PROFITEERING, HOARDING GO UNCHECKED
AMID TALL CL AIMS OF RELIEF
GOVT ACKNOWLEDGES MARITIME SECTOR LOSSES IN BILLIONS
TFederal Minister for
Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, as well as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President, Engineer Amir Muqam on Sunday criticised jailed PTI founder Imran Khan for seeking external support stating that he should learn from the mistakes of Ukraine s leadership Speaking at a ceremony during his visit to Swat s Salampur area for the inauguration of a NADRA Registration Center Muqam said that political opponents were unable to accept Pakistan’s progress and were forming alliances based on personal interests rather than national development He stressed that if alliances were necessary, they should focus on eliminating terrorism economic stability and reducing unemployment He claimed that overseas Pakistanis and the youth had rejected PTI with the party s popularity declining nationwide
Despite ruling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for three consecutive terms Muqam accused PTI of failing to bring development or peace to the province
He argued that the party s priorities were never about public service but something else entirely The minister highlighted that under Imran Khan’s rule inflation was out of control and Pakistan was nearing bankruptcy However he credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s leadership for reducing
investor
with foreign exchange reserves increasing due to economic reforms Expressing concern over rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muqam blamed certain political factions for indirectly facilitating its continuation He criticized PTI’s failure to fulfill promises including constructing dams and transforming
ister s House into a university Instead, he accused
s government of discouraging overseas remittances However, he praised
seas Pakistanis for rejecting PTI’s stance and sending $300 billion in remittances a 25% increase from last year Muqam stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had realized PTI s true nature and were now shifting their support to PML-N Following his speech, he visited the newly established NADRA Registration Center where he received a briefing from officials on its operations
Armaghan faces fresh legal charges for threatening law yer in Mustafa Amir case
S ta f f R e p o R t
Armaghan the prime suspect in the Mustafa Amir murder case is facing additional legal trouble after being accused of threatening a lawyer representing cases against him According to police officials, a new case has been registered against Armaghan on the complaint of Advocate
Saif The lawyer reported that on April 22 2024 the accused sent him WhatsApp messages containing death threats and warnings of forced disappearance if he did not withdraw from the case Armaghan also used abusive language against the lawyer and his family
This development comes a day after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched a money-laundering investigation against Armaghan The agency s anti-money laundering and cybercrime
circles are jointly handling the probe, with authorities freezing Armaghan s bank accounts and properties for 90 days
Officials have also stated that individuals involved in financial dealings through Armaghan s accounts will be included in the investigation To gather further evidence, the FIA has sought assistance from the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) and plans to conduct forensic tests related to the suspect’s alleged involvement in cybercrimes
On Friday the National Assembly s Standing Committee on Interior directed both the FIA and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to investigate the Mustafa Amir murder case PPP MNA Agha Rafiullah urged swift action against Armaghan questioning the leniency shown to him despite his violent actions including firing on police officers
Another MNA Nabeel Gabol highlighted concerns over suspected
drug trading and dark web transactions linked to the case, criticizing federal institutions for failing to intervene earlier Meanwhile Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting at the CM House on Thursday to assess the progress of the case Senior officials from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC), and Special Investigation Unit (SIU) briefed the chief minister on the ongoing investigation
S peakers at IIUI seminar c all for global inter vention in K ashmir dispute
Zahid Safi, and Dr Nazir Hussain
The seminar attracted a diverse audience, including students, faculty members and researchers who engaged in discussions on the pressing need for global intervention in the Kashmir crisis
campus, where speakers urged the international community to play its role in the resolution of the Kashmir issue T h
significant contribution of academia
e through dedicated research and intellectual discourse
The event was attended by prominent intellectuals, policymakers, and academicians including former minister and seasoned analyst Mushahid Hussain Syed Special Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Rector IIUI Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, President IIUI Dr Ahmed Shuja Syed Shamim Shawl
Addressing the seminar Mushahid Hussain Syed paid rich tribute to the brave freedom fighters of Kashmir He particularly highlighted the role of Kashmiri women in the resistance movement stating that their resilience and sacrifices have set an exemplary precedent
Criticizing the global double standards and apathy towards the Kashmir issue, he asserted that India is sponsoring state terrorism not only in Kashmir but across multiple regions of the world He called for raising this matter at international platforms such as the United Nations (UN) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Mushahid Hussain Syed also urged the youth to utilize social media to raise awareness and advocate for the Kashmiri cause
In his address, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training spoke passionately about his personal connection to the Kashmir issue proudly stating that he is the son of a father from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) He stressed the transformative power of technology as a great equalizer, underscoring its potential in educating the world about the atrocities faced by Kashmiris He further remarked that the strength and stability of Pakistan are directly linked to the freedom of Kashmir Chairman HEC and Rector IIUI Dr Mukhtar Ahmed elaborated on the pivotal role played by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in promoting the Kashmir cause through research and academic initiatives He announced that HEC has established Kashmir research centers in six universities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to produce impactful scholarly work
COMMENT
Does change in method change the intent?
FO R years, the government has offered relief to consumers by offering certain goods, such as gram flour, edible oil and sugar at subsidized rates through the Utility Stores all over the country This yer, the government is giving cash directly to the needy, through the Benazir Income Support Programme network, which is monitored through ID cards While announcing this scheme on Saturday night, on the eve of the first fast of Ramazan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif disclosed that the government was actually allocating much more money this year than in previous years Rs 20 billion instead of Rs 7 billion The scheme involves giving Rs 5000 per family to four million families and the great argument adduced is that the subsidy is targeted, and will go to those who need the subsidy the most
It could equally be argued that the families getting the subsidy are not uniformly devout Indeed, it can be seen that there are different levels of religiosity within each family, and there is nothing to prevent the recipient of the subsidy spending on something like saving for a new bicycle rather than on Ramazan expenses The Prime Minister congratulated himself on the taming of inflation, but he seems not to have noticed the uptick in inflation shown by the Sensitive Price Index, driven by an increase in food prices ahead of Ramzan The utility store mechanism was not just bout supply to the poor but about keeping prices down The utility stores and Ramzan Bazar mechanisms were plagued by complaints bout quality but they prevented those selling a better quality from price gouging Even those who never went to a utility store benefited That benefit will now be lost
The government has managed to change a measure meant to benefit all, rich or poor, into a doling out of charity Fair prices in Ramazan are a sort of social good, much like the roads, on which all travel, rich or poor In the Holy Month, all need the protection of the state against extortion, even the obscenely rich No one is supposed to get a handout The subsidy might now be better targeted, but the government needs to remember that it is not merely answerable to the electorate in matters of devotion, but also to the Almighty
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Its silence is deafening
TH E Federal Public Service Commission a 77-year-old institution once celebrated as Pakistan s bastion of meritocracy has fallen silent Since November 2024, its monthly ritual of job advertisements a lifeline for thousands of civil service aspirants has abruptly ceased This unexplained hiatus has not only disrupted the dreams of a generation but also exposed systemic vulnerabilities in a nation where 64 percent of the population is under 30 and youth unemployment hovers at 11 6 percent The FPSC s dormancy is more than an administrative lapse; it is a crisis of trust, opportunity, and governance that demands urgent reckoning For decades, the FPSC has been a symbol of hope offering a rare level playing field in a country where socioeconomic disparities often dictate destiny Rooted in Article 242 of Pakistan s Constitution its mandate to recruit civil servants through competitive exams has produced leaders who shaped policy, managed crises, and steered national development From the Pakistan Administrative Service to the Foreign Service of Pakistan, FPSC selections have been synonymous with prestige and public service Yet today this institution stands accused of betraying its founding principles leaving aspirants like 26-year-old Ayesha Khan from Karachi in limbo I ve sacrificed job offers, relationships, and financial stability for this dream, she says The silence from the FPSC feels like a betrayal ” Theories about the hiatus abound but clarity remains elusive Some speculate the commission is overhauling recruitment policies perhaps revisiting provincial quotas or integrating technology to curb cheating a persistent issue that sparked protests in 2023 after a leaked CSS exam paper Others point to Pakistan’s dire economic straits: with a $350 billion debt burden and austerity measures imposed by the IMF the government may have frozen public sector hiring Yet no official statement confirms this Meanwhile whispers of political interference or legal battles over exam irregularities reminiscent of the 2021 judicial probe into paper leaks add fuel to the rumor mill The absence of
transparency has bred cynicism Is this a tactic to manipulate future recruitments? asks Lahorebased educator Hassan Raza Every day without answers deepens distrust The human cost of this uncertainty is staggering Millions of aspirants, many from middle- and low-income families invest years and scarce resources in preparation Coaching centers in Rawalpindi’s Committee Chowk and Karachi s Nazimabad once bustling with hopefuls now report empty seats Families like Sana Mir s in Quetta, who sold ancestral land to fund her studies, face financial ruin Mental health professionals warn of a silent epidemic: cases of anxiety and depression among candidates have surged, compounded by Pakistan’s already strained mental health infrastructure Kamran Malik a 28-year-old from Multan captures the despair: My peers are now risking illegal migration to Europe When your own country doesn t value your potential, why stay?
Economically, the repercussions are equally dire Pakistan needs to create 1 5 million jobs annually to absorb its youth bulge The FPSC’s freeze not only denies the state a pipeline of skilled bureaucrats but also stalls critical projects From climate resilience initiatives to CPEC s next phase delayed recruitment threatens institutional capacity Economists warn of a domino effect: unemployed youth reduce consumer spending, depress local economies, and fuel the informal sector, where exploitation thrives In provinces like Balochistan and Sindh where public sector jobs are a stabilizing force the hiatus risks
The FPSCÊs revival is not merely an administrative task but a moral imperative . It is time to reclaim the promise of meritocracy, to honor the sacrifices of aspirants, and to rebuild an institution that once symboliz ed hope . PakistanÊs youth are not a liability but an asset a demographic dividend waiting to be harnessed. The cost of inaction is not just lost potential but a fractured future .
mestic industries For example the CASS Index of freight volume a reliable indicator of economic activity has shown a sharp decline in recent months While adverse weather conditions may have played a role, the broader trend suggests a slowdown in trade and economic activity
One of the most immediate risks of tariffs is their potential to fuel inflation Higher tariffs on imported goods would increase costs for both consumers and industrial users leading to higher prices across the board This would come at a time when the Federal Reserve is already grappling with inflationary pressures The combination of rising prices and stagnant wages could further erode consumer confidence and spending creating a vicious cycle that deepens the recession
The arms trade
investment contracted, contributing to the broader slowdown The Trump Administration’s approach to tariffs is a double-edged sword On one hand, tariffs could serve as a strategic tool to pressure foreign trading partners into increasing their investment in the USA On the other hand they risk escalating into a trade war that could exacerbate inflationary pressures and further destabilize the economy The USA is heavily reliant on imports, particularly capital goods, which have surged by nearly 40 percent in real terms since 2020 Today the USA imports more capital goods than it produces domestically including semi-finished goods and other production inputs This dependency makes it difficult for domestic manufacturers to replace foreign imports with local production, even in the face of rising tariffs The administration’s threat to impose 20 percent tariffs on Chinese imports and 25 percent tariffs on European goods could have farreaching consequences It is unclear how much of these tariffs would be absorbed by foreign exporters through price reductions or currency devaluation, and how much would be passed on to US consumers and businesses Given the scale of the proposed tariffs the likelihood of significant price increases is high which would further strain an already fragile economy The global economic landscape adds another layer of complexity The European Union, Japan, and China are unlikely to respond passively to the US tariff threats If these trading partners retaliate with their own tariffs the result could be a tit-for-tat trade war that disrupts global supply chains and stifles economic growth worldwide Conversely if the threat of tariffs prompts these nations to increase their investment in the USA, it could provide a muchneeded boost to domestic growth However, the latter scenario is far from guaranteed The US economy’s reliance on foreign inputs means that even a modest increase in tariffs could have a disproportionate impact on do-
Moreover the inflationary impact of tariffs would not be evenly distributed Low- and middle-income households, which spend a larger proportion of their income on goods, would bear the brunt of the price increases This could exacerbate income inequality and social tensions adding another layer of complexity to the economic challenges facing the nation The Trump Administration s tariff strategy represents a highstakes gamble If executed with precision, it could force trading partners to the negotiating table and secure favorable terms for the US economy However, if mismanaged, it could trigger a trade war that undermines global economic stability and deepens the domestic recession
To navigate this precarious situation the Administration must adopt a nuanced approach that balances the use of tariffs as a bargaining chip with the need to avoid economic fallout This would require close coordination with allies, a clear understanding of the global supply chain and a willingness to de-escalate tensions if necessary Additionally the Administration should consider complementary policies to stimulate domestic investment and innovation, reducing the economy s reliance on foreign imports in the long term
The Trump Administration’s tariff policies are at a crossroads They could either serve as a powerful tool to rebalance the US economy or become an economic time bomb that exacerbates the current downturn The outcome will depend on the administration s ability to navigate the complexities of global trade, manage inflationary risks, and secure the cooperation of foreign trading partners As the US economy stands on the brink of recession the stakes could not be higher The world will be watching to see whether the Trump Administration s tariff strategy proves to be a masterstroke or a miscalculation with far-reaching consequences
The writer can be reached at: writetomahossain@gmail com
They could either ser ve as a powerful tool to rebalance the US economy or become an economic time bomb that exacerbates the current downturn. The outcome will depend on the administrationÊs ability to navigate the complexities of global trade , manag e inflationar y risks, and secure the cooperation of foreign trading par tners.
Secure housing for women
m A hossAin
is deepfake technology which employs advanced AI algorithms to manipulate images audio and video producing highly realistic but entirely fabricated content
Deepfake tools have been exploited by malicious actors to craft deceptive and harmful material often targeting celebrities politicians and public figures This has become global and in Pakistan the situation is particularly concerning Such content
In
emotional and social repercussions of deepfake exploitation are profound Victims, particularly celebrities and high-profile individuals, often face public outrage, severe emotional distress and in extreme cases physical violence Law enforcement agencies and legal experts in the country are raising the alarm about the escalating weaponization of deepfake content This crisis demands immediate legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, and technological innovation
Globally deepfake technology is becoming increasingly prevalent particularly from platforms and tools designed to simplify it over 96 percent of deepfake videos circulating online are pornographic, celebrities the most common victims By 2023, deepfake creation communities had over 609,000 members, each contributing to proliferating harmful content Tools like DeepNude which generate explicit content from basic facial images have gained significant traction worldwide As a result deepfake technology has become a weapon for cybercriminals, disgruntled ex-partners, and others wishing to exploit others for personal or political gain Creating a deepfake video is surprisingly simple A 60-second fake video can be generated with as little as one image of the target taking only 25 minutes to produce The technology has become so accessible that individ-
uals with minimal technical expertise can create convincing deepfakes using free or lowcost software This democratization of the technology has resulted in its rapid spread The impact of deepfake technology in Pakistan has been particularly damaging, with a surge in fake explicit content and blasphemous videos circulating online The FIA in 2023 received 1 180 complaints related to deepfakes and non-consensual intimate imagery These figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as societal taboos prevent many victims complaining Women, especially those in the public eye, are disproportionately affected Prominent female celebrities influencers and social media personalities are often the primary targets In one high-profile case a well-known actress in Pakistan found herself at the centre of a scandal when a deepfake video featuring her was shared across multiple social media platforms The video caused public outrage and led to her temporarily withdrawing from the media spotlight Such incidents not only harm the victims emotionally but also disrupt their careers and personal lives The use of deepfake technology for blasphemous content is another trend Any content deemed offensive to religious sensibilities can spark public outrage and even violence Deepfake videos that depict religious figures in compromising or offensive situations are a tool to create social unrest These videos are often shared on social medi platforms The ease with which such content can be created and shared poses a direct threat to social harmony and peace The threat of deepfake abuse is not limited to Pakistan High-profile incidents have occurred worldwide with celebrities politicians and even ordinary individuals hit by malicious deepfake campaigns One of the most notable international cases occurred in
2019 when a deepfake video of Indian politician Maneka Gandhi was circulated during the election period The video depicted her making inflammatory remarks leading to widespread public backlash In the USA, actress Scarlett Johansson has been vocal about her experiences with deepfake pornography in which her likeness was used in explicit videos without her consent Despite the emotional toll these incidents took on her Johansson like many others, was left without any legal recourse Her case brought to light the significant legal gaps that exist in combating deepfake abuse and highlighted the need for stronger laws
Another high-profile case occurred in 2018 when a manipulated video of former US President Barack Obama was released showing him making derogatory remarks While the video was part of a public awareness campaign designed to demonstrate the power of deepfake technology, it underscored the danger The Obama video was particularly concerning because it revealed how easily deepfakes could be used to deceive and manipulate the public In 2020 South Korea faced a deepfake scandal involving prominent K-pop idols Videos allegedly depicting idols in compromising situations spread rapidly across social media, sparking outrage among fans and the general public Investigations later revealed that the videos were entirely fabricated created using AI-based software
The UK had a case in 2021 when a deepfake video of a leading opposition politician emerged during a heated parliamentary debate The video, which falsely showed the politician making disparaging remarks about his constituents went viral before being debunked Damage to his reputation lingered reflecting the irreversible consequences of deepfakes even being shown as fake In another alarming instance, Dutch
While the challeng es posed by deepfake technology are significant, they are not insurmountable Through proactive legal reforms, societal education, technological advancement, and unwavering suppor t for victims, Pakistan can lead by example .
Google is jacking up its prices
Google is jacking up the monthly price for its cloud-based software If all users paid that standard increase, it would mean an additional $7.2 billion in monthly revenue for the company
journalist Maria Genova reported in 2022 that her face had been superimposed onto explicit videos without her consent These videos circulated widely The journalist s public struggle brought attention to the rising prevalence of deepfake attacks targeting professionals particularly women China has faced its own controversies particularly with fake videos being used in scams In 2022, a deepfake of a tech company CEO was used to trick employees into transferring large sums to fraudulent accounts Pakistan faces several significant challenges One of the most pressing issues is the lack of resources and technological infrastructure The FIA Cybercrime Wing while dedicated to investigating online crimes is woefully underfunded and understaffed Law enforcement agencies lack the necessary AIdriven detection tools to help identify the creators of deepfakes As a result many perpetrators operate with relative impunity
Another major challenge is the social stigma In Pakistan s conservative society such issues are often seen as taboo, and victims, especially women, are often blamed
This societal attitude prevents many victims from coming forward fearing they will be shamed for being targeted Moreover the lack of digital literacy and public awareness makes it difficult for individuals to recognize and protect themselves from malicious content
Many people are unaware of how deepfakes are created or how to verify the authenticity of videos and images online This ignorance only serves to empower perpetrators as they know that their fake content can easily go viral before it is debunked or removed To tackle the growing problem in Pakistan, a multifaceted approach is necessary First there needs to be a concerted effort to strengthen the legal framework Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 provides a legal basis for addressing online crimes but does not specifically address deepfake technology lawmakers should amend PECA to explicitly criminalize the creation, distribution, and consumption of deepfake content, particularly when involving non-consensual explicit material, defamation or religious blasphemy Additionally Pakistan should establish clear legal guidelines for the prosecution of offenders Public awareness campaigns are also crucial The public must be educated about the dangers of deepfake technology, recognizing it, and reporting it Digital literacy programmes should be introduced in schools colleges and communities These campaigns should also focus on changing the societal attitude toward
victims particularly women to ensure that they feel empowered to report incidents International collaboration is also key Pakistan should work closely with INTERPOL and the un to share best practices, access advanced tools for detecting deepfakes and collaborate on international legal frameworks Additionally Pakistan should invest in AI-powered tools that can identify manipulated content Deepfake technology represents an alarming
Ukrainian representatives, especially Zelensky himself Diplomats, politicians and cultural figures from Ukraine were allowed almost anything They are victims; they have the right Permissiveness played a cruel joke on the Kiev leader But the issue is not just about someone s bad manners; that is a private matter Such a model of behavior was possible as long as the Ukrainian conflict was perceived in the West as a battle of the right side of history against the wrong one And in such a battle almost anything is allowed And no one will condemn it Trump views the war as an annoying nuisance a mess in which all participants are to blame especially his predecessor The key takeaway from Trump during this truly historic interaction in the White House was: I am a mediator; I am not on anyone’s side; I want the war to end And this is a fundamental shift Strangely enough Trump has taken a position of classic diplomacy which is necessary to end wars Zelensky and his supporters reject it counting on a clear victory But that is unattainable Zelensky s problem now is that, having made a fatal mistake in his choice of strategy in the White House, he has disarmed even his support group in Europe and within the US itself They may express as much outrage as they want about Trump and demand continued aid for Ukraine but Zelensky s mistake is glaring The opportunity to sway the American president to a more favorable position has been lost
ANASTASIA LIKHACHEVA, DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF WORLD ECONOMY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AT HSE UNIVERSITY: “The world hasn t seen anything like this in international politics for a long time Unlike reality TV shows
After the live scandal Donald Trump wrote that such pressure and intensity were exactly what was needed to reveal the truth It was very reminiscent of his old show ‘The Apprentice’ from the 2000s The most memorable part of it was the brutal ‘You’re fired ’ Zelensky with incredible persistence demonstrated the behavior of a person without a plan B which violates any negotiation logic The simple conclusion is that his main goal was to demonstrate an unwillingness to negotiate This has happened before: in one episode of Servant of the People,’ his character threw documents on exploitative IMF loans for the privatization of Ukrainian land into officials’ faces The logic of TV shows is straightforward and demands drastic actions from both sides in the near future But what works for TV ratings is extremely risky in real life All signs indicate that the next few days and weeks will be very dangerous Moreover, they will be irrationally dangerous And following TV logic, after the most intense episode we may see a ‘cast update ’”
STITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AT MGIMO UNIVERSITY: Zelensky pressed all the buttons that should never be pressed in negotiations with Trump – both in his style of communication with the US president and in the content of his arguments
His main mistake, in my opinion, was pointing out America’s vulnerability and its only source of power –its favorable geography (‘You have a nice ocean’) which allows the US to stay distant from global hotspots Saying this to the president and his ambitious vice president, who ran their campaign on the theme of America s strength, in the Oval Office, in front of the media, meant pushing the impulsive Trump into a reputational risk he simply could not afford – especially from someone he considers entirely dependent on the US Thus if Russia was the spoiler for the Democrats then Ukraine and Zelensky personally have become the spoiler for Trump Zelensky s stubbornness ruins Trump s dream of a grand deal to resolve the conflict Unexpectedly, J D Vance also made his presence felt It became clear that he had not forgotten whom Zelensky backed when he visited Pennsylvania alongside Democrats in the heat of the US election campaign
However one shouldn t be too optimistic about what was witnessed The US holds the keys to ending the conflict: it could disable Starlink, on which Ukraine s entire military command system relies, and within a week, the war would be over But the US does not do this because it feels it can extract even more from the situation Zelensky’s visit gives Moscow an opportunity for an additional move It must be used wisely
DMITRY SUSLOV, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR COMPREHENSIVE EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AT HSE UNI-
VERSITY: “The public altercation between Trump and Zelensky the complete failure of negotiations the collapse of the deal on Ukrainian natural resources and Zelensky s premature departure from the White House have sharply increased the chances of resolving the war in Ukraine through US-Russia negotiations – mostly on Russian terms They have also started the countdown to the end of Zelensky’s regime
MAKSIM SUCHKOV, DIRECTOR OF THE IN-
AyAz HussAin AbbAsi
UK , FRANCE WORKING WITH UKRAINE ON
PL AN TO END FIGHTING: STARMER
Hamas says Israel ‘ bears responsibility ’ for hostages ’ fate af ter Israel blocks all aid going into G aza
Israel of “sabotaging the existing ceasefire framework We in the Islamic Jihad Movement and the resistance factions reaffirm our commitment to the ceasefire based on the three phases, and we will continue to abide by what was agreed upon, it said GAZA PEOPLE RUSH TO MARKETS, AID WAREHOUSES DURING ISRAEL BLOCKADE
Following the conclusion of the first stage of the agreement Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has suspended the delivery of all humanitarian aid into the Gaza
CORPORATE CORNER
LAHORE
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday directed the chief secretary (CS) to personally monitor the province-wide campaign gonging on against price hike and hoarding Chairing a meeting in Lahore on Sun-
Funclusion a pioneering recreational space designed for children of all abilities, proudly announces its grand opening in Karachi Founded by Dr Maheen Noorani, a special education consultant and mother of two boys with autism Funclusion is a first-ofits-kind initiative in Pakistan that offers a sensory-friendly inclusive environment where neurodivergent individuals can engage, explore, and enjoy leisure experiences tailored to their unique needs Driven by the vision to create a fun and accessible space for all Funclusion provides a calm and entertaining environment where children can engage with activities and exhibits at their own pace Unlike traditional recreational spaces, it ensures a predictable and comfortable experience minimizing sensory overload and allowing visitors to make their own choices in a safe welcoming setting Dr Noorani, who did her Masters from Columbia University and then further earned her Doctorate Degree from the US returned to Karachi after five years and found a lack of recreational options for her sons Recognizing the need for a fun
space she established Funclusion to give neurodivergent individuals a place where they could feel regulated, engaged, and included Beyond a play area, Funclusion serves as a community hub where parents caregivers and educators receive guidance on supporting neurodivergent children Funclusion offers quiet zones to allow all visitors to enjoy their experience without overstimulation, a sensory-rich environment designed with a variety of activities to suit different preferences trained staff to ensure safety and provide assistance when needed limited entry slots to maintain a calm atmosphere with
ample personal space opportunities for social engagement that foster interaction in a comfortable setting, informational resources for parents to navigate their child’s needs effectively and flexible membership options including annual memberships day passes and loyalty cards Funclusion s prelaunch event saw the presence of several notable guests, including Sindh Chief Minister Mr Murad Ali Shah and his wife Regional Director of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Mr Farman Ali Tanwari as well as renowned musician and actor Junaid Khan and Dr Fahad Mirza
ISLAMABAD s ta
As the holy month of Ramazan begins the district administration of Islamabad has taken significant steps to ensure the availability of essential food items at
and established six Ramazan bazaars and 17 fair price shops across the city, offering relief to residents during this sacred time The initiative aims to provide easy access to groceries vegetables and fruits at reduced rates ensuring that citizens can observe Ramazan without financial strain said the spokesman of ICT administration here The district administration has set up Ramazan markets in key areas, including G-6, H-9, and G-11 Addi-
I-8
and E-11
areas like F-10
G-13 and Barakahu will also
these shops, making affordable groceries accessible to a larger population The list of locations extends to Bari Imam, Bhara Kahu, Pakistan Town, F-7, and F-6 ensuring that no neighborhood is left out At the fair price shops residents can purchase 15 different types of
Karachi: Ms Sayeeda
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has called on the federal government to promptly approve the proposed Terms of Reference (TORs) for talks with Afghanistan, citing the urgent need to address the escalating terrorism in the region
In a statement on Sunday Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif Information Advisor to the KP government emphasized that the federal government should avoid further delays in approving the TORs to enable the provincial government to take immediate action He revealed that KP is seeking to send a delegation
to Afghanistan on an emergency basis to curb the growing terrorist activities in the region
Saif underscored that protecting the lives and property of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the provincial government s top priority and responsibility He expressed concern over what he perceived as the federal government s disregard for the increasing terrorist threats in the province, pointing out that the government had not shown the same urgency toward the situation as it had for other regional issues
Highlighting the discrepancy Saif noted that the KP government does not object to foreign visits by the Chief Ministers of other provinces Drawing a comparison he referred to Maryam Nawaz s diplo-
matic efforts with India on issues like smog, stating that
the two coalition partners is the government s decision to construct a link canal from the Indus River a move that has raised serious concerns within PPP ranks Sources suggest that the party is prepared to explore all possible options to oppose the project The PPP has also been vocal about its dissatisfaction with governance matters including the government’s privatization policy The party core committee is expected to conduct a detailed review of the PML-N government s performance and assess whether its grievances are being addressed Additionally, the committee will receive a briefing on President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to Punjab, where he met various political figures Tensions between the PPP and PML-N have been building for months with PPP lawmakers repeatedly expressing concerns over being neglected in the decision-making process at both the provincial and federal levels The recent canal issue has only exacerbated the already fragile relations between the two parties Last month, PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri publicly criticized the government for failing to consult the party on key decisions including the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority She warned that the coalition government s survival was dependent on PPP s support and that the government would collapse if the party withdrew its backing In response, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal downplayed the friction, stating that differences in coalition governments are normal and do not necessarily indicate a major problem
ISLAMABAD
m o N i to R i N g R e p o R t
A disturbing surge in civilian casualties from terrorist attacks across Pakistan during February is raising concerns that militants are increasingly targeting civilians, according to a new report The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reveals a staggering 175% increase in civilian deaths compared to January with 55 civilians killed in 79 attacks nationwide
This spike comes even as overall terrorist fatalities declined and marks the first time since August 2024 that civilian deaths have surpassed those of security forces Key Figures: Civilian Deaths: 55 (175% increase from January)
Security Forces Deaths: 47 Total Terrorist Attacks: 79 Terrorists Killed: 156 Terrorists Arrested: 66 (highest since December 2023)
The PICSS report released on Sunday details a month of intense violence In addition to the civilian deaths, 47 security personnel were martyred and scores more injured A suicide bombing in North Waziristan targeting a military convoy martyred two soldiers and injured ten highlighting the ongoing threat While terrorist fatalities dropped by 25% the security forces intensified counter-terrorism operations, eliminating 156 militants and arresting 66 suspects –the highest number since December 2023
Balochistan province remains
the epicenter of violence accounting for the highest number of attacks and casualties Separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in the region In the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups continue to pose a significant threat Notably the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group claimed its first attack outside KP signaling a potential expansion of its operational reach
The report underscores the evolving nature of the terrorist threat in Pakistan and emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced measures to protect civilian lives and address the root causes of terrorism
PESHAWAR