Amid uncertAint y, nA speAker convenes pti-govt negotiAtion committees on 28th
Gohar said that the PTI had called
the talks with the government but despite passage of seven days the government has failed to announce forming of the judicial commission He said that the PTI had participated in the negotiations with open mind and put forward their two demands for consideration Barrister Gohar informed that the PTI will take part in in joint session of the Parliament and will hold protest against laws which will be adopted by the House
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Federal Minister for Defense
Khawaja Asif said on Friday that Pakistan would actively pursue the extradition of property tycoon
Malik Riaz a co-accused in the £ 190 million graft case from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) saying the matter will be discussed at the government level
Addressing a presser here in Islamabad, the defence czar he said “The state will take action against Malik Riaz and efforts will be made for his extradition as per extradition treaty with the UAE
The minister said that he was the first to highlight the case of the £190 million, questioning how the money recovered by the UK National Crime Agency could be used to pay the fine imposed by the court on Malik Riaz He also asserted that AlQadir Trust is not a university,” implying concerns over its legitimacy and operations
The minister highlighted that for the first time the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had issued a chargesheet against Malik Riaz He assured that during the current regime, no undue relief would be extended to him
Kh Asif accused Malik Riaz of investing in individuals allegedly involved in terrorism in Pakistan There was a time when Malik Riaz claimed he would
never conduct business outside Pakistan, but now he is actively operating in the UAE ” he added
He also alleged that Bahria Town under Malik Riaz s leadership had engaged in illegal land acquisitions and lacked transparency in its dealings
The minister said that no one should expect relief due to changing circumstances emphasizing that the state had finally acted against Malik Riaz after 25 years
Kh Asif called for a nationallevel investigation into Bahria Town projects and Malik Riaz’s assets He warned Pakistani investors in Bahria Town’s international ventures of the potential risks involved asserting that their funds could be jeopardized
The era when Malik Riaz was untouchable is over,” he said, adding that accountability was now unavoidable
The minister also criticized the media, accusing some outlets of compromising their integrity and failing to address public issues Malik Riaz a name once untouchable by the media is now being held accountable, he said He accused the media of being complicit in Riaz’s alleged crimes, pointing to conversations among TV anchors as evidence of corruption in journalism politics and the judiciary For over 30 years, this system thrived with Malik Riaz ac-
FINANCE MINISTER SEEKS TIMELY BUDGET PROPOSALS
TO STREAMLINE FISCAL PL ANNING
& Africa Division of
and
s Federal
Qaiser
retary Syed Zafar Ali Shah Accompanying Andy Tsoi were Capt Rashid Jamil Country Advisor for Hutchison Ports Pakistan, and Leonard Fung, Business Director for the Middle East & Africa Division at Hutchison Ports The proposal includes an upfront $200 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to modernize Pakistan s port infrastructure and elevate its role in global trade according to a press release The investment focuses on upgrading Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited (SAPT) with advanced automation technologies to enhance operational efficiency and adopt eco-friendly solutions Plans include introducing electrified and remote-control equipment to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with the government s commitment to sustainable development Additionally the proposal includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art warehousing depot to meet the growing demands of Pakistan’s trade sector Significant funding is also proposed to improve road infrastructure around the south wharf
Pakistan Tax Bar Association raises concerns over rejection
PR OFIT
M o n i to r i n g D e s k
foreign investors’ security clearances
Performa, undertakings, and other necessary documents through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
The government has reportedly begun rejecting security clearances for foreign investors, prompting the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) to express serious concerns about the process In a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, the PTBA highlighted challenges foreign investors face under the security clearance requirements mandated by the Companies Regulations, 2024 The regulations require all foreign subscribers and directors to file GR-
Colony Textile Mills to shut down weaving division amid ongoing challenges
The textile firm shared this development through a notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday in accordance with the requirements of Sections 96 and 131 of the Securities Act 2015 and Clause 5 6 1 of the Rule Book of the PSX In view of the multiple prevailing challenges as described in the Company’s earlier reports, the Company has decided to shut down its “Weaving Division” w e f 31st January 2025 ” read the notification The management of Colony Textile
is however looking for different sustainable plans for the division and is considering running the unit either in parts or whole in case of any viable opportunity, the company said Pakistan s textile industry, the largest export sector, is grappling with a severe crisis fueled by rising electricity costs According to a recent report 187 out of 568 textile mills have ceased operations underscoring the sector s dire state Punjab, the country s key textile hub, has been hit hardest, with 147 mills closing in the province Sindh and Balochistan have seen 54 closures while six mills have shut down in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The closures include man-made fiber, polyester, and waste mills, with key districts in Punjab experiencing significant losses Kasur saw 47 mills shut down, followed by 33 in Multan, 31 in Faisalabad 17 in Sahiwal and 11 in Sheikhupura
Industry sources attribute the closures to surging electricity prices and worsening economic conditions making it increasingly challenging for textile mills to sustain operations Despite these challenges, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported a 9 67% growth in textile exports during the first half of FY202425 reaching $9 084 billion compared to $8 283 billion in the same period last year However, the industry s growth trajectory now faces significant risks as mills continue to shut down The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has called for immediate government intervention emphasizing the need to restore a level playing field for local inputs and ensure timely, complete refunds for exporters APTMA has warned that without swift action, the backbone of Pakistan’s exports may suffer further setbacks jeopardizing the country s economic stability
OIL PRICES SET FOR WEEKLY DECLINE
AMID TRUMP’S ENERGY POLICY SHIFTS
COMMENT
Talks suspended
PTI founder Imran Khan’s breaking off of talks should not lead to an end of the process The fallacy to which Mr Khan seems to have fallen prey is that if talks have not produced immediate results, then there is no point in holding them From the PTI s perspective, being ready for talks is itself a major concession, considering its previous take-noprisoners attitude However it could feel that this had not been reciprocated by the government, that the minimum prescribed by the PTI, the appointment of judicial enquiry commissions into the 9 May 2023 incidents all over the country and the November 26 incidents at D Chowk Islamabad The recent raid for Sahibzada Hamid Raza, the PTI MNA and Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman, did not help Mr Raza is also the PTI negotiators’ spokesman He had several times warned that if the commissions were not set up, the talks would break down The PTI is in the position of having presented its own charter of demands, but of not having received the government’s reply
Government spokesman Senator Irfan Siddiqui noted that the deadline for the government s reply had not yet expired, and thus the collapse was premature At the same time more than one government spokesman had said that no commission could be set up, as both events were subjudice, and people were also facing cases in that regard
Mr Khan might have felt that it could not be possible to hold talks without alienating his base, which had been attracted because of his obduracy and his refusal to become just another politician At the same time there is no placing preconditions on talks At the same time, not only must there be a refraining from any continuation of harshness, but confidencebuilding measures should be carried out The raid for Mr Reza must not be seen purely as an excuse for abandoning talks, but if it is seen as evidence of the government s attitude, it can be seen as evidence of why talks should not continue
The government should not forget that administrative means (brute force) are not a very efficient tool of negotiation It should also not forget that when in opposition it constantly called for talks only to be rebuffed It is now faced with the problem of bringing the PTI back to the negotiating table In doing so, it must not give PTI men a licence for wrongdoing, but it must remember that it has power and the opposition does not
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
R e a l l o c a t i n g r e s o u r c e s f o r t h e w a r o n t e r r o r
TH E National Finance Commission changed the landscape of the resource distribution mechanism in Pakistan with its 7th Award in 2009 For the first time, the distribution formula shifted from 100 percent population criterion to Multiple Indicator Criteria (MIC) It included multiple indicators such as poverty and backwardness (10 3 percent) inverse population density (2 7 percent), and revenue generation (5 percent) - reducing the share of the population to 82 percent Amidst the 7th NFC award, KPK was fighting a war on terror The region had suffered endless terrorist attacks that needed to be countered Consequently the 7th NFC Award also formulated a special budget for KPK to fight the war on terror as it was placed at the heart of the conflict Legally, the NFC awards should be debated and revisited every 5 years However, the 7th NFC award has been in place since 2009, for 15 years now A new award has not been announced since then The NFC award is the resource distribution mechanism in Pakistan It distributes resources vertically between federation and provinces and horizontally among provinces KPK Sindh and Balochistan were not satisfied with the previous awards which had population as the sole criteria, with each having their concerns The 7th NFC Award facilitated the concerns and grievances of all the provinces opposing the original NFC mechanism: having the population as the sole criteria The 7th NFC award allocated resources on the MIC formula Balochistan is believed to be the greatest beneficiary as it now receives 9 09 percent compared to the prior 5 11 percent KPK was given “grant for the war on terror”, which is 1 percent of the total divisible pool and equivalent to 1 8 percent of the provincial share in the net proceeds of the provincial divisible pool Historically KPK has been the region most affected by terrorism thereby the one-percent special budget was granted for counterterrorism operations Since 2004, prolonged insurgency has widely dam-
aged the province’s socio-economic condition Notably, the region has faced massive infrastructural destruction loss of economy and strain on social services Much of the province s budget was spent on counterinsurgency operations The province could not allocate finances to social needs of the province as the largest chunk was consumed by the counterterrorism operations As compensation for this sacrifice, KPK was given this special one percent to spend enough on these operations so that it can rebuild and rehabilitate Since 2000 till date KPK has faced 8458 terrorism incidents Over time the security situation in KPK has improved comparatively The number of attacks has reduced significantly, although sporadic threats still exist The two military operations, Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, severely weakened the militant groups There is relative stability in the region and the urge for continued grant for war on terror has been reduced However the current scenario has changed the security dynamics Today Balochistan faces equally pressing challenges The situation raises the debate of whether budgetary compensation should now be redirected to Balochistan Currently the insurgency in Balochistan is affecting a huge area and its population resulting in socioeconomic loss The insurgency is fueled by grievances over natural resource exploitation and lack of political participation Many global actors are behind these attacks fueling the insurgency for their political purposes as the province has great geopolitical and geostrategic importance The terrorists demand separation from Pakistan Notably there is a massive increase in the insurgent
Can tariffs push back China?
state subsidies intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers which they argued create an uneven playing field for US businesses They accused China of weaponizing trade partnerships and using economic coercion to pressure countries into political and military alignment by leveraging its massive trade network China’s growing influence in Latin America and Africa was highlighted as a significant concern with senators observing that Chinese investments in energy mining and digital infrastructure in developing regions provide Beijing with long-term leverage over critical resources and political alliances To counter China’s expanding geopolitical reach senators proposed strengthening US alliances in Asia and Latin America by deepening strategic partnerships with countries such as India Japan South Korea, Australia, and Latin American allies Senators emphasized that the massive trade deficit with China, which has surpassed $400 billion annually, has severely impacted American manufacturing agriculture and industrial sectors leading to job losses and economic vulnerabilities Senator Bill Cassidy highlighted that China continues to flood global markets with artificially cheap goods, particularly in steel, semiconductors, and solar panels, driving American competitors out of business Senator John Cornyn warned that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) strengthens its economic dominance by creating debt dependencies in developing nations enabling Beijing to export its overcapacity while undermining US trade influence Senator Todd Young proposed using tariffs to pressure China into fulfilling its commitment to purchase $200 billion in additional US agricultural products which it has yet to fully meet Scott Bessent and Republican senators advocated for tariffs as the primary tool to correct trade imbalances and protect domestic industries from China s state-backed economic aggression Bessent outlined a tariff strategy that includes imposing selective tariffs on industries where China has gained an unfair advantage through government subsidies and forced technology transfers using tariff revenues to fund American infrastructure
and industrial revitalization, and leveraging tariffs as a negotiation tool to compel China to adhere to fair trade agreements and prevent further economic distortions
The Committee members and Scott Bessent were unanimous in viewing tariffs as the primary weapon in the economic battle against China However, they differed widely on how this weapon should be deployed Some senators advocated for an aggressive tariff regime aimed at safeguarding US manufacturers from China s cost-effective yet high-quality products and services
However, this stance largely ignored the underlying inefficiencies within American manufacturing, the need for technological upgrades, and strategies to lower production costs Others struck a middle ground proposing a selective and strategic use of tariffs by targeting specific products and services where increased duties would not disrupt domestic manufacturing efficiency or unduly burden American consumers
A recurring argument made by senators was that China engages in unfair trade practices by subsidizing its industries allowing them to produce goods at lower costs thereby outcompeting US businesses However this criticism overlooked a crucial aspect: the US government itself employs similar mechanisms to support select industries through tax incentives, tax breaks, reduced levies, and regulatory advantages These policies while not explicitly labelled subsidies serve the same purpose boosting domestic industries while limiting competition from foreign markets
Moreover, the senators failed to acknowledge that many Chinese industries, rather than being propped up by state subsidies, are highly profitable and contribute significant tax revenues These revenues are then reinvested in struggling sectors infrastructure and research and development reinforcing China s economic growth and global competitiveness
Rather than focusing solely on weakening China s economic progress through tariffs, a more effective long-term strategy for the USA would be to strengthen its own industries through structural reforms This would include improving manufacturing efficiency reducing bureaucratic red tape accelerating decision-making processes and significantly increasing investment in research and development Enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of American manufacturers
lution than imposing reactionary
Heav y burdens
A barking crisis
NomeeN Kassi
A Pakistani–Bangladeshi reset?
cessful insurgency against the Pakistanis and the successful operations of the Indo–Bangladeshi joint forces in November–December resulted in the surrender of the Pakistani forces in Dhaka on 16 December 1971 Thus Bangladesh obtained independence from Pakistan and the latter recognized Bangladesh s independence in February 1974
Following the war, a number of issues, including the refusal of Pakistan to apologize unconditionally for its atrocities in 1971 to implement a fair division of the assets of the former united Pakistan and to repatriate hundreds of thousands of stranded Pakistanis from Bangladesh continued to plague Pakistani–Bangladeshi relations
After the coup d état of 15 August 1975, ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan gradually improved to a certain extent, but between 2009 and 2024 relations were again strained Meanwhile the issue of the division of assets has largely disappeared from public discourse over the decades while Bangladesh has granted citizenships to the stranded Pakistanis born after 1971, making the issue of repatriation considerably less salient Yet the issue of apology continues to surface from time to time At present Bangladesh and Pakistan share no territorial dispute geopolitical rivalry, or economic competition Only the complicated history of 1971 presents a sphere of friction between the two states
Following the fall of the Awami Leaguecontrolled government on 5 August 2024
there have been increased calls for greater cooperation between the two states and Dhaka and Islamabad have undertaken some steps in this regard Yet, foreign policy should be determined by rational cost-benefit calculations and not by popular sentiment Hence Bangladesh should be realistic pragmatic and calculative in forging ties with Pakistan First, since the formation of the interim government has provided Dhaka and Islamabad a new opportunity to rejuvenate bilateral ties the two countries should undertake steps to bury their historical hatchet once and for all The Pakistani government should formally admit Pakistan s responsibility for the atrocities of 1971 and sincerely apologize to the Bangladeshi people Also, instead of focusing exclusively on the Indian factor, they should acknowledge the many injustices which caused Bangladesh to break away from Pakistan On its part if the Pakistani government issues a formal apology Bangladesh should accept it with equanimity and bury the hatchet Second, while Bangladesh has granted citizenship to many stranded Pakistanis, tens of thousands of stranded Pakistanis remain without citizenship and under restrictions with many still willing to return to Pakistan Pakistan has a legal moral and humanitarian responsibility to repatriate its citizens from Bangladesh If Pakistan repatriates these stranded Pakistanis, it will not only improve Pakistan’s image but also remove a persistent thorn in its bilateral rela-
tions with Bangladesh Third the political changes in Bangladesh in the aftermath of the July Uprising of 2024 have resulted in rapid deterioration of ties between Bangladesh and India In this context improving militarystrategic ties with Pakistan India s archrival appears a natural step for Bangladesh Yet the reality is more nuanced Bangladesh, nearly India-locked except for its southern border, should not engage in open hostilities against India The country should preserve its economic ties with India for its own benefits while the two countries should maintain security dialogues to ensure border and internal security Also contrary to popular perceptions if a war between Bangladesh and India breaks out, Pakistan is unlikely to intervene on behalf of Bangladesh owing to its continuing economic troubles the possibility of a destructive nuclear war and the marginal role of Bangladesh in Pakistan s overall security dynamics Hence a formal military alliance between Bangladesh and Pakistan is practically unfeasible Hence, the two countries can enhance military-strategic cooperation without entangling themselves into formal alliances Pakistan has the potential to provide Bangladesh with weapon systems and ammunition, contributing to the diversification of Bangladesh s arsenal Also, the two states can host joint military exercises, initiate training programmes for each other ’s military personnel and engage in mutually ben-
eficial information-sharing Fourth the Pakistani–Bangladeshi trade volume currently stands at $782 million with the balance of trade heavily favouring Pakistan Recently, Dhaka and Islamabad have undertaken some steps, including the opening of direct shipping routes to enhance their trade ties The two countries should build on these measures and aim initially at a $1 billion annual bilateral trade turnover The two states should remove undue tariff and non-tariff barriers over each other ’s goods Pakistan can be an important source of raw materials and intermediate goods for Bangladesh while the latter can export a number of goods including jute and
Pakistan-centric Awami League
Instead, the Pakistani government launched a brutal crackdown, codenamed Operation Searchlight, on the Bengalis on 25 March 1971 sparking off the Bangladeshi Liberation War During the war Pakistani forces indiscriminately killed hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis, engaged in mass rapes of Bengali women, and forced some 10 million Bangladeshis to take shelter in India
Eventually, the Bangladesh Forces, with substantial Indian assistance waged a suc-
Instead, the Pakistani government launched a brutal crackdown, codenamed Operation Searchlight, on the Bengalis on 25 March 1971, sparking off the Bangladeshi Liberation War During the war, Pakistani forces indiscriminately killed hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis, engag ed in mass rapes of Bengali women, and forced some 10 million Bangladeshis to take shelter in India. Eventually, the Bangladesh Forces, with substantial Indian assistance , wag ed a successful insurg ency against the Pakistanis, and the successful operations of the Indo–Bangladeshi joint forces in November–December resulted in the surrender of the Pakistani forces in Dhaka on 16 December 1971. Thus, Bangladesh obtained independence from Pakistan and the latter recogniz ed BangladeshÊs independence in Februar y 1974.
Singapore’s role in recovering stolen assets is crucial
IM P R E S S I V E global rankings and statistics are a testament to Singapore’s accomplishments as the world’s fifth least corrupt country and the only Asian nation in the top 10 The country is also a leader in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index ranking 16th out of 142 countries globally and fourth regionally in 2024, indicating its strong legal and regulatory framework Bangladesh and Singapore share a friendly and dynamic relationship with Bangladeshi workers being a significant part of Singapore s 1 5 million migrant workers and a substantial addition to the country s economy Construction contracts worth $32 billion to $38 billion are anticipated to be awarded in Singapore in 2024 with a substantial portion benefiting from Bangladeshi labour The ousting of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024 has unleashed a wave of uncertainty as well as opportunities in Bangladesh The interim administration, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has vowed to root out corruption and restore good governance The government has also formally requested the United Nations investigation into the mass killings and human rights violations during Hasina’s final months in power Yet, the remnant of embedded systemic corruption looms large in Bangladesh against the backdrop of social political and economic reforms Allegations against the Awami League government, including mismanagement of megaproject funds and money laundering, underline the overwhelming challenges that are to follow while restructuring the nation The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched extensive investigations into key figures of the former administration for alleged embezzlement and laundering of billions of dollars Specific projects under scrutiny include the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) suspected of financial irregularities amounting to around $5 billion Hence these probes though wearisome represent a crucial effort to address years of unrestrained corruption, involving not only former politicians but also prominent business tycoons who have managed to evade justice by fleeing the country or stashing cash in convenient
overseas destinations At the heart of the arising corruption allegations lies the S Alam Group, led by Mohammed Saiful Alam, who has been accused of laundering over $1 billion through entities in Singapore and other countries Alam’s case has become a glaring indicator of financial systems being exploited for illicit purposes In fact latest investigations have revealed that Alam funnelled significant sums through shell companies, leveraging his influence to secure questionable loans worth thousands of crores from Bangladeshi banks like Islami Bank often coupled with collateral compensating for only a fraction of the loan value Building on S Alam s case, Singapore s role as a destination for the said laundered funds has raised concerns about its advanced financial infrastructure being exploited to channel and shelter illicit wealth Reports indicate that funds from Bangladesh were routed to Singapore via offshore mechanisms, raising concerns about regulatory loopholes that might have facilitated such transactions In this regard, the ACC has requested Singapore’s cooperation in tracking these funds and ensuring accountability Addressing these allegations can help Singapore set a precedent for combating transnational financial crimes, consistent with the country s standing in global finance There are also other controversial Bangladeshi industrial conglomerates who have built a base in Singapore By taking just fair and decisive action and ensuring its financial systems are not exploited, Singapore has an opportunity to solidify its role as a leader in upholding justice and transparency
By tackling these challenges head-on, Singapore will not only uphold the integrity of its own systems but will also support the global fight against corruption defending rights of the less privileged bringing to justice those who have plundered a nation s resources and drained the banking sector As at least 10 Bangladeshi banks are on the verge of collapse and depositors scratch their heads for the money looted from
MuhaMMad hiMel RahMan
TRUMP SAYS HE WILL REACH OUT TO NORTH KOREA’S KIM AGAIN
WASHINGTON
A G E N C I E S
US President Donald Trump ordered the declassification of the last secret files on the assassination of president John F Kennedy, a case that still fuels conspiracy theories more than 60 years after his death Donald Trump signed an executive order that will also release documents on the 1960s assassinations of JFK s younger brother Robert F Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr “That’s big one, huh? A lot of people have been waiting for this for years for decades ” Trump told reporters as he signed the order in the Oval Office of the White House After signing
Exercise Aman: Fostering peace and stability in the region
calised and isolated economies into a more integrated and interconnected global economic system owing to the ever-increasing human population and increased demand for products and commodities as well as rapid progress in transportation and technology The world waters have a lot to do with this large-scale global collaboration The global seas and largescale maritime trade have enabled increasing interconnection allowing for modern- day economic interdependence Over 4000 ports 55000 cargo vessels and 1 5 million seafareres active on any given day underpin globalization In this backdrop, the Indian Ocean, being the busiest commercial route connecting east and west, serves as a hub of maritime commerce and energy transit More
than 80% of world oil supply transits via crucial straits in the Indian Ocean with 40% passing through the Strait of Hormuz alone Unfortunately various demographic and geostrategic variables along with growing maritime traffic and commerce activity render the Indian Ocean a hotspot for maritime domain crimes The Indian Ocean Region's low human development index ailing economies and agglomeration of weak and failing states have also given birth to maritime domain crimes such as piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, and human and drug trafficking These crimes have long had an impact on the global economy and peace necessitating joint measures to resist these dangers Pakistan Navy (PN) has remained at the forefront alongside global community to promote peaceful multilateralism in the face of shared problems In addition to participating in several international peacekeeping coalitions PN has taken numerous initiatives contributing to security and stability in the region Pakistan Navy's AMAN multilateral naval exercise is one such endeavour The AMAN series of multilateral naval exercises aims to promote regional cooperation by increasing interoperability among regional and extra-regional navies Ex AMAN fosters a collective commitment againstthreats like piracy and maritime terrorism by bringing together a large number of participants and observer states on a shared platform E x e r c i s e
AMAN features different stages including harbour, sea and Special Operations phases with the goal of developing RTTP (Responses Tactics Techniques and Procedures) against challenges and threats
These phases commence with bringing together scholars and subject matter experts to contemplate maritime security challenges facing the region These scholarly deliberations are useful in developing sound policies and strategies for developing response mechanism against threats The sea and Special Operations phases include several modules and programmes like tactical manoeuvres Naval gunfire and anti-piracy drills with Special Operations Forces and Marine teams receiving special training on counter-terrorism tactics Exercise AMAN is distinguished by the fact that, unlike some other naval exercises in the area it is not a display of combat force Along with strengthening inter-navy cooperation and provision of necessary security to the regional waters Pakistan Navy has also served as a peacekeeper through Exercise AMAN It has encouraged mutual understanding and trust among regional and extra-regional fleets providing a venue for them to develop a modus vivendi and collaborate for a shared purpose As has been the case in the past, the Pakistan Navy has provided assistance in bringing China and the United States together through this platform This emphasises the significance and effect of Exercise AMAN It's also worth noting that Pakistan previously hosted forty-five fleets including Russia, China, and the United States, with Russia collaborating with NATO allies for the first time in many years
proceedings the petitioner s lawyer Imran Shafiq, revealed that the United States had also turned down a proposed prisoner swap arrangement with Pakistan The court was further informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had submitted a report responding to the court s queries including information about the foreign visits of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister It was noted, however, that the Pakistani ambassador in the US had not attended meetings regarding Dr Aafia’s case Expressing concern over the lack of progress Justice Sardar Ejaz remarked The US is showing us our worth The judge also criticized the US administration drawing a comparison between Biden s pardoning of his son s sentence and the denial of clemency for Dr Aafia, a Pakistani citizen
The IHC adjourned the hearing for two weeks, with further deliberations expected How did Dr Aafia Siddiqui end up in Texas?
Dr Aafia Siddiqui s case began in 2003 after the capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) AlQaeda s 9/11 mastermind Siddiqui, reportedly married to KSM s nephew, disappeared with her children in Karachi, later earning the title “Lady Al-Qaeda” due to alleged links with Al-Qaeda In 2008 she was arrested in Afghanistan allegedly carrying sodium cyanide and plans for attacks on US targets During interrogation Siddiqui reportedly wrestled hold of a US soldier s rifle and attempted to shoot US agents She was wounded in the process and later showed signs of severe mistreatment Siddiqui's son was released in Afghanistan, while her other two children’s whereabouts remain unknown In 2010 she was convicted of attempted murder in the US and sentenced to 86 years though she was never charged with direct ties to terrorism
Most wanted Balochistan militant commanders, new recruits surrender in Quetta
Two top militant commanders from Balochistan, along with two young men recently recruited by militant groups, have surrendered and pledged to join the national mainstream rejecting the path of violence In a press conference held in Quetta on Friday, former commanders of the banned Balochistan Republican Party (BRP), Najeebullah and Abdul Rasheed, announced their decision to renounce the so-called Baloch liberation movement They were joined by Balochistan Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi, Chief Minister s Advisor Meena Majeed Baloch, and DIG CTD, Aetzaz Ahmed Goraya Najeebullah who had been a
part of the terrorist organizations for over 14 years shared his experiences and revealed how he had been manipulated and brainwashed as a teenager into joining the militant group He expressed regret for being used by external forces to fuel instability in Pakistan stating The so-called fighters in the mountains don t even have proper meals a day while terrorist commanders live lavishly abroad and ignore us
He emphasized that many young Baloch are now seeking to join the national mainstream hoping for a better future Najeebullah also shared that his past commanders, including Dr Allah Nazar, Bashir Zaib, and Bramadagh Bugti, had lured him and other youth into terrorism while leading comfortable lives abroad He
called on the government to facilitate the return of more youths to the national fold Abdul Rasheed, also known as Khudaidad or Kamash shared his journey from joining the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) in 2009 to becoming a senior commander After realizing the true nature of the terrorist organizations, Rasheed made the decision to part ways and surrendered to the government He thanked the state for offering him the opportunity to reintegrate into society
The two former commanders decisions to renounce violence are seen as a significant step in reducing extremism in Balochistan The provincial government welcomed their surrender with Minister Zahoor Buledi urging other misguided individuals to return to the right path
Additionally, Jangez Khan, a recent recruit of the militant group, also shared his regrets after being promised money and a motorcycle to fight against the Pakistani military He too has decided to join the national mainstream and abandon the path of militancy
The successful strategy of the state in engaging with and rehabilitating these militants is expected to encourage more youth from Balochistan to renounce violence and work towards a peaceful future
provincial chief secretary, IGP Akhtar Hayat Khan, and law enforcement officers Kurram has witnessed decades of unrest and a new wave of violence has escalated since November 2024 claiming the lives of around 150 people
The violence began when two convoys escorted by police, were ambushed, resulting in significant casualties Despite a