BL AME SHIFT,’ GOVT SAYS TALKS PRACTICALLY OVER AS KHAN BL ASTS FAILURE AS ‘SIGN OF DECEIT’
g IRFAN SIDDIQUI SAYS OUR NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE STILL THERE AND IT HA S NOT BEEN DISSOLVED
g BARRISTER GOHAR SAYS PARTY HAD ALREADY MADE IT CLEAR IT WAS NOT SITTING DOWN FOR ‘HI HELLO OR PHOTO SESSIONS’
g JUNAID AKBAR CONFIRMS PTI’S INTENTION TO ABANDON NEGOTIATIONS IN FAVOR OF STREET PROTESTS
g NA SPEAKER A SSERTS HIS DOORS REMAINED OPEN, HOPING OPPOSITION WOULD HOLD TALKS TO FIND A WAY FORWARD
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui said on Tuesday that negotiation process with PTI was “practically” at an end after it skipped fourth round of meetings with PTI s Junaid Akbar warned of a nationwide campaign, citing the government s lack of commitment to resolving political tensions through dialogue
The incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan also slammed the government’s inaction on the judicial commissions demanded by the party to probe May 9 and Nov 26 incident as a sign of deceit
The much-touted negotiation between the government and the PTI kickstarted in December last to cool down the political temperatures in the country but despite weeks of negotiations the dialogue process stalled on major issues the formation of two judicial commissions and the release of PTI prisoners
Speaking to the media on Tuesday
outside Parliament House after the PTI skipped meeting Siddiqui said: Since they (PTI) didn t come, the negotiation process has practically ended However, our [negotiating] committee is still there and it has not been dissolved ”
He continued If they can approach the speaker by their deadline of January 31 or they think this door should be opened again and this process should resume then they can contact the speaker and our committee will still sit down and talk to them before the 31st or even after that date we can continue this process But as far as today is concerned they decided on their own on the 23rd five days before the 28th, and unilaterally announced [abandoning the process] giving various reasons for it “Sometimes they said that first make the commission then they said that police raided one of their committee member s house all of this was baseless and they just wanted to end the process He added that PTI must have other priorities, saying: “The process that they
Govt, not PTI, responsible for ‘r uining’ dialogue process: Sh Waqas
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lambasted the government for ‘ruining’ the dialogue process asserting the party had opted for the process with good intentions and great sincerity to sail the country out of stormy waters
He emphasized that despite the government’s illegitimate seizure of power PTI was willing to engage in talks However PTI CIS noted that the government lacked both the interest in making the dialogue meaningful and the
PTI Central Information Secretary (CIS) Sheikh Waqas Akram lashed out at the mandate thief government for blaming PTI for derailing the negotiation process He recalled that PTI presented its two most justifiable and reasonable demands in writing before the government s committee but the later failed to reciprocate in the same fashion Waqas categorically stated that unlawfully incarcerated PTI founding Chairman Imran Khan had formed an empowered committee to engage in talks with the illegitimate government in the greatest national interest and to navigate the country out of its current untold crises
Senate for mally approves amendments removing FATA from procedural r ules
R T
The Senate on Tuesday approved amendments to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business 2012 officially removing references to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), following its constitutional merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
The amendments were passed by majority vote Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui who tabled the amendments clarified that the changes were procedural in nature The term FATA no longer exists on Pakistan s map or in the Constitution after its merger with KP, he explained Addressing concerns raised by Senator Dost Muhammad Siddiqui emphasized that the changes were limited to Senate rules and had no bearing on constitutional amendments or seat allocations Tensions over development governance Meanwhile, tensions continue over development governance in the merged districts On January 26, the KP government urged the federal government to withdraw a newly formed steering com-
mittee tasked with managing the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) for the region The provincial government described the move as ill-conceived political adventurism
The planning ministry had earlier formed a nine-member steering committee to oversee the allocation of 80% of AIP funds and recommend federal agency-led development projects
and the State Bank of Pakistan This centralised body will ensure a unified approach to the country’s digital agenda providing it with a direction According to the IT minister an OECD study corroborates that most leading digital nations (including top 15 ranked countries in the UN E-Government Development Index) have high-level political commitment and a centralised, supraministerial, head-of-state-led approach By placing Pakistan’s digital transformation under the direct leadership of the Shehbaz Shareef Pakistan aligns with this proven model signalling our commitment to putting digital progress at the forefront of national policy Key elements would also include a National Digital Masterplan and emphasis on AI-
curred an additional cost of Rs167 787 billion equivalent to Re0 7551 per unit due to the unavailability of the 969 MW Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project from FY 2022-23 to 2024-25 The increased cost stemmed from the reliance on more expensive power sources in the project’s absence Despite the financial burden on consumers sources clarified that Neelum Jhelum Hydro Power Company (NJHPC) has not been receiving capacity payments during the plant s closure This is attributed to the tariff structure which is based on a “take and pay” basis Additionally funds generated through the Neelum Jhelum Surcharge (NJS) have been treated as grants, significantly reducing the plant s tariff As capacity payments are excluded, the marginal cost is not attributable to NJHPC
The issue arose after the collapse of the headrace tunnel of the hydropower plant, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to establish a high-level committee on July 14 2024 The committee was tasked with assessing the financial impact of the plant s closure on end-user tariffs safeguarding consumers against additional charges due to structural flaws, and reviewing power purchase agreement (PPA) templates to prevent future losses
The committee chaired by the Federal Minister for Power included the Federal Minister for Water Resources the Chairman of Wapda the Federal Secretary for Water Resources, and the
Chairman of Nepra among others Its inaugural meeting was held on July 19, 2024, and attended by key stakeholders, including officials from the Power Division the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA-G) and NJHPC
During the meeting the Federal Minister for Power outlined key concerns related to the headrace tunnel collapse and its impact on the hydropower plant’s operational and financial components The committee also reviewed mechanisms to insulate consumers from future financial burdens resulting from design or construction flaws in power projects
SIFC-backed reforms aim to slash gas
COMMENT
Interest rate down again
TCan this Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire bring peace?
TThe
tion knew that Netanyahu wouldn’t agree to a ceasefire and yet continued to publicly claim that Israel supported one and that hamas was the major obstacle The charade continues with this agreement because even though Biden knows the ceasefire is of limited duration, he took the Pr victory to end his term in office
has
will
assuring
supporters that
and
when it’s over
will not withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza, nor allow Palestinian governance in Gaza that politically connects that area with the West Bank
The administrations of Presidents Biden and Trump have chosen to ignore Netanyahu s intentions in order to make a show of their success Biden had been providing support and cover for the Israeli leader from the beginning of the conflict From October 2023 until leaving the White house Biden and Co supported Netanyahu’s goals and gave him free rein Despite the US President s insistence that he had been strenuously pursuing a ceasefire for half a year, there is clear evidence that the administra-
Setbacks encountered in Trump’s immigration crackdown
Re C e N T developments have posed challenges to the deportation policy introduced by the Trump Administration On January 24 Mexico denied permission for a US military aircraft, specifically a C-17 transport plane, carrying approximately 80 deported migrants to land, citing concerns over sovereignty
individuals with criminal records are currently residing in the country without legal authorization reports indicate that over 300 000 migrant children are currently unaccounted for raising fears of trafficking and abuse Additionally illegal migrants were involved in drug cartels and human trafficking, including fentanyl, illegal firearms, and large sums of cash that continue to flow across the southern border due to inadequate enforcement measures The Trump Administration presented a robust strategy to counter illegal immigration focusing on stronger enforcement judicial reforms and national security enhancements The plan prioritizes securing the border, deporting criminal migrants, dismantling human trafficking networks, and improving transparency between federal and state agencies
gies, and adhere to both local and international laws and protocols before implementing a unilateral deportation strategy The Trump Administration’s policy of deporting illegal immigrants is based on both common sense and legality
While there may be justifications and counterarguments to this approach, on the touchstone of legal principles and rational policymaking, the deportation of individuals who have entered the country through illegal or shortcut means must be handled strictly in accordance with the law Immigration laws exist to ensure national security economic stability and public order and failing to enforce them undermines the legitimacy of the legal immigration system, encourages further illegal migration, and places undue pressure on public resources
have
and
and
Additionally
and 210 000 respectively Many
uals from these countries initially arrive
or
and subsequently
thereby
The
Administration described illegal immigration as invasion highlighting that over 13 000 individuals with murder convictions nearly 16 000 rapists and sexual predators and more than 425,000 individuals with criminal records, have entered the USA illegally Noting that drug trafficking and human trafficking affect communities nationwide describing the situation at the southern border as a “war zone ”
The Administration is also committed to addressing the growing backlog of cases to clear the pending immigration cases from 1 4 million to 3 5 million between 2021 and 2024, with over 340,000 asylum claims, and to investigating the status of missing migrant children and strengthening enforcement against traffickers who prey on vulnerable individuals Since President Trump s inauguration his Administration has aggressively pursued its illegal immigration deportation policy Within the first few days, US Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICe) conducted raids in multiple cities, resulting in the arrest of 538 undocumented immigrants including individuals identified as gang members and those convicted of sex crimes against minors Additionally the Administration s plan to deport migrants with temporary residence permits granted during the previous Administration has sparked legal and ethical debates however, the refusals of Mexico and Colombia to let deportation flights land have given a first setback to the speed and efficiency of deportation efforts This situation poses a challenge to Trump s policy forcing the USA to engage in diplomatic negotiations establish clear deportation mechanisms and methodolo-
to the US economy and growth should be given a pathway to remain in the country, provided they meet the bare minimum legal requirements.
The responsibility lies with the countries of origin to take back their citizens with dignity and respect establish rehabilitation centres and provide them with the necessary support to reintegrate into their societies or apply legally for migration in the future Ironically, many of these nations refuse to accept their own deported citizens while expecting the USA to grant them legal residency or citizenship an approach that lacks both logical and legal justification
While the USA has the full legal right and authority to deport these individuals it may consider demonstrating magnanimity and compassion by ensuring that illegal immigrants are treated with dignity and respect
Additionally it should exercise extreme restraint in addressing this critical issue with wisdom and diplomacy seeking appropriate diplomatic solutions rather than resorting to coercion, pressure tactics, or the use of military force to enforce its immigration policies
A measured and strategic approach would uphold international norms, strengthen bilateral relations and promote cooperation ensuring that the issue is resolved in a manner that aligns with both legal principles and humanitarian values
Moreover the USA as a champion and advocate of human rights and decency, bears an additional moral responsibility beyond common sense and legality toward illegal immigrants who have arrived in search of better opportunities for themselves and their families after enduring immense hardships and suffering Furthermore those who are genuinely hardworking, law-abiding, and contributing to the US economy and growth should be given a pathway to remain in the country, provided they meet the
tention without trial for up to two years
IN D I A observes January 26 as Repub-
lic Day However this is at odds with reality A republic represents more than just a political system; it embodies the values and ideals that unite a society At its core, it is a political structure in which the head of state is chosen by the people or their representatives highlighting the importance of citizenship the rule of law and the safeguarding of individual rights The essence of a republic is not just found in its framework, but in the principles guiding the relationships between the government and its citizens, as well as among the citizens It is about striking a balance between freedom and responsibility and being dedicated to justice equality and the collective well-being The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including the right to equality, freedom of speech, and the right to life and personal liberty However, despite these constitutional assurances, India has struggled to ensure the protection of human rights Over the years numerous reports and investigations have highlighted ongoing human rights violations from discrimination and violence against marginalized communities to abuses of power by authorities
The most glaring examples of human rights violations in India are evident in its states Uttar Pradesh the most populous state has witnessed several high-profile human rights abuses particularly under CM Yogi Adityanath UP has experienced widespread police violence, with numerous reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, and intimidation by law enforcement The state’s handling of protests and dissent has been heavily criticized For example during the 2019 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act security forces were accused of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, leading
to deaths and injuries The police also faced allegations of targeting Muslims and suppressing protests using brutal tactics UP has also been a hotspot for communal violence especially between Hindus and Muslims The 2020 Delhi riots, which spread to parts of UP, resulted in the deaths of several people, primarily Muslims The state government’s response to such violence has been criticized for allowing mob attacks on Muslims and failing to hold those responsible accountable The controversial bulldozer policy, which involves demolishing Muslim-owned properties as punishment for alleged crimes, has been condemned as an unconstitutional form of collective punishment Assam a northeastern state has also been embroiled in violence and human rights abuses particularly around issues of ethnicity and migration The National Register of Citizens exercise in Assam, aimed at identifying illegal immigrants, disproportionately targeted Bengali Muslims a significant minority group Thousands of people many of whom had been long-time residents were excluded from the final NRC list and declared stateless This exclusion sparked fears of mass detention, as many faced the threat of being sent to detention camps without access to basic rights The process notably affected the Muslim population and violated their fundamental rights to citizenship Assam has also experienced violent ethnic conflicts particularly between indigenous Assamese communities and Bengali-speaking Muslims In 2012, riots between these groups resulted in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands The situation in IIOJK represents one of the most severe human rights crises in India The region has long been a flashpoint for political, ethnic, and religious tensions, with Indian security forces committing numerous atrocities, resulting in an ongoing humanitarian disaster International human rights organizations the United Nations and independent observers have documented widespread abuses in the region including extrajudicial killings forced disappearances arbitrary arrests, and torture Since the late 1980s, Kashmir has been the site of a significant insurgency, with locals demanding the right to self-determination and union with Pakistan India has consistently rejected UN resolutions calling for the right of Kashmiris to determine their future The Indian government has deployed large numbers of security forces to suppress the region, against the will of the Kashmiri people The situation wors-
ened dramatically following the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in August 2019 which had granted the region special status This move intensified human rights violations and sparked anger among the Kashmiri population
One of the most egregious abuses in IIOJK has been the widespread use of extrajudicial killings by Indian security forces International human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch Amnesty International and the United Nations have reported numerous cases where Indian forces have killed civilians in so-called encounters,” with little to no accountability
These “encounter killings” are frequently carried out with impunity and security forces are seldom held accountable Numerous reports have indicated that the Indian Army paramilitary forces and police have employed extrajudicial killings as a tactic to suppress dissent and quell the insurgency
The region has also been the site of brutal massacres such as the 1990s killings in Sopore where numerous civilians were killed by indiscriminate gunfire from security forces More recently incidents like the 2016 Burhan Wani protests, triggered by the killing of a prominent freedom leader by Indian forces, led to significant civilian casualties Enforced disappearances remain another grave human rights issue
Reports from various human rights organizations indicate that thousands of individuals including political activists militants, and ordinary citizens, have been forcibly disappeared by Indian security forces Families of the disappeared often face significant challenges in seeking justice as the security forces deny any involvement or responsibility for these disappearances
These abductions are frequently accompanied by physical and psychological torture, often intended to extract confessions or information Torture remains a prevalent practice in IIOJK used as a tool of intimidation or to obtain information from suspected militants Survivors testimonies along with reports from human rights organizations detail instances of abuse such as beatings electric shocks, and sexual violence The lack of accountability perpetuates a climate of fear and suffering in the region
Arbitrary arrests and detentions of civilians have become widespread as part of India s counterinsurgency operations Thousands of people including activists students journalists, and politicians, have been detained without charge, often under the controversial Public Safety Act (PSA), which permits de-
CNN surrenders to Trump
After the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 Indian authorities arrested numerous prominent political leaders including former chief ministers and members of separatist organizations Many of these detainees have been imprisoned outside Kashmir, often far from their families, making it difficult for them to challenge their detention in court
The use of preventive detention particularly against political opponents and activists critical of government policies has been widely criticized as a violation of international human rights standards The PSA is viewed as a tool of political repression rather than a legitimate measure against insurgency
One of the most significant human rights violations in Indian-Occupied Kashmir especially since the revocation of Article 370 has been the imposition of communication blackouts Following the abrogation in August 2019, the Indian government imposed a strict lockdown in the region, which included shutting down internet services limiting phone connectivity and restricting media access This communication blackout isolated the people of Kashmir and prevented journalists, human rights organizations, and the international community from obtaining accurate information about the ground situation Journalists have faced harassment detention and censorship for reporting on ongoing human rights violations and the suppression of media and communication channels has severely restricted freedom of expression and hindered the documentation of abuses
Sexual violence, particularly rape and molestation has been used by Indian security forces as a tool of repression Women have been subjected to horrific sexual violence with the 1991 Kunan Poshpora incident a particularly notorious case, where Indian soldiers reportedly gang-raped over 30 women in one night Despite the incident being welldocumented by local witnesses and human rights organizations justice remains elusive
The climate of insecurity in Indian-Occupied Kashmir has left women particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and many victims face stigma and rejection from their communities Additionally, the suppression of dissent and the ongoing violence have further eroded societal structures making it even more difficult for women to seek justice In recent years Indian forces have increasingly employed pellet guns to control protests in Kashmir These weapons, designed to disperse crowds, have caused widespread injuries, particularly to the eyes of
protesters Reports indicate that thousands of Kashmiri civilians, including children, have suffered blindness or severe injuries These injuries have profound long-term physical and psychological effects, with many victims losing their livelihoods as a result of permanent blindness The use of pellet guns has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and medical professionals Despite repeated calls for a ban, the Indian government has continued to deploy pellet guns in Indian-Occupied Kashmir
The international community has consistently condemned the human rights violations in the region urging independent investigations and increased international oversight of the situation The UN has issued reports documenting ongoing abuses, with several UN bodies urging India to uphold international human rights standards in its administration of the region Despite these calls India has largely rejected international involvement in the Kashmir issue asserting that it is an internal matter Additionally India s refusal to grant independent
C NN anchor Jim Acosta is fated to be a barometer of his network’s relationship with Donald Trump During Trump s first term Acosta s tough questioning at press conferences gave CNN credibility as a news outlet uncowed by the president s bullying and willing to uphold the principle of accountability In 2018, Trump denounced Acosta as a “rude, terrible person” and the White House revoked Acosta’s press pass CNN sued Trump and his top aides on behalf of Acosta successfully forcing the White House to give the reporter back his press pass If Acosta s jousting with Trump was once celebrated by CNN, it has now become a source of shame With Trump winning not just a second term but also having, for the first time, a popular vote victory (however narrow) CNN and other corporate media outlets have been thoroughly cowed Last Thursday in the newsletter Status Oliver Darcy a former CNN journalist reported that CNN CEO Mark Thompson had phoned Acosta and delivered the veteran journalist a sudden and strange proposal: Move your show to midnight and anchor it until 2am ET ” Acosta currently has a morning show that runs at 10 am ET A CNN employee told Darcy “They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network Mediaite followed up Darcy s reporting with other quotes from current and former CNN employees, who were nearly unanimous in being shocked by the network’s behavior One staffer said “Jim made a career and name for himself by asking tough questions and holding power to account That included Trump So it will be interesting to see if this kind of move has some sort of chilling effect or sends a message to other shows and EPs about how the network wants to engage with this new administration ” Another staffer was “baffled” by the proposed sidelining of Acosta noting “It seems like an attempt to appease Trump who is never appeased by anything On Tuesday Darcy reported that the day before Trump s inauguration Thompson held a virtual editorial meeting where he offered guidance about how he wanted to see the network cover Inauguration Day Thompson indicated to attendees, I’m told, that he wanted his journalists to be forward-thinking and to avoid pre-judging Trump He cautioned against expressing any outrage of their own as many of the anchors who make up CNN s roster of journalists had previously done with regularity during Trump s
many outlets found it profitable to cater to popular liberal outrage over Trump Under the umbrella label of “resistance liberalism” emerged a genuine mass movement that sought to fight Trumpism through protests and electoral organizing Resistance liberalism had its share of faults notably a propensity for conspiracy theories evident in the wilder speculations about Trump s possible ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin but it was also a salutary popular engagement with democracy The mainstream media sometimes cynically but also with genuine investigative reporting tried to harness the new audience of resistance liberals In 2017 The Washington Post adopted the slogan Democracy Dies in Darkness But even before Trump won his second term, the fighting spirit of resistance liberalism had waned, weakened by years of defending the often out-of-touch Biden administration It’s notable that in 2024 roughly 75 percent of the nation s largest newspapers including The Washington Post USA Today and the Los Angeles Times refused to endorse any candidate for president Earlier this month, the Post adopted a new mission statement: Riveting Storytelling for All of America ” While “Democracy Dies in Darkness” can be criticized for being melodramatic and selfimportant the new credo suggests a newspaper not committed to journalism at all but devoted instead to simple entertainment
The retreat from an adversarial relationship to Trump is undoubtedly rooted in economic self-interest As corporate consolidation of the media intensifies, news outlets are increasingly beholden to leviathan parent entities that are deeply entangled with affairs of the state This is especially the case since Donald Trump has not been shy about threatening to use his presidential power against business leaders who defy him Last fall, Trump threatened Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg with life in prison Not surprisingly, Zuckerberg has swiftly moved to appease Trump by creating policies at Facebook that suit the president notably the site’s recent severe curtailing of fact-checking The New York Post reports that CNN s corporate parent, Warner Bros Discovery, has made it clear it wants the network to adopt a more neutral tone in its dealings with Trump ” The Washington Post, of course, is owned by Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s richest men whose extensive business interests notably at Amazon require him to keep on the good side of Trump The abject submission of outlets such as CNN and The Washington Post is not just a lesson in the dangers of corporate control of the media but also a reminder of the value of independent media The alliance between the mainstream media and resistance liberalism was always precarious and dubious Even when CNN was more critical of Trump than they are now it was on grounds friendlier to a safe centrism than any progressive politics: hence CNN s onetime promotion of
AF T E R 40 years of intense interaction the United States and China are pulling away from each other The US believes China plans to eclipse it as the premier global power and builder of order China s leaders think America wants to end their rule Determined to avoid war, but unwilling to compromise each side is trying to reach its goals in spite of its rival The Chinese expression suggests that one of them must fail Tigers dominate their worlds by their very natures; two is one too many Beijing and Washington both face a contradiction between political and economic logic
Politics first The Chinese Communist Party claims that only the CCP can provide the stability essential to China’s development and that individual rights must be sacrificed to stability if the Party requires it In effect the CCP lops off the top of Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs It tells the Chinese people that they are homo economicus; they can be happy, wealthy, healthy, technologically enabled, educated (to a point), entertained, and globally integrated (to a point), but they cannot be free lest chaos ensues and development ceases Most Chinese seem to accept this or to least to comply
The United States values individual liberty over social and cultural cohesion except when it feels its security is threatened Most operations of the American government, admirable and otherwise, are conducted in the light of day, where they are constrained by law and criticized by free media and opposition parties Under broadly democratic institutions Americans believe Maslow s pyramid is intact and humanity achieves its full expression
Because Chinese and Americans enjoy making money, admire each other s cultures, and tend to get along their senses of humor, friendship, and family translate well the contrast in their political systems was tolerated by both while China was clearly in the subordinate position (from 1979 to roughly 2013) When China began to use its wealth to build global influence however tensions between China s secretive authoritarian system and the more open Western model came to the fore In order to maximize their scope for action, both powers want the global system to resemble their domestic governing philosophy as closely as possible But the existing order incomplete evolving and contested as it is cannot be broadly liberal and illiberal in the American and Chinese modes simultaneously So the competition is on That s the logic of politics It suggests the emergence of side-by-side orders in a bifurcated world Economic logic speaks against such separation Despite the recent success of America’s economy and the weakening of China’s, both powers have great economic strength and neither is fatally vulnerable to the other China has the world s largest consumer class and is the world s greatest trading and lending nation It is
Abdul bAsit Alvi
CHINA and India have recently reached multiple consensuses, including India expressing full support for China’s rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and both sides agreeing to resume direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India and facilitating personnel exchange, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held the ChinaIndia Vice Foreign Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue in Beijing on Monday The meeting focused on pushing
forward the implementation of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries during the meeting in Kazan and discussing the measures for the improvement and development of China-India relations, according to a release by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday The two sides reached consensus on multiple issues Among these consensuses, the Indian side will extend full support for Chinese presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and will actively participate in the meetings under the SCO umbrella
The two sides agreed to carry out active interactions at all levels on bilateral and multilateral occasions, strengthen strategic communication, and enhance mutual political trust, according to the release The two sides agreed to jointly commemorate the
75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India in 2025 and carry out media and think tank exchanges Track II dialogues and other people-to-people exchanges, it read Hu Zhiyong, a professor from Zhejiang International Studies University and also research fellow at the Institute of International Relations at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told the Global Times that the consensuses reached by both sides showed that at this moment both sides have common interests to
bilateral ties and remove obstacles for further cooperation, as there will be uncertainties and challenges in 2025 that will require both sides to work together “Although the two countries had frictions and tensions in different fields in the past few years and New
SANOBAR NADIR
In the deep blue waters of the Arabian Sea, the story of bravery, resilience, and cooperation has been unfurling since 2007 Since then, with each flip of the page, this story has only grown stronger
Exercise AMAN an initiative started by the Pakistan Navy carries the flag of the country s commitment to promote and support peaceful coexistence in the region This exercise is more than a military drill It is a global message of peace, collaboration, unity, and collective responsibility for maritime security, tying together the navies across the world under the motto "Together for Peace " The AMAN exercise aims to promote peace and regional cooperation by enhancing alliances among both regional and extra-regional navies, a
navies from various countries can refine
and
criminal activities including piracy and human t
global maritime security Over the years, this biennial event has symbolized Pakistan's leadership in promoting peace and unity in the region by addressing traditional and nontraditional maritime threats Pakistan Navy known for its strategic vision and multifaceted approach to maritime security, has propelled AMAN to greater heights Since its inception, the scale of Exercise AMAN has grown significantly, with participation increasing from 28 countries in 2007 to 50 in 2023 The first AMAN exercise AMAN-07 involved 14 warships from Bangladesh China France Italy
Malaysia, the UK, and the USA, with 28 participating nations and 29 observers The second exercise in 2009 saw 24 countries 14 warships two aircraft and nine Special Operations Forces (SOF) teams from Australia Bangladesh China France Japan
Malaysia the UK Nigeria Türkiye and the USA
By AMAN-11, 28 countries participated, with 11 ships, three aircraft, and additional SOF, EOD, and marine teams from countries like Australia, Japan, China and the USA along with 43 observers AMAN-13 saw 29 countries with 12 ships two aircraft from Japan and eight SOF teams from Bangladesh China Indonesia Italy Sri Lanka and Türkiye, along with two EOD teams from Türkiye and the USA, alongside 36 observers The AMAN-17 exercise witnessed an increase in participation as 34 countries, 12 ships, and eight Marine teams from nations including China Indonesia Malaysia Russia Sri Lanka Türkiye and the UK with 67 observers participating in the year 2017 AMAN-19 saw 46 countries 11 ships two aircraft, and 10 SOF/EOD Marine teams, along with 113 observers, reinforcing the growing scale of the exercise
Whereas in AMAN-21 42 countries participated showcasing 11 ships aircraft from Türkiye and numerous SOF teams from Russia Sri Lanka and Türkiye with 117 observers While the latest AMAN-23 exercise, held in the North Arabian Sea, was the largest yet, with 50 countries, seven ships, and various special teams, along with 116 observers By hosting and organizing successful AMAN exercises throughout all these years the Pakistan Navy played a pivotal role in earning Pakistan the reputation of being a key regional player in global maritime affairs Due to the ever-expanding global participation of Exercise AMAN, the Pakistan Navy has introduced the AMAN Dialogue alongside the AMAN-
25 exercise this year AMAN Dialogue focuses on promoting a shared understanding of the region s security challenges with particular emphasis on the Blue Economy This strategic forum provides senior military and defense leaders with a platform to discuss regional security and develop solutions to maritime challenges It also aims to identify gaps in maritime security strategies and explore innovative solutions to growing threats at sea such as cyber-attacks on maritime infrastructure and environmental hazards The Dialogue also highlights the importance of the Blue Economy in contributing to economic growth through the sustainable use of marine resources, fisheries, and tourism Furthermore the AMAN Dialogue will gather Chiefs of Navies Coast Guards and Defense Forces for multilateral discussions and one-on-one meetings as well as include keynote addresses and seminars on current maritime issues, promoting collaboration in the ocean s safety and security By looking at the achievements of the Pakistan Navy it is apt to say that its influence is not just limited to the sea as it goes beyond the boundaries of the ocean Pakistan Navy operates as a four-dimensional force and with each passing year it has proved its mettle by being at the forefront when it comes to national security and safety It has also advocated the significance of forming friendly alliances with other countries and working with other navies to promote peace in the region With strategic capabilities in surface subsurface and aerial domains the Pakistan Navy maintains authority across various aspects of maritime security Exercise AMAN demonstrates the Pakistan Navy s ability to address both traditional maritime challenges and emerging threats to peace and security Now under the guidance of the Pakistan Navy the AMAN Dialogue will open a new door to enhance regional cooperation and stability This initiative promotes global collaboration and further cements the Pakistan Navy s role as a promoter of peace and stability in the global regions By leading this innovative initiative, the Pakistan Navy continues to shape the future of maritime security, ensuring a peaceful cooperative and secure global maritime environment for everyone
GOVT FOCUSING ON REFORMING PAKISTAN’S
POWER SECTOR: AWAIS LEGHARI
OICCI hosts 3rd Pakistan C limate Conference to address urgent climate challenges
The third Pakistan Climate Conference organized by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) began today at the
ALIYA HAMZ A MALIK APPOINTED
2 soldiers mar tyred, 5 terrorists killed in foiled Qila Abdullah checkpost attack
resigned as Secretary General and was replaced by Jahangir Tareen while Azam Swati took over as provincial president in Qaiser s place Qaiser made it clear that he does not belong to any specific faction within the party, stating, “I am in Imran Khan’s
checkpost of the security forces in Qila Abdullah district s general area of Gulistan on the night between Monday and Tuesday “The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted by own troops the ISPR said adding that this forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post s boundary It added that five terrorists, including two suicide bombers, were “sent to hell” in the ensuing exchange of fire
However during the intense fire exchange two brave sons of soil, Naik Tahir Khan, 39, and Lance Naik Tahir Iqbal, 26, having fought gallantly paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom the statement added The ISPR said that a sanitisation operation was being conducted in the area and the perpetrators of the “heinous act” would be brought to justice “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to
rifices of our
Pakistan-Afghanistan border Pakistan has witnessed a sharp uptick in the number of attacks targeting security forces and other law enforcement agencies, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after the banned militant group –Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Sindh Chapter Central Vice President Syed Shah Muhammad Shah on Tuesday wrote a letter to party President Mian Nawaz Sharif demanding immediate meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC) to address national issues According to media reports the letter criticises the party s prolonged failure to convene any
meeting since Nawaz Sharif ’s election as president highlights growing public discontent over the construction of six canals on the Indus River Syed Shah, a resident of UC Bhanot in Matiari District, expressed frustration over the party’s absence in governance stating Governments run under the party but unfortunately the party is nowhere to be seen here He also lamented the loss of key allies of the PML-N in the federal government, like Mahmood
Khan Achakzai Mir Hasil Bizenjo and Akhtar Mengal Syed Shah also highlighted the growing religious intolerance due to what he termed as an irresponsible government in KP,” referencing the recent Parachinar incident Emphasizing the urgency of addressing Sindh s concerns Shah stressed that public anxiety over the Indus canals could escalate adding, If we remain indifferent to such issues, history will place us among criminals ”
S h a h M a h m o o d Q u re s h i c l a i m s ‘n ew P P P ’ e m e rg i n g u n d e r Z a rd a r i - l e
LAHORE
S TA F F R E P O R T Shah Mahmood Qureshi, vice chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has asserted that a new PPP is taking shape led by figures aligned with Asif Ali Zardari rather than the traditional Bhutto legacy The remarks were shared in a handwritten letter from Kot Lakhpat Jail on Monday Qureshi who left the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over a decade ago, stated that Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal BhuttoZardari have firmly taken
over the party s leadership succeeding Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto
“This transformation is not just about leadership but also reflected in those representing the PPP today Qureshi wrote He described Sharjeel Memon as the party’s prominent face while figures like Aitzaz Ahsan Raza Rabbani Farhatullah Babar and Taj Haider have been relegated to the sidelines
He further criticized the party s evolution, saying, “The PPP’s ideology has shifted from ‘Jeeay Bhutto’ to ‘Jeeay
Zardari According to Qureshi this shift has impacted the party s principles, accusing it of voting for measures that undermine judicial independence and stifle free speech including amendments to the Peca Act of 2016
The PTI leader also alleged that the PPP, once a champion of social democracy now supports what he described as a hybrid democracy He claimed this deviation from its founding principles has contributed to a decline in popularity among its traditional voter base
