatic dialogue and adherence to international law
China s Foreign Ministry condemned Trump s statements urging respect for the rights of Palestinians The forced displacement of Gaza s population is unacceptable,” a ministry spokesperson said Beijing called for renewed efforts toward a political settlement based on the two-state solution T
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan labeled Trump’s comments “dangerous and unacceptable ” He warned that disregarding Palestinian rights would only lead to further conflict and instability Turkey will reassess its diplomatic relations if Palestinian oppression continues, Fidan stated, emphasizing Ankara s commitment to supporting Gaza and its people EUROPEAN UNION’S STAND: A spokesperson for the European Union reiterated the bloc s support for a negotiated two-state solution The EU warned against unilateral actions that could undermine peace prospects, stressing the need to preserve the rights of Palestinians
E: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese maintained his country s support for a two-state solution but refrained from directly criticizing Trump’s remarks “We continue to support ceasefires humanitarian aid and hostages’ release as critical steps toward peace Albanese said
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy de-
scribed Trump s plan as reckless and dangerous ” He warned that it could lead to prolonged conflict and jeopardize American interests in the region Meanwhile Senator Chris Van Hollen condemned the proposal as ethnic cleansing disguised as diplomacy He criticized the move for undermining decades of bipartisan U S support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict
RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS AND NGOS: Amnesty International s executive director Paul O Brien strongly denounced the proposal, calling it a violation of international law and an affront to humanity ” “Gaza belongs to its people ” O’Brien said urging the global community to reject any plan that displaces Palestinians The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) described the remarks as a dangerous escalation CAIR warned that such actions would spark widespread conflict and irreparably damage the U S ’s international standing REGIONAL STABILITY AT RISK: Experts warn that Trump s comments could further destabilize an already volatile region Analysts have expressed concerns that such rhetoric could embolden Israeli hardliners and weaken Palestinian resistance movements’ ability to negotiate for a just solution
C O N C L U S I O N: The global outcry against Trump s Gaza proposal underscores the widespread rejection of forced displacement as a political strategy From Riyadh to Ankara Beijing to Washington the message is clear: any attempt to uproot Palestinians from
COAS’ response to Indian saber-rattling ties in
KA S H M I R Solidarity Day dates back only to 1990, and does not go back to the original 19471948 events that surrounded the original dispute between India and Pakistan It is more to be linked with the support of the Pakistani people for the renewal of the struggle by the Kashmiri people for the right of selfdetermination Therefore it was entirely appropriate that in the 267th Corps Commanders’ Conference held a day before the 2-25 event, that Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir should take note of the recent statements by the Indian military leadership It should not be forgotten that Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh a few weeks ago said that India was not occupied without ‘Pakistanoccupied Kashmir ’ General Munir ’s response that the Army was able to give a befitting response to any misadventure, was a clear extension of Pakistan’s readiness to defend itself to include AJK
The Conference also noted that it was being held on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day, and the Indian accusations which Mr Sindh had parroted were an attempt to divert the attention of its own masses from its own fissures as well as the blatant violation of human rights in its occupation of Kashmir Though it is entirely appropriate that the Army should have the lead role on Kashmir, particularly since the Indian government is threatening Pakistan over Kashmir, the support shown by the entire Pakistani nation though Kashmir Solidarity Day should not be denigrated Pakistanis remain irrevocably committed to the moral diplomatic and political support of the Kashmiri people in their struggle for their inherent birthright of self-determination Pakistan may well have to behave wisely now, because not only are both counties armed with nuclear weapons, but India is presently ruled by a fanatical Indian government that believes in Hindutva The present BJP government has become more dangerous now that it has begun suffering electoral reverses because of its failures of domestic governance It may wish to engage in reviving its anti-Pakistan rhetoric to revive its flagging electoral fortunes For that, Pakistan has to be ready At the same time, it cannot afford to acquiesce in the Indian repression in Kashmir, because that would mean giving India what it wants Accepting that repression is thus going to help India take that first step on the real goal the undoing of the Partition Because of this Pakistanis should never forget that the Kashmir cause is actually Pakistan’s
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
T w o t y p e s o f e v e r y t h i n g
TH E R E is this time-honoured tradition of dividing everything into three categories Like numerous other things, this custom traces back to classical Greek thought Without in any way intending to disrespect the Greek sages however I have found two to be a much more useful number instead Male and female smart and silly ugly and beautiful in-tune and tone-deaf prodigal and dutiful good and bad (cholesterol, Taliban, etc ), fortune and misfortune the list goes on Binary classification in the cognitive domain is extremely handy, and not just in computing Few men and even fewer women would disagree that mothers-in-law come in two distinct varieties: The good (everybody else s that is especially their spouse s) and the evil (namely their own) Of grass there are also two types The green grass and the greener one, the latter being always on the other side of the fence Husbands are also of two sorts: the bad ones and the exceedingly bad ones The types of wives (two again) were best described arguably by Robert Mugabe While I am no Mugabe fan in the spirit of giving the devil his due, I am reproducing the description here: The first type of wife listens to her husband, understands his thoughts and feelings, always behaves lovingly forgives and forgets and keeps smiling even when she has reasons to be unhappy The second type is the one that everyone has Friends are similarly of two kinds: the ordinary friend and the best friend Whenever you want to see their difference in all its dazzling clarity, just praise a woman in front of her best friend To get a similar explosion of jealousy from a man however, the best friends must hail from the same profession Aunts and grandmothers are also of two kinds: those that keep constantly asking you when you plan on getting married (if you happen to be single) or when should they expect to hear good news (if you have already tied the knot); and those that do not, owing to having interests other than your conjugal bliss and the safe and successful transfer of your quite unrivalled DNA to the next generation of humankind
Uncles are also of two kinds It is one thing to call an elderly stranger Uncle as a mark of respect but completely another when one is on the receiving end of the respectful gesture I was reminded of this recently while hiking the Margalla Hills’ scenic Trail 3 I was passing a group of men perched on a large rock who were huffing and puffing on account of the strenuous activity apparently having given up the hike (at least temporarily) The one exception in the bunch, who seemed to still have a lot left in his gas
T h e R e k o D i q p r o j e c t a m i d s t t h e g l o b a l p o w e r p l a y I t i s m o re i m p
Ttiatives, such as building hospitals, schools, and colleges Already a Rs 1 5-billion hospital has begun operations in Naukandi Balochistan marking a promising start to these efforts The Reko Diq project which is set to inject $22 billion into Balochistan, holds significant promise for the region s long-overdue development Yet, it faces opposition from divisive narratives that frame it as an exploitation of resources rather than an opportunity for growth If left unaddressed these perspectives could stifle progress and perpetuate economic stagnation Balochistan s challenges highlight a broader issue in Pakistan, the gap between the country s abundant natural resources and its ability to fully harness them Despite having unexplored mineral reserves valued at $1 trillion the mere presence of these resources does not automatically translate into prosperity Take Nigeria for instance Despite its vast oil reserves, the country has struggled with political instability, weak governance, and internal divisions, issues often compounded by external influences Such patterns of engineered instability have kept nations like Nigeria trapped in dependency unable to leverage their wealth for sustainable development
Pakistan faces more or less similar challenges in fully leveraging its natural wealth, with political fragmentation, internal conflicts, and vested interests hindering its progress
These issues coupled with the country’s strategic location and nuclear capabilities have made Pakistan a focal point for global powers further complicating internal dynamics
As a result, its resources are either exploited by external forces or left untapped, perpetuating a cycle of dependency To break free from this cycle, Pakistan must focus on unity and effective resource management
The Reko Diq project offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how natural wealth can benefit the entire nation but this will require addressing challenges in governance, infrastruc-
ture and investment
Efficient resource extraction demands advanced technology skilled expertise, and robust infrastructure, areas where Pakistan currently faces significant gaps
Balochistan’s mineral wealth, for example, will remain underutilized without substantial investment in these areas Similarly Punjab’s fertile agricultural land has yet to reach its full potential due to inadequate management and investment
The lesson is clear, resources, no matter how plentiful, are only as valuable as the systems in place to exploit them effectively Fragmented nations are easier to control and Pakistan s internal divisions make it vulnerable to external manipulation To safeguard its resources and secure its future the country must foster national unity and prioritize long-term development over short-term gains This means ensuring that projects like Reko Diq are managed transparently with benefits equitably distributed and reinvested into the nation’s development
The Reko Diq initiative is not just an economic venture; it is a critical moment in Pakistan s journey, offering a chance to break free from external dependence and chart a course toward true self-sufficiency and sovereignty Yet, success will require Pakistan to rise above internal discord recognizing that a united nation is key to overcoming the challenges of division
The true value of Reko Diq lies not in its monetary worth, but in its capacity to unite the nation under a shared vision of progress and prosperity To forge a resilient and self-sustaining future Pakistan must unite in purpose embracing strategic resource management inclusive development and the greater good of all
Only through collective strength and harmony can the nation transcend the cycles of dependency and step into its destined future The moment for action is upon us, for the present and for the generations to come The destiny of this great nation is not a distant dream but a reality waiting to be realized through unity vision and a commitment to building a legacy that will endure for centuries
Only through collective strength and harmony can the nation transcend the cycles of dependency and step into its destined future . The moment for action is upon us, for the present and for the g enerations to come . The destiny of this great nation is not a distant dream, but a reality waiting to be realiz ed through unity, vision, and a commitment to building a legacy that will endure for centuries.
Privatisation prospects and perils
who support this as a solution believe that it can bring more proficiency and effectiveness, but critics presage it may cause new problems One of the major issues faced by the power sector is circular debt This occurs because of overdue payments to private power companies, maladministration, and poor performance of distribution companies (Discos) There is 17 per cent transmission and distribution loss which is much higher compared to countries like South Korea the United States and China where such losses account for 3 6pc, 5pc and 8pc, respectively
Moreover, there are factors like under-reporting of usage, electricity theft and outdated transmission lines that further add to the problem A large number of Discos are economically weak and cannot upgrade their systems, or provide continuous electricity, leaving the government to cover their losses
The supporters of privatisation claim that the involvement of private companies could help decrease losses and would upgrade services The result of privatisation in other countries has shown mixed outcomes In the United Kingdom, privatisation assisted in improving effectiveness and satisfactory delivery of service Chile’s modernisation of the power sector decreased the losses
Nevertheless, the experience of privatisation in some countries, like India and Nigeria, has been unsatisfactory because of poor regulations and inadequate improvements in service
Privatisation of Discos in Pakistan provokes many queries Will the private companies overtake the whole system, together with wires and electricity poles? If not, how will competition work? What about the electricity prices? Will they continue to be the same across the country or will they enhance for some user categories?
To make a successful privatisation plan, Pakistan has to upgrade its regulatory system Strong rules and autonomous regulations are the most important elements to make privatisation work However regulation system in Pakistan is poor and is highly influenced by politics Successful privatisation in other countries frequently required diminishing subsidies, which elevated prices for domestic and agricultural customers This can cause a
Dr ZAFAr KHAN SAFDAr
ing that the law has been misused in the past and that the new penalties could further suppress freedom of expression
Ademocracy without free speech is like a body without a soul The ability to express opinions ask questions and hold leaders accountable keeps democracy alive However, in Pakistan, this freedom is shrinking The recent PECA Amendment 2025 passed in the name of regulating social media and countering fake news, is raising serious alarms Instead of protecting citizens right it seems to be designed to silence them control narratives and suppress dissent
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was formerly enacted in 2016 to address cybercrimes in Pakistan Over time, the government has introduced amendments to this act with the most recent being the PECA Amendment Act 2025 This latest amendment was passed by the National Assembly on January 23, and subsequently approved by the Senate on January 28 The amendment introduces a criminal offence against those accused of spreading so-called false and fake information imposing a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment along with a fine of up to two million rupees
The bill was introduced by the Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and passed minutes after its introduction, as opposition members had already walked out of the session Journalists also boycotted the assembly session in protest The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly opposed the amendment, rejecting it outright and announcing a strike against the law Furthermore, the amendment has been challenged in Lahore High Court, with petitioners argu-
This law comes at a time when social media has become the last standing space where people can freely discuss political and social issues Traditional media under increasing pressure has already lost its ability to report independently Television channels are careful about what they broadcast and newspapers avoid stories that could upset powerful institutions
As a result, the internet has become the primary platform for people to raise their concerns highlight injustices and demand change However the new amendment grants authorities the power to regulate online content in a way that can be used to suppress critical voices Any post, video, or news article that challenges the official narrative could be labeled as false information and fake news while the person sharing it could face legal consequences
Pakistan has a long history of silencing voices under the pretext of national security and social stability For instance, during General Zia-ul-Haq s dictatorship in the 1980s, journalists were arrested, newspapers were censored, and press freedom was nonexistent Some writers like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib were either jailed or forced into exile for their political views
The state tightly controlled information ensuring that only one-sided, governmentapproved narratives reached the people Today, the methods have changed, but the intent remains the same Instead of banning newspapers the authorities pressure media owners block websites and now through the PECA amendment can legally punish individuals for their opinions The amendment may not openly call for censorship, but it
provides legal cover to target journalists political activists and ordinary citizens who challenge the status quo One of the law s biggest problems lies in its vague language It criminalizes the spread of false information, but who decides what is false? For example, a tweet by someone criticizing government policies a YouTube video discussing corruption or a Facebook post about human rights violations could all be classified as misinformation This creates an environment where people will start second-guessing everything they post, fearing legal action The chilling effect of such laws is far-reaching it doesn’t just punish individuals; it discourages an entire society from speaking up The power to regulate speech should never rest solely in the hands of those in power
This is not just a concern for journalists or activists Every Pakistani who uses the internet will be affected For example, imagine a student writing a post on social media about the struggles of unemployment or a citizen questioning government spending in an online discussion If the authorities deem their words harmful or misleading, they could face serious consequences In a democracy, people shouldn’t have to fear punishment just for sharing an opinion
However with this amendment only state-approved speech will be safe and anything critical could disappear overnight Furthermore, the human rights defenders who speak up about missing persons, minority issues, and women’s rights could be silenced with a simple label, anti-state, and silenced Additionally the opposition politicians in the legislature could find their voices legally erased just like in other countries where such laws have been used to crush dissent Pakistan is not the first country to introduce such laws Countries like China, Turkey, and Russia have introduced similar laws under the guise of fighting fake news
but their real purpose has been to crush dissent In China, the government tightly controls the internet ensuring that only positive portrayals of the state are visible Journalists and activists who attempt to challenge this control often disappear or face long prison sentences In Turkey, President
Trump’s Gaza plan undermines justice and international law
Ar ticle 49 of the Four th Geneva Convention states: ‘Individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as depor tations of protec ted persons from occupied territor y to the territor y of the O ccupying Power or to that of any other countr y, occupied or not, are prohibited, regardless of their motive’
proposal to
from
to
boring countries like Egypt and Jordan is not merely misguided it is a calculated affront to international law and the principles of justice Trump’s remark made last Saturday about “cleaning out” Gaza dangerously mimics historical patterns of ethnic cleansing and holds grave implications for an already dire humanitarian crisis If implemented, Trump s idea would amount to an alarming escalation in the ethnic cleansing of the
bassador to the U S Motaz Zahran has previously decried such proposals as contrary to “legal obligations of an occupying power and emphasized that stripping Palestinians of their homeland would ignite further regional instability
well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the Occupying Power or to that of any other country, occupied or not, are prohibited, regardless of their motive ” Articles seven and eight of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court defines forcible transfer as a crime against humanity and a war crime Moreover such displacement undermines the foundational norms of international law
Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, has rightly warned that the mass deportation of Palestinians “directly undermines resolving this conflict amid decades of a refugee crisis He further emphasized that every state is obligated to prevent war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide each constituting atrocity crimes ” The United Nations echoed this stance stating that the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza would not only violate their human rights but also erode the possibility of a two-state solution envisioned by decades of diplomacy Egyptian Am-
The devastation in Gaza is staggering Over 47,000 Palestinians, the majority of them civilians, have been directly killed during the conflict The destruction of 70 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has left 1 9 million people displaced with nowhere to return Trump s plan framed as a temporary relocation ignores the reality that refugee camps often become permanent holding zones for displaced populations, as evidenced by the plight of Palestinians since 1948 As Abdullah Al-Arian of Georgetown University in Qatar observed Trump s words should be taken seriously in part because we have seen this specific demand being made for over the last year and a half ” He further highlights that such displacement is part of a broader attempt to erase Palestinian identity noting that some Israeli officials had indicated very early on in the course of the war a desire to ethnically cleanse as much of the Palestinian territory as possible While Trump’s statements may seem far-fetched, history has shown that ideas once dismissed as outlandish can over time become mainstream policy discussions The gradual normalization of forced displacement rhetoric is deeply concerning, particularly given past comments from Trump s inner circle Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior adviser previously referred to Gaza’s “waterfront property” as a valuable real estate asset raising serious questions about whether the push for Palestinian removal is motivated by economic exploitation rather than humanitarian or security concerns By framing Gaza’s land as an opportunity rather than a home for millions Kushner s remarks alongside Trump s expose a troubling pattern of erasing Palestinian ties to their homeland in favor of an agenda that prioritizes Israeli control If such discourse is not challenged forcefully, it risks becoming an accepted part of policy discussions making its eventual implementation far more likely Both Egypt and Jordan have categorically rejected Trump s proposal Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi previously labeled such an idea as a second Nakba, referencing the mass expulsion of Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948 He has warned that such actions would jeopardize Egypt s national security and its peace treaty with Israel Jordan already home to 2 3 million
registered Palestinian refugees, has similarly rejected the proposal Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reaffirmed the kingdom’s firm and unwavering stance against displacement stating Jordan is for Jordanians and Palestine is for Palestinians As the occupying power, Israel bears the primary responsibility for the welfare of Gaza’s population under international law Displacing Palestinians to neighboring countries effectively absolves Israel of its obligations while enabling a longterm strategy of annexation This is not conjecture far-right Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have openly supported policies to transfer Palestinians to other countries to facilitate settlement expansion The plight of Palestinian refugees offers a cautionary tale Since the 1948 Nakba, nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees have been trapped in statelessness, many living in overcrowded camps across the Middle East As history has shown displacement is not a solution it perpetuates cycles of poverty instability and violence
Refugee camps are often sites of profound human suffering The United Nations’ policy discouraging camps acknowledges that they can entrench displacement for decades For Palestinians they would mean generations of hardship and the effective loss of any right to return to their ancestral homeland Trump s proposal is not about peace it is about erasure Moving Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan only advances Israel’s longstanding agenda of annexation and demographic engineering The only just path forward is one that upholds international law ensures the right of return for displaced Palestinians and holds Israel accountable for its responsibilities as an occupying power As the international community, we must demand an immediate cessation of hostilities and a robust commitment to justice This includes permanently ending the siege on Gaza rebuilding its infrastructure, and advancing toward a genuine two-state solution Anything less is complicity in the ethnic cleansing of a people Palestinian voices not proposals that perpetuate their displacement must guide the future of Gaza As Abu Yahya Rashid, a displaced Gazan, poignantly stated, This land is ours and the property of our ancestors throughout history We will not leave it except as corpses ” Faisal Kutty is a lawyer law professor and regular contributor to The Toronto Star
AS AI slop spreads across the internet concerns about the future of high-quality information are growing Without accurate and relevant human-generated data, model collapse – whereby generative artificial intelligence trains on its own output and gradually degrades – seems inevitable The tech giants well aware of this risk have cut corners and skirted copyright law in their pursuit of training data for their large language models There is a simple solution: these large US companies could pay for the content they use, whether to develop generative AI or to keep social-media users scrolling In 2021 Australia s competition authority issued a news media bargaining code requiring platforms to pay for the news from which they profit, which led many tech companies to reach voluntary deals with media organizations When Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) failed to renew these deals in 2024 the Australian government updated the code to include a digital-platform levy Other countries are considering similar measures Europe has already taken some steps in this direction The European Union s Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, which came into force in June 2019 and was supposed to be transposed by member states into national law by June 2021 has provided a framework for securing fair compensation for European publishers In Denmark, this led to the creation in July 2021 of the Danish Press Publications Collective Management Organization (or the DPCMO, of which I am CEO) Representing 99% of the Danish news industry from newspapers and magazines to digital outlets and public-service broadcasters the DPCMO has been authorized by the Danish Ministry of Culture to grant extended collective licenses At first, we had the authority to conclude agreements on behalf of publishers regarding their rights (and neighboring rights) with search engines socialmedia
CHINA is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to deepen the alignment of their development strategies expand exchanges on experience in state governance and advance all-round mutually beneficial cooperation to push for the implementation of the building of a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday Xi made the remarks while holding talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov who is in Beijing for a state visit
Noting that the two countries are good neighbors, friends and partners, Xi said that in recent years, China-Kyrgyzstan relations have achieved leap-forward development, reaching a new height of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era Hailing the political mutual trust and bilateral cooperation in various fields Xi said the social and public opinion foundation for
COOPERATION WITH KYRGYZSTAN
building a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future is being increasingly consolidated
He called on both countries to focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and advance the deepening of their mutually beneficial cooperation
China will continue to expand economic and trade cooperation with Kyrgyzstan import more quality goods from Kyrgyzstan and support more Chinese enterprises to invest and start business in Kyrgyzstan, he said, expressing his hope that the Kyrgyz side will effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors Xi urged efforts to comprehensively improve the level of connectivity build the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway with high standards and high quality promote the modernization of existing ports, and open more passenger and freight flights to provide more convenience for the exchange of personnel and the flow of goods between the two countries He also called for expanding cooperation
in new quality productive forces such as cross-border e-commerce big data and artificial intelligence to create new growth points Xi said the two sides should operate institutions such as the Chinese Cultural
LAHORE Ag e n c e s Prince Karim Al-Husseini Aga Khan IV the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and known for his development work around the world has died in Lisbon at the age of 88, according to the Aga Khan Development Network on X The announcement of his designated successor will follow, the network said The 49th hereditary imam or spiritual leader of the world s 15 million Ismailis his name also became synonymous with success as a racehorse owner with the thoroughbred Shergar among his most famous The international jet setter who held British, French, Swiss and Portuguese citizenship poured millions into helping people in the poorest parts of the world
If you travel the developing world you see poverty is the driver of tragic despair, and there is the possibility that any means out will be taken,” he told the New York Times in a rare interview in 2007
By assisting the poor through business he told the newspaper we are developing protection against extremism
Condolences poured in soon after the Aga Khan s death, with global leaders remembering his humanitarian efforts
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he joined the Ismaili community in mourning the “colossal loss from the passing away of Prince Karim Aga Khan A man of vision faith and generosity, his enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations His contributions transcended borders, bringing hope and progress to communities in need,” PM Shehbaz said on X Calling him a remarkable leader the premier noted: Through his tireless efforts in poverty alleviation healthcare and gender equality, he championed the cause of the marginalised, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives ” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed his sorrow his ministry said on X Services of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan for social sectors are unforgettable, he was quoted as saying Naqvi highlighted his significant contributions in the fields of education and health in Pakistan”, adding: “The world has lost a compassionate figure ” Deputy PM Ishaq Dar also expressed his condolences on X stating he was deeply saddened by the news Dar said the Aga Khan s unwavering dedication to philanthropy and the betterment of communities worldwide has left an indelible mark on the world” “His special attachment to Pakistan and his matchless contribution to the development and progress of its people can never be forgotten Pakistan mourns his loss and cherishes his inspiring legacy,” the deputy PM said PPP Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari shared a picture of himself with Prince Karim Al-Husseini calling him a remarkable visionary a leader and humanitarian whose dedication to improving lives knew no boundaries His legacy of service, wisdom, and
compassion will continue to guide and inspire generations My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Ismaili community around the world the former foreign minister wrote UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres posted on X that he was deeply saddened by the news
“He was a symbol of peace tolerance and compassion in our troubled world the UN chief wrote conveying his condolences to the Aga Khan s family and the Ismaili community Canada s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted that the Aga Khan “devoted his life to peace and prosperity for all” He worked across continents and cultures to resolve the world s greatest humanitarian challenges: poverty, education, and gender inequality He was an extraordinary man of vision, faith, and generosity, and I know his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched ” Trudeau wrote Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai said Prince Karim Al-Husseini s legacy
will continue to live on through the in-
credible work he led for education health and development around the world
Various other leaders from Canada also expressed their grief, including exPM Stephen Harper, former foreign minister John Baird, and New Democrat Party leader Jagmeet Singh Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto remembered the Aga Khan as an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable Prince Shah Karim Al-Husseini was born on Dec 13, 1936 in Geneva and spent his early childhood in Nairobi Kenya He later returned to Switzerland attending the exclusive Le Rosey School before going to the United States to study Islamic history at Harvard When his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan died in 1957, he became the imam of the Ismailis at the age of 20 As Aga Khan derived from Turkish and Persian words to mean command-
ing chief he was the fourth holder of the title which was originally granted in the 1830s by the emperor of Persia to Karim s great-great-grandfather when the latter married the emperor ’s daughter
The role included providing divine guidance for the Ismaili community whose members live in Central Asia the Middle East South Asia sub-Saharan Africa Europe and North America
After his father died in May 1960, the Aga Khan initially pondered whether to continue his family’s long tradition of thoroughbred racing and breeding
But after winning the French owners championship in his first season he was hooked I have come to love it he said in a 2013 interview with Vanity Fair It s so exciting, a constant challenge Every time you sit down and breed you are playing a game of chess with nature ”
His stables and riders wearing his emerald-green silk livery enjoyed great successes with horses like Sea the Stars which won the Epsom Derby and the 2,000 Guineas; and Sinndar, which also won the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in the same year 2000
But perhaps his most famous horse was Shergar which won the Epsom Derby the Irish Derby and the King George, before being kidnapped in February 1983 from Ireland s Ballymany stud farm A ransom demand was made, with the mafia former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and the IRA all suggested as suspects No money was paid and no trace of the horse was ever found
The Aga Khan set up the Aga Khan Development Network in 1967 The group of international development agencies employs 80,000 people helping to build schools and hospitals and providing electricity for millions of people in the poorest parts of Africa and Asia
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V named 50th Imam of Ismailis
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was named the 50th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community on Wednesday according to the Aga Khan Development Network on X The succession follows the death of his father Prince Karim Al-Husseini Aga Khan IV in Lisbon at the age of 88 on Tuesday Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was today named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following the unsealing of the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died in Lisbon, Portugal yesterday aged 88 ” the statement said “Throughout their 1 400 year history the Ismailis have been led by a living hereditary Imam The Ismailis live in over 35 countries and number approximately 12 to 15 million the statement said Condolences poured in soon after Prince Khan IV s death, with global leaders remembering his humanitarian efforts
The 49th hereditary imam or spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismailis his name also became synonymous with success as a racehorse owner with the thoroughbred Shergar among his most famous
The international jet setter who held British French Swiss and Portuguese citizenship poured millions into help-
ing people in the poorest parts of the world
“If you travel the developing world you see poverty is the driver of tragic despair and there is the possibility that any means out will be taken he told the New York Times in a rare interview in 2007
By assisting the poor through business, he told the newspaper, we are developing protection against extremism
Prince Rahim awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian honour
Prince Rahim Aga Khan was conferred with nation’s highest civilian award the Nishan-i-Pakistan by President Asif Ali Zardari during his visit to Pakistan last year
The award recognises individuals who have rendered services of the highest distinction to Pakistan
Noting Prince Rahim s role as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Chair of the AKDN Environment and Climate Committee, the award citation stated: “Prince Rahim Aga Khan through his many leadership roles within the Aga Khan Development Network has for more than a quarter century dedicated his untiring efforts to improving the quality of life of peoples in resource-constrained regions of Asia and Africa
CORPORATE CORNER
LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t
OVE for Kashmir runs like blood
slavery is a reflection of India s conspiracy against basic rights of citizens of this Valley He said that the atrocities in the Kashmir are nothing but a story of hollow and deceitful claims of secularism of India Abdul Aleem Khan said that every rising sun is a testimony to the hope of Kashmir's freedom President Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party declaring February 5 as Kashmir Day said that the Modi Government s hands are stained with the blood of Kashmiris and today the entire Pakistani nation reiterates its resolve to defend the beloved homeland alongside the Pakistan Army Meanwhile a protest rally was organized by the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party on the instructions of President Abdul Aleem Khan in which Provincial President Rana Nazir Ahmed Khan General Secretary and Member of Punjab Assembly Muhammad Shoaib Siddiqui, President IPP Lahore Malik Zaman Naseeb and General Secretary Rana Javed Iqbal, Coordinator from NA-117 Junaid Zulfiqar former MPA Haroon Imran Gilll and Ms Taskin Khakwani from the Women s Wing participated While expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers
AgriConnections 2025 to unlock agri potential through investment, innovation
KARACHI s ta f
r t
The Pakistan Agricultural Coalition (PAC) in collaboration with the World Bank Group, will host the AgriConnections 2025 conference and expo on February 12 and 13 at the Karachi Expo Centre The twoday conference will bring together top international and Pakistani experts policymakers financial institutions, and agribusiness leaders to explore investment opportunities and transformative solutions for Pakistan’s agriculture sector
The conference will feature sessions on critical topics such as developing a national agri-commodity market scaling up investment in agriculture and strengthening policy frameworks Experts will also discuss how Pakistan s farmers can benefit from carbon credits, financial inclusion through agri-fintech, and the role of public-private partnerships for empowering farmers
Insights from Hungarian agricultural specialists will shed light on best practices that Pakistan can adopt to improve efficiency and productivity
Speaking to the media ahead of the event Kazim Saeed CEO of Pakistan Agricultural Coalition highlighted the significance of AgriConnections 2025 for the country s agricultural economy He stated, “Pakistan’s agriculture sector has the potential to become an agricultural super power, but this requires strategic investments, modern financial tools, and policy reforms Pakistan Agricultural Coalition in partnership with key corporate players has been working to bridge these gaps and this conference will serve as a crucial platform to identify solutions and connections that drive investment and growth
A key highlight of AgriConnections 2025 will be ZarZaraat, an agristartup competition sponsored by The Bank of Punjab in collaboration with Pakistan Business Council and Pakistan Banks Association
This initiative aims to support emerging agri-tech entrepreneurs who are working on innovative solutions to modernize farming and agribusiness in Pakistan
The event will be attended by leading financial and agricultural experts policymakers and corporate leaders all contributing valuable insights on strengthening Pakistan s agricultural resilience and economic growth Supported by major financial institutions agribusiness giants and knowledge partners AgriConnections 2025 is expected to shape the future of agriculture in Pakistan creating new opportunities for stakeholders across the value chain BEING
s ta f f r e p o r t
In a significant step toward economic cooperation, a high-level delegation from the Sindh government, led by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah met with top executives of Chinese companies in Beijing The meetings focused on major infrastructure and energy projects paving the way for enhanced bilateral partnerships The delegation included Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi
MUHAMMAD SIDDIQUE KAYANI
In
ministers, officials of the
Foreign Office a large number of citizens and children from Sweet Home participated The participants carried posters and banners and raised slogans of Kashmiri Banega Pakistan” (Kashmir will become Pakistan) Addressing the rally Acting Chairman of Senate Syedaal Khan said Pakistan has always extended moral political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people Kashmir Committee Chairman Rana Qasim Noon called for resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions
Addressing the participants of the rally Energy Minister Musaddik Malik said India has turned a valley into hell through oppression He said that India has denied the Kashmiris right to self-determination Peace in the region has been marred due to India s barbarity He said the entire Pakistani nation protests against India and expresses “solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers Malik said that time has come to give the right to selfdetermination to the people of occupied Kashmir The struggle will continue until the freedom of Kashmir, he added APHC AJK Chapter Deputy Convener Farooq Rehmani thanked Pakistani leadership and people for always extending firm support to Kashmiri people Peace and Culture Organisation Chair-
person Mushaal Mullick also organised a rally in Islamabad in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day A walk was held from People s Chowringi to the Mazar-e-Quaid to express solidarity with the Kashmiris in Indian occupied valley Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah took part in the walk A large number of students joined the walk holding Kashmiri flags The Press Information Department (PID) Regional Office here arranged a seminar to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day Later various civil society organistions and political and religious parties take out rallies in various parts of the city to express solidarity day with Kashmiris A rally was taken out in the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which was led by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi The participants reiterated resolve to stand with the oppressed Kashmiris Governor
