E D E R A L Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday reaffirmed commitment to complete analysis and implementation plan of rightsizing 43 ministries and their 400 attached departments by June 30 of the current fiscal year
“During course of this fiscal year, before June 30 all of this process will be done All 42 ministries (As CAD has already been abolished) and their attached departments their recommendations and implementation (will be done), the minister said at a press conference while sharing the six-month performance of the High-powered Committee on Rightsizing of the Federal Government He was accompanied by Convener of the National Parliamentary Taskforce on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bilal Azhar Kayani and Ambassador at Large Dr Salman Ahmad, who is heading the Implementation Committee Briefing the journalists the minister said it had been decided that 60% vacant regular posts (that have not come in payroll), which stood at 150,000, would be abolished or declared as dying posts, creating a real a real financial impact “All is being done after proper ratification from the federal cabinet ” The committee he said also decided to outsource general non-core services
including cleaning, plumbing and gardening to bring efficiency adding the number of contingency posts would also be reduced
He said it has also been decided that the ministry of finance would have live visibility on the cash balances of the all government entities “It cannot happen that at one side we are borrowing and on other government departments have idle cash balances
However he added it has nothing to do with people, but to improve efficiency, adding it was being implemented in all ministries He said under Wave-1 six ministries including Kashmir Affair and Gilgit Baltistan SAFRON; Information Technology and Telecom; Industries and Pro-
duction; National Health Services Regulations and Coordination; Capital Development Authority (CAD) were processed The minister said the committee has decided to merge Ministries of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) whereas CAD was abolished adding there were 80 entities associated with these ministries theses have now been reduced to 40 Minister Aurangzeb said that under Wave 2, the committee considered the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Commerce Division the Ministry of Housing and Works and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research Out of their 60 entities 25 would be
wound-up 20 reduced and nine merged or shifted
He said that under the ongoing Wave 3, five ministries have been notified, including the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training Information and Broadcasting National Heritage and Culture Finance Division and Power Division Sharing details about the committee, the minister said that in June of last year, the Prime Minister had constituted the committee headed by the Finance Minister with ministers MNAs representatives from coalition partners the private sector and high-level officials as its members He said the body s Terms of Reference (ToRs) were aimed at reducing federal government expenditures and improving its efficiency He said the committee was tasked with reviewing the performance of different ministries and their entities over the last thirty to forty years to decide whether they should be rolled-back or considered for improved efficiency Aurangzeb said that the committee decided to proceed in a phased manner for the efficient implementation of the recommendations, considering 5-6 ministries in batches
He stated that all the ministries and representatives of attached departments were given a full opportunity to explain their points of view adding that the discussions on each entity had taken several days
internment
and
687
were confirmed
monthly progress report for
released on January 1 revealed that
new cases were reported while 44 cases were resolved Of the resolved cases 23 individuals were reunited with their families, five were placed in internment centers, four were incarcerated, and two bodies were discovered Ten cases were found to be unrelated to enforced disappearances The issue of missing persons remains a contentious and unresolved matter in Pakistan In December 2024 a Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court reaffirmed that only the Parliament has the authority to address the ongoing problem of enforced disappearances Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, part of the six-judge bench, stated that it was the responsibility of Parliament to address the issue “The court has always recognized Parliament as the supreme body and now it is for Parliament to prove it so Justice Mandokhail remarked Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar speaking earlier in April, emphasized that resolving the issue would not be an overnight process, but the government was committed to building consensus among all relevant stakeholders He also pointed out that Pakistan had endured significant sacrifices as a frontline state in the war on terror over the past four decades and this context should be considered when addressing the missing persons issue
At least 19 terrorists were killed during exchange of fire with the security forces while three soldiers embraced martyrdom in three separate engagements in KhyberPakhtunkhwa reported the military s media wing on Tuesday
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on reported presence of Khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the security forces in general area Matani KP s Peshawar district
During the operation troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly eight khwarij were sent to hell The second intelligence-based operation was conducted in Baizai Mohmand District where during fire exchange eight terrorists were effectively killed by the security forces In third engagement in Karak district, security forces effectively engaged khwarij location
38 years, resident of district Ghizer), Naik Muhammad Nazir (age: 37 years, resident of district Skardu) and Naik Muhammad Usman (age: 37 years resident of District Attock) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat
According to ISPR, security forces were determined to eliminate menace of terrorism from the country and the sacrifices of brave soldiers further strengthen the resolve of security forces in fight against terrorism ISPR confirmed that sanitisation operations are ongoing to clear any remaining terrorists in the affected areas The military reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism and vowed that the sacrifices of these soldiers would only strengthen their resolve President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
paid tribute to Pakistan Army’s soldiers for embracing martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in KP Moreover, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have also lauded security forces for killing 19 terrorists in various operations in KP The entire nation is thankful to the martyrs for sacrificing their lives in defence of their motherland, the president said in a statement issued by the President House Press Wing He also lauded the security forces for killing three terrorists during the operation
PM Shehbaz Sharif in a statement said that the sacrifices of the officers and soldiers of Pakistan Army in war against terrorism will never go in vain He expressed the determination to completely eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country The president and the prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to elevate the ranks of the martyrs in Jannah and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the loss with equanimity
PAKISTAN TO REVISE POWER SUPPLY MECHANISM TO CPEC SEZS
spectively for the supply of electric power and development, operation & maintenance of distribution infrastructure within SEZ premises / service area (iii)The SEZs shall be obligated to procure additional power per NEPRA-approved regulations and applicable codes
of last resort and distribution licenses from NEPRA under Section 23E and 20 re-
The Special Economic Zone Act 2012 amended in 2016, mandates federal and provincial governments to ensure the availability of essential utilities, including electricity, for SEZs Despite this legislative framework SEZs have faced persistent issues such as unreliable power supply delays in infrastructure development and non-compliance with generation capacity requirements under Section 23E of the NEPRA Act Additionally, ambiguities in the law have hindered power connections from Distribution Companies (DISCOs) further delaying industrial progress in these zones A significant bottleneck lies in the absence of regulatory provisions allowing DISCOs to supply electricity to SEZs at a single point for resale to industrial consumers This gap not only causes delays but also results in higher electricity tariffs for SEZs compared to the uniform industrial tariff offered by DISCOs This disparity has been highlighted in the development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ Recognizing these challenges, the Ministry of Energy initiated comprehen-
sive deliberations with Chinese counterparts to devise a sustainable solution Two key options/modalities were discussed: Firstly, SEZs will remain under the service territory of the concerned distribution company (network and supply licensees) The SEZ developer will sign an O&M agreement with the DISCOs for development, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, supply of electricity and billing and collection thereby eliminating the need for additional licenses for the zone developer The industrial consumers would be charged uniform industrial tariff and the developer will receive an O&M fee for maintaining the network which would be approved by NEPRA in the distribution margin of DISCOs And secondly, SEZs will sign a Power Purchase Agency Agreement (PPAA) with DISCOs for supplying power equivalent to peak demand for five years (extendable) SEZs will apply for supplier of last resort and distribution licenses from NEPRA under Section 23E and 20, respectively for the supply of electric power and development operation & maintenance of distribution infrastructure within SEZ premises / service area The SEZs shall be obligated to procure additional power per NEPRA-approved regulations and applicable codes After consultations with key stakeholders, including the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)
and the Board of Investment (BOI) Option B emerged as the preferred choice NEPRA had already advertised draft amendments to its licensing regulations on September 6, 2024, paving the way for this proposal’s implementation The revised mechanism offers several advantages By empowering SEZs to secure supplier licenses and manage their distribution infrastructure, it ensures uninterrupted power supply, enhances operational efficiency, and addresses long-standing regulatory ambiguities The mechanism also aligns with NEPRA s regulatory framework and is expected to foster industrial growth especially in CPEC SEZs
The Ministry of Energy emphasized that this initiative would not only ensure the fulfillment of statutory obligations under the SEZ Act but also improve investor confidence by offering a more reliable energy ecosystem
The summary was circulated among all relevant stakeholders, including the Finance Division, NTDC, and KE, all of whom supported the initiative Based on their input the Ministry of Energy recommended the latter option for approval
As Pakistan continues to attract domestic and foreign investment through its SEZs, this revised electricity supply mechanism marks a significant milestone in addressing infrastructural and regulatory challenges, paving the way for sustained economic growth
partnership between HBL Microfinance Bank and HBL Zarai Services
HBL Microfinance Bank (HBL MfB), Pakistan’s leading microfinance bank, and HBL Zarai Services Limited (HZSL) the pioneer agriculture-specialized extension services company in Pakistan are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at empowering farmers through improved access to financial and agricultural support services
This collaboration underscores a shared vision of fostering sustainable agricultural development and enhancing rural livelihoods Under the partnership, HBL MfB, with its extensive expertise in providing tailored financial solutions to smallholder farmers will establish a presence at HBL Zarai s Deras thus offering microfinance products designed to meet their agricultural needs
power farmers by providing them with the resources knowledge and tools to make informed decisions enhance their agricultural practices and access financial services needed to thrive in an evolving landscape As Pakistan’s leading microfinance bank HBL MfB has been at the forefront of driving financial inclusion for rural households particularly for those engaged in agriculture This partnership allows HBL MfB to extend its outreach through HZSL s extensive network of Zarai Deras and Zarai Dost outlets These locations will serve as key touchpoints for farmers to access HBL MfB s financial services fostering a stronger connection between the Bank and the farming community
“This partnership reflects our vis
to strengthening Pakistan s agriculture sector Together HBL Microfinance Bank and HBL Zarai Services Limited aim to create a brighter and more sustainable future for farmers, equipping them with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to succeed in an evolving agricultural landscape A strategic
Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Mr Amir Khan, President & CEO, HBL Microfinance Bank remarked “Our partnership with HZSL is a step forward in strengthening the backbone of Pakistan s economy the agriculture sector As Pakistan s largest microfinance bank and a leader in agricultural financing, we take pride in supporting rural communities with innovative financial solutions that address their unique challenges Together with HZSL we aim to em-
UAE ex tends $2b payment due on Pak istan: PM Shehbaz
r t
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday lauded the security forces for eliminating 19 Khwarij during three separate operations in districts Peshawar, Mohmand and Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
The president and the prime minister praised the bravery and professionalism of the security forces for sending 19 Khwarij to hell during successful intelligence-based operations They also paid tribute to the three brave soldiers who embraced martyrdom during the operations
The president and the prime minister expressed condolences to the families of Lance Havaldar Abbas Ali, Naik Muhammad Nazir, and Naik Muhammad Usman and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families
The president reaffirmed the commitment to completely eliminate the menace of Khwarij from the country President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release He said the security forces were carrying out operations to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, adding the entire nation was united against terrorism
The president assured that operations against Fitna al-Khwarij would continue till its complete eradication
The prime minister reiterated the resolve to foil the nefarious attempts of the Khwarijities to disrupt the peace and security in the country
Planning minister chairs progress-review meeting on Jinnah Medic al Complex
COMMENT
Government-PTI talks
Th e postponement of the verdict in the Al-Qadir University reference yet again prompted PTI chief Imran Khan to complain that was being used as a Damocles’sword to hang over his head This postponement coincides with worry about the failure of the PTI and government to set a date for the next meeting of the committee which is supposed to consider the PTI’s demands One difficulty is that the PTI has not yet prepared a Charter of Demands which would form the basis of negotiations The negotiations are going slowly for the first session on December 26 agreed only on a presentation of a Charter of Demands by the PTI on January 2 That meeting ended without the presentation of the Charter of Demands and without setting a date for the next meeting though it was agreed it would occur in the next week this one so far no date has been set leading to fears that the entire process might be collapsing
Perhaps one of the sticking-points is the failure of the government to end the corruption cases against Mr Khan he stands out among those accused of involvement in the 9 May 2023 attacks on military installations in not having yet gone on trial (65 have not only been convicted by military courts but convicted) he has faced trial for a number of corruption cases as well as cases involving moral turpitude and his wife has been involved In those cases where he has been convicted he has been given relief in several The Al-Qadir University reference which involves a gift of land in return for a favour involving £190 million is one of the last cases against him and only the verdict remains to be announced and any sentence if he is convicted While the initial deferrals could be seen as an attempt to smooth the path of talks the latest one seems a pressure tactic If Imran is convicted his release would then become as much of a difficulty as that of the other prisoners especially those convicted of involvement in the May 9 incidents The government has proclaimed that political stability is essential; it must now
h e r e’s no two ways about it the Arab east is a mess It is weak divided directionless locked in multiple conflicts and not in control of its own destiny This isn t new It s been this way for a century, with non-Arab powers preying off the region in pursuit of their own aspirations This has been playing out in four major periods that define the Arab east’s plight during the last century While the players dominating Arab history have changed over time the constant is that Arabs have been the victims of manipulation by others
Foreign Manipulation of the Arab East must end
Israel s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sounds megalomaniacal in describing his country s dominant regional role, while ignoring the reality that Israel is only in its position because of massive supplies of Us weapons, back-up military assets, and political support he claims to be fighting and winning on seven fronts saving the West from the scourge of Islamic extremism he is operating without restraint genocidally transforming much of Gaza into a noman s land with permanent bases as signs of permanent conquest Israeli forces are doing much the same in syria and, despite an internationally accepted ceasefire with Lebanon, Israel has already made clear that it will violate the terms of the agreement by retaining a presence in the south of Lebanon Iran undoubtedly weakened by its losses especially in Lebanon and syria may be down but it s not out It retains the support of significant groups in Lebanon and some in syria, not to mention its deep penetration into Iraq and Yemen Iran may have lost its lynchpin, syria, and with that a weakening of its axis of resistance but Turkey and its support for the region s Islamic movements has emerged as the new factor in that country s and the Arab east s political equation The impact of this development on empowering or emboldening ideological Muslim affiliates in neighbouring states is not yet clear Nor do we know how religious or ethnic minority communities will be impacted by or react But it’s not unreasonable for them to be wary of what some fear are Turkey s Ottoman empire-like ambitions
At the same time, the fate of the two major victims of the British/French machinations, the Palestinians and the Kurds, remain both unresolved
while on this fool s errand to create a client-state in Iraq; and the emboldening of non-Arab regional powers who saw an opportunity to expand their influence over this region And so here we are today in the wake of wars in Gaza and Lebanon and the fall of the Assad regime in syria While russia and the UsA still have their hands in the pot, it s clear that the region s newly emergent overseers are now, to different degrees, the non-Arab states of Israel, Iran, and Turkey
h e c o s t o f l a w l e s s n e s s ’
AlI
TSome continue to blame the Arabs of the East for this sorry state of affairs, finding fault with their sectarianism or absence of leadership This, however, is akin to blaming the victims The divisions that exist are the result of external manipulation. And in the past, when movements emerged to create broadly-based unity based on a non-sectarian identity, external forces moved to crush or exploit them.
The writer tweets @AliGulLeghari1 ‘
abroad Over the years, Pakistani nationals have faced increasing scrutiny and restrictive policies in foreign countries due to their country’s tarnished image For example the United Arab emirates imposed bans on Pakistani workers from several districts due to incidents of fraudulent practices and involvement in illegal activities In 2023, saudi Arabia deported thousands of
Pakistanis for violations ranging from overstaying visas to engaging in illegal practices similarly, european nations like Greece and Italy have detained Pakistani nationals involved in crimes like human trafficking and drug smuggling such cases not only harm Pakistan s global reputation but also make it challenging for genuine travelers and professionals to access international opportunities The global standing of the Pakistani passport is a stark reflection of this deteriorating image According to the 2024 henley Passport Index Pakistan ranks as the fourth weakest passport globally granting its holders visafree access to only 33 destinations This is a direct consequence of the mistrust Pakistan faces globally, exacerbated by incidents of lawlessness, negligence, and criminal activities involving its citizens
The situation is further worsened by the government’s inability to ensure the safety and security of both its citizens and foreign visitors Governance at both the federal and provincial levels has remained ineffective, with law enforcement agencies struggling to address rising crime rates The absence of quick-response mechanisms, inadequate resources for tourist protection and a lack of accountability within law enforcement contribute to an environment where such incidents occur unchecked As a result Pakistan not only loses the confidence of foreign tourists but also fails to attract significant foreign direct investment Adding to the complexity is the insensitivity of the public Instead of expressing outrage or sympathy for the Polish couple s ordeal many Pakistanis took to social media to mock the incident
with countries that have imposed
concerns transparently
for
abroad can serve as ambassadors of positive change, gradually altering perceptions about the country
Accountability at all levels of governance is crucial establishing a robust mechanism to monitor and evaluate the performance of security agencies coupled with stringent penalties for negligence can deter complacency Moreover, addressing systemic corruption and inefficiency within government institutions is vital for restoring public and international confidence The role of Pakistan’s diaspora cannot be overlooked The government should work closely with Pakistani communities abroad to highlight their positive contributions and foster goodwill encouraging them to share success stories and engage in cultural exchange programs can help improve Pakistan’s image on the global stage Incidents like the robbery of the Polish couple in sujawal reflect deep systemic issues that Pakistan must address urgently such acts not only jeopardize the lives of foreigners but also hinder the nation s progress on multiple fronts A collaborative effort involving the government, law enforcement agencies, civil society and the public is needed to create a safe and welcoming environment By addressing these challenges head-on Pakistan can reclaim its position as a nation of hospitality and potential, respected by the international community Until then, the consequences of negligence and insensitivity will continue to cast a long shadow over the country’s aspirations
This behavior underscores a worrying societal trend where the gravity of such incidents is trivialized, further alienating foreigners and perpetuating the cycle of mistrust To address these challenges comprehensive reforms are necessary The government must prioritize security by allocating resources for robust law enforcement and establishing tourist police units equipped with modern technology and training Collaboration between federal and provincial governments is essential to formulate cohesive policies aimed at improving security and restoring Pakistan s image Public awareness campaigns can play a pivotal role in reshaping societal attitudes emphasizing the importance of treating foreigners with respect and ensuring their safety can foster a culture of hospitality educational institutions and media outlets should also take the lead in promoting stories of kindness and goodwill to counteract the negative narratives Additionally the government must focus
By addressing these challeng es head-on, Pakistan can reclaim its position as a nation of hospitality and potential, respected by the international community Until then, the consequences of neglig ence and insensitivity will continue to cast a long shadow over the countr yÊs aspirations
Fair tariffs, fair future
Gul leGHArI
The mess must be cleared up
Violence against visitors harms the countr y
From Hybrid War fare to AI-Driven conflicts
TH E geopolitical landscape in the near future is likely to be shaped by several significant phenomena that could alter the balance of global power particularly in relation to the Western world One such scenario is the potential withdrawal of the USA from its historically dominant role, accompanied by the adoption of a doctrine of non-interference in international affairs Should this occur it could lead to a diminished global leadership role for the USA thereby creating a power vacuum that may enable China and Russia to expand their influence on the world stage A second key development would be the continued ascent of China as a global power, resulting in heightened tensions with its neighbouring states especially Taiwan This rise in Chinese power would not only challenge regional stability but could also pave the way for China to assert itself as a global leader Concurrently, China s expanding influence would likely prompt a shift in the regional power balance, with countries aligning in either support or opposition to China’s policies Meanwhile Russia s increasing imperial ambitions and revanchist behavior are becoming more pronounced with the country intensifying its interventions in former Soviet republics However, in the event of a Russian defeat in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine an outcome that appears increasingly likely Russia could experience a reduction in its geopolitical influence It may be relegated to a secondary state status heavily dependent on China both politically and economically and would lose its ability to exert significant influence over European policies for a prolonged period
Another possible scenario that poses a significant challenge to Western dominance
would be the disintegration of the European Union (EU), particularly given the EU s growing disinterest in developing its defense capabilities, its struggles with the immigration crisis and the increasing influence of right-wing and nationalist movements These forces seek to redefine the EU s role and in some cases advocate for its dissolution
While the war in Ukraine has underscored the need for European nations to rebuild their military strength and preserve political and economic unity in the face of external threats, the subversive activities of Russia and China could destabilize the EU further presenting a formidable challenge to its cohesion Simultaneously the Middle East will likely continue to grapple with entrenched challenges, including the persistence of jihadist terrorism, weak governance structures and rising economic instability Additionally, sectarian tensions between Shiite and Sunni states as well as geopolitical conflicts involving Iran and Israel are already shaping regional dynamics as seen in Syria Yemen and beyond
As global powers, particularly China and Russia, vie for dominance and seek to shift the global hegemonic order, their growing influence presents a direct challenge to the USA especially in economic military and technological spheres These two powers in particular are engaging in a range of strategies to challenge US supremacy, including the use of force and the implementation of
hybrid warfare techniques Should the conflict in Ukraine conclude with a partial or complete victory for Russia, a new regional order could emerge, with China, Russia and Iran forming a strategic bloc that extends its influence over neighbouring countries as well as in Africa and South America Conversely a Ukrainian victory could lead to a realignment of former Russian spheres of influence, with some countries seeking to join NATO or form new alliances with the USA Concurrently, China is expected to extend its reach into Africa and South America further consolidating its position as a global strategic player on par with the USA The technological advancements of the future will undeniably play a pivotal role in reshaping the nature of conflict The ongoing issue of climate change, exacerbated by human activity is already having significant geopolitical ramifications The reduction in Arctic ice cover has encouraged Arctic-bordering nations including Russia Canada Norway, Denmark and the USA, to expand their claims to natural resources in the region Russia, for instance, has staked a claim to the area north of Siberia extending to the North Pole asserting that it is an extension of its continental shelf In anticipation of future resource exploitation Russia has already deployed Arctic units within its military structure to ensure control over
these newly accessible regions This intensifying competition for Arctic resources underscores the broader geopolitical shift toward the resource-rich Polar Regions At the same time urbanization trends are expected to continue, with a growing population migrating toward coastal cities This shift will have implications for both economic development and military strategy as these cities will become critical centers of activity By 2030 the number of megacities with populations exceeding 10 million is expected to rise to 41, further concentrating global power in these urban hubs In response to these emerging geopolitical realities, NATO has outlined its strategic priorities including deterrence and defense crisis management and collaborative security NATO s focus on technological advantage resilience and climate change mitigation reflects its recognition of the shifting global landscape
However, the growing influence of China particularly its use of economic advantage and military power poses a significant challenge to NATO s interests China s hybrid strategies which include disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks and military expansion, threaten the security and cohesion of the alliance
Furthermore, the Sino-Russian partnership which continues to deepen further complicates NATO s ability to maintain its position as the dominant global military and economic power As new technologies continue to evolve,
In the end, the ability of militar y forces to adapt to these new technological realities will determine their effectiveness in future conflicts The integration of ar tificial intellig ence , automation and information warfare strategies will play a central role in shaping the outcome of wars, par ticularly as global powers such as China, Russia and the USA continue to develop and deploy new militar y technologies The evolving nature of conflict, marked by the converg ence of traditional and hybrid warfare strategies, will challeng e established militar y doctrines and necessitate a rethinking of militar y readiness and strategy in the coming decades
In
The resistance and the Lebanese state
Fit garnered immediate criticism Nevertheless Modi continued to own and use it throughout the campaign It figured prominently in the post facto analysis of results of the election that BJP lost comprehensively
from all sides and has remained constant over time It is the male gaze In 2005 when Lalu Prasad Yadav then a minister in the UPA government had claimed that he had made the roads of Bihar a state he was once the chief minister of like Hema Malini s cheeks outrage was largely an elite reaction But his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, across the country, took to the analogy like fish take to water BJP’s Kalkaji candidate Ramesh Bidhuri’s comment about Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi takes forward that vile legacy ironically at a time when one of the pillars of his party s campaign in the last year s parliamentary elections and several Assembly elections preceding and following it, has been women s empowerment, a pitch quickly adopted by their rivals too Neither the veteran actor-MP nor the debutant parliamentarian are alone The pervasive misogyny in Indian politics has spared very few targeting them individually and as a group with only feeble voices of protest here and there From Sharad Yadav s parkati auratein (literally women with wings clipped but derogatorily used for women with short hair) reference during a debate in parliament on the Women’s Reservation Bill to former Lok Sabha MP Abhijit Mukherjee’s “dented and painted jibe at protestors out on the streets following Delhi s 2012 gangrape Indian politicians have always
CONTRAST WITH THE EMPOWERMENT
PLANK: Bidhuri s latest shot at controversy – he is no novice in that department – is a study in contrast to how the BJP has chosen to position itself in the last few elections, projecting Modi as the messiah of Indian women and has fought state elections with a very clear agenda of addressing women as a separate and important voter block From Madhya Pradesh s Ladli Behna scheme that gives women Rs 1 250 every month and earned then chief minister Shivraj Chouhan his mamaji moniker to Maharashtra s recently announced Ladki Bahin scheme which takes the stipend to Rs 1,500 per month, governments have made it the bulwark of their women’s empowerment talk
They have also been emulated by rivals such as the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi which has announced the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana that will give a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 to adult women, and has now been followed up by a similar announcement by Congress of Rs 2,500 per month for the women of Delhi under what it calls “Pyari didi” scheme
The idea of a monthly sum as women’s “honour” while partymen (and women remember Supriya Shrinate s rate card taunt for actor MP Kangana Ranaut?) spew slurs that degrade women individually and collectively is disturbing, even more so because the sporadic outrage is never enough to influence the outcome of elections Indian society in general revels in any insults to women – the commonest cuss words reference the women in the family with impunity Politicians unfortunately but obviously are held to the same standards which is why they know they can get away with the profanities that they utter Women, with a very few exceptions, find nothing wrong about them either, probably because Indians from childhood are conditioned to outrage over things that women do rather than what men do to them In private spaces behind closed doors outrage over a shorter skirt comes more organically than the outrage over a rape That the mindset occasionally spills over into the legislative space is inevitable The crowds erupted in West Bengal every time Modi
TH E R E are those who continue to claim from here and there that the resistance or more accurately the Party of Resistance is a state within a state in Lebanon! This statement misleads the public, distorts reality, and misrepresents both the party and the resistance It is unacceptable, illogical, and should not be left unaddressed as if one were accepting or agreeing with it Such statements fall under the category of unfairly attacking the resistance and spreading hatred against it
THE QUESTION OF SOVEREIGNTY: Lebanon s national sovereignty faces numerous, even significant, challenges It appears incomplete and fragmented, lacking full structure, conditions, and descriptions The same applies to Lebanon’s national independence
The reason for this is the continued Israeli occupation and aggression in addition to external interventions both international and regional that influence Lebanon s internal affairs, as well as the foreign domination over the Lebanese state and political authority Notably, Western influence in general and American influence in particular, along with internal subordination to foreign hegemony only worsened Lebanon’s dependency From this perspective Lebanese resistance gains even greater importance This resistance is driven by the national will for independence sovereignty, dignity, and national interests
GOVERNMENT, MILITARY AND OFFICIAL
LEGITIMACY: There is no doubt that the logic of the Lebanese state with its dual aspects sovereignty and national legitimacy leads to a clear national equation
This equation asserts that the government on the political level, and the military, on the military and security levels, as well as the Lebanese armed forces and security forces, form the foundation of Lebanon’s official legitimacy
The Lebanese political authority must empower the military and security institutions within the country s overall state policy This includes equipping and developing the military s capabilities both combat and logistical regardless of international decisions, particularly Western ones, on this matter
RESISTANCE AND POPULAR LEGITIMACY:
The Lebanese resistance against the Israeli occupation or aggression is a manifestation of the popular will to confront the continuing threat of Israeli occupation and aggression Thus, the Lebanese resistance gains both political legitimacy and legal validity, primarily due to the existence of the Israeli threat It also derives its legitimacy as a representation of the people’s will or a part of the people’s
The enduring state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel goes beyond the war itself It is a long-term far-reaching enmity with multiple dimensions It is ideological historical political military and strategic This enmity is of great importance and poses serious risks to Lebanon s national interests This ongoing hostility renders any possibility of normalization, peace, or even neutrality untenable The Lebanese model stands in stark contrast to the Israeli model, and this discrepancy endures throughout the entire journey until the very end Hence resistance remains an urgent indispensable national need especially as Israel will not leave Lebanon in peace THE STATE-BUILDING PROJECT IN LEBANON: As we turn to the present political and historical moment and attempt to outline the features and parameters of the next political and historical phase we review past political and historical experiences to draw lessons from them The discussion in-
Dr MuhaMMaD akraM Zaheer
China’s top legislator holds talks with Congress of Peru president
of
Eduardo Salhuana at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing January 6 2025 /Xinhua Zhao Leji holds talks with President of the Congress of Peru Eduardo Salhuana at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, January 6, 2025
Chancay Port in Peru, a landmark China-Peru cooperation project, will help promote the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road between China and Peru as
as China and Latin America Zhao said
that the Congress of Peru will
tinue to support the construction of the port China and Peru have carried out fruitful cooperation in fields such as energy, mining, infrastructure construction and communications, and are actively exploring ways to expand cooperation on digital economy, green development and artificial intelligence It is hoped that the legislatures of the two countries will jointly create a sound legal environment for China-Peru practical cooperation Zhao said Salhuana said Peru firmly abides by the one-China principle, and is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in economy, trade, investment, electricity, infrastructure, culture and other fields
All parties of the Congress of Peru support deepening bilateral relations with China and are willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the NPC of China to make legislative contributions to the development of bilateral relations, Salhuana said
t i e s w h i c h h a v e b e e n p r o v i d e d t h e r e I n v e s t m e n t f r o m o t h e r c o u n t r i e s i n t h e s e z o n e s e q u i p p e d w i t h l a t e s t f a c i l i t i e s w i l l e n a b l e r a p i d e c on o m i c d e v e l o p m e n t H e s a i d t h a t i n s t e a d o f u n n e c e s s a r y c o m p l i c a t i o n s w e h a v e t o c r e a t e c o n v e n i e n c e s t o i n c r e a s e i n v e s tm e n t i n t h e c o u n t r y f o r w h i c h w e w i l l e n c o u r a g e a l l k i n d s o f i n d u s t r i e s i n t h e s e S p e c i a l E c o n o m i c Z o n e s s o t h a t m a x i m u m f o r e i g n e x c h a n g e c a n b e a d d e d i n t h e c o u n t r y I n t h e m e e t i n g o f t h e A p p r o v a l C o m m i t t e e , t h e p a rticipants discussed positively on the outstanding issues, d e l i b e r a t e d o n t h e c u r r e n t s i t u a t i o n o f t h e S p e c i a l E c on o m i c Z o n e s a n d p r e s e n t e d a n 1 8 - p o i n t a c t i o n p l a n
CM MARYAM NAWA Z REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO LIFTING HEALTHCARE STANDARDS
chief reviews progress on new projects and initiatives
at CDA headquarters on Tuesday The meeting was attended by CDA members and relevant senior officers Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa was briefed on the progress of outsourcing solid waste management services He was informed that advertisements for the bidding process to outsource solid waste management services had been published in newspapers Chairman CDA Muhammad
CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa instructed that modern and beautiful lights be permanently installed along Srinagar Highway and Club Road Chairman CDA directed that a design and plan for upgrading the city s model nursery be presented, and a business model for the nursery be developed Chairman CDA emphasized the establishment of flower shops and
S TA F F R E P O R T
The Punjab government has decided to clean Lahore from air pollution in line with the Chinese model and implement a modern method of getting rid of air pollution and soil dust
On the orders of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz a water sprinkler system will be installed at 1 500 places in Lahore
The Chief Minister ordered to install a water sprinkler system in Gaddafi Stadium by January 15
According to officials, this is an indigenously developed technology which has been under trial for the last three weeks
The Punjab chief minister has directed the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the system after the success of the experiments The Punjab CM has also directed the C & W department and the LDA to immediately install Water Sprinkle System In the system, the water is run
in the style of a fountain in such a way that the soil does not blow at the construction site and does not form a balloon
The first water sprinkler system will be installed at Gaddafi Stadium by January 15
The government has also directed that the construction sites must be covered with green cloth so that cement soil and dust do not blow during the construction work
A case will be registered against the violators for not following the water sprinkling procedure after February 10
Outsourcing process of 150 primary health units across Punjab government has completed the outsourcing process of 150 primary health centers in the province and the selection of doctors for health centers has also been finalized
The government has named these health centers as Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics The government will provide Rs0 6 million per month to the administrators of each Health Clinics The administrators
can buy the medicines from the market 150 primary health centers comprised 2 centres in Attock 4 in Bahawalnagar 5 centres in Bahawalpur, 2 in district Bhakkar, 5 centres in Chakwal district, 2 in Chinot, 4 primary health centers in DG Khan 4 in Faisalabad 5 centres in district Gujranwala 5 in Gujrat 5 5 in Hafizabad district 2 in Jhang 5 centres in Jhelum 4 in Kasur, 4 in Khanewal, 4 in Khushab districts have been entrusted to private individuals Moreover, 9 health units have been outsourced in Lahore 3 in Layyah district 3 in Lodhran 4 in district Mandi Bahauddin 4 in Mianwali district three each in Multan, Muzaffargarh, Nankana and in Narwal district, five health centres in district Okara, 3 in Pakpattan 4 in Rahimyar Khan 4 in Rajanpur 7 units in Rawalpindi 6 in Sahiwal 6 in Sargodha district 5 in Sheikhupura 6 in Sialkot and two centres each have been outsourced in Toba Tek Singh and Vehari district
Management Company (TPL RMC) The MBP is located in the heart of Korangi Creek Karachi and aims to preserve and restore these invaluable habitats and fostering public engagement with nature and enhancing coastal resilience The Mangrove Biodiversity Park (MBP) is a pioneering initiative aimed at setting a new standard for environmental conservation & ecosystem restoration in Pakistan As part of this ongoing commitment the MBP is pleased to announce the formation of an independent Advisory Board comprising of leading experts from diverse fields to help guide the future development and progress of the project, including: Riaz Waghan Chief Conservator Sindh Forest Department Dr
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
PA K I S TA N Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) fired a broadside at Asif Ali Zardari s frustrated courtiers for their consistent and unjustified criticism of PTI s leadership, saying PPP should not penalize them for PML-N s no-lift policy PTI Central Information Secretary
Sheikh Waqas Akram said that the PPP’s leadership frustration was understandable given the PML-N governments disregard
for them at the centre and in Punjab
Sh Waqas emphasized that PPP should end its marriage of convenience with the PML-N instead of unfairly criticizing PTI founder Imran Khan and his party out of frustration
He slammed the PML-N-led government for failing to arrange a meeting between the PTI negotiating committee and Imran Khan, despite numerous requests and assurances from the government PTI CIS made it clear that the mandate thieves would be responsible for any potential deadlock in the dialogue process emphasizing that it s their responsibility to facilitate a meeting between PTI representatives and Imran Khan
Sh Waqas recalled the government’s prompt action in opening the doors of Adiyala jail in the early hours before the Sajiani public gathering but now ironically they seemed powerless to facilitate a meeting with Imran Khan PTI CIS emphasized that further discussions without regular consultation with their party founder would be futile
About PPP he highlighted that the PPP was vociferously demanding a share in the central and Punjab governments but the PML-N flatly rejected their pleas and excluded them from key decisionmaking processes Waqas pointed out that the PML-N
governments at the center and in Punjab were making decisions unilaterally, leaving the PPP completely out of the loop However, he added that despite this, Asif Ali Zardari chose not to sever ties with the PML-N because he lacked the authority to make independent decisions He stated that the PPP leadership consumed by frustration has been lashing out at PTI as a means to vent their anger, which stems from being disregarded by the PML-N leadership However
minister Pervaiz Elahi in a case related to alleged corruption in development projects Accountability Court judge Zubair Shahzad Kayani framed the charges against the former chief minister of Punjab who pleaded not guilty The judge has summoned witnesses to record statement in the next hearing on January 21 while Pervaiz Elahi signed the charge-sheet On Tuesday Judge Zubair Shahzad Kayani resumed hearing the case, with lawyer Waris Ali Janjua representing the NAB and advocate Amjad Pervaiz appearing on behalf of Elahi During the hearing Ch Pervaiz Elahi s lawyer said his client pleaded not guilty to the charges informing the court that his client had arrived at the court premises However, he could not get out of the car due to health issues, adding that he was technically on the premises of the court he added
We want to submit a request for complete exemption from court
appearances for Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi ” the counsel said adding his client wanted to take the case forward now there will be no problem from our side in the case
In previous hearing, the judge approved a petition filed by the PTI leader seeking one-day exemption from appearance in court and had summoned him for framing charges on Jan 7
The court has already framed charges against Muhammad Khan Bhatti, Khalid Mahmood Chhatta, Asif Mahmood, Naeem Iqbal, Muhammad Asghar and Asad Ali in the case
In December 2023 the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a corruption reference in Lahore s accountability
court against Pervaiz Elahi his son Moonis and 11 others alleging the receipt of Rs1 23 billion in bribe and kickbacks in the contracts of development project in Gujrat
The father-son duo has been identified as prime suspects, who, according to the reference, have allegedly received the highest kickbacks among all others totalling Rs744 million
Initially taken into custody on June 1 2023, Elahi has faced a series of releases and re-arrests, remaining in detention ever since
The legal challenges coincided with the state’s crackdown on the PTI that followed the violent May 9 protests that saw important government and military installations vandalised
PHC fixes for hearing petition against ECP ’s notice to KP CM
PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T
The Peshawar High Court scheduled a petition for hearing challenging the Election Commission s fresh notice to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur seeking details of his assets
According to the high court s cause list, a twomember bench comprising Justice SM Atiq Shah and Justice Fahim Wali will hear the petition
In the petition Gandapur has named the chief election commissioner the provincial election commissioner and the regional election commissioner as respondents He argued that the election commission had initially issued a notice concerning his assets in April of the previous year, which was subsequently suspended by the Peshawar High Court, halting any further action by the commission
The KP CM further stated that the election commission issued another notice regarding his assets on November 20 2024 and resumed proceedings against him
The petition also stated that before the election Gandapur had provided details of his assets in his dec-
laration forms to the relevant Returning Officer and other officials, after which he was declared eligible to contest the election from PK-113 It was further noted that following his victory the election commission had issued a gazetted notification declaring his victory
The petition maintained that after the formation of election tribunals and the issuance of the gazette notification, the election commission no longer held the authority to adjudicate cases related to elections
The petitioners have urged the court to quash the election commission’s notice arguing that its purpose is to harass the petitioner and create undue pressure
