g Mobile phone, internet ser vices suspended, pillion riding banned and section 144 imposed to prevent PTI rally
g Citizens struggle to reach workplaces, students and teachers experienced challenges in getting to education institutions
g KP CM vows to reach D -Chowk at all costs for a peaceful protest
and Rawalpindi
and
no more than one person will be allowed to travel on a motorcycle in the city Strict legal action will be taken against those who violate the ban A notification regarding the restriction is expected to be issued shortly On the other hand the shutdown has also affected various parts of Rawalpindi, causing
significant disruption for residents trying to stay connected Citizens are facing difficulties in communication, with many struggling to reach their workplaces in both cities Students and teachers are also experiencing challenges in getting to schools colleges and universities The disruption of mobile and internet services further affected ride-hailing services like Uber and other travel systems, which rely on mobile networks and internet access, leaving them non-operational In view of the PTI protest in Islamabad the motorway has been closed from different places and containers were also placed at different cities including Lahore-Sialkot Motorway Babu Sabu Interchange and Thokar Niaz Beg Motorway M2 from Hafizabad to Islamabad is also closed The motorway from Pindi Bhattian Interchange Kot Sarwar Interchange and Khanqah Dogran is closed Motorway M4 from Bahu Interchange to Faisalabad Interchange was closed for all types of traffic Similarly, the motorway has been closed for all types of traffic from Attock s Chhach Interchange, Harupal, Burhan Interchange, Katti Pahari, and Ghazi Interchange Containers have been fixed to stop PTI convoys’ entry into Punjab from KP Furthermore twenty-four entry and exit points of Islamabad were completely closed by the Islamabad administration As per the details released by the district administration and police, New Margalla Road, Sangjani Toll Plaza Water Tank Margalla Road Bund New Margalla Loop F-10 26-Chongi Zero Point Kheyaban Chowk Faisal Chowk Bri Imam T-Cross, Express Chowk, Serena Chowk, Rawat T-Cross, Khanna Pul, Lahtrar Road, Murree Road near Traffic Office, 9-Avenue, Golra Mor, Motorway Old Toll Plaza, Tarnool Chowk Chauhar Chowk and Peshawar Motorway Flyover were also closed
Govt calls in Ar
ISLAMABAD: Federal government has called in Pakistan Army to provide security for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on 15-16
M E
India’s forex reser
ves top $700b for first time af ter seven-week surge
PIA privatisation faces fur ther delays as bidders seek more time and clarity
The
October
The
may be
as
of PIACL and
companies (DISCOs) was
of the
Committee
Privatisation, chaired by Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar The meeting expressed dissatisfaction over the privatisation minister s absence The privatisation secretary informed the committee that the timeline for finalising the privatisation depends on ongoing evaluations and terms, as some bidders have requested more time Additionally, concerns over legacy liabilities are complicating the process The chair instructed the privatisation secretary to meet the October 31 deadline stressing that the outcome of the privatisation efforts is crucial for Pakistan s future He expressed hope that the PIACL privatisation would yield positive results Senator Badar emphasized that the committee s main priority is receiving regular updates on the privatisation process warning that delays could have serious implications for the country Privatisation Commission officials explained that the bidding process is pending approval from the federal cabinet Investors have requested an exten-
sion of the bidding period and revisions to several terms, including tax breaks, a reduction in employee numbers, and clarification of PIA’s liabilities Concerns have also been raised about PIA’s Rs200 billion debt employee pensions and the condition of its fleet Bidders are seeking a 76% stake, compared to the original 60% offered by the government Officials assured that employee salaries and pension liabilities would be protected with expectations that the new management would retain the workforce The committee was also briefed that bidders want legal protection against old lawsuits, and participants stressed the need to resolve issues related to PIA’s assets and employees before finalising the privatisation
ISLAMABAD I N p
TH E Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) signed between Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan (HZAU) and the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF)
According to Gwadar Pro on Friday the signing ceremony for citrus rootstock and scion budwood was held at UAF on September 30
Prof Dr Liu Yongzhong, a collaborative scientist from HZAU, handed over nine citrus varieties budwood to Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor of
UAF, under the Higher Education Commission-funded project (CEPC-CRG447) The agreement marks a major step in the ongoing collaboration between the two universities aimed at enhancing the citrus industry in Pakistan Last year UAF and HZAU signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a China-Pakistan Horticulture Research and Demonstration Center with the urgent objective of improving citrus production and fruit quality and ultimately increasing profitability Citrus holds a prominent position among the thirty fruit crops grown in Pakistan, ranking first in terms of area
(approximately 200,000 hectares) and production (2 29 million tonnes) In 2021, Pakistan generated $171
ters planning attack on Islamabad: Naqvi
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
PTI has scheduled a demonstration at D-Chowk today with Gandapur confirming he will participate The party aims to showcase its strength with regional chapters mobilizing supporters from across the country The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter has completed preparations for the protest, with convoys departing from Peshawar Interchange at 10 a m and Swabi at 11 a m Assembly members have been instructed to bring 500 supporters each Participants have been advised to come equipped with tools to clear obstacles and protective items against teargas Ambulances and machinery for removing barriers will accompany the convoy Party leaders have acknowledged past planning deficiencies and committed to ensuring that the protest proceeds to Islamabad In preparation for the anticipated rally the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 for three days in Rawalpindi Attock and Sargodha banning political gatherings and sit-ins The Metro Bus service in Rawalpindi will remain suspended during this period Additionally, Section 144 has been implemented in Lahore for six days, along with restrictions in various other districts to maintain law and order
Punjab police nick 500 PTI
workers, leaders on eve of planned protest
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
In addition to party workers individuals providing vehicles sound systems and chairs for the protest have also been arrested According to the channel report, police are holding several of those detained in connection with cases related to the May 9 incidents The arrested workers have been placed in police stations across different divisions First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed in different police stations including Hanjarwal Manawan Harbanspura and Mozang Meanwhile, the local PTI leadership, responsible for organising the protest, has reportedly gone underground Sources revealed that many PTI workers
30 held as police, PTI workers clash ahead of D-Chowk protest amid Army deployment
CONTINUED ROM PAGE 01
are unaware of the protest plan and are uncertain who will lead the demonstration Key figures, including PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood, MPA Hafiz Farhat Abbas Mian Aslam Iqbal and Acting President of PTI Punjab Mian Hamad Azhar have also gone into hiding This has left workers questioning how to reach Minar-e-Pakistan without guidance from their leaders on October 5
Police sources have warned that any gathering of more than five people will result in legal action under Section 144 In a further escalation, authorities have blocked the Lahore-Islamabad and Sialkot motorways as well as the Thokar Niaz Baig interchange using containers However the motorways remain open for traffic heading into Lahore
Gov
t calls in
Army for securit y of SCO Summit
CONTINUED ROM PAGE 01
The federal government has completed its preparations for the event which will be attended by the heads of state and delegations from the eight member countries of the SCO The organisation established in 2001 promotes political, economic, and security cooperation in the region Its current members include China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan and Uzbekistan In 2023 Iran became a full member of the SCO Several other countries participate as observers or partners cooperating with the regional bloc
Significantly, Indian External Affairs Minister
S Jaishankar will also be attending the summit, marking the first high-level visit from India to Pakistan since 2015 The last visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan was in December 2015 when then-minister Sushma Swaraj attended the Heart of Asia conference on Afghanistan in Islamabad This visit is seen as an opportunity to ease tensions between the two neighbours, which have been strained in recent years
COMMENT
TH E Supreme Court’s decision in the review of the Presidential Reference on Article 63(A) has paved the way for the government to win over PTI-backed independents to its ranks when it tries to bring much-heralded changes in the Constitution setting up a Constitutional Court, and basically pulling the government and the establishment through all sorts of difficulties However, it may be seen as restoring some sort of balance between the concept of legislators as representatives of a party and nothing else, and delegates from their constituencies who would decide on issue to issue, according to their constituents wishes While it is true that people, including politicians, organize themselves into political parties to fight elections, does that mean that party leaders are supposed to have a permanent lien on their votes in their assembly?
There is an argument that party leaders are such gigantic and dominating figures that candidates receive votes for them to become PM not so the constituency might be represented There were complaints that the Court had rewritten the Constitution in its previous decision; that it has consciously tried to redress However the practical situation is that SIC MNAs as PTI-backed independents are recognized in the National Assembly, do not have the threat of being unseated by their party leader Interestingly, the Speaker of the National Assembly has forwarded to the Election Commission the cases of the Treasury MNAs for unseating, one from the PML(Q) and one the PML(N) The threat of being de-seated is problematic in the case of PIC MNAs, as who would issue the necessary direction?
The opposition of a party s rights to a constituency s rights is further complicated when one is to consider if a constituency is to elect a representative and then to forget about him until he comes to ask for their votes and then to judge whether he has done well enough to deserve re-election or whether he is to be supervised and must obtain a direction on each vote he casts The discussion may appear purely academic but it goes to the heart of Article 63(A) and the struggles the Supreme Court is having However the judgement contains no suggestions for Parliament, nor does it point out any lacunae in the present provision However, this is so ticklish a matter that it is likely that the courts will be approached again an again
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami
Arif
Nizami (Late)
Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
OV E R the past decade there has been a noticeable shift in the political and social mindset of Bangladesh s youth What was once a close and collaborative relationship between Bangladesh and India has gradually evolved into one marked by skepticism, dissatisfaction, and, at times, outright hostility Anti-India sentiment has surged among younger generations fueled by several factors including historical grievances contemporary politics and the growing influence of religious and nationalistic ideologies
India played a crucial role in Bangladesh s independence from Pakistan in 1971 Its support, both militarily and diplomatically, was instrumental in the success of the Liberation War, which ended with the formation of an independent Bangladesh In the years immediately following independence the relationship between the two countries was generally positive Shared cultural ties linguistic affinities and common geopolitical interests helped solidify this partnership However, over time, this relationship has been marked by periods of strain Issues such as watersharing disputes trade imbalances border security concerns and accusations of India s meddling in Bangladesh s domestic politics have fostered a sense of unease Many in Bangladesh feel that while their country benefited greatly from Indian support during its liberation, India has not always been a fair and equal partner in subsequent years This sentiment has, in particular grown stronger among the younger generation which did not witness the Liberation War and is more influenced by current political realities than by the historical ties between the two nations
For the last 15 years, the Awami League government, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, has positioned India as a (so-called) reliable ally The party’s official stance has often praised India as a good neighbour emphasizing economic cooperation security collaboration and regional stability India has played a key role in supporting Hasina s administration, both diplomatically and politically, especially in its efforts to suppress dissidents and maintain stability for her government Despite this narrative, there has been growing discontent within Bangladesh regarding the nature of the India-Bangladesh relationship Many Bangladeshis especially the youth believe that the benefits of this alliance have disproportionately favoured India Trade deficits, unresolved water disputes like the Teesta River issue, routine border killings by the Indian security force, transit facilities, and a perception that India interferes in Bangladesh's
Addressing Assam’s changing demography
Anti-India sentiment among Bangladeshi youth
domestic affairs have fueled this disillusionment
For instance the construction of dams and barrages on rivers shared between India and Bangladesh has had devastating impacts on the agricultural economy and ecology of Bangladesh Many youths feel that the Awami League government has failed to protect Bangladesh's national interests in these negotiations leading to a growing perception that the ruling party is overly reliant on and subservient to India
Furthermore, the perception that India has played a role in propping up the Awami League government through its influence over elections and internal politics has alienated many young Bangladeshis This sentiment has been exacerbated by India’s close relationship with the West and its growing stature as a regional hegemon which contrasts sharply with Bangladesh s more modest global standing
While historical animosities between Bangladesh and Pakistan run deep due to the atrocities of the 1971 Liberation War, a curious shift has occurred in recent years Pakistan once viewed with hostility especially by the pre-71 generation has seen a resurgence in its appeal among the post-71 Bangladeshi youth
This newfound affinity for Pakistan can be attributed to several factors Firstly, Pakistan s growing engagement with the Muslim world, particularly in terms of its diplomatic and military relations with major Islamic countries, resonates with Bangladesh s increasingly religious youth Secondly Pakistan's resistance to Indian influence on the global stage is viewed positively by those in Bangladesh who perceive India as an overbearing neighbour
The influence of social media cannot be overlooked either The Pakistani media and its entertainment industry have also found a following among young Bangladeshis creating a subtle yet significant shift in perceptions Many youths disillusioned with what they perceive as Bangladesh s unequal relationship with India see Pakistan as a counterweight to India s influence in the region
The rise of Islamic forces in Bangladesh is another key factor contributing to the growing antiIndia sentiment In recent years, Bangladesh has w i t
of Islamist political parties and religious groups
croachment by the Bangladeshi origin people
hands were involved in the confrontation which resulted in serious injuries to over 20 government personnel and also killing of two attackers Even the Janajatia community was not spared as they supported the eviction drive against the Miyas in the tribal belt and block areas
TH E changing demography of Assam in northeast India deserves a wide and pragmatic discussion Since the days of the historic Assam Agitation (1979 to 1985) the issue remains in the hearts of the indigenous population in the far eastern region The mass movement even though it failed to fulfil the original demand to deport all illegal migrants raised by the agitating students and common people, successfully alerted the original inhabitants of the region about the looming threat over their future generations The unique agitation specifically made them aware of a challenging time to protect their heritage in their own land After a halfhearted accord that agreed to provide Indian citizenship to millions of East Pakistan/Bangladesh nationals and allowed them to live in Assam as well the situation was waiting to turn volatile The updating of the National Register of Citizens in Assam with the basis of the same accord was expected to give little to the inhabitants, which later drew national media attention with corruption and massive mismanagement that went against the interest of local people The issue came alive when Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a stunning observation that the Muslim population in the State surged to 40 percent now from 12 percent in 1951 Expressing a serious concern over the demographic change in Assam, the outspoken politician commented that it was a big issue for him and the native people The saffron leader went on to say that it was not a political issue but one of life and death for him (meaning the Assamese community) On another occasion Sarma also stated that growing criminal activities of some individuals belonging to a particular religion worry him The Miya people (Bangladeshorigin Muslims) no longer fear the administration while indulging in crimes regularly
In a recent incident to evict the encroachers in Sonapur locality which is adjacent to Guwahati the Miyas dared to attack on-duty police personnel and administrative officials Thousands of encroachers with sharp weapons on their
The incident generated massive debates over the eviction of encroachers where the opposition party leaders asked the government to be more humane while dealing with such issues They also raised a pertinent question how the encroachers could succeed in grabbing lands and getting all necessary benefits meant for a common citizen Prabajan Virodhi Manch (PVM), a vibrant civil society group however came out with a strong observation that the attacks made by Bangladeshi migrants on the police while carrying out eviction operations in the tribal-belt of Sonapur, demonstrated their confidence and courage The anti-influx body in a media statement also added that it happened because of the policy of appeasement for foreigners by various political parties to ensure votes in the elections
It empowered them to the extent of attacking the police personnel on duty even though they are admittedly encroachers and incapable of acquiring rights over the tribal lands PVM convenor Upamanyu Hazarika highlighted some specific incidents from Sipajhar, Chaygaon and Mangaldoi localities where the local people were targeted by the suspected migrants from Bangladesh In Sipajhar admittedly 77 420 Bighas of land remain under an en-
The government in 2021 announced that the entire land would be cleared from encroachers and an agricultural project would be established The eviction drive could recover only about 2000 Bighas of land and an Agri-dairy project was launched there Similarly in Chaygaon due to change in the course of Brahmaputra many villages were lost because of erosion in yesteryears and lately about 20 000 Bighas of such land were restored in Dakhin Sorubongshi Mouza When the original inhabitants and their descendants, holding valid Pattas, went to reclaim their land it was found that those lands were already encroached by the Bangladeshi migrants In spite of repeated police complaints and protest-demonstrations the original inhabitants continue to be deprived of their lands In Mangaldoi, one local farmer went to sell his produce in the market, but he was assaulted by other vendors of Bangladesh origin Even his son was also beaten up and had to go for medical attention No visible action was taken against those criminals by the concerned authorities Recently, Assam government organised a discussion with the current leaders of All Assam Students’ Union (which launched the Assam Movement in association with Asom Gana Sangram Parishad) to find ways to implement Clause 6 of the accord where it mentions about the constitutional legislative and administrative safeguards to protect preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people Following the recommendations of Biplab Kumar Sarma led committee the meeting also resolved that Asomiya (Assamese people) should encompass indigenous tribal families other indigenous communities of Assam Indian citizens residing in the territory on or before 1 January 1951 and their descendants
Nava Thakuria is an independent Indian journalist based in Kamrup Assam
Recently, Assam government organised a discussion with the current leaders of All Assam StudentsÊ Union (which launched the Assam Movement in association with Asom Gana Sangram Parishad) to find ways to implement Clause 6 of the accord, where it mentions about the Âconstitutional, legislative and administrative safeguardsÊ to protect, preser ve and promote Âthe cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritag e of the Assamese peopleÊ Following the recommendations of Biplab Kumar Sarma led committee , the meeting also resolved that Asomiya (Assamese people) should encompass indig enous tribal families, other indig enous communities of Assam, Indian citiz ens residing in the territor y on or before 1 Januar y 1951 and their descendants
Real Estate Marketing
of a real estate project, and far from reality May I also take this opportunity to remind the CCP chairman to re-open my complaint against certain beverage companies, which are paying millions to major outlets and restaurants for selling only their particular brand of beverage, thus depriving the customers of their right of choice Is this not a classic example against the very sprit of open market competition? ISPHANYAR M BHANDARA RAWALPINDI
Small changes, stronger hear ts
T H E World Heart Day observed recently (Sept 29) was once again an occasion to acknowledge the importance of cardiac health, and to encourage people to make informed choices that positively impact their wellbeing The heart is the engine that powers life, consistently pumping blood to nourish our bodies However heart diseases continue to threaten millions of people
According to a report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 17 9 million deaths
diseases are increasingly affecting younger generations once thought to primarily impact the elderly
Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits vegetables nuts and seeds provides essential nutrients that support heart function and combat inflammation
Additionally incorporating fibre-rich whole grains lean proteins and healthy fats can lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure,
HAND 18TH CENTURIES: The Enlightenment era saw the birth of modern democratic ideas but even as movements for democracy and liberty flourished in the West, women were systematically excluded from the political sphere The American and French revolutions while championing equality and rights for citizens did not extend these rights to women
D EARLY ACTIVISM: The 19th century saw the rise of organized campaigns for women's political rights particularly in Europe and North America Women began to demand the right to vote, a movement known as women s suffrage
E FEMINIST MOVEMENTS AND POLITICAL REPRESENTATION: Second-Wave Feminism (1960s-1980s):
This movement focused not only on legal equality but also on issues like workplace discrimination reproductive rights, and political representation The feminist movement brought renewed attention to the underrepresentation of women in political institutions
F GENDER QUOTAS AND POLITICAL REFORMS: By the late 20th century many countries began implementing measures to increase women s participation in politics Gender quotas, whether voluntary or mandated by law, became an important tool in achieving greater female representation in parliaments and local governments
G INCREASING REPRESENTATION:
Over the past two decades, many countries have made significant strides toward gender parity in politics Countries like Rwanda, with its mandatory quotas, have led the way with women holding over 60 percent of seats in parliament The journey toward women’s representation in democracy has been long and challenging, beginning with exclusion from public life and evolving into a global movement for equal rights
Today women s representation in democracy continues to improve globally, but progress varies by region, and despite notable advances in some areas, women are still underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making roles across the world
R E G I O N A L VA R I AT I O N S:
NORDIC COUNTRIES: Countries like Ice-
land Finland Norway Sweden and Denmark consistently lead in women s political representation, with women making up around 40-50 percent of parliamentary seats
These countries have strong gender equality policies and have implemented quota systems that contribute to higher female participation
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: While African countries like Rwanda and South Africa have made significant strides, with Rwanda having the highest percentage of women in parliament globally other countries in the region still lag behind with women holding fewer political leadership roles
LATIN AMERICA: Countries like Bolivia, Mexico Nicaragua and Costa Rica have seen notable progress largely due to gender quotas In some cases women hold nearly half of parliamentary seats
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA: The region remains one of the most challenging for women s political participation though countries like Tunisia and Morocco have made incremental progress in recent years through constitutional reforms and quotas
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC: Countries like New Zealand and the Philippines have relatively high levels of female political participation while others like Japan and South Korea still face low representation of women in national legislatures
CURRENT TRENDS:
INCREASING REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN GREEN AND SOCIAL
JUSTICE MOVEMENTS: Women are playing prominent roles in global movements related to climate change social justice and human rights such as Greta Thunberg s activism for climate justice and Jacinda Ardern's leadership on progressive policies in New Zealand
FOCUS ON GENDER-RESPONSIVE
POLICIES: More women in politics has often led to an increased focus on policies related to healthcare, education, genderbased violence and social welfare Women
US militar y action in the Middle East is not
making Israel safer
Lasting security for Israel and the entire region requires an equitable peace with the Palestinians, which the US is not willing to broker
leaders are pushing for gender-responsive budgeting and programs aimed at improving the lives of women and marginalized communities
GENDER PARITY IN THE DIGITAL
AGE: There is a growing movement to ensure that digital spaces and technologies are gender-inclusive, addressing the issue of online harassment faced by women politicians and advocating for better protections for women in digital political spaces There is no doubt in the fact that gender quotas, parity laws, and international advocacy efforts have been instrumental in increasing the number of women in political offices, but ongoing issues like violence, discrimination, and cultural biases continue to limit women’s full participation Further reforms stronger enforcement of quotas and cultural shifts will be necessary to ensure women s equitable participation in democratic governance across the world Women in democracy face numerous challenges that hinder their full and equal participation in political life These challenges are both structural and cultural, varying across regions, but some key obstacles persist globally
A CULTURAL AND SOCIAL NORMS:
PATRIARCHAL SOCIETIES: In many countries, deeply ingrained patriarchal norms dictate that women’s primary roles are in the home not in public or political life These cultural expectations often discourage women from pursuing careers in politics or participating in decision-making processes
GENDER ROLES: Traditional views about gender roles often prioritize men as leaders and decision-makers, while women are expected to focus on
B VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT:
GENDER-BASED
VOTING
Memoirs of a clown
OIn
which no Arab state has done since 1973 All this reflects the decades of American-Israeli aggressions and wars and Arab governments inability to protect their lands, people, and sovereignty Washington’s quick and massive military support for Israel perpetuates the cycle of violence and also contradicts its exhortations to de-escalate and seek a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon Few people in the Middle East seriously believe Washington s words, because its actions more consistently reveal that –with very few exceptions – warfare sanctions threats and military build-ups have been its preferred tools of engagement with real or imagined foes in the region since World War II A regional war is steadily developing and the US is not allowing
across the country, most of which donate generously to elected officials campaigns every two years So far, Washington has spent between $1 8bn and $4bn bombing Ansar Allah in Yemen without stopping their attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea, launched in response to Israel s genocide in Gaza The combined Israeli, US, British and French operation to intercept drones and missiles Iran launched against Israel in April cost an estimated $1 1bn The October 1 military response was likely equally expensive Some Arab countries also helped intercept Iranian missiles, because Israel alone can no longer protect itself Washington spends these large amounts of money willingly to bolster its global standing and also to keep feeding its expansive military-industrial complex via lucrative contracts for domestic use and foreign export The nearly $4bn in US annual aid to Israel also mostly covers war-making systems purchased from American firms, so it constitutes a significant annual cash injection into the US military-industrial complex Apart from feeding and flaunting its war machines the US also loves going to war for Israel for other reasons President Joe Biden stands out among recent American presidents as one of the most sincerely fanatical supporters of Israel, for two reasons: because he benefits politically from this stance and because his formative years in US politics coincided with the height of Israeli propaganda and national achievements in the 1960s and 70s Israel was still seen then as a divinely aided miracle that emerged from the horrors of the Holocaust in Europe – a view that the US president who proudly calls himself a Zionist still holds
The US Congress also reflects these dynamics It has ensured the steady flow of generous aid and special economic and technological privileges for Israel, and the legal commitment to keep Israel more powerful than all its foes US mainstream media has played a central role in keeping the American public ignorant of Palestinian realities, and supportive of Israel and American largesse towards it It has justified US military adventures abroad and systematically skewed its reporting to accommodate Israeli positions on the conflicts with Palestinians, Lebanon, Iran, and on the Middle East in general This latest confrontation will likely not be the last one As regional conflict flares the American armadas will continue to visit us regularly and destabilise the region and the world This legacy of US militarism in the past quarter-century has spawned some 60 military bases and other facilities across the Middle East This trend will continue until wiser leaders all around try to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli and USIranian conflicts through negotiations anchored in the principle that Israel Palestine Iran and all other interested
Yes he often dresses up his memoir in amusingly image-rich and alliterative language Donald Trump is like an orange-hued dirigible exuberantly buoyed aloft by the inexhaustible Primus stove of his own ego , for example Kate Bingham did Covid vaccine deals “like a slightly tipsy billionaire at the Grand National” Oliver Letwin is the Professor
oing-oing back on my feet like an india rubber ball I needed to be out there, leading the country from the front, sorting the PPE, fixing the care homes, driving the quest for a cure There s a lot worth parsing there And plenty that is characteristic of Johnson s writing more generally
There s the rubber ball image and the exuberant vocabulary But then there’s also the sheer dishonesty and the lies In reality Johnson was a chronically indecisive prime minister emphatically not one who led from the front The PPE wasn t being sorted at all, either, nor the care homes fixed His solipsistic admission that he thought going into hospital was an embarrassing look for a leader shows where his instinctive priorities lay Then there are the political omissions Johnson records Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, warning – rightly – at the outset of the pandemic that the public would expect the government to act to make rules and to enforce them Yet listen to the Covid inquiry and the evidence of what things were really like at the heart of Johnson s government in 2020 is jaw-dropping I ve never seen a bunch of people less well equipped to run a country ” said the cabinet secretary Simon Case in a WhatsApp message Johnson s book gives his version of the big episodes But it dodges the larger issues they raise The description of what he calls the whole Partygate hoo-ha is typical It is full of angry self-righteousness But his conclusion that he should not have apologised so much over Partygate is strikingly tin-eared Though Johnson likes to parade the outward signs of his intellect, there is not a philosophical sentence in the entire book
Dr rajKuMar Singh
T R I K E I N D E C A D E S
China opposes EU tariffs on E Vs, urges resolution through negotiation
impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), following the EU s vote in favor of the measure MOFCOM reaffirmed China’s firm and consistent stance, stating that China strongly opposes the EU’s protectionist practices which it considers unfair noncompliant and unreasonable The ministry firmly rejects the imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese EVs, it added The EU s proposal to impose definitive tariffs on Chinese-made EVs received the necessary support from its member states the EU Commission said in a statement on Friday The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) expressed deep disappointment with the vote outcome and voiced strong dissatisfaction with the EU’s use of protectionist trade measures
In parallel the Chamber observed that negotiation teams from China and the EU remain actively engaged in discussions, striving to find viable solutions, CCCEU said in a Friday statement It urged the EU to approach the final measures with caution delay the implementation of the tariffs and prioritize resolving trade tensions through consultation and dialogue With 12 member states abstaining, five opposing and 10 in favor, the EU is now authorized to impose steep anti-subsidy duties on Chinese EV imports for five years However the commission stated that it would continue negotiations with China to explore alternative solutions that are WTO-compliant, address the subsidies identified in its investigation, and are monitorable and enforceable MOFCOM emphasized China’s firm opposition to the EU’s final draft decision but acknowledged the EU s political willingness to continue negotiations Technical teams from China and the EU will resume talks on October 7
resolving trade disputes through consultation MOFCOM s statement added The ministry reiterated that China will take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of its enterprises
Strong G3 solar storm likely to disrupt power grids, satellites on Ear th
CORPORATE CORNER
As Islamabad sets to host the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Conference2024 the city’s visual transformation has become cornerstone point of preparation Leading the challenge the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has charted a sustainable, one of its own kind and innovative approach to revive the aesthetic appeal of the city With key focus on VVIP routes from Koral to Constitution Avenue Srinagar Highway Faisal Avenue and other prominent sectors and avenues, the core emphasis is on creating an eco-friendly, sustainable and resource-efficient landscape Notwithstanding challenges remain in striking balance in longterm goals of sustainability with the pressures of delivering efficiently and quickly for such a momentous event
The CDA has carved out guiding principle, "Preserving the Inherent Serenity of Islamabad with a Dynamic Blend of Futuristic Elements which emphasizes a responsible consumption approach in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 "Responsible Consumption and Production" and target 12 5 of SDG 12 that by 2030 to substantially reduce waste generation through prevention reduction recycling and reuse Instead of
dolling out public funds for build-
ing new structures, the focus has been on optimizing resources, renovating, refurbishing and repurposing materials It is interesting to note that abandoned lying structures such as old sculptures redundant boats and discarded frames have been creatively transformed into captivating decorations For instance, old butterfly sculptures, which were lying quiescent in storehouses are revitalized and adorn D-Chowk and Serena Chowk similarly Srinagar Kashmir Chowk now speaks fables by refurbished boats inspired by the iconic Dal Lake of Srinagar
The striking aim of this initiative is to reduce the environmental burden by advancing the fundamentals of reduce reuse and recycle This is truly remarkable as Islamabad s transformation ahead of the SCO summit underscores innovative and dynamic blend of the city’s organic beauty with modern, eco-conscious designs highlighting futuristic and progressive Pakistan With country being the 5th most vulnerable country to climate change perils, the initiative to maintain and upgrade the Islamabad’s natural landscape is not only a local concern but it is conceived as a symbolic statement of Pakistan s commitment to the cause of sustainability on the worldwide scale
Ahmed Memon joins historic lineup as first Pakistani to compete in Mr. International
S TA F F R E P O R T
Hosting a significant international event of this scale like the SCO Conference dwells mammoth pressure on local authorities to deliver remarkable results within strict deadlines The sheer volume of the projects VVIP routes including roadside interchanges center medians, green strips, and bridges requires meticulous, comprehensive planning and execution In such scenario upscale beautification projects may often lead to resorting on tendering and outsourcing a common trend in public sector in recent years
Previously, the quick-fix of relying on external contractors for landscaping and beautification, has hindered the in-house capacities within CDA’s Environment Wing While convenient at times for large-scale projects the practice of outsourcing, often stifles innovation and eat up the institution s own ingenious potential In the past, as a matter of fact, even routine beautification tasks were tendered out which led to departmental resistance to innovation and a decline in the Environment Wing s capacity to devise innovative and homegrown solutions To thwart this trend, the Environment Wing, CDA is now actively working to
In an exciting development for Pakistan Ahmed Memon a 25-year-old model influencer and actor will represent the country as Mr Pakistan at the prestigious Mr International competition in Bangkok, Thailand, this December This historic moment marks the first time Pakistan will participate in the globally renowned platform for men in 75 years placing Ahmed among a growing roster of Pakistani talent making their mark on the international stage Ahmed s debut at Mr International follows the inspiring journey of Erica Robin, who made history last year as the first Pakistani to compete at Miss Universe pageant Erica’s participation paved the way for Pakistani representation in global beauty pageants Continuing this legacy Noor Xarmina will become the second Pakistani to compete in Miss Universe later this year Now, with Ahmed Memon stepping onto the Mr International platform, Pakistan's presence in the world of international pageantry is stronger than ever Together Ahmed Memon Erica Robin and Noor Xarmina symbolize Pakistan s growing influence in international beauty and talent competitions Their participation highlights Pakistan s rich culture, diversity, and emerging talent, bringing global attention to the nation
Mr International is a highly esteemed pageant, drawing contestants from over 50 countries where leadership personality and style are celebrated
NAZIA ABRAR KHAN
Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman visited Zardari House in Islamabad and invited PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to participate in the Gaza Million March The delegation led by Hafiz Naeemur Rehman included Liaqat Baloch while Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab was also present on the occasion Hafiz Naeem extended the invitation to Bilawal Bhutto for the Gaza March
‘Toshakhana 2.0 Case’: IHC seeks FIA , others replies to Bushra Bibi’s post-arrest bail plea ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday sought replies from the respondents, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), to the post-arrest bail petition filed Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana 2 0 case IHC’s Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing
As proceedings commencef Yousaf Chaudhry
the walkout by the Pakistani delegation led by the prime minister at the start of the Israeli prime minister s speech PPP JI stand together on Gaza issue: Bilawal A earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the JI chief alongside Bilawal Bhutto, condemned Israel for state terrorism highlighting its recent attack on Lebanon He called on the government to focus on the Gaza situation On October 7 we will take to the streets across the country at 12 pm to protest Despite political differences, we must unite for Palestine,” he stated It is noteworthy that Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a Million March on October 7 on Embassy Road in Islamabad to express solidarity with Gaza and Lebanon Bilawal Bhutto, while speaking on the occasion, said that despite ideological differences, “we stand together on this issue The whole of Pakistan must unite political parties are not ready to shake hands due to differences but this is a positive step forward in Pakistan s politics
Indian Foreign Minister to attend SCO S ummit in Pakistan
sion that Islamabad believed under-
the things move in the routine,” the judge said to the lawyer and added the Registrar Office will fix the new date On July 13 Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were arrested in a fresh National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference related to Toshakhana hours after their acquittal in the Nikkah in Iddat case The NAB team headed by Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon arrested Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi from the Adiala Jail The development came after the Islamabad district and sessions court accepted the appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi against their conviction in the Nikkah Iddat case The couple was sentenced to seven years in prison with a fine of Rs500,000 each, in February earlier this year after a trial court found their nikkah to be fraudulent PHC grants protective bail to CM Gandapur till Oct 25
PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday granted protective bail to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur to October 25 A PHC divisional bench, comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Waqar Ahmed, approved the chief minister ’s protective bail and directed him to appear before the relevant courts October 25 Earlier CM Gandapur moved Peshawar High Court for transit bail in cases registered against him in Islamabad CM Gandapur pleaded in his plea that he wants to appear before
India on Friday confirmed its Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Heads of Government (SCOCHG) meeting scheduled to be held in Pakistan s capital Islamabad on October 15 and 16
The external affairs minister will lead our delegation to Pakistan to participate in the SCO summit which will be held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16 said Randhir Jaiswal a spokesperson for Indian foreign ministry but fell short of elaborating on if Jaishankar would meet any Pakistani leaders on the sidelines ”
This will be the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade
Speaking to Geo News Indian journalist Umashankar Singh, citing an Indian external ministry spokesperson, affirmed that Jaishankar would attend the SCO summit in the federal capital of Pakistan However according to Singh Indian foreign ministry official in his statement also emphaised that Jaishankar s upcoming visit should be seen in the context of regional
summit Islamabad extended invitations to all the government heads of the member states, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the upcoming SCO-CHG meeting in Islamabad Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed in a statement in July Pakistan currently holds the rotating Chairmanship of the SCOCHG, which is the regional organisation’s second-highest decision-making forum Islamabad has also received some confirmations for the moot to be hosted by Pakistan on October 15-16, Baloch said addressing a news briefing
Last year in May, the then-foreign minister Bilawal BhuttoZardari visited India to attend the two-day meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers
It was the first visit to India by a top Pakistani official since then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif attended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in in 2014 Pakistan downgraded its ties with India after the Modi-led government unilaterally changed the special status of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in August 2019 the deci-
mined the environment for holding talks between the neighbours Islamabad has linked its decision to normalising ties with New Delhi with the restoration of the special status of the IIOJK
Despite the frosty ties the two countries agreed to renew the 2003 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021
Meanwhile, the federal government approved a comprehensive plan to ensure foolproof security during the forthcoming huddle of regional leaders
The federal government under Article 245, approved also deployment Pakistan Army in the capital city from October 5 to October 17 for the security of the SCO conference
During the meeting Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that additional personnel from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps (FC), and Punjab police will be deployed for security during the SCO moot
The SCO comprising India China Russia Pakistan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan and Uzbekistan is a crucial multilateral platform, primarily for regional security and collaboration with Central Asian nations
before the court Gandapur s lawyer Raja Zahoor Hasan appeared in court and requested an exemption from his appearance which the court denied
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P
Federal Minister for Information Broadcasting National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Friday stated that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s leadership, Pakistan s foreign policy is on an upward trajectory
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Friday Tarar highlighted the success of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim s visit to Pakistan, during which several agreements and MoUs were signed to enhance bilateral cooperation and trade
Tarar emphasized the strong brotherly relations between Pakistan and Malaysia noting that PM Shehbaz had extended the invitation to Anwar Ibrahim during the World Economic Forum in Riyadh
As a result of the talks, Pakistan is set to increase Halal meat and rice exports to Malaysia with an initial shipment of 100 000 tons of rice
He praised the Malaysian PM for supporting Pakistan s stance on the Kashmir issue and reiterated that Malaysia endorsed Pakistan’s
call for the implementation of UN resolutions on the Kashmir dispute Regarding Pakistan’s economic outlook Tarar asserted that the national economy is improving and will stabilize further with the visits of global leaders He noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during his recent meeting with PM Shehbaz at the UN General Assembly acknowledged Pakistan s economic progress
Tarar also shared that Pakistan will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad, which will be attended by 12 heads of government from various countries Preparations are underway to beautify the capital for the summit He commended PM Shehbaz s speech at the UNGA where the PM effectively raised the issues of Kashmir, Palestine, and climate change, gaining widespread recognition Even the opposition lauded his speech which garnered significant global attention
Tarar added that the finalization of the loan agreement with the IMF during the UNGA session will further boost Pakistan s economy Both the IMF and World Bank
have praised the government’s steps toward economic growth
He highlighted the ongoing digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) which has doubled the number of tax filers and will contribute to higher tax collection Pakistan s stock exchange is also performing well, with Bloomberg naming it the top emerging market in Asia
Tarar noted that inflation has dropped to 6 9% surpassing projections and called on provincial governments to reduce transport fares and the prices of essential commodities
In response to media questions, Tarar criticized the PTI for staging protests that have harmed Pakistan s relations with friendly nations referencing the delay in the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the PTI s 2014 sit-in and recent disruptions during the Malaysian PM’s visit
He emphasized that Pakistan must project a positive image to the world especially ahead of the SCO summit and urged the opposition to raise their concerns in Parliament rather than through street agitation
