RangeRS ReCl aIM D-CHowK fRoM ‘PTI’
aS InTenSe SHellIng, Cl aSHeS galoRe
g Naqvi claims D -Chowk cleared from protesters, ruling out any talks
g Army deployed under Article 245 of Constitution in response to escalating situation
g PTI’s Akram alleges 6 people died due to shooting by ‘ fascist govt
g KP CM terms ‘ workers release precursor to negotiations, while Barrister Gohar says no hope of talks as govt didn’t make any contact yet
g Four Rangers officials martyred after ‘ miscreants rammed vehicle into them
relocation PTI founder instructs to stay at D-Chowk
The federal government made another attempt on Tuesday to end the ongoing PTI protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad by initiating contact with party founder Imran Khan Barrister Saif the Information Advisor to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government reached out to Khan to discuss the possibility of relocating the protest, however, the PTI leader instructed his supporters to remain at D-Chowk Saif reportedly informed Khan that the government had initially suggested a protest at Sangjani but Bushra Bibi had rejected the idea Saif conveyed that the PTI leadership had instead opted to continue the protest at D-Chowk
and G9
The PTI also shared footage of alleged firing by law enforcement agencies at party protesters, claiming that intense shelling was under way Scores of people have also been in-
jured including journalists who were reportedly attacked by demonstrators as dozens of PTI supporters allegedly beat a videographer covering the protest He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital Meanwhile the Islamabad administration extended the shutdown of all educational institutes for another day on Wednesday Protest at Sangjani, instead of DChowk, was a govt suggestion: KP spokesperson Barrister Saif seeks orders on protest
In response, Khan reportedly told Barrister Saif, “Since we are already at D-Chowk let’s stay here I will tell you later what needs to be done next Following the conversation with Saif Khan issued a statement on social media platform X, urging his supporters to remain at D-Chowk
According to sources, Barrister Saif and Khan discussed the ongoing protest and potential next steps The advisor briefed Khan on the details of the protest while Khan issued new instructions and strategy to continue the demonstration at D-Chowk
ISLAMABAD
D E S K
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers would remain at Islamabad s DChowk until directed otherwise by party chairman Imran Khan
Addressing the protesters at DChowk, Gandapur criticized the government for its “fascist tactics” but reaffirmed PTI’s resolve to stage a peaceful protest This is our nation and we are here to reclaim it No external force can dictate terms to us, he asserted, stirring the crowd with passionate slogans
The protests at D-Chowk continue despite heavy police shelling as security forces and the military maintain a presence in the area to control the situation PTI convoys, particularly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have reached the capital, further heightening tensions Federal Interior Minister
Mohsin Naqvi claimed that a hidden hand is contributing to the ongoing unrest, stating that this covert influence overrides PTI leadership’s decisions
“The leadership may prefer negotiations and peaceful resolutions but this unseen force has its own agenda Naqvi remarked during a
media briefing at D-Chowk He added that trained groups primarily from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have joined the protest with authorities verifying their backgrounds
Naqvi emphasized the government’s commitment to avoiding escalation stating “Responding to violence with violence is easy but we ve instructed law enforcement to act with restraint while safeguarding public safety In a related development, an FIR has been registered against PTI leadership including Imran Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with the death of a police constable near the Hakka Interchange The case, lodged at the Taxila police station, accuses the leaders of incit-
ing violence that led to an assault on law enforcement personnel
The FIR cites violations of Section 144 and provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act It alleges that the suspects, armed with tear gas guns, rubber bullets, and firearms, conspired to attack police officials Evidence also suggests the use of government-supplied resources in unauthorized operations further complicating the case
Meanwhile, talks between PTI representatives and government officials continue Party leaders have reportedly consulted Imran Khan who is currently in Adiala Jail to chart the next steps However no clear resolution has been reached yet, leaving the situation at an impasse
Khurshid Alam called for making joint efforts for policy development to align strategies with international standards aiming to bolster sustainable development Collaborative initiatives for enhancing biodiversity conservation would be of paramount importance to restore native species in Pakistan and enhance ecosystem stability, she said She stressed the importance of preserving natural resources for environmental sustainability and suggested that Belarus s innovative approaches could assist Pakistan in managing its diverse climate Alam said that Pakistan would appreciate collaboration with Belarus in the exchange of academia, technical
know-how, knowledge sharing and capacity building This will promote green education and awareness in the field of nature environmental protection and rational use of natural resources for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly those related to water, sanitation, energy, agriculture, gender equality and women empowerment The PM aide proposed partnerships in mitigating climate change as both countries had the potential to promote principles of green circular and lowcarbon economies She advocated the need for improving regulatory frameworks to strengthen environmental governance where both nations could achieve their sustainability goals
Sergey Maslyak said Belarus s experience in environmental monitoring could complement Pakistan s efforts to implement eco-friendly policies Establishing joint ventures in these areas could further strengthen the partnership
specialized training programs (75%) and emerging technologies implementation (60%)
Despite the planned investments the survey found that banks are still struggling to achieve high performance and stability in their financial crime technologies PwC highlighted the critical role of culture and talent in navigating the banking sector s transformation through digital innovation regulatory shifts and evolving customer expectations
The report also noted that Pakistani banks possess abundant data, which could help them better understand customer behavior identify niche segments and design data-driven strategies to attract and retain customers while mitigating financial crime risks
NEPRA COMPLETES HEARING ON WINTER ELECTRICITY PACKAGE
would not They also emphasized that the initiative is expected to be cheaper than alternative energy sources such as LPG or RLNG-based heating
Various industry representatives including Arif Bilwani, Tanveer Barry, and Rehan Jawed, raised concerns over the exclusion of net metering consumers and the 25% cap on additional consumption Rehan Jawed challenged the government’s savings claims suggesting real savings might only range between Rs 4 and Rs 4 5 per unit, contrary to CPPA-G s estimates of Rs 5 72 to Rs 15 05 per unit Tanveer Barry highlighted that past packages had not benefited Karachi industries equally He urged the government to ensure that Karachi s industrial sector receives the same benefits as those extended to other regions CPPA-G officials argued that net metering consumers already enjoy capacity charge exemptions, and including
Finance minister highlights govt ’s polic y framework
FBR grapples with Rs1trn November target amid revenue shor tfall
Rangers
reclaim D
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Following the conversation Barrister
Saif was expected to brief key PTI leaders including K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Bushra Bibi, and other party officials, on the strategy provided by Khan A follow-up consultation was anticipated after which the PTI leadership would respond to the federal government s proposal Sources revealed that Barrister Saif s contact with Khan was part of a special initiative to facilitate communication between the government and the PTI leadership A day earlier the federal government had offered PTI the option to hold their rally at Sangjani instead of D-Chowk However the PTI leadership turned down this suggestion, and the protestors continued march towards the designated location
R A N G E R S P E R S O N N E L M A RT Y R E D: On Tuesday the situation escalated earlier in the morning when some miscreants rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel during the protest on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad, resulting in the martyrdom of four Rangers officials and two policemen state-run Radio Pakistan reported Additionally a group of armed individuals pelted stones and opened fire on security forces at Chungi No 26 in
billion Economic factors such as revised GDP growth, import activity, inflation, and changes in large-scale manufacturing have affected the initial assumptions underpinning the tax targets To address these challenges the FBR has outlined both immediate and long-term strategies Contingency measures include increasing federal excise duty (FED) on sugary drinks and raising withholding tax rates on imported machinery raw materials contracts and services
These adjustments are expected to generate an additional Rs10 8 billion per month, or Rs97 2 billion, over the remaining three quarters of the fiscal year
- C howk from ‘PTI’ as intense shelling, clashes galore
Rawalpindi, injuring a Ranger who was later transferred to CMH Rawalpindi in critical condition In response, security sources confirmed that all necessary measures are being taken to counter any terrorist activities and maintain public safety
PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram alleged that six people died due to shooting by the fascist government He further claimed that 45-60 injured were reported to be admitted to the Polyclinic and Pims hospitals for treatment The party earlier claimed that “paramilitary Rangers shot live ammunition” at its protesters in Islamabad resulting in the death of two and injuring another four
Participants claim they saw at least six people being shot, two of whom died on the spot and four were taken to hospital,” the party said on X
In a separate post the party claimed that the unarmed party workers were under intense tear gas shelling by law enforcement agencies
The fake government is willing to go to any extent to maintain its illegal occupation, the party said It added that the government through its use of state institutions
against its own people, was not only inciting hatred among Pakistanis but also becoming the cause of Pakistan’s disgrace in front of the world”
shared a video on
of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur addressing protesters while leading a convoy towards D-Chowk The post used a hashtag of first release then negotiations Similarly PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told a media outlet that there was no hope of talks between the government and PTI as the government did not make any contact yet Meanwhile CM Gandapur said Imran had always talked about remaining peaceful and upholding the rule of law and warned the people to beware of elements among them who might try to instigate wrong acts He renewed his resolve to reach the planned protest venue “We have to reach D-Chowk,” he told protesters near D-Chowk who replied to his call with chants of DChowk Till Imran Khan doesn t give orders [ ] we have to protect him (Imran),” the PTI leader, accompanied by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan at the container asserted
COMMENT
Lukashenko comes calling
BE L A r U s i A N President Alyaksandr Lukashenko arrived in Pakistan to a somber welcome it was restrained because the capital was in lockdown because of the Pti protest imprisoned Pti chief imran Khan had met President Lukashenko on the sidelines of a sCo summit on the face of it, the two countries do not have that much in common However President Lukashenko is the last of the people who had inherited their countries from the Ussr when it was dissolved Belarus shares close cultural ties with russia, which have translated into political ties to the extent that it has firmly supported russia in its invasion of Ukraine, and though it has avoided any embroilment of forces, that has been discussed in a way that has been done for no other state Pakistan’s interest in Belarus has developed of late, with its increasing rapprochement with russia that relationship owes itself to the increasingly close ties of the UsA with india, which has meant the latter ’s distancing itself from russia Pakistan also grew closer to russia because of China, which is a sort of honest broker in this relationship
However, this is not just a security relationship true Belarus is also interested in the area because of the one Belt one road project, as well as Pakistan s attitude to the russian conflict in Ukraine, which will be discussed by President Lukashenko with his host Prime Minister shehbaz sharif the conflict in Gaza might seem peripheral, but there will be considerable attention devoted to it of more interest to the two leaders is the trade volume between the two trade was cumulatively worth $50 million Pakistan exporting surgical instruments in exchange for tractors this is clearly very low, and President Lukashenko has brought a 68-member trade delegation along with him Among other activities a Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum was held at which 8 MoUs were signed worth $17 million this was apart from the 16 MoUs signed between the two governments covering a wide range of areas of cooperation it has been noticeable that the present government has promoted trade not aid that means that countries like Belarus from which there can be no realistic expectation of aid gain in importance because they are still able to be trading partners Because they do not have any hang-ups about being
Hi s to ry will not be kind to the presidency of Joseph Biden when it evaluates his administration s handling of israel s genocidal war on Gaza At best, his response will be judged weak and feckless At worst, he will be seen as enabling of, or even complicitous, in the crimes committed Examples of both the fecklessness and complicity abound Here are just a few examples: on April 4 of this year The New York Times ran a story under the headline: President Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that future U s support will be determined by how israel treats civilians in Gaza ” the story noted that:
“President Biden threatened on Thursday to condition future support for Israel on how it addresses his concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza prompting Israel to commit to permitting more food and other supplies into the besieged enclave in hopes of placating him
“During a tense 30-minute call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel Mr Biden for the first-time leveraged U S aid to influence the conduct of the war against Hamas that has inflamed many Americans and others around the world
After the call, secretary of state Antony Blinken commented “if we don’t see the changes we need to see there’ll be changes in policy ” that was seven and one-half months ago During the intervening months 12 000 more Palestinians have been killed in schools, hospitals, and mosques where they sought safety Crowded tent sites of desperate refugees have been bombed and israel has continued to block deliveries of humanitarian aid the administration’s “threat” was for naught then on october 13 secretary Blinken and secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin wrote to the is-
o b r a i n g a i n
Tbrain gain Pakistan is creating a story of resiliency and reinvention that may teach other developing countries a lot by supporting innovation centres, promoting remote employment, and interacting with expats through focused initiatives the scale of Pakistan’s migratory patterns highlights how serious the problem is the Bureau of Emigration and overseas Employment (BEoE) reports that 862 000 people applied for jobs overseas in 2023 alone with general laborers accounting for 45 percent of these persons, a significant increase from 39 percent in 2019 other important groups were drivers and construction workers whereas highly qualified professionals made up less than 10 percent and mostly avoided the registration procedure this movement is motivated by a number of causes, including economic insecurity, a lack of healthy employment markets, and the prospect of greater pay elsewhere the Gulf Cooperation Council countries remain the primary destinations followed by Europe the U s and Australia However the motivations
sources but also invaluable knowledge networks and global perspectives this dynamic interchange of ideas has fueled innovation and growth in a variety of industries including technology and education Migration has also facilitated the creation of international networks, hence improving Pakistani enterprises’ access to global markets recognizing this the Pakistani government has aggressively worked to capitalize on these advantages the overseas Pakistanis Foundation and roshan Digital Account facilitate remittance payments and investments, while the construction of special technology Zones (stZs) provides tax breaks and infrastructural assistance to attract iCt experts and investors these programmes are building the basis for a reverse talent migration establishing Pakistan as an innovative hotspot several initiatives have been launched by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to integrate the expertise of returning academics and professionals into the national fabric the HEC-Faculty Development Program funds and trains Pakistani PhDs whereas the Foreign Faculty Hiring Program recruits international experts to improve research quality Grants from the National research Program for Universities foster academic-industry collaboration, promote indigenous innovation, and create opportunities for competent graduates Furthermore the transfer of Knowledge via Expatriate Nationals initiative developed in partnership with the UNDP enables shortterm consultation and training assignments for diaspora professionals, bridging the gap between global experience and local requirements these methods not only mitigate the negative effects of emigration but also direct the diaspora s resources toward long-term national development remote work has become another transformative force that allows expatriates to contribute to Pakistan’s economy without having to physically relocate the growth of digital plat-
s G a z a w a r The power of strategic foresight and policy innovation are evident in PakistanÊs evolving migration narrative By transforming brain drain into brain gain, the countr y is changing how it views its diaspora, not as lost assets but as impor tant contributors to its development journey The establishment of a conducive environment for returning talent, coupled with robust knowledg e transfer mechanisms, is fostering a
raeli government expressing their concern with the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza citing the isolation of the northern part of the territory, repeated evacuation orders, the blocking of humanitarian assistance, targeting aid workers, and a range of other israeli policies that have had an adverse impact on Palestinians they said that the Us was giving israel 30 days to improve the humanitarian situation and protection of civilians in Gaza or face unstated consequences After Democrats lost elections in November, some commentators assumed that now facing no political pressures, President Biden might use his remaining time in office to make some bold moves to address the crisis in Gaza that could challenge both Netanyahu and the incoming trump Administration But four actions taken by the Biden Administration during the past week demonstrate that such hopes were in vain As the one-month deadline given by the Blinken/Austin letter approached, Us and international aid groups and officials within the Biden Administration charged with humanitarian matters communicated to the secretaries that the situation in Gaza had worsened shipments of food water and medicines remained intolerably inadequate, aid workers were still being threatened, and there was impending famine With winter approaching, they warned the humanitarian crisis would only grow more desperate Nevertheless on November 12 the UsA issued what was seen as a delusional passing grade to israel for improvements in Gaza on November 20, after months of negotiations on a new United Nations security Council ceasefire resolution, the UsA issued yet another veto, stymieing the international community’s
And so, it appears that President Biden will end his term without a change of heart or policy In just the last month, he rejected multiple opportunities to distance himself from Israeli policies Because he rejected each of them, he will „own‰ this war. It will be his legacy.
P a k i s t a n ’ s j o u r n e y f r o m b r a i n d r a i n t
forms and outsourcing opportunities has established Pakistan as a competitive participant in the global it environment the Pakistan software Export Board is at the vanguard of this transformation, combining it responsibilities with expatriate skill sets to promote long-term economic success this methodology not only supports remittance flows, but also strengthens Pakistan’s reputation as an outsourcing hub drawing foreign customers and providing highquality jobs at home Furthermore the President s Program for overseas Pakistanis (PPQP) integrates national development goals with expatriates financial and technical skills, providing targeted investment opportunities and initiatives to strengthen Pakistan’s financial resilience these coordinated initiatives represent a change in the government s strategy from just regulating migration to actively utilizing it for national benefit the power of strategic foresight and policy innovation are evident in Pakistan’s evolving migration narrative By transforming brain drain into brain gain the country is changing how it views its diaspora not as lost assets but as important contributors to its development journey the establishment of a conducive environment for returning talent, coupled with robust knowledge transfer mechanisms, is fostering a virtuous cycle of growth and reinvention While challenges remain ranging from political instability to systemic inefficiencies the commitment to leveraging human capital as a cornerstone of national progress is a promising sign Pakistan s experience offers valuable insights into how developing nations can navigate the complexities of globalization, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth
The author frequently contributes on issues concerning national and regional security focusing on matters having critical impact in these milieus She can be reached omayaimen333@gmail com
M issed oppor tunities with his term ending
Pakistan’s ambassadors abroad
Wealth for the few, miser y for the many
in a cycle of poverty that seems increasingly difficult to escape This systemic inequality is not just an abstract issue; it is a moral crisis that calls for urgent and fundamental change In Pakistan the divide between the rich and the poor has never been more pronounced Once a country with a rising middle class, Pakistan now sees millions struggling to make ends meet as inflation political instability and economic mismanagement ravage the nation In 2023 inflation surged over 38 percent devastating families with fixed incomes Meanwhile, the elite, who control the political and business spheres, continue to live in opulence According to the Pakistan Economic Survey the country’s poverty rate has risen dramatically with millions now unable to afford basic necessities While the wealthy enjoy luxury cars and sprawling estates the majority of Pakistanis face the painful decision of whether to spend their last pennies on food or medicine But these are not mere statistics they are the faces of suffering the real cost of inequality In Karachi once a bustling metropolis streets are filled with beggars who were once middle-class workers A factory worker in Lahore s textile industry is now a rickshaw driver, barely able to feed his family Families in rural areas especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are struggling not just with hunger but with collapsing healthcare systems unable to afford
even basic medical care These are stories of human hardship that are often ignored in the face of economic growth but they are the harsh reality for millions Globally the numbers are no better In the USA, the wealthiest economy on Earth, 34 million people, including 9 million children, are facing food insecurity And yet, the USA wastes over 119 billion pounds of food annually The paradox is staggering: while food banks across the country are empty enough food is wasted each year to feed the world s hungry four times over, as reported by the United Nations This contradiction should not just raise questions about the effectiveness of capitalism but about its moral core To put things in perspective while billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk rush to conquer space over 2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water In Sub-Saharan Africa, children walk miles every day to fetch water from contaminated sources, while in the developed world swimming pools are filled with water that could quench the thirst of entire villages This isn t just a question of wealth disparity; it s a moral catastrophe that reflects the priorities of our economic system The climate crisis only amplifies these existing inequalities According to Oxfam and the Stockholm Environment Institute the wealthiest 10 percent of the global population are responsible for nearly half of all carbon emissions Yet it is the poorest
Musk’s growing role in US foreign policy
Esignal a dramatic shift in both domestic governance and international relations Musk a billionaire entrepreneur known for his work with Tesla SpaceX and Neuralink has increasingly positioned himself as a global figure with influence that transcends the business world This potential move into government could capitalize on Musk’s ability to integrate technological innovation into policy though its implications for US foreign policy are complex and multifaceted
THE VISION: EFFICIENCY AND IN-
NOVATION AT THE HEART OF GOV-
ERNMENT: Musk’s hypothetical appointment as the head of a Department of Government Efficiency alongside political entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy could bring a new perspective to US foreign policy This novel department would ostensibly focus on eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies within the federal government while promoting the rapid adoption of technological solutions Musk s past ventures such as SpaceX s Starlink internet service could serve as a key tool in advancing US diplomatic and strategic goals Starlink, Musk s satellite internet initiative, has already demonstrated its utility in regions with limited infrastructure from war-torn Ukraine to remote villages By providing internet connectivity where traditional methods fail Starlink offers a unique form of technological soft power Its potential deployment in foreign policy could be revolutionary, positioning the United States as a provider of cutting-edge communication technology while sidestepping traditional geopolitical conflicts associated with infrastructure projects Musk s vision for leveraging these technologies could transform US engagement in the Indo-Pacific, a region central to global economic and security dynamics
A GLOBAL DIPLOMAT: MUSK’S INCREASING ROLE ON THE WORLD
STAGE: Musks s international presence has been growing steadily with a particular focus on technological diplomacy His meeting with Iran’s UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, during the 2024 United Nations General Assembly serves as a clear example of how Musk is using his tech empire to engage with global politics While the specifics of their conversation were not fully disclosed, reports suggest they discussed the role of satellite communications in overcoming connectivity barriers, particularly in regions subjected to sanctions and reducing tensions between the United States and Iran By potentially using Starlink to facilitate communications in these areas Musk s in-
tervention could be seen as an attempt to bypass traditional diplomatic channels instead leveraging technology to mediate geopolitical tensions This meeting underscores Musk s willingness to engage with adversarial regimes like Iran, contrasting with traditional US diplomatic strategies that focus on economic sanctions and statecraft While this approach could raise eyebrows in Washington Musk s ability to bridge divides through technology may offer a new avenue for diplomacy, particularly in volatile regions such as the Middle East His efforts to bring technological solutions to complex political problems may align with the broader goals of US foreign policy strengthening alliances improving communication and providing development aid
STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS FOR THE INDO-PACIFIC: The Indo-Pacific, with its mix of emerging markets and tense geopolitical rivalries particularly between the U S and China is a region where Musk s role in US foreign policy could have profound effects US strategies in the IndoPacific have traditionally cantered on countering China’s expanding influence, especially through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Musk’s technological innovations could provide an alternative to China s growing infrastructure footprint particularly in the digital sphere Musk s Starlink service could play a critical role in this context Providing satellite internet to countries in the region could offer a strategic advantage by connecting underserved populations to the global economy Additionally Starlink s ability to bypass local infrastructure could enable the US to exert influence in countries that may be wary of Chinese investments Given that only 50% of the population in the Indo-Pacific have access to the internet on their mobiles, providing universal connectivity could further the region s digital integration aligning with broader US goals of promoting development and countering China s growing presence Furthermore, Musk s ties with China through Tesla s massive investments in Shanghai and his communications with Chinese officials illustrate his ability to balance economic engagement with geopolitics While critics argue that Musk s approach sometimes appears overly accommodating to Beijing, it highlights his capacity to navigate the complex web of US-China tensions His skill at maintaining relationships across competing powers could be invaluable in the Indo-Pacific where the United States must manage both strategic competition with China and strong partnerships with allies like Japan South Korea, and Australia
RISK AND CONTROVERSY: NAVIGATING THE GLOBAL STAGE: While Musk’s influence is undeniable his leadership within the US government also comes with risks His track record in navigating sensitive issues such as his response to antisemitism on X (formerly Twitter) during
his visit to Israel has raised concerns about his ability to manage international perceptions Musk s handling of social media platforms particularly regarding content moderation, has sparked debates about his judgment and approach to diplomacy Additionally, his techno-centric focus where technology solutions are prioritized above traditional diplomatic tools might oversimplify the complexities of international relations The Indo-Pacific with its diverse political systems and fraught history, requires diplomatic engagement that goes beyond just technological solutions Musk’s emphasis on efficiency and innovation may overlook the cultural historical and political nuances that are essential in navigating the region s complex diplomatic landscape DATA AND STATISTICS: THE TECHDRIVEN FUTURE OF US FOREIGN POLICY: Risks aside, Musk’s technological ventures are poised to redefine US foreign policy According to recent data the global satellite broadband market which Starlink has dominated is expected to reach nearly $23 billion by 2026, driven by demand in underdeveloped regions This growth presents an opportunity for Musk’s services to expand US influence in areas previously untouched by traditional diplomacy Moreover US government contracts with private sector companies like SpaceX have surged in recent years with SpaceX receiving over $3 billion in government contracts for projects such as the Falcon Heavy rocket and Starship missions This growing publicprivate partnership suggests a future where US foreign policy increasingly relies on technology firms to advance national interests on the global stage The US military s interest in spacebased technologies further emphasizes the role that private companies like Musk’s could play in national security strategy The US Department of Defense has long worked with private firms to develop space capabilities with companies like SpaceX at the forefront In this context Musk s leadership could potentially integrate military and diplomatic objectives, using space-based technology as both a strategic and diplomatic tool
Assaults on media houses deeply alarming
front of The Daily Star's head office
mobilisations, and inflammatory rhetoric targeting Prothom Alo and The Daily Star This is a rude awakening for those who expected the culture of intimidation and repression against journalists to recede with the ouster of an autocratic regime which, over 14 years, saw Bangladesh's position plummet 42 notches on the World Press Freedom Index Instead threats to the media appear to be intensifying in the current political climate with coordinated campaigns aiming to stoke hostility against media houses that have long stood as pillars of independent journalism This raises troubling questions about the future of the press in Bangladesh The campaign against Prothom Alo has been particularly vociferous since October 25 when a group announced plans to lay siege to its head office in Karwan Bazar but failed to mobilise Later starting last Thursday, protesters held sit-ins and caused disorder outside the office for several days, prompting law enforcement to intervene On Monday two of the paper's regional offices came under attack: masked individuals vandalised its signboard and windows in Bogura while in Rajshahi, a group attempted to break into its office, destroyed its signboard, and burned copies of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star Hostile gatherings against both papers were also reported in Chattogram Sylhet Barishal Chandpur Munshiganj and at Savar s Jahangirnagar University On Friday a group also demonstrated in
While we welcome and indeed look forward to any constructive criticism of the media which can be a learning experience for journalists the current campaign, rooted in neither truth nor reason, offers no such opportunity No credible grievances or evidence have been presented to justify these attacks and disruptions Instead they appear driven by an agenda to discredit independent media and deter it from fulfilling its watchdog role, exploiting the fluid security situation As the Editors' Council and the Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (Noab) have rightly pointed out any objections to the news or editorial policy of a newspaper can be expressed constructively through writing There are also legal means available to anyone feeling aggrieved Even peaceful protests are permissible But intimidation or violence targeting newspapers and by extension their staff are not only unacceptable but also a disservice to the democratic aspirations of the July uprising We are however encouraged by the solidarity shown by various platforms amid ongoing assaults Government officials, including the information adviser, have
Majid Nabi burfat
a truce appeared to advance last week when US mediator Amos Hochstein declared significant progress after talks in Beirut before holding meetings in Israel and then returning to Washington “We are moving in the direction towards a deal but there are still some issues to address Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said without elaborating Michael Herzog, the Israeli ambassador in Washington, told Israel’s GLZ radio an agreement was close and “it could happen within days We just need to close the last corners according to a post on X by GLZ senior anchorman
‘New Tariffs’: China says ‘no one will win in a trade war ’
swift warning from Beijing that no one will win a trade war In a series of posts to his Truth Social account, Trump vowed to hit some of the United States’ largest trading partners with duties on all goods entering the country On January 20th as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all
International Business Forum (IBF) First Executive Members Gathering and Certificate Distribution Ceremony International Business Forum (IBF) held its first executive members gathering and certificate distribution ceremony in Karachi under the respected leadership of Patron
General Anis Arfa and Founder and Chairman Ali Arsh Khan The ceremony was successfully held The event marked a significant milestone for the IBF bringing together a diverse and dynamic 14member managing committee comprising of the following individuals: In which Asad Facto Hasan Akhtar Khan Syed Khurram Anees Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, Iqbal Ahmed Sheikh, Sheikh Amir Zafar, Nighat Mehmood, Shoaib Yaqub, Faheem Khan, Anwar Haroon, Farqan Bilal, Hamza Rauf Isa Saleem Khan Junaid Abdul Qadir were included Additional IG Sindh Javed Alam Odhu
was the chief guest of the ceremony besides MPA Halar Wasan Danish Khan Fazal Karim
Dadabhai Athar Iqbal Altaf Tai Akhtar Arfa Masood Parekh, Abid Majeed, Junaidur Rahman Asif Gulfam and other distinguished guests In his address, Chairman Ali Arsh Khan outlined the vision and mission of the IBF emphasizing its U
and blue economy Alongside these efforts bring home the significance of national maritime sector and that of seas for sustaining human life on earth The annual conduct of academic cum informational initiative of Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW) brings together a cross-section of Pakistan's literati
IMRAN ASKS PART Y SUPPORTERS TO STAY STEADY UNTIL ‘ALL DEMANDS MET’
Imran, G andapur, others charged with murder of cop in PTI protest
The Taxila Police booked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur Salar Khan Kakar Shahid Khatak and others in the murder case of a police constable near the Hakka Interchange The FIR includes sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (Section 14)
The United States has called on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms including the right of PTI protesters to demonstrate peacefully US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller made the appeal on Tuesday As PTI convoys from various parts of Pakistan make their way to Islamabad to demand the release of their incarcerated founder Imran Khan, the federal government has vowed to prevent them from reaching D-Chowk, their intended destination in the capital Containers and barbed wire have been strategically placed to block the movement of PTI supporters, and heavy police deploy-
ments indicate the authorities readiness to use force if necessary
In a State Department briefing earlier on Tuesday Miller was asked to comment on the PTI supporters protest and their reported clashes with the police In Pakistan and around the world, we support freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” the spokesperson said We call on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence and at the same time, we urge Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, ensuring adherence to Pakistan’s laws and constitution while maintaining law and order
This statement follows a government crackdown on PTI s do or die protest in the federal capital
Originally scheduled for November 24, the protest was delayed as PTI leaders said they were in “no hurry” to reach Islamabad Despite arrests baton charges and tear gas supporters from across the country continued to defy authorities in a bid to join the demonstration Amid the movement of PTI convoys, the Punjab government and police reported that a constable was killed by miscreants at the Hakla interchange Last week the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that PTI s planned protest was unlawful, directing the federal government to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order in Islamabad without disrupting public life especially with the arrival of the Belarusian president for a threeday official visit
Ali Amin Gandapur, has reached Islamabad The protesters who arrived at 26 No Chowk have faced heavy shelling from the police in an attempt to disperse the crowd
Own up to decades of mismanagement before pointing fingers: PPP to MQM-P
HYDERABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Monday clapped back at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) for its recent allegations against the Sindh government regarding Hyderabad s deteriorating civic conditions PPP leaders asserted that MQM-P s decades-long control over the city s municipal bodies had contributed significantly to the current state of affairs Addressing a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club PPP Sindh information secretary Ajiz Dhamra former MPA Abdul Jabbar Khan and the party s Hyderabad general secretary Waseem Rajput accused MQM-P
LAHORE N E W S D E S K
Multan Police on Tuesday identified as many as 30 to 35 individuals, including staff members from Nishtar Hospital allegedly involved in the falsification of records related to kidney patients who were later diagnosed with HIV/AIDS However police officials have clarified that their investigation is limited to the tampering of medical records, as they do not have the authority to directly probe the actions of healthcare professionals
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) in response to the government s action against the medical staff, has expressed its support for the involved doctors, including the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Nishtar Medical University (NMU) Mehnaz Khakwani who was among those suspended following the outbreak
The scandal, which emerged after several kidney patients contracted HIV during dialysis at Nishtar Hospital led to an investi-
gation directed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
During the inquiry, police discovered that private laboratories had tampered with records of dialysis patients under the hospital’s care creating fraudulent backdated test reports to mislead authorities A hospital employee operating a private dialysis center was found to have used government-supplied medical kits in his private lab
According to a police official, the investigation was conducted under the supervision of a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Approximately 30 to 35 individuals including staff members from Nishtar Hospital, were implicated in the creation of these bogus records The police will forward their findings to the provincial health department which is expected to take further action
The PMA has strongly criticized the suspension of medical staff including the NMU VC, following the scandal During a press briefing, PMA leaders called the actions against the healthcare professionals “unjustified” and “inconsistent with
IJP Road
proper procedures They argued that the inquiry conducted by the fact-finding committee was incomplete and full of inconsistencies
PMA officials, including Lahore Chapter President Prof Ashraf Nizami suggested that the Punjab governor should reject the resignation of VC Mehnaz Khakwani and raise concerns about the manner in which the investigation was handled
They also questioned the adequacy of the Punjab AIDS Control Program’s guidelines regarding the testing protocols for dialysis patients Prof Nizami also accused the provincial bureaucracy particularly the health secretary, of mishandling the situation and failing to inform the Chief Minister properly about the real causes behind the outbreak
The scandal at Nishtar Hospital has shed light on the systemic negligence within the healthcare facility For over a year the hospital failed to conduct proper HIV/AIDS tests on dialysis patients, and there were significant lapses in maintaining accurate medical records putting patients at risk
