Ex-spymastEr IndICtEd on ChargEs of ‘EngagIng In polItICal aCtIvItIEs’
RAWALPINDI S TA F F R E P O R T
O R M E R intelligence chief retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed has been formally indicted on charges of engaging in political activities the military s media affairs wing said on Tuesday
In a press release on issued on Tuesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) recalled that the process of Field General Court Martial (FGCM) was initiated against Lt-Gen Hameed under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act on August 12
And in the first place Lt-Gen (r) Faiz Hameed has been formally arraigned on charges of engaging in polit-
ical activities, violations of Official Secret Act detrimental to safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority & government resources and causing wrongful loss to a person(s) ” it stated During the process involvement of Lt-Gen (r) Faiz Hamid in events related to creating agitation and unrest leading up to multiple incidents including but not limited to May 9, 2023 incident for fomenting instability; at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests is also being separately investigated the statement noted T
four months after the army announced
against former head of Inter-Services
plea for judicial probe into May 9 riots
Imran asser ts £190m case lacks fairness, compares it to Bhutto reference
Usman informed the participants that there were 14 terrorist attacks on Chinese citizens in the country since 2021 in which 20 [Chinese personnel] have been killed and 34 injured The committee members were informed that eight of the attacks took place in Sindh, four in Balochistan and two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa He said that eight Pakistanis were also martyred and 25 were injured in these attacks The Director told the committee that a total of 20 000 Chinese nationals are settled in Pakistan which included personnel for projects about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) He added that their security was a top priority of the government He said that the BLA and other terrorist groups including anti-state outfits were involved in the attacks that mainly targeted non-CPEC projects and Chinese citizens travelling to different parts of the country There has been no direct terrorist attack on CPEC projects so far, the official said Speaking about the safety measures taken for Chinese citizens, the NACTA director said that a high-level core group was formed at the interior ministry, comprising members from the police, security, intelligence and other departments
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, held a crucial meeting with Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Country Director Lynn Nelson on Tuesday The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-US ties, particularly in the fields of law enforcement, security, and counter terrorism cooperation During the meeting Ambassador Baker expressed her condolences regarding the recent tragic deaths of police officers and Rangers personnel in Islamabad, underscoring the shared commitment between both nations to combat such security challenges Minister Naqvi outlined Pakistan s plans to modernize its Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), emphasizing the government s efforts to model the agency’s opera-
tions after the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) In response US officials offered technical support for this initiative highlighting their commitment to enhancing Pakistan s law enforcement capabilities Naqvi stressed that these efforts were vital for improving the country’s ability to address evolving security threats
We are grateful for the ongoing US support in strengthening our law enforcement infrastructure It is vital for Pakistan to enhance its
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly condemned the government’s attempts to drag the military into politics calling it “shameful and condemnable” The party also rejected attempts to target former military official General Faiz Hameed
response mechanisms to emerging security concerns ” said Naqvi
The conversation also touched on the importance of equipping Pakistan s Civil Armed Forces with advanced technology and modern tools to counter terrorism and respond more effectively to emergencies Minister Naqvi highlighted that Pakistan needed more modern equipment to better tackle the growing threats posed by extremism and internal security issues
not only shameful but also detrimental to the image of our armed forces ” the PTI spokesperson stated They further called for an immediate response from the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) to clarify the matter and present the facts to the public PTI highlighted that over the past two and
US-baSed bUSineSS delegation meetS Finmin to explore economic opportUnitieS
Pakistan among global laggards in internet speeds, faces persistent connectivity issues
has
ber 30 to avoid blockage In December sources revealed that the interior ministry withdrew its request due to weak legal grounds under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, acknowledging that courts would likely permit VPN functionality These developments highlight the growing challenges faced by Pakistan s internet users amid global
India’s antitrust body seeks Supreme Cour t inter vention in Amazon and Flipkar t c
ISLAMABAD A h m A d A h m A dA n i The federal government has ended the decades-long monopoly of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) in Pakistan s gas market as the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a framework for the sale of gas to the private sector According to industry sources the government has ended the monopoly of SNGPL and SSGCL in the gas market of the country as the ECNEC considered the summary dated 23rd November 2024 submitted by the petroleum division titled Framework for 3rd Party Sale of Natural Gas under amended PP 2012 and granted approval to the framework for the sale of gas to the third party in view of the decision of the Council of Common Interests
ases
with the flexibility” of its investigation Amazon and Flipkart have faced long-standing criticism from smaller retailers over alleged unfair practices, including offering deep discounts and preferential treatment Both companies have denied any wrongdoing
(CCI) dated 29th January 2024 Earlier, on January 29th, 2024, CCI, in its decision declared that Exploration and Production (E&P) shall have the right to sale up to 35pc of their share of pipeline specification gas to third party having OGRA license through competitive process without approval of the government or any of its entity, provided that the price (s) charged from third parties would not be less than the wellhead gas prices under Petroleum Policy 2012 for the respective zone The CCI further directed the petroleum division to prepare a framework and place before the ECNEC and accordingly, the requisite framework was developed and placed before the ECNEC
“After detailed deliberation at the various levels the framework was placed before the
ISLAMABAD
Registration of madressahs
JUI(F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is apparently adamant on the societies Registration (Amendment) Act the Act would revert registration of the madressahs from the Education Ministry s Religious Education Directorate to the DC as they were until 2017
As it is a matter involving tens of thousands of madressahs, both large and small, it affects what he considers his core constituency, the ulema of the Deobandi school of thought However though the Maulana is making this a signature issue there are four other Wifaqul Madaris which do not accept his leadership one each from the Brelvi and Ahle Hadith schools of thought one from the shia sect and one from the madressahs controlled by the Jamaat Islami since 2019 10 new boards have been established, where previously it was not really possible the changes were made necessary as part of the National Action Plan formulated after the 2014 Army Public school Peshawar massacre the present reversal of the reform requirement was part of the price exacted from the government by the Maulana for his party’s votes for the 26th Amendment the amendment was passed by Parliament but has been sent bck for reconsideration by the President It requires passage gain, which the Maulana is demanding the government lined up religious scholars at a conference which passed a resolution in favour of the Act and demanded retention of the status quo Matters seem to be moving towards the sort of confrontation the government wishes to avoid Further though the Maulana is in opposition he enjoys a good relationship with PPP chief Bilawal Zardari- Bhutto though it is Mr Bhutto Zardari s father who has refused assent, If the Mulana can persuade him if the PPP was to withdraw support from the government, it would fall the Maulana has thrown broad hints that the bill is not being passed because the establishment does not want it the fact is the madressahs do not want to bear the expenses entailed by curriculum reform, in which they would be obliged to introduce new subjects, and pay teachers for them It should be realized that this is an existential issue for the Ulema and by extension for the Maulana At the same time, there is a ray of hope the Maulana has shown time and again that he is amenable to reason the government should engage him rather than try to ride over him roughshod
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
t s disturbing how the Us news media flits from story to story seemingly incapable of sustaining attention on events that require it the nightmare of Gaza which received in-depth treatment for over a year has now faded from view eclipsed by other dramatic developments in the Arab East In recent weeks news out of the Middle East has been dominated by Israel s devastating attacks on Lebanon and the now Israeli-enforced ceasefire these days, the major reporting has to do with the al Qaeda spin-off, Hayat tahrir al sham, on the move and capturing first the major syrian cities of Aleppo and Hams, and then the capital itself, Damascus While these developments are of course consequential the continuing war on Gaza and its lingering wounds deserve our attention Against this backdrop it was notable that on a single day this week The New York Times carried three significant stories, filling a full page and a half, on the continuing nightmare in Gaza the pieces included one on Amnesty International’s new report charging Israel with genocide in Gaza and another on a deadly Israeli strike in the midst of one of the humanitarian zones in Gaza the largest of the three stories was titled For the disabled, life in Gaza was always a struggle Now it s agony Combined, the three describe the horrors of Gaza’s last 14 months, the continuing bombings visited on its displaced Palestinians and the agonizing future that lies before so many of them the Amnesty International story was significant for several reasons It is after all the world s preeminent human rights organization When I served a four-year term as a presidential appointee to a Us commission that dealt with issues of religious freedom our annual reports and our own investigations relied heavily on the work of Amnesty the state Department does as well Whether dealing with countries in Africa Asia or the Arab World, attention is given to what Amnesty has re-
ported Countries are routinely denounced for their abusive behaviour with the notation as Amnesty International has reported with one exception and that is of course Israel Amnesty s work everywhere has been revered, but when it has been about Israel, it has been reviled It’s therefore quite consequential that Amnesty has taken this bold step to declare quite forcefully that “Israel committed and is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza they continue Israel s unlawful conduct throughout its military offensive, resulted in unprecedented harm to Palestinians in Gaza that resulted in the massive scale of killings and serious injuries over a short period of time ” In response to these charges the Israelis have followed what has become their familiar script they lie deny and obfuscate And they ultimately fall back on charging their accusers with bias Interestingly, to date, there has been little or no response from officials in Washington that was not the case back in 2022 when Amnesty International and another prominent human rights organization Human Rights Watch issued reports finding that Israel had imposed an apartheid system on the Palestinian people under their control Congress and the White House were quick to denounce both human rights groups upon whom they rely so heavily for information on other countries Also worth noting was the fact that neither The Washington Post nor The New York Times even carried the story about the apartheid charges this
ItÊs heartbreaking to look at the faces of these children sitting in the rubble of destroyed neighbourhoods. They are innocents without a future. ItÊs hard to imagine living in a crowded tent area in the midst of winter or in the remains of a destroyed building on a bombed-out street. But this is life for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children. ItÊs always painful to face human suffering. But itÊs important that we do it, especially in the case of Gaza, because we Americans are in part responsible for it. Just because itÊs disappeared from the front pages doesnÊt mean itÊs not happening It is ongoing, and so itÊs important that The New York Times brought it home to us one day this week
I n t
WH E R E are the philosophers, the intellectuals, and the dreamers of our time? Have they been silenced by the deafening roar of trending hashtags and viral content? In an era where screens dominate conversations and fleeting trends dictate societal values, the question arises: Is social media uplifting our society or orchestrating its intellectual decline? social media promised to connect us, to democratize knowledge and to provide platforms for expression Yet as we scroll endlessly we are left wondering if it has delivered more harm than good the youth once torchbearers of intellectual revolutions, now appear ensnared in the superficiality of likes and shares Books, once the cornerstone of enlightenment, have been replaced by memes reels and dramatized vlogs the fabric of our society particularly women suffers as shallow content perpetuates stereotypes and unrealistic ideals
Youth are the architects of the future, yet they seem to be building castles on sand social media, with its algorithms optimized for engagement rather than enlightenment, has shifted the focus from learning to mere consumption the culture of instant gratification discourages critical thinking Instead of engaging with thought-provoking ideas young minds are preoccupied with filters, influencers, and fleeting dopamine hits from likes and comments the role of books in nurturing intellectual depth has diminished alarmingly How often do we see a young person engrossed in a book compared to one glued to a smartphone? A report by the Pew Research Center revealed that book reading among youth has dropped by nearly 20 percent in the last decade this decline is not merely a loss of habit but a loss of identity Books teach patience, empathy, and the art of reflection qualities now overshadowed by the superficiality of digital platforms
Books have long been a sanctuary for ideas and imagination they offer not just stories but perspectives, challenging us to question, to learn, and to grow However, the digital age has ushered in an era where visual content is prioritized over the written word the rise of shortform video platforms has further diminished the patience required to engage with books statistics reveal a grim reality: libraries are closing, and bookshops are struggling to survive the book-to-screen ratio in the average household has reversed dramatically When was the
e l l e c t u a l D e c l i n e i n t h e a g e o f s o c i a l m e d i a
drama or influencer scandal social media has birthed a new genre of content that profits at the cost of societal values Family vlogging, for instance, exposes the private lives of children for public consumption often without their consent Children are commodified for likes and revenue their childhoods sacrificed for views similarly, drama culture thrives on toxic narratives, unrealistic portrayals of relationships, and glorification of shallow ideals Women, in particular, are disproportionately affected the perpetuation of regressive stereotypes be it the overly submissive daughter-in-law or the scheming rival has deepened societal divides rather than bridging them social media amplifies such narratives, making them accessible to millions in a matter of seconds the normalization of these toxic portrayals erodes the intellectual and moral fabric of society Women bear the brunt of social media’s darker side Unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by influencers lead to body image issues while dramatized content reinforces outdated roles Instead of empowering women, much of the digital content confines them to traditional and often harmful stereotypes A study by the Dove self-Esteem Project found that over 70 percent of young girls feel pressure to meet beauty standards set by social media the mental health repercussions are profound, ranging from anxiety to depression Intellectualism, which once advocated for equality
and empowerment is now overshadowed by superficial narratives that perpetuate these crises the question remains: How do we reclaim intellectualism and rebuild a society grounded in knowledge and empathy? Parents and educators must prioritize reading Initiatives like book clubs public libraries and community reading events can rekindle the love for books among youth Governments and tech companies must collaborate to monitor and restrict content that commodifies children or perpetuates stereotypes Campaigns that celebrate intellectual achievements rather than appearances can redefine beauty and success for women schools should incorporate media literacy programs to teach students how to analyze and question the content they consume online the battle for intellectualism in the digital age is far from over While social media has undeniably changed the way we communicate it should not come at the cost of eroding our intellectual and moral values Books ideas and critical thinking are the lifelines of any thriving society Let us not allow the fleeting allure of viral content to overshadow the enduring wisdom of books and intellectual discourse the youth, our future leaders, deserve a world where their minds are nourished their ideas are valued and their identities are not reduced to mere hashtags In reclaiming our intellectualism we reclaim the essence of humanity itself The writer is a freelance columnist
Let us not allow the fleeting allure of viral content to overshadow the enduring wisdom of books and intellectual discourse . The youth, our future leaders, deserve a world where their minds are nourished, their ideas are valued, and their identities are not reduced to mere hashtags.
Construction Chaos in Karachi
Redefining failure
Beyond the protests
TOuSeef AHmeD bOuk
The massacre goes on
Youth must exercise caution
Ambassadors abroad and online
political beliefs social connections and past activities details that may not be captured through traditional background checks or application forms In certain cases, authorities argue that social media scrutiny can help identify and prevent security risks such as terrorism human trafficking or illegal immigration
Social media checks are also used to verify travel histories or confirm the accuracy of claims made in visa applications
Several countries have already integrated social media checks into their visa processes, with others considering it In 2019 the US Department of State expanded its visa screening procedures by requesting social media handles from applicants for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas
This policy, which applies to applicants from nearly all countries, requires individuals to provide their usernames for platforms such as Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn and YouTube The aim is to more effectively assess an applicant s character and ensure they do not pose a security risk
ground checks and health assessments
These examples highlight that every country has the right to protect its security and ensure law and order which often includes monitoring foreign nationals Unfortunately, many Pakistani youth are unaware of these practices, which can lead to difficulties when applying for visas, living or working abroad Recent reports indicate that Pakistani citizens especially the youth are facing significant challenges in obtaining visas to the UAE The reasons for these restrictions have become clearer
intentions Social media can provide a glimpse into an individual s lifestyle
The UK also uses social media monitoring as part of its visa application and immigration process The UK Home Office may review applicants’ online activities to assess their eligibility for a visa particularly when concerns arise about potential risks like terrorism illegal immigration or criminal behaviour In addition to examining social media profiles, the UK government utilizes various databases and intelligence tools to evaluate visa applications While the UK’s social media checks are less formalized than the USA’s they are widely practised Applicants especially those applying for long-term visas or from higher-risk regions may be asked to provide their social media handles Australia, too, is increasingly using social media checks as part of its immigration and security strategy In 2019, the Australian Department of Home Affairs introduced a policy requiring certain visa applicants to disclose their social media handles during the application process further indicating the growing role of online activity in national security assessments This is especially relevant for applicants seeking permanent residency or visas granting access to sensitive sectors Along with social media screening the Australian government conducts a range of other security checks including biometric data collection, criminal back-
In a meeting between the Pakistani ambassador to the UAE and local officials, Emirati authorities raised concerns about the suspension of visas UAE officials pointed out that Pakistani citizens have been involved in political protests and some Pakistani Arabs have been critical of the UAE government on social media They noted that the use of social media by Pakistani nationals in the UAE has not been viewed positively Additionally authorities reported that some Pakistani job seekers in the UAE were found to have falsified their academic credentials while others had altered their identity cards and passports through fraudulent means UAE officials also cited concerns about the higher proportion of Pakistani citizens involved in criminal activities such as theft fraud begging prostitution and drug-related offenses compared to nationals of other countries These findings were presented in a cabinet meeting, and were significant in
To maximize oppor tunities abroad and avoid potential challenges, youth should exercise maturity and responsibility, par ticularly when engaging on social media. ItÊs crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or par ticipating in harmful online behaviour.
Syria after Assad: The winners for now are Turkey and the West
While Arab countries are also pleased with the reduc tion of Iran’s influence in Syria, the militar y operations of HTS and other militant groups were managed and organised by Turkey, all of which have an affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood
Russian and Iranian influence in the region is diminished But without a clear road map, a Libya or Sudan outcome in Syria is possible
the decision to impose visa restrictions on Pakistani nationals In today s interconnected world young people living and working abroad are not just gaining personal experiences but also representing their home countries on the global stage Whether they are studying at a foreign university, interning with an international company or traveling for work young individuals have a unique opportunity to influence how the world perceives both themselves and their nation A positive global image can strengthen international relationships, attract investment, and encourage cultural exchange When youth move abroad they bring their culture values and traditions with them However how they present their culture plays a critical role in shaping perceptions As informal ambassadors of their countries young people can educate others, challenge stereotypes, and foster mutual respect between nations Through simple, everyday actions such as celebrating national holidays sharing traditional recipes or discussing the history and customs of their homeland youth can make a meaningful impact For example, a young person from Pakistan living in the UK might introduce their friends to marriage celebrations These small gestures of cultural sharing contribute greatly to broadening understanding and humanizing the perception of their country
While it s important for young people to represent their own culture, it s equally vital to show respect for and understand the culture of the host country By being open to learning about local traditions, values, and social norms youth can demonstrate respect for diversity and foster goodwill Every country carries its own stereotypes that influence how it is perceived Young people can challenge these misconceptions by embodying the best qualities of their homeland For example, if a young person from a country with a reputation for political instability remains calm and respectful in daily interactions they can shift perceptions one conversation at a time
In professional settings, youth have a unique opportunity to showcase their work ethic, skills, and ability to collaborate in diverse environments How youth perform at work manage deadlines and engage with colleagues speaks volumes not only about them but about where they come from By demonstrating dedication initiative and responsibility, young people can highlight the
professional strengths of their home nation In many international environments young people work alongside colleagues from various cultural backgrounds The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully across these differences is an invaluable skill By embracing cultural diversity and adapting to different communication styles, youth can foster a positive image of their adaptability and cultural awareness which reflects well on
One
TH E Baathist system in Syria, after nearly 60 years of rule, has been overthrown and Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow Syria stood alongside Iran during its invasion by Saddam Hussein and Iran in turn stood with the Syrian and Iraqi governments during the assault by the Islamic State (IS) group and al-Qaeda on Syria and Iraq from 2011 to 2017 The alliance of Russia Iran and the Axis of Resistance led to the defeat of militant groups and the preservation of the sovereignty of these two Arab countries However, at the same time, Assad s government had no alignment with democracy, and western and Arab leaders were fearful and angry about the extensive presence and influence of Iran and Russia in Syria In any case the overthrow of the Syrian political system has created a major shift in the region s geopolitics In the short term Iran Russia Iraq and the Axis of Resistance will be the main losers from Assad s downfall The collapse of the Assad government will be a major blow to the axis, weakening Iran’s geopolitical influence in the region Syria has been the only land route for the supply and transfer of weapons to Hezbollah and cutting off this route not only creates a strategic challenge for Hezbollah but also weakens Iran s leverage in the Palestinian issue Moreover the potential spread of insecurity to Iraq and Iran - and the weakening of Iran s diplomatic supportare significant consequences for Iran and the axis
TURKEY MAIN WINNER: The fall of the Syrian government could also pose threats to Iraq’s security both in terms of the Kurdish region and from the aspirations of extremist groups for Sunni-majority areas in the country as well as the potential activation of IS sleeper cells In the short term Israel might find an opportunity to further weaken Hezbollah and the axis in the entire region However, the activities of new Islamist armed groups at its borders, the rise of Islamist movements and the potential impact on Syria’s future stance on the Palestinian issue and the occupied Golan Heights could increase long-term national security threats for Israel In the short term the US and the West will be winners because the fall of Assad will significantly reduce Russian and Iranian influence in the region However, the Islamist group that seized Damascus and toppled Assad,
with the differing perspectives between the US and Turkey on the Kurdish issue, the ambiguity surrounding the future actions of the opposition and the prospect of increasing instability in the region Turkey is the main winner Ankara may hope to resolve the Syrian refugee crisis in Turkey exert more effective control over the Kurds and strengthen its role in the Palestinian issue as well as cement alliances with like-minded groups in the region The opposition s conflicts with the Kurds and Turkey s stance alone pose a major obstacle to establishing a consensus-based order While Arab countries are also pleased with the reduction of Iran’s influence in Syria the military operations of HTS and other militant groups were managed and organised by Turkey all of which have an affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood Several Arab countries such as Egypt Saudi Arabia the UAE and Jordan are opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood and its ideology Therefore, Turkey s power projection in the region and the Brotherhood s potential future dominance in Syria could be perceived as a new threat by some Arab countries
LIBYA-STYLE OUTCOME: Regarding the political future of Syria two scenarios can be imagined: a peaceful transition to a new system; or a Libyan and Sudanese-style outcome A peaceful transition could be achieved if the opposition continues with its moderate rhetoric and actions However, it is composed of diverse and fragmented groups that have united solely to eliminate a common enemy Once this shared enemy is removed and the process of shaping the future begins their differences will surface and it remains uncertain how reconcilable these differences will be Even if there are no internal disagreements among the opposition, their conflicts with the Kurds and Turkey s stance on this issue alone pose a major obstacle to establishing a consensus-based order This could keep Syria in a prolonged political and security crisis similar to Libya and Sudan Another important factor is the conflicting interests of the many external actors who will each try to increase their influence over Syria s situation in various ways In any scenario, future developments in Syria will have a significant impact on the region s geopolitics Therefore, finding a solution that is acceptable to both regional and global powers is crucial In April 2017 at the Carnegie Conference in Washington I proposed 10 principles for resolving the Syrian crisis: 1) Resolving the Syrian crisis through diplomacy not war; 2) A face-saving solution for all the main parties involved; 3) Serious and collective cooperation to eradicate terrorism from Syria; 4) Preserving Syria s territorial integrity and sovereignty; 5) Preventing the collapse of the Syrian army and
curity institutions; 6) Forming an inclusive government in
7) Building a
Syria based on the
and vote of the
8) Ensuring the protection of
in
ing most of the cities and villages that were seized by the opposition forces supported by America Europe and Turkey We do not know what President Bashar al-Assad s plans are in the coming period Will he withdraw from politics, in compliance with the conditions of political asylum or will he make Moscow a base to manage a resistance that he will form and
of
Syrian
9) Holding free elections under the supervision of the United Nations regarding the new government and constitution of Syria; 10) A comprehensive package of economic aid for Syria s reconstruction, the return of refugees, and other humanitarian issues Although there was no receptive ear for these ideas at that time, today, these 10 principles
to Russia and its leadership, which the new authority in Syria has no affection for and sees it as a strategic partner of the isolated Syrian regime Its warplanes have not stopped bombing Idlib Aleppo Hama and Homs, and this Russian airstrike played a major role in the Syrian Arab Army regain-
Abdul bASit Alvi
Pakistan, ICYF forge
residents and businesses Electricity costs are already unsustainable, leading to the shutdown of hundreds of factories, with more closures looming,” a consumer stated Another raised concerns over the circular debt surcharge already imposed on Karachi’s residents deeming any additional charges unacceptable Further consumers warned that shifting KE s financial issues to consumers could trigger social unrest The imposition of more surcharges will only aggravate tensions in an already strained environment, a participant noted Questions were also raised about the privatization of KE in 2005 with consumers arguing that the goals of privatization have yet to be realized Critics pointed to KE s reliance on tariff differential subsidies and the unresolved claims as evidence of inefficiency
R S The Indian rupee weakened to its all-time low on Tuesday as traders reacted to the appointment of career bureaucrat Sanjay
X i Jinping stresses sound governance, high- quality development in border areas
Xi Jinping general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has stressed the importance of enhancing governance and promoting high-quality development in the country s border areas
Modernizing the governance system and capacity in these areas is an integral part of Chinese modernization, Xi said while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Monday
It is essential to uphold the Party’s overall leadership in all aspects and throughout the entire governance process in border areas Xi emphasized stressing the need to integrate governance in these areas into the development of various domains “No border area shall be left behind in advancing Chinese modernization,” he said Xi also highlighted the country’s commitment to supporting border areas in leveraging their unique advan-
tages to achieve high-quality development as they integrate into the new development pattern and the unified national market
He urged border areas to enhance their development momentum and vitality through reform and opening up, making use of their coastal and frontier locations to become leaders in opening up
Xi underscored the need for integrated urban-rural development and ensuring the well-being of the people in the process of development in border areas
Advancing the building of a community for the Chinese nation should be the focus of work related to border areas with large ethnic minority populations Xi said
Xi also emphasized the necessity of promoting standard spoken and written Chinese and the use of unified state-compiled textbooks
It is essential to prioritize national security and social stability as the bottom-line requirement for governance in border areas, Xi added, urging efforts to improve the effectiveness of social governance in these regions
of the
It seems that Mr Adan Shawal
“A
to regional stability” published in daily Pakistan Today on December 8 2024 is full of factual errors historic mistakes research blunders and the following of self-whims & wishes syndrome vividly reflecting his prejudiced approach and limited real expertise with the sponsored intentions to target China polluting
policies creating instability, disharmony and displeasures among the ASEAN countries which should be termed as lie of the century because a fair assessment and independent economic opinion is and will always highly appreciate China s positive productive and participatory role and cooperation in overall socio-economic integration, industrial cooperation, financial integration, human capital nurturing, digitalization, modernization, hybrid agriculture, investments, joint ventures, connectivity and above all better understanding resolving all conflicts through peaceful dialogue diplomacy and development in the region making Asia Pacific a safe haven of political consultation economic cooperation and trans-regional connectivity
Therefore, the current status of ASEAN being the biggest trading partner of China in terms of imports & exports nullifying self-made assumptions and intended miscalculations of the said writer of this article
I feel sympathy with the writer who purposefully accused China for its so-called militarization in Asia Pacific On the other hand daily naval hide & seek massive deployment of ballistic missiles, re-formation of military alliances with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, India, Australia, activation of QUAD and
AUKUS holding of joint martial drills with its regional allies spanning from India Australia South Korea Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines, formation and arming the Philippines and Taiwan all indicate the emergence of a new flash point in the region
Thus Asia Pacific and ASEAN trans-regional connectivity socio-economic integration national capacity building digitalization and modernization have now encountered new negative zones which clearly mitigates high claims of the writer against China and its national deterrence policies against external aggression
China s Ministry of Foreign Affairs always firmly opposes any aggression in the South China Sea and continues to take all necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely defend the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests
As a principal China is right to reject a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that its sweeping claims were not supported by international law because of its numerous enacted domestic laws covering the South China Sea, such as a coast guard law in 2021 that allows it to detain foreigners suspected of trespassing along with its natural and historic claims as accepted in case of US and Canada and many other countries and regions around the world
China rightly maintains that, under international law, foreign militaries cannot conduct intelligence-gathering activities, such as reconnaissance flights, in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) which should be appreciated instead of deeply indulging in the unlawful economic and exploration activities in South China Sea mainly by Philippines and Vietnam
Undoubtedly, the South China Sea is an important trade route that connects the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2023 76 million barrels per day (BPD) of petroleum products were traded globally via maritime transport with approximately 28 million bpd 37 percent of those shipments passing through the South China Sea
With the support and sponsorship of the US and the west some regional countries mainly the Philippines Thailand and Vietnam, have almost certainly intensified maritime territorial disputes between various countries in the region that seek to strengthen their undue natural and historical claims to geographical features against legitimate rights of China An escalation of tensions in the region has the potential to disrupt trade through this global waterway which would very likely result in supply chains being affected worldwide for which the Chinese government has been advocating a regional resolution and peaceful solution
In this regard, foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) welcomed the continued improving cooperation with China on the South China Sea issue Moreover underscoring the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, the foreign ministers emphasized the need to maintain an environment conducive to the COC negotiations ASEAN member states and China have agreed on a Single Draft COC Negotiating Text which is a good omen
Unfortunately the recent US$1 billion investment pledge from the US to the Philippines should be seen by Chinese analysts as a strategic move to encourage the Philippines to further cooperate with the US IndoP
China particularly over the South China Sea issue However this investment package may be more like
outweigh the gains if the Marcos Jr government continues to provoke China
Thus the western
BISP s central and regional offices to honor Bibi Shaheed on her 17th death anniversary, including Quran recitation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday celebrations and Christmas festivitiesSpeaking at BISP Headquarters Senator Rubina Khalid recalled Bibi Shaheed s famous words: Skill is your capital that no one can take away from you She emphasized the transformative potential of skills in reducing unemployment across Pakistan Under the Benazir Hunarmand Program inspired by Bibi Shaheed's vision 40 semi-skilled individuals from deserving backgrounds will receive international-standard skill training in the program s pilot phase with arrangements being made to facilitate their employment abroad
Parliamentar y sectar y on Ministr y of Industries visits USC Head Office
CDA Chairman presides over 17th board meeting
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
The 17th meeting of the CDA Board was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Muhammad Ali Randhawa at the CDA headquarters All board members of the CDA attended the meeting, where various agendas were reviewed, and various decisions and approvals were made The meeting decided to accord approval for the reorganization of the Enforcement Wing to enhance its efficiency In this connection a three-member committee comprising Member Finance Member Admin and Member Technology was consitituted to oversee this reorganization The committee will present its recommendations in the next meeting to improve the capabilities and efficiency of the Enforcement Wing The CDA Board also decided to streamline the Security Directorate to ensure discipline within the organization The same committee comprising three members would submit recommendations for this restructing The CDA Board
Gov t to expand scope of Gymnastic
to more
OMAR AYUB DEMANDS INQUIRY INTO FIRING ON PTI WORKERS, HOLDS SHEHBA Z SHARIF ACCOUNTABLE
SCP rejects petition to shift founder PTI to KP, fines petitioner
ISLAMABAD S
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected a petition seeking the transfer of PTI Founder Imran Khan from Adyala Jail to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and imposed a fine of Rs 20
CM Mar yam Nawaz meets Liu Jianchao to strengthen Pak- China relations
second day with a key meeting with Liu Jianchao Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
The meeting was aimed at further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China with discussions focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors
The high-level meeting, which took place in Beijing, was attended by several senior officials from both sides including Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bokhari Provincial Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman The gathering marked a significant step towards deepening ties between the two nations
between the two countries is not only strategic but also has a solid foundation in shared values and mutual respect
In her address, Nawaz highlighted the importance of the growing people-to-people connections between Pakistan and China noting that such ties are essential for building stronger bonds and promoting long-term collaboration between the two nations
nance and rural development
Chief Minister Nawaz expressed interest in learning from China s experiences in these areas, particularly with regard to enhancing youth empowerment and skills development programs
on the government to transfer former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a jail in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to ease repeated incidents of protests in Islamabad He suggested that if Khan must remain in prison he should be transferred to a jail in Peshawar Haripur or another part of KP as it would be a more practical solution to the ongoing situation Cour t declares Moonis Elahi proclaimed offender in Chakriyan double murder case
S TA F F R E P O R T Former federal minister Chaudhry Moonis Elahi has been declared a proclaimed offender in a double murder case by Additional Sessions Judge Mian Javed Akram in Gujrat Elahi, along with other accused individuals is alleged to be involved in the killing of two people on June 28 2023 in Chakriyan where the victims were shot dead Moonis Elahi was named as an accused following statements from other suspects
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Minister Liu and commended the visionary leadership of the Communist Party of China which she said has been instrumental in transforming China into a global economic powerhouse She stressed the pivotal role of the Communist Party in fostering closer ties between Pakistan and China emphasizing that the enduring partnership
She reaffirmed that the friendship between Pakistan and China remains steadfast and is unaffected by any regional or global political shifts Nawaz s remarks underscored the importance of Pakistan-China relations which have historically remained strong and continue to be a source of mutual benefit
One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the need for both nations to enhance their cooperation in local gover-
She emphasized that vocational training is critical to ensuring that the younger generation in both countries is equipped with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to their respective economies
During the meeting Nawaz also proposed the establishment of twin provinces and cities between Pakistan and China a move that could further promote closer regional cooperation and economic collaboration This initiative is seen as a practical way to create synergies between local governments and build sustainable development projects that benefit both nations
S TA F F R E P O R T A soldier was martyred and 15 Khawarij were neutralised during an intelligence-based operation conducted in Balochistan s Zhob district, the military s media wing reported on Tuesday According a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) the operation took place in the area of Sambaza in Zhob where the security forces targeted the militants position
During the exchange of fire, 15 ‘Khawarij’, were killed The statement detailed that a significant quantity of weapons ammunition and explosives were recovered from the militants pos-
session During the exchange of fire one soldier Sepoy Arif Rehman (32), from the district of Mansehra, embraced martyrdom while fighting bravely during the heavy gunfire exchange
Following the operation, security forces launched a sanitisation effort in the area to neutralise any remaining militants
While affirming Pakistan s security forces commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country, the ISPR statement reiterated the resolve of the brave soldiers’ whose sacrifices strengthen the force’s determination 15 terrorists killed in Balochistan's Zhob IBO: ISPR The country has been grappling with a sharp rise terrorist attack, particularly on security forces in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa At least 245 people including 68 security personnel have killed in terrorist attacks in the month of November alone
