PM PLEDGES ‘MISSION’ GENDER EQUALIT Y, WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
Pakistan rules out new taxes, seeks IMF nod for power surcharge
Implementation of revised expor t facilitation scheme for steel sec tor halted
PR OFIT s ta f f r e p o r t A committee formed by the prime minister to review the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to suspend the implementation of the revised scheme for the iron and steel sector until the committee finalises its recommendations, BR reported The decision was taken during the committee’s first meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan The session brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce, the Planning
Commission’s Chief Economist and FBR representatives along with more than 60 business community members who participated virtually The FBR provided a detailed briefing on the EFS, highlighting its recent amendments and identifying instances of misuse
The committee was informed that since its introduction in 2021 the number of EFS licenses has grown from 800 to nearly 2 000 A special enforcement drive initiated in May 2024 has led to a reduction in misuse, particularly benefiting the textile industry which has seen notable value addition
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal underscored that the prime minister s
directive on export facilitation aims to provide a structured framework that supports investment and enhances Pakistan s export
called on businesses to adopt efficiency-driven models, invest in innovation, and integrate technology to secure a stronger position in international markets
The minister also highlighted the importance of capital investment stating that increasing Pakistan s participation in global trade and attracting foreign direct investment must be a top priority
The committee will continue its review of the EFS framework before submitting final recommendations to the government
The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has warned Punjab and Sindh to prepare for water shortages of up to 35% as the Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs approach their dead levels raising concerns over irrigation supplies during the critical final phase of the Rabi crop season, according to a report In a letter to irrigation secretaries of all four provinces, Irsa’s Director of Regulation, Khalid Idrees Rana cautioned that both reservoirs were on the verge of depletion He stated that Punjab and Sindh could face a 3035% shortfall as the dams would have to be operated in a run-of-the-river mode with minimal storage capacity
PM pledges ‘mission’ gender equality, women’s empowerment
Begum Raa’na Liaquat Ali Khan, Benazir Bhutto as the first woman prime minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Begum Kulsum Nawaz as icons of resistance against dictatorship social workers Bilquis Edhi and Dr Ruth Pfau, lawyer Asma Jahangir, country s youngest IT expert Arfa Karim, former National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza first woman Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz first woman chief justice of Lahore High Court Justice Aalia Neelum and first female judge of Supreme Court Justice Ayesha Malik
“These ‘daughters of the nation’ are a remarkable symbol of women empowerment who left their mark in their respective fields he said Shehbaz Sharif recalled the steps taken for women s emancipation during the earlier tenures of his party in power
including the establishment of Punjab s first anti-violence centres for women, enhanced women quota in boards of government departments increased stipend for girl students and ending child labour at brick-kilns by enrolling 90 000 such children to schools Minister for Law, Justice and Human Right Azam Nazeer Tarar said in line with PM Shehbaz Sharif ’s directive, the ministries and departments had been tasked last year to ensure womeninclusive policies The initiative he said successfully led to higher proportion of women s representation in the departmental boards He pointed out that Pakistan was ranked 145th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index next to Afghanistan which did not reflect a true picture and was contrary to ground reality He called upon the relevant organizations to revisit the ranking and expressed the government s readiness to share the required data UN’s Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya said the UN was committed in supporting Pakistan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 related to gender action plan He said gender equality needed to be recognized not as a woman specific matter but a human issue The launch of Islamabad s Gender Parity Report is significant in identifying the challenges that further need attention, he added Chairperson Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming Dr Nafisa Shah
Capital, Funverks Global, Gift Educational, Kistpay, Laiba Enterprises, Ladies Fund Energy and Li & Fung Pakistan The awards were based on an online survey and a scoring matrix prepared by SECP in collaboration with UN Women and Pakistan Business Council Over 230 companies participated in the survey launched in 2024, out of which 10 were short-listed through a transparent process
C lean drinking water supply begins in Gwadar
S ta f f R e p o R t
In a major development, clean drinking water supply finally commenced in each and every household of the city
D r Haroon Rashid Tabassum’s auc torial skills
the book narrates the Sirah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the context of his nonpareil strategic vision and valour as a military commander EHTISHAM-E-KUTUB
This publication contains a quasi-critical survey of 19 well-written books by writers like Asghar Hussain Shami, Syed Murtaza Hassan Prof Noor Kamal Shah Akbar Masoom Ashraf Ali Ashraf Umar Farooq Arfi Prof Hammad Khan Anwar Nadeem Alvi Parvin Sajjal Shahzad Beg Akram Kunjahi Dr Waheed-uz-Zaman Tariq, Yunus Khamosh, Rana Khalid Mehmood Qaiser, Prof Dr Rubina Yasmin, Mumtaz Ahmad, and Rana Muhammad Shahid The format of assessment is graphic yet succinct It includes the print-line catalogue of contents forewords by eminent literary writers and a quick but instructive commentary on the concerned author and his art KHAZEENA-E-ILM-O-HIKMAT
Jabbar Mirza (Mizah NigaroN ka Commander-in-Chief: Syed Zameer Jafri) Zulfiqar Ahsan (Naqd-o-Nazar) and others The format of the book is the same as of Ehtisham-e-Kutub RANG-E-TABASSUM The book has been authored by noted poet and prose writer Mumtaz Arif an old friend and admirer of Dr Haroon Rashid Tabassum The author has thoughtfully reviewed six of Dr Tabassum s poetic collections viz Gahray Samundar KirchiaN PattharoN kay Pairhan AnkhoN kay Us Paar, Jamal-e-Gul-e-Hira (Na at), Armaghan-e-Watan (Poems), and Durr-e-Aqeedat (Na at) TASANEEF-E-TABASSUM (UPTO SEPTEMBER 2024) Muhammad Ali Tabassum is a young grandson of Dr Haroon Rashid Tabassum He is a student of ICS with a keen
of
and
(2
of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) alongwith elaborate logistic details In a way
Beginning with a classic Na at by late poet Mohsin Naqvi, the book contains a treasure of words of wisdom and spiritual insight on a vast range of topics like messages of the Holy Quran, Shukr, Zikr, prayer, Istaghfar containment of desire the ritual of fasting Eitikaf humility Sadqa trust Zakat good manners the blessings of Darud-e-Pak Holy Prophet s (PBUH) treatment of children pride divine mercy criticism or reformation, liberalism, forgiveness and Tauba, Palestine, knowledge, patience, fear of God, need of a teacher, human anatomy: a divine miracle, worrying about the hereafter and the like
NUQUSH-E-KUTUB It is an annotated anthology of 16 books, as occasionally received by the compiler from their authors for review Notable among them are Zahid Iqbal Bheel (Tajalliyat-e-Taiba) Waqar Malik (Mukalma with S M Zafar) Syed Ejaz Gilani (Sarzameen-e-Khak-o-Khoon) Dr Uzma Syed (Nazm ki Bara Dari ka Raushan Alao), Dr Waheed-uz-Zaman Tariq (Iqbal Naqsh Haai Haft Rang), Jamil Ahmad Adeel (Mintiqat), Misbah Khalid (Sinf-e-Grifta), Mehmood Sham (Rubaru), Tauqir Ahmad Faiq (Barsabeel-e-Tazkira: Autobiography)
COMMENT
Are banks safe?
The surge in crime through smar tphones will hold back digitization
Areport by global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky says that there were over 33 3 million attacks on smartphones detected globally in 2024 Another report indicated that $3 8 billion had been stolen from crypto platforms in 2022 This adds up to bad news for Pakistan, which has been charging ahead with digitization of the economy, in which people would use their smartphones as banks Pakistan was hoping that it would be able to get ahead of the curve through digitization
The prospect of transactions without paper money, of branchless banks, of e-wallets was beguiling, not just because of the convenience afforded the consumer but the inclusivity it meant as people who would not open a bank account now could get access to banking services including the credit that would be such a gamechanger for so many Unfortunately it seems criminals have already digitized In the words of the adage 'even before the village was peopled, thieves reached it The attacks are only increasing, being up 194 percent in 2024
The whole basis of any banking system lies in its security Perhaps more important than security itself, is the reputation for it This is probably more now in the era of fiat currency than in that of bullion currency, with economic transactions being based on trust Even with coined bullion, the users had to trust the mint that the coins it issued had the metal it said they had The problem seems to be with the fact that the criminal has the initiative because he is able to devise means of overcoming whatever obstacle is placed in his way No longer are bank robbers beefy men with guns in hand Instead they will be weedy nerds hunched before a computer screen Coding will take the place of killing Pakistan plan to have a crypto rupee, or at least for the State Bank of Pakistan to hold some of assets in cryptocurrency, will depend on how secure the blockchain technology, on which it is based, actually is One of the brakes on digitization is the innate conservatism of people, which is mostly the result of lack of technological knowhow The inherent innovative spirit of the criminal will work against the banking system’s integrity The need for currency to hve some physicl banking such as bullion may well re-emerge
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
CRICKET once revered as the gentleman’s game is now at the mercy of financial clout and political manoeuvring threatening its very soul What was once a battle of skill and sportsmanship has been hijacked by power-hungry administrators who wield influence, not through merit but through economic dominance Nowhere is this more apparent than in the 2025 Champions Trophy where India backed by its financial stranglehold over the International Cricket Council (ICC), has engineered a tournament structure to its exclusive benefit The decision to let India play all its matches in Dubai while the rest of the teams endure grueling travel and logistical burdens is nothing short of a farcical distortion of fair play reducing international cricket to a mere pawn in the hands of one board s monopolistic ambitions This blatant favoritism raises serious questions about the credibility of global cricketing events and whether the ICC has surrendered its authority to the highest bidder Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton have openly criticized this unfair arrangement pointing out that India s uninterrupted stay in Dubai allows them to acclimatize to conditions while other teams are subjected to fatigue unpredictable pitch variations, and scheduling disadvantages Hussain, a staunch advocate for cricketing integrity, lamented that India’s special treatment distorts the competition making it less about skill and more about privilege Atherton known for his sharp analysis emphasized that while other teams are forced into exhaustive travel schedules India enjoys the comfort of a single venue giving them an undue advantage in preparation, team selection, and strategic execution This contrived arrangement is not an isolated incident but a manifestation of a larger more sinister trend one where financial muscle dictates the rules undermining the very spirit of international cricket The excuse of security concerns has become a
convenient tool in India’s playbook to target Pakistan and manipulate global cricketing affairs While international teams including Australia England and New Zealand, have played in Pakistan without issue, India continues to peddle baseless allegations to avoid travelling to the country The hypocrisy is evident Pakistan has hosted full-fledged home series and even high-profile leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with stringent security measures If England South Africa and even New Zealand which once backed out of a series citing last-minute security threats, can confidently return to play in Pakistan, what justification does India have to remain isolated? The reality is clear: security is merely a pretext, a geopolitical tool wielded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to exert dominance over the ICC and marginalize Pakistan on the international stage This reflects not just an unjustifiable bias in cricket but a broader strategy that aligns with India s extremist foreign policy where political hostilities are deliberately transposed onto the sporting arena, further damaging diplomatic ties and fragmenting the global cricketing fraternity Logistical nightmares for other teams further expose the glaring inequities in this tournament s planning Teams like New Zealand and South Africa have been compelled to crisscross between Pakistan and Dubai, facing significant travel fatigue and inconsistency in playing conditions Unlike India, which enjoys a stable preparation phase these teams must constantly adapt to new venues different pitches and varied climatic conditions New Zealand captain Kane Williamson the epitome of sportsmanship and professionalism, diplomatically stated that his team remains focused on the game despite the evident hurdles However, behind this reserved stance lies a broader truth New Zealand, like many other teams, is being forced into an unfair contest where India gets to dictate the terms while others scramble to adjust When a sport s governing body prioritizes one nation s convenience over the rest it ceases to be an impartial competition and becomes a rigged spectacle Critics across the cricketing world, from Aus-
u r o p e R e v o l t e d A g a i n s t t h e U S A
MACOMB Detroit-During his visit to the White House Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced a stark contrast in treatment compared to the dignified receptions given to French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer While Zelensky was reportedly dismissed with little regard Macron and Starmer were received with full diplomatic protocol, reflecting the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy under President Donald Trump Despite the respectful treatment, both European leaders remained firm in their stance pushing back against Trump’s evolving position on the Russia-Ukraine war once a strong supporter of Ukraine now advocating for an abrupt end to the conflict on terms favourable to Russia In separate joint press conferences with Trump, Macron and Starmer unequivocally stated that Europe would not accept a peace deal dictated by Putin without clear guarantees and accountability for Russian aggression They emphasized that any ceasefire must align with Ukraine s terms ensuring lasting security rather than rewarding aggression Both leaders reaffirmed Europe s commitment to supporting Ukraine, even if it necessitated military involvement, signaling readiness to act independently of the U S if required Prime Minister Starmer underscored the UK s unwavering commitment to NATO and advocated for a strategic approach to military funding He emphasized that any peace deal must be fair, enforceable, and not embolden future aggression Declaring the UK's preparedness to back a peace agreement with military and economic measures he stated that Britain was ready to deploy forces if necessary He also highlighted the UK s increased defence spending as a step toward strengthening European se-
curity Starmer described Russia s war on Ukraine as a moment of global peril and cautioned against a rushed peace agreement that could set dangerous precedents He stressed that peace must be built on strength ensuring that Putin cannot simply regroup and strike again In a subtle challenge to Trump s approach, he affirmed that European unity was essential for long-term peace, regardless of US involvement Acknowledging shifting US policies, he diplomatically framed it as adapting to a "new era and supported Trump s call for greater European responsibility in NATO stating that the UK was fully committed to strengthening its defence posture President Macron took a similarly firm stance, reminding Trump that European leaders had collectively decided to stand with Ukraine during a G7 summit He rejected Trump s criticism of Europe s contributions to Ukraine pointing out that European nations had provided $128 billion in aid Macron praised Ukraine s resilience in defending not just its sovereignty but also the broader security of Europe In a pointed response to Trump’s transactional approach demanding Ukrainian rare earth minerals in exchange for US aid Macron argued that such conditions undermined Ukraine s sovereignty He warned that a peace deal without concrete guarantees would be meaningless and emphasized that lasting peace must be defended, not just declared Macron also stressed that Europe was prepared to send troops to Ukraine once a lasting peace agreement was reached and signed by both Ukraine and Russia He made it clear that European security was directly tied to Ukraine s stability, stating that while the USA was geographically distant, Europe could not afford complacency given its proximity to the conflict He reinforced the message that Europe was ready to take full responsibility for its security with or without US support In his address to the French nation following his visit to Washington, Macron emphasized the urgency of bolstering European defence capabilities in response to Russian aggression and the uncertain trajectory of US foreign policy under President Trump
He declared The future of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow underscoring the need for European autonomy in defence matters Macron proposed extending France s nuclear deterrent to protect other European Union nations, reflecting a commitment to safeguard the continent against potential
threats He cautioned that Russia has become a threat for France and Europe highlighting the importance of self-reliance in defence Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Macron insisted that any truce must be "solid for themselves and for all of us " ensuring it does not reward aggression
He emphasized the necessity of substantial guarantees for Ukraine s and Europe s security stating that peace cannot be concluded at any price " Macron also advocated for a fair distribution of aid responsibilities, noting that Europe has already contributed significantly to Ukraine's defence He called for a balanced sharing of security burdens between Europe and the United States reflecting a commitment to a unified and robust response to ongoing geopolitical challenges Ultimately, both leaders presented a unified European vision: peace must be durable, just, and backed by strength They rejected any agreement that would leave Ukraine vulnerable and asserted Europe s readiness to confront Russian aggression if necessary Their firm stance sent a clear message Europe will not be sidelined in decisions that affect its future
The USA’s recent foreign policy shift toward a more self-serving and transactional approach has raised concerns among European nations This change characterized by prioritizing short-term business interests risks undermining longstanding alliances and could lead to significant geopolitical consequences European countries have substantial investments in the USA, totaling approximately $3 46 trillion Should these nations perceive the USA as an unreliable partner they might redirect their investments to other regions diminishing the USA s global economic influence This transactional stance could erode the international standing the USA has built over centuries, isolating it from key allies Recent tensions with Greenland, Canada, Mexico, Panama, the Middle East, and now Europe stemming from a 180-degree shift in US policy on Ukraine compared to the previous administration exemplify this trend
The current US policies driven by a Make America Great Again zeal, may lead to a decline in international influence It is imperative for the USA to reassess its approach to halt this downward trajectory in global geopolitics The writer retired as Press Secretary the the President and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Paikistan to France and former MD Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
QaMar bashir
The Forgotten Pillar of Democracy
Reviving Student Unions
STUDENT unions have historically been the bedrock of intellectual growth political activism and societal reform Emerging in 19th century Europe as debating societies, their primary aim was to instill democratic values and critical thinking among young minds Over time these unions became catalysts for social change championing movements like the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa (The National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) played an important role here) and the 1968 Paris protests (Leftist student groups played a vital role in these events)
In Pakistan student unions gained prominence post-independence becoming platforms for leadership activism and societal progress Organizations like the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba and the National Students Federation led campaigns that shaped the nation’s history However, the 1984 ban on unions silenced a vital democratic force leaving a void that continues to hinder campuses and society Recognizing the roots and impact of student unions is essential to understand their role in Pakistan s development Student unions in Pakistan have historically shaped the country’s socio-political and academic landscape championing democracy social causes and leadership development From the 1952 Bengali Language Movement to the 1968 anti-Ayub protests led by the National Students Federation (NSF), these unions showcased the power of youth activism Their role extended to influencing national policies such as during the 1972 Simla Accord protests and the 1974 Movement for Khatm-e-Nabuwwat in which the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba played a significant role (where the issue, sparked on May 22, 1974, at Rabwah railway station, marks an important date) Beyond politics, unions enriched campus life through debates cultural events and sports fostering intellectual growth and leadership
The 9 February 1984 ban on student unions imposed by General Zia ul Haq to curb dissent, had devastating consequences The ruling classes, fearing a democratic revolution, sparked a nationwide crackdown on
student organizations and their leaders It led to the rise of ethnic violence with unregulated groups fuelling sectarianism and polarization at an intensity not previously experienced Campus facilities suffered, exemplified by Karachi University’s transport fleet shrinking from over 100 buses in the 1980s to fewer than 30 today many of which are refurbished from scrap The absence of unions silenced student advocacy allowing unchecked fee hikes and reduced amenities Moreover, the decline of democratic culture on campuses became evident as elections and debates disappeared, weakening intellectual engagement The ban has proven to be catastrophic for Pakistan not just in terms of education but also politics According to the latest census, the majority of the country s population constitutes young people This youth bulge means that in forthcoming years, young voters will be deciding the future of politics in the country In the absence of student unions there are no pathways for the youth to take part in the politics of the country This especially limits the accessibility to political processes for working-class and middleclass youth, who have the biggest stake in the future of the country Without any experience and understanding of basic democracy and experience in
democratic processes politicisation remains meaningless and often only leads to polarization instead of encouraging dialogue political debate, and nurturing political movements In the past, student unions produced some of the biggest political leaders of the country, serving as the only pathway for young working and middle-class leaders and activists to gain entry into mainstream politics Given the abysmal state of democratic politics in the country student union restoration is absolutely crucial Pakistan is in dire need of young leaders to cater to the growing demands of its young populace Before their ban student unions in Pakistan achieved remarkable milestones that highlighted their importance in shaping education and society In 1962 student protests successfully reversed Ayub Khan s threeyear degree programme, demonstrating their influence on policy reforms Persistent lobbying by unions ensured affordable fees and equitable access to education making higher learning more inclusive Beyond academics unions like the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba
(Jamiat led-Union) contributed to social welfare through blood donation drives, book banks and student galas, encouraging creative exploration, and anti-harassment campaigns They also played a crucial role in transport advocacy with Karachi University
Reviving unions requires clear legislative frameworks for accountability and conflict prevention, inclusion of students in university policymaking, and capacitybuilding programs to train leaders. The ban on unions in 1984 silenced student voices and eroded democratic culture. Reinstating unions isn’t merely about nostalgia but a step towards building a more inclusive, progressive society. By empowering youth through unions, Pakistan can nurture a generation capable of leading with vision, integrity, and a commitment to progress. This is the way forward.
Why do we post anything on social media? Because we want others to see us
unions managing robust and affordable transport networks for students
Many prominent political leaders including Ahsan Iqbal Liaquat Baloch Javed Hashmi and Qamar Zaman began their journeys in these unions, underscoring their role as leadership incubators Student unions were vital to democracy and progress Reviving them is essential for empowering youth restoring campus culture and fostering a more inclusive society
The justifications provided for legitimising this ban revolve around the argument that student unions lead to an increase in on-campus violence and are a deterrent to academic excellence However prior to the ban student politics used to be a vibrant space: allowing the central stakeholders at the academy to autonomously bargain for their rights and better academic facilities It was also a space where young people engaged in the democratic processes of elections and campaigning In the absence of student unions there is a severe lack of institutional accountability in the education system and universities arbitrarily decide fee structures and scholarship allocations, thus, leading to an increase in students (or their guardians) opting out of university education altogether
The government and universities must recognize that any attempt to curtail student unions is a violation of Article 17 of the Constitution which guarantees every citizen the right to form associations or unions The only condition is that such associations must not be against the “sovereignty,” “integrity,” “public order ” or “morality” of Pakistan The government has no factual basis upon which it can claim that these restrictions apply to student unions The sole argument against them, that they have historically led to violence, is entirely unfounded and ignores the larger role unions have played in
s i r e T h i s i s t h e s t o r y o f D o n a l d Tr u m p s l i f e , ” H a y e s e xp l a i n s b y w a y o f e x a m p l e : “ w a n t i n g r e c o g n i t i o n i n s t e a d g e t t i n g a t t e n t i o n a n d t h e n b e c o m i n g addicted to attention i t s e l f , b e c a u s e h e c a n ’t q u i t e u n d e rstand the difference e v e n t h o u g h d e e p i n h i s p s y c h e t h e r e s a h o w l i n g v o r t e x t h a t f a m e c a n n e v e r f i l l E l o n M u s k g e t s e v e n h a r s h e r t r e a tm e n t “ W h a t d o e s t h e w o r l d s r i c h e s t m a n w a n t t h a t h e c a n n o t h a v e ? H a y e s w o n d e r s “ W h a t w i l l h e p a y the biggest premium f o r ? H e c a n b u y w h a t e v e r h e d e s i r e s T
S ati was not prevalent in India: “Men entered the pyre too”
Amish Tripathi hosts the docu-series ‘Legends of Shiva with Amish’ on the Discover y Channel
Isha Ashram in Coimbatore which is a modern approach to the Mahadev We spoke to people across all social classes and age groups; not just temples which follow the Shastra approach but also those who follow the folklore There are many transgender persons who are Shiva devotees and many local temples which have strong traditions What aspects of your books (the Meluha series) will be reflected in the show? Lord Shiva in many ways is an inclusive god On the surface it appears that there are a lot of contradictions but my book series was in a linear story What we are doing here is approaching him through his various forms – as the Lord of Time, as the Lord of Elements ,the Panchbhoothas, in Tamil Nadu temples as the Lord of animals in Pashupatinath It is approaching the same subject (as the books) but in a more non-fictional way Recently you were involved in a debate about Sati as you said it was not widespread in the subcontinent and it doesn t have a basis in Hinduism Sanjay Leela Bhansali also faced similar criticism when he portrayed the Jauhar scene as a brave act in Padmaavat It does diminish the helplessness and the fear of social banishment which these women faced Let s approach it from different perspec-
tives The concept of Sati itself, if you look at our ancient scriptures, you don’t find that word You make a list of widows in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and the truth stares us in the face But Madri (King Pandu s wife) did kill herself
In Mahabharata itself it is said, why she did it She believed that she was the cause of her husband’s death She felt guilty and even at that time the sages who were around were telling her don’t do this because who will take care of your children The term used for this ritual suicide was not Sati but Sagamana or Anugamana It is worth asking when the British wrote their interpretation of this and why didn’t they use the term Sagamana or Anugamana, which is a gender neutral term
Are you saying that husbands killed themselves after their wives death?
In Raj Tarangini when the Queen died her male attendants and bodyguards also died on fire because they felt that they didn t do their duty Even when Arjun felt he could not protect Abhimanyu, he was ready to enter the fire This is Sagamana or Anugamana
But that is mixing historical fiction with historical document Madri and Arjuna are the same example from Mahabharat In Ramayana, Lord Rama left the mortal body via Jal Samadhi in the
Her male attendants and bodyguards also died on fire because they felt that they didn’t do their duty
Sarayu river Point is like today you have euthanasia in the West which both men and women do it Does that mean all Westerners are monsters killing their elderly? But that is by a court order and by choice Sati, by historical fact, was a norm in pre-independence India I would like to have this debate and I sense the emotion which is completely fair I am not saying India was perfect One of our biggest problems was the caste system which I speak strongly against But it almost feels like the white masters have done their job When the slaves believe the lies they told us they are victors The entire history is written by them; that we were a barbaric people Look at our epics themselves where are the widows? In Abrahamic cultures, suicide was considered as a crime against God but in Dharmic cultures not so
ELON MUSK AND MARCO RUBIO CL ASH IN TENSE TRUMP CABINET MEETING
Iran denies receiving Trump’s letter, dismisses nuclear talks
the UN Charter, which provide for enforcement measures to address threats to international peace and security Since Syria joined the CWC in 2013 the chemical weapons watchdog has repeatedly raised concerns about the accuracy and completeness of its declarations In his remarks Ambassador Akram said that Pakistan condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances “We consider Chemical Weapons Convention a pillar of global arms control and disarmament ” he said adding that Pakistan remains committed to advancing CWC s objectives and upholding the OPCW s effectiveness impartiality and the protection of its verification mechanisms he said We support continued efforts for the CWC s universal adherence and its full, effective and nondiscriminatory implementation ” At the same time Ambassador Akram said Pakistan supports the stabilization of Syria through an inclusive Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process facilitated by the UN and stressed the need to uphold Syria s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity Terrorists must not be allowed access to weapons of mass destruction including chemical weapons in accordance with the provisions of the Security Council resolution 1540(2004) he said Noting the new Syrian interim authorities commitment to secure suspected chemical weapons sites and their cooperation with the OPCW the Pakistani envoy called for addressing the longstanding questions and ensuring unimpeded access to enable independent and full verification by the OPCW on the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria and any threats of proliferation in compliance with the CWC We urge consensus and unity within the Council in addressing all the outstanding issues relating to Syria and restoration of normalcy in Syria and preservation of peace and
C hina’s national legislature holds 2nd plenar y meeting of annual session
The third session of the 14th National People s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature, held its second plenary meeting Saturday to deliberate work reports of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC the Supreme People s Court (SPC) and the Supreme People s Procuratorate (SPP) Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders including Li Qiang Wang Huning Cai Qi Ding Xuexiang Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the meeting Zhao Leji chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered the work report of the national legislature to the meeting Reviewing the top legislature’s work in 2024 Zhao highlighted its endeavor to strengthen the implementation of the Constitution and enhance compliance oversight to uphold the Constitution s authority and sanctity On leveraging its legislative functions to enhance the Chinese socialist legal system the national legislature deliberated 39 legislative items over the past year 24 of which were adopted, including six new laws and 14 revised laws, Zhao said The national legislature lawfully exercised its duty of over-
sight, Zhao said, adding that it heard and deliberated 21 reports from the State Council, the National Commission of Supervision, the SPC and the SPP Zhao said that the national legislature also strengthened efforts to support deputies in performing their duties in accordance with the law, including helping deputies maintain close ties with the people Zhao laid out work plans for the national legislature in 2025 Delivering the top court s work report SPC President Zhang Jun said Chinese courts at all levels accepted over 46 million cases and concluded over 45 million cases in 2024, roughly on par with the previous year Over the past year Chinese courts safeguarded national security
and social stability, promoted highquality development, and guaranteed people’s well-being through ensuring strict and impartial administration of justice he said Zhang said courts in 2025 will make new and greater contributions to promoting law-based governance on all fronts and building a socialist country under the rule of law at a higher level
Delivering the top procuratorate’s work report SPP Procurator-general Ying Yong said that over the past year procuratorates worked to advance the Peaceful China Initiative to a higher level and improve people’s livelihood, among others He said procuratorates in 2025 will deepen reform and make greater contributions to national rejuvenation
M an jailed in UK over bid to smuggle firearms par ts from Pakistan
A G E N C I E S
A man was jailed in Birmingham for trying to smuggle firearms in a car from Pakistan the UK’s federal crime agency said on Friday
According to a statement by the National Crime Agency (NCA), A man who tried to smuggle 72 firearms parts in a car shipped from Pakistan to the United Kingdom has today been jailed for eight years ” The 40-year-old named Yasir Khan pleaded guilty after the agency found that he was behind
the bid to smuggle 36 top slides and 36 barrels for 9mm Glock selfloading pistols in a 1976 Datsun Sunny” NCA’s statement detailed how the gun parts were “expertly” hidden inside the vehicle
The agency said that NCA officers had initiated an investigation against Yasir, who claimed he was a car dealer, and arrested him in July of last year He appeared at Birmingham’s crown court where he was sentenced after admitting to the crime the statement added
The officers found voice notes on Yasir s phone showing evidence of a contact with a Pakistani
supplier with access to the manufacturer of firearms parts
The statement further said that Yasir was suspected of a similar incident in Nov 2023 It stated “Evidence also showed that during 2023 Khan purchased several deactivated firearms which it is believed he was able to convert into viable lethal firearms once again
A video posted by the agency
accused
footage showed
BIRMINGHAM
CM MARYAM REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, PROSPERIT Y
By promoting green energy this initiative supports global climate goals
PPP salutes all women playing vital role in development , stabilit y of Pakistan: Memon
KARACHI
S TA F F R E P O R T Sindh s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that we salute all the women who are playing a vital role in the development stability and prosperity of society and the country The leadership of the Pakistan People's Party has always prioritized women's rights and their protection, and the Sindh government is committed to providing equal rights and opportunities to women in accordance with the party’s manifesto In his special message on International Women s Day Sindh s Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, stated that the Sindh government has taken practical steps to empower women in line with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto In this regard Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is granting women titles to houses under the world s largest housing scheme SPHF
Accelerating Ac tion for Gender Equality
HASSAN ARSHAD
The calendar flips to another International Women's Day and while we celebrate progress the reality is that at the current pace achieving true gender parity is still a distant dream The theme of IWD 2025, "Accelerate Action," isn't just a catchy slogan, but an immediate call for action We cannot afford to wait generations The time for incremental change is over and we need a seismic shift a decisive push to break down the systemic barriers that hold women back The urgency is self-evident Opportunity gaps persist, biases remain deeply ingrained and women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions We must move beyond well-intentioned rhetoric and embrace swift, decisive steps This means challenging deep-rooted societal norms and transforming the systems that fuel inequality Companies around the world are leading the charge demonstrating the power of impactful actions that enable women s economic empowerment through targeted programs and resources, ensuring women have the tools to build financial independence They are revolutionizing talent acquisition and retention creating inclusive workplaces where diverse voices are valued and amplified Companies are also committed to investing in the next generation of female leaders, providing mentorship and support to guide them into decision-making roles
Globally a significant shift is taking place to reimagine infrastructure, ensuring it caters to the unique needs of women and creates safe, accessible spaces This transformation extends across multiple sectors where targeted initiatives are being streamlined to empower women - for example in healthcare various initiatives are being undertaken to help women make informed decisions about their well-being, recognising that their health is foundational to their empowerment Similarly quality education and training are being made accessible to all breaking down barriers and unlocking potential that has too often been overlooked Women's achievements in sports, arts, and culture are being celebrated with increasing intensity not
US ADVISES CITIZENS TO RECONSIDER TRAVEL TO PAKISTAN DUE TO ‘PREVALENT TERRORISM’
residing in Texas depor ted from US
Pakistan, Bangladesh agree to enhance bilateral cooperation
adding that attacks were frequent in Balochistan and KP While citing the different scales of terrorist attacks in the region the review said that terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilians, as well as local military and police targets
until March 31 to leave Pakistan
What is being seen as a major policy decision the Federal Interior Ministry has asked the Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave Pakistan by March 31 or else face the deportation “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since November 1 2023 but now the interior ministry has announced a deadline for the ACC holders to leave the country In continuation of the government s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders ” read the official statement issued by the interior ministry on Friday All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence w e f April 1 2025 the statement added The interior ministry said that sufficient time had already been granted for their dignified return It is emphasised that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation
process and arrangements for food and healthcare for returning foreigners have also been put in place ”
“Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfill its commitments and obligations as a responsible state It is reiterated that Individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfill all legal formalities and abide by Pakistan’s constitution ” it said Over 80 0000 Afghans living in Pakistan illegally were repatriated to their country since Pakistan launched the campaign in November 2023 Pakistan, however, spared those who were registered with the UNHCR and ones who had ACC
It is estimated that around 3 million Afghans still reside in Pakistan The Afghan government recently raised concerns over the forced deportation of their nationals and alleged mistreatment being meted out to them Pakistan, however denied those charges and asked the Afghan Taliban government to create an environment in the country to encourage the dignified return of their countrymen
The move will add to the already tense ties between the two countries Pakistan has blamed
Afghanistan for the surge in terrorist attacks Pakistan said Afghan nationals were increasingly involved in terrorist attacks in the country
Initial investigations showed that Afghan nationals were also behind the recent terrorist attack targeting the Bannu Cantonment
Also, there were exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Torkham border which remained closed for two weeks
The situation according to sources is tense at the key border that was shut on February 21 over a dispute on the construction of a new check post by the Afghan Taliban Pakistan blamed the Afghan side for the closure of the border
For the past couple of days the Afghan side has carried out an illegal and unilateral construction activity within the Pakistani territory at two points along the Pakistan border,” according to the foreign office spokesperson
Despite these provocations Pakistan has shown restrained and requested border flag meetings to resolve the matter peacefully which were eventually held However, it’s unfortunate that, alongside its illegal construction action
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday reprimanded the authorities for failing to produce incarcerated PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry despite a production order and referred the matter to the House s Privileges Committee However, PTI Senator Aon Abbas Bappi, also subjected to a production order was presented in the Senate Yesterday Chairman Gilani had issued production orders for PTI s senators – Aon Abbas Bappi and Ejaz Ch instructing the authorities to ensure their presence in Saturday s Senate session In his remarks during the session, Gilani stated: “Such disregard for parliamentary authority cannot be allowed to go unchecked, as it threatens the institutional integrity of the Senate and the broader democratic framework I hereby refer the matter of non-implementation of the production orders concerning Senator Ejaz Chaudhry to the Privileges Committee for its consideration and report, he added
Stating that Senator Abbas was presented, Gilani ruled: “However, yet again, the directives concerning Sen-
ator Ejaz Chaudhry have not been fulfilled, amounting to non-compliance with the lawful orders of the Chair ”
The ruling further noted that disobedience of the Senate chairman s orders constituted a breach of privilege as per rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate 2012 This is not an unprecedented situation, Gilani said, recalling that he was “compelled” to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee when a similar situation arose during his tenure as the National Assembly speaker from October 1993 to February 1997
As the Senate chairman my only endeavour is to uphold the supremacy of Parliamentarian, Rule of Law and Constitutional dictates, he stated Yesterday s production order issued for Chaudhry, who is imprisoned at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, was the third one None of the previous two orders could be implemented
In January Gilani issued a production order for the PTI senator who has been incarcerated for around 20 months so that he could attend the Senate session on January 14 However, Chaudhry failed to appear in the Senate session, where opposition lawmakers held placards with pictures of the missing senator
Chaudhry was arrested for the first time on May 11
2023 He was taken into custody under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order in connection with May 9 violence The Islamabad High Court had declared his detention under the MPO invalid following which he was re-arrested on May 25 and taken to Lahore
Senator Bappi details his arrest at Multan residence
Speaking on the floor of the House on Saturday after he was presented there on Gilani’s order, Senator Bappi presented his version of his arrest made on March 6 from his residence in Multan
During Thursday s Senate session PTI lawmakers had registered a strong protest as Opposition Leader
Syed Shibli Faraz raised the issue of Bappi s arrest and alleged manhandling
Subsequently, the law minister informed the upper house of parliament that the PTI senator had been arrested by the Bahawalpur police in a case registered by the Punjab Wildlife Department for illegally hunting
Chinkara deer in Cholistan
At the outset of his speech today Bappi thanked Gilani for his principled stance , noting that the Senate chairman had said not to preside over the proceedings if both PTI senators were not produced before the House today
thwarting the nefarious intentions of terrorists, adding that their efforts to maintain peace and stability were commendable and the entire nation stood with them in the fight against terrorism Naqvi reaffirmed that operations would continue until the complete elimination of terrorists Earlier this week 16 terrorists were killed while five soldiers were martyred as security forces responded to a terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment in KP s namesake district Terrorists had attacked the perimeter of Bannu Cantonment with two explosives-laden vehicles in a bid to enter the high-security zone on Tuesday evening
Gilani fumes at PTI senator ’s ‘non produc tion’ despite produc tion order