Democracy moves for ward with dialogues, not deadlocks: Sanaullah
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
Prime Minister s Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, emphasized on Saturday the importance of dialogue in democracy saying it is the only way to resolve political issues and move forward
Talking to a private news channel he stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had submitted written demands that will be responded to in writing after consulting with our allies, he said During the meeting PTI’s negotiation team was asked to continue the talks once they received the government s response however Rana
Sanaullah said that they turned down the suggestion by saying that further discussions would not be possible without the approval of the former chairman of PTI “The PTI leadership insists that negotiations can only move forward if there is a guarantee that their demands will be met he explained Criticizing PTI s demands, Rana
Sanaullah said they were self-serving, while the country needs dialogue to achieve a broader consensus among political forces “The focus should be on ensuring incidents like May 9 never happen again as this will help the country move forward, he added
Dialogue with govt to go on despite AlQadir Tr ust case verdict: Gohar
not afraid of the conviction The sentence awarded in Al-Qadir reference will soon be overturned by the higher judiciary he claimed The PTI chairman recalled that Imran has constantly been saying to the higher judiciary that people do not get justice from lower courts and this leads to shattering nations trust in judiciary “[Talks] will not be aborted because of this [judgment],” Gohar quoted Imran as saying soon after an accountability court sentenced the former PM to 14 years in prison in the £190m AlQadir Trust corruption case
IMF lowers Pakistan’s growth forecast to 3% for FY25
PIA apologises for Eiffel Tower ad ver tisement
positively resulting in great reach and consequently our loads have picked up on the Paris sector The total collective reach of this ad alone is 30 million now with 755,000 reactions out of which only 10pc were negative The negative were triggered by a smear campaign that was started from across the border concocting a connotation
FBR urged to establish tax office in Gwadar amid rising economic activit y Pakistan Tax Bar Association highlights growing taxpayer needs and strategic impor tance under CPEC PR OFIT S TA F F R E P
T The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to set up a dedicated tax office in Gwadar, citing increased economic activity and mounting compliance challenges faced by local taxpayers In a letter to FBR Member IR (Operations) Hamid Ateeq Sarwar the PTBA emphasized that the current facilitation center in Gwadar is inadequate to address the region s expanding tax requirements The region includes Gwadar, Turbat, and other neighboring cities, all of which are seeing a rise in business activity tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) The PTBA noted that taxpayers currently endure lengthy 5-6 hour road journeys to attend case hearings due to the lack of a local tax office The request followed a recent tax awareness seminar in Gwadar and the establishment of the Makran Tax Bar on a provisional basis The letter argued that Gwadar ’s strategic role in CPEC necessitates stronger tax administration and facilitation for businesses and individuals in the area The PTBA proposed several benefits of establishing a full-scale FBR office in Gwadar including improved revenue collection, streamlined tax compliance for local businesses, and enhanced investor confidence It added that a robust local tax administration would further align with the government s vision of developing Gwadar as a regional economic hub
Wave IV: Committee picks five more ministries for rightsizing examination
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday said that
(Wave-IV), a news release said Among others, the meeting was attended by Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan Members of the National Assembly and federal secretaries of the relevant ministries and divisions At the outset, the Finance Minister highlighted and appreciated what he called a “whole of government” approach adopted by the ministries and their in-charge ministers for successfully completing the first three waves of the rightsizing exercise This initiative aims to examine 43 ministries and nearly 400 attached departments of the federal
British HC calls on Planning minister; Pak-UK ongoing, future collaboration discussed
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott Saturday called on Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal and discussed ongoing and future collaborations between the two countries During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal reflected on the Vision-2025 initiative which served as a strategic roadmap for Pakistan's economic and social development a news release said He also highlighted efforts to eradicate basic education deprivation through public-private partnerships provincial cooperation to enhance capacity in education health and human resources, besides significant budget increases for higher education The minister said that the government was committed to modernizing the higher education curriculum and skilling university students Jane Marriott congratulated Ahsan Iqbal and commended the efforts of his entire team for preparing Uraan Pakistan National Economic Transformation Plan to address key economic challenges through the targeted framework of 5Es Ahsan Iqbal said the economic strategy was aimed at rejuvenating Pakistan’s economy, promoting sustainable development and driving inclusive growth He stressed on the importance of the five critical areas that the strategy aimed to address including exports ePakistan environment and climate change energy and infrastructure, equity and empowerment
government before the end of the financial year Aurangzeb said the implementation of the decisions taken by the committee and subsequently endorsed by the Federal Cabinet so far would be followed up by the subcommittee of the Rightsizing Committee, with the main body intervening only in matters requiring escalation During the subsequent proceedings, the Ministry of Communications gave a detailed presentation to the Cabinet body on the functions organizational structure and possibilities of semi-privatization and PPP models for various projects and initiatives of the ministry
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
In an interview to a private TV a day ago, Mr Shah said, The army chief is the country s supreme commander
There is no need to hide meetings with him “If they (the PTI) are hiding that they met him, then something is not ringing true ” He had added that “if they’ve had a meeting it should be made public
Shah had called the situation upsetting In response to a question about how the meeting would affect the ongoing negotiations, Shah refused to comment You do not approach the army chief with political demands, Shah said However, the PPP leader explained that the party was not against the PTI “meeting with anyone”
“Whether anyone sees it as good or bad does not matter he said We (the PPP) are not against dialogue parties are free to meet with anyone If dialogue can happen between warring countries, then it can happen between enemies within the same country
Shah had said the country was in a bad state and its politics was very complicated “We all need to come together to try and improve the state whether it is the government or the opposition
He continued We believe that there are problems but Pakistan s politics will only be successful if all of our politicians come together and understand both the country s politics and the issues Muslims face on the international stage We are not doing that, we are stuck in our own problems ”
Shah had also said that the vote of no confidence that ousted Imran in 2022 was not right and that the PTI should have been allowed to complete its tenure
The committee was informed that, in the spirit of rightsizing, the Ministry of Communications had already abolished all redundant posts Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan also provided a perspective on the core functions of the ministry and how its departments, particularly the National Highway Authority (NHA), could be made profitable He suggested that the NHA could become a major revenue generator for the government if its resources were redirected toward the construction of revenue-based motorways, such as the M-6, which links Sukkur to Karachi port
in government The PPP leader noted that many of the problems being faced today stemmed from the
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia
COMMENT
GDP growth prediction
WHILE the International Monetary Fund had already forecast a mere 3 2 percent GDP growth figure for the country in its previous World Economic Outlook, its latest edition downgraded this to 3 0 percent Unlike credit agencies ratings, the GDP growth figure is not negotiable, being an objective quantity However, the IMF should review its own failings rather than use this figure as a sword to wave over Pakistan’’s head when going into a review of its current EFF package for which the review period is to begin in the current quarter It should be noted tht the government has not just negotiated this EFF but also the earlier StandBy Arrangement and it was the meeting of the SB conditions which laid the basis for the current EFF
The IMF should consider why the country s economy, which has been under its tutelage for so many years, has been unable to achieve the sort of growth it needs Clearly, there is something wrong with its economic prescriptions Part of the problem lies with those prescriptions, which are not designed to grow the economy, but to make sure that Pakistan avoids the sort of loan repayment difficulties that would cause it foreign echnge difficulties As a result while it might be enthusiastic about the improvement in the current account as it recorded a surplus of 1 21 billion in it in the first half of the current financial year it will be unconcerned that the growth it predicts is anaemic not that its earlier prediction was anywhere near the 6 to 7 percent needed to keep pace with the growing population, as well as the expectations of an impoverished citizenry
The government has made an attempt with its recently launched Uraan Pakistan programme to get the economy moving in the right direction, and it seems to have realized that IMF prescriptions are not designed to help it overcome its debt trap, but repay its loans, and has declared that it intends the current IMF programme to be the last The IMF may not be able to go beyond make prognostications and gloomy ones at that Unless the government can come up with a viable plan to jumpstart the economy it will not be able to get rid of the IMF’s shackles The latest prediction should show that these predictions are shackles to be used at the next negotiation The only solution is to prevent their being another negotiation
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Using
LAST week Elon Musk who has been nominated by US President-elect Donald Trump to lead a new department of Government Efficiency expressed a sense of shock to learn that the USA was providing $40 million to the Taliban government per week His attention to this fact was drawn by a former CBS journalist The journalist while posting a letter written by a senior Republican lawmaker remarked Imagine giving these terrorists $40 million of your tax money every week? Sounds crazy? Because it is-- pure insanity Elon Musk also posed the question Are we really sending US taxpayers money
jamin Netanyahu It was also participated by a host of high-level Americans In that conference they decided that they were eventually going to replace the lost Cold War enemy of communism which was going to collapse in about a decade, with the civilizational enemy of terrorism So they went about laying the groundwork for creating this wave of so-called Islamic extremist terrorism and it is really largely made in the USA The so-called Arab Spring uprisings were manufactured at a certain time in order to take advantage of the terrorist groups in Libya and Syria that Western intelligence services had prearmed and organized in an attempt to destabilize and overthrow the governments of those countries The uprisings during the Arab Spring were not just popular peaceful demonstrations against unpopular leaders rather they had been planned in advance to set off the armed conflicts that exist today Former US Army Psychological Warfare Officer Scott Bennett in an interview with Press TV on 14 September 2014 confirmed that Daesh terrorists from North Africa and Persian Gulf countries went into Syria on the checks and dollars planes and Humvees that the US and Great Britain provided Referring to the bombing of Daesh by US planes he said Now the USA senses the world opinion being turned against it with regards to its interventionism, its policies of militant interventionism are beginning to blow back on them The USA is taking a quick desperate action to try to obliterate the evidence and destroy everything that may be linked back to them ” The US patronage of Daesh is also evident from the statement of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassam reported in the media on 9 October 2017 in which he said that USA was serving the interests of Islamic State by preventing the Syrian Army
to fund terrorism around the world
The foregoing revelations leave no doubt about the USA being a devious superpower On the one hand it poses as the biggest enemy of terrorism and on the other it supports and finances terrorism to achieve its strategic objectives The new wave of terrorism against Pakistan is a consequence of the nexus between Indian RAW, TTP and-BLA supported by the Taliban government with possible backing of the USA to sabotage the CPEC It is part of the ‘Contain China’ policy of the USA with India playing a supportive role These apprehensions have proven right The USA is not funding terrorism emanating from Afghanistan only but along with its allies it is also responsible for the creation of Daesh also known as IS, which they have been using to promote their strategic global interests Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other authentic sources at the global level have also been mentioning US backing for IS Kevin Barrett editor of Veterans Today in an interview with Press TV on 23 November 2016 said West has created the terrorist groups for strategic reasons, mainly to destabilize the Middle East in service to the geo-strategic interests of Israel This has been going on for a long time The plan for it was laid at the Jerusalem Conference on International Terrorism (JCIT) in 1979 which was convened by Ben-
USA Boosts Militar y, Names China Top Adversar y
AT the confirmation hearing for Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth on January 10, he and the senators painted a stark picture of the challenges facing the US armed forces A recruitment crisis with a 42 000-person deficit has left the military struggling to meet its personnel needs Meanwhile costs continue to rise readiness declines and morale falters
Hegseth highlighted the Pentagon s systemic failures, including its repeated inability to pass audits a glaring inconsistency when compared to the stringent standards imposed on businesses seeking to contract with the Department of Defense A deeply concerning issue also emerged during the hearing regarding the treatment of service members under the Biden Administration Hundreds of thousands of military personnel who refused experimental and under-trial COVID-19 vaccine mandates were discharged while those who experienced harmful side effects were left without compensation or support for themselves or their families These vaccines which would typically have undergone extensive animal trials under controlled conditions, were fast-tracked and wrapped in secrecy, with trial data hidden for 75 years
Pete Hegseth describes how he was banned from serving with his National Guard unit for a tattoo of the Jerusalem Cross the same Christian symbol that was on the floor of the National Cathedral during Jimmy Carter s funeral In a powerful rebuttal to criticisms and personal attacks that he fathered a child out of wedlock only two months ago, Hegseth reinforced his outsider status as an asset not a liability "For decades
we ve placed individuals with perfect résumés atop the Pentagon, and where has that gotten us? he asked, pointing to inefficiencies and weakened readiness as evidence of the need for change He added nearly every major defence weapons system suffers from excessive costs underperformance and significant delays eroding the military s competitive edge Stagnant innovation and weakened standards have devalued meritocracy, while divisive policies like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have further undermined morale This environment has emboldened adversaries like China and Russia increasing global instability
He referred to the valley of death in the defence industry identifying a critical gap where new companies struggle to transition innovative technologies from prototypes to deployment This challenge arises from funding shortages complex procurement processes and uncertainty about military adoption compounded by rigorous testing requirements and competition from established contractors
He also alluded to the nuclear triad, a threepronged military strategy designed to ensure a nation s nuclear deterrence and survivability in the event of an attack, comprising land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) for rapid response submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) for stealthy and survivable retaliation and strategic bombers that provide flexibility and recall capability He said that the nuclear triad fell far short of its lethality, sustainability and efficacy compared to what it is being perceived by the adversaries During his speech he expressed his resolve to tackle the 42 000 recruitment deficit end the divisive DEI fight for service members wrongfully purged by Biden s unconstitutional vaccination mandates, and restore the lethality in the armed forces
Hegseth outlined a clear vision to revitalize the US military, emphasizing three core objectives First he pledged to restore the warrior ethos within the Pentagon which was based upon unwavering commitment to mission success perseverance in the face of adversity loyalty to comrades, and integrity in action Key principles include always placing the mission first, refusing to accept defeat or quit, never leaving a fallen comrade and upholding the values of honour courage and resilience This ethos fosters trust discipline and unity ensuring readiness and effectiveness in all situations
Second he committed to rebuilding the military by aligning capabilities with modern threats This includes revitalizing the defense industrial base, reforming the acquisitions process to eliminate inefficiencies like the "valley of death" for new defence companies modernizing the nuclear triad and ensuring the Pentagon passes audits Rapid deployment of emerging technologies was also a key priority Third, Hegseth stressed the need to reestablish deterrence through the defense of US borders, skies, and homeland, while strengthening partnerships and deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific particularly from Communist China During the hearing the testimonies given by him primarily focused on making the military machine effective and lethal and partially expressed foreign ambitions of the USA He emphasized an AmericaFirst approach to national security, achieving peace through strength while responsibly ending conflicts to focus resources on larger threats Pete specifically highlighted persistent and robust aggression in the Indo-Pacific identifying Communist China as the primary adversary Notably, he referred exclusively to China, seemingly downplaying Russia or any other nation as a significant threat This focus reflects a broader strategic shift in US defence policy where China has been elevated to the position of the primary geopolitical competitor China s rapid military modernization economic expansion, and pursuance of its economic interests in the Indo-Pacific perhaps have positioned it as a more comprehensive and longterm rival to US global influence China has repeatedly declined this "No 1 enemy" designation instead emphasizing cooperation shared prosperity and a mutually beneficial future rhetoric that contrasts sharply with US perceptions of its strategic ambitions Ideally, the USA should reconsider its defence policy, which has long relied on identifying adversaries as a catalyst for building its military-industrial complex and pursuing global dominance This strategy aimed at maintaining unrivaled military economic and geopolitical superiority, needs to evolve in the face of a rapidly changing world Now is the time to reassess this approach and collaborate with global partners to establish a foundation for permanent peace built on shared values equitable distribution of resources and mutual prosperity It is crucial to recognize that the combined destructive power of all nations is sufficient to annihilate the planet many times over This stark reality underscores the urgency of ending the cycle of creating enemies, which invariably leads to conflict and instability Instead the focus should shift toward fostering cooperation addressing shared challenges ensuring a brighter more prosperous future for all By embracing collaboration over confrontation, the USA can lead the way in shaping a world where security and growth are achieved not through dominance, but through interdependencies unity and shared progress The
A loan for some
cers from all services It is imperative that the govern-ment reconsiders this decision and extends similar opportunities to all civil servants regardless of their service cadre PROF ABDUL GHANI SOOMRO SUKKUR
Vigilance against viruses
AS concerns rise over the new respiratory virus emerging from China,
Chill of neglect
QaMar Bashir
Defence under Hegseth takes shape
terror for regional chaos
Malik MuhaMMad ashraf
US strategy and Iran’s nuclear programme
weakened, as evidenced by the deteriorating state of its regional alliances and its vulnerability to repeated Israeli strikes within its borders in 2024
FOR over two decades certain factions within Washington s political and strategic circles have advocated for preemptive military action against Iran s nuclear programme
However, these propositions have consistently been rejected The rationale for this rejection was straightforward: Iran’s nuclear capabilities were underdeveloped and the international community was united in demanding Tehran demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear ambitions When Iran failed to do so, global consensus facilitated the imposition of significant economic sanctions which pressured the Iranian regime into negotiations These measures highlighted the effectiveness of multilateral diplomatic efforts Today the arguments against military intervention remain compelling A military strike on Iran would likely exacerbate the already fragile security landscape in the Middle East consume considerable US resources at a time when attention is pivoting to other global regions and potentially undermine US credibility if the mission were to fail Furthermore, even the most meticulously planned attacks might achieve only a temporary delay in Iran’s nuclear progress A sustainable solution to this issue still hinges on diplomatic engagement underscoring the enduring value of negotiated agreements over unilateral military actions
However, the case against military action has become increasingly complex Iran’s nuclear programme has advanced significantly and now possesses many of the essential components for developing a nuclear weapon Concurrently Tehran s geopolitical position has
The international consensus on pressuring Iran has also fractured Although sanctions remain in place they are routinely circumvented by nations such as China India, and Russia Full enforcement of these sanctions would necessitate robust cooperation from these states, especially China, at a time when US-China relations are characterized by mutual hostility Additionally Iran s strategic ties with Russia have deepened marked by mutual defense agreements further complicating efforts to isolate Tehran
In light of these developments, the USA must make a final, concerted effort to negotiate a halt to Iran’s nuclear programme
While diplomacy is the preferred course
Washington must concurrently prepare for the possibility of military action It is imperative to convey to Iran the seriousness of this potential course of action while actively pursuing a diplomatic resolution
The necessity of exhausting diplomatic avenues is underscored by the uncertainties surrounding the efficacy of military action
While the USA and its allies may possess the technical capability to target Iran s principal nuclear facilities, the complete eradication of all nuclear material and infrastructure is far from assured Iran could preemptively relocate or conceal highly enriched uranium ensuring the preservation of critical components for bomb production Moreover a military strike by a declared nuclear power like
the USA could inadvertently legitimize Tehran s pursuit of its own nuclear deterrent, further escalating regional tensions Historical precedents reinforce the limitations of military interventions in curbing nuclear proliferation
For instance the 1981 Israeli bombing of Iraq s Osirak reactor did not terminate Iraq s nuclear ambitions; instead, it intensified the country s efforts in subsequent years Similarly, although the 2007 bombing of Syria’s al-Kibar reactor may have delayed its nuclear programme the ongoing Syrian civil war complicates any assessment of the strike s long-term efficacy Iran s extensive expertise in nuclear technology means that even a comprehensive attack would at best achieve a temporary setback, necessitating repeated strikes to maintain pressure
To effectively dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions the United States would likely need to expand its military objectives to include targeting Iran s broader security infrastructure or even pursuing regime change Such endeavours would demand a sustained commitment of resources and political will, raising significant questions about the feasibility and ethical implications of such actions
Furthermore initiating military strikes could foreclose future diplomatic opportunities, particularly if the Iranian regime interprets these actions as an existential threat A military campaign against Iran would impose significant economic and strategic burdens on the USA Current reports of ammunition shortages and strained missile defense systems underscore the challenges
The USA faces a complex and precarious dilemma regarding Iran’s nuclear programme While the risks and costs of military action are substantial, the consequences of inaction could be equally dire Diplomacy remains the most viable path forward, offering the potential for a sustainable resolution that addresses both nuclear and regional security concerns Nevertheless, Washington must simultaneously prepare for the eventuality of military action, ensuring that it is both strategically sound and ethically justifiable By balancing these approaches, the USA can navigate the intricate challenges posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and contribute to broader regional and global stability
It is mainly based on the theor y that Israel’s security in the long term depends on fragmenting and dividing Syria and playing the minorities card, as well as perhaps creating states representing the Alawites, Druze and Kurds
of sustaining another major conflict These resource constraints are further exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical crises including Russia s war in Ukraine and escalating tensions over Taiwan Additionally, a unilateral US strike on Iran might alienate key allies and partners particularly in Europe and the Global South as well as within the Middle East itself
The absence of broad international support would complicate efforts to manage the conflict s aftermath and mitigate its broader regional implications Despite the challenges there are reasons for cautious optimism regarding the potential for a diplomatic resolution Historical instances such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) demonstrate the capacity of negotiations to effectively constrain Iran s nuclear program The JCPOA imposed stringent limits on Iran’s nuclear activities and established robust monitoring mechanisms resulting in substantial curbs on Tehran s capabilities Although the agreement s collapse was precipitated by the Trump Administration s withdrawal, its initial success highlights the potential efficacy of negotiated agreements Rebuilding trust and crafting a new agreement would require significant diplomatic effort and creative problem-solving Key issues to address include the scope of constraints on Iran s nuclear program the inclusion of provisions related to Iran s regional behavior, and the nature of sanctions relief and security assurances Multilateral negotiations involving additional stakeholders may enhance the agreement s legitimacy and durability but would also introduce complexities particularly given current global tensions If
‘Main tum hoon, tum main ho’: Revisiting partition horrors through Hindi literature
SINCE the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime over a month ago Arab and regional powers are primarily worried about the Iranian agenda as Iran is unlikely to accept the bitterness of defeat in Syria and may instead attempt to support internal chaos and play the sectarian card Another major concern is Turkiye’s agenda as many Arab countries view Turkiye with suspicion due to its continued support of political Islamic movements both in Syria and across the broader region despite Turkish regional policies major transformations However, we do not see any real apprehension by the Arabs towards the ruling Israeli right’s agenda and its real visions for the new Syria or in more precise terms the geopolitical shift required by Israel on the level of the entire region
What all Arabs should be concerned about, along with Iran and Turkiye s agendas, is the right-wing Zionist vision of Syria and the region, especially with the return of Donald Trump and his right-wing team that will be complicit As for Iran it has no real cards left to play in Syria is currently in a phase of its regional influence being torn apart and is in a state of defence and concern about the existence of an American-Israeli agenda for a direct and indirect attack on Tehran As for Turkiye, it has a strategic agenda and interests with the new Syria but they are shared and Turkiye will be a sponsor and supporter of the new regime There is no real concern about Turkish influence but it may be very positive in light of the economic conditions, the destroyed infrastructure and the absence of the army and security in Syria On the other hand why should we worry about the Israeli agenda? In short it is mainly
Israel’s intentions are to maintain control over approximately 15 kilometres and an intelligence distance of up to 60 kilometres in Syria This would mean it is imposing a strategic and security occupation and almost absolute control over the southern region
It is very sad that Israel has taken control of the vital water resources of Jordan and Syria in the Yarmouk Basin
based on the theory that Israel s security in the long term depends on fragmenting and dividing Syria and playing the minorities card, as well as perhaps creating states representing the Alawites Druze and Kurds This agenda has been in place since the moment the Al-Assad regime fell seen through Israel s haste to destroy the entire military structure of the former Syrian army, destroy weapons depots, expand into southern Syria in the forbidden zone, and declare the ceasefire in 1974 invalid It also includes control of Mount Hermon which represents a strategic line of defence for both Syria and Lebanon and with Israel s control over it southern Syria and even Damascus have become strategically exposed Israel did not wait for the world s approval or international resolutions but rather moved quickly within a few hours to control the area and Netanyahu even went to visit Yedioth Ahronoth recently revealed quoting Israeli officials Israel s intentions to maintain control over approximately 15 kilometres and an intelligence distance of up to 60 kilometres in Syria This would mean it is imposing a strategic and security occupation and almost absolute control over the southern region initially and in preparation for widening the scope of the occupation army s strategic operations in the event of chaos in the south to expand the buffer zones Could Hay at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) have stopped the Israeli project? Certainly not, especially since US interests in Syria are linked to Israel and there is no equating the HTS and the occupation This is in addition to the fact that the HTS priorities today are much more treacherous in dealing with unity, security, stability and many challenges, but what happened reveals the real difference between countries (and regimes) that have real strategic visions and the Arab environment that is still stumbling differing and confused about how to deal with the new Syrian reality It is very sad that Israel has taken control of the vital water resources of Jordan and Syria in the Yarmouk Basin, which could have solved a major problem for Jordan, and that the Israeli army has set out to threaten the people and villages in Syria and disarm them Israel has seized this opportune moment to redraw the region s map in its favour leveraging its clear security objectives and strategic interests to impose its agenda on the international community Mohammad Abu Rumman is Associate professor of politics at the University of Jordan and an academic advisor at the Politics and Society institute
This article first appeared in Arabic in AlArabi Al-Jadeed
A recent event attempted to address how we c an grapple with the historic pain etched in the bir th of the Indian nation, and make sense of the collec tive violence that continues to be our most painful national memor y
fends a Muslim woman from the taunts
would join him since he is a refugee He openly condoned the retaliatory violence against Muslims in Delhi’s Karol Bagh W h i l e t h e b u r k h a - c l a d w o m a n h a d i n itially doubted the Sikh man’s intentions he is the one who ended up escorting her safely to Aligarh On the other hand in Sahani s depiction of a train to Amritsar w e w i t n e s s B a b u c h a n g e f r o m a t i m i d a n d s c a r e d r e f u g e e t o c o n f r o n t i n g a b usive Pathans and stopping other Muslims from boarding the coach once he reaches India The sequence Purwa told The Wire was made to fit the tight one-hour timel i n e We d i d n t w a n t t o c o v e r s p e c i f i c t i m e l i n e s o f t h e v i o l e n c e b u t r a t h e r r eflect on the processes that informed the choices made by people who committed violence or saved the lives of others ” A p o o r v a n a n d s a i d We w a n t e d t o p r e s e n t t h e a u d i e n c e w i t h t h e d i ff e r e n t c h o i c e s a v a i l a b l e a t e v e r y s t e p t o t h e p e o p l e w h o f a c e d t h e h o r r o r s o f p a r t it i o n ” T h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s , h e a d d e d , “were different for different individuals but as these stories show it was always p o s s i b l e t o a c t w i t h c o m p a s s i o n T h e c h a r a c t e r s o f R a f i k u d d i n B u d h i y a o r Zaibu don t take extraordinary measures but they still manage to cling on to their humanity, he said Between Amritsar Aa Gaya Hai and B a d l a t h e n a r r a t o r s r e t o l d M o h a n R a k e s h ’s M a l b e K a M a l i k K r i s h n a S o b t i s S i k k a B a d a l G a y a H a i a n d A g y e y a s S h a r a n d a t a I n
“What distinguishes courageous violence from cowardly violence? What violence is an act of revenge? When a person participates in collective violence, do they absolve themselves of responsibility?”
Dr MuhAMMAD AkrAM ZAheer
WIRE
The USA must tread carefully
ISRAEL SAYS 7 37 PRISONERS TO BE FREED IN FIRST PHASE OF GA Z A TRUCE
AMAN Exercises: Pakistan Nav y ’s Role in Ensuring Maritime Security for a S afer Indian Ocean Region
ANOSHKA JOHUM
The sea has always been crucial to Pakistan s economic security and development As a maritime nation with a vast coastline along the Arabian Sea,
of Pakistan s trade is conducted through the sea With key seaports such as Karachi Port Qasim, and Gwadar, the country s maritime sector is responsible for facilitating trade and ensuring energy security Notably the Gwadar Port a focal point of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offers immense potential as a hub for regional trade and energy transit, with the potential to transform Pakistan into a major regional player Gwadar's strategic importance is underscored by its proximity to the Persian Gulf allowing for quick access to the world s energy markets As global trade flows grow increasingly interconnected, the importance of ensuring the security of sea lanes and the safety of maritime assets cannot be overstated However economic prosperity through maritime trade and energy transit is only achievable if the maritime routes remain safe and secure This region’s connectivity and resources render it a focal point for global economic flows but they also expose it to a range of security threats and vulnerabilities IOR has
increasingly become a site of competition and potential conflict, with numerous traditional and non-traditional security threats endangering the free flow of commerce For instance the ongoing militarization of the Indian Ocean by regional and global powers has increased tensions, particularly with regard to disputes over maritime boundaries and access to strategic chokepoints Furthermore piracy human trafficking drug smuggling illegal fishing and terrorism are just a few of the dangers that threaten maritime security in the region These threats have the potential to disrupt trade, endanger human lives, and destabilize the region’s fragile economies Pakistan s economic security therefore is inextricably tied to the stability of the Indian Ocean and its ability to maintain control over its own waters The country s economy, especially in terms of energy imports and exports, is largely dependent on these maritime routes being open and secure Moreover the fishing industry and offshore resources including potential oil and gas reserves are key sectors of Pakistan s economy that depend on maritime security In the face of these challenges, the Pakistan Navy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ensuring maritime security not just for Pakistan but for the entire region A significant manifestation of this commitment is the AMAN Exercises, which Pakistan Navy has been organizing since 2007 The AMAN Exercises are a clear demonstration of Pakistan Navy s leadership in promoting multilateral maritime cooperation Since their inception, these exercises have become a biennial event, growing in scale and participation In previous iterations, the Aman Exercises have attracted the participation of over 50 countries including major naval powers such as the United States Russia China and the United Kingdom, as well as regional players like Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Iran This broad-based participation reflects the importance of the IOR to both regional and extra-regional powers and underscores Pakistan Navy s capability to convene such a diverse group in the spirit of collaboration Till to date eight exercises have been conducted and 9th is scheduled in 2025 The
goal is to promote regional cooperation, enhance interoperability with regional and extra regional navies, foster a shared commitment to peace and security in the maritime domain by hosting these exercises Pakistan has been able to bring together navies from all corners of the globe creating a platform for enhanced interoperability, information-sharing, and joint training
The AMAN Exercises focus on a wide range of naval activities including anti-piracy operations counterterrorism drills search and rescue missions, and humanitarian assistance exercises Participating countrieswill conduct joint drills aimed at countering piracy, ensuring freedom of navigation and enhancing disaster response capabilities These scenarios simulate real-world challenges that require multinational cooperation to address effectively Importantly, these exercises also emphasize the importance of safeguarding the SLOCs which are the arteries of global trade As Pakistan continues to prioritize its economic development ensuring maritime security must remain a key focus The AMAN Exercises are an essential part of this strategy, fostering cooperation and demonstrating Pakistan’s leadership in addressing the challenges facing the Indian Ocean The navy s role in safeguarding the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) ensures that Pakistan s trade routes remain open, secure, and functional, which is essential for the country's economic security
The Pakistan Navy’s efforts in promoting peace and stability at sea cannot be understated By taking proactive measures against both traditional and non-traditional threats, the navy is safeguarding not only Pakistan s economic interests but also contributing to regional and global security As the Indian Ocean continues to grow in importance as a key maritime hub Pakistan s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of these waters will be vital for the prosperity of the region as a whole Through continued cooperation vigilance and leadership Pakistan Navy is not only defending its own maritime borders but also contributing to a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region, ensuring that the seas remain open for all who depend on them
the impact Joly confirmed that Canada would impose an initial round of retaliatory measures, with additional rounds to follow if Trump moves forward with his tariffs
Among the potential targets for retaliation are US exports including orange juice, toilets, and certain steel products Canada s trade retaliation would mirror the response it mounted during Trump’s first term in office when tariffs were levied on Canadian steel and aluminum The looming threat of tariffs could have significant repercussions for both nations The US and Canada have highly integrated economies, particularly in sectors such as auto manufacturing, where parts frequently cross the border multiple times before final assembly A 25% tariff could disrupt these
industries negatively impacting the North American auto sector and potentially endangering American jobs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also warned that such tariffs would harm the North American auto industry “These tariffs will hurt the North American auto industry and endanger American jobs he said
Joly s visit to Washington included meetings with US Senators Lindsey Graham, James Risch, Jeanne Shaheen, John Thune, and outgoing U S Secretary of State Antony Blinken According to Joly many US lawmakers were surprised and concerned upon learning of the potential impact on the U S economy,
Technocrats unanimously reject anti people projects of new canals and corporate farming: AT conference
A nationwide conference organized by Awami Tahreek in Islamabad brought together active and pro-public politicians, intellectuals, technocrats, water experts, scholars, scientists, engineers, environmentalists, hydrologists, writers, journalists, and social activists from across Pakistan The attendees unanimously rejected the construction of six new canals on the Indus River the IRSA amendments and corporate farming labeling them as anti-state and anti-people projects The conference criticized the Shahbaz-Zardari government for pursuing policies detrimental to the country's agriculture, environment, and local communities Notable speakers included Advocate Vasand Thari Ms Umrah Samo Engineer Naseer Memon Jami Chandio Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy Dr Farzana Bari Dr Hassan Abbas Advocate Akhtar Hussain, Senator Jan Buledi, Khawaja Ghulam Farid, Senator Hidayatullah Khan, Rahab Khan Buledi, Imdad Qazi, Sadia Kamal, Dr Muhammad Azeem Fazul Ullah Qureshi Dad Qadir Ranto
OGRA holds meeting with LPG bowzers, storage tanks manufacturers to strengthen safet y standards
LAHORE
S TA F F R E P O R T
A high-level meeting with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bowzers storage tanks and bullet manufacturers was convened today at the Regional Office of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) in Lahore The meeting was chaired by Mr Zain Ul Abideen, Member Oil, OGRA, and attended by senior directors and officers from the LPG and Enforcement departments During the meeting the authorized manufacturers of LPG bowzers were directed to ensure compliance with critical safety standards emphasizing that no LPG bowzer should be manufactured with a capacity exceeding 30 metric tons, exclusive of the 15% allowance Manufacturers were further instructed to adhere strictly
PTI founder reaping what he had sowed, say Punjab ministers
Punjab Minister for Information and Heritage Azma Bokhari on Saturday said that January 17 2025 was a different day for Pakistan as on this day a former prime minister was awarded jail imprisonment for misusing of his official authority, and not for taking formal salary from his son iqama or hijacking Speaking at a press conference here in Lahore Azma Bokhari said that Tehree-e-Fasad is now saying that verdict was pre-planned while a non-political lady committed jewellery and diamond robbery worth Rs6 billion Azma Bokhari further said that even National Crime Agency (NCA) of Britain expressed their concerns over not using the returned amount on welfare of people of Pakistan instead the PTI founder and his wife used this amount by themselves The minister said that the case was concluded after more than 100 hearings and the court granted time to the accused to record their statements
During 35 hearings of the case the NAB investigation officer was allowed time for cross-examination
She said that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was smiling after listening to the verdict which no one could imagine and that his leader was awarded jail term Azma Bokhari said that chief organizer of Al-Qadir University obtained approval of this issue in sealed envelope from his cabinet members
His (PTI founder) cabinet members openly saying that they were allowed three minutes time to approve the issue
She said that Mirza Shahzad
Akbar and Farrah Gogi finalized the deal and concluded it Mirza Shahzad Akbar was caught receiving cash briefcase in London Shahzad Akbar is already proclaimed offender Farrah Gogi was saying that diamond should not be less than 5-carat then the sealed envelope will be opened, Azad said She said that UK government transferred the amount into account of Supreme Court instead of sending it in account number one
She said that National Crime Agency grilled Shahzad Akbar while Hassan and Hussain Nawaz got clean chit from UK court Azma Bokhari said that National Crime Agency issued a press release saying that they were returning the illegal amount to Pakistan ‘Imran Khan paying price for his victimizing PML-N’ Meanwhile, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Saturday said that the PTI was reaping what it had sowed describing the 190 million pounds case (AlQadir Trust case) as open and shut case Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she, while referring to for-
S TA F F R E P O R T Chairman of the Prime Minister ’s Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan Saturday said that youth is future of country and government was taking multifaceted efforts for skill development and career advancement of the youth He, while addressing the certificate awarding ceremony of Prime Minister ’s
mer prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, said that the man who used to point fingers at others and call them corrupt now himself had been caught in a graft case Marriyum said that when Imran was the country s prime minister he put the entire PML-N leadership in jail She claimed that there was no corruption case against former prime minister and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif “Not a single penny of corruption could be proved against him the senior minister said She boasted that Nawaz was the architect of almost every project in the country “When no evidence was found against him he was disqualified merely because he had not received the salary from his son she lamented Marriyum went on to say that the UK s National Crime Agency (NCA) had done an investigation into the Al-Qadir Trust case during the PTI government “This was not the money that belonged to any individual The money belonged to the state and had to be
country He said that PMYP in collaboration with NAVTTC started vocational and professional training courses in information technology, artificial intelligence and other disciplines in demand around the world so that youth of Pakistan could be able to get the best employment opportunities not only inside the country but overseas as well He said that under
employment opportunities and contribute in development of Pakistan he added The government is not only focusing on skill development of college and university students but we are also providing opportunities of vocational and technical training to students of Madarsahs (seminaries) to ensure their inclusion in the program he stated and explained that the initiative was aimed at carrying those Madarsah students along in the journey of progress and prosperity of Pakistan Chairman PMYP said that around 70
and
ciples
PAKISTAN FIRST COUNTRY TO IMPLEMENT
workforce the Rightsizing Committee decided to retain
of
with
The remaining entities will either be closed or merged A report on the implementation of these recommendations is due by
20 Documents reveal that the Council for Works and Housing Research, Pakistan Council for Science and Technology and the Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technology will be shut down Additionally the National Institute of Electronics may either be merged or closed while the Scientific and Technological Development Corporation will be dissolved The committee has also instructed a third-party evaluation of the Pakistan Halal Authority, and has directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) to undergo digitalisation The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has been asked to propose a plan to enhance its standards and secure placements for 100 universities The National University of Technology is required to submit a five-year plan for self-sustainability, while the Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research will undergo a third-party performance review The committee also called for a 50% reduction in the staffing levels at the Ministry of Science and Technology
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T
The post-mortem examination of Sarim, a young boy whose body was discovered in an underground water tank near his home, has been completed at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital
According to Police Surgeon
Dr Samia Syed injuries were observed on various parts of the child s body Samples have been collected for further analysis, but the exact cause of death will be determined after the chemical examination report
Following the recovery of Sarim s body Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) member of the Sindh Assembly, Abdul Waseem,
visited the apartment building where the incident occurred
His arrival sparked outrage among residents, particularly women, who accused him of exploiting the tragedy for political gain The angry residents also criticised the apartment union for its alleged negligence
In response to the backlash Abdul Waseem expressed solidarity with Sarim s grieving family, acknowledging their anger as justified “The police failed to locate their child for several days The truth about what happened will only come to light through investigations I stand with the family in their grief, he added The tragic incident has sparked calls for accountability and thorough
investigations to uncover the circum-
stances surrounding Sarim s death
Last week it was reported that police have failed to find any clue to the whereabouts of a child who went missing from North Karachi on January 7 Sevenyear-old Sarim went missing from the jurisdiction of Bilal Colony police Sarim a student at Madrasah Al Quran, went to his seminary on January 7, but never returned His father, Parvez, went to the madrassa and asked about his son The administration told that his son had left for home at 3 40pm Parvez was returning from the madrassa when he suddenly spotted Sarim s gloves lying on the stairs inside the mosque
Interim bail of Aleema, Uzma Khan extended in Jinnah House attack c ase
The Lahore Anti-terrorism Court (ATC) has extended the interim bail of Aleema Khan Uzma Khan and other nominated accused in the Jinnah House attack and October 5 arson cases The hearing was conducted by Judge Arshad Javed of the Lahore ATC, where PTI leaders faced multiple charges Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan sisters of former prime minister Imran Khan appeared in court as their interim bail period ended PTI leaders Ali Imtiaz and Nadeem Abbas Bara also marked their attendance, while PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja submitted a request for exemption from appearance which the court approved
The court directed the investigation officer to complete the inquiry and present a report at the next hearing The interim bails were extended and the hearing
was adjourned until February 15 It is
PIA swings into ac tion after pilot lands plane on wrong runway
LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T
Making a mockery of the much-trumpeted slogan of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), ‘Great people to fly with’, an airline’s pilot showed extreme negligence by landing the plane on the wrong runway at Lahore s Allama
Iqbal International Airport on Saturday thus putting the lives of passengers in danger It reports in media that PK150, which was heading from Dammam to Multan, failed to land at the airport due to fog and it was directed towards Lahore airport However when it reached Lahore the pilot instead of landing the plane on the main runway landed it on the runway number 36 L sources said adding that too when all lights at the runway were switched off Taking notice of nonprofessionalism on the part of the pilot the PIA administration grounded the captain as well as the first officer and launched an investigation into the incident
only inappropriate and wrong but disgusting and unfortunate because hundreds of students had already been enrolled in the university, receiving religious and spiritual education He stated the judge’s decision to call the philanthropic project as a shame trust was a calculated move to unjustly punish Imran Khan and his wife in the most absurd and concocted case, adding that instead of convicting PTI founder and his spouse, question must be asked from Nawaz Sharif for the suspicious transactions by Hassan Nawaz Waqas stated that the Al-Qadir Trust Case verdict
