‘UPbeAT’ GANdAPUr-led PTI coNvoy brAves shellING, bArrIcAdes To eNTer PUNjAb
g KP CM, Omar Ayub and Bushra Bibi reiterate resolve to reach D-Chowk ‘come what may ’
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE
S TA F F R E P O R T
TH E main convoy of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and opposition leader Omar Ayub managed to enter Punjab after intense tear gas shelling by law enforcement and removing barricades, vowing to make it to D-Chowk in Islamabad at all costs
The convoy departed from Swabi and moved steadily into Punjab territory but was met with police resistance near the Attock Bridge Chhuch Interchange and Ghazi Barotha Interchange where officers used heavy tear gas to disperse PTI supporters In a brief address to the crowd before departing Swabi, the Chief Minister urged
g Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain paralyzed with suspension of cellphone and internet ser vices
party members to move forward declaring We must advance and not turn back until Imran Khan is released Later, at a brief halt at Ghazi, he rallied supporters, telling them to “prepare, as we will need to confront further resistance ahead ” We are coming and will go back only with Imran Khan: Bushra Bibi Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan s wife, Bushra Bibi, voiced frustration with delays in the PTI convoy, calling on supporters to push forward As the convoy led by the Chief Minister
November 24, dawn of a new era for Pakistan: PTI
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Spokesperson fired a broadside at the Sharif family s courtiers, declaring November 24 as the dawn of a new era when the shackles of oppression and slavery started shattering and the walls of tyranny crumbling PTI Spokesperson blasted the government for turning Islamabad into an open prison blocking the peaceful protestors from entering the federal capital He lamented that over two million Islamabad residents were being held hostage behind a barricade of 220 containers Reacting to the chatterbox ministers and the sycophants, PTI Spokesperson lashed out at the puppet government for converting the entire country into the fortress while keeping airports open for their own escape routes which was a clear indication of their growing fear However, he made it clear that the people would not let them escape this time around and would be held accountable for their transgressions and corruption practices S TA F F R E P O R T
g Economic impact of opposition protests on GDP,
g Federal govt warns against any unlawful protests, stating that no one will be allowed to hold demonstration against court orders
PTI leaders cour ting ar rests to avoid ‘so -called final call’: Tarar
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Broadcasting National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Sunday said most of the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are courting their arrests to avoid their participation in an “illegal and unnecessary protest One thing is pretty clear that the PTI s leadership does not want a release of their leader from the jail as we have received information from Punjab and Islamabad that most of their top and low tiers’ leaders are voluntarily surrendering to the police for their arrest ” said the minister while talking to the media during his visit to different areas in Islamabad This shows their so-called level of commitment with their party and the leader,” he said while pointing out the inside rift among the party leadership especially between the wife of the PTI founder Bushra Bibi and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur earlier in the day He said the PTI had only one demand which was to get an NRO-like concession for the release of their leader from the jail S TA F F R
ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday, stating that any violent protests would be met with
create hardship for citizens: Naqvi
ISLAMABAD
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday called into question the PTI’s intentions, asking the party, “Are Pakistani citizens involved in your protests or is this a movement led by foreigners?
Foreign nationals including Afghan citizens, are participating in protests organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI),” the interior minister insisted claiming that despite tall claims the party’s rallies only emerged from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Addressing a press conference at D-Chowk, Naqvi revealed that “33 out of 100 individuals arrested in PTI’s last protest were Afghans and several other foreign nationals were detained in the past two days
Naqvi added that once the protests conclude, authorities would publicly present an assessment of the damages incurred, so that the public can make decisions “PTI protests bring harm to the country and create considerable hardship for citizens he said
He clarified that mobile services remain operational across Pakistan, though mobile data services have been temporarily suspended to manage the situation “We’re working to restore mobile data as soon as possible to relieve the public, Naqvi noted
The minister also highlighted communication with PTI’s Barrister Gohar, reminding him of the foreign delegations currently visiting Pakistan
Naqvi said he wouldn t have doubted PTI s intentions had they
chosen a date without overlapping with significant international events PTI s protest call always coincides with major global events or visits by foreign dignitaries, he remarked
Asserting the government’s position, Naqvi stated, “The government is neither intimidated nor yielding Anyone attempting to reach Islamabad or D-Chowk will be detained Visit D-Chowk to boost morale of police, FC, Rangers
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited D-Chowk to boost the morale of police FC and Rangers
He met with the personnel on duty and appreciated their high morale Interior Minister commended the personnel on duty for their dedication He paid tribute to them for their hard work and dedication to maintaining law and order
The minister praised the personnel on duty for protecting the lives and property of citizens day and night He directed that all possible facilities be provided to the
personnel performing their duties, saying that it is our responsibility to take care of you Mohsin Naqvi said that the morale of the Islamabad police, FC, and Rangers personnel is very high He added that the Islamabad police, FC, and Rangers personnel are always alert Federal Secretary Interior Chief Commissioner Islamabad IG Islamabad Police, and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad were also present on the occasion Aerial view of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock Meanwhile the Interior Minister took an aerial view of Islamabad Rawalpindi and Attock to review security arrangements in the three cities
During his visit, Interior Minister took an aerial view of the security arrangements in various areas of the three cities He also observed the overall situation on the Motorway, Swabi, and Pathar Gharh, expressing satisfaction with the security arrangements
Kur ram war ring tribes agree to 7-day ceasefire as 12 killed in clashes
AGP DIRECTS CDA TO INVESTIGATE NON-TRANSPARENT AUCTION OF PLOTS WORTH
S ta f f R e p o R t
HAIRMAN of the Pakistan People s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has raised alarms over the escalating law and order crisis in Kurram District, criticizing the provincial government’s lack of presence amid the turmoil
In a pressing call to action he has requested a comprehensive report from the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
Bilawal s concern comes in response to reports of significant unrest in the region, where, over the past three days, 80 civilians have reportedly lost their lives “The region is burning in the flames of unrest ” he stated condemning the government s silence as equivalent to siding with terrorists Maintaining law and order is the foremost
responsibility of the provincial government, he stressed, pointing out the PTI-led KP government’s failure to safeguard its citizens “The loss of lives has left the nation grieving and we cannot bear to see Khyber Pakhtunkhwa consumed by the flames of unrest Bilawal added emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to restore peace in the troubled region In addition to addressing the security situation, the PPP Chairman also highlighted the importance of collective efforts to combat violence against women On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women he underscored
Balochistan rallies suppor t
anti-terrorism effor ts in D uk i distric t
to Pakistan s stability and security
Meanwhile, in the neighboring Harnai district, the All Parties Harnai (APH) called on authorities to urgently address the deteriorating law and order situation This appeal came during a meeting held at the district Secretariat of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chaired by District Ameer Molvi Abdul Hanan
leaders warning of a potential protest movement if immediate action is not taken
Adding to the region’s unrest a complete ‘wheeljam strike’ is set to be observed across Balochistan on Monday in response to the abduction of ten-year-old Muhammad Musawir Kakar
combat terrorism During the event, organizers and speakers highlighted the local community’s unwavering support for the armed forces, police and Levies
One of the key messages from the speakers was the deep-rooted patriotism of the Duki residents The people of Duki are patriotic and cannot be misled against the country, asserted one of the speakers, underscoring the community s loyalty and commitment
The meeting saw participation from leaders across various political spectrums including the Pushtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Awami National Party, National Democratic Movement Jamaat-e-Islami and Balochistan National Party-Mengal as well as representatives from coal mines unions Subzi Mandi Union Trucks Union tribal elders and religious figures
The APH meeting discussed several critical issues impacting the district, such as the recent killing of young police officer Khalil Mulazai, the burning of coal-loaded trucks proposed military operations extortion and challenges faced by mine owners and workers
The inefficiencies of government departments in dealing with these issues were also highlighted with
The school-going child was kidnapped on November 15 by unidentified armed men who intercepted his school van in the Patel Bagh area of Quetta and took him at gunpoint In reaction to this alarming incident the boy’s relatives and other concerned citizens have begun a sit-in protest at Serena Chowk in Quetta demanding his safe release The participants of the sit-in committee issued a statement confirming the strike on November 25, urging transporters not to operate their vehicles and citizens to avoid traveling as a form of protest against the abduction The sit-in aims to draw attention to the abduction and pressure authorities to take swift action to ensure the child s safe return highlighting the ongoing challenges of security and governance in the region
address Arora shared that the Minority Affairs Department is preparing a five-year strategic plan, marking the first-ever provincial department to develop such a comprehensive roadmap Peter Jacob Executive Director of Search for Justice delivered the welcome speech at the seminar emphasizing the importance of dialogue
and cooperation between the government, civil society, and religious communities He highlighted that such forums are essential for advancing the cause of minority rights and fostering understanding among diverse groups Parliamentary Secretary Sonia Asher also spoke about the collaborative efforts between the government and religious communities to address the challenges faced by minorities expressing the government s ongoing determination to ensure their protection and empowerment Former Minister Ejaz Alam Augustine recognized the positive steps being taken through the seminar to address issues facing religious minorities He noted that the discussions and constructive conversations would help strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks for protecting minority rights He also reiterated the importance of interfaith dialogue mutual respect for diversity and the collective responsibility to ensure that Pakistan remains a nation where the rights of all its citizens are respected and upheld The seminar concluded with insightful presentations from various religious minority representatives who shared their perspectives on the challenges their communities face as well as potential solutions for ensuring greater protection and inclusion A memorial shield was presented to Minister Ramesh Singh Arora and other distinguished guests in recognition of their valuable contributions towards the protection and advancement of minority rights
COP29 ends with pledge of $300 billion a year by the developed countries
need to switch from nonrenewable fuels and who feel that there should be unrestricted development of fossil fuels allowed This sentiment exists in developed countries, but also in other countries anxious for development on the Western model There is also the problem of where to find the money That it is felt that trillions of dollars are not enough means that the sums involved are colossal Only the developed countries can put up the money However there is a problem The countries worst affected by climate change are the ones already the most heavily indebted The developed world is lending the money, not giving it, and is going to charge interest The previous loans to underdeveloped countries at least were supposed in theory to lead to development which would generate the revenue that would help pay off the debt Instead the loans were meant to be embezzled by the elites the developed world had left behind when they left their colonies, so as to buy their political loyalty The elites decamped with their ill-gotten gains to the metropoles, leaving behind heavily indebted countries This time around, the loans will not be used for revenue generation but to replace losses or fortify existing structures against damage caused by climate change There is thus even less chance of enabling repayment It will encourage embezzlement by the corrupt, and avoidance of debt by the honest The developed nations are grossly mistaken to think that they can shut the worst affected countries up by getting them further into debt Perhaps most importantly, they should not forget that they will suffer the effects of climate change too
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
ters lies a complex web of competing claims, economic interests and security concerns As China grows in power, so does the importance of the South China Sea The South China Sea is a water body located in South-East Asia which connects the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean It is one of
e a I n t h e n u c l e a r a g e , b o t h c o u n t r i e s n e e d t o c a r e f u l l y n a v i g a t e t h e s p e c t
S e e k i n g a n e w Q u a i
d - e - A z a m
Blic,
inflation, joblessness, indiscipline, lawlessness, currency consistently devaluing and everywhere frustrations and disappointment Hundreds of thousands of young boys migrated to Europe and other countries but neither political nor departmental officers (the establishment) had any regrets or felt the defeat of Pakistan Rather all look busy for another similar episode as it is being repeated so many times and every time Pakistan loses and they foreign friends and our leaders win to be billionaires Interestingly nobody is there to think about a poor man or the public Pakistan lost many heroes and leaders for this and ready for next time, only faces may change but script and story is the same even the result is also the same and this friendly conspiracy of our foreign friends used to happen in so many other countries like Iraq Egypt Sudan and so on now we are seeking a new Quaid-e-Azam for Pakistan to desire for visionary and principled leadership similar to that of the founder of the nation The Quaid-e-Azam’s leadership was defined by his steadfast commitment to democracy rule of law and the betterment of all citizens regardless of faith or background We are in need of such leadership today and Pakistan would benefit from a leader who is transparent, stands against corruption, and builds trust through honest governance A leader who works to bridge divisions, foster national unity and create a society where diversity is respected A forward-thinking leader who focuses on education economic development and technological advancement, and upholding the rule of law and reinforcing an independent judiciary to protect democracy and citizens' rights The challenge lies in finding or cultivating such a leader within the current political social and economic landscape This requires civic engagement reforms and fostering a culture that rewards merit, innovation, and ethical conduct
and an independent foreign policy and diplomacy of other friendly countries not to interfere in our internal matters politics and specially in our establishments The leader who identifies who is loyal to Pakistan and who is not loyal and at the same time makes laws to control our officers who joined hands with other countries and received highly valuable gifts and invisible benefits from these countries to destroy Pakistan Although it seems impossible I as a citizen of Pakistan am seeking and searching for the Quaid-e-Azam who can do it Searching for the Quaid-e-Azam is a question of one billion dollars Perhaps that leader is already present in Pakistan or he is behind the bar or we everybody is a successor of Quaid-e-Azam just to realize ourselves by following Allama Iqbal s Khudi ko kar Buland itna To become a new Quaid-e-Azam for Pakistan to save it from all foreign and internal conspiracies and aggression by putting Pakistan on its real path of progress and prosperity
The writer is an Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan Law Professor member International Bar Association and former Assistant Attorney General for Pakistan
Although it seems impossible, I as a citizen of Pakistan am seeking and searching for the Quaid-e-Azam who can do it Searching for the Quaid-e-Azam is a question of one billion dollars. Perhaps that leader is already present in Pakistan or he is behind the bar or we, everybody, is a successor of Quaid-e-Azam, just to realize ourselves by following Allama Iqbal’s ”Khudi ko kar Buland itna“ To become a new Quaid-e-Azam for Pakistan to save it from all foreign and internal conspiracies and aggression by putting Pakistan on its real path of progress and prosperity
Saving Punjab
AkhtAr Aly kureshy
Trump’s Return: Oppor tunities for Pakistan
Pakistan must play a balancing game
strategy that considers the broader geopolitical dynamics With countries like India gaining more support to counter China’s rise, Pakistan faces the challenge of balancing its relationships with both the USA and China By engaging with the full spectrum of US political and economic life while navigating global power shifts, Pakistan can establish a resilient, long-term diplomatic approach
was
Another
lack of engagement with US institutions outside the White House When Trump suspended security aid in 2018 it became clear that Pakistan had underestimated the role of Congress and think tanks in shaping foreign policy While Pakistan focused on the White House, it largely ignored Congress, which holds power over aid allocations, creating a gap in understanding and influence especially during the moments of tension
To avoid these past inconveniences Pakistan should shift its focus beyond defense and prioritize economic diplomacy, building stronger ties with US businesses, innovation sectors, and trade representatives Pakistan also needs to understand that the key to a more robust US-Pakistan relationship lies in diversification Engaging with Congress think tanks and even the US public is critical By broadening its diplomatic approach, Pakistan can ensure a more resilient presence in US policy debates, regardless of who holds the presidency In short to thrive under a second Trump Administration Pakistan must move beyond a one-dimensional relationship with the USA and adopt a multi-faceted diplomatic
Pakistan needs to act quickly and embrace strategic adaptability It is not enough to simply react to a Trump-led Administration; Pakistan needs to proactively shape its future To become strong in a turbulent world, Pakistan first needs to be strong at home. The real question is not whether Pakistan can navigate this shift, but whether it is prepared to seize the opportunity for resilience and growth
The time to act is now
Furthermore, with Trump’s return to the White House Pakistan is likely to face more challenges Imagine standing at the crossroads of two colossal forces the USA and China each pulling in opposite directions Under Trump s previous leadership, the USA took a firm stance against China, and his next Administration may push for an even sharper divide This puts Pakistan in a difficult position by balancing its growing economic ties with China and its long-standing security relationship with the USA
The danger lies in being forced to choose sides, risking isolation from one of the global powers Though there is no overt demand to choose but covert pressure may exist in future in which case Pakistan may instead adopt a strategy of neutrality managing its relationships with both the leading powers to protect its national interest without compromising it
Pakistan can serve as a bridge, engaging China through projects like CPEC while cooperating with the USA on shared security issues like counterterrorism By highlighting its strategic importance in regional and global security Pakistan can remain indispensable to both the nations potentially avoiding conflict
Considering Trump s agenda for reshaping global trade, and with protectionism on the rise Pakistan can no longer rely heavily on US trade and aid alone For example under Trump s protectionist policies Pakistan faced a slowdown in textile exports to the USA, while countries like Bangladesh benefited from GSP trade terms Additionally, US military aid to Pakistan was reduced in 2018
To navigate Trump’s policies Pakistan must seize this as a key opportunity to shift its economic strategy building resilience by diversifying trade partnerships and reducing dependence on the U S as relying on the US market alone is risky, especially with Trump’s past rigid policies and Agenda 47 of tariffs and isolationist policies Exploring alternatives like CPEC and RCEP can help
The true extent of the 'Modani' nexus
Pakistan can serve as a bridge, engaging China through projects like CPEC while cooperating with the USA on shared security issues like counterterrorism By highlighting its strategic importance in regional and global security, Pakistan can remain indispensable to both the nations, potentially avoiding conflict
Pakistan build resilience against global shifts Pakistan should diversify its economic partnerships, tapping into opportunities in Southeast Asia the Middle East and Africa Strengthening agriculture textiles and investing in technology and green energy can drive growth independent of U S influence
More importantly, Pakistan needs to shift from relying on aid to building stronger, more diverse economic partnerships By forming new trade agreements and aligning with emerging markets it can secure its economic future and reduce dependence on U S policies Pakistan s foreign policy needs to be proactive, especially with Trump back in office Learning from the past, Pakistan needs to develop a broad diplomatic strategy, balance relations with global powers and diver-
sify its economic ties with other leading countries Pakistan needs to act quickly and embrace strategic adaptability It is not enough to simply react to a Trump-led Administra-
zahra@bttn org pk and tweets @Sadia Anjumm
Western literature ser ves Israeli colonization
“Modi-Adani bhai-bhai, Desh bech ke khaye malai”
NEVER before in Indian history has the relationship between a prime minister and a businessman dominated the political discourse in the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gautam Adani have been linked over the past many years These two have been so inextricably conjoined at least in public perception that the opposition parties coined a unique phrase – Modani – to indicate that Modi worked for Adani
Unseemly slogans like – Modi-Adani
bhai-bhai/Desh bech ke khaye malai – were heard in Parliament in the 2023 budget session, much before the indictment by an American court that has drawn global attention to Adani group s unethical ways What is surprising is that a shrewd politician like Modi never tried to demolish this perception of personal intimacy with Adani, even as the Congress party persistently made allegations about an unholy nexus since his days as the Gujarat chief minister The Congress said much before 2014 that Adani was given cheap land in Gujarat for his Special Economic Zone – ranging between Rupee 1 and Rs 32 per square metre – while the corporate house worked across the country to build Modi s image as a great administrator and reformer Rahul Gandhi persisted with this charge, repeating on countless occasions that Modi and Adani are one; and they work to nurture each other s interests On February 11 2021 Rahul said in the Lok Sabha that the country was ruled by four persons – Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, retrofitting the legendary ‘Hum do Hamare do’ slogan that must have burned the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) ears Adani was much smaller when Modi became Gujarat s chief minister in 2001 His rise was not so phenomenal even when Modi became the prime minister, despite allegations of abnormal political patronage In 2014, Adani’s net worth was $2 8 billion, placed as 11th richest person in India in the Forbe s list Amidst political criticism of brazen favouritism Adani became the second richest person in the world in April 2022 with $90 billion in his kitty During this dramatic transformation, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi persistently pointed out at all his public meetings and press conferences that Modi was using the prime-ministerial office to enrich his friend Adani both in India and abroad Gradually other opposition parties supported the Con-
Adani was given cheap land in Gujarat for his Special Economic Zone – ranging between Rupee 1 and Rs 32 per square metre – while the corporate house worked across the country to build Modi’s image as a great administrator and reformer
gress leader though reluctantly Other powerful voices like Trinamul Congress s Mahua Moitra and Aam Aadmi Party s Sanjay Singh emerged in the later part of the struggle when a US-based short-selling firm Hindenburg Research came out with a damning report, alleging that Adani Group was “pulling the largest con in corporate history ” But what was Modi government’s response to the chants of Modani in political circles? It refused to allow debates in parliament opposition leaders critical references to their nexus were expunged from records and journalists writing about the shady operations were hounded The opposition parties alleged that Gandhi and Moitra were disqualified from Lok Sabha primarily because they dared to expose the nexus The Congress asked a hundred questions on Adani affairs giving specific evidence of wrongdoing and violation of laws but the government ruthlessly stonewalled any investigation The demand for a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was rejected deepening the suspicion that there was something to hide Modi made no attempt to respond to the charges; the government neither ordered a fair investigation, nor allowed a debate in Parliament The investigations going on in certain cases by the central agencies slowed down while Adani’s businesses flourished despite serious allegations No prime minister trampled the principle of accountability with such nonchalance The charges were far too serious to be ignored –Rahul repeatedly said Modi used his office to help Adani expand his business interests in ports airports electricity mining infrastructure and defence across the globe He said Modi used India s diplomatic power to advance Adani s business interests; projects and contracts for the corporate house followed wherever the Prime Minister Modi went Before the US, controversies erupted in countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya and Australia but Modi chose to ignore the avalanche of criticism on this front It is bewildering that Modi did not have to pay a heavy political price even after a Lankan official deposed before a parliamentary committee, that Modi had pressurised their president to award the wind power project to Adani In Kenya where all the contracts now stand cancelled the government formally conceded that Adani was introduced to them by Modi In Bangladesh the electricity transmission contract was widely described as unfair, leading to protests in that country, as well as in Jharkhand where the power plant is set up The Congress has said that Adani’s defence contract with Israel is also a farce because no manufacturing is being done in India The case of over-invoicing of coal from Indonesia also created a storm but no investigation was ordered
What these instances reveal is that the jolt from America hasn t come out of blue The charge that vital information was hidden and investors were misled in the US is true for Indian investors as well A legitimate question arises as to why didn t the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) scrutinised these violations by the Adani group all these years? That the government didn t remove SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch despite a torrent of allegations of wrongdoing against her also gives credence to the charge that a huge network of vested interests exists to facilitate Adani’s operations The BJP now objects to Modi’s name getting attached to Adani This happened because there is history; Modi could have demolished this charge of nexus by accepting the demand for a JPC and firming up the law-enforcement infrastructure in the last decade But he did the opposite; his government altered the norms to grant more than one airport to Adani and brought farm laws attracting allegations of a sinister conspiracy to hand over agriculture trade worth Rs 30 lakh crore to Adani-Ambani While the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) targeted opposition leaders, they cared not to enquire about the allegations against Adani Even Modi’s own charge that Adani-Ambani delivered temp-loads of cash to the Congress were not investigated It is little wonder then that we have reached a situation where Adani is seen as an unscrupulous businessman being propped up by the Indian prime minister – an obvious dent on India’s image The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-BJP ecosystem will understand this better because it helped Adani s dubious attempts to hide behind nationalism when the Hindenburg report exploded
dicted this on several occasions in the past
questions about crony capitalism and monopolies
“THE effort to become a great novelist simply involves attempting to tell as much of the truth as one can bear and then a little more (James Baldwin) The American book industry sees itself as the keeper of this truth, as the arbiter of literature, as the necessary gatekeeper of a sanctified canon Yet time and again it doubles down on the status quo and props up the powerful championing not the voices of the many but the interests of a few Never before has the true nature of US publishing been so apparent as during the past year of the Zionist entity’s genocidal bombardment of Gaza Western literature and publishing are instrumental to the colonisation of Palestine from their foundational role in the inception of Zionist ideology to present-day investments in Israeli technology Behind the scenes at most major publishing houses (which, it’s important to note are subsidiaries of multinational media empires like NewsCorp and Paramount) the climate is hostile to anyone with a conscience Official company statements following October 7 condemned the Al-Aqsa Flood, relegating Hamas, the armed resistance and elected government of Gaza, to “terrorists,” and offering no acknowledgment of the Zionist entity’s illegal occupation and ethnic cleansing of Palestine NewsCorp Paramount (parent companies of HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster respectively at the time), and Penguin Random House pledged significant contributions to the United Jewish AppealFederation an organization that from October 2023 to December 2023 donated $64 2 million to illegal settlers of Israel and $0 to the people of Palestine Macmillan s CEO, Jon Yaged, did not even have the decency to name Palestine in his email to the company, instead opting for “the Middle East ” And well before October 7 Holtzbrinck and Bertelsmann (German parent companies of Macmillan and Penguin Random House respectively) were embracing their Nazi roots by investing millions in Israeli tech, AI, surveillance, and security technologies While well over 40,000 Palestinians have been martyred publishing has perpetuated a propagandised Zionist narrative publishing titles trafficking in myths of mass-rape like Black Saturday by Trey Yingst, and defence of settler colonialism like On Settler Colonialism by Adam Kirsch In the last year, a junior Big Five employee was laid off less than two weeks after speaking out against a planned Zionist book Other acts of individual defiance by authors booksellers and beyond are also met with retaliation while publishing industry DEI taskforces facilitate antisemitism education" trainings, a manipulative deflection under the guise of “equity” with collaborators such as Project Shema a proxy to the racist Anti-Defama-
tion League whose founder denies the ongoing genocide of Palestinians In response to industry complicity a movement of book workers arose to insist on literature s power to liberate including Books Against Genocide (BAG), a collective of Big Five publishing professionals demanding our companies end all relationships with the Zionist
(PACBI) WAWOG has since organised sustained boycotts against both PEN America and the New York Times Just last month 500 international publishers demanded that the Frankfurt Book Fair cut ties with Israel The publishing establishment is no match for this new movement, which has targeted one shamelessly hypocritical group within the vast Zionist ecosystem of mainstream publishing: alleged free-speech advocacy organization PEN America PEN America claims to stand at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression worldwide” but refused to call for a ceasefire or address the systematic assassinations of writers and journalists in Gaza After Israeli Occupation Forces unlawfully arrested Palestinian freedom fighter and author Ahed Tamimi, PEN America released (and then redacted) an egregiously insensitive statement calling on her family to “investigate” the antisemitic post
Sadia Zahra
DEVELOPING NATIONS CALL $300B
COP29 CLIMATE DEAL ‘AN INSULT’
Israel attacks central B eirut
as 120 more k illed in G aza
Rescuers searched through rubble in an area of the city known for its antique shops It was the fourth Israeli airstrike this week targeting a central area of Beirut in contrast to the bulk of Israel s attacks on the capital region
“There was dust and wrecked houses, people running and screaming they were running my wife is in hospital my daughter is in hospital my aunt is in the hospital said Nemir Zakariya who held up a picture of his daughter after the strike This is the little one, and my son also got hurt this is my daughter she is in the American University (of Beirut Medical Centre) this is what happened
takes numerous steps to avoid the deaths of civilians and it accuses Hezbollah of using human shields 120 killed in 48 hours On the other hand Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 120 Palestinians over the last 48 hours and hit a hospital on the northern edge of the enclave, wounding medical staff and damaging equipment Palestinian medics said on Saturday Among the dead were seven members of one family whose house was hit overnight in the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City, the health officials said The rest were killed in separate Israeli strikes in central
was struck
The Israeli military made no immediate comment Saturday s blasts shook the Lebanese capital at around 4am and left a deep crater Beirut smelled strongly of explosives for hours afterwards
Separately at least five people were killed and two wounded in an Israeli strike on Roum village in southern Lebanon on Saturday Israeli strikes killed at least 62 people and injured 111 in Lebanon on Thursday bringing the toll in 13 months to 3 645 dead and 15 355 injured Lebanon s health ministry said The figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians
The Lebanese government has accused Israel of indiscriminate bombing that kills civilians Israel denies the allegation and says it
forces The life of another female prisoner who used to be with her remains in imminent danger, spokesperson Abu Ubaida added, blaming the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
US SEC summons G autam Adani in Rs2,200 C rore briber y c ase
A close aide of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar have
Under the new system, Ukrainian companies now enjoy a visa-free regime, allowing for the smooth transit of critical cargo without the need for additional licences or permits Previously when ships carrying cargo for Ukraine docked at Turkish ports regulatory barriers often prevented Ukrainian carriers from transporting these goods Today, a visa-free regime is in place, allowing Ukrainian companies to move critical cargoes from Turkish and other ports through Turkish territory without needing additional licenses or permits ” Bodnar added
’s Bodakdev residence in the same city for a reply to SEC within 21 days “Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) you must serve on the plaintiff (SEC) an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, said a November 21 notice sent through the New York Eastern District Court The notice added that “If you fail to respond judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint You also must file your answer or motion with the court Gautam Adani, 62, and seven other defendants, including his nephew Sagar, who is a director at the group’s renewable energy unit Adani Green Energy Ltd has agreed to pay about Rs 2200 crore in bribes to Indian government officials between approximately 2020 and 2024 to obtain lucrative solar energy supply contracts on terms that expected to yield USD 2 billion of profit over 20 years, according to an indictment unsealed in a New York court Mobile internet ban extended in seven Manipur districts The Manipur government has extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services in seven districts for an additional two days The ban which will remain in effect until 5:15 pm on November 25 applies to both valley and hill districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur Officials from the Home Department confirmed that the extension was issued despite no recent incidents being reported in these areas The measure aims to maintain peace and prevent any potential unrest Separately Manipur police arrested two more individuals in connection with the November 16 vandalism and arson at legislators residences in the Imphal Valley
g Provincial minister says Punjab govt ready to
Azma Bukhari on Sunday said that the people of Punjab have rejected the Fitna and the Fitna Party, noting that most markets and roads in Lahore remained open, and no revolutionary members of PTI were seen anywhere The leadership of PTI in Lahore was missing and there were no reports of people taking to the streets she claimed assuring the public that the provincial government is fully prepared to handle any law and order situation arising from political protests
During a press conference in Lahore Mrs Bokhari emphasized that the government would not allow any disruption as the public is weary of the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) party s
Lahore -Istanbul Rally: Bridging Cultures and Celebrating Regional Unity
historic “Lahore-Istanbul Rally successfully concluded its remarkable 45-day journey on Sunday, returning to Lahore amidst a warm and enthusiastic reception
The event was graced by Special Representatives to the Prime Minister ’s Youth Programme Rizwan Anwar Maha Jamil and Asfand Yar Naseer
The rally a symbol of regional harmony and adventure, was led by Mukaram Tareen, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan Chairman of the Prime Minister s Youth Programme for his tireless efforts in organizing this groundbreaking initiative Speaking on the occasion, Rizwan Anwar highlighted the significance of such activities in promoting cultural exchange programs and raising Pakistan’s flag high on the global stage Over the course of 45 days participants undertook a monumental 16,000-kilometer journey, passing
through the scenic landscapes and vibrant cities of Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey The rally offered participants an opportunity to explore historical landmarks engage in cultural exchanges and foster connections with local communities
This unique experience not only celebrated the rich heritage of the participating nations but also underscored the potential for increased tourism and regional collaboration Mukaram Tareen remarked on the rally s broader impact, emphasizing its role in strengthening diplomatic ties and creating oppor-
tunities for friendship and understanding among the region’s countries The participants’ adventurous spirit and dedication highlighted the youth s potential to bridge cultural divides and promote peace
The Lahore-Istanbul Rally has garnered significant media attention, serving as a testament to the power of unity and the spirit of camaraderie By opening new avenues for dialogue tourism and regional cooperation the rally stands as a beacon of hope for stronger relations among Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey
making efforts towards recovery, with support from friendly nations He warned that whatever actions PTI took would not be welcomed by either the friendly countries or the Pakistani public
CTd ‘pre-empts’ terror plot as
Ahsan Iqbal asser ts Imran K han must prove innocence through cour ts
Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, stated that the path to freedom for Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan lies solely through the judicial process and proving his innocence in court Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Iqbal emphasized, We faced legal cases during the PTI government but never demanded release from the authorities Everyone must follow due legal processes Iqbal criticized Imran Khan s wife Bushra Bibi for avoiding court appearances after securing bail, questioning whether such actions were an attempt to destabilize Pakistan or secure an NRO-like deal “No martial law exists in the country that would allow pardons by decree he added warning that protests aimed at destabilizing the country were detrimental to
