DAR CHARGES PTI OF TRYING TO ‘UNDERMINE’ SCO MOOT
g Says matters within
g
government (LG) amendment bill after the approval of much-touted constitutional package by parliament The development came a day after a meeting between the MQM-P delegation and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during which the former reportedly linked its support for the constitutional amendments to the empowerment of local government
The Karachi-based political party s delegation asked the premier to amend Article 140-A regarding local bodies local media reported citing sources
The constitutional package, among other things aims to set up a federal constitutional court and fix the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for three years
The government attempted to present the bill to amend the Constitution last month, but its allies as well as members from the opposition benches vehemently opposed the proposal, forcing the PML-N to begin a consultation process In line with the directions of PM Shehbaz the federal minister visited the
Four Pakistani nationals tragically lost their lives while attempting to illegally travel to Spain, according to media reports The young men were reportedly hiding in the cargo hold of a ship and died due to suffocation while en route The incident occurred in Mauritania, where one of the victims has been identified as Abu Huraira, a resident of Jinnah Colony, Wazirabad Family sources disclosed that Abu Huraira had left for Spain a month ago facilitated by an agent named Usman This tragedy adds to a growing number of migrant deaths involving dangerous journeys Recently, a boat carrying migrants capsized near Spain’s Canary Islands, resulting in at least nine deaths and 48 people reported missing The Spanish maritime rescue service confirmed that 27 individuals were rescued from the vessel which had 84 people on board when the distress call was made Earlier in September, another deadly incident saw 39 migrants lose their lives when their boat sank off the coast of Senegal during an attempt to reach the Canary Islands a common route for migrants hoping to enter mainland Europe In recent years, thousands of mi-
G andapur ’s
grants have perished attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean in overcrowded often poorly maintained boats These perilous journeys, taken in hopes of reaching Europe, frequently end in disaster due to strong ocean currents and inadequate equipment on the boats Spain has been working to address the crisis In late August Spain s prime minister visited Mauritania and The Gambia to sign cooperation agreements aimed at curbing human smuggling and creating more legal pathways for migration By mid-August more than 22 300
absence dampened morale of PTI workers during protest, says Atif K han
t Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Atif Khan stated that the absence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur demoralized party workers during the recent protest at Islamabad s D-Chowk In an interview with a private TV channel, Atif Khan emphasized the lack of clear communication from the party leadership regarding the protest strategy on October 4 which contributed to confusion among participants He called for clearer directives from the leadership about the nature of the protest whether it was intended as a demonstration or a sit-in Atif Khan expressed concern about the party’s current direction and decision-making noting that workers feel disheartened However he maintained that PTI cannot be eliminated and that
TARAR L AUDS CHINA FOR HELPING PAKISTAN OVERCOME ENERGY CRISIS
Pakistan Army ’s team wins Gold Medal in Exercise Cambrian Patrol – 2024
called for the restoration of the Darbar Move tradition According to Kashmir Media Service the 149-year-old biannual practice which involved shifting the administration between Jammu and Srinagar, was halted by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha s administration in 2021 Shopkeepers expressed that the discontinuation of the Darbar Move has adversely affected their businesses
leading to a sharp decline in trade revenues Many believe the tradition played a crucial role in the economic vibrancy of the city as it brought a surge of administrative activity government employees and business opportunities twice a year Rajesh Gupta, a 52-year-old shopkeeper, expressing his concerns said: “Our business heavily relied on Kashmiris who visited during the Darbar Move Since the authorities halted this tradition not only has our revenue declined significantly, but the cultural and social connection between occupied Jammu and Kashmir has also diminished For the past three years shop-
keepers here have faced immense challenges as a result ” Madan Mohan Sharma a veteran shopkeeper mentioned Our business has been suffering ever since the tradition was scrapped We are hopeful that the new government will fulfill its promises to restore it Other shopkeepers echoed his sentiment, emphasizing that reviving the Durbar Move was crucial for economic recovery Jammu s business community remains optimistic that the newly formed government will address their concerns, as many political
Police enforce Sec tion 144 at protests over blasphemy suspec
Tensions escalated outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) as police clashed with demonstrators protesting against the killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar and the perceived increase in extremism in Sindh Dr Shahnawaz accused of sharing blasphemous content on social media was killed in a controversial police encounter on September 19 in Mirpurkhas, which Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar later described as a “staged encounter ” The protest named the “Sindh Rawadari March ” drew participants from diverse sectors including human rights groups trade unions and feminist organizations, all united in their condemnation of Dr Shahnawaz s extrajudicial killing However, their assembly was deemed a violation of Section 144, a law that prohibits gatherings of four or more people aimed at preventing riots and maintaining public order
During the protest, police were filmed conducting baton charges against the demonstrators actions that did not spare even women as shown in social media and TV coverage In a parallel development members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) initiated a counter-protest Although police halted their progress at Teen Talwar and near Capri cinema, confrontations ensued resulting in clashes with police and Rangers Authorities responded by sealing off routes to the KPC using containers and buses to block access, even preventing journalists and camera crews from entering the area Despite these measures, the situation escalated, leading to the death of a protester and injuries to several others during a clash near Metropole as TLP supporters attempted to reach the KPC Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Altaf Sario justified the enforcement of Section 144, citing the potential for vio-
lence and the presence of foreign dignitaries in Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit which could be negatively impacted by the unrest Amidst the turmoil, rights groups have voiced their condemnation of the police’s handling of the protests particularly the use of force against peaceful demonstrators The Human Rights Commission of
Pakistan (HRCP) and the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) have both called for the immediate release of detained protesters and for the right to peaceful assembly to be respected The incident has sparked a broader debate about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting human rights highlighting the delicate nature of handling protests in volatile situations
04
COMMENT
Leaving paper behind
TH E State Bank of Pakistan’s latest annual Payment System Review for fiscal 2024 shows that the trend towards the digitization of currency and a corresponding decline in the use of physical money continues as all of society goes digital and the economy accompanies it Already there is a case for claiming that the economy is already digital, rather than going in that direction, with retail transactions growing from 4 7 billion in fiscal 2023, to 6 4 billion in fiscal 2024, a 35 percent increase Digital payments were already 84 percent of the total volume, up from 76 percent the year before However, paperbased transactions still constituted 83 percent of the value, amounting to Es 448 trillion Along with cash, it seems that the cheque, draft and pay order are going the way of the dinosaur Of course this digitization has not apparently scratched the surface of tax evasion corruption and other illegal financial transactions It is only a matter of time before the tax collection authorities already under pressure to meet ever-increasing targets, find that at least retail transactions are traceable While tax may be evaded in large transactions, shopkeepers trying to save tax on a soft drink and a pack of cigarettes will lose customers It should be realized that the driving force behind this switch is not technology, but convenience; the technology has been developed to make the convenience possible There are no doubt minds in the State Bank, as well as other central banks, considering the transformation that is occurring in the nature of money and the way people relate to it The State Bank may be faced with problems of regulation (for starters mobile wallets already have 42 percent share) However the shift to e-banking is as transformative as that from having to carry round actual bullion to paper notes
For a start, there are still hangovers Large cash transactions, with stacks of large-denomination notes carried around in sacks, still take place in real estate, for example, not because anyone wants to avoid taxes, but because the buyer and seller don t trust each other enough to accept
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M
A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
PA K I S TA N’S ties with Israel have long been characterized by deep-seated hostility stemming from its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause Since its inception in 1947 Pakistan has maintained a staunchly pro-Palestinian position, aligning itself with the broader Muslim world in condemning Israeli policies, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinians However, as geopolitical realities evolve, Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads A growing recognition of the potential benefits of normalizing relations with Israel is beginning to emerge especially as other Muslim-majority countries such as UAE Bahrain and Morocco, have already taken that stepcrecently Pakistan s economic crisis and shifting global alliances might push the country to reconsider its traditional stance even as it faces internal resistance Pakistan’s foreign policy has long been intertwined with its identity as a Muslim-majority state and its support for the Palestinian cause has been a cornerstone of its diplomatic outlook Islamabad has consistently condemned Israel s actions in Palestinian territories and refused to recognize Israel This position has been informed by Pakistan’s broader alignment with the Arab world and its desire to maintain strong ties with Muslim-majority countries Pakistan has viewed itself as a champion of Muslim causes with Palestine being a defining issue In recent times, normalization of ties between Israel and several Muslim-majority countries under Abraham Accords has sparked debate within Pakistan The agreements brokered by the Trump Administration saw nations like UAE and Bahrain establish formal diplomatic relations with Israel driven largely by economic and strategic interests The success of these accords particularly substantial increase in trade between Israel and UAE, has highlighted potential benefits of normalized relations with Israel In 2022 alone, trade between two nations jumped 124 percent, reaching $2 59 billion
For Pakistan which is currently grappling with severe economic challenges normalizing relations with Israel could open doors to financial investment technological support and new markets Israel s advancements in agriculture, for instance, could help Pakistan address its water and food security challenges In the field of cybersecurity, Israel’s expertise could bolster Pakistan’s digital infrastructure which is increasingly critical in today’s interconnected world Furthermore defense cooperation could provide Pakistan with access to cutting-edge military technologies, enhancing its security capabilities For any meaningful change in Pakistan s stance toward Israel to occur, leadership will play a crucial role
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite his vocal criticism of Israeli policies during his tenure hinted at Pakistan s need to forge its own foreign policy path His pragmatic approach coupled with the changing dynamics in the Muslim world suggests that figures like him could be instrumental in reshaping Pakistan s relationship with Israel Khan s PTI remains influential, and any future government led by him or a similarly pragmatic leader could potentially pave the way for a re-evaluation of
those
PTM
istan,
and
misrepresenting facts to paint the state in a negative light ]India’s media platforms have also been instrumental in promoting the PTM’s narratives Indian outlets frequently offer platforms to Afghan nationals which is no coincidence since it gives them the chance to proliferate anti-Pakistan
Pakistan The PTM s so-called Pashtun National Court likewise serves to promote division, stoking anti-state sentiment and undermining the cohesion that has long been a hallmark of Pashtun society Despite claiming to be a peaceful movement the PTM’s behaviour betrays a different agenda Its claims to be an advocate for peace are contradicted by its employment of anti-democratic tactics, such as hate speech and inciting bigotry Additionally, PTM officials have said nothing about the horrors meted out to the Pashtun people by terrorist organizations such as FaK By not denouncing such brutality the PTM leadership demonstrates its selective anger ignoring the suffering of innocent Pashtuns who are the target of terrorist organizations in favour of concentrating exclusively on matters that support its narrative The recent five days’ ceasefire announced by FaK to facilitate PQA speaks volumes of this nexus and their collaborative efforts for unison objectives The PTM s messaging centres around the false notion that the Pakistani state was responsible for imposing the war on terror on the Pashtun people This narrative is a dangerous half-truth, designed to fuel anger and resentment among Pashtuns The reality is that the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan have long faced security challenges due to their proximity to an unstable region Terrorist groups including FaK have repeat-
e rs
w i t h a s i m i l a r ly fo r w a rd - l o o k i n g a p p ro a ch , c o u l d p l ay a k ey ro l e i n
n av i g a t i n g t h i s c o m p l ex l a n d s c a p e . W i t h t h e r i g h t l e a d e rs h i p a n d a
cl e a r u n d e rs t a n d i n g o f t h e b e n e f i t s , Pa k i s t a n c o u l d p o t e n t i a l ly r e c o n s i d e r i t s s t a n c e o n I s r a e l , o p e n i n g t h e d o o r t o n ew
o p p o r t u n i t i e s fo r g row t h a n d d ev e l o p m e n t .
edly targeted these areas and Pakistan s security forces have made immense sacrifices to restore peace The state s efforts in bringing stability to the region, not without challenges, reflect a sincere commitment to the development and security of the tribal areas PTM’s manipulation of facts including the use of fabricated news and images further illustrates its willingness to exploit the people it claims to represent for its own political ends
The actions and alliances of PTM raise doubts about its stated objectives of promoting peace and justice for Pashtuns The PTM appears to be motivated by a more intrusive agenda that resonates with anti-Pakistan forces who aim to create division and unrest rather than addressing the challenges faced by the Pashtun people
On the other hand, Pakistan s state and security apparatus continues to ensure peace and development in the merged districts despite enormous challenges It is important for all stakeholders to recognize PTM for what it really is: a foreign-backed proxy that thrives on divisive politics rather than offering solutions for easing out miseries of their people
The author frequently contributes on issues concerning national and regional security focusing on matters having critical impact in these milieus She can be reached omayaimen333@gmail com
O n t h e o t h e r
shows how it undermines the very culture it claims to protect The Jirga a long-standing tribal body for dispute resolution, is being repurposed by the PTM to foment dissent against the state Instead of using this traditional system to promote unity and peace the PTM exploits
Pakistan’s reputation
Tackling drug addiction
The PTM has shadow y backers
Rise of violence against women
cases go unreported due to fear of stigma retaliation, or mistrust in legal institutions
D FEMICIDE: The intentional killing of women because of their gender, often linked to domestic violence, dowry disputes, or so-called “honour killings ”
VI O L E N C E against women is a significant global issue with different regions experiencing various forms of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, human trafficking, and gender-based violence In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in violence against women in many parts of the world due to several factors:
PANDEMIC EFFECTS: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated domestic violence globally Many women were confined at home with abusive partners, while resources like shelters support services and helplines were overwhelmed or inaccessible Economic stress job losses and social isolation further intensified household tensions leading to increased reports of abuse
CONFLICT AND WAR ZONES: In regions experiencing armed conflicts or political instability women are frequently subjected to sexual violence as a tactic of war These situations often lead to displacement where women are further vulnerable to exploitation and abuse
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL BACKLASH:
In some countries progressive movements for women’s rights have been met with backlash including violence by conservative or extremist groups This can manifest as honour killings, acid attacks, or vigilante justice targeting women who defy traditional norms
LACK OF ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS: Despite legal frameworks designed to protect women weak enforcement corruption and underreporting hinder progress Many
ECONOMIC DISPARITIES: Women in marginalized communities, including low-income and minority groups often face heightened risks of violence Limited access to education healthcare and economic opportunities also contributes to their vulnerability
NOTABLE TRENDS:
INDIA: Despite increased awareness reports of violence against women including rape and domestic abuse continue to rise Laws have been strengthened but implementation remains a challenge
LATIN AMERICA: The region has seen an alarming rate of femicide (the intentional killing of women because of their gender) with Mexico and Brazil being major hotspots
EUROPE AND THE US: Though domestic violence laws are stringent, intimate partner violence and online harassment continue to be serious problems Efforts to address these issues involve legal reforms awareness campaigns education and more accessible support services but there is still a long way to go to significantly reduce violence against women Violence against women is a widespread and deeply ingrained issue that affects women and girls globally It encompasses a range of harmful behaviors and actions directed at women simply because of their gender These forms of violence can occur in public or private spaces and manifest in various ways, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse
A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Abuse that occurs within the home typically by an intimate partner It includes physical harm emotional manipulation sexual violence, and financial control
B SEXUAL VIOLENCE: This includes rape, sexual assault, harassment, and coerced sexual acts It often occurs in relationships but also in workplaces educational settings and public spaces
C HUMAN TRAFFICKING: The exploitation of women through forced labour or sex work Women and girls make up the majority of trafficking victims globally
E CHILD MARRIAGE: Forcing girls into early marriages which often leads to long-term physical and psychological harm and reinforces gender inequality
F CULTURAL PRACTICES: Harmful traditions, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) or acid attacks that perpetuate control over women’s bodies
G CYBER VIOLENCE: Online harassment, stalking, revenge porn, and other forms of digital abuse that target women disproportionately in the online space
CAUSES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
A PATRIARCHY AND GENDER INEQUALITY: Societies with entrenched patriarchal values and gender discrimination often perpetuate the idea that women are inferior or should be controlled
B CULTURAL NORMS: Traditional beliefs in some cultures view women as the property of men or place restrictive roles on them, leading to widespread acceptance of violence as a means of control
C ECONOMIC DEPENDENCY: Financial dependence on male partners can trap women in abusive relationships, as leaving may result in poverty or further violence
Has Iran just tested a nuclear weapon?
a major event: It was not terribly strong and caused no casualties And yet it has attracted global attention The reason is that we are not sure that it really was an earthquake Since the tremors shook the Iranian desert, speculation that this was, in reality, an underground nuclear test has not been dying down in some traditional media and in social media everywhere In Iran itself according to the Tehran Times – an outward-facing English-language publication – seismologists and [ ] authorities have denied a nuclear test The newspaper added that CIA Director William Burns also said there is no evidence that Iran has decided to build a nuclear weapon ” Considering that from long and bitter experience Iranians do not generally consider the CIA a source of truth that is an intriguing maybe tongue-in-check addition It is not hard to imagine plausible reasons why the leadership in Tehran could have an interest in staging a test that it knows leaves detectable traces while at the same time it’s officially denying that it has done so: it would, in essence, serve to warn enemies while allowing for a degree of politically flexible deniability It would also perhaps create some strategic ambiguity – that is uncertainty among opponents – if not about the event itself then about what exactly the Iranian leadership is intending to do with it
Yet it is at least equally realistic to assume that there really was no test Those discussions of the Semnan tremors that are publicly available seem inconclusive to the non-expert at least turning on points such as the exact nature of the seismic wave and the location of the epicenter For now the only certain conclusion seems to be that we don t know: It may have been just an ordinary earthquake, but a nuclear test cannot be ruled out at this point
Let’s take a step back: Instead of assessing arguments for one or the other version of what exactly happened at Semnan in Iran on October 5 let s ask two simple questions: Why is it so important and what would it mean if a nuclear test did really occur?
In some regards, it is obvious why the tremors have reverberated globally: Iran is already embroiled in a de facto war with Israel that is on the verge of escalating further from increasingly destructive missile attacks into an even larger regional and possibly global war Beyond the longstanding hostility between the two countries this escalation is underway for two reasons: First Israel has already completed a year of committing genocide against the Palestinians and there is no end in sight, while it has also been assaulting multiple countries around it with terror attacks, indiscriminate bombings and, now in Lebanon also a land invasion Second the West has sided with Israel In a hypothetical world one in which the West would not have trampled all over international law and elementary
and
tance” has become the key, indeed the one and only international actor that is in the way of the Zionist regime Given the way Western mainstream media propaganda vilifies this axis as rogue and terrorist it is ironic that its members are the only ones at least trying to implement the UN 1948 Genocide Convention against the Israeli perpetrators, thus obeying a fundamental obligation of post-World War II international law The true, monstrous rogue actors are the West and Israel Without the Axis of Resistance under Iran s loose hegemony the Palestinian resistance would be entirely alone For Israel this means that destroying or at least neutralizing Iran is the greatest possible strategic prize Without Tehran, the axis would not simply disappear For that, its various elements – for instance, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement (‘Houthis’) are too autonomous not mere proxies But there is no doubt that they would be gravely perhaps fatally weakened Against this background Iran s military capabilities are a crucial factor While Tehran has a much less modern air force than Israel’s, Iran’s missile forces are formidable Despite claims to the contrary, the recent, still-restrained attack of 180 projectiles has shown that Iran can overwhelm Israeli air defenses and the US assistance these get If it ever were to launch an assault really meant to be devastating – by targeting Israel s economic and political infrastructure – Israel would have to absorb damage as never before in its history The fact that Israelis have the option of leaving makes this threat all the more powerful: Their country has deliberately sought to make Gaza uninhabitable As a civilized country Iran would not resort to the same genocidal cruelty But it could make it much less comfortable or safe for Israelis to stay in Israel
And that is where we get back to the question of why it would be so important if a nuclear test really took place in Iran on October 5: On one side, Israel has threatened to target the country’s many nuclear facilities if not in the next round of strikes then in the one after that Yet since the more important ones are deep underground that is technically difficult as an American general formerly involved in pertinent planning has just confirmed to the New York Times But, still, Israel has US support Even if Washington has mumbled some objections to that particular Israeli insanity this means very little because the US tends to lie and Israel tends to do what it wants anyhow and then drag the US along unwillingly or very willingly as the case may be
On the other side, Iran has, of course, been developing its own nuclear program While its leaders insist that it’s entirely non-military, if that were true, they would be idiots neglecting their duty to protect their country And they are neither idiots nor neglecting their duty
What adds a wrinkle of complication is that the possibility of Iran crossing the threshold to possessing nuclear weapons has been exaggerated again and again by Western politicians and media with an obvious intention to create a pretext for yet another Western war of aggression in the Middle East Indeed, the Wall Street Journal has just published another long article in that genre of “Look-how-close-they-are ” For those preferring more theoretical outlets the prestigious journal Foreign Policy has just bluntly set out the case for destroying Iran s nuclear program now So, whenever you hear – at least in the West – that Tehran is close to having nukes, keep in mind that you may well be looking at war propaganda And yet, there also is a real possibility of Iran acquiring – or perhaps already having acquired – nuclear bombs That is why it has been so tempting to interpret the seismic shock in the Semnan region as a well-timed nuclear test If Iran already has built nuclear weapons, then a test could have been a signal, telling Israel and the West that it is now
too late for preempting an Iranian breakthrough because it has already happened That would imply not only that such an Israeli or Western attack is now futile but also that it has become much riskier since Iran may already be able to retaliate even with nuclear weapons
The scenario outlined above remains speculative as an interpretation of the Semnan seismic tremors on October 5 But what is more important is the fact that even if it has not yet occurred then it is likely to occur soon One way or the other notwithstanding an earlier Iranian religious injunction – fatwa – against weapons of mass destruction often cited in the West Tehran is likely to become a nuclear-armed power in the near future In that case, the fatwa will be altered or superseded If and when that happens, the West and Israel will have only themselves to blame for three reasons
First we have long known that the West uses the foggy notion of rules and a rules-based order to evade international law and a meaningful role for the United Nations The rules-based order is a cheap sham for those who prefer that laws do not apply to them What the Gaza genocide and Israel’s other recent crimes have made unmistakably clear is that the “rules-based order” includes a very special privilege for Israel and the West namely that of committing crimes against humanity In such a world every self-respecting government that takes its elementary duty to defend country and people seriously must think in the-very-worst-case terms In such a world, in short, you better have nukes Secondly, we have not only learned what exactly the “rules-based order” is capable of We have also learned that the alternative norms and institutions of international law cannot stop the rules-based crowd once it has made up its mind: By the findings of the highest court of the UN the International Court of Justice also called the World Court, Israel stands as a plausible perpetrator of genocide even now; a full sentencing is likely to follow Its prime minister and minister of defense have arrest-warrant applications pending at the International Criminal Court And what is the result? Nothing Neither Western governments nor Israel have given a damn about
the law Indeed, they are in open contempt and obstructing it shamelessly Again in such a world you better arm yourself as well as you can Thirdly Iran itself has of course been through a long-drawn-out attempt to find a compromise with the West and, de facto, Israel The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – aka the Iran Nuclear Deal – was concluded in 2015 Its essence was simple: Tehran would give up on military uses of its nuclear power and in return the West would let go of sanctions and generally normalize its relations
Dr rajkumar Singh
F I F T H U N P E A C E K E E P E R W O U N D E D I N S O U T H E R N L E B A N O N
A G E N C I E S
AUnited Nations peacekeeper was injured by gunfire in southern Lebanon, marking the fifth injury among UN personnel in the region over the past few days
The incident occurred on Friday night at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqoura, a southern coastal city near the IsraeliLebanese border UNIFIL has not determined the origin of the gunfire
The peacekeeper underwent surgery and is in stable condition according to a UNIFIL statement
This latest injury follows a series of escalations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Israeli troops recently launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon as tensions continue to escalate
Cross-border exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel have become increasingly frequent over the past year, with the most recent intensifications oc-
curring in tandem with the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza Hezbollah claims its actions are in solidarity with Palestinians, and its rocket attacks have increased since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict last October
The growing violence has placed UN peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon at increasing risk
Furthermore Hezbollah announced on Sunday that its forces were engaged in fighting against Israeli troops attempting to attack the village of Ramiya in southern Lebanon while a third UN peacekeeper was reportedly wounded highlighting the escalating regional violence
UNIFIL which has been operating in Lebanon since 1978 to maintain peace along the volatile border, consists of around 10,000 personnel from 50 countries
Their mission is to patrol the area between the Litani River and the Blue Line, the UN-recognized border between Lebanon and Israel
Earlier on Thursday two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli tank fired at an observation post, causing them to fall from the tower
Ireland s Chief of Defence, Lt Gen Seán Clancy, expressed concerns that the attack on the observation post appeared to be deliberate given the precision required to target such a small structure In response to these incidents the United Nations has called on all parties involved to respect the safety and security of its personnel A UNIFIL spokesperson reiterated the need for all combatants to avoid military activity near UN positions Despite these risks the peacekeeping mission has made a unanimous decision to remain in the region International condemnation of the violence continues to grow The leaders of France, Italy, and Spain have jointly condemned Israeli actions against UN personnel describing them as unjustifiable and demanding
their immediate cessation Lebanese health authorities have reported that Israeli airstrikes on villages near Beirut killed at least nine people with more than 2 000 Lebanese casualties overall in the recent escalation Meanwhile Hezbollah has fired around 320 projectiles into northern Israel, some of which were intercepted by Israeli defense systems Israeli civilians and foreign nationals have also been among the casualties With the
C hina, Vietnam stress handling differences via
friendly consultation
China and Vietnam on Sunday stressed the need to properly handle their differences through friendly consultation In his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister
Pham Minh Chinh Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged both sides to stick to friendly consultation properly handle differences and expand maritime cooperation China firmly supports Vietnam in steadily following a path that suits its national conditions, Li said, calling for strengthening alignment of development strategies with Vietnam, and carrying out the plan of synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam’s Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy
He said China stands ready to work with Vietnam to deepen cooperation in areas such as connectivity trade and investment, tourism, medical care, and disaster prevention and reduction, and expand cooperation in emerging industries such as digital economy and green development to continuously promote the upgrading of cooperation in various fields
He called on both sides to further deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples especially the younger generation China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Vietnam at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and promote global governance in a fairer and more reasonable direction Li said For his part Pham Minh Chinh said developing relations with China is a top priority and a strategic choice for the party and the government of Vietnam, adding that China is the only country that encompasses all of Vietnam’s foreign policy priorities
He said Vietnam firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports China s development
Noting that next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two
Chinh
statement
CORPORATE CORNER
TRUMP CAMPAIGN ADOPTS ENCRYPTED DEVICES AFTER IRANIAN HACKS, ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS
The Minister expressed that the Governor
and dry fruits at the Governor's House, as he has no role in administrative affairs She responded to the Governor's statements by mentioning the constant media reports
about ghost employees and students in Sindh's education department She emphasized that outside of two areas in Karachi and Hyderabad literacy rates in the rest of Sindh are virtually zero Azma Bokhari asserted that due to improved education standards in Punjab, students from government schools are achieving prominent positions in board examinations She contrasted this with the recent incidents related to the MD CAT exam in Sindh that have drawn nationwide attention She reminded the Governor, with a note of irritation, that he is just a Governor and has no role in administrative matters She concluded by saying that Maryam Nawaz knows very well how to manage the province s administrative affairs
hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the coming days Marking a significant moment in the nation s diplomatic history the summit offers Pakistan an opportunity to redefine its image not only as a diplomatic hub for prominent global players but also as a vital bridge between East and West amid the times of conflict and distress
The SCO provides a vital platform for addressing pressing issues such as security, economic integration, and counterterrorism efforts Pakistan’s role as host this year showcases its efforts and commitment for global peace dialogue amid intensifying regional conflicts The nation s ability to bring together countries further highlights its readiness to act as a responsible mediator in initiating dialogue and cooperation
While the opportunity to host this summit is symbolic for Pakistan; it is also a strategic moment that highlights the state government's dedication to strengthening international ties After successfully organizing major international events such as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summits and World Eco-
nomic Forum, the SCO summit brings Pakistan a unique opportunity to engage with global giants, especially China and Russia
As China s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) tops Pakistan s economic ambitions, the summit serves as a critical juncture for strengthening economic cooperation with Beijing which could further catalyze Pakistan s infrastructural development and trade potential
Moreover, Russia s increasing interest in economic partnerships with Pakistan, particularly in the energy sector, presents a significant opportunity for a country grappling with a chronic energy crisis and the need for industrial growth Additionally Central Asian states such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, also SCO members, present trade opportunities As Pakistan navigates its current economic crisis such opportunities shine a light on the government s strategic vision and resilience
Hosting the SCO summit also strengthens Pakistan s diplomatic standing on the international stage
The state government has faced significant scrutiny over the years with internal instability and complex relationships with neighboring states particularly India often cast-
ing a shadow on its international image However, the summit offers a chance for Pakistan to redefine itself as a nation committed to peace dialogue and multilateral cooperation The summit provides an avenue for Pakistan to reaffirm its commitment to regional peace and stability, particularly as it continues to address cross-border threats and internal security challenges
For Pakistan this summit also represents a chance to build new economic partnerships and explore diversified trade routes, reducing its over-reliance on traditional partners like the United States and international financial institutions By strengthening ties with China Russia and Central Asian countries Pakistan can pursue a more independent economic strategy focused on long-term growth and stability The successful organization of this event will stand as a testament to its evolving role in international diplomacy and its potential to bridge divides both regionally and globally This summit is not just an event; it is a defining moment for Pakistan, showcasing its strength and commitment to a thriving future
The author is currently serving as an Assistant Information Officer at the Press Information Department Karachi
CHINA , PAKISTAN COOPERATION TO GROW FURTHER UNDER NEW DEVELOPMENT, SECURIT Y PATTERNS: AMB JIANG Z AIDONG
provides fundamental guidance and action plan for both sides to promote China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperation,” he said “We would like to cooperate with Pakistani side based on the existing achievements promote China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to achieve new development and take new steps forward in building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era,” added the Ambassador
The Ambassador said that the SCO is the first international organization founded with Chinese participation and named after a Chinese city Since its establishment 23 years ago, it has expanded from 6 members to a SCO “big family” consist of 26 countries, he added
the best period in history, and injecting strong impetus into build-
ing an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era he said Ambassador Jiang said we would like to adhere to the development direction and strategic arrangements of China-Pakistan relations determined by President Xi Jinping, further seek greater synergy in the development strategies of the two countries to promote the high-quality CPEC cooperation to deepen our practical cooperation in various fields and strengthen multilateral collaboration including SCO What I want to emphasize is that, this visit is the exchange of visits between our two countries’ prime ministers within just four months after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited China This in itself has fully reflected the great importance China attaches to the development of China-Pakistan relations and its strong support for the new government
of Pakistan ” he said Chinese Ambassador said that he also wanted to say that during Prime Minister Shehbaz s visit to China in June this year
President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang held meeting and talks with him, which provides important strategic guidance on the development of China-Pakistan relations under the new circumstances and publishes a joint statement President Xi Jinping pointed out that China stands ready to strengthen mutual support for each other, to tighten cooperation ties, to deepen strategic coordination, and to accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era Premier Li Qiang said that China stands ready to work with Pakistan to carry forward traditional friendship and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, to better benefit the two peoples This
“The Shanghai Spirit has become increasingly popular among the people and the SCO s strength has been continuously consolidated and expanded Especially under the new situation of accelerating changes unseen in a century, President Xi Jinping pointed out at the SCO Plus Meeting in Astana in July this year that the SCO stands on the right side of history and on the side of fairness and justice and is crucial to the world He said that China supports all countries follow a development path that suits their own national conditions, strengthen unity and cooperation among Global South countries and better safeguard their own development rights and international fairness and justice
The Ambassador said that unity
Over 100 arrested in Karachi as protesters hold demo against killing of Dr Shahnawaz
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T
Demonstrators of two separate groups on Sunday collided with the riot police, defying Section 144, which resulted in the arrest of over hundred, during protests in Karachi staged with regard to killing of blasphemy suspect Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar Participants of the Sindh Rawadari March clashed with the police outside the press club when they violated Section 144 banning demonstrations and assemblies of more than five persons across the metropolis
The police officials noted that over 100 protesters affiliated with separate groups, were taken into custody from different parts of the metropolis, including outside Karachi Press Club Metropole Hotel and Jinnah Hospital Moreover sources told Geo
News that four policemen sustained injuries amid the clashes and have been shifted to hospital Speaking to journalists, South Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
Syed Asad Raza said that “at least 20 people have been detained so far, including women ” More police personnel have been deployed on all the roads leading to the press club
In another clash near the Governor House, the police fired tear gas shells at the protesters of a religious organisation, which has called a counter-protest at the KPC forcing its rally to move towards Metropole Hotel Amid tear-gas shelling protesters pelted stones at riot police, injuring two cops, while they also reportedly set a police van on fire Meanwhile, at least 27 protesters were also taken into custody near Teen Talwar in Clifton including women
In a statement Sindh Home Minister Zia ul Hasan Lanjar noted that two separate protests were held at Karachi Press Club, Teen Talwar and Metropole by religious organisations and the civil society, despite the imposition of Section 144 in the metropolis
He said that there were concerns about the law and order and maintaining peace in the city after those announcements, while Section 144 was already announced by Commissioner Karachi “Therefore the protestors should have followed the law but the law was violated by them
Giving details about the protests, Lanjar said that the civil society and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) announced separate protests on the same day and at the same time over the killing of blasphemy suspect Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar
is honored by the authorities advocating for a reduction in electricity charges and the cessation of new Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements He also shared his pleasure with the public s enthusiastic response to the party’s recent membership drive, encouraging more citizens to join their peaceful protest movement
party s independent political stance, stating, Our political ac-
solely through Jamaat-e-Islami s platform
He acknowledged potential dialogues with other political forces such as Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) yet firmly ruled out any electoral alliances
