vious attacks “We must understand that in this terrorist incident in Balochistan and others before the main sponsor is your eastern neighbour (India) he asserted Lt-Gen Chaudhry criticised the Indian media for spreading propaganda about the incident, saying Indian media outlets circulated AI-generated videos and broadcast content that misrepresented the terrorists' actions
DG ISPR maintained that India was the main sponsor of terrorism in Balochistan elaborating on that the terrorists had used Afghan and foreign weapons in the recent incident and pre-
The DG ISPR said a nexus was working amid the situation to give legitimacy to the terrorists and their narrative Showing various clips of Indian officials and personalities discussing efforts to destabilise Balochistan, the DG ISPR said the Jaffar Express attack was a continuation of the same policy
According to DG ISPR the attack began when the train was halted by an improvised explosive device (IED) at approximately 1pm in a mountainous area
Prior to this, militants had attacked a Frontier Corps (FC) checkpost, killing three soldiers "The BLA militants were positioned in multiple groups including on the surrounding hills he explained They took passengers hostage, separating women and children inside the train while escorting the remaining hostages to various locations outside " The military spokesperson also revealed that on the evening of March 11 a group of hostages was released under the pretext of ethnicity, further fueling tensions and division He described the rescue operation that ensued, detailing how security forces surrounded the area on March 12 engaging in a firefight with the militants Some hostages were able to escape during the exchange He emphasized that, remarkably, not a single hostage was killed during the operation, which he hailed as one
at the Anti-Terrorism Court, Ayub condemned the government’s failure to address these critical issues in the legislature He also criticized remarks made by Khawaja Asif against Asad Qaiser and other political figures The PTI leader strongly condemned the tragic attack in Balochistan emphasizing the sacrifice of soldiers and officers who defend the nation
Our soldiers and officers are sacrificing their blood day and night for the defense of the country, and we pay tribute to the martyrs ” he commended adding that his thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in the
of the most successful counter-terrorism operations in recent years
"This was the most successful hostage rescue operation in global history considering the terrain and presence of suicide bombers in the area, he remarked "Despite the challenges, our forces executed the mission with precision and minimal casualties "
He also linked the attack to ongoing regional instability specifically pointing to Afghanistan as a source of support for terrorist activities in Pakistan as he noted that many of the assailants were linked to Afghan-trained militants, suggesting that the masterminds behind such attacks were based near Pakistan’s northern border
DG ISPR further claimed that terrorist operations in the region were backed by Afghanistan, especially after the withdrawal of foreign forces, which left behind equipment such as night-vision devices that are now in the hands of militants He also highlighted the growing issue of narcotics and smuggling with Afghanistan s involvement facilitating these illegal activities
He accused India of being the primary sponsor of the violence in Balochistan, linking the ongoing unrest to the influence of Indian intelligence services
He stated that the Jaffer Express incident was part of India s ongoing terrorist mindset The main sponsor of terrorism in Balochistan and in past incidents is our eastern neighbor The Jaffer Express attack is a continuation of India’s terrorist mentality " Sharif said
He further elaborated on the broader narrative surrounding the attack accusing Indian media of leading a coordinated information warfare campaign in support of the BLA
attack He reiterated his previous warnings about the situation in Balochistan stating that he had raised concerns about the region several months ago
The PTI leader also touched on the issue of illegal petrol smuggling in Balochistan, revealing that an estimated Rs500 billion
worth of petrol enters Pakistan from Iran He suggested that such large-scale smuggling could be facilitating the movement of terrorists under its cover In response to a question about his political colleagues Ayub expressed a desire to meet with PTI leaders imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and Shah Mehmood Qureshi His legal team has been instructed to apply for permission to facilitate these meetings in court
Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Court extended Ayub’s interim bail in connection with the May 9 cases which include the Jinnah House arson Askari Tower attack and Shadman police station arson until April 8
The court had initially extended his bail until today, but the hearing was delayed due to the absence of Judge Manzar Ali Gul Ayub and other PTI leaders face charges of rebellion and inciting arson and violence during the May 9 protests
PAKISTAN PUSHES FOR GSP+ EXTENSION TO BOOST EXPORTS TO EU
Dar officials reviewed progress on the initiative The meeting was attended by the Balochistan chief minister, federal power minister, and senior officials from the finance ministry Power Division and Balochistan’s energy department According to a Quetta Electric Supply Company (Qesco)
related to security risks and profit repatriation challenges
Dr Hassan Daud Butt, a former CPEC project director highlighted the importance of timing and narrativebuilding in issuing Panda Bonds He suggested linking them to high-profile projects such as the Main Line-1 (ML1) railway project and sustainable tourism initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan, while leveraging existing ties with Chinese investors and institutions According to Dr Butt the second half of 2025 would be an ideal time for Pakistan s entry into the Panda Bond market Dr Christoph Nedopil Wang, Director of Griffith Asia Institute, pointed out the strong demand for Panda Bonds among Chinese investors citing past oversubscription rates He advised Pakistan to adopt innovative financing models drawing from Egypt s sustainable bond strategies, and recommended proactive efforts to mitigate transaction costs and currency exchange risks associated with yuan-denominated instruments The webinar concluded with a consensus on Panda Bonds as a viable alternative for Pakistan to diversify funding sources, enhance economic sustainability, and strengthen bilateral financial cooperation with China
OMC sec tor posts 39% earnings growth in 1HFY25 despite lower sales
An APC on Jaffar Express outrage
Adecade has passed, but the APS Peshawar massacre is still etched into the national memory It seems as if the Jaffar Express outrage might assume the same dimensions It may evoke the same response, which is the convening of an All-Parties Conference Back in 2014, the APC was seen as important for two reasons: first, the PTI was being included in the process, second, it was hoped that political forces would finally come together and come up with a solution The result was the National Action Plan A decade down the line, the Jaffar Express is hijacked And it is not as if this is a sudden outburst, coming out of the blue There has been a constant background of terror incidents both bomb blasts spreading terror and attacks on security personnel
Balochistan is a little more complicated than KP that other locus of terror In KP there is religious militancy That was shown in the suicide bombing at Jandola There is the same in Balochistan but there is also separatism While there is an ideological tension between the two there are increasing signs that the two are cooperating Also what is sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander If religious extremism is to be contained by stopping hate speech how is that to apply to separatists? Where does one transit from standing up for one’s province into separatism? The previous experience of an APC does not lead one to optimism and there is the fear that this might become a more elevated form of committee Referring a matter to a committee is so certainly shorthand for sweeping it under the carpet Is the APC going to serve the same purpose? Then there is the question of the PTI It is even more of a problem now than 2014/ At least its founder was not in jail Whatever the means it is essential to break the spiral of violence in which the country seems to be trapped The Prime Minister ’s visit to Balochistan in the company of the COAS itself is an
PAKISTAN the land of resilience sacrifice and unwavering spirit, has faced countless storms throughout its history It has endured wars, conspiracies, and internal strife, yet it has always risen stronger refusing to bow before any adversary The soil of this country is sacred soaked with the blood of martyrs who gave their lives to protect its sovereignty But even in the face of such sacrifices, there are elements who seek to tear it apart, who wish to see it divided and weakened These enemies do not just reside beyond our borders many have found refuge within hiding behind false narratives of oppression and freedom trying to justify their acts of terror under the guise of so-called rights and independence One such enemy is the Baloch Liberation Army, a group of misguided insurgents who, with foreign backing, continue to wage war against the state, targeting innocent civilians and national infrastructure The recent hijacking of the Jaffer Express on the Bolan-Quetta track in Balochistan was yet another cowardly attempt by these terrorists to create chaos and instill fear among the people of Pakistan The BLA terrorists, armed and emboldened by their external handlers, stormed the train and took civilians hostage in a brutal act that once again exposed their true nature This was not an act of defiance against oppression; it was an unforgivable crime against in-
nocent passengers, men, women, and children who had nothing to do with their purported grievances Their aim was simple, to tarnish Pakistan’s image globally, disrupt national security, and challenge the state’s authority Under the banner of ‘Operation Green Bolan the response was swift decisive and ruthless Under the command of a single captain the elite SSG commandos launched an operation that will be remembered as a testament to the unmatched skill and bravery of Pakistan s armed forces Within three hours, they neutralized 46 terrorists, reclaiming control of the train without losing a single civilian during the operation The precision and effectiveness of the mission demonstrated not only the SSG s superior combat capabilities but also the army s commitment to safeguarding its people at any cost Sadly, 27 innocent passengers were killed before the operation began, a grim reminder of the sheer brutality of these terrorists who claim to fight for a cause yet have no regard for human life This successful operation sends a loud and clear message Pakistan will never bow to terror The very idea that a handful of traitors armed with weapons and misguided ideologies, can dismantle the unity of Pakistan is laughable These terrorists do not represent the Baloch people, they represent foreign agendas sold-out
Lessons from Global Counterinsurgency
adopting a multipronged strategy Both federal and provincial governments must be vigilant of the fact that counter-terrorism strategy in Balochistan should consider social political and military aspects In the current situation emphasis on kinetic and operational means should be increased effectively Counter terrorism operations will weaken the resolve and capability of the terrorist organizations like Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) Although the operation is ongoing there are different challenges faced by security forces in the operational areas Moreover, the capacity building of security agencies is unavoidable Balochistan has a tough terrain and colossal geographical landscape Terrorists have nomadic pickets and hideouts in various parts of the province Law enforcement agencies are devoid of such advantages It impedes their operational efficiency In order to defeat the nefarious designs of the terrorists, counter terrorist agencies should be equipped and funded In order to overpower the terrorists, the counter terrorism department and local police must have access to modern weapons and tools
The most essential among them is Personal Protective Gear (PPG) All personnel working in terrorist-infested areas of Balochistan should have ballistic helmets, body armour, and gas masks Similarly, surveillance and reconnaissance tools should be up to the mark Drones and thermal imaging devices should be accessible to the security forces to gather real-time data In the words of American counterterrorism expert Richard Clark The most effective way to combat terrorism is through intelligence, prevention, and addressing root causes rather than just military intervention ” Ostensibly, terrorism in
Balochistan is to be defeated and eliminated by both hard and soft means The short strategy is use of force to erode the operational capabilities of the terrorist organizations In the long term there must be comprehensive work on defeating the ideas which promote terrorism in Balochistan On the other hand, winning the hearts and minds of the local population is a way forward to permanently get rid of the ethnic violence separatism and terrorism For instance the provincial government should dedicate its energy to ensure job creation infrastructural development education reform, and healthcare accessibility for the people of Balochistan Whereas, the federal government should work to develop a mechanism of reconciliation with the parties which accept the constitution of Pakistan The federal government should create a balance between a military solution of the conundrum of terrorism in Balochistan and a dialogue-based resolution of the perceived grievances Identification of the ideas, conditions, and reasons leading to terrorism is essential Terrorism cannot thrive unless it has continuous local support and an incessant supply of economic and human resources In the context of Balochistan the local sentiment is being supported and proliferated by the foreign enemies and strategic rivals of Pakistan But the people and government of Balochistan should pay heed to the saying of the Quaid-i-Azam “We are now all Pakistanis not Baluchis Pathans Sindhis Bengalis Punjabis and so on and as Pakistanis we must feel behave and act and we should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else The writer is a civil servant He can be reached at khaliqlakk1@gmail com
Cyber defence
Liberation Army
On the other hand there is a vivid comparison between insurgency in Balochistan and other countries By taking evidence from their strategies and operational approach, Pakistan can also manage and defeat terrorist outfits in Balochistan The first point of comparison is the motivation of the terrorists and their perceived grievances Terrorist organizations like BLF and BLA claim legitimacy because of perceived political and economic exploitation by the central government Similar views were held by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Whereas, The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FRC) engaged in killing sprees kidnappings and ruthless sabotage The menace of terrorism can be curbed by
Khaliq DaD laK
unfortunate that Pakistan lies at 129 out of 142 countries in the world Justice Project Rule of Law Index (2024) Durther dissection shows that in order and security paradigm, it places at 140 out of 142, in the dispensation of criminal justice it lies at the place of 98 out 142 countries At the regional level Pakistan ranks fifth out of six countries in South Asia Notwithstanding that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has shown strong commitment to eradicate crime in the province For this purpose, she has displayed robust political will by providing leverage to the incumbent IGP Punjab Dr Usman Anwar to utilize every resource to curb the crime and ameliorate the dwindling law and order situation The Inclusion of Key Performance Indicators to gauge the operational and administrational performance of command at District and Regional tiers and establishment of Crime Control Department provision of appropriate resources and massive initiatives aiming at strengthening the law enforcement agencies speak volumes of her unwavering commitment to tackle the surge of crime in society Undoubtedly, the Crime Control Department would prove a feather in the cap of the Punjab Government The establishment of CCD would be helpful in busting the criminal gangs reducing crime against property with the help of integrated data at provincial level
Combating crime requires a blend of conventional and non-conventional methods to ensure effective law enforcement, justice and crime prevention Conventional means invlude effective police patrolling vigilant surveillance mechanism specialized crime control units (crime control department Counter Terrorism Department), arrests of criminals and provision of evidence for effective prosecution In this context, there is a dire need to have robust and fail-safe criminal justice system to ensure fair and expeditious trial On the other hand the use of technology
These
the touchstone of police efficiency The fact remains that the public trust on police is at the lowest ebb People are skeptical of the working efficiency of the Police Department It is really
CCTV surveillance cameras data mining of available big data and analysis of data not only help in the detection of crime but also buttress the crime fighting measures through predictive policing The employability of traditional and technological measures does not detract from adopting the social and economic reforms Socio-economic drivers such as unemployment poverty social exclusion domestic violence, drug abuse, beggary, human trafficking, illiteracy, violent movies are the source of surges in the crime matrix
The incumbent IGP Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has taken a plethora of initiatives in the domain of public service delivery and bolstered the relationship between police and public through extensive community engagement by launching the friends of police to engage students, interaction with community leaders and above all, conversion of all police stations on the protocol of Special Initiative Police Stations (SIPS) buttressed the Police Khidmat Marakaz Tahafaz centres Meesaq centres and community outreach programmes However, the inclusion of KPIs to evaluate the performance of DPOs, CCPOs and RPOs is an exemplary step to formulate the regimen of activity based performance Moreover this practice will help in increasing the public trust in the police speedy redressal of grievances of the public efficient evidence collection and apprehension of hardcore offenders Furthermore, combating crime requires a synergy of strategies addressing both prevention and detection of crime and enforcement of law and order
There are different push and pull factors which cause crime in society Push factors refer to poverty unemployment delays in justice perceived injustice, deprivation, disillusionment, grievances, soaring inflation, rapid urban growth, corruption, proliferation of weapons, drug abuse youth bulge and educational disparities Talking about pull factors that contribute in the increase of crime are quick and substantial financial gains group identity and
security recognition and status privileges among criminal peer groups, adventurous thrill, power wielding ecstasy, romanticized criminal lifestyle and above all availability of ready-made criminal infrastructure Therefore it is essential to grasp the potentials of push and pull factors and to sensitize the youth about the predicament of being involved in criminal activities Undeniably, there is a dire need of political will to set in place the structural reforms to address the push and pull factors Youth need to be well aware about the snags of criminal behaviour The involvement in crime and criminal activites put the individual into the quagmire of retributive justice that is sure to follow The law enforcement agencies should focus on restorative justice and rehabilitation of offenders to give them space to amend themselves IGP Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has a wonderful team including CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana MD Punjab Safe City Authorities Ahsan Younas DIG Hqrs Dr Muhammad Abid Khan, RPO Faisalabad DIG Zeeshan Asghar, CTO Lahore Athar Waheed, CPO Gujranwala Rana Ayaz Saleem and many more in command to serve the public deliver justice and providing sense of protection to citizen The digitization process in Punjab Police started in 2015 with the collaboration of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to computerize all police stations, this initiative aimed at automating records, Manage citizen complaints through (PSRMS) criminal record management system (CRMS) Human resource management information system (HRMIS) and Anti-vehicle lifting system (AVLS) Moreover, different mobile apps such as crime prevention app, personnel mobile app, zindagi App, Punjab Police Khidmat App PSCA Public Safety App and Punjab Police Pakistan App were also introduced to protect citizens identify the crime and criminals In order to enhance the sytem of dispensation of justice, digitalization of various processes of the criminal justice system has been done to facilitate the public in impeccable service delivery, nd for the collective and greater good However it is essential to mention that Punjab Government should take benefit from the professional and administrative expertise of Addl IG Tariq Abbas Qureshi and former IGP Islamabad Addl IG Khan Akbar Nasir Khan Likewise, IGP AJK, Rana Abdul Jabbar, has scaled wonderful milestones to enhance workplace expertise and the use of modern
technology in the identification and curbing of crime The launching of Police Khidmat Markaz and implementation of digital system, especially Driving License Information Management System (DLIMS), are outstanding hallmarks for effective public service delivery His dedication is remarkable to modernize the policing in AJK to facilitate the citizens and enforcement of law for the safety and
racial hierarchy This approach appeals to Western far-right groups, which also seek to replace liberal democracy with nationalist ethno-religious states The American Sangh (HSS)
bols of protection could now serve as instruments of U S leverage over Europe s autonomy
ON February 21, 1966, in a solemn press conference at the Elysée Palace, President Charles de Gaulle announced France s withdrawal from NATO s military command Formally Paris remained within the Atlantic Alliance but reclaimed its military independence, shutting down NATO bases scattered across the country It was an epochdefining shift Within a year, 100,000 Americans, soldiers and their families left France which was determined to assert its sovereignty newly empowered by its development of nuclear capability In the decades that followed tensions between Washington and Paris occasionally flared, particularly over the Vietnam War, but no major rupture occurred In fact, in the early 1980s, Socialist President François Mitterrand staunchly supported the deployment of American Pershing missiles in Western Europe to counter the Soviet SS-20s And in 2009 under President Nicolas Sarkozy France rejoined NATO s integrated command though without reopening NATO military bases on its soil, unlike Germany, Italy, and the UK, which in 2024 still host 90,000 American troops Throughout the Cold War these U S bases in Europe were the backbone of Western Europe’s defense against the Soviet Union But with Donald Trump returning to the White House their presence now raises questions that, until recently, no military strategist would have seriously considered European democracies must now confront a troubling scenario: could these very bases become an obstacle to Europe’s strategic and military independence?
The latest decisions from Trump s new administration are deeply concerning The president had severed ties with Ukraine and halted military, before reversing the decision Tuesday in an accord signed in Saudi Arabia According to Swedish sources the U S has informed its allies that it will no longer participate in planning the next military exercises in Europe Meanwhile Elon Musk has once again threatened Ukraine by suggesting
AN ALARMING PROSPECT: How will the Trump administration react when the European Union in its rearmament efforts prioritizes its own defense industry rather than continuing to rely on American military hardware?
In the near future will Washington authorize the use of F-35 fighter jets if a European nation feels threatened? Or will it demand political and economic concessions, such as control over ports, industrial assets or rare earth minerals as it is currently doing with Ukraine? Between Trump’s first and second terms the nature of U S -European relations has shifted dramatically This is no longer just about the transactional diplomacy of eight years ago, when Trump threatened to withhold NATO support from allies unless they increased defense spending Today, the risk is far greater: Trump appears intent on coercing any nation that refuses to abide by his rules starting with his push to dismantle the European Union
THE “BIGGEST ENEMY”: In 2018, Trump declared, The European Union is the biggest enemy of the United States ” Just days ago, he doubled down: “The EU was created to rip us off ” Europeans must recognize the reality: American military bases in Europe are no longer just symbols of protection; they are potential barriers to Europe s strategic autonomy Not (yet) in the sense of exerting military pressure on European nations, but in their capacity to obstruct an independent defense policy A strategic response is needed and it must come swiftly Europe must send a clear message to Trump
As historian Nicole Gnesotto vice president of the Jacques Delors Institute suggests: Trump needs to know that if he refuses to help secure a peace agreement in Ukraine, Europe will stop purchasing American military equipment: a move that would drive part of his defense industry into bankruptcy since Europe is its largest market ” Secondly Europe must ensure that the use of military equipment purchased from the U S is no longer subject to American authorization, as current regulations dictate Finally, the EU must start preparing for a future without American bases on its soil
When General de Gaulle announced France’s NATO exit and the closure of its bases in 1966 he had already been in power for eight years He spent that time laying the groundwork for independence conducting France s first nuclear test in 1960 to establish its deterrence capability Today, the European Union must undertake a similar effort But this time, Europe does not have eight
OV E R the past decade, the global far-right has changed in major ways In the past, it was mostly focused on white supremacism and European nationalism But now it is forming alliances with non-European groups most notably Hindu nationalists in India This growing connection between Hindutva and far-right movements in the US and Europe raises serious questions about how modern fascism adapts beyond racial boundaries This connection is not new The relationship between Hindu nationalism and European fascism dates back to the early 20th century
At that time the idea of an Aryan race connected German nationalists with privileged caste Hindus who were seen as having a common ancestry Some European thinkers, like Savitri Devi Mukherji, strengthened this connection by combining Hindu mysticism with Nazi racial ideas She praised both the Hindu caste system and Hitler ’s vision of a racial state
Despite these historical ties today s alliance between Hindutva and the Western far-right is more about shared enemies than shared origins Both movements promote Islamophobia, oppose secularism, and aim for an ethnically or religiously dominant state In the US and Europe, far-right populists blame Muslim minorities for social problems and see them as threats In India Hindutva groups led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have passed policies that target Muslims Christians and Dalits
This shared ideology has led to real-world collaborations For example, Norwegian mass shooter Anders Behring Breivik praised Hindutva in his manifesto, and Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders defended a BJP politician’s derogatory remarks against Prophet Other links include Steve Bannon s admiration of India s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hindu nationalist leaders participating in far-right events like the National Conservatism Conference One of the most striking aspects of this convergence is the increasing presence of Indian-origin figures in Western far-right politics People like Suella Braverman and Priti Patel in the UK Kash Patel and Vivek Ramaswamy in the US and Alice Weidel s partner in Germany (possibly of Tamil origin) show how Hindutva-aligned elites have entered white supremacist spaces These individuals gain acceptance by supporting nationalist, anti-Muslim, and anti-immigrant policies A NEW MULTIRACIAL FASCISM?: This shift reveals the changing nature of far-right politics Historically white supremacy excluded non-Europeans from power But today the global far-right is strategically expanding Hindu nationalism serves as a model of a non-Western movement that builds a majority-based state while upholding religious and
advocates for an anti-liberal world order, are embraced by both American far-right groups and Hindu nationalists
One recent example of this ideological connection is the growing link between India’s Hindu nationalist networks and Sweden’s far-right Sweden Democrats Both groups share anti-Muslim rhetoric as seen when Sweden Democrat Richard Jomshof shared controversial cartoons from an Indian nationalist site
However, the growing influence of Hindutva within the far-right does not signify an abandonment of racial hierarchies Rather, it reflects a conditional arrangement in which Hindu nationalists are accepted as subordinates within the framework of white supremacy
Their inclusion serves the strategic interests of white supremacists but only as long as they acknowledge and operate within this hierarchy The presence of Indian-origin far-right figures does not indicate a dilution of white supremacist ideology; instead, it demonstrates its ability to in-
Hindu nationalism This hesitation comes from a view of India as a tolerant and democratic society
As a result Hindutva has gained more legitimacy in global politics despite promoting many of the same extreme policies and even worse as the Western far-right The growing connection between Hindutva and the Western far-right is a warning
Dr MuhaMMaD rizwan Bhatti
HAMAS AGREES TO RELEASE L AST LIVING AMERICAN HOSTAGE IN GA Z A AS CEASEFIRE TALKS CONTINUE
HNearly 100 arrested in protest at Trump Tower over Mahmoud Khalil’s detention
Khalil
from Israel and a ceasefire in Gaza Former President Donald Trump, in a statement on Truth Social, defended the crackdown stating “If you support terrorism you are not welcome here ” Critics argue such rhetoric has fueled aggressive action against Palestinian rights advocates Khalil s legal team filed an amended
habeas corpus petition on Thursday contending that his detention is politically
The petition names both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as respondents, underscoring what his attorneys describe as the retaliatory nature of the government’s actions In a parallel legal battle the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Khalil and several other students The suit accuses Columbia University and Barnard College of providing private student records to Congress under pressure of losing federal funding CAIR warns this could place the students at risk of harassment and violence While Khalil remains in ICE custody in Louisiana, human rights groups and activists continue to press for his release They warn that his case is emblematic of an intensifying effort to stifle pro-Palestinian advocacy in the US Juliette Kayyem a national security analyst for CNN noted that the Trump Tower protest signals growing resistance to policies aimed at silencing dissent on Palestine “This movement is gaining momentum ” she said Sonya MeyersonKnox communications director for Jewish Voice for Peace highlighted the urgency of their activism We ve been taught what happens when authoritarian regimes scapegoat people, she said If we don’t speak up today, there may be no one left to speak up tomorrow ”
CORPORATE CORNER
Thar Foundation Recognized for CSR
Initiatives in Thar Block II
S TA F F R E P O R T
‘IT EXPOSED TERRORISTS TO NATION’: BIL AWAL L AUDS LEAS, BALOCHISTAN OVER JAFFAR EXPRESS OPERATION
Thar Foundation the CSR wing of Thar Block II entities has been recognized for its exceptional contributions to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community enhancement that have helped uplift the lives of Thari people Recently, Thar Foundation was honored at the 17th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit and Awards, organized by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) in 5 categories of CSR Initiatives - Education and Vocational Training Green Energy Initiative Livelihood and Relief Efforts for its impactful projects Sharing his thoughts on this recognition, Amir Iqbal, CEO of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) and Thar Foundation, stated, “For over a decade we have been driven by a clear purpose of strengthening Pakistan’s energy security while enhancing Thari communities through impactful initiatives in health education livelihoods and women empowerment It is heartening to witness the transformation unfolding in Thar, and we remain committed to playing our humble role in uplifting future generations of Tharis ” LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T
Rabel Sadozai Director Marketing and Sales at Fatima Fertilizer was recently honored with the prestigious Punjab Ki Beti Award in the Agriculture Category, presented by the Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on behalf of the Women Development Department and Government of Punjab The award was conferred upon Ms Sadozai in recognition of her exceptional contributions and performance as an industry leader The award ceremony was hosted at the CM House in Lahore on the occasion of celebrating International Women s Day The Punjab Ki Beti Award is a special initiative by the Government of Punjab to celebrate Pakistani women who have demonstrated excellence and played a transformative role in their respective fields The event was attended by government officials female industry leaders and notable personalities committed to championing women s empowerment in Pakistan Under Rabel’s leadership, Fatima Fertilizer has solidified its reputation as a trailblazer in agricultural innovation achieving
significant milestones As Director of Sales & Marketing, she manages a sales portfolio of approximately $1 billion She oversees multiple departments including Sales Brand Management Trade Marketing Distribution and Logistics, Business Planning, Farmer Engagement, and Specialty Business, leading a team of over 200 professionals across Pakistan driving sustained growth and market leadership While expressing her gratitude Rabel Sadozai said, This award is not just a recognition of my profes-
sional journey but a testament to the resilience and potential of Pakistani women At Fatima Fertilizer we strongly believe in empowering women, especially in rural communities, through initiatives that foster financial independence and skill development " This recognition also showcases Fatima Fertilizer s dedication to promoting gender inclusivity in agriculture through its Mitti Ki Beti campaign, launched on International Women’s Day to honor the resilience and strength of women in the Agriculture value chain The campaign celebrates women excelling in non-traditional roles such as carriage contractors moving fertilizer from the Manufacturing Plant to the Warehouses and female Warehouse in-charges, breaking barriers and redefining women’s roles in both technical and administrative sectors Under her leadership Fatima Fertilizer in partnership with UNDP, became the first company in Pakistan to adopt the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Impact Framework committing to 15 UN SDGs Additionally Fatima Fertilizer pioneered the concept of Salam Kissan
LAHORE S TA F F R E
The Punjab Assembly has passed the bill for the establishment of the Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority officially converting the Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company (PMBMC) into an Authority This transformation is regarded as one of the biggest governmentowned initiatives, as the new Authority will function under its own laws rules and regulations promulgated by the government Punjab Sahulat Bazaars previously operating as Model Bazaars are widely recognized as the only centralized platform for public relief, where essential commodities are available at highly subsidized rates even lower than the DC-notified prices This unique model ensures that citizens have direct access to affordable, high-qual-
ity products making it a key government intervention against inflation and price hikes
The conversion of the Company into an Authority is seen as a testament to its outstanding performance which compelled the government to transition it into a more structured and autonomous entity This step is not just a policy shift but a strategic move to further strengthen consumer relief initiatives and improve market regulation across Punjab
It is also noteworthy that the Government of Punjab has already allocated Rs 3 4 billion for the construction of 13 new Model Bazaars in different cities, expanding the existing network of 36 Model Bazaars across 25 districts Currently 13 Model Bazaars are under construction ensuring that more citizens benefit from this structured price-control mechanism
CEO of Punjab Model Bazaars Management Company, Mr Naveed Rafaqat Ahmad, emphasized the importance of this initiative in an exclusive conversation with the newspaper: This is a game-changing step for public relief Punjab Sahulat Bazaars are the only dedicated platform where essential items are provided below government-notified rates, ensuring affordability for all We will continue our efforts with full commitment in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Ms Maryam Nawaz Sharif Additionally, 13 new Sahulat Bazaars will be operational within the next 4 to 6 months, further strengthening the province-wide price stabilization mechanism The expansion of Sahulat Bazaars is expected to provide substantial relief to the public by increasing the availability of subsidized essential commodities at regulated prices across Punjab
PM DIRECTS STRICT ACTION AGAINST PROFITEERS, HOARDERS OF SUGAR
Jail authorities fail to produce Imran K han in cour t despite IHC order
person as per the court orders
However the Islamabad advocate general (AG) informed the court that bringing the PTI founder from jail was not possible due to security concerns and that presenting him via video link was also not feasible
that the court order was related to meetings with lawyers not friends Justice Sardar Ejaz Khan remarked that Yousafzai was appearing before the court as a lawyer, and the court was hearing the petition accordingly
Court (IHC) in
a clear order
The IHC had ordered the jail authorities to produce the PTI founder in person in the court while hearing a petition filed by Mashal Yousafzai against the denial of permission to meet Imran Khan incarcerated in Adiala Jail
During initial hearing on Friday the court observed that the Islamabad Advocate General (AG) must inform the court if they intended to proceed with the video link appearance However, if the PTI founder is not presented via video link by 2pm he must be brought before the court in person at 3pm
After the 2pm deadline expired, the former prime minister was due to be presented in court in
The court directed the Adiala jail superintendent and Islamabad AG to submit their affidavits in this regard
The court also formed a commission to send law clerk Sakina Bangash to visit Adiala Jail and confirm from the PTI founder whether Yousafzai was his lawyer or not The commission that includes the law clerk has been directed to meet Khan tomorrow (Saturday), and the jail superintendent has been instructed to make arrangements for the meeting
At this Yousafzai said that formation of the commission was a golden opportunity for them She also requested that the commission ask whether the PTI founder is being allowed to meet his friends
The Islamabad AG then said
withdraw from the process
S TA F F R E P O R T
National Assembly Speaker Sardar
Ayaz Sadiq on Friday expressed optimism over the possible resumption of negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) despite the opposition party s earlier decision to call off talks
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Ayaz Sadiq said the government had shown willingness to address the PTI’s demands during the previous negotiation rounds but the opposition had chosen to
The door for dialogue should remain open, Sadiq said, adding that any future negotiations should not be “person-specific ” He refrained from sharing the specifics of what the opposition had requested during the earlier talks
Questioning PTI s narrative the speaker said, If this parliament is fake, then by that logic, its parliamentary committees, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should also be considered unconstitutional
Earlier in January PTI officially announced an end to talks
Earlier the court remarked that failing to comply with a prior court order which was issued with the consent of all parties, amounts to contempt of court In the previous hearing, the court had ordered that the petitioner be allowed to meet the PTI founder
Expressing disappointment the judge said that the jail authorities were expected to follow the court s directive Prima facie, the court is convinced that the jail authorities have committed contempt ” it remarked
The court also noted that a list was submitted purportedly provided by the PTI founder However, if the court is not satisfied with its authenticity, it will directly verify it from him
with the government citing a lack of cooperation and the government s refusal to form a judicial commission to investigate the violent incidents of May 9, 2023, as the primary reasons for the breakdown
At the time PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that party founder Imran Khan had directed the negotiation team to halt the dialogue after the government declined to establish a three-member judicial commission Despite the setback Ayaz Sadiq maintained on Friday that he remains hopeful of restarting the dialogue process between the two sides
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) district emir Abdullah Nadeem along three others sustained injuries when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded during Friday prayer at a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s South Waziristan, police said
“The improvised explosive device (IED) apparently planted to the pulpit exploded at around 1:45 pm at Maulana Abdul Aziz Mosque on Azam Warsak Bypass Road, District Police Officer Asif Bahader confirmed to the media
“JUI-F district emir Abdullah Nadeem was seriously wounded in the blast while three others also sustained minor injuries in the
blast , the police officer added The injured were identified as Rehmanullah, Mullah Noor, and Shah Behran, a statement issued by the police said All the injured individuals were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital for immediate medical assistance
DPO Bahader said that the police reached the site of the blast soon after the blast and collected evidence adding that further investigation is underway
District Police Spokesman Habib Islam informed the media that no group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far
“Maulana Abdullah had been receiving death threats for quite some time and had survived an attack seven or eight months ago
he elaborated JUI-F chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman condemned the mosque blast, saying its sanctity had been violated in the holy month of Ramazan The blast is tragic and condemnable he said in a statement
He urged the government and institutions to brief the nation on the situation in Balochistan and KP, adding that lawlessness and other key issues in both provinces were being ignored in parliament
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the blast in a statement from his office stating that the incident violated the sanctity of the mosque
“The sanctity of the mosque was violated during the holy month of Ramazan ” Naqvi was quoted as saying
