U S T I C E Yahya Afridi was sworn in as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) on Saturday
a well-attended oath-taking ceremony
President House in Islamabad President Asif Ali Zardari administered the
to Justice Afridi who will
CJP for three years till Oct 26, 2027 Earlier, President Zardari assented to the summery of Justice Afridi’s appointment as Chief Justice of Pakistan on the advice of
Minister following the nomination by a
Parliamentary Committee (SPC) formed under the recently legislated 26th Amendment Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the three services chiefs, including Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, attended the oath-taking ceremony along with other judges of the Supreme Court Senior puisne judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah who would have become the CJP had the 26th Amendment not been in place, was unable to attend yesterday s and today s events as he was gone for Umrah along with his family However most of the other SC judges were
the oath-taking ceremony including Justices Munib Akhtar Ayesha Malik and Athar Minallah who were not present
s
‘ R E PA I R S C ’ S F R A C T U R E S ’
Other judges attending today’s ceremony included Justices Aminuddin Khan Jamal Khan Mandokhail Muhammad Ali Mazhar Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Shahid Waheed Former CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was also seen sitting along with them From the Punjab government, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb were among those attending the event Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti, and KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur were also present at the gathering Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq attended the ceremony as well Among the federal ministers were Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, and Privatisation Minister Abdul Aleem Khan Following a swearing-in ceremony at the President s House where he was administered the oath by President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief Justice Afridi received a formal guard of
Russia cautions against ‘explosive escalation’ af ter Israel bombs Iranian militar y targets
Pakhtunkhwa, a
of
China to offer Taliban tariff-free access to its vast construc tion, energy and consumer sec tors
which the U N says has basically collapsed and provide a much-needed revenue stream as the country s overseas central bank reserves remain frozen
of Engineers personnel supervised the project under the auspices of the Commander's Emergency Response Program, which facilitates small-scale humanitarian relief and reconstruction endeavors that local communities can sustain (U S Army photo by Bill Dowell/Released) China will offer the Taliban tariff-free access to its vast construction energy and consumer sectors Beijing s envoy to Afghanistan said, as the ailing resourcerich but diplomatically isolated regime looks to build up its markets Beijing has sought to develop its ties with the Taliban since they took control of Afghanistan in 2021 but like all governments has refrained from formally recognising the Islamic fundamentalist group s rule amid international concern over its human rights record and those of women and girls But the impoverished country could offer a wealth of mineral resources to boost Beijing’s supply chain security although it risks becoming a haven for militant groups threatening China’s Xinjiang region and huge investments in neighbouring Pakistan
Selling Afghanistan s lithium copper and iron deposits to feed China s enormous battery and construction industries would help the Taliban prop up their economy,
“China will offer Afghanistan zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines,” Zhao Xing, Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan wrote on his official X account late on Thursday above a photo of him meeting acting deputy prime minister Abdul Kabir Afghanistan exported $64 million worth of goods to China last year, according to Chinese customs data, close to 90% of which was shelled pine nuts, but the Taliban government has said it is determined to find foreign investors willing to help it diversify its economy and profit from its minerals wealth
The country exported no commodities to China last year the data shows but Zhao has regularly posted photos of him meeting Taliban officials responsible for mining, petroleum, trade and regional connectivity since his appointment last September
“In the Horn of Africa China’s Special Envoy Xue Bing said that the best way to resolve security and terrorism challenges is through economic development I think they are bringing that same mindset to Afghanistan said Eric Orlander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project I don t buy the whole strategic minerals line that we hear in Washington about how China is eyeing Afghanistan’s vast lithium reserves,” Orlander added, citing the cost and security challenges involved in extracting them (China s) answer to everything is to build a road and from that economic development will lead to peace
and harmony Several Chinese companies operate in Afghanistan, including the Metallurgical Corp of China Ltd, which has held talks with the Taliban administration over plans for a potentially huge copper mine, and was highlighted in an August feature in Chinese state media on Chinese companies rebuilding Afghanistan Chinese President Xi Jinping at a Beijing summit for more than 50 African leaders in September announced that from Dec 1 goods entering his country s $19 trillion economy from the least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China” would not be subject to import duties without giving details
The policy was then repeated last week by vice commerce minister Tang Wenhong at a press conference in Beijing on the preparations for China s annual flagship import expo Lin Jian, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, confirmed on Friday the policy would apply to Afghanistan adding it would promote mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation
The Afghanistan embassy in Beijing did not respond to a request for comment
Last October, Afghanistan s acting commerce minister told Reuters the Taliban wanted to formally join Xi s flagship “Belt and Road” infrastructure initiative Kabul has also asked China to allow it to be a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a $62 billion connectivity project connecting China s resource-rich Xinjiang region to Pakistan s Arabian Sea port of Gwadar
PR OFIT N e w s D e s k
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is actively encouraging foreign firms to invest in Pakistan, highlighting agriculture, information technology and mining as sectors ripe with opportunities due to a favorable investment climate Speaking at the annual World Bank meetings in Washington, Aurangzeb participated in investor forums organized by major financial institutions like Citibank, Standard Chartered, and JP Morgan
(SLGL), TPL REIT Fund-I (TPLR1), International Packaging (IPAK), Fast Cables (FCL), and BF Biosciences (BFBIO) on the main board with Mughal Energy (GEMMEL) and Burj Clean Energy (GEMBCEM) joining the GEM board The capital raised through IPOs this year marks the highest level since 2021, with a 1 6x oversubscription and total demand reaching PKR 13 0 billion Additionally 10 companies issued rights shares totaling PKR 18 3 billion highlighting sustained demand for capital expansion
The PSX also saw four mergers this year, with companies like Stylers Inter-
During these forums, he shared the positive economic trends of FY24 and
TJustice Yahya Afridi sworn in as 30th C JP, moves in to ‘repair SC’s frac tures ’
Sharif recommended the appointment to President Zardari, leading to Justice Afridi s formal designation Meanwhile, the new Chief Justice has summoned the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) meeting on November 8 CJP Justice Yahya Afridi will preside over the meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council The chief justice of Pakistan also summoned a meeting of administrative judges of anti-terrorism courts on November 7 The website of the Supreme Court has also been updated after the swearing-in of the new Chief Justice Justice Yahya Afridi s name is updated as Chief Justice of Pakistan on the
According to sources Justice
Afridi has tasked Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar with overseeing this project which aims at making judicial proceedings widely accessible
LAHORE s ta f f R e p o R t The Youth4GCED Regional Workshop scheduled from October 31 to 2nd November 2024 in Lahore will bring together over 25 young leaders from seven South Asian countries to explore the transformative power of Global Citizenship Education (GCED), cultural exchange, and social justice Organized by The Little Art (TLA), UNESCO APCEIU and the GCED Youth Network the workshop is designed to inspire critical thinking social responsibility and intercultural dialogue among youth, equipping them with the tools to lead
involving female plaintiffs can be kept confidential when required This service will also benefit overseas Pakistanis, allowing them to view their legal proceedings directly, regardless of their location Currently live streaming is only available in Supreme Court’s Courtroom No 1 but with the upcoming expansion all courtrooms will be outfitted for broader digital access
of Pakistan has been changed after a youtuber took a picture of Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi when he was offering prayer in the mosque on Saturday A YouTuber took a picture of Chief Justice Yahya Afridi while he was concluding his prayer After reaching his chamber, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi called SP Security Raja Zaheer The CJP was told that SSP Security was attending official meeting On this Justice Yahya Afridi ordered immediate removal of SSP Security According to sources, Mehfooz Kiyani has been appointed as SSP Security for the Chief Justice of Pakistan Speaking at the full court reference yesterday CJP Yahya had stressed that the rule of law shall rule and the principles of trichotomy of power shall prevail during the time ahead He indicated that the immediate focus would be on districts furthest away on improving the justice delivery system and facilitating the cases of women children and the disabled
During a hearing earlier this week Justice Afridi said a separate category would be created for cases where any law had been challenged or needed constitutional interpretation in line with the 26th Amendment that entailed the formation of constitutional benches
Born in Dera Ismail Khan on Jan 23, 1965, Justice Afridi belongs to the Adam Khel clan of the Afridi tribe and is a resident of Kohat’s Babari Banda village He comes from a family steeped in the tradition of public service
change in their communities and beyond The three-day workshop will focus on education, youth empowerment, and global citizenship Through interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects participants will gain deeper insights into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explore social justice issues and examine how emerging technologies can contribute to a more sustainable future for South Asia Umair Mushtaq, Interim Director of The Little Art and lead organizer of the workshop highlighted the importance of this initiative shared that Cultural exchange education and global citizenship
are more important now than ever They allow young people to connect beyond borders, understand diverse perspectives, and find common ground in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges This workshop aims to inspire youth to become agents of change by empowering them with the knowledge skills and confidence to lead impactful projects in their communities The future of our region and the world lies in the hands of these young leaders ” With participants hailing from Pakistan Afghanistan Bangladesh Nepal Sri Lanka Bhutan and the Maldives the
Bull Market goes on rampage
PR I M E Minister Shehbaz Sharif was naturally chuffed at the bull run on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which saw the KSE-100 cross 90,000 points on Friday, though it fell back slightly to close at 89,993 96 This gain for the day was more than 1000 points for the day Since the February 9 election, ther Index hs gone up about 38,000 points
While anyone who knows how stock markets work, knows that they do not rise or fall at anyone s behest, but do so according to the estimates of future earnings of the stocks being traded Thus a rise does mean that a positive view is being taken of the economy Mr Sharif ’s interpretation that the improvement brought about by his government since it took office after the February election may not be entirely incorrect but it reflects the opinions of hardheaded businessmen rather than the predilections of fanatical followers As soon as there will be a downturn in the wider economy, the Index will come down
Still, there are certain things that the government seems to have got right Most recently, it succeeded in getting the 26th Amendment passed by Parliament, after its earlier failure to do so had led to an impression of its shakiness Political stability is the first requirement of a government, and the stock market clearly thinks that the government is providing it Incidentally, this is also a vote of confidence in the IMF, which Mr Sharif had admitted dictates policy
Another important factor is the taming of inflation which has allowed the State Bank to trim the interest rate and with a further cut expected at the next meeting of the SBP’s Monetary Price Committee When the cut actually comes the market might jump further on the expectation of increased profits as companies find a lowering of the cost of doing business
Darkest day in Kashmir histor y
OC TO B E R 27 is the darkest day in the history of Kashmir Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, in Pakistan and around the world as well as all the human rights organizations here there and everywhere observe October 27 every year as the blackest day to express their solidarity with the oppressed and suppressed Kashmiris in their Indian-occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir It was on this day, back in 1947, India had airlifted its forces and occupied the valley of Jammu and Kashmir after Hindu Maharaja Hari Singh through an illegal instrument had announced accession to India One can sell land but not the people living on that land But the Hindu Maharaja had sold the people of valley of Jammu and Kashmir and the international community had remained a silent witness to this wholesale selling of the Kashmiris then and continues to look the other way even now Kashmiris continue to observe the darkest day in their history in very changed circumstances Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on 5 August 2019 changed the special status of the valley through a unilateral illegal act sent an additional 180 000 Indian troops raising the occupying strength to more than 900 000 and this changed status continues to be unchanged even after five years
Despite this, the Kashmiris continue to be as determined and committed and offering sacrifices by way of violations and protesting against India’s illegal occupation of their land The lingering unresolved Kashmir issue was highlighted brought out of the cold storage some years back after 55 years when the issue was highlighted by the Pakistani Prime Minister while addressing UN General Assembly session in 2019 Since then, the Kashmir issue has been internationalized and is being discussed at international forums and elsewhere though still remaining an unresolved and burning issue But despite condemnation the Indian government remains unmoved and the Valley continues to be a big jail where great human tragedy is fast brewing
The Pakistan nation and Army have been reiterating every now and then their unstinting support to the Kashmiris in their just struggle by frequently observing Solidarity with Kashmiris
The Pakistan government has all along been supporting the Kashmiris’ just struggle for securing their birthright of self-determination and extending all possible political diplomatic and moral support and apprising the international community of the gross human rights violations being committed in occupied Kashmir by the Indian security forces brutally and ruthlessly
The Kashmiris observe every year October 27 as the blackest day to reiterate their commitment to keep on fighting against the occupying Indian security forces despite their increased strength rejecting India s occupation and also the August 5 act of ending Kashmir s special status and merging it with the Indian Union and more importantly making efforts to awaken the United Nations Organization and its member countries and human rights bodies all over the world demanding implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions and exerting their effective pressure on India to grant the Kashmiris their fundamental birth right of self-determination which it had itself committed and which was also pledged by its first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru
The Kashmiris indigenous unarmed struggle for freedom from Indian occupation rejecting and terming it illegal and against their aspirations , as
children, are surely and certainly more than enough to tell the international community that India can
By obser ving yet another black day today, Kashmiris hope to highlight their just and indig enous struggle for freedom from Indian subjugation, wake up the sleeping conscience of the international community and human
organizations throughout the world and sensitiz e the ling ering unresolved Kashmir dispute on the UN ag enda for implementation of its Security Council resolutions at the earliest possible
A Growing Global Concern for Safet y and Securit y
and regulating nuclear-related transactions
India’s nuclear programme endangers the world
Iinadequate safety measures, raising questions about India s ability to protect its own citizens from the hazards of its nuclear activities Further compounding these safety concerns is the lack of proper oversight and regulatory independence India s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) tasked with overseeing nuclear safety, is under the direct control of the Department of Atomic Energy, which operates India's nuclear facilities This conflict of interest prevents the AERB from functioning as an independent watchdog and inhibits its ability to enforce safety regulations effectively With such issues at the heart of India s nuclear framework the international community has every reason to be concerned about the safety and security of India's nuclear programme In addition to concerns about nuclear safety, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has increasingly scrutinized India s financial actions particularly regarding terrorism financing and the risks of nuclear proliferation While FATF s primary focus has historically been on ensuring that countries adhere to financial standards to combat money laundering and terrorism financing it has become more concerned about how certain states including India might be inadvertently or deliberately facilitating the flow of funds that could be used for nuclear proliferation activities
Moreover, India s growing nuclear cooperation with countries like Israel, which is itself not a signatory to the NPT, raises red flags While these partnerships are framed as efforts to bolster energy security or defence capabilities they also blur the lines between civilian and military nuclear applications making it harder for international regulators to ensure that nuclear technologies are not diverted toward unsanctioned uses FATF’s concerns also extend to India’s financial infrastructure which may not be equipped to handle the complexities of tracking
Given that India has received billions in defense-related deals and nuclear cooperation agreements the possibility of funds being misused for illegal or dangerous purposes cannot be ruled out These concerns are heightened by India s complex and often opaque financial systems, which are not immune to corruption and money laundering, further raising the stakes in the global arena India’s nuclear programme is not just an internal issue but a matter of significant regional concern Pakistan India s nuclear-armed neighbour has repeatedly expressed worries about the safety and intentions behind India s nuclear advancements Pakistan, too, faces international scrutiny for its nuclear programme, but it remains deeply concerned that any misstep by India could lead to catastrophic consequences for the region Furthermore India s strained relations with China another nuclear power add to the precarious nature of the region s security environment Any potential escalation between India and its nuclear-armed neighbours increases the risk of miscalculations that could spiral into a fullblown nuclear conflict With both China and Pakistan watching India s nuclear moves closely the international community has a vested interest in ensuring that India s nuclear activities are transparent, safe, and secure India’s nuclear programme, while significant, is fraught with concerns over safety, security and international oversight With FATF increasingly scrutinizing India s actions and the global community worried about the potential for nuclear proliferation it is crucial for India to take concrete steps toward greater accountability Only through transparent cooperation, both regionally and internationally, can India mitigate the growing fears surrounding its nuclear ambitions and ensure that its nuclear programme does not pose a threat to global security
The writer is a freelance columnist
Rising dengue cases and govt inaction
countries rely on as a safeguard for global nuclear stability Without such a commitment India s nuclear activities remain opaque lacking the level of transparency that global nuclear watchdogs deem essential for ensuring safety There have been several instances over the years that cast doubt on the safety of India’s nuclear facilities For example reports have emerged of mishandling of radioactive materials leading to accidents that have put both workers and civilians at risk In 2014 a major radioactive leak occurred at India s Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant, causing alarm about the country's safety protocols Although Indian officials downplayed the incident it highlighted a systemic problem within India's nuclear safety regime Moreover workers and personnel at Indian nuclear plants have reportedly been exposed to dangerous levels of radiation due to
MUHAMMAd ZAHid RiFAT
AsAd
COMMENT 05
TBRICS summit in Kazan: Car ving a new path in global politics
tion is still possible
is seeking to offer a platform where emerging powers can shape a fairer more inclusive future It is a subtle, yet deliberate, shift in the global conversation, one that s not easily ignored What BRICS is really advocating for is a multipolar world- one where nations big or small can have their voices heard without being overshadowed by Western dominance It is not about building a rival bloc but about carving out space for dialogue and genuine collaboration In a world so often divided, BRICS offers an alternative path- one based on respect, mutual benefit, and the hope for a more balanced global future The Kazan summit concluded with outcomes that resonate positively for all member states For Russian President Vladimir Putin, long shunned by the West, the summit was a successful display of collaboration
among the leading nations of the Global South It served as demonstration of his diplomatic ability to host an event that brought together countries eager to chart a course independent of Western influence Non-Western nations are signalling a willingness to engage with Russia, despite its status as a pariah in the eyes of the West The appeal of Russia lies not only in its strategic assets but also in its role as a key supplier of energy and arms Since the Ukraine invasion Western sanctions have sidelined Putin, limiting his travel and interactions Yet, by hosting this summit, he has sent a powerful message of resilience and relevance In the face of isolation Russia can still claim a seat at the global table bolstered by support from emerging powers For China this dynamic is telling This alignment presents an opportunity for Beijing to recalibrate influence, emphasizing a desire to reshape a world order that reflects a multipolar reality one where respect for sovereignty prevails over Western hegemony The implications are profound reverberating through a shifting geopolitical landscape From the perspective of China, President Xi Jinping can highlight a renewed sense of stability in Sino-Indian relations, thanks to agreements on border patrolling and disengagement This summit provided an opportunity to mend ties that have been strained in recent years demonstrating that even amidst geopolitical tensions, coopera-
The Kazan Declaration emerging from the summit covers essential topics such as the need for equitable global governance the restoration of peace through dialogue and fostering cooperation among Global South nations While the Declaration is rich in intent, it lacks specific commitments or actionable measures leaving observers wondering about the practicality of these lofty ideals Yet within this non-Western alliance there exists a palpable sense of optimism an acknowledgment that through collective dialogue, the Global South can assert its voice and influence in an increasingly multipolar world The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges but the path is undeniably set In an era where the world order is increasingly contested BRICS has emerged as a corroboration of the growing prowess of non-Western nations in forging a cooperative platform that, in many ways, rivals traditional Western institutions Critics often label BRICS as overly diverse to function cohesively Indeed it is a melting pot of political ideolo-
e nv i s
e - i m ag i
e r w h e r
t h e vo i c e s o f i t s d i v e rs e m e m b e rs c a n b e h e a rd T h i s q u e s t fo r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n a n
When it comes to challenging power there s always the small print Republicanism back in the UK remains a lukewarm thing A steady quarter of the population would prefer to have an elected head of state while two-thirds of us have a more or less positive view of the institution of monarchy But if I were advising the royal family as likely as being reincarnated as a spark plug I would murmur a gentle warning about their staggering wealth Having the press we do the royal family is not much written about and is little understood But if Britain were ever to have a home-grown version of Lidia Thorpe, they would have a field day I had originally intended to write about a recent paper from the anti-monarchist group Republic which argued the true cost of the monarchy is more than half a billion pounds You can question some of the assumptions behind the report but even His Majesty s Times choked on some of the details and spluttered in an editorial: The monarchy still retains the respect of most Britons but the age of blind deference is gone Public money requires full public accountability
But then I stumbled on a more sober and rather more deadly piece of research published last month by the House of Commons Library It is called Finances of the Monarchy and it is somewhat eye-popping Think of the Royal Family as in some respects like an SME a small or medium sized enterprise At its heart there are just seven working royals plus four retirees who
gallantly put in a shift from time to time Unlike an average SME, the infrastructure to keep this one on the road is considerable, approaching 1,200 employees, numerous premises and multiple revenue streams Much of it is hidden in a way that would be unthinkable with any SME And the sums of money the very top employees earn are astronomical
This particular SME is officially financed through the Sovereign Grant, a funding formula known as a “gold ratchet” which ensures that the SME’s income can only ever go up Last year it shot up 53 per cent You read that right The reason for the cash surge is that the grant is linked (thank you, George Osborne in 2011) to profits from the Crown Estate And the Crown Estate had a really good year because it owns our coastline (thank you Alec Douglas-Home); and the more wind farms we build the more the royals rake it in For the royals tackling climate change is a gift that keeps giving Astonishingly, the royal spin doctors tried to have us believe that the sovereign grant “golden ratchet” would be more modest in future But it took a short sharp intervention from no less a figure than former Cabinet Secretary Lord Turnbull to puncture that one: I think it s bollocks But on top of that the King trousers an eye-watering sum from the Duchy of Lancaster, an outfit dating back to 1265 which requires no actual work from the monarch Like a 13th-century baron he just pockets the proceeds £29 6m last year Yes you read that right too Nearly £30m on top of the Sovereign Grant On top of that the King gets a private income from investments, inherited wealth and income from estates such as Sandringham (where he owns some 300 houses) and Balmoral These sums are not reported nor is it known if he pays any tax on them though he has let it be known that he has volunteered to pay tax on the Duchy wodge Then there is Prince William How much do you think the deputy CEO of an SME should get? “More or less than the prime minister?” is the traditional question the headline writers in other contexts like to pose Way, way, way more is the answer For William, in addition to whatever he gets from the Sovereign Grant for performing his modest duties (126 engagements in 2022, or just over two a week) there is the veritable gusher that is the Duchy of Cornwall (b 1337) As with the Duchy of Lancaster this requires little to no work from the beneficiary By an accident of birth he has acquired the right to pocket
This strike was vastly different and had two main objectives: to target Iranian weapons that pose an immediate threat to Israelis and to establish deterrence The strike was carefully planned The Israeli government considered how to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack in early October, and was under considerable American
to threaten Israel especially using drones – a cheap and effective weapon that is difficult to intercept – but their capabilities have nevertheless been greatly diminished as a result of Israel’s attack ISRAEL’S MESSAGE TO IRAN IS THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT
Although
IrAn SAyS ‘enTITleD’ To Self-Defence AfTer 2 SolDIerS KIlleD In ISrAelI STrIKeS
Iran air defense intercepts Zionist regime’s airstrikes against some militar y centers
Pak istan strongly condemns Israeli aggression
ISLAMABAD
to an air defense force public relations official The official noted that the details of the attack are under investigation At 02:15 local time (10:45 GMT late Friday) sounds resembling explosions were heard in several parts of Iran, particularly west of the capital Additionally, Iran’s anti-missile system was once again activated in some eastern and central areas about two and a half hours later in response to new strikes
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the recent act of Israeli aggression against Iran In a post on his X handle, he said such actions threaten not only regional peace and stability but also violate principles of sovereignty and international law The Prime Minister said Pakistan stands with Iran and its other neighbours in pursuit of peace He urged all parties to act with restraint to avoid further escalation Meanwhile, Pakistan s Foreign Office also strongly condemns Israel’s strikes against Islamic Republic of Iran in the early hours today In a statement Foreign Office
Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Israeli military strikes against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran are a grave violation of the UN Charter and the international law
She said these strikes undermine path to regional peace and stability and also constitute a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region
She added that Israel bears full responsibility for the current cycle of escalation and expansion of the conflict
The Foreign Office Spokesperson called on the UN Security council to play its role for the maintenance of international peace and security, and to take immediate steps to bring an end to Israeli recklessness in the region and its criminal behaviour
PUNJAB CM DIRECTS UTILIZ ATION OF TECHNOLOGY FOR HIGHER AGRI PRODUCTION
ISLAMABAD
G H U L A M A B B A S
In a significant development the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) a department under the Ministry of Commerce, has summoned the newly elected president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) for a hearing regarding his appointment This move follows complaints and subsequent directives from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) The president, Nasir Qureshi, faces accusations of manipulating details about his eligibility for candidacy in the ICCI presidential election A complainant alleged that his election violated established rules for the position According to documents, the DGTO issued a letter on October 22, 2024, calling Nasir Qureshi, former ICCI president Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari ICCI’s Secretary General and complainant Nadeem Mansoor to appear for a personal hearing on October 31 2024 They
are to bring relevant records pertaining to the case
The notice references an Islamabad High Court order dated September 12 2024 in Writ Petition No 26122/2024 The DGTO has scheduled the hearing for 11:00 a m on Thursday, October 31, at its office Nadeem Mansoor, a member of the Founder Democrats Group of ICCI had previously challenged Qureshi s eligibility arguing that as a former executive member Qureshi is disqualified from contesting the election for two years under the amended rules However, Qureshi’s camp contends that he resigned from the executive committee before the rule change thus retaining his eligibility After an initial review, the DGTO office declared Qureshi ineligible for candidacy The ruling group subsequently challenged this decision in the IHC which issued a stay order but later directed the DGTO to make a final decision based on the records and applicable regulations
In compliance with the court's
order, the DGTO has now issued summons for all parties to attend the personal hearing Should the DGTO rule against Qureshi he could potentially lose his position as ICCI president Nadeem Mansoor is also expected to present additional documentation in support of his claims He argues that according to the Trade Organizations Act there must be a one-year gap before a former executive member can recontest, which has now been extended to two years under the new regulations He contends that Qureshi who served as an executive member last year should therefore be ineligible In response to DGTO s initial September 9 decision barring Qureshi from contesting, Qureshi filed a petition in the IHC The court later remanded the case to the DGTO on September 12 requiring it to rule on the matter
The DGTO s upcoming decision could ultimately determine the future of the ICCI s leadership
Police officer shot dead in Islamabad
L
ahore Youth Festival to be celebrated from November 8 to 10
modern requirements with the ultimate goal of strengthening public trust in the existing justice LAHORE S TA F F
Lahore Divisional Commissioner Zaid-bin-Maqsood announced that the Lahore Youth Festival 2024 will take place from November 8 to 10 This announcement was made during a meeting convened to discuss the organization of various events for the festival
Responsibilities have been assigned to key departments including the district and cantonment administration, the Sports Department, the Metropolitan Corporation of Lahore (MCL) the Traffic Police and the District Police The festival will feature several exciting events Notably a 30-kilometer cycling race is scheduled for November 9, while an 11 3-kilometer marathon will run from Arfa
Karim Tower to Fortress Stadium on November 10 Additionally a fun race of 3 9 kilometers will commence at Fortress, traversing Server Road, Aziz Bhatti Road, and Shami Road and will conclude back at Fortress Commissioner Zaid-bin-Maqsood emphasized the importance o
the festival
has employed every tactic of oppression to crush this movement from mass arrests to outright violence Kashmiris remain undeterred in their quest for freedom The people of Kashmir are fighting against cultural and psychological genocide, a slow yet deliberate attempt to erase their identity and heritage This battle has intensified since
and dissent These youth many of whom are unarmed are subjected to extreme brutality once imprisoned Reports of torture sexual violence and other forms of inhumane treatment have surfaced from various Indian prisons, where these young Kashmiris languish in appalling conditions The systematic silencing of Kashmir ’s next generation is an ominous attempt to crush the hope and leadership potential that these young minds represent Kashmir is rapidly becoming a graveyard of dreams a place where the youth are either buried under the weight of oppression or confined within prison walls The cycle of arrests and detentions devoid of any legal justification paints a grim picture of a future where an entire generation is either lost to the system or too broken to fight for its freedom Pakistan has long stood by the Kashmiris in their struggle for independence,
Gandapur
defends Bushra Bibi’s ‘consulting’ role in PTI’s decision-making
