SHOWDOWN LIKELY ON SUNDAY
AS PTI, GOVT TALKS BREAKDOWN
STA G E is set for a showdown between Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) workers and federal government as the talks between the PTI and federal government broke down on Friday
The negotiations between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Shehbaz Sharif-led government also reached a deadlock over PTI s November 24 protest and associated demands
According to reports, the deadlock reportedly emerged after initially progressing positively Sources indicate that disagreements arise from constant heated remarks and unacceptable demands raised during the discussions Despite the current stalemate efforts to resolve the deadlock are ongoing
LAHORE: As Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) prepares for its planned rally in Islamabad, law enforcement agencies have launched a large-scale crackdown in Lahore, resulting in the arrest of over 500 party activists According to police sources Shahdara s entry and exit points have been declared sensitive, and containers may be placed in the area to control move-
Sources further revealed that failure to break the deadlock may result in strict measures against PTI leadership including potential arrests of senior party members and confrontation with police commandos The federal government has mobilised 34000 security personnel for handling the PTI rally in the federal capital while Punjab government has also taken stringent measures to foil the power show Federal government has already ordered closure of M-1 Motorway which connects Peshawar with Islamabad; M-2 Motorway which connects Lahore with Islamabad; while M-3, M4, M-11 and M14 Motorways have also been closed for all types of traffic which connect Abdul Hakeem with Lahore; Pindi Bhattian with Multan; Sialkot to Lahore; and Dera Ismail Khan with Hakla Interchange Islamabad-bound all bus service from Quetta have also been shutdown, hence making it almost impossible for commuters to travel to the federal capital Moreover all roads connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been
General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on Friday visited Peshawar, as a follow up of the National Apex Committee meeting held on November 19 and prelude to Provincial Apex Committee meeting to be held soon The COAS was provided a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security situation and the progress of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the region said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and field commanders were also present at the occasion
Paying profound tribute to the Shuhada and Ghazis the COAS emphasized the unparalleled sacrifices being rendered for the defense of the motherland He remarked that these sacrifices served as a cornerstone of national resilience inspiring and unwavering dedication of the armed forces and of law enforcement agencies
The COAS commended the high morale, operational readiness, and unyielding commitment of the troops in effectively countering all forms of threats He reiterated the Army s firm resolve to dismantle hostile terrorist networks and eradicate the illegal spectrum undermining national security
Highlighting the collective determination of the nation and its security forces to combat terrorism
the COAS stressed that thwarting the nefarious designs of inimical elements remained a top priority “Through synchronized and robust operations, Pakistan Army in collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) will relentlessly hunt down the enemies of peace to ensure lasting stability and security, he assured Earlier, upon his arrival, the COAS was received by the Corps Commander Peshawar
PM PUSHES FOR $25BN IT EXPORT TARGET WITH DETAILED ACTION PL AN
IT minister defends VPN restrictions amid securit y concerns as IT sector warns of risks
Banning VPNs and internet blackouts could ruin the IT sec tor and losses could surge up to $1 billion within the first year, warns P@SHA
Experts have cautioned that Pakistan s reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity generation, particularly coal, could endanger its exports to the European Union (EU) as
LHC enforces transpor t polic y for students in response to smog emergenc y
Gwadar airpor t faces uncer tain future amid lack of commercial plan
technical landings He also urged collaboration with global logistics firms like DHL and FedEx to establish air cargo operations However, the meeting was informed that local airlines, except for the financially struggling Pakistan International
Airlines (PIA), are unwilling to operate at the airport Essential passenger services such as food outlets, baggage facilities lounges and parking remain underdeveloped further hindering operations Concerns were raised during the meeting about the lack of market analysis before construction, increasing fears that the New Gwadar International Airport could become another costly “white elephant ” China has reportedly expressed frustration over the slow pace of development at the Gwadar Port and Free Zone, citing Islamabad s failure to meet agreed commitments The planning minister issued a three-week deadline for PAA officials to present a comprehensive commercialisation plan with clear timelines and stakeholder engagement strategies He stressed that without airlines and cargo facilities operational within six months, the airport’s success would be jeopardised Despite featuring a 3 648-metrelong runway and advanced airfield safety evaluations the airport remains far from ready for commercial use Critical facilities, such as cold storage, are still at the tendering stage, while passenger services lag behind The minister emphasised Gwadar ’s potential to serve as a cost-effective alternative to Oman and Dubai for technical landings underscoring the urgency to position the airport strategically He reiterated that immediate action is crucial to avoid turning the project into a failure and to ensure its role in Gwadar ’s economic development and Pakistan s growth aspirations
The E VP will collapse if it does not address the elec tricit y shor tage
TThis
Trump, the world and coming war in the
The world is
for a reason
ONALD Trump’s resounding win in the US elections has frightened the world in a way never seen since the end of the Cold War In numerous world capitols there is dread and anxiety In a few cases, there is a sense of exultation too At home, immigrants and even naturalized US citizens seem worried In his previous term Trump left deep divisions and inflicted grievous scars on US society Racism spiked to unprecedented levels Such is the fear that Australia s ambassador to the USA rushed to delete his social media posts criticizing Trump Trump s mercurial predisposition, his transactional approach, besides his aversion to a liberal world order is viewed by analysts as his most worrisome personality trait His loathing of constitutional and democratic norms superficial knowledge of international security matters coupled with authoritarian bent, reminds one of the rise of Adolf Hitler in 1933 The two differ only in political creed, Lebensraum (living space) and America First, yet both share an identical state of mind One need not cite how Hitler s undisguised ambitions changed the course of world history Hitler s propaganda tsar Goebbels once remarked Give me resources and I will make the people believe the Devil is God Would it be farfetched to surmise that had Hitler not been on the global scene, there would have been no nuclear weapons on the planet? For Trump climate change is a ‘big hoax’ The world worries if he will honour the Paris agreement this time around Regardless, the worldwide interest, fear and jubilation produced by Trump s second win clearly lead to one simple conclusion: the USA is still the ‘most powerful actor in the international system’ This is true in the military economic and technological sense of the term China a peer competitor of the USA in several ways still lags behind But Trump will inherit a world different to what it was in his previous tenure In theatres like
establishment Iran though quite weak had, before now placed its nuclear programme on a fast track after Trump pulled out from JCPOA in his previous term The Houthis are vibrant with enough potential to imperil international shipping in the Red Sea Both Hamas and Hezbollah are degraded but far from being demolished In a most recent rocket barrage f i r e d b y H
raeli port city of Haifa came under attack While some rockets were reportedly intercepted mid-air, the attack confirms Hezbollah’s resilience and en-
during capacity Meanwhile with the US power diluted in three theatres China stands stronger in the western Pacific than at any other time since the onset of this century But with a toxically hawkish antiChina nominee, Mark Rubio, as Trump’s Secretary of State what should one make of the US naval chief ’s recent memorandum asking the US navy to be ready for possible war in the Pacific in 2027?
In early September this year Adm Lisa Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations US navy, released her seven-goal plan for war
F a s t e r o s i o n
o f v a l u e s
However
and regulatory environment has amplified these debates, making TikTok one of the most controversial digital platforms in the country While globally, TikTok has become a resourceful platform, used for education, social activism, marketing and entertainment the usage in Pakistan has taken a different turn In regions like Europe and North America creators utilize the platform to share educational content discuss social issues, or offer tutorials on various topics Due to geopolitical tensions with China in 2020, India banned TikTok, claiming worries over data privacy and national security The prohibition was intricately linked to both the larger geopolitical crisis and anti-Chinese prejudice However prior to the ban TikTok in India provided a platform for small enterprises, activism, and regional art, giving under-represented voices a chance to be seen by a larger audience
The rise of TikTok in Pakistan has sparked significant debates over its cultural and societal impact While the platform provides opportuni-
ties for self-expression and has enabled aspiring talents to gain visibility and financial opportunities through endorsements it is often criticized for promoting content deemed inappropriate for a conservative society Viral videos featuring provocative dance moves, explicit language, and suggestive themes have drawn concerns from cultural and religious leaders who argue that TikTok trivializes moral values and fosters behaviour that undermines traditional norms TikTok s popularity in Pakistan can be attributed to its accessibility, with a user-friendly interface and low data requirements that make it available even in remote areas Its instant gratification model through likes shares and comments appeals to the youth’s desire for recognition and connection While it serves as an escape for many and democratizes content creation, its widespread influence on the youth has raised questions about its long-term societal impact, particularly regarding the erosion of cultural integrity and intellectual growth These concerns are not unfounded TikTok s algorithm designed to prioritize engaging and sensational content often amplifies videos that push boundaries This creates a cycle where creators feel compelled to produce increasingly bold or controversial content to gain visibility The lack of stringent content moderation tailored to local cultural norms exacerbates the issue allowing inappropriate material to proliferate The app s addictive nature coupled with its emphasis on likes views and followers fosters a culture of constant comparison and validation This can lead to psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among teenagers The platform is also associated with several alarming trends including dangerous challenges and risky stunts Instances of young users attempting life-threatening acts for views have been reported, raising questions about the app s role in encouraging reckless behaviour The unregulated nature of TikTok makes it a breeding ground for cyberbullying harassment and exploitation further endangering vulnerable users A sustainable approach to TikTok in Pak-
istan requires a balance between regulation education and accountability The government must collaborate with TikTok to establish stringent content moderation systems that respect local cultural norms while upholding freedom of expression This could include deploying advanced algorithms and human oversight to filter out harmful content coupled with transparency in enforcement
Simultaneously, digital literacy must become a national priority Schools should integrate programs that teach online ethics, critical thinking, and the implications of digital behaviour while parents are encouraged to play an active role in guiding their children s online interactions Empowering young users with the tools to navigate the digital world responsibly is essential to mitigating the platform s risks Outright bans, while seemingly effective in the short term, fail to address the root issues and deny the potential benefits of platforms like TikTok Instead Pakistan should focus on creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages positive use of the platform This includes incentivizing the creation of educational, skill-based, and socially impactful content while discouraging sensationalism and vulgarity Civil society can play a pivotal role by promoting campaigns that highlight the value of meaningful digital engagement
TikTok s presence in Pakistan encapsulates the broader challenges of integrating globalized digital platforms into culturally distinct societies If regulated thoughtfully, TikTok has the potential to serve as a powerful tool for creativity connection and economic empowerment
By fostering a collaborative framework between the government platform operators and the public, Pakistan can transform TikTok from a source of controversy into a medium that aligns with its societal values and aspirations
Such an approach would not only safeguard cultural integrity but also pave the way for a more constructive and inclusive digital future
The writer holds a PhD in Political Science and is a member of the visiting faculty at QAU Islamabad He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo com and tweet@zafarkhansafdar
By fostering a collaborative framework between the government, platform operators, and the public, Pakistan can transform TikTok from a source of controversy into a medium that aligns with its societal values and aspirations Such an approach would not only safeguard cultural integrity but also pave the way for a more constructive and inclusive digital future
dr zafar Khan Safdar
Tiktok and its shallow content
WoMeN S brain health is a fascinating and critical area as it intersects with unique physiological, hormonal, and social factors/
These which include: a hormonal Impact: estrogen’s Role: estrogen plays a protective role in women s brain health It supports memory cognition and emotion regulation and acts as an antioxidant, which can reduce oxidative stress in the brain however, as estrogen levels decrease during menopause, women may experience cognitive changes and are at a higher risk for conditions like Alzheimer s disease Pregnancy and Postpartum Changes: hormones shift during pregnancy and postpartum, which can lead to "pregnancy brain" (temporary memory and attention changes) and postpartum depression Some studies suggest these changes may strengthen a mother ’s cognitive empathy and emotion regulation b Mental health Risks: higher Rates of Anxiety and Depression: Women have a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression, likely due to hormonal fluctuations, stress response differences, and societal factors These conditions impact brain
Brain Health of Women
Impac ts, Positive and Negative
health and are associated with changes in brain structure, particularly in areas related to emotion and memory Impact of Chronic Stress: Chronic stress affects the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex impairing memory decision-making and emotional regulation Women particularly those balancing multiple roles, may face unique stress challenges impacting long-term brain health
c Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer s Disease: Women have almost twice the risk of developing Alzheimer s disease compared to men Research suggests hormonal influences, longevity, and genetic factors may contribute to this disparity Autoimmune Brain Disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), which affect the brain and nervous system are more common in women and these conditions are associated with immune system dysregulation d Lifestyle Factors: Nutrition: Certain nutrients (e g , omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, folic acid) support cognitive function and brain health especially in women A balanced diet helps combat inflammation oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances that impact brain health exercise: Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, has shown to be beneficial for brain health and can reduce the risk of cognitive decline exercise helps regulate mood and has protective effects on brain structure
Sleep and Cognitive Rest: Women are more likely to experience sleep disorders such as insomnia due to hormonal changes and stress Quality sleep is essential for memory consolidation, mental health, and
Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Social Pressures: Body Image and Self-Esteem Issues: Societal pressures regarding body image can lead to stress, anxiety, and even eating disorders, which are associated with impaired brain function and long-term mental health impacts Societal Expectations: Women often face expectations to balance personal, professional, and family roles, which can contribute to chronic stress and impact brain health
overall brain resilience
Maintaining brain health involves managing stress, supporting hormonal balance, fostering mental and physical activity and maintaining a supportive social environment
Women s brain health is influenced by a combination of biological psychological and social factors: a hormonal Changes: estrogen Levels: estrogen, which influences memory, mood, and cognitive function has protective effects on the brain including promoting plasticity and reducing inflammation Fluctuations in estrogen due to the menstrual cycle pregnancy perimenopause, and menopause can significantly impact brain health
Pregnancy and Postpartum: Pregnancy induces substantial hormonal changes that can affect cognitive functions and emotional regulation Some women experience pregnancy brain or temporary memory lapses as well as postpartum depression both of which affect cognitive and emotional health Menopause and PostMenopause: The drop in estrogen during menopause has been linked to memory lapses mood changes and an increased risk of Alzheimer s For some women hormone replacement therapy (hRT) can help reduce cognitive symptoms during menopause b Genetic Predispositions: Alzheimer ’s and Dementia Risk: Women have almost twice the risk of developing Alzheimer ’s as men partly due to longer life expectancy but also due to genetics and hormonal interactions Women carrying the APoe-ε4 gene variant a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer s, are particularly susceptible Autoimmune Conditions: Women are at higher risk of autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis and lupus) which can impact brain function and raise the risk of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline c Mental health and emotional Wellbeing: higher Rates of Anxiety and Depression: Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions influenced by a combination of biological psychological and social factors Chronic mental health conditions can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain Trauma and Stress: Women are statistically more likely to experience certain types of trauma which increases the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Chronic stress and trauma have been linked to
changes in brain areas like the hippocampus (memory) and amygdala (emotional processing) d Lifestyle and Behaviour: Diet and Nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants healthy fats (like omega-3s) vitamins and minerals supports brain health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins, are linked to cognitive decline Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a protective factor against cognitive decline It boosts blood flow to the brain reduces stress and promotes growth factors that support brain plasticity Women who engage in aerobic exercises like walking, running, or swimming, have better memory function and mood stability Sleep Quality: Women experience sleep disruptions more often than men due to hormonal changes caregiving responsibilities and higher rates of insomnia Poor sleep is linked to cognitive decline and emotional dysregulation over time WorkLife Balance and Caregiving Roles: Many women manage both work and caregiving responsibilities, leading to chronic stress This sustained stress can impact cognitive and mental health if unaddressed Brain health in women has both positive and negative impacts influenced by lifestyle, biological, and environmental factors: a Positive Impacts on Women s Brain health: enhanced Cognitive Resilience: Cognitive Reserve: engaging in mentally stimulating activities maintaining social connections and achieving higher levels of education help women build cognitive reserve This reserve supports resilience against age-related cognitive decline and may delay symptoms of dementia hormonal Benefits: estrogen particularly before menopause has neuroprotec-
The Indian media and Bangladesh-India relations
After the regime change in Bangladesh, the Indian media's coverage of events depicted the events that toppled Sheikh Hasina as the work of Pakistan's ISI, the Islamists in Bangladesh, or pro-Chinese elements all aimed to replace the "India-friendly" government with an "India-unfriendly" government Meenakshi Lekhi, a BJP leader and law yer, said, "The chief adviser is seeking to rename the nation [Bangladesh] to be [the] Islamic republic of East Pakistan " Where did she get that from?
If mass-based groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal, and the RSS can propagate the Hindu religion, and if a political par ty like the BJP, whose aim is to establish Hindutva in India, can get elected three times, then why does the reappearance of Islamic groups make us a fundamentalist countr y?
tive effects supporting memory attention and verbal skills It also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, helping prevent cognitive deterioration Social Connections and emotional Intelligence: Social and emotional Support: Women often maintain strong social networks which positively impact brain health by reducing stress, enhancing emotional regula-
NCR’s choking realit y
AS Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus stated The BangladeshIndia relationship is deep and multifaceted We can have our differences but that cannot define it " We have said this many times before and reiterate now that our bilateral relationship must be based on a win-win policy rooted in mutual respect non-hegemony and the pursuit of shared prosperity and deeper understanding In my early days as the editor of The Daily Star, I wrote, "For India, there are only two neighbours China and Pakistan
The rest of us are geographic entities to be praised cajoled reprimanded and even punished as the situation would call for Sheikh hasina s last tenure in power (2009-mid 2024) appears to have been a period of "praise " however, after the studentled people's uprising toppled her regime, a powerful section of the Indian media has shifted into the "reprimand" mode with some even suggesting punishment Much of the social media discourse seems to support this
Let me start with my unequivocal position that oppression of minorities anywhere in the world, including in my own country, must be condemned and speedily resolved It should never recur Communal conflict has been an age-old phenomenon in South Asia following the British colonial policy of Divide and Rule It is a regrettable fact that after 77 years of the departure of the British, we have still not been able to solve it
After the regime change in Bangladesh, the Indian media's coverage of events can in my view be categorised as follows: 1) the events that toppled Sheikh hasina was the work of Pakistan s ISI the Islamists in Bangladesh or pro-Chinese elements all
aimed to replace the India-friendly government with an India-unfriendly government
There is no mention of the role of common people or of the students of the killing of ordinary people, etc Where is the evidence of foreign hand? What is the source of all these assertions? And yet the vilification goes on unabated; 2) the new government is bent on persecuting hindus and even committing genocide, according to some Many of these stories were debunked by factcheckers, including the BBC But that did not stop or even slow down the tirade of stories demonising us; and 3) the US's involvement was also referred to and was linked with the events in Pakistan as in after toppling Imran Khan the US toppled Sheikh hasina In terms of covering the events of the July-August uprising by the Indian media, the following observations are striking:
1) The Indian media largely ignored the massive student-led people s movement which saw millions take to the streets in Dhaka Chattogram Rajshahi Sylhet Bogura and Khulna Their focus remained almost exclusively on the sporadic violence against hindus during the power vacuum in the first week of the transition
2) The brutal firing on unarmed demonstrators resulting in at least 700 deaths by August 5 was barely covered This represents one of the most barbaric crackdowns in the recent history of South Asia, yet the Indian media gave it little attention In the six interviews I gave to mainstream Indian outlets, there was almost no mention of the scale of the uprising or the civilian deaths only the vandalism of symbols like Bangabandhu s statue or the burning of government properties
3) even three months later, there has been no substantial coverage of the atrocities inflicted on students and civilians The Sheikh hasina government even resorted to firing on demonstrators using helicopters an act of shocking cruelty In a prompt action the interim government fast-tracked the issuance of visas for journalists however, the Indian journalists who visited Bangladesh focused solely on the attacks on hindus, ignoring the broader human rights abuses by the hasina government thereby greatly affecting their credibility to Bangladeshi readers
4) The Indian media s coverage appears to be driven by concern solely for hindus of
The US's involvement was also referred to and was linked with the events in Pakistan as in after toppling Imran Khan, the US toppled Sheikh Hasina
The mindset of the Indian media and also that of a section of political leadership is dominated by two strains of thoughts: 1) a fundamental disrespect for our intellectual ability; and 2) Islamophobia
Bangladesh rather than the people of Bangladesh Will that foster a healthy relationship between our two countries? I have said previously and I repeat it now that India should not see the recent events through the lens of Sheikh hasina but through the lens of democracy
5) In a recent video broadcast by the well-regarded news portal ThePrint Meenakshi Lekhi a BJP leader and lawyer said The chief adviser is seeking to rename the nation [Bangladesh] to be [the] Islamic republic of east Pakistan " Where did she get that from? What is the source of her claim? her column was filled with distortions and misinformation When recounting Sheikh hasina s grand success she omitted critical facts like the rigging of the 2014 2018 and 2024 general elections the core reason for voters' outrage with her regime
Along with my team at The Daily Star, I studied 56 news items appearing in the Indian media both legacy and online between July 9 and November 20 except for a handful most could be categorised as views reports and not news reports with headings like: "To avoid election Yunus is using the excuse of reforms"; "Politics of revenge – 13 including ministers on trial"; "Will democracy at all return to Bangladesh?"; China ISI behind escalation of student-led protests in Bangladesh ; and ISI conspiracy to topple Sk hasina and establish anti-India govt, among others Some TV news even called it an "Islamist takeover " There were hardly any attempts to take a serious look at the events in Bangladesh If we analyse the sourcing of the news the presentation the headlines and the language used in reporting it becomes clear that it was directed at creating an impression that hindus were not generally safe here, so that a deep hatred is generated against Bangladesh among the Indian population It is my conclusion that the mindset of the Indian media and also that of a section of political leadership is dominated by two strains of thoughts: 1) a fundamental disrespect for our intellectual ability; and 2) Islamophobia As for the first, Indian media coverage clearly implies that we, as a people, are incapable of determining our future It is the Pakistanis Chinese or the Americans not to name the Indians which they don t of course mention that must tell us what to
do This mindset is insulting to a nation that has fought against Pakistani cultural economic and military oppression and that has defeated them in an armed struggle albeit with Indian help It is insulting to a people who have dismantled BAKSAL imposed by the post-liberation Awami League government defeated the autocratic rule of Gen hM ershad and who have now toppled what appeared to be an invincible regime of Sheikh hasina This mindset shows the disdain of the Indian media towards us, and that of some political leaders, one of whom compared us with termites
The second issue is the Indian media's Islamophobia and their total misunderstanding of the deep roots of Islam in the Muslim Bangalee psyche People going to mosques wearing Islamic headgear, keeping beards, using Islamic salutations, or referring to the Quran as a part of daily life are portrayed as extremists and terrorists in their eyes I wonder why they don t learn from their own backyard If the revival and strengthening of hindu religious practices building more temples enshrining hindu cultural traits, and becoming more practising hindus are part of the present-day Indian ethos, then why should we, the Bangladeshis, becoming more Muslim make us extremists? If massbased groups like the Vishwa hindu Parishad the Bajrang Dal and the RSS can propagate the hindu religion and if a political party like the BJP, whose aim is to establish hindutva in India, can get elected three times, then why does the reappearance of Islamic groups make us a fundamentalist country?
The Indian media and leadership must open their hearts and minds dig deep into the cultural and religious heritage of Muslim Bengal, and try to embrace us as we are, rather than define us as they would like us to be What the Indian people decide is the India we must accept, just as what the people of Bangladesh decide we are India must accept That is the only way a durable Bangladesh-India relationship can be built The lesson for India is that regime-based relationships must be replaced by people-based relationships For that to happen, we must understand each other better, with sincerity and respect Mahfuz Anam is the editor and publisher of
dr rajkumar Singh
ISRAELI STRIKES KILL 47 PEOPLE IN EASTERN LEBANON, OFFICIAL SAYS
attack on Kursk region on Nov 21 had been directed at a command point and led to deaths and injuries, Putin said
“The use by the enemy of such weapons is not able to change the course of the military actions in the zone of the special military operation Putin said We consider ourselves entitled to use our weapons against the military facilities of those countries that allow their weapons to be used against our facilities ” Putin said “If anyone else doubts this then they are wrong – there will always be a response Russia controls 18% of Ukraine including all of Crimea, which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, 80% of the Donbas – the Donetsk and Luhansk regions –and more than 70% of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions as well just under 3% of the Kharkiv region and a sliver of Mykolaiv region Ukraine and the West say the 2022 invasion was an imperial-style attempt to grab sovereign Ukrainian territory and that they fear Russia could try to attack a NATO member one day if Putin wins in Ukraine Putin said Moscow had tested a new medium-range hypersonic non-nuclear
ballistic known as “Oreshnik” (the hazel) by firing it at a missile and defence enterprise in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro where missile and space rocket company Pivdenmash, known as Yuzhmash by Russians, is based Russia, he added, was developing short and medium range missiles in response to the planned production and then deployment by the United States of medium and shorter range missiles in Europe and the far east I believe that the United States made a mistake by unilaterally destroying the treaty on the elimination of intermediate-
range and shorter-range missiles in 2019 under a far-fetched pretext Putin said referring to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty The United States formally withdrew from the landmark 1987 (INF) Treaty with Russia in 2019 after saying that Moscow was violating the accord an accusation the Kremlin denied Vladimir Putin imposed a unilateral moratorium on the development of missiles previously banned by the INF treaty He said Russia s future actions would
pend on the West’s actions
and threats against Russia
reaffirmed China’s support for Morocco in safeguarding its national security and stability and expressed a commitment to mutual support on key issues of shared interest China is ready to work with Morocco to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and deepen collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative Xi said Xi also emphasized the importance of expanding cultural exchanges to strengthen the foundation of good-
will between the two peoples, advancing the China-Morocco strategic partnership
The crown prince conveyed King Mohammed VI’s sincere greetings to Xi and extended gratitude for China’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic The crown prince affirmed Morocco s dedication to further strengthening ties with China through enhanced high-level exchanges and deeper cooperation across various sectors
Noting the growing popularity of Chinese language and culture in Morocco, the crown prince expressed his hope to enhance cultural exchanges between the two nations He also emphasized the alignment of their positions on many issues saying Morocco is willing to firmly support safeguarding national sovereignty security and stability C h i n a t o c o n t i n u e wo r k i n g w i t h M o r o c c o t o s u p p o r t e a c h o t h e r ’s
China, Brazil elevate ties to forge shared future
even in difficult times The choice of the two songs underscores a deep understanding between the two countries: they recognize and honor what each holds most dear During his meeting with Lula, Xi said he was deeply touched by the great importance Lula attaches to the China-Brazil relations and his deep friendship toward the Chinese people as reflected by the grand welcoming ceremony of the highest courtesy accorded to Xi Brazil and China are good friends that respect and depend on each other, said Lula at the meeting, adding that China is Brazil’s most important strategic partner and the Chinese people are the most trustworthy friends of the Brazilian people Xi s visit to Brazil his fifth to the South American nation, comes as the two major developing countries celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations During the meeting Xi emphasized the deep ties forged over the past half-century noting the two sides found a right way for major developing countries to get along with each other, one that is based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, amity and win-win cooperation Brazil holds a unique place in
China’s global partnerships It is the first country to establish a strategic partnership with China It is also the first nation in Latin America to enter into a comprehensive strategic partnership with China
For Julio Bandeira, author of the historical book Brazil en Route to China, the Brazilian people have a long history of loving Chinese culture and being close to the Chinese people Today the overseas Chinese in Brazil have also made great contributions to the Brazilian economy and society, he said
4g Unveils Pakistan’s
ISLAMABAD
Committee (CJCSC)
Hameed Shah, HI(M), Chairman
the technology innovation by localizing and implementing latest technologies like AI to serve its 50 million subscribers and setting benchmarks for the industry said Ali Waqas, executive Director, Digital Technologies at Zong 4G The LLM s capabilities span a range of telecom-specific use cases
Pakistan-Uk Boost cooperation on Human rights,
Justice reforms, and climate action
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar Federal Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights, held a meeting with H e Hamish Falconer MP, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle east, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, representing the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in human rights justice reforms and addressing climate change challenges During the meeting, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar outlined Pakistan's progress in human rights, particularly emphasizing the National Action Plan on Human Rights which provides a robust framework for policy reforms and the implementation of international conventions He highlighted the critical role of independent commissions, such as the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), in safeguarding human rights and advancing gender equality across Pakistan The Minister discussed steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to prevent the misuse of laws including the Blasphemy Law and to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including minorities He referenced the recently developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring justice and curbing exploitation
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
A delegation of Pakistan-Britain Business Council (PBBC) led by John Tucknott on Friday met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to enhance trade relations and foster business-tobusiness (B2B) collaborations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK)
During the meeting Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the im-
portance of strengthening B2B engagements to unlock new opportunities in trade and investment between the two nations said a news release He highlighted that Pakistan and the UK already share a strong and fruitful trade partnership, and there is significant potential to build upon this foundation
years to restore friendly relations with China and Saudi Arabia She said that the statement from an uneducated and ignorant woman against friendly countries indicates that she is working on the agenda of hostile elements The people of Pakistan have now seen the ugly faces of these two deceivers Fitna Party is now unacceptable to Pakistan and its people
The minister also appreciated the active role played by the Pakistani diaspora in the UK in promoting trade and economic ties Our diaspora is a bridge between the two countries and has been instrumental in fostering a deeper economic relationship ” he added John Tucknott representing PBBC echoed the minister s sentiments expressing optimism about future collaborations aimed at mutual growth
The PBBC delegation reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade initiatives particularly in key sectors such as textiles technology and renewable energy
KHAWA JA ASIF CRITICISES BUSHRA BIBI, IMRAN KHAN FOR EXPLOITING RELIGION AND POLITICS
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Adviser on Information Barrister Saif on Friday made it clear that Bushra Bibi s recent statements about Saudi Arabia s alleged role in Imran Khan s ouster was being misinterpreted and it didn t represent the policy of Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI)
“Her statement is being misinterpreted She (Bushra Bibi) does not hold any party position therefore her statements don t represent party stance The party policy can only be defined by the chairman, secretary general or spokesperson,” Saif emphasised At the same time, Saif also claimed that the statements of Imran Khan s spouse had been taken out of context He said she had not levelled any allegation against Saudi Arabia or Saudi Crown Prince There was no fissure between Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and Imran Khan instead they had an exemplary relationship but the government was trying to create a rift between them,
according to Saif The fake government he said was making cowardly attempts by misinterpreting Bushra Bibi s claims to divert attention from the PTI protest scheduled for Nov 24 Saif said PTI s protest was getting on government’s nerves Bushra Bibi claimed on Thursday that after Imran Khan returned barefoot from Medina calls began pouring in for retired Gen Bajwa questioning the choice of bringing him into leadership In a video message posted on X, Bushra Bibi said former army
chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was told “Who have you brought? We don t want such individuals We are working to end Shariah and you have brought someone advocating for it She added that since then, baseless propaganda was launched against them, including accusations against her and labelling Imran Khan a “Jewish agent” She
resolving issues after detailed consultations with the Pakistan Peoples Party The committee will engage in discussions with the members designated by the Pakistan Peoples Party to determine the future course of action ATC declares Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender in terrorism case
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has declared Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender in a case registered against him under anti-terrorism laws In a written order issued by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra the court stated that the case involving Gandapur has been separated from those involving other accused individuals Non-bailable arrest warrants were issued for the co-accused in the case: Raja Rashid Hafeez, Wasif Qayyum, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Faisal Javed, and Umar Tanvir Lawyers representing the absconding accused Sardar Masroof Murtaza Tori and Zahid Bashir Dar had filed applications seeking exemption from attendance but these requests were rejected by the court Additionally, their bail bonds were cancelled The court adjourned the hearing until November 28 The case against PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, Faisal Javed, Raja Khurram, and Wasif Qayyum was registered at the I-9 police station under anti-terrorism provisions This decision follows remarks made by the Islamabad District and Sessions Courts in a separate case concerning the seizure of alcohol and weapons where the court had instructed police to submit a detailed report on Gandapur s arrest warrant, indicating that the court could not indefinitely wait for the accused to be apprehended
between the scheme s alleged participants In early 2020 the Solar Energy Corporation of India awarded Adani Green Energy and another company, Azure Power Global, contracts for a 12-gigawatt solar energy project expected to yield billions of dollars in revenue for both companies according to the indictment It was a major step forward for Adani Green Energy, run by Adani’s nephew, Sagar Adani Up until that point the company had only earned roughly $50 million in its history and had yet to turn a profit according to the SEC complaint
But the initiative soon hit roadblocks Local state electricity distributors were reluctant to commit to buying the new solar power, expecting prices to fall in the future according to an April 7 2021 report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, a think tank Sagar Adani and the Azure CEO at the time discussed the delays and hinted at bribes on the encrypted messaging application WhatsApp according to the SEC When the Azure CEO wrote on November 24 2020 that the local power companies are being motivated, Sagar Adani allegedly replied, “Yup but the optics are very difficult to cover In February 2021 Sagar Adani allegedly wrote to the CEO Just so you know we have doubled the incentives to push for these acceptances The SEC did not name the Azure CEO as a defendant, but Azure’s securities filings show the CEO at the time was Ranjit Gupta Gupta was charged by the Justice Department with conspiracy to violate an anti-bribery law He did not immediately respond to a request for comment Azure said on Thursday it was cooperating with the US investigations and that the individuals involved with the accusations had left the company more than a year ago
