SC WONDERS HOW CIVILIAN TRIALS WILL RESUME IF TRANSFERRED FROM MILITARY COURTS
who contended
issue was
selected for
allowed
The query was raised during the hearing of intra-court appeals against the military trial of civilians before a constitutional bench of the top court
The bench led by Justice Amin Uddin Khan and comprising other judges including Justice Mazhar, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Hassan Azhar Naqvi and Justice Naeem Afghan, heard arguments from civil society’s lawyer Faisal
Justice Amin noted that the transfer of suspects was a matter of record and asked whether the lawyer had challenged Section 94 of the Army Act Siddiqi responded that at the time of the suspects custody, their crimes had not yet been determined, and that the unlimited discretionary power granted under Section 94 had also been challenged He argued that a commanding officer initiates a handover request under Section 94, and that the officer making the decision has unlimited authority, unlike the prime minister, who has limited powers He stressed that there should be a structured framework for such powers
At this Justice Naqvi questioned whether police investigations were slower compared to military trials and asked if sufficient evidence existed at the time of the suspects’ handover Siddiqi replied that the presence or absence of evidence was not the issue but rather the absolute authority in transferring suspects Here, Justice Mandokhail asked whether an ATC had the authority to reject a handover request To which, Siddiqi responded in affirmation Justice Amin then remarked that such a defence on the suspects behalf could have been pursued before the ATC or in an appeal
Meanwhile, Justice Mazhar asked whether the court had decided on the commanding officer ’s request without notifying the suspects At this, Justice Mandokhail pointed out that Section 94
applies only to those under the Army Act and after the ATC s decision, the suspects fell under the
com published in January
estimated economic losses of $1 62 billion due to digital restrictions in Pakistan last year This figure surpassed losses in conflict-affected nations like Sudan and Myanmar The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed said last year that Pakistan’s information technology sector was incurring losses of over $1 million per hour due to frequent internet shutdowns #KeepItOn coalition s report documented 296 internet shutdowns worldwide across 54 countries in 2024, surpassing the previous year ’s total of 283 While conflicts were the leading cause governments also disrupted access to suppress protests and elections In Pakistan shutdowns were frequently imposed during political demonstrations and security operations, severely affecting mobile internet services India, which has recorded 855 shutdowns since 2016 imposed 84 last year more than any other democ-
racy while Myanmar topped the list with 85 The report noted that Pakistan’s restrictions have increasingly mirrored India s where internet blackouts have become routine in regions like Kashmir Access Now also highlighted a global rise in platform blocks, with 71 recorded in 35 countries Social media platforms such as X TikTok and Signal were frequently restricted further limiting access to information The advocacy group warned that such measures amplify misinformation, restrict people s ability to verify facts, and disrupt everyday life ” Calling for urgent reform Narayan urged Pakistani authorities to stop obstructing digital access through VPN blocking firewall restrictions and mobile internet shutdowns The government must recognize that internet shutdowns are not just about connectivity they undermine democracy, restrict press freedom and carry serious economic consequences she said
OFIT M o n to r i n g D e s k
Tesla’s sales in Scandinavia
FIFA has officially lifted the suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after the federation successfully amended its constitution aligning with FIFA
The Hydro Electric Power Association (HEPA) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to support the inclusion of small renewable energy projects, up to 20 MW in the upcoming Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) according
Pakistan, IFC strengthen climate par tnership to boost resilience
g FOCUS ON CLIMATE FINANCING, SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL COLLABORATION
stricter oversight on PRAL and the IT Wing, ensuring that no further exploitation of the system occurs The letter further urged the FBR to take decisive steps to protect honest taxpayers and restore the integrity of tax administration It stressed the need for immediate action to prevent further
operation ensuring that climate resilience efforts are tailored to Pakistan s specific needs and supported by global financial institutions
DO N A L D Trump has redefined diplomatic norms by shifting high-level discussions from closed-door negotiations to public confrontations His treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House inviting him as a guest only to dismiss him gracelessly was a stark departure from traditional diplomacy Diplomacy thrives on negotiation, compromise, and conflict resolution, with disagreements handled professionally and follow-up discussions scheduled if needed However in an unprecedented public spectacle diplomacy was replaced with an open display of hostility where accusations and counter-accusations were aired before the global audience, undermining the dignity of both leaders and their respective nations Trump s conduct toward Zelensky was less about diplomacy and more about coercion While he and his Vice President claimed to advocate for diplomatic solutions their actions contradicted diplomatic norms by humiliating a sovereign leader Trump s demand that Ukraine cede control of its natural resources and accept Russia s terms to end the war without addressing Ukraine s security concerns or considering Europe’s stakes was not a negotiation but an ultimatum This approach disregarded the fact that the U S itself played a key role in Ukraine s resistance by providing military economic and diplomatic support to counter Russian aggression It also ignored the reality that the Russia-Ukraine war was largely influenced by NATO’s expansion with the USA in charge, which Moscow viewed as a direct threat to its security This pattern of shifting U S foreign policy is not new Successive American administrations have started wars supported allies and then reversed their positions based on changing political priorities Pakistan experienced this firsthand when the U S backed it during the Cold War, only to abandon it during critical conflicts with India The same happened after Pakistan played a frontline role in pushing back the Soviet Union from Afghanistan in the 1980s only to be left in economic and political turmoil once U S
and stability over geopolitical rivalry The framing of China as an existential threat, akin to the Soviet Union during the Cold War has exacerbated tensions and deepened the global divide between democratic and authoritarian regimes
DO N A L D Trump’s presidency has been a transformative period in the history of US foreign policy His return to the White House solidifies his role as a pivotal figure, much like Franklin D Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, who redefined the role of the United States on the global stage While Roosevelt’s multilateral approach shaped “The American Century” and Reagan championed peace through strength Trump embodies a new era: the age of nationalism This shift reflects a broader global trend that began in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, characterized by protectionism, hardened borders, and economic nationalism Trump’s foreign policy approach raises significant questions about the future of US relations with China Russia India and emerging global powers Under both Trump and his successor President Joe Biden, Washington has focused on consolidating US power, particularly by countering China s economic and military rise This emphasis on greatpower competition has led to an aggressive economic strategy marked by tariffs and export controls designed to weaken China s economic influence Instead of fostering global economic growth U S policies have prioritized supply-chain resilience and economic security, leading to a more insular and protectionist stance The resurgence of nationalism has influenced not only the United States but also other nations across the world Figures such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Trump himself have capitalized on nationalist sentiments, advocating policies that prioritize national sovereignty over global cooperation Washington has played a role in reinforcing this trend rather than challenging it The shift from economic interdependence to protectionist policies reflects a global retreat from the liberal order that defined much of the post-World War II era The pivot to great-power competition underscores this nationalist shift Rather than fostering a new internationalist order in the tradition of Roosevelt’s multilateralism, the United States has sustained an outdated model based on U S primacy This approach has limited the ability of policymakers to envision a world order that prioritizes peace
If the United States aims to restore its leadership in addressing global challenges such as climate change, democratic backsliding, economic inequality, and sovereign debt crises, it must move beyond the age of nationalism
Roosevelt’s vision of a multilateral order sought to maintain peace and global justice by leveraging U S economic and military power in collaboration with international partners The post-World War II order, though imperfect, created space for emerging economies to assert their interests through institutions such as the United Nations and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
This period of international cooperation enabled economic growth and political stability despite ongoing disparities between developed and developing nations Following the Cold War, the United States shifted from fostering multilateralism to pursuing unilateral primacy
The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 left the United States as the dominant global power leading to the assumption that liberal democracy would spread worldwide without significant opposition However the post-9/11 war on terror further eroded internationalism, as Washington used its influence to pressure nations into supporting military campaigns without considering the long-term consequences for global relations
The global financial crisis of 2008 marked a turning point in the trajectory of international relations As economic growth stagnated governments prioritized domestic economic stability over global cooperation The United States focused on bailing out financial institutions and protecting domestic markets, while China pursued large-scale
The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 left the United States as the dominant global power, leading to the assumption that liberal democracy would spread worldwide without significant opposition T r u m p e x p e l s Z e l e n s k y f r o m t h e W h i t e H o u s e
serving agenda The public humiliation of Zelensky was not just an insult to Ukraine but to Europe as a whole European leaders now find themselves in an awkward position having invested years in shaping a pro-Ukraine narrative with U S backing, only for the new American administration to discard it overnight This has left Europe feeling exposed, powerless, and forced to reassess its dependency on U S security assurances By undermining Zelensky in such a public manner Trump has effectively diminished the collective influence of European powers reducing their strategic clout in the ongoing conflict Europe s core narrative on the RussiaUkraine war revolves around defending Ukraine’s sovereignty upholding international law and ensuring European security The war is seen as an unprovoked act of aggression by Russia violating Ukraine s territorial integrity and challenging the post-World War II order that forbids changing borders by force European leaders argue that if Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, it could embolden further territorial expansion particularly toward NATO s eastern members like the Baltic states and Poland The conflict is framed as a battle between democracy and authoritarianism with Ukraine representing European values of selfdetermination, democracy, and human rights As a result, Europe has provided military, economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine while imposing severe sanctions on Russia to weaken its war efforts The invasion has also forced Europe to rethink its energy security accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas and diversify energy sources At the same time, European leaders recognize the risks of escalation and have been cautious about direct military involvement to prevent a broader NATO-Russia war While countries like Poland and the Baltic states advocate for maximum support to Ukraine others like Germany and France have pushed for a balance between military aid and diplomatic efforts to seek an eventual resolution The war has also prompted major geopolitical shifts with Sweden and Finland abandoning neutrality to join NATO and European nations increasing their defense budgets Europe views its support for Ukraine as not only a necessity for regional stability but also a test of its strategic autonomy and long-term security framework However, as U S priorities shift under new
leadership, European leaders now face the challenge of maintaining a unified stance without guaranteed American backing raising concerns about the continent s future security landscape
There are three likely outcomes for Europe in the Russia-Ukraine conflict The first is to yield to U S pressure and abandon its efforts to bring Ukraine into NATO, withdraw from Ukraine’s internal affairs, allow Zelensky to step down, and accept Russian-installed leadership in Kyiv This would also require Europe to stop pushing the narrative that Russia poses a direct threat to other Eastern European states In return for its past support of Ukraine, the U S would gain control over Ukraine s valuable mineral resources This approach would effectively acknowledge Russia’s dominance over Ukraine reshape the geopolitical balance in Eastern Europe and shift the focus of Western nations away from prolonged conflict However this would come at the cost of Ukraine s sovereignty and European credibility, as it would signal that Western security commitments are conditional and subject to political convenience
The second option for Europe is to break away from U S influence and adopt an independent and unified stance on the Russia-Ukraine war This would require European nations to fill the strategic gap left by U S disengagement, significantly increase defense spending, and enforce even harsher sanctions on Russia
To maintain Ukraine’s resistance Europe would have to consider direct military involvement ramping up arms production and converting civilian industries to support the war effort effectively committing to a long-term military confrontation However, such a course of action would be financially and politically costly, leading to economic decline inflation and potential social unrest across European nations
Another alternative would be to persuade Trump to modify his stance and work toward ending the war in a way that secures Ukraine s sovereignty and ensures Europe s security Yet, given Trump’s “America First” policy, convincing him to re-engage without tangible benefits for the U S would be a difficult challenge
The writer retired as Press Secretary the President and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France and former MD Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
TrumpÊs demand that Ukraine cede control of its natural resources and accept RussiaÊs terms to end the war without addressing UkraineÊs security concerns or considering EuropeÊs stakes was not a negotiation but an ultimatum.
QaMar Bashir
become venues for ceremonies such as na-
His speeches and actions have led many to perceive him as an adversary to the state, the Pakistan Army, and the country’s institutions On May 9 2023 Pakistan experienced a tragic and unprecedented series of attacks on military installations security forces and national monuments
MO N U M E N T S dedicated to martyrs serve as physical symbols of their sacrifice By erecting statues, plaques, or memorials a nation visibly acknowledges the contributions of those who gave their lives for the greater good
a shared sense of pride in the nation s independence and ongoing prosperity These monuments stir feelings of patriotism, embodying the ideals for which the martyrs fought They emphasize the importance of the nation’s sovereignty and identity, encouraging citizens to uphold the values their ancestors cherished
By honoring martyrs through these memorials a nation reminds its people of the sacrifices that made their way of life possible Additionally, monuments to martyrs offer a space for both personal reflection and collective healing For families and communities affected by the loss of their loved ones visiting a martyr s monument can be a deeply emotional experience offering a moment to grieve, remember, and honor their loved one s sacrifice National monuments also serve as places of collective remembrance, where citizens gather to reflect on the cost of freedom and the significance of unity These sites often
tional holidays, where people come together to honor the martyrs and reaffirm their commitment to the nation’s values Monuments dedicated to martyrs are not only symbols of remembrance but also serve as educational tools These memorials often feature inscriptions plaques and historical accounts that provide insights into the lives of the martyrs, their sacrifices, and the context in which they fought They act as valuable resources for future generations, helping them understand the country’s history and the struggles that shaped its present state Educational programs tied to these monuments assist students and young people in connecting with their national heritage By visiting and learning about these memorials, they gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who came before them and the importance of preserving the values for which those martyrs fought In this way monuments help ensure that historical lessons are passed down, preventing the fading of a nation s collective memory Additionally, monuments dedicated to martyrs can influence a country’s image on the global stage Countries that acknowledge their historical struggles and the sacrifices of their martyrs demonstrate a strong commitment to human rights justice and freedom These memorials often serve as a reminder to the international community of the nation s past battles, adding depth to its identity in the global context In times of international conflict or unrest monuments to martyrs can remind the world of the value of peace and the true cost of war Countries that prioritize preserving the memory of their martyrs show their dedication to fostering peace, solidarity, and mutual respect among nations Unfortunately, the political actions of Imran Khan and his party have placed political interests ahead of the nation s welfare
This day marked a significant turning point in the country s history, resulting in widespread destruction, loss of life, and further deepening the political and security crises that Pakistan was already facing These events fueled by political unrest led to brutal attacks on the Pakistan Army s installations and monuments honoring the nation s martyrs
Tensions reached a breaking point when former Prime Minister Imran Khan, leader of the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) was arrested on corruption charges His arrest triggered widespread protests and violent demonstrations particularly in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad The violence was sparked by inflammatory speeches from Imran Khan and other leaders of his party What began as protests quickly escalated into a full-blown rebellion with demonstrators demanding the immediate release of Imran Khan the resignation of the government and the removal of military leadership The protests grew increasingly violent, resulting in a series of attacks on military installations, government buildings and other state infrastructure
One of the most shocking and distressing aspects of May 9 was the violent targeting of military installations and monuments dedicated to Pakistan s national martyrs
These acts of destruction were not only an attempt to weaken the military’s power but also sought to undermine the core of Pakistan’s national identity and pride
The attacks on Pakistan Army installations on May 9 marked the most direct assault on the country s military infrastructure in recent history What began as protests over political grievances quickly escalated into organized efforts to dismantle the military’s authority Military bases camps and
sensitive sites across the country were targeted with demonstrators storming military compounds and setting vehicles equipment and properties ablaze One of the most symbolic attacks occurred at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the command center of the Pakistan Army, which represents the strength and unity of the military Protesters clashed violently with security personnel near the GHQ and some managed to breach its outer perimeter leading to confrontations with military police
The assault on the GHQ was seen as a direct challenge to the military s authority, marking an unprecedented act of rebellion against the state Although the compound was not overtaken the symbolic nature of the attack sent a chilling message For people the attack on the GHQ represented a perilous moment in Pakistan s history In addition to the GHQ, several military installations in Lahore and Karachi were targeted In Lahore, military convoys
e n c e s T h e p e o p l e u rg e t h e g ov e r n m e n t n o t t o y i e l d t o a ny p r e s s u r e a n d t o d e a l w i t h t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s f i r m ly, s e t t i n g a n ex a m p l e t o p r ev e n t s u c h i n c i d e n t s i
It’s regular old racism, not ‘Hinduphobia’
So, it’s hardly out of order that MAGA loyalists
IAL JAZEERA
s o m d e e p s e N
T S been an awkward few months for Hindu nationalists who have been eagerly awaiting Trump’s return to the White House There have been a few wins Strategic and defence ties between India and the US seem stable for now following Prime Minister Narendra Modi s visit to the White House Modi claimed that like Trump s quest to Make America Great Again (MAGA), he too strived to Make India Great Again (MIGA) He added, When America and India work together, when it’s MAGA plus MIGA, it becomes mega –a mega partnership for prosperity ” Kash Patel has been confirmed to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Born to Gujarati parents he has been vocal about his Hindu identity and even voiced support for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in 2024 Yet Trump s return has also exposed an underbelly of anti-Indian racism in the MAGA-verse In late December, an apparent “civil war” broke out in the MAGA-verse and Indian Americans were at the centre of it The trigger was Donald Trump’s appointment of Indian American venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as senior policy adviser to the White House for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Krishnan s appointment coincided with MAGA debates over the H1B visa scheme that brings skilled foreign workers to the US Many in Trump s camp have long insisted that its beneficiaries – mostly Indians –undercut the American workforce Many Trump loyalists like “far-right provocateur” Laura Loomer were outraged at the appointment Loomer posted on X: It s alarming to see the number of career leftists who are now being appointed to serve in Trump s admin when they share views that are in direct opposition to Trump s America First agenda A MAGA fan posted on X that people like Krishnan view “Western nations as economic zones and nothing more” and have “no business holding positions of power in the American government Another agreed and urged President Trump and Vice President Vance to instead interview American-born Tech Workers and get their opinion! More recently, a staff member of Elon Musk s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Marko Elez, was forced to resign when he was linked to racist social media posts One of his posts read “Normalize Indian hate” Yet Vice President JD Vance whose wife and mother of his children is a daughter of Indian immigrants called for him to be hired back He said that while he disagreed with Elez s posts he didn t think that stupid social media activity should ruin a kid s life President Trump agreed with his vice president and Elez was rehired All of this is not surprising Racism and xenophobia have been a central pillar of Trump’s “America First” policy His targets have been undocumented migrants arriving from America s
who have been promised a draconian crackdown on immigration in Trump s second term – seem to be uncomfortable with a foreignborn brown-skinned executive who has advocated for raising country caps on green cards in the White House After all in their eyes, Krishnan epitomises the old trope of the insidious foreigner taking jobs that belong to honest, hardworking Americans But rather than calling it racism, Hindu groups are crying “Hinduphobia”! Why? In part it’s because Trump’s racism and xenophobia are what Hindu groups have long endorsed In general they view
longstanding bromance But Hindu groups endorsement of Trump is not just about this affinity between the two leaders It’s about values Trump’s disdain for DEI policies and affirmative action jibes well with Hindu nationalists disdain for any liberal talk of antiCaste discrimination affirmative action or legislation protecting the rights of marginalised communities be it at home in India or the diaspora The MAGA brand of Islamophobia is also one that Hindu nationalists can get behind After all, violence and discrimination against India’s Muslims have been a marquee feature of the Modi-led Hindu nationalist brand of governance Similarly Trump’s xenophobia wasn’t seen as incompatible with Hindu nationalist talking points For them the demonisation of undocumented migrants or the securitisation of Muslim immigrants only reinforced the characterisation of Indian Hindus in the US as the model migrant who contribute positively to the US economy and society But this turning of the tide against the model Indian immigrant was not something they had planned for They had endorsed Trump’s racism and xenophobia hoping it would conveniently spare them as the exception So unable to call it racism – lest this exposes the hypocrisy of their endorsement of Trump – Hindu groups are crying Hinduphobia The politics surrounding the charge of Hinduphobia in this context are highly problematic Violence and discrimination are indeed a reality for Hindus in many places in the world However arguing that the attacks on Krishnan and the MAGA-verse’s outrage over the H1B visa scheme is an outgrowth of systemic discrimination against Hindus is inaccurate
In fact a recent study by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate reveals that while social media platforms like X were indeed rife with anti-Indian hatred against Indians and IndianAmericans”, these attacks were “not exclusively aimed at Hindus” Rather, they targeted “everyone perceived to be of Indian origin” which includes Sikhs More generally according to the FBI s hate crime statistics Hindus are one of the least targeted religious groups in the country Nonetheless the charge of Hinduphobia – one that has been popularised among Hindu nationalist groups in the United States – serves a political agenda in two ways For one thing, it feeds into the longstanding Hindu nationalist claim that Indianness is synonymous with Hinduism This argument purposefully overlooks the diversity of religious and ethnic identities that make up the sociocultural fabric of India
It also falsely paints Hindus as a systemically marginalised group – a claim that is then weaponised against academics and activists who criticise Hindu nationalist politics, often leading to death and rape threats against such individuals and their families
It is also used to evade and delegitimize any criticism of caste discrimination in India or the diaspora and Hindu nationalist hate speech and violence against Indian Muslims and Christians Unfortunately the vocabulary of Hinduphobia is not just a talk-point of Hindu nationalist groups It may soon become legislation Congressman Shri Thanedar introduced a resolution in April 2024 that celebrates Hindu contributions to the US and condemns “Hinduphobia, and anti-Hindu bigotry” A year before that the Georgia Assembly also passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia Somdeep Sen is Associate Professor of International Development Studies at Roskilde University in Denmark
the BBC’s
TH E latest capitulation by the BBC due to pressure from Israeli flunkies is an ideal time to review the history of the broadcaster s surrender over the years The removal of Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone from BBC iPlayer after pressure from pro-Israel groups fits into a long pattern of the broadcast cooperation caving in whenever it is faced with sustained lobbying from groups determined to control how Israel is portrayed in the media
The BBC is anything but independent when it comes to covering Israel and Palestine A recent investigation by Owen Jones, based on interviews with 13 current and former BBC journalists, reveals how senior figures skew coverage in Israel’s favour ignore internal complaints and suppress reports on Israeli atrocities Journalists describe an environment where management routinely dismisses concerns about bias with one calling the racism more overt than ever The report details how the BBC downplays Israeli war crimes, erases historical context and systematically devalues Palestinian lives Jones’ investigation adds weight to the long history of pro-Israel lobbying influencing the BBC s editorial decisions a history meticulously documented by Ilan Pappé in Lobbying for Zionism on Both Sides of the Atlantic Pappé provides a comprehensive account of how Zionist lobbying has shaped political and media discourse since the 19th century with the BBC’s repeated submission to pro-Israel pressure serving as just one example of how lobbying efforts have shaped Britain s institutions in the 21st century
One of the earliest and most blatant examples of BBC capitulation came in 2009, when it refused to air a humanitarian appeal for Gaza during Israel’s bombardment The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) had put together an appeal to raise funds for Palestinians subjected to Israeli brutality but the BBC rejected it, citing concerns about impartiality The real reason was pressure from pro-Israel groups, who viewed any humanitarian aid to Gaza as a threat to Israel’s global image It was an absurd decision and condemned as such The BBC regularly covers humanitarian disasters whether they are earthquakes wars or refugee crises But in this case it sided with lobbyists who insisted that Palestinians should not receive the same coverage as other victims of conflict In 2014, during another major Israeli assault on Gaza BBC journalists faced internal censorship and external pressure Reporters such as Jeremy Bowen and Jon Donnison found their coverage softened with language adjusted to downplay the impact of Israeli air strikes The BBC s coverage disproportionately highlighted Hamas rockets while failing to give equal weight to the far greater destruction and casualties caused by Israel’s bombardment This was not an accident As Pappé explains
dispute rather than a case of ethnic cleansing This was the result of direct pressure from pro-Israel organisations such as UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) and the Board of Deputies who consistently work behind the scenes to ensure that BBC language is adjusted to serve
abdul basit alvi
UN CALLS ON ISRAEL TO RESTORE
AID SUPPLIES TO DEVASTATED GA Z A
Israel halts supplies to G aza, cites alleged Hamas Thef t of supplies
of Gaza In a statement Netanyahu said We are stopping all supplies to Gaza because Hamas is stealing the supplies and preventing the people of Gaza from getting them He added that the situation has made it impossible for humanitarian aid to be properly distributed as Hamas is allegedly blocking efforts to help the
called for “a rapid resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire” Gazans expressed concern over prices they said immediately surged Prices are rising and people are panicking about food supplies Belal alHelou, 56, said in Gaza City More than 15 months of war in Gaza destroyed
Saar,
Ukraine s President Volodymyr
Zelenskyy told British media that a ceasefire without security guarantees for his country would not bring a lasting end to Russia s invasion following calls from allies for a truce
At a press conference on Sunday after the talks with European allies in London, Zelenskyy dismissed the idea that a ceasefire alone would be sufficient calling it not enough
Following the crisis summit on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that France and Britain were proposing a onemonth truce in Ukraine “in the air, at sea and on energy infrastructure although not initially at least covering ground fighting
Zelenskyy told journalists shortly before departing for Britain that it will be a failure for everyone if Ukraine is forced into a ceasefire without serious security guarantees ” He predicted that Russia would break the deal and Ukraine would retaliate
Describing Sunday s talks as a very powerful start, however, Zelenskyy said that negotiations in coming weeks “will provide a more actionable plan and a better understanding of what Ukraine s security guarantees could look like However, on Monday, UK Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard did not confirm Emmanuel Macron’s reported stance stating “That’s not a plan that we
currently recognize Certainly there are a number of different options being discussed privately between the UK France and our allies at the moment It s probably not right for me at the moment to comment on each individual option as they occur, Pollard told the BBC
Starmer said on Sunday that European leaders had agreed to draw up a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States without going into details The fiery White House meeting During a tense encounter in Washington on Friday, U S President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of not being thankful and refusing to accept their proposed truce terms while Zelenskyy said he needed security guarantees The contentious meeting resulted in Zelenskyy leaving the White House without signing a preliminary pact on sharing Ukrainian mineral rights
Some senior U S Republi-
cans suggested that Zelenskyy should resign “We need a leader that can deal with us eventually deal with the Russians and end this war National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told CNN Zelenskyy said on Sunday it would not be easy to replace him, but repeated his offer to step down in exchange for NATO membership for his war-torn country If they replace me given what is going on given the support simply replacing me will not be simple, Zelenskyy said Russia has repeatedly questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, arguing that
CM MARyAM NAWA z L AUNCHEs ‘CHIEF MINIsTER PUNjAB FREE
ing institutions dedicated to raising the bar in vocational education and training The ISATCOVE is a project funded by the European Union under the umbrella of the European Training Foundation This recognition is not just a certificate of the university s steadfast commitment to excellence but also an acknowledgment of the remarkable leadership of its Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Muhammad Mukhtar Under his leadership NSU emerged as a transformative force within the shortest period shaping the nation s workforce with a futuristic vision Dr Mukhtar, the founding Vice Chancellor of NSU, has been instrumental in steering this institution toward international standards of skills education His tenure has been marked by a relentless pursuit of quality and innovation and a
deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of vocational education Establishing NSU from scratch he meticulously crafted an ecosystem that nurtures talent fosters technical proficiency, and aligns educational outcomes with market demands His dedication has set a benchmark not just for NSU but for vocational education across Pakistan
To begin with Prof Mukhtar assembled highly competent faculty and staff whose collective ef-
Mar tin Dow Group wins GDEIB Award in six categories
IMRAN KHAN BEING TREATED AS TERRORIST ‘TO BREAK HIS WILL’, CL AIMS PTI
