L ATE NIGHT CABINET’S MEETING RESCHEDULED AS CONSENSUS ‘REACHED’ ON 26TH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Fazl hopeful of consensus on constitutional amends af ter PTI input today
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief
Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has requested time until tomorrow (Sunday) to finalise its stance on the constitutional amendment He added that after receiving their response, the bill will be presented in parliament for consensus approval
Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari in Islamabad on Saturday, Fazlur Rehman said, "After extensive consultations Bilawal and I are here to update you The consensus reached on the constitutional amendment bill by PPP and JUI-F was first shared during a press conference in Karachi We then discussed it with the leadership of PML-N in Lahore leading to further consultations He explained that the initial draft of the amendment was rejected due to concerns raised by opposition parties "The government agreed to withdraw all the contentious sections we objected to paving the way for consensus At this stage there are no major disputes between us, and most of the contentious issues have been resolved," Fazl noted
Despite ‘other options’ govt desired to pass amendments with consensus: Ministers
Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif on Saturday stated that that the government ‘despite having the magic numbers ’ striving to pass the 26th Constitutional Amendment with a
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday said that the incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan instructed the party leaders to continue consultations with Jamiat Ulema-eIslam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the proposed constitutional amendments Speaking during a press conference flanked by other PTI leaders Barrister Gohar said: We held discussion over the amendments with the PTI founder and he has asked us to continue deliberations as it is very sensitive matter ” The PTI chief comments came after an “inconclusive” meeting with party founder on the constitutional amendments in Adiala jail Barrister Gohar said that Khan also named four party members to accompany for consultations with the JUI-F chief as “we want that I should form my opinion on a broader consensus and give further direction
Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Omar Ayub, Leader of the Opposition in Senate Shibli Faraz Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly Ahmed Bhachar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will join the PTI chairman for talks with JUI-F, the party chief said The development comes a day after the special parliamentary committee comprising government and opposition members unanimously approved the draft for 26th constitutional amendment Muttahida Qaumi Movement-
Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar claimed that PTI had principally agreed on the draft but the party had reservations on some points
However Gohar had said that consultation on the fourth draft shared by the government was underway, adding that they would make final decision on the constitutional package after meeting Khan Gohar began the presser today by speaking about the PTI founder s health jail conditions and the lack of facilities saying that he was in good health, however, claimed that there was no electricity in the jail for five days
During the meeting Barrister Gohar said they apprised the PTI founder about the ongoing consultations with Fazl over the proposed judicial package The jailed party founder termed the talks with Fazl positive and directed them to continue holding consultations with the JUI-F he added
We will continue to negotiate with Maulana Fazl This type of legislation is not acceptable and we
condemn this method as it is unconstitutional and undemocratic, he said Gohar said that they informed the JUI-F chief that the party will not be in a position to vote until the PTI founder gives clear instructions on the matter We have not agreed to anything at this point Adiala jail admin gives clarification Giving clarification after Gohar ’s presser Adiala jail administration said the PTI founder is provided with all B Class facilities in the prison as per the law
The PTI founder s diet, health, study including exercise
Pakistan emerges as global technology hub at GITEX
where brutal military occupations had not only denied the people of their fundamental right of self-determination but also un-
AB A S S A D O R of Pakistan in Turkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid on Saturday underscored the importance of the resolution of Kashmir dispute as per the United Nations Security Council resolutions to ensure regional and global peace
He highlighted that Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) represented unceasing situations of foreign occupation in the modern world,
Integrated effor ts urged to combat pover t y, climate change nexus
L ate night c abinet ’s meeting rescheduled as consensus ‘reached ’ on 26th Constitutional Amendment
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari along with a delegation called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House on Saturday During the meeting the two sides discussed the overall political situation of the country Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar Pakistan People’s Party leaders Sherry Rehman Syed Naveed Qamar and Murtaza Wahab were also present in the meeting
P P P, J U I-F R E A C H '100%
C O N S E N S U S': B I L AWA L Earlier, after holding back-to-back meetings with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday said that his party and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief have reached a 100% consensus on the proposed constitutional amendment
Talking to journalist following his fresh meeting with JUI-F chief, Bilawal said that he was in consistent contact with the latter on the matter related to constitutional amendment
We have reached consensus over legislation on judicial reforms
The PPP chairman said that he wished Maulana Fazl to table the 26th constitution amendment bill in parliament as “the draft is the same as Maulana Fazlur Rehman wanted Responding to a question the PPP leader expressed hope that the JUI-F could convince PTI to vote for the constitution amendment bill
Referring to PTI’s past "political behaviour" Bilawal said: “PTI should prove that it is a political party Politics is the name of seeking consensus and reconciliation, the PPP chairman advised the PTI He was of the view that PTI should
have introduced judicial reforms during its tenure instead of him and added that that the government should not table the constitutional amendment bill in parliament
To another query, the PPP chairman said: “Both the parties [PPP and JUI-F] have agreed on constitutional reforms The joint draft was authored by the JUI-F chief ” At the same time Bilawal lauded the PML-N-led federal government for showing patience over the matter For his part, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri confirmed that both parties have agreed on a joint draft of the constitutional package and lauded Bilawal’s efforts in this regard Responding to a question he said: We are waiting for PTI s delegation [to discuss the draft] All political forces, including PML-N and PTI, will soon agree on the judicial reforms, he hoped
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
BNP-M chief Sardari Akhtari Mengal and a delegation of senior PTI leaders held backto-back meetings with Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad on Saturday with focus on the proposed constitutional amendments Bilawal who also held in-depth talks with Maulana Fazlur Rehman last night arrived at the JUI chief s residence soon after the PTI leaders left Before coming to JUI chief ’s residence a PPP delegation led by Bilawal held consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House on the prevailing political situation in the country Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar and Murtaza Wahab also participated in the meeting
The PTI leaders who met with JUI-F
chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad on Saturday said they could not take any decision on the proposed 26th constitutional amendments unless they met with the former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Members of the party’s delegation told the JUI-F chief that this morning they kept waiting outside the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi for hours, but were not allowed inside to meet their leader PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, Asad Qaiser, Ali Zafar and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Hamid Raza were those who met with Maulana Fazl
Political leaders from PPP and PML-N in their bid to develop a consensus among political parties on the amendments, have been visiting Maulana Fazl’s home for the last few days almost every day in order to enlist his support ahead of the passage of these amendments by both Houses of the parliament The government has allowed five leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to meet the former prime minister and the party s founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, so that they could discuss with him the proposed 26th constitutional amendments MENGAL REFUSES TO SUPPORT CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Meanwhile, Balochistan National Party (BNP) Akhtar Mengal alleged that two of his party’s senators have been abducted along with their families saying he will not support constitutional amendments currently being discussed in Pakistan
Speaking to the media outside Maulana Fazlur Rehman s residence in Islamabad, Mengal expressed outrage over the government's handling of the situation, questioning why the constitutional changes were being rushed without public transparency Mengal further claimed that the family of a female senator had been held hostage
to force her attendance at a luncheon with the Prime Minister
Is this what respect for the vote looks like?" he asked, adding that it is unacceptable for members of parliament and their families to be subjected to threats and intimidation The BNP leader vowed not to participate in any talks on the amendments until his missing senators are safely returned
He criticised the secrecy surrounding the proposed changes, calling it an attack on democracy and questioning the role of external forces in the matter
Mengal has stated that his party will consult with the opposition alliance regarding the amendments maintaining that no constitutional change should be forced under duress
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: PTI DELEGATION
VISITS FAZL AGAIN Meanwhile a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation has once again visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman s residence to continue discussions on the proposed constitutional amendments
The PTI delegation, led by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan included prominent figures such as Barrister Salman Akram Raja Asad Qaiser and Barrister Syed Ali Zafar They were also joined by Sunni Ittehad Council chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza
to shoulder with the security forces This sentiment reflects the broad-based support across the country for the military s efforts to counter terrorism and ensure peace in regions that have long been plagued by insurgency and violence
The Interior Minister also highlighted the collective determination to completely eradicate terrorist groups like Fitna al Khawarij from the country The nation is determined to completely eliminate the terrorists of ‘Fitna al Khawarij '” he remarked reinforcing the government s resolve to continue its fight against extremism Naqvi expressed his confidence in the capabilities of
TH E prorogation of Parliament on Friday, just a day after it had met to pass the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, marked the failure of the government's second attempt to pass it though it seems that there has been progress towards its passage, with the same problem still facing the government: the JUI(F) It would seem that the JUI(F) is milking its pivotal position as far as it can, to the extent that it not only wishes to impose its views on the majority but is also coordinating with the PTI to bring it on board, so that the amendment could be passed unanimously One could even argue that the PML(N) s giving in to the JUI(F) has placed the latter in the awkward position of having to agree to vote for the amendment It had now got to ensure that the PTI joins the consensus because it had originally also given assurances to the PTI that it would coordinate with it The PTI is in a bind, for it had relied on the JUI(F) to stop the amendment, which it saw as a means of keeping its Chairman, Imran Khan behind bars but also of getting him tried by a military court for the May 9 incidents last year However if the JUIF) now supports legislation but the PTI does not, then it would be giving it the excuse it would need to end cooperation
PPP Co-Chairman Bilawal Bhutto significantly has said in this context that it would be good to get the PTI on board, but time was running out Apart from the fact that his party provides the government about a third of the votes it needs, he has some relations with the PTI He has also been pushing for the amendment not to be adopted in haste
Actually, the PML(N) should be convinced by now that amending the Constitution was no easy task and perhaps should not have been attempted by a minority government (Though the PPP supports it and has voted for it both on its vote of confidence and its Budget it has no ministers in the Cabinet) Assembling the two-thirds majority in both Houses necessary for the amendment has proved beyond it in two attempts The progress in the parliamentary committee may afford it some optimism, but it will have to summon Parliament again to test this
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Marking the whole world
in any broader regional peace initiative
THE Palestinian conflict, now stretching over seven decades, is not merely a regional issue but one that reverberates globally, carrying the weight of human rights violations territorial disputes and a fight for self-determination The failure to resolve this issue has left an indelible mark on the Middle East and has profound implications for global peace The time has come to confront this reality: without immediate and lasting solutions, the situation will continue to fester, not only destabilizing the region but also threatening the peace and security of the entire world For years the Palestinian people have endured occupation oppression and systemic violence with countless UN resolutions, peace plans, and diplomatic efforts falling short The two-state solution, long considered the cornerstone of any viable peace process, has been systematically undermined by continued settlement expansion in the West Bank the blockade of Gaza and the erosion of Palestinian political rights The international community particularly Western powers have played a major role in either directly or indirectly sustaining the status quo, often turning a blind eye to the atrocities and denying the Palestinians the right to their land, resources, and sovereignty The continued silence of major global actors despite resolutions such as UN Security Council Resolution 242 and the Fourth Geneva Convention speaks to the hypocrisy embedded in the political discourse surrounding the issue The USA, in particular, has acted as a consistent shield for Israel in international forums, undermining Palestinian aspirations The Trump Administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and its support for Israel’s settlement policies are stark examples of how the global balance of power has shifted in Israel s favour rendering Palestinian rights invisible Pakistan, however, has stood as a vocal and steadfast advocate for Palestine From the very beginning of the Israeli occupation, Pakistan has been one of the few countries that consistently voiced its support for Palestinian sovereignty In the UN Pakistan has spearheaded initiatives aimed at highlighting the Palestinian plight pushing for resolutions that condemn Israeli aggression and occupation Pakistan s stance has been clear: the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is non-negotiable Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause is rooted in historical religious and ideological ties The Palestinian struggle resonates deeply with the people of Pakistan who view the issue as a symbol of resistance against imperialism and oppression Pakistan has consistently aligned itself with Arab nations and Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and its foreign policy reflects a dedication to ending the occupation and ensuring Palestinian selfdetermination Additionally Pakistan s military and strategic alliances particularly with countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, position it as a key player
The impact of this conflict has extended far beyond the borders of Palestine with ramifications that affect the entire Middle East and beyond The displacement of millions of Palestinian refugees the disruption of peace in neighbouring countries, and the rise of extremism fueled by unresolved grievances have made the conflict a key driver of regional instability This is a reality that cannot be ignored; the longer this issue persists the more likely it is to spark further violence and sow division not only within the Middle East but across the world
A crucial component of the debate on Palestinian statehood lies within international law, specifically the Montevideo Convention of 1933, which outlines the criteria for statehood in the modern international system According to the Convention for any entity to be recognized as a state it must fulfil the following four criteria: a permanent population a defined territory a government and the capacity to enter into relations with other states Palestine clearly meets these criteria It has a defined territory (the West Bank and Gaza), a permanent population (of over five million people) and an established government (the Palestinian Authority) Moreover Palestine has the capacity to engage in international relations as demonstrated by its diplomatic missions worldwide and its recognition by over 130 countries Yet, despite these attributes, Palestine remains denied full statehood recognition by some major global powers, particularly the USA and Israel, which continue to block its formal recognition at the United Nations This discrepancy highlights the inherent contradictions in the international legal system While Palestine fulfils the basic criteria for statehood under the
The failure to act is not just a failure to the Palestinian people; it is a failure to global justice , peace , and humanity The Palestinian cause is not a distant conflict but one that is intrinsically tied to the broader fight against imperialism, oppression, and the denial of basic human rights The world must act decisively, with a renewed sense of urg ency and resolve , to ensure that the Palestinian people are afforded the freedom and dignity they have long been denied The time for a lasting solution is now for the future of Palestine , the Middle East, and the world itself depend on this
Ethnic Conflicts, Safet y Concerns, and Substance Abuse
should be security staff at every few kilometers within the university premises
Alectual growth cultural diversity and national unity Universities are meant to be havens of intellectual growth and personal development But what happens when they become battlegrounds for ethnic conflict? Ethnic clashes, harassment, and substance abuse obstruct academic focus and mental well-being QAU dubbed ‘mini Pakistan ’ hosts students from across the country While promoting cultural diversity is valuable ethnicity-based clashes are unacceptable I ve personally seen how these councils have destroyed the academic careers of many intellectual students from respectable socioeconomic backgrounds These councils had a profound impact on how they approached life and how they thought which caused a major change in their personalities However through orientation sessions which are really nothing more than a means of instilling hatred, toxicity, and cultural bias in the minds of impressionable young people seniors and “cabinet members” of various ethnic councils cautiously manipulate newcomers who are frequently excited about the opportunity to engage in student politics and activism
There is no denying that the ethnic councils have had a significant role in the rising acts of violence and hostility on campus
The formation of ethnic councils at QAU has indirectly contributed to the deepening of divisions among students These councils while initially intended to promote cultural diversity have become breeding grounds for sectarianism and conflict Their activities frequently take precedence over the university s core mission of education and research
The university’s main objective is compromised I and many other students have experienced firsthand the fear and anxiety caused by these conflicts
Nationalism has reached a chaotic peak disrupting mental health and academic pursuits I never imagined nationalism could fuel such chaos As a student hailing from Punjab, I don’t condone wrongdoing by my province’s students; those responsible must face consequences In March 2023 clashes between Pushtoon and Baloch Student Councils led to a threemonth closure We returned only to take exams without proper coursework Small quarrels and strikes continued frequently And now on September 30, another large conflict erupted be-
tween Punjab Students Council and Pushtoon Students Council, resulting in over 30 injuries Students were targeted based on ethnicity Again after a few weeks on October 11 I witnessed a disturbing clash Firing and violence erupted from the huts and the students came near the girls hostel beating each other with sticks and iron rods and some students were beaten inside the gymnasium too Some boys’ hostel rooms were set on fire; however, the fire was promptly put out by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) firefighters The university s negligence is disgusting Private universities manage to maintain control over their students through strict enforcement of rules and penalties Public sector universities must adopt similar measures If proper punishments like fines, suspensions, or expulsions were implemented for those involved in such incidents the situation could be controlled Unfortunately there seems to be no system in place to ensure discipline Parents send us to study, not indulge in ethnic conflicts Many students have FIRs against them but remain aggressive and passionate about nationalism Moral and spiritual training are essential to curb these issues Nationalism shouldn’t supersede our identity as Pakistanis Besides ethnic conflicts two major concerns plague QAU: Harassment cases: Lack of boundaries and security checks allows locals to roam freely, no check and balance, everyone can come within the university even without checking their identity cards targeting students Female students have experienced heinous incidents done by the locals that I am ashamed even to describe them
Urgent measures are needed, Whenever a serious issue is discussed, the university cites financial constraints as an excuse for inaction If boundaries can’t be established due to financial problems faced by the university at least there
Unchecked drug use: It is not uncommon to see both male and female students openly using marijuana and other drugs on campus Even girls hostels aren t immune to this problem which is a serious point to be noted and investigated Hostel wardens inaction exacerbates the issue It was said that yes, we have sent the report to the administration about using drugs by female students but in reality nothing has been done till date or the university administration has been slow to respond further allowing this toxic culture to thrive I urge higher authorities to address these issues immediately: - Implement harsh punishments for conflicts - Establish moral and spiritual training - Enhance security and boundary checks - Address harassment and drug use
QAU should promote peace unity and cultural inclusivity The administration of QAU needs to act promptly to resolve these concerns This involves recruiting additional security staff on campus installing CCTVs and establishing an independent conflict resolution committee Additionally programmes that discourage substance usage counselling services for impacted students, and programmes on diversity and inclusion might assist lessen these issues QAU ought to investigate and update its regulations regarding ethnic councils and student organisations in order to avoid conflicts in the future
I urge the higher authorities to take immediate action to control these incidents We students from far flung areas came to QAU to pursue knowledge, not witness heinous clashes Our country already grapples with political, economic and societal crises; we need educated, responsible citizens The moral values are already severely compromised; and further incidents like this especially in a top ranked university located in the capital are a serious concern
The writer is a freelance columnist
Monuments Over Mobilit y
Curriculums for Modern Challenges
s t o c a r e e r s i n t e c h n o l o g y a n d e n g i n e e r i n g b u t a l s o e n h a n c e s p r o b l e m - s o l
The Palestinian problem must be solved swiftly
Majid Nabi burfat
Solar Dhar ti of Pakistan
Sit cannot provide 24/7 power un-
less paired with expensive storage solutions
The national grid already struggling with technical and financial limitations is not prepared for the abrupt fluctuations in power generation that large-scale solarization introduces This uncoordinated push for solar energy is reminiscent of Pakistan’s hasty moves towards hydropower in the past Hydroelectric projects were once touted as the ultimate solution to Pakistan s energy deficit yet many of those projects now suffer from environmental degradation, financial mismanagement, and a lack of long-term planning Solarization is poised to follow a similar trajectory if strategic foresight and infrastructural preparedness do not precede it
One of the most overlooked aspects of solarization in Pakistan is the hidden financial cost it places on the national economy Solar energy infrastructure, while relatively cheap to install on a small scale, requires significant investment when deployed on a larger scale The initial capital required for solar panels inverters and auxiliary equipment coupled with maintenance costs poses a substantial burden on Pakistan s already strained fiscal resources
Moreover, large-scale solarization often necessitates the importation of expensive solar technology adding to Pakistan’s import bill and further exacerbating the country s trade deficit In recent years the government has offered various incentives including tax breaks and subsidies, to promote solar energy adoption While these incentives have
spurred an increase in solar installations they have also led to fiscal leakages placing additional strain on government finances In an economy that is already fragile with inflationary pressures and dwindling foreign reserves, the financial viability of these subsidies must be questioned The damage does not stop there Solarization creates significant challenges for energy pricing and tariff setting As more households and
s o l a r i z a t i o n r i s k s d e e p e n i n g t h e v e r y p ro
m i s m a n ag e m e n t t o e n e rg y i n s e c u r i t y Pa k i s t a n Ês p ow e r s e c t o r n e e d s a h o l i s t i c a p p ro a ch t h a t p r i o r i t i z e s t h e m o d e r n i z
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f t h e n a t i o n a l g r i d , t h e i n t e g r a t i o n o f d i v e rs e e n e rg y s o u rc e s , a n d
After Israel killed Hamas leader, D.C. pushes to hand Palestine to Saudi Arabia
“An
TIsrael to make sure there’s no future October 7ths,” Sen Lindsey Graham, R-S C , said in a recent inter view “It will be more
than it will be a democrac y MBS and MBZ at the UAE will come in and
reaching policies to the reconstruction of Gaza to make the deal more difficult to oppose The pact would be imposed on the Palestinian people Members of Congress have been blunt about their vision for the future of Palestine and the region An independent sovereign nation called Palestine with security guarantees for Israel to make sure there’s no future October 7ths, Sen Lindsey Graham, R-S C , said in a recent interview
Despite claims of wanting justice for Palestinians or supporting a two-state solution, American officials make little mention of Palestinian self-determination None of the post-war plans offered have involved an election or process that would allow Palestinians to have a say in their future after enduring the humanitarian emergency of the Israeli war against them BIDEN’S LEGACY
must
seized Just beneath the surface of Blumenthal’s remarks is a widely discussed mega-deal that would effectively create a U S -Gulf regime neo-colony in Gaza commit the U S to going to war for Saudi Arabia and plunge us deeper into a new cold war with China Lawmakers are aiming to link these far-
ing facts beyond description Despite all that has happened the political statements heard in the global space have maintained their usual coldness, as if they have not gripped the major events This is evident given their content and satisfaction with their hollow calls that they have repeated for decades to establish a Palestinian State living in security and peace alongside Israel without drawing any lessons from what has happened so far Can we really trust that this State , if actually established, and according to the conditions, must remain demilitarised will not be easy prey for one of the strongest armies in the world? Does the current experience of the brutal Israeli political and military behaviour towards the Palestinian people allow for the assumption of a secure future for this State?
The notion of a “Palestinian State” sounds really attractive and suggests a sovereign entity with complete independence but in reality we are talking about a literally microscopic State which is supposed to at best be established on a geographically noncontiguous area According to the best proposals presented in official speeches, it will be established on an area no more than 6,000 square kilometres including the entire West Bank and the Gaza Strip together i e the 4 June 1967 borders According to this solution the return of Palestinian refugees to their country will not be permitted either In other proposals that claim to be realistic , heard in successive American administra-
It will be more like an emirate than it will be a democracy MBS and MBZ at the UAE will come in and rebuild Gaza create an enclave in the Palestine referring to Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Graham one of the biggest hawks in Congress also praised Blumenthal for being a Democrat trying to get the votes for a deal requiring the U S to go to war for Saudi Arabia
While some members like Rep Adam Schiff D-Calif focused their response to Sinwar s death more narrowly on an end to the Gaza war many influential figures on Capitol Hill linked it to the wider regional vision Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin, D-Md , put out a statement that called for the U S to “chart a path that refuses to accept a region in perpetual conflict and instead embraces a future that fulfills the aspirations of
tinian State living in security and peace alongside Israel does not express
tions for example the area of this State will be substantially reduced to about half that area, with its dismemberment into isolated population centres, making it less than the area of a small region called Transnistria, which is a microscopic, unrecognised separatist state that occupies an area of no more than 3 500 square kilometres within Moldova However the Moldovan example is misleading as campaigns of genocide ethnic cleansing, war crimes, mass destruction and starvation have no place in that gentle Eastern European country It is true that the repeated statements about the establishment of a “Palestinian State alongside the State of Israel remind the Israeli political and military leadership that its quest to end the Palestinian people s cause through military violence is unacceptable to the international community, but these statements alone do not express sufficient seriousness after all that has happened and is happening in terms of Israel s blatant disregard for international law UN systems and international norms The lesson that is evident from the reality of the ongoing genocide and the serious developments that have taken place should remind the world of the fact that the Israeli strategic doctrine does not tolerate the mere existence of Palestine on the map in any form and that it only accepts a formal Palestinian Authority that has no sovereignty to bear the burden of managing these residents instead of the Israeli Occupation, while sovereignty remains with
the Occupying authority It also wants the authority to provide tireless services to protect Israel from the Palestinian uprising and resistance under the pretext of security coordination” The Israeli leadership, which has repeatedly announced that it is determined to change the reality in the Middle East as Benjamin Netanyahu himself said on the podium of the UN General Assembly leaves no room for doubt that it is exercising its control over the region as a whole, and it is keen to demonstrate this control in public How can a microscopic weak and disarmed Palestinian State tolerate this control and the possibility of its leaders being besieged or even assassinated at any time Israel desires? Some do not notice that even the term Palestine itself is a taboo in the Israeli political, media and cultural discourse, for both the government and the opposition This is despite the Zionist movement having been established according to its basic literature in order to colonise Palestine as its leader Theodor Herzl himself wrote in his published works The taboos also include the use of the term Palestinian people”, which, from the Israeli perspective, simply does not exist Israeli leaders political media and cultural elites speak of “residents Arabs or at best Palestinians but never of the Palestinian people as this description remains taboo Being content with stereotypical statements about the establishment of a “Pales-
Tanzeel kHanzada
Israel PM Netanyahu’s home targeted in drone attack
for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom David Lammy in Beijing on Friday Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee noted that China and the UK both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world, should be upholders of the UN-centered international order, collaborators in addressing global challenges and partners in achieving national development China is willing to work with the UK to follow the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, adhere to mutual understanding and respect, and make open cooperation the main theme deepen strategic communication promote practical cooperation and push China-UK relations to a new stage
of stable development Wang said China-UK relations have come a long way in history and now stand at a new starting point Wang said adding that the British Labour government has put forward the proposal to develop a long-term, stable and strategically significant relationship with China The Chinese side has positively evaluated this proposal as it conforms to the historical logic and practical needs of the bilateral relationship, serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and aligns
BAGHDAD A G E N C I E S
Supporters of pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq ransacked the offices of a Saudi TV channel in Baghdad early Saturday, a security source said, after the broadcaster aired a report referring to commanders of Tehranbacked militant groups as terrorists Between 400 and 500 people attacked the Baghdad studios of Saudi broadcaster MBC after midnight “They wrecked the electronic equipment the computers and set fire to a part of the building an interior ministry source told on condition of anonymity He said the fire had been extinguished and the crowd dispersed by police “Security forces are still deployed near the building,” he added Excerpts from an MBC programme had been making the rounds on Iraqi social media sparking angry reactions from the pro-
Iran camp The report had focused on terrorism in the region, and mentioned several groups and notable figures including, for instance, Osama bin Laden It also included groups belonging to the so-called Axis of Resistance backed by Tehran which counts Hamas Hezbollah and armed Iraqi factions among its members
Named in the report were former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah who was killed by Israel in Beirut last month and former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran in July It also referred to Haniyeh’s successor, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar who masterminded the October 7 attack on Israel and was killed Thursday in Gaza as the new face of terrorism The report came at a time when
Iran-backed groups most notably Hamas and Hezbollah but also their allies in Yemen, Iraq and Syria have been at war with Israel for more than a year The Sabreen News channel, which is close to pro-Iran factions in Iraq distributed videos on Telegram of protesters in Baghdad brandishing the flags of various armed groups The Iraqi government is led by a pro-Iran majority, and has made diplomatic efforts to stay out of the regional conflict However the so-called Islamic Resistance in Iraq a nebulous group of pro-Iran armed groups, claims responsibility for frequent drone attacks against Israel Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been regional rivals but began a rapprochement in 2023 The war in Gaza meanwhile has put an end to discussions about Saudi Arabia potentially recognising Israel
C hinese VP to attend Indonesian president ’s
At the invitation of the Indonesian government, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, as the special representative of President Xi Jinping will attend the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on October 20 and visit Indonesia from October 19 to 21, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Friday Han will visit Brunei from October 21 to 23 Mao added At a daily press briefing Mao said China and Indonesia share profound traditional friendship and have close and deep cooperation Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries bilateral relations have maintained robust momentum of growth and entered a new stage of jointly building a com-
munity with a shared future As President Xi s special representative, Han will attend the inauguration of President Prabowo and have an in-depth discussion with the Indonesian leader on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest Mao said At this important juncture for bilateral relations to build on past achievements and achieve greater progress, Mao said, China stands ready to work with Indonesia to carry forward the tradition of friendship deepen mutually beneficial cooperation elevate the building of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future to a new level, and make greater contributions to the respective modernization process and regional and global prosperity and development
Noting that China and Brunei enjoy a long history of profound friendship and sound and steady growth of bilateral relations, Mao said President Xi met with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah on the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders’
CORPORATE CORNER
at SAMENA LEAD Awards 2024
Pakistan faces a multitude of sustainability challenges, many of which are exacerbated by its geographic, economic, and social circumstances Ranked as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change the nation grapples with environmental social and economic issues that require urgent attention With a growing population, dwindling natural resources, and a climate that is becoming increasingly
AFSAR SAJID Javed
unpredictable Pakistan is at a critical juncture where sustainability efforts are no longer optional they are essential for survival Environmental Degradation and Climate Change One of the most pressing sustainability issues Pakistan faces is environmental degradation driven by a combination of deforestation overpopulation industrial pollution and poor waste management practices Deforestation has had a significant impact on Pakistan’s natural ecosystems leading to soil erosion
loss of biodiversity and a reduced capacity to mitigate the effects of climate change Pakistan s forests cover only about 5% of its land area, far below the international standard of 25% This limited forest cover exacerbates the country's vulnerability to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts Pakistan is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change The country has been ranked as the fifth most affected by climate-related disasters in recent years The 2022 and 2023 floods, which affected millions of people and caused significant economic losses highlighted the country s exposure to climate-induced catastrophes Pakistan contributes only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it bears the brunt of climate change impacts including rising temperatures unpredictable rainfall patterns and shrinking water resources
The melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, which serve as the main source of water for Pakistan’s rivers, poses an existential threat to the country's agriculture and water security S ustainability C hallenges in Pakistan: A Nation at a C ritic al Junc ture
quez’s (1927-2014) novel ‘Until August’, published posthumously in 2024 As an international writer Javed Amir s viewpoint as reflected in his writings is catholic yet altruistic His essays, poems, novels, and travelogues
Emeritus at University of Ohio (US) terms Javed Amir s premier publication A Wanderer Between The Worlds as a fragrant collage of music and poetry rendered in vibrant colors It is in a true sense Javed Amir ’s tour de force” Commenting on the author ’s illustrious work Thought Never Dies Khaled Ahmad an illustrious Pakistani journalist and Consulting Editor, Newsweek Pakistan, affirms that it encapsulates his search for a worldview” which originates from his “exploration of deep thought in human experience”
Laureate Gabriel Garcia Mar-
NO MALE STAFF SHOULD BE ALLOWED WHERE FEMALES PRESENT: LHC CJ
Punjab extends ban on meetings with prisoners in Adiala Jail
Imran Khan submits three requests in Anti-Terror Cour t
ISLAMABAD: Counsels for former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan who is presently incarcerated at Adiala Jail on Saturday filed three applications in an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi
In one of the applications, it was prayed to the court to order the concerned officials to arrange a meeting of Imran with his lawyers since they had to take instructions from him in the GHQ attack case The court was also requested to give order to arrange telephonic talk between Imran and his sons since there had been no talk between them for the past two months It is PTI founder s right read the application In the third application, the court was requested to also order the meeting of Imran with his family doctor since it had been held a long time back ATC judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the case Imran Khan Sheikh Rasheed’s indictment in GHQ attack case deferred
Former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed who were to be indicted in the GHQ attack case on Saturday will now be indicted on the next date of hearing Rasheed was handed a copy of the challan Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the case Time for current setup is over, says AML chief
Later talking to the media, Rasheed said that the time for the present government was about to be over as the establishment was now sick of them
He said he had received a copy of the challan in the GHQ attack case on Saturday I am mentally prepared for any decision in the case,” he added
The AML chief said he remained in the custody of agencies for forty days and emerged victorious
S TA F F R E P O R T Two terrorists were killed and five others were apprehended in two separate operations against Fitna al Khawarij conducted in Balochistan s Pishin and Zhob districts, the military s media wing said on Saturday
According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a successful intelligence-based operation was conducted by the security forces yesterday in Pishin on the reported presence of militants
During the operation, five khawarij were apprehended and a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives including three suicide vests were seized ”
“Apprehended khawarij were involved in multiple terrorist attacks and were planning to target security forces as
well as innocent civilians, the ISPR highlighted In a similar operation conducted in Balochistan’s Zhob district, “two khawarij were sent to hell” during a fire exchange with security forces the press release added In ensuing sanitisation of the area weapons and ammunition were also recovered in large quantity, it said Security forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country and protect innocent civilians from this menace the ISPR asserted PM, president pat security forces on the back Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for the successful operation appreciating their professionalism in conducting operations against terrorists
S TA F F R E
R T The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday claimed to have “thwarted a major terror plan” by rounding
In their separate statements, the two leaders said the entire nation stands side by side with the security forces in foiling designs of the country’s foes and eradicating terrorism from Pakistani soil Radio Pakistan reported President Zardari expressed the state s determination to continue operations against terrorism, adding that the forces were fighting valiantly “The entire nation stands with the security forces in the war against terrorism ” he said Pakistan has been grappling with a
