Customs foil fraud attempt in new faceless clearance system, suspends 45 licenses
been filed against the culprits, which include customs agents, apprais-
ing officers, and some private individuals involved in the scheme A dedicated investigation team has been set up and three individuals have already been arrested Raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure they face justice Despite the attempted fraud, FCAS is operating smoothly with no backlogs in customs clearances The system hailed as a significant improvement in the efficiency of customs procedures, was launched by the Prime Minister of Pakistan just two weeks ago
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration on Sunday arrested 10 individuals at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport after they were deported from Saudi Arabia for allegedly engaging in begging under the guise of performing Umrah
According to the FIA spokesperson, the deportees include Shah Nawaz, Afsar Ali, Mujtahid Hussain, Muhammad Adil, Rahib Ali, Zamir Hussain, Wasid, Sheraz Khan, Mubeen Ali Solangi and Khuda Bukhsh These individuals reportedly hail from different cities across Pakistan including Rajanpur Kashmore Naushahro Feroze Lahore Peshawar Mohmand and Larkana
FIA arrests 10 beggars depor ted from S audi Arabia for posing as Umrah pilgrims
GOVT ENVISIONS TRANSFORMATION OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS BY INTEGRATING MODERN TECHNOLOGY
TIn
and
to
despite his and his sister ’s efforts to arrange a return ticket she remained adamant about staying in Pakistan Robinson has been in Karachi since October 11 2024 pursuing a relationship with the 19-year-old man she met online Her family continues to express concern about her well-being
are available across institutions Even junior students are being introduced to AI and IT tools to cultivate interest and build foundational skills early on Abbasi added
The initiative also includes the provision of Chromebooks to students, allowing them to engage in interactive, self-paced learning “This approach not only enhances their learning capacity but also makes education enjoyable Students now have access to recorded lectures educational resources and external web links which they can revisit at their convenience, he explained He credited Federal Secretary Education, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, for setting targets across institutions to develop smart classrooms and
From kitchens to Corporations: Pakistan’s women entrepreneurs creating new narratives
ISLAMABAD a p p
In Pakistan, the role of women is rapidly evolving Traditionally, women were expected to manage homes and raise children, but today, they are making significant contributions across all sector business healthcare education technology and more Pakistani cuisine recipes Women in Pakistan are excelling in fields once dominated by men, challenging stereotypes and redefining their roles in society
Historically women were primarily seen in professions like teaching or nursing Today they are forging paths in engineering IT and robotics
Many have become successful pilots, doctors, lawyers, and leaders in creative industries like filmmaking, writing and fashion design Pakistani women are also breaking new ground in sports with notable achievements in cricket football and athletics on international platforms This shift is driven by a changing societal attitude As families grow more supportive and access to education improves, more women are entering a variety of professions
Today many women are running businesses working in startups and holding leadership roles across industries, contributing to a more progressive and inclusive future for the nation
Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan’s founder, emphasized that a nation cannot prosper without women playing an equal role in society His vision from 1947 laid the foundation for women s empowerment but much remains to be done to bring that vision to life While progress is being made, societal restrictions and gender discrimination still limit women’s full potential in Pakistan Although the global trend of women entre-
ISLAMABAD a p p
Access to healthcare has always been a challenge for rural and underserved communities in Pakistan, where medical facilities are limited, and specialist care is often out of reach Pakistani cuisine recipes
Recognizing the critical need for accessible healthcare COMSATS Internet Services (CIS) has expanded its TeleHealth Centers to bridge this gap through digital consultations and remote medical assistance Under the leadership of Ambassador Dr Mohammad Nafees Zakaria who took charge as Executive Director in 2022 CIS has revitalized and significantly grown its network This expansion allows people in the most remote areas to access high-quality care without the burden of traveling long distances With 31 operational centers today up from 14 in 2022 CIS continues to play a transformative role
Int’l conference to address
preneurship is on the rise, the situation in Pakistan remains concerning Women make up just 23-25% of the labor force with only 1% being entrepreneurs
Despite the increasing number of women earning university degrees only 25% enter the workforce, reflecting a vast underutilization of talent Pakistani cuisine recipes Sana, a successful food blogger, talking to APP emphasized the importance of consistency for success
Overnight success is unrealistic she says Hard work and perseverance are essential She believes food blogging empowers women by offering income opportunities and social freedom, with many women in Pakistan now earning through partnerships and sponsored posts creating careers and global identities
Fauzia Kalsoom Rana Senior Producer for Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir on Aaj TV, also shared with this scribe her insights on succeeding in news production “Identifying newsworthy stories and clear communication with the team are key she explains Fauzia encourages women to be confident, assert their skills, and stand their ground when faced with condescending behavior She stresses the importance of creating opportunities for women and embracing diverse perspectives
Despite these successes Pakistan continues to face significant barriers
According to the World Bank female labor force participation is only 22 8%, one of the lowest in the world
The deeply embedded patriarchal structure where men are seen as breadwinners and women as homemakers restricts women s independence Furthermore women face discrimination harassment, and challenges traveling to work, especially in rural areas
Education is another critical obstacle The United Nations reports that the
literacy rate for women in Pakistan is only 57%, compared to 70% for men
Cultural beliefs poverty early marriage and limited school infrastructure contribute to low enrollment and high dropout rates among girls Without education and training, women are left without the skills needed for better-paying jobs or entrepreneurial ventures
Ifrah Hameed a graphic designer in response to APP s query how young woman can oot this profession shared her advice on success in the design industry Master design principles, industry-standard software, and build an online presence,” she says Ifrah notes that while there is still room for improvement women’s representation in design is increasing with many women leading their own design studios
Fatima Nabeel, an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Lahore, shared how she started her business at 16 using her savings “Young girls should step out of their comfort zones and aim for financial independence she says Fatima emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional norms and pursuing business opportunities early in life Mahnoor Qureshi, a broadcast journalist, has faced numerous challenges including personal attacks and betrayal in her career Despite these hurdles she credits her family especially her sister for providing support Strong family support is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success,” she shares These stories illustrate the growing role of women in Pakistan’s development Though challenges remain women are defying societal expectations and carving out spaces for themselves in diverse fields As they continue to break barriers, they are shaping a brighter, more equitable future for themselves and the nation
in Pakistan’s healthcare landscape CIS’s Tele-Health Centers offer a wide range of specialized services including consultations in ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) for treating infections and hearing issues gynaecology for maternal and reproductive health, pediatrics for child health monitoring, dermatology for skin conditions, and general OPD services By providing these services CIS has assisted over 150 000 patients improving healthcare accessibility for those in remote areas CIS s Telehealth initiative has been a lifesaver for people in our remote village I no longer have to travel for hours to see a doctor Now I can get expert advice right from my home Thank you CIS! – Ayesha resident of village Sarband Peshawar shared her experience with the APP Living in a rural area, proper healthcare was always out of reach CIS’s Tele-health Centers have given us access to top doctors and important health education It’s truly transformative!” –
Tropical Diseases to be held in Februar y
scarcity, urban slums, and underfunded healthcare systems The conference aims to address these challenges by equipping participants with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies to combat health inequities The three-day event will feature expert-led panel discussions hands-on training sessions and keynote speeches from renowned scientists healthcare professionals, and policymakers Fifty participants, including 25 international attendees from North Africa (Morocco Tunisia Algeria and Libya) and other ICESCO member states alongside 25 local participants will engage in knowledge-sharing sessions The conference seeks to foster multinational collaborations, advance research opportunities, and promote publications to create lasting solutions for neglected diseases The key objectives include raising awareness about NTDs improving pri-
mary healthcare, promoting vector control, and encouraging the development of new technologies and treatments
By building networks and partnerships the event aims to catalyze transformative changes in the fight against NTDs ensuring equitable access to healthcare in vulnerable regions The conference will be hosted in a hybrid format, allowing broader participation through online platforms The participants can visit the official COMSTECH and ICESCO platforms for registration and additional details This
S h o o t i n g o n e s e l f i n t h e f o o t
Trump’s tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico are not going to get him what he wants
SE E I N G the world s largest economy take a blowtorch to itself is painful even for the casual observer, but the tragedy is that the consequences are going to be negative for everyone US President Donald Trump has chosen to target the only two counties bordering the USA as well as China In his executive orders imposing the tariffs 25 percent on Mexican and Canadian goods, and 10 percent on Chinese, he said that the tariffs were being imposed until the national emergency on fentanyl was over There is no doubt that the USA faces a serious opioid crisis, but Mr Trump took no other measures to deal with the emergency that he declared Particularly he took no measures dealing with the demand for opioids in the USA that drives the crisis
It is disingenuous on Mr Trump’s part to claim that he has imposed the tariffs only because of drugs There is a desire to protect American jobs, which he relentlessly said during his campaign were moving to Canada and Mexico However, it seems that the tariffs will have three effects: first they will raise prices for US consumers Second they will not save any jobs Finally they will see prices rising on goods nominally made in the USA which use components made in one of the three affected countries The US auto sector with prices rising an average $3000 a car, according to one estimate The real issue for Mr Trump has to be immigration from Mexico, which includes people coming to the USA from Central and South America but who use the Mexican border to make the crossing often enough illegally It is not merely a trade tiff among four countries As the West has not recovered from the post-pandemic
A wake-up call amidst climate change
URGENT CALL FOR
IN March 2017 China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) achieved a significant milestone when its fifth generation jet, the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth aircraft, entered into service As the world’s first operational stealth aircraft operationalised outside the USA this development marked the end of the USA s monopoly on military aviation Now only seven years down the lane China made an even bigger bang when video footage surfaced of a new aircraft, speculated to be sixthgeneration, flying over Chengdu, China
Though the Chinese authorities have not yet officially confirmed the jet’s existence or given it a name the development has spurred a renewed debate around the world over what constitutes a sixth-generation fighter aircraft China s strategic motivation, its impact on China s global power projection, and broader implications for global military aviation
To completely comprehend the notion of sixth-generation fighter jets it is significant to trace the evolution of aircraft over generations The voyage began with the first-generation piston-engine fighters and continued to the second generation, which saw the introduction of guided missiles
The third generation witnessed the arrival of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagements while the fourth generation introduced multirole capability as demonstrated by aircraft such as the F-16 Subsequently fifth-generation aircraft laid the foundation for the next major advancement with their stealth technology, advanced sensor and communication systems and super cruise capabilities through F-22 Raptor F-35 Lightning II J-20 J-35 and Su-57
The sixth-generation aircraft is speculated to transcend the fifth-generation combat aircraft in terms of stealth capability China is already pushing the boundaries of stealth technology in its much-discussed sixth-generation fighter jet There is widespread speculation that the concerned aircraft is likely to have stealth materials that will be thin and lightweight and will be able to absorb both high-frequency electromagnetic waves from advanced military radars and low-frequency detection signals used by anti-stealth radars
The sixth-generation aircraft are also touted as digital aircraft since they integrate control capabilities with artificial intelligence (AI) that will enable these fighters to conduct more autonomous missions make decisions in real time on the battlefield, and immediately analyse volumes of data
THE scenic and mountainous region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir long known for its lush green landscapes and abundant water resources is now facing an increasingly dire water crisis Over the past six months the region has witnessed a significant drop in rainfall, contributing to the drying up of vital water sources, including streams, springs, and wells This persistent lack of water has sparked widespread concerns about the sustainability of water access impacting local communities daily lives health and overall well-being
THE GROWING CRISIS: The absence of clean drinking water has emerged as one of the most immediate and alarming challenges faced by the residents of AJK Pipelines that once supplied fresh potable water are now dry leaving communities scrambling to meet even the most basic water needs The problem is further compounded by the rapid depletion of the region s groundwater table, with deep wells that were once reliable now running dry This issue has not only caused inconvenience but has also triggered serious public health concerns As access to clean water becomes increasingly limited hygiene levels are dropping heightening the risk of waterborne diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly The shortage of water is also severely impact-
THE IMPACT ON ECOSYSTEMS AND WILDLIFE: The water crisis is not confined to human settlements alone; the entire ecosystem is feeling the effects Local wildlife and forests are facing significant stress as the region’s streams and rivers run dry leaving animals without natural water sources The drying up of water bodies has led to a decline in biodiversity with many species at risk of losing their habitats Similarly, the scarcity of water has affected the region s forests, which rely on regular rainfall to thrive The long-term implications of this disruption to the natural balance could be disastrous for AJK’s unique biodiversity and the environment at large
THE ROOT CAUSES: The underlying causes of the water crisis are multi-faceted, combining natural climatic changes with human-induced factors Experts point to a combination of environmental
losses for rural communities that depend on agriculture for their livelihoods Moreover, the depletion of pastures has made it difficult for livestock
SOURCES: Another critical factor exacerbating the water crisis in AJK is the rapid decline of the underground water table Over the years, there has been a noticeable reduction in rainfall and snowfall, which has traditionally replenished the region’s aquifers Without sufficient rainfall the region’s groundwater reserves are being depleted at an alarming rate This unsustainable extraction of groundwater has left many communities in a vul-
Wings of the future
Moreover the probable integration of certain directed energy weapons (DEWs) like powerful microwaves or laser systems, is another novel feature It is anticipated that these fighter jets will also feature an unmatched network integration becoming a part of a seamlessly integrated combat system that includes other aircraft drones ground stations and satellite networks to make it effective for joint military operations In addition, this sixth generation aircraft is also believed to have an advanced radar system capable of detecting and engaging threats at greater distance which will provide the pilots a crucial advantage in modern air battles
Considering the aforementioned points it can be argued that the development will have significant implications for military aviation around the world With the fifth-generation jets, the USA and its allies have dominated the skies for a long time However China’s new inroads into sixth-generation technology have now sent a powerful message to its competitors particularly the USA that China is not only trying to close the gap aggressively but is also deeply committed to shaping the future of military aviation and air combat with its advanced and diverse fleet
Consequently this advancement could spark a renewed arms race between China and the Western countries Reports are already doing rounds that suggest that Western nations are likely to accelerate their sixth-generation aircraft programmes, including the USA s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and Europe’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) a collaborative initiative of the UK Italy and Japan
From a geopolitical and strategic point of view, in the wake of a sixth-generation com-
strengthened
will enable China to leverage its cutting-edge air warfare technologies,
South China Sea the Taiwan Strait and other areas of its interest In addition it will enable
deny adversaries forces operational capabilities Consequently, it can prompt the count r i
region, namely the USA, to reassess their defence strategies As India is trying to play the role of an offshore balancer and net security provider on behalf of the United States against China in the South Asian region, one might naturally ask how will this development impact it in the region? Like writing on the wall, it is quite obvious that the induction of sixth-generation combat aircraft by China will be no less than a nightmare for India While China races ahead with sixth-generation fighter development India is still grappling with the challenge of countering fifth-generation combat aircraft not only from China but also from Pakistan, which is set to acquire the Chinese fifth-generation J-35 fighters by 2026 India’s much-touted first fifth-generation s
which
years away from producing even
flying prototype, let alone its eventual induc-
according to many experts is at least a decade away Keeping aside AMCA India is currently struggling to induct even improved variants of its fourth-generation Tejas Mk1A and the so-called 4 5 generation MK2 fighters owing
Homelessness in Winter
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Keeping aside AMCA, India is currently struggling to induct even improved variants of its four th-generation Tejas Mk1A and the so-called 4 5 generation MK2 fighters owing to persistent delays in procurement and dependence on foreign-built engines. In sum, this technological lag will place India in a precarious position and will weaken its stance in the region owing to the fact that it would have to deal now with fifth-gen fighters from the two sides of its border that will soon be complemented by a sixth generation fighter as well.
Stages of grief
azhar zeeShan
S a u d i - U A E p o l i c y i n a p o s t - A s s a d S y r i a
pragmatic Saudi approach aimed at engaging with the new power structures in Syria This engagement is underscored by Saudi humanitarian aid shipments including 60 trucks and six planes filled with essential supplies
Such measures indicate Riyadh s cautious but necessary accommodation of Syria s new leadership
The fall of the Assad regime in Syria has created a unique and complex geopolitical challenge for Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab emirates While these states have long viewed Bashar alAssad as an ally of their regional adversary Iran his downfall has paradoxically introduced new threats The decline of Iranian influence in the Levant a long-sought objective of Saudi and emirati foreign policy, has resulted in an unintended consequence: the empowerment of Sunni Islamist groups in Syria, some of which share ideological affinities with movements that Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have historically opposed and repressed
The collapse of Assad s regime has left a power vacuum that has been rapidly filled by Sunni Islamist factions, particularly those backed by Turkey and Qatar This shift presents a dilemma for Saudi Arabia and the UAe which have spent considerable resources suppressing such movements domestically and regionally Traditionally these Gulf states have viewed Iran and its network of Shiite militias, including hezbollah and various Iraqi groups, as the primary existential threat to their influence
The weakening of Iran’s position in Syria initially seemed to be a strategic victory but the emergence of a government led by hayat Tahrir al-Sham (hTS) and other Sunni Islamist factions has forced a recalibration of their regional policies The recent visit of Syria’s new administration represented by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and intelligence
chief Anas Khattab to Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift
The visit the first of its kind suggests a
Prior to the fall of Assad Saudi Arabia and the UAe had been moving toward a rapprochement with the Syrian leader in an attempt to detach him from Iran s influence
The reopening of Riyadh s embassy in Damascus in September 2023 and Assad s visits to the UAe and Saudi Arabia earlier that year were clear indicators of this strategy however the rapid collapse of the Assad government disrupted this trajectory leaving Riyadh and Abu Dhabi with a new set of challenges The shift in Syria s political landscape has highlighted the limitations of Saudi and emirati influence in the region
While they had hoped that Assad might distance himself from Tehran the reality was that his regime’s survival was heavily dependent on Iranian support Once Iran s position weakened Turkey-backed factions swiftly filled the void Saudi Arabia and the UAe now find themselves dealing with an empowered Sunni Islamist government, a scenario they had long sought to prevent Saudi Arabia and the UAe’s primary concern is that Syria s new Sunni Islamist government could inspire similar movements in other parts of the Arab world Jordan and egypt two key regional allies, have long struggled with the influence of Islamist groups A successful Sunni Islamist administration in Syria could embolden groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood which has a significant presence in both countries This prospect is particularly troubling for Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which have invested heavily in suppressing Islamist movements through political and financial means The situation also exacerbates tensions with Turkey and Qatar both of which have historically supported Sunni Islamist factions Turkey under President Recep Tayyip erdoğan has consistently backed the Syrian opposition and has provided military, financial, and logistical support to various rebel factions Qatar, meanwhile, has maintained its support for Islamist movements across the region including in Libya and egypt The rise of a Turkey- and Qatar-backed government in Syria represents a significant setback for Saudi and emirati regional ambitions
How UK banks are failing Muslim charities
Blocked, delayed, shut down
Given these challenges, Saudi Arabia and the UAe are pursuing a strategy of engagement and containment By engaging with Syria s new leadership they hope to exert influence over its policies and limit the extent of Turkish and Qatari control Financial aid and diplomatic outreach serve as key tools in this strategy, providing Riyadh and Abu Dhabi with leverage over the fledgling government At the same time Saudi Arabia and the UAe are likely to intensify their efforts to counter Islamist influence in other parts of the region
Increased support for egypt and Jordan, both of which have taken a hardline stance against Islamist groups, could be one avenue for containing the ideological and political spillover from Syria Additionally the Gulf states may seek to bolster their alliances with other regional actors such as Israel and Greece, which share their concerns about Turkish expansionism and Islamist influence The fall of Assad underscores the broader geosectarian struggle that has defined Middle eastern politics for decades Saudi Arabia and the UAe have traditionally viewed Iran and its Shiite allies as their primary geopolitical rivals however, the events in Syria have demonstrated that Sunni Islamist groups, particularly those aligned with Turkey and Qatar represent an equally significant challenge This presents a strategic conundrum: countering one adversary often strengthens the other The Gulf states efforts to weaken Iran have inadvertently facilitated the rise of Sunni Islamist forces, creating a new set of challenges This cyclical dynamic suggests that Riyadh and Abu Dhabi will have to navigate a delicate balance between opposing both Shiite and Sunni Islamist influences while avoiding policies that inadvertently strengthen one side over the other
In the short term, Saudi Arabia and the UAe are likely to continue their engagement with Syria’s new government while simultaneously seeking ways to limit Turkish and Qatari influence Financial incentives diplomatic outreach, and strategic alliances will be the primary tools in this effort however, in the long term, the Gulf states face a more fundamental challenge: how to escape the cycle of strengthening one adversary by countering another One potential avenue is fostering alternative political movements within Syria that align more closely with Saudi and emirati interests This could involve supporting secular opposition groups or moderate factions within the new government however
As the situation in Syria continues to evolve , Saudi Arabia and the UAE will have to navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries Their shor t-term strategy of engag ement and financial influence may provide some leverag e , but the long-term challeng e of balancing against both
The Taliban is se lling Am e rica’s lo st Af ghanistan arse nal
ays u B i c E r
Speaking to Anadolu, Arjumand highlighted what he called glaring inconsistencies in the UK’s approach to financial restrictions pointing to the swift government response to the closure of former UKIP leader Nigel Farage s account and the resulting minor banking reforms he noted that the same urgency has not been extended to challenges faced by Muslim charities Farage of course is now a Member of Parliament “When Nigel Farage’s account was closed government ministers were quick to raise concerns and push for reform Meanwhile, Muslim charities have been battling de-risking for decades, yet it has not received the attention it deserves,” he said “We urgently need stronger protections for charities and their resources Without them the most vulnerable will continue to pay the price of current banking policies The report, titled The Landscape of Debanking within Muslim Charities & Its Impact on Charitable Activities”, offers a detailed analysis of the barriers posed by arbitrary account closures prolonged de-
lays in account openings, and frozen transactions Based on 19 survey responses and follow-up interviews the report paints a stark picture of how de-risking policies target Muslim charities disproportionately These policies, the report asserts, stem from the broad application of counterterrorism financing and anti-money laundering regulations, which banks interpret in ways that restrict non-profit organisations Among the findings 42 per cent of charities reported being threatened with account closures fuelling widespread fear and uncertainty in the sector The same percentage faced prolonged delays or outright freezing of international transactions
One charity described how a 12-month delay in releasing funds jeopardised medical treatment for Syrian orphans battling cancer in Turkiye Others working in conflict zones including Syria and Palestine, reported heightened scrutiny and being classified as high-risk clients The report criticised financial institutions for relying on unverified media sources during “background checks profiling Muslim-led organisations disproportionately The banking restrictions the report warns, are undermining critical humanitarian work directly in crisis zones Delays in transactions have disrupted deliveries of food medicine and shelter while some charities have struggled to pay local healthcare staff leading to gaps in essential medical services In one instance, a charity supporting a rural hospital in a conflict zone was unable to pay its staff, forcing some medical workers to abandon their posts When barred from traditional banking channels charities have resorted to carrying cash across borders or relying on informal financial systems raising both security and regulatory risks a practice that goes against financial institutions stated goals of preventing money laundering and financial crime Account closures without explanation have also created misplaced suspicion among donors discouraging contributions and jeopardising projects as supporters fear that their contributions are at risk or question why projects face delays, leading to donor dropouts In the report’s foreword Teresa Dumasy who heads Australia-based group Conciliation Resources acknowledged the importance of counterterrorism measures but warned against their indiscriminate application Financial access issues for Muslim charities threaten to deprive some of the world’s most vulnerable people of aid ” she wrote Fadi Itani OBe the CeO of Muslim Charities Forum underscored the rigorous compliance checks and financial audits already conducted on Muslim-led charities Yet, they remain subject to opaque, overly broad risk assessments, he argued “The Muslim charitable sector saves lives by delivering essential aid in challenging regions added Itani Debanking only hampers these efforts fuelling instability and leaving vulnerable communities stranded
Th e modern military history of the United States is one of extremes Since 1945 America’s military engagements around the world have led to glorious victories incredible acts of bravery and catastrophic failures One of those failures took place in August 2021, when former President Joe Biden presided over an unmitigated disaster while shambolically withdrawing from Afghanistan After 20 years of fighting al Qaeda the haqqani Network and the Taliban the Americans essentially handed over the country to all three groups (as well as ISIS-K) within a week But that was not all the Americans did for the ruling Islamist Taliban regime of Afghanistan During the hasty withdrawal, Washington left behind armories filled with advanced American weapons and platforms (to say nothing of American tax dollars) And as the Taliban s misrule over Afghanistan continues, those weapons have now become one of the country s only major exports (along with heroin) Over the last two years advanced U S military weapons and equipment have been found in increasing numbers in the hands of militants in places such as Kashmir and Gaza
That s why the new Trump administration has demanded that the Taliban regime return all the American military equipment to the United States immediately Of course, the Taliban will surely call Trump’s bluff
They are no more inclined to return the advanced U S weapons even while Trump threatens military action today than they were in 2021 It’s all war booty to them The Pentagon has appraised the value of U S military equipment left behind in Afghanistan at approximately $7 billion A brief rundown of systems that the Taliban now possess because of the shortsighted American decision to leave the equipment behind intact includes Sikorsky h-60 Black hawk helicopters and scout attack helicopters humvees Scaneagle military drones many thousands of M16 assault rifles M4 carbines, and in particular night-vision goggles a technology that, even throughout the 20-year war, neither the Taliban nor their al Qaeda allies ever had And given the Taliban’s contacts during their twenty-year insurgency it should come as little surprise that American weapons are ending up in the hands of the world s worst rogues gallery WHERE THE GUNS ARE GOING: In Kashmir, Indian counterterrorism authorities have been faced with increasingly lethal attacks by Islamist terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba (the latter of which also conducted the Mumbai hotel terror attacks in 2008) Since 2023, Indian authorities have reported that the groups use M16 assault rifles and M4 carbines in increasing numbers, along with tranches of U S -made steel-core bullets Indian authorities have also claimed sightings of members of these two Islamist terrorist networks wearing night-vision goggles left behind by the U S -led NATO forces in neighboring Afghanistan Kashmir s geographical proximity to Afghanistan makes it more than likely that the Taliban have been gleefully selling the advanced American weapons to these jihadist groups elsewhere the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have repeatedly commented on their concerns that hamas received large amounts of U S -made weapons from the Taliban in the run-up to the devastating October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks India Today reported that “just two days ahead of the hamas at-
tack, [the IDF] tweeted a photo of an M-16 rifle they had recovered from two terrorists who attacked an Israeli security forces vehicle ” It seems most likely that Iran which borders Afghanistan to the west and has maintained lukewarm contacts with the Taliban government facilitated the purchase And one more observation After the horrific October 7 attacks perpetrated by hamas against their Israeli neighbors, countless Gazans came out to celebrate the massacre in the streets events like that are usually full of people wielding Russianmade AK-47s mostly smuggled in from egypt through hamas underground tunnel network But for the first time, large numbers of people in the crowd were showing off their American made weapons These could only have come from the Taliban TRUMP WILL HAVE TO MAKE THE TALIBAN STOP: To say the least the Taliban do not appear interested in stopping their
dr MuhaMMad akraM ZahEEr
Netanyahu leaves for Washington looking to deepen ties with Trump
and the courage of our soldiers have redrawn the map But I believe that working closely with President Trump, we can redraw it even further and for the better
Bruce Willis in final stage of life as his health worsens: source
WASHINGTON W E B D E S K
Bruce Willis is facing a difficult phase in his life as his health continues to decline, with sources saying he is “not the same” anymore
The “Die Hard” star who has been battling frontotemporal dementia is reportedly in what his family considers his final chapter A source told Life & Style that while Willis’ spirit remains strong, his condition has changed him significantly Though his spirit is still there, he s not the same Bruce anymore, they said, adding that while he remains brave, “life is also scary for him at times ” The insider further noted that the public doesn t witness the darker side of his illness Despite the challenges Willis has the unwavering support of his family His wife, Emma Heming, is by his side, and his former wife,
Demi Moore is also playing a significant role in helping him Moore, who was married to Willis from 1987 to 2000, shares three daughters with him and continues to be involved in his care
According to the source Willis remains a constant presence in Moore s thoughts Bruce is constantly on her mind they shared, emphasizing how deeply connected she remains to him despite their past separation
Heralding an Inclusive Punjab: M ar yam Nawaz ’s
The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KATI and CPK took place at KATI s premises with notable guests including Mr Usman Ghani Siddique (DIGP East Zone Karachi) and Wing 34 Commander Col Zeeshan Ali Malik PSC On behalf of KATI, the attendees included Mr Junaid Naqi (President, KATI) Mr Zubair Chhaya (Deputy Patron-inChief KATI) Mr Syed Tariq Hussain (Vice President KATI) Mr Johar Qandhari (Former President KATI) and Mr Danish Khan (Chairman Law and order, KATI) From CPK, the representatives included Mr Murad Soni (Chief, CPK), Mr Zahid Hameed (Chief, CPK Korangi), Mr Kamran Habib (Joint Chief CPK Korangi) Mr Muhammad Irfan Abu Baker (Deputy Chief CPK Korangi) Mr Umair Chottani (Assistant Chief CPK Korangi) along with several Deputy Chiefs and Zonal Chief zones and executive members from CPK were present
and international markets are underway, promising to amplify the impact of women-led enterprises
Collaborating with UN agenc i e s a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l o rg a n i z at i o n s t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f S o c i a l Welfare has conducted impactful campaigns addressing critical soc i e t a l c h a l l e n g e s O b s e r v a n c e s l i k e U n i v e r s a l C h i l d r e n ’s D a y, the International Day of Persons
w i t h D i s a b i l i t i e s a n d a 1 6 - d a y c a m p a i g n a g a i n s t g e n d e r- b a s e d violence have successfully raised a w a r e n e s s a n d i n s p i r e d a c t i o nable solutions
The government is committed to expanding its outreach includi n g e s t a b l i s h i n g a d d i t i o n a l s k i l l development centers for persons
w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s e n f o r c i n g t h e e m p l o y m e n t q u o t a m o r e r i g o rously, and scaling women-led ent e r p r i s e s t o g l o b a l p l a t f o r m s Efforts to strengthen protections
a g a i n s t g e n d e r- b a s e d v i o l e n c e a n d i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e s u p p o r t f o r m a rg i n a l i z e d c o m m u n i t i e s w i l l r e m a i n a t t h e f o r e f r o n t o f i t s agenda
C h i e f M i n i s t e r M a r y a m N a w a z i s s p e a r h e a d i n g a s o c i a l revolution in Punjab ushering in a n e w e r a o f c o m p a s s i o n i n c l us i o n a n d e q u i t y H e r v i s i o n a r y p o l i c i e s a r e u p l i f t i n g t h e province s most vulnerable popu l a t i o n
Governor Kundi inaugurates TMUC Peshawar Campus
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa His Excellency Faisal Karim Kundi inaugurates the iconic TMUC Transnational Education Wing in DHA Peshawar says a press release The momentous occasion was graced
dignitaries, including Dr Faisal Mushtaq Founder & Chief Executive of TMUC Pakistan; Ambassador Masood Khan President TMUC
Education Group; Nasir Khan
KPK, Abid Hussain Chief Operating Officer; Ms Amna Salik Dean Academics and Internationalization; Ms Shama Khan Head of Programmes TMUC Peshawar; along with esteemed guests parents students and academic professionals
The Chief Guest, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi unveiled the inaugural plague, signifying TMUC’s commitment to delivering world-class international education TMUC s Transnational Education Wing is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The campus is designed as a center of excellence, incorporating 21stcentury pedagogy and technologydriven learning to foster academic excellence and innovation The state-of-the-art campus features a sustainable green café art and design studio, language center, counseling and training facilities, a nursing and first aid room, and a rooftop garden aimed at providing a holistic educational experience His Excellency Faisal Karim Kundi in his address extended
heartfelt congratulations to the students parents and citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa He emphasized that TMUC is not just an institution but a transformational platform bringing world-class education to Peshawar bridging local talent with global academic and professional opportunities He commended Dr Faisal Mushtaq for his visionary leadership in bringing international education to the region Ambassador Masood Khan, President TMUC Higher Education Group lauded TMUC’s commitment to equipping students with globally recognized qualifications He highlighted the critical role of transnational
According to the SUPARCO, it plays a crucial role in advancing Pakistan s space research by providing state-of-the-art facilities and fostering collaboration between academia and industry The initiative is setting up research labs across northern central and southern Pakistan to create a dynamic platform for tackling complex space-related challenges The RESOLVE Central Lab at UET Lahore focuses on critical areas such as satellite technology, advanced antenna systems, secure satellite communications, space-based sensors, structural mechanisms space materials research and RF payloads Through RESOLVE SUPARCO aims to establish a strong Research and Development culture by outsourcing space-oriented projects to universities and industry experts
Faculty-led initiatives will enable researchers to contribute to Pakistan’s socio-economic and strategic goals aligning with the country’s vision for the global space sector Additionally RESOLVE is organizing lectures seminars and specialized workshops on space technology to encourage knowledge-sharing and innovation nationwide SUPARCO is also formalizing partnerships through Memorandam of Understanding (MoUs) with multiple institutions to drive technological advancements
This collaboration between RESOLVE and
Transfer of three high cour t judges to Islamabad High Cour t notified
Four Levies’ personnel, driver mar tyred in KP ’s D I Khan attack
(LHC) was transferred to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro was transferred from the Sindh High Court (SHC) to the IHC and Justice Muhammad Asif was transferred from the Balochistan High Court (BHC) to the IHC On
who came from the Balochistan High Court, had become an additional judge recently, while Justice Soomro, a judge of the Sindh High Court had become a judge of the high court two years ago The development came a day after five IHC judges expressed their concern over media reports claiming that a transferred judge would be considered for the capital high court s top
The letter, signed by Justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri Babar Sattar Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan and Saman Rafat Imtiaz was addressed to Chief
of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and SHC Chief Justice Mohammad Shafi Siddiqui
PTI urges gov t to form panel to appoint new CEC for thwith
ISLAMABAD
At least five people, including four Levies personnel, were martyred when their vehicle came under attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP s) Dera Ismail Khan (D I Khan) district According to Assistant Commissioner Daraban, the Levies team was ambushed while en-route to recover a stolen vehicle in tehsil Daraban A private driver accompanying the officers was also killed in the attack
The bodies of the slain personnel and the driver were moved to Daraban hospital Security forces have launched an investigation, but no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack Pakistan s security forces have been conducting widespread counterterrorism operations, particularly in KP and Balochistan, which border Afghanistan On Saturday the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that 23 militants were killed in separate operations in Balochistan The operations also claimed the lives of 18 Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers in Mangocher during an attempt to clear militant roadblocks
Reacting to the Balochistan operations Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to eliminating terrorist groups, calling them proxies of foreign masters “Those who act as terrorist proxies and disguise themselves as friends are well known to us ” Munir said during a visit to Balochistan
Naqvi, S adiq disc uss ways and means to revive govt, PTI dialogue
ernment renewed the invitation to the PTI to rejoin the negotiation process by proposing a parliamentary committee the latter rejected the offer Naqvi met with the NA speaker on Sunday, where both discussed matters of mutual interest and the overall situation in the country a statement by the interior ministry said It added that the PTI s attitude despite the positive progress made by the government for negotiations, was also discussed during the meeting
The interior minister lauded Sadiq’s efforts in taking along “all the opposition and government parties together the statement added Ayaz Sadiq has played a commendable role in bringing together the government and opposition parties,” Naqvi was quoted as saying
Pak istan, Azerbaijan to boost trade and investment ties
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have vowed to deepen bilateral ties by expanding cooperation in energy investment and tourism officials said on Sunday
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan s Minister for Privatisation and Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, and Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, in Baku Khan highlighted Pakistan’s investment potential, particularly in the privatisation of state-owned enterprises He invited Azerbaijan to invest in Pakistan s motorway infrastructure and other key sectors assuring full facilitation for Azeri investors
Both sides also discussed strengthening their strategic partnership, focusing on economic collabo-
ration, trade, and mutual interests
Welcoming the Pakistani delegation, Asadov reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations with both countries seeking to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors
