Epaper_24-05-9 KHI

NEPRA JACKS UP POWER TARIFF BY RS2.83/UNIT UNDER FCA OF MARCH

M a y 9 b i g g e s t c o n s p i r a c y a g a i n s t Pa k i s t a n’ s i n t e g r i t y, d e v e l o p m e n t : Ta r a r

ing for a strict action against them to set an example for future deterrence

The Information Minister said no political party in the country had ever compromised the national integrity as it was done by a group of miscreants who attacked the country on May 9 and created unrest for their political and personal gains

Atta Tarar said there should be a public debate on what punishment had been given to the perpetrators so far call-

The May 9 incidents were in fact aimed at weakening Pakistan internally and externally he added The events of May 9 were systematically planned to undermine the country s defence, he added The minister said in the recent past, the Pakistan Air Force pilots had brought

down two Indian aircraft for their intrusion into Pakistani air space Likewise those who had attacked the defence installations on May 9 must also be taken to task he stressed He regretted that unfortunately the miscreants even did not spare the memorial of Captain Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed – a thorough professional soldier who was even admired by an Indian brigadier for his bravery and set it on fire The Indian brigadier despite being an enemy praised Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed for his bravery, valour and courage, which, he said, must be recognized by his country ”

ECC APPROVES ENHANCEMENT OF WHEAT PROCUREMENT TARGET FOR PASSCO

g prEmiEr EmphasizEs EstablishmEnt of paKistan sKill companY and sKill dEvElopmEnt fund, alongsidE rEforms in tEchnical tr aining, cErtification standards, and coll abor ation for bEt tEr worKforcE outcomEs domEsticallY and intErnationallY

Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered the establishment the Pakistan Skill Company and Pakistan Skill Development Fund to unify technical and vocational education countrywide and provide better employment to the country s workers abroad

The prime minister, chairing a highlevel meeting reviewing the matters of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) decided to introduce reforms within both organisations Shehbaz also ordered the immediate establishment of the Pakistan Skill Development Fund, according to a federal government post on X

The premier said NAVTTC should be further enhanced to provide world-class technical and vocational training to the young workforce abroad He added that globally renowned and international certifications should be ensured in all fields

The prime minister emphasised the importance of greater cooperation between the federal institutions adding that the “technical training plan should be implemented in line with international standards Similarly he stressed collaboration between the centre and provinces to elevate the quality of Pakistan s technical manpower and human resource development

He also called for a coordinated and organised database of Pakistani workers in collaboration with Nadra NAVTTC and provincial institutions and the establishment of an integrated system to regulate manpower equipped with world-class pro-

fessional technical skills

Stressing the need for implementing the technical and vocational training

Trade deficit with Middle East shrinks as oil impor ts fall

M o n i to r n g D e s k Pakistan’s trade deficit with the Middle East has significantly reduced by 28 18% amounting to $9 521

nificant decline of 25 55% to $4 533

2023-24 compared

$1 715

in the corresponding period last year In contrast, imports have declined by 21 2% to $11 797 billion in 9MFY24, down from $14 972 billion in the same period last year according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) The recent signing of a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states aims to further reduce Pakistan s trade imbalance with the region In the preceding fiscal year, Pakistan recorded a 7 24% decline in imports totaling $17 488 billion in FY23 down from $18 853 billion in the previous year Concurrently exports to the Middle East contracted by 12 62% to $2 332 billion from $2 669 billion in the preceding year

Noteworthy is the remarkable increase in exports to Saudi Arabia showing a 44 56% rise in 9MFY24 to $516 34 million from $357 17 million in 9MFY23 In contrast, imports from Saudi Arabia witnessed a slight decline of 2 63% to $3 33 billion in 9MFY24, compared to $3 42 billion in the same period last year The UAE market also saw a substantial surge in exports from Pakistan rising by 37 28% to $1 484 billion in 9MFY24 from $1 081 billion in 9MFY23, primarily driven by increased exports to Dubai Imports from the UAE however experienced a sig-

‘IMrAn To nATIon’: MAy 9 fAlse fl Ag

Pre-Pl Anned To crusH PTI

Pir D astgeer massacre a grim reminder of horrific rights abuses in IIOJK

M ar wat acc uses S hibli Faraz, O mar Ayub of hindering meeting with PTI founder

brother of Colonel Sher Khan I told him that I was there to apologize on behalf of the entire nation he added

He said that a malicious campaign was launched on the crash of an Army chopper in Balochistan

The minister recalled that a fighter aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force was also damaged in Mianwali on May 9

He said the PAF was known for its bravery the world over Its legendary war her MM Aalim is even today remembered internationally for downing nine Indian aircraft within no time

Such memorials of such national heroes were desecrated on May 9 and that tragedy would never be allowed to be repeated, he vowed

He said that besides the personnel of armed forces the common people of Pakistan had also given unmatched sacrifices in the war against terrorism

The minister said that in the viral videos it could be seen how the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf had provoked the party workers to attack the government and defence installations

“We are ready to sacrifice every thing for the sake of Pakistan The country comes first It will remain forever as it had come into being after the sacrifices of the people

The minister reiterated that the cases of those involved in the May 9 incidents should have reached their logical conclusion with strict punishments

He said the attackers of Capitol Hill in the United States were punished with in no time However, the perpetrators of May 9 incidents had not reached to logical conclusion despite having all the evidences he added

He said We have to tell the youth that our survival is linked with the country s integrity and solidarity, and that is why we have to reject the politics of chaos and forge unity among our ranks ”

The minister said that the country’s economy was now taking off as all the economic indicators were on upward trajectory All the international financial institutions were making positive predictions about Pakistan s economy He said that there was historical cooperation with Saudi Arabia and China, as international leaders were visiting Pakistan “Pakistan is now being recognized at international forums,” he added

The minister said keeping in view the incidents of 9th May 2023 a special meeting of the Federal Cabinet has been called on Thursday which would be addressed by the prime minister

The leadership of political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, National Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Q and Muttahida Qaumi Movement had been specially invited to attend the meeting he added

ML-1 Railway top agenda of Planning Minister ’s visit to C hina

ISLAMABAD

Progress on CPEC 2 0 ML-1 will be top agenda of Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal s visit to China

Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday

The primary focus during the visit will be on advancing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II and ML-1 railway projects

Earlier on Tuesday during his meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong the Minister discussed progress on the ML1 project cooperation with China for Green Revolution 2 0 Chinese manufacturing units of electric cars in Pakistan, and training of athletes/players by Chinese coaches in Pakistan for the South Asian Games 2025, and Gwadar plans The federal minister who is now in China said

that ML1 is indispensable for the country s communication and trade sectors ML1 is a 150-year-old track

He underlined the importance of the completion of the ML-1 project saying the ML-1 project will also be on the agenda during the visit to China We will have to suffer from more incidents if working on the ML-1 project is not started

The ML-1 project is quite important for empowering the communication and trade sectors Pakistan will have to move ahead of China to complete the CPEC projects,” he said

Expressing his thoughts Iqbal said: “It will be the key agenda to ensure the development of CPEC phase II during the visit to China

Stressing the need for having a vision to uplift the country, he said, We will have to come up with strong planning to pave the way for the opportunities in the region ”

Pakistan to continue facilitating Sikh community ’s visits to their religious places: Masood Khan

WASHINGTON

Ambassador of Pakistan to United States Masood Khan has said that Pakistan will continue to provide all possible facilities to the Sikh community around the world wanting to visit their religious places in the country The Pakistani envoy was talking to a delegation of the American-Punjabi Society, which called on him according to an embassy press release

The Government and the people of Pakistan Ambassador Masood Khan said fully understand the religious sentiments of the Sikh community and our doors are open to them The President of the American-Punjabi Society, Gary Sikka, told the Ambassador

that his organization consists of one hundred thousand Punjabi-Sikh members, some of whom are also from Pakistan, and that a Society’s delegation of 115 people would soon visit Pakistan to visit religious places in Lahore Faisalabad Islamabad and Kartarpur

Referring to their previous visits the delegation members especially spoke about their pilgrimage to Kartarpur and said that the hospitality of the Pakistani people was heart-warming

While welcoming the delegation at the embassy, Ambassador Masood Khan said that the Government and people of Pakistan respect the religious sentiments of the Sikh community adding that the visa policy regarding religious tourism has been simplified with an aim to provide them maximum facilitation

TH E failure of the Punjab Food Department and PASSCO to buy wheat from farmers who have just harvested a bumper crop, and he is cursing both incomprehension and anger The problem lay in the decision by the caretaker government to allow the import of 3 6 million tonnes of wheat which arrived at the time of harvest The result is that PASSCO, on the recommendation of the Punjab Food Department, has filled its go down with imported wheat and has no money to make further purchases One result has been the fall in the wheat price, which is now lower than the support price As farmers protests across the border have shown, a government tampers with support prices at its peril The problem for the ruling party is which Punjab CM to sacrifice PML(N) incumbent Maryam Nawaz is feeling the heat from the farmers, and would like to see the blame shifted to the caretaker CM whose administration recommended the imports, and which handled the previous crop, after having been in office since January 2023 Party supremo Nawaz Sharif would like a thorough investigation of who did what and when The federal government faces a number of difficulties The caretaker PM, Anwarul Haq Kakar, has already vociferously denied any responsibility saying that the imports were based on the provincial food departments estimates caretaker Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi is part of the federal government as Interior Minister The caretaker Finance and food security Ministers Shamshad Akhtar and Kausar Abdullah Malik should also be interviewed However Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seems reluctant even to interview anyone, though he has suspended the federal Food Security Secretary Apart from caretaker ministers officials are also involved but are being left alone Wheat imports were also problematic for the PTI government, and perhaps rightly so After all, wheat is the country s food staple However the attempts to cover the scandal are unenlightening and lead to the impression that a cover-up is being conducted There is an impression that the beneficiaries are not known The federal government should have a thorough investigation conducted by a neutral agency so that those responsible for playing fast and loose with the nation’s food supply can be identified, and rendered liable to any criminal proceedings that might lie Not only will it merely encourage a

I

n c i d e n t s - b a s e d r e l i g i o n

Few things could be as hazardous

aging social media sensationalism devoid of substantive arguments Such advocacy for violence not only undermines the rule of law but also imperils the very foundation of Pakistan s stability and economic development It is imperative to delineate between the constitutionally enshrined right to peaceful protest and the criminality of violent activities that seek to undermine the state While the for-

Advocacy for violence in any form must not be tolerated in Pakistan The events of May 9 serve as a stark reminder of the perils posed by those who seek to undermine the rule of law and the stability of the state for mere political gains

TH E tendency of learning one’s religion from reports of isolated incidents is an old one As a practice it is fraught with danger even if all those reports happen to be true Trying to construct a coherent theory from applications (isolated incidents) is impossible Unfortunately, way too many folks fail to understand this Hence, the innumerable attempts that continue to this day Sadly, there appears no end in sight to the practice By way of an illustration of what I am talking about I propose to take up music But what is true of music is true of numerous other issues as well issues regarding which people keep misguiding themselves and many others One common way to do that is creating a hotchpotch of their religion by basing their religious world view on isolated and fragmented reports of incidents There is this widespread perception not only among the Muslims but among outsiders as well that there is something inherently unislamic even evil about music Mullahs are apt to tell you that listening to it is a major sin Even laypeople, for the most part, have a complex love-hate relationship with music Of course, many of them enjoy it But a large proportion feels guilty while doing so If one asks for justification one is invariably told some incident where the Prophet (peace be upon him) reportedly prohibited singing and/or musical instruments It is simply impossible to build any coherent system of thought based on isolated and fragmented reports of incidents (without their complete contexts), some of which (of necessity) happen to be untrue as well A major problem with constructing a theory out of such reports is that a counter incident one that goes against the theory can always be presented As the theory is modified to take that in and then the next one it becomes more and more convoluted and ridiculous

When it comes to music, such counter incidents are well known The hardliners who had first declared music and musical instruments to be categorically forbidden had found themselves facing an early challenge For it was immediately brought to their attention that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) had migrated to Madina it is reported that young girls had sung songs welcoming him to their city and they had sung to a tambourine accompaniment What is more, the Prophet (peace be upon him) had not discouraged any of it The ‘Musical instruments are forbidden’ stance therefore needed an urgent modification

This could have been done by adding the clause: except percussion instruments’ The problem with this ‘relaxation’, however, would have been that items such as the drum the dholak and the tabla could also sneak through into the permissible territory (and apparently all hell would then have broken loose if they did It is not usually told why though) To prevent this calamity, a stricter qualification had to be introduced This was that only the tambourine (and no other musical instrument) was allowed

Some people have traditionally taken a different approach to ‘solve’ the same problem They maintain that the Prophet s arrival to Madina was a special event to which no ordinary occasion in our lives could be compared Therefore it cannot possibly be taken as a precedent for any of our everyday activities This solution also breaks down spectacularly when these people are asked to account for the narrations where the Prophet (peace be upon him) allowed listening to music on the occasion of some festival and even encouraged singing of poetry at a wedding To address this difficulty the Music is forbidden stance is relaxed to include the clause: except at weddings Of course, with the additional provisos that it must not be a mixed gathering and that certain dress codes and other protocols must also be adhered to There are those who on the one hand believe that music is forbidden but on the other they also know

Seen in the light of the theory, all incidents (applications) can be made to fit in and make sense . If, on the other hand, a theory is constructed to account for all applications, true or false, howsoever shoddily repor ted, then that is the surest recipe to arrive at an inconsistent and absurd world view.

that threaten its existence

mer is a cornerstone of democracy the latter represents a brazen assault on the rule of law and the principles of civil society Those who advocate for leniency towards perpetrators of anti-state violence must confront the stark reality that such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy and justice

The orchestrated nature of the attacks on military installations underscores the premeditated nature of these acts of aggression In the aftermath of a protracted war against terrorism, Pakistan cannot afford to adopt a lenient stance towards those who seek to destabilize the country through violence The nexus between political rhetoric and acts of violence is evident with certain factions attempting to sow discord between the public and the armed forces for their own nefarious ends

The decision of certain political actors to eschew parliamentary avenues in favor of street protests further exacerbates the precariousness of the situation By resorting to tactics aimed at undermining the authority of the state these actors including the top leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) only serve to embolden those who seek to foment chaos and anarchy

The jubilation of external adversaries over internal strife underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of violence within Pakistan In the face of such challenges Pakistan must reaffirm its commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of its institutions Coordinated attacks on the state and its important institutions cannot be justified under the guise of freedom of expression or political dissent The recent example of the sentencing of Capitol Hill rioters in the USA serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of condoning acts of violence under the pretext of protest

The path to stability and progress in Pakistan lies in unequivocally condemning all forms of violence and advocating for peaceful avenues of dissent Justice must be swift and unyielding lest impunity breed further lawlessness and chaos The resilience of Pakistan’s democracy hinges upon its ability to confront and overcome the forces of violence and extremism

Advocacy for violence in any form must not be tolerated in Pakistan The events of May 9 serve as a stark reminder of the perils posed by those who seek to undermine the rule of law and the stability of the state for mere political gains It is incumbent upon all stakeholders whether political leaders civil society actors or ordinary citizens to unite in defense of peace and democracy Only through collective action and unwavering resolve can Pakistan secure a future free from the spectre of violence and instability

The PTI should exercise caution and restraint when it comes to invoking the name of the USA for political gains

While it’s understandable that political rhetoric often involves highlighting external factors to underscore certain points excessively blaming or invoking the USA can have detrimental consequences for Pakistan s diplomatic relations and internal stability

Baseless accusations of political interference by the USA can significantly damage Pakistan s diplomatic relations with Washington Without solid evidence to substantiate such claims PTI risks undermining the trust and cooperation built between the two nations over the years Accusations of political meddling without concrete proof not only strain bilateral relations but also erode Pakistan’s credibility on the international stage Such unfounded allegations for political gains can breed mistrust and suspicion hampering collaboration on crucial issues of mutual interest Moreover, unwarranted finger-pointing at the USA for political interference deflects attention from addressing internal challenges and impedes progress on domestic reforms It creates unnecessary friction in diplomatic channels hindering constructive dialogue and cooperation between the two countries Building trust and mutual respect is essential for fostering a positive and productive relationship that serves the interests of both nations and promotes regional stability

The writer is Islamabad based expert of strategic affairs and can be reached at asadmalik2008@gmail com 9 M a y : T

HASAN AFTAB SAEED

Stoking hate for political advantage

aBdul

AS the general elections unfold in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are resorting to unjust methods to sway Hindumajority voters Modi is actively fostering animosity towards Muslims, recently equating the community with infiltrators” and perpetuating anti-Muslim stereotypes amidst the country’s ongoing general elections Addressing a crowded rally in the western state of Rajasthan Modi insinuated that if the opposition led by the Congress party, were to come to power, it would redistribute the nation s wealth among those with larger families, seemingly referring to Muslims whom he had mentioned moments earlier “Should your hard-earned money be given to infiltrators? he asked the audience before alleging that the opposition would even take away mangalsutras the sacred necklace symbolizing marriage for women if given the opportunity Modi’s recent remarks against Muslims underscore his Hindutva ideology and highlight his willingness to resort to divisive tactics for political gain It s evident that lacking tangible achievements to showcase to voters, Modi has turned to spreading hate speech against minorities, particularly Muslims, as a means of rallying support In developed and civilized nations political leaders typically campaign based on their track record and accomplishments However Modi s tenure has been marked by a lack of substantial progress with the situation of the impoverished worsening and India’s international reputation suffering due to involvement in conflicts abroad In the realm of politics where ambition often eclipses ideals the pursuit of power frequently overshadows the importance of governance based on performance In Indian culture and tradition, the cow holds a sacred and esteemed status, and is often revered as Gaumata (mother cow) This reverence for the cow is deeply ingrained in Hinduism where it symbolizes purity abundance and divine significance Nevertheless the cultural significance of the cow has emerged as a contentious topic in contemporary India, sparking intricate discussions surrounding religion, politics, and social identity

The debate over Gaumata in India is multi-dimensional touching upon religious cultural economic and political realms Central to this discourse is the juxtaposition between the cow s revered status as a symbol of Hindu heritage and the diverse dynamics of modern Indian society, where the cow also holds economic value, serves as a livelihood for millions and influences dietary preferences

A particularly contentious aspect of the Gaumata debate revolves around cow protection, a focal point for Hindu nationalist factions and certain state administrations Incidents of cow vigilantism, often carried out by self-appointed gau rakshaks (cow protectors) have resulted in instances of violence coercion and vigilantism against individuals suspected of involvement in cow slaughter

Will Modi ’s favourite tac tics work this time?

or beef consumption These occurrences have ignited public outcry and raised apprehensions regarding the rule of law religious tolerance, and the safety of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Dalits

Furthermore, the politicization of the Gaumata issue has escalated tensions with BJP leveraging cow protection to mobilize support and solidify its electoral base Laws prohibiting cow slaughter or restricting the sale and consumption of beef in specific regions have faced criticism The Gaumata controversy intersects with broader discussions on dietary choices, culinary preferences and individual liberties within India s diverse and pluralistic society Despite beef consumption being prohibited or limited in numerous states due to religious and cultural sensitivities, it remains a dietary staple for certain communities, notably Muslims and Dalits

Efforts to enforce dietary restrictions or oversee food preferences have been met with opposition and critcism prompting discussions on individual liberties religious autonomy, and the government s role in regulating personal choices Moreover, the economic ramifications of the Gaumata debate are significant, especially in rural regions where cattle husbandry is a traditional occupation and a vital source of income for millions

Policies aimed at safeguarding cows often yield unintended outcomes such as the proliferation of stray cattle, presenting challenges for farmers and contributing to disputes over land and resources Modi and the BJP have utilized the Gaumata issue as a means to target minorities particularly Muslims resulting in numerous instances where Muslims have been subjected to beatings and torture by Hindus based solely on suspicions of cow slaughter In the annals of Indian history, the Babri Masjid dispute has long been a focal point of contention encapsulating the intricate dynamics of religion identity and governance in a diverse and pluralistic society At the core of this contentious matter lies the debate over the construction of a Ram temple at the Ayodhya site, revered by Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Ram, juxtaposed with the historical presence of the Babri Masjid a 16th-century mosque demolished in 1992

Amidst fervent calls for resolution and reconciliation the Modi government s failure in handling of this long-standing dispute has reignited discussions and sparked controversy, prompting reflections on violations of secularism, justice, and communal harmony Central to this endeavour was the Supreme Court s controversial verdict in November 2019 which sanctioned the construc-

tion of a Ram temple while also mandating the allocation of an alternate site for the mosque s reconstruction While celebrated as a landmark decision by temple proponents, detractors voiced concerns about its implications for secularism and the integrity of the legal process questioning the government’s influence over judicial proceedings

Additionally the Modi government s active participation in the foundation-laying ceremony of the Ram temple in August 2020 elicited criticism from opposition factions and secular activists, who perceived it as a departure from the principle of state neutrality in religious affairs The government’s overt endorsement of the temple project compromised the secular fabric of Indian democracy and conveyed a troubling message about the prioritization of Hindu nationalist agendas over the rights of religious minorities

Moreover, the financing of the Ram temple initiative through public donations and governmental funds has raised inquiries regarding resource allocation and national priorities in a country confronting pressing socio-economic issues

The substantial funds directed towards the project could arguably be allocated more effectively to address challenges such as poverty, healthcare, and education which impact the lives of millions of Indians irrespective of their religious beliefs

The controversy surrounding the Modi government s Ram temple initiative intersects with broader debates concerning secularism, nationalism, and the rights of religious minorities in India The elevation of Hindu religious symbols and narratives in public discourse and governmental initiatives has marginalized religious minorities and compromised the foundational principles of equality and pluralism enshrined in the Constitution India, often touted as the world s largest democracy, carries a troubling legacy of human rights transgressions Various segments of society including minorities particularly Muslims journalists political dissidents women and individuals from diverse backgrounds suffer under the weight of government-sponsored oppression The administration led by Prime Minister Modi has been particularly criticized for its heavy-handed tactics including imposing restrictions on human rights organizations and the media to suppress dissent Amnesty International s 2024 Report sheds light on the egregious human rights violations perpetrated during Modi s tenure Actions such as the raids and closure of BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai for producing critical documentaries in February 2023 and the passing of the Digital Media Ethics Code to quash anti-Modi content on social

media in April 2023 underscore the government s concerted efforts to silence opposition voices and curb freedom of expression Instances of targeted harassment and false accusations against journalists, exemplified by the mistreatment of Sabrina Siddiqui from The Wall Street Journal and the defamation of 46 journalists from News Click in 2023 further highlight the precarious state of press freedom in the country Moreover, the plight of Indian Muslims, who faced violent persecution and discriminatory policies under Modi’s regime, with over 255 reported cases of violence and the imposition of restrictions on religious attire serves as a grim reminder of the government s failure to protect minority rights The Modi administration s enactment of controversial legislation, such as the amended Citizenship Amendment Act, which disenfranchised Muslims and triggered unrest along with the brutal suppression of dissent in regions like Manipur and Delhi reveals a pattern of authoritarian governance

In Kashmir the government s heavyhanded tactics, including the censorship of online platforms and the demolition of homes, further exacerbate tensions in the region The sealing of Article 370 by the Supreme Court of India in December 2023 a move that has faced widespread condemnation further underscores the erosion of democratic norms under the guise of national security These egregious violations of human rights demonstrate that the Modi government’s claims to uphold democratic principles ring hollow It is imperative for international bodies to hold such governments accountable for their actions and safeguard the rights of all individuals irrespective of their beliefs or background

Among the most egregious forms of violence against minorities in India is the phenomenon of mob lynchings, often fueled by religious or caste-based animosities Vigilante groups emboldened by impunity and driven by communal animus have targeted individuals perceived to be from marginalized communities, notably Muslims and Dalits These abhorrent acts, carried out purportedly in defence of religious or cultural norms represent a grave violation of legal principles and human dignity

The proliferation of hate speech and misinformation amplified through social media channels and political discourse, has exacerbated tensions and fostered an environment of apprehension and suspicion Divisive narratives, whether disseminated by extremist factions or mainstream politicians have deepened communal divides and normalized violence against minorities

The exploitation of religion for political

ends has further corroded societal cohesion undermining the bedrock of cohabitation and diversity

Furthermore, the institutionalized discrimination and marginalization experienced by minorities across various aspects of life exacerbate their susceptibility to violence Economic disparities limited access to education and healthcare and entrenched societal biases perpetuate cycles of inequity and exclusion

Minorities, particularly Muslims, frequently encounter systemic hurdles in securing employment, housing, and social advancement relegating them to society’s margins and heightening their vulnerability to violence and prejudice The failure of law enforcement bodies to adequately investigate and prosecute cases of violence against minorities perpetuates a culture of impunity and erodes confidence in the justice system Frequently individuals responsible for hate crimes avoid facing consequences which encourages others to engage in similar actions without fear of punishment The delayed and biased administration of justice exacerbates the suffering endured by victims and their loved ones, perpetuating a cycle of impunity and unfairness

During Modi’s tenure India’s involvement in other countries has garnered global attention His leadership has significantly increased India s controversy with allegations of support to militant, nationalist, and separatist groups in Pakistan The people of Pakistan perceive Modi and India’s intentions negatively India is purportedly backing socalled nationalist elements in AJK although they represent a minority and pursue foreign agendas for personal gain lacking widespread support

The people of AJK assert their freedom and rights within Pakistan, contrasting with the situation of Muslims in India and occupied Kashmir They express a preference for integration with Pakistan over independence or association with India Modi and India s purported use of these tactics to destabilize Pakistan and appeal to Hindu voters has met with failure

The actions, statements, and track record of Modi and the BJP serve as a wake-up call for the Indian populace revealing that BJP’s politics has failed to ameliorate the plight of the poor which has only worsened during their tenure It is hoped that the Indian electorate will not be misled by their rhetoric again and will reject them What is needed is for the Indian people to exhibit maturity and repudiate the ideology of Hindutva and the suppression of minorities

The writer is a freelance columnist

Iran is gaining credibilit y across the Muslim world

rael on April 13 was calibrated to achieve two key objectives

IR A N S leadership has been a direct beneficiary of the months-long war in Gaza With every missile that Israel fires on Gaza, every US veto of a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution, and every arrest of an anti-war protester on American university campuses Iran’s rejection of the US-dominated world order gains more credibility in the Muslim world The ruling clerical regime in Iran has built its foreign policy on the pillar of anti-Americanism rejecting what it frames as the injustice of US domination and bullying” of other countries Washington’s continued support for Israel’s war on Gaza in the face of an increasing international backlash has only reinforced this narrative While the US has tried to backtrack and signal that humanitarian considerations should guide Israel s conduct of the war the damage to US credibility has been done Many around the world – and specifically in Muslim countries – do not see the belated US warnings to Israel as genuine And Tehran’s message of anti-Americanism is resonating with large segments of the public in the Muslim world

In one regional opinion survey in late October for instance just 7% of respondents said the US had a positive impact on the war, compared to 40% who viewed Iran s role as positive And in December, the highly respected Arab Barometer reported that approval ratings for the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had surpassed those of the Saudi crown prince and Emirati president This change in Iran s standing in the region is being watched with concern by the political elite in the neighborhood

WHAT IRAN SOUGHT TO ACHIEVE BY AT-

TACKING ISRAEL: Iran’s image has been further enhanced by the fact it is the only Muslim state to attack Israel against the backdrop of public outrage over the war in Gaza The Iranian missile and drone attack on Is-

First, Iran s leaders sought to preserve the country s image as the self-appointed head of the axis of resistance”, comprised of its proxies in the region – Hezbollah in Lebanon the Houthis in Yemen and other militia groups in Iraq and Syria

Iran also wanted to demonstrate the effectiveness of its deterrence model which is based on the threat of retaliation against Israeli aggression through its proxy actors and expanding missile and drone technology

Coming two weeks after the Israeli attack on its diplomatic mission in Damascus, Iran could not afford to outsource its response to its proxies While Iran was clearly not ready to start a war with Israel not responding in kind to the Israeli attack would have made it look weak and seriously diminished its standing among its allies and proxy groups

But Iran s leaders sought to minimize the damage and mitigate the risk of escalation by warning Israel of its attack in advance through intermediaries This way Iran could save face without getting embroiled in an all-out war

Iran s second objective was to demonstrate to the world that it has the drone and missile technology to hit back at Israel if it chooses

For more than a decade, Iran has showcased its missiles during annual military parades to support its claim it can hit Israel if threatened Its attack last month in-

volved more than 300 drones and missiles Notwith-

standing the fact the damage was minimal the attack was proof Iran now has the capacity to inflict pain on Israel Israel s limited response to Iran suggests that war has been averted, much to the relief of neighboring countries But the long-term implications are more favorable for Iran This show of strength has likely helped its rejectionist foreign policy find receptive ears in the Muslim world and beyond

When Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Pakistan on April 23, for example, he was greeted like a celebrity This was ironic as, earlier this year, Iran and Pakistan had engaged in tit-for-tat aerial attacks

The two countries agreed to boost bilateral trade to US$10 billion a year about five times the current level They also released a joint statement calling on the UN Security Council to take action against Israel saying it had illegally targeted neighboring countries and foreign diplomatic compounds Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also offered a message of support to Iran saying: China noted Iran’s statement that its action was restrained and was an act of self-defense in response to the attack on its embassy

WHAT THIS COULD MEAN FOR THE REGION:

The implications of a more emboldened Iran for the region are severe The Iranian authorities feel vindicated by the events of the last seven months This means their anti-US and anti-Israel rhetoric will remain

SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

staunch as ever Iran s drone and missile research and development program is also likely to receive a boost And Iran s support for its network of proxies and allies will remain firmly in place, as this enables the Iranian leadership

BaSit alvi

ChINA-seRbIA CommuNIt y wIth shARed

refuge from combat further north in the enclave Islamic Jihad said its fighters attacked Israeli soldiers and military vehicles with heavy artillery near the airport east of Rafah “The streets of the city echo with the cries of innocent lives lost families torn apart and homes reduced to rubble We stand on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented proportions, Rafah s mayor, Ahmed Al-Sofi, said in an appeal to the international community to intervene Around 10 000 Palestinians have left Rafah since Monday said Juliette Touma spokesperson for UNRWA the UN agency for Palestinian refugees The Hamas-run Gaza government media office put the number at tens of thousands A senior US official said President Joe Biden’s administration paused a shipment of weapons to Israel last week

in an apparent response to the expected Rafah offensive The White House and Pentagon declined to comment The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington had carefully reviewed the delivery of weapons that might be used in Rafah and as a result paused a shipment consisting of 1 800 2 000-lb bombs and 1 700 500-lb bombs This would be the first such delay since the Biden administration offered its ironclad support to Israel after Hamas Oct 7 attack Washington is Israel’s closest ally and main weapons supplier

A senior Israeli official declined to confirm the report If we have to fight with our fingernails then we ll do what we have to do, the source said A military spokesperson said any disagreements were resolved in private A Palestinian man watches as smoke rises after Israeli strikes while Israeli forces launch a ground and air operation

in the eastern part of Rafah in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip May 7

Rafah

and

crossing between

on Tuesday, cutting off a vital aid route and the only exit for the evacuation of wounded patients The complex was closed for a second day on Wednesday according to the Gaza health ministry but Israel said it was reopening the other crossing in southern Gaza, Kerem Shalom, through which most aid to Gaza has been delivered recently The Israeli

humanitarian zone” in al-Mawasi some 20 km (12 miles) away Armed groups of Hamas Islamic Jihad and Fatah said in separate statements that gunfights continued in the central Gaza Strip, while residents of northern Gaza reported heavy Israeli tank shelling against eastern areas of Gaza City

C hinese militar y takes legal and professional operations to warn against provoc ations by Australian helicopter: FM

In refuting accusations from Australia which claimed that a Chinese fighter jet fired flares into the path of an Australian naval helicopter last weekend over the Yellow Sea, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday clarified that the truth is that an Australian military aircraft deliberately flew within close range of China’s airspace in a provocative move that endangered China’s maritime and air security in the name of enforcing UN Security Council s resolutions

The Chinese military took necessary measures at the scene to warn and alert the Australian side The way the situation was handled was consistent with Chinese laws and regulations, professional and safe, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday Lin stated that China has lodged serious protests to the Australian side on its risky moves while urging Australia to immediately stop the provocations and hypes to prevent misunderstanding and miscalculation

The Chinese spokesperson s remarks came after Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said Monday that a Chinese Chengdu J-10 fighter jet released flares in the flight path of an Australian navy Seahawk helicopter deployed from the Australian air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart according to Western media outlets including AP News

The media outlets claimed that the Australian air warfare destroyer on Saturday was enforcing UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea in international waters in the Yellow Sea ” According to media outlets there were no injuries or damage reported

We ve just made it very clear to China that this is unprofessional and that it s unacceptable Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Nine Network television Also on Tuesday, China’s Ministry of National Defense debunked the Australian accusations

“We are firmly opposed to what the Australian side has said which distorts black and white said Zhang Xiaogang spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense According to Zhang from May 3 to 4 during the training of Chinese naval vessels in relevant waters of the Yellow Sea, the Australian guided-missile destroyer HMAS Hobart sent shipborne helicopters three times to conduct close-in reconnaissance and disturb the normal training activities of the Chinese side

The Chinese military issued warnings and forced them away The relevant operations were reasonable

professional and safe and fully in line with international law and practice, Zhang stated

We urge the Australian side to earnestly respect China’s sovereign security concerns, stop spreading false narratives, strictly restrain naval and air force operations and stop all dangerous and provocative actions so as not to undermine the overall relationship between the two countries and two militaries Zhang said Chinese military experts pointed out that Australia s actions under the guise of implementing UNSC sanctions against North Korea are in fact provocation, probing and reconnaissance against China Military expert Zhang Xuefeng told the Global Times on Tuesday that the fact that Australian warships have travelled so far into the Yellow Sea so close to China s territorial waters and inland seas, is itself a sign of the growing aggressiveness It is not the first time that Australia has conducted close-in reconnaissance against China and been expelled after not listening to warnings Zhang Xuefeng noted The Australian military is responsible for all the consequences by those provocations he warned Last November Australia claimed that a Chinese People s Liberation Army (PLA) destroyer used sonar to force divers from an Australian frigate to exit the water In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on November 20 2023 that The Chinese military is strictly disciplined and always operates professionally in accordance with the international law and international common practices We hope relevant parties will stop making trouble in front of China s doorsteps and work with China to preserve the momentum of improving and growing China-Australia

CORPORATE CORNER

Essay competition launched to mark 73rd anniversar y of Pak- C hina D iplomatic Relations

ISLAMABAD S

The Center for South Asia & International Studies the Consulate General of the People s Republic of China Lahore The School of Communication Studies and University of the Punjab have launched an essay competition on the theme of the 73rd anniversary of PakChina diplomatic relations Chinese Consul General Lahore Mr Zhao Shiren said that the Chinese Consulate General would coordinate for cash prizes and appreciation certificate to winners CG Zhao termed essay competition as an essential part of celebrations of the 73 years of diplomatic ties All enrolled students of Uni-

versity of

Faizan Munawar S ohar wardi meets media persons in K arachi

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Shaheed's Special Secretary Munawar Hussain Soharwardi

Shaheed's son Faizan Munawar Hussain SoharWardi

a well-known businessman met with media representatives Karachi Pakistan People s Party senior leader, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto

Shaheed's Special Secretary Manawar Soharwardi son of well-known businessman Faizan Manawar Soharwardi met Media Representatives Muddasir Alam Syed Turab Shah and Javed Qureshi in

KARACHI:

tion Studies, labeled holding of essay competition on Pak-China Diplomatic Relations as useful for the students for their better understanding and first giant step towards formation of national narrative about the CPEC and formation of corridor of knowledge in the days to come In a virtual launching ceremony, CSAIS Executive Director Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan said that essay competition aimed to showcase the real essence of strategic partnership of Pak-China relations consisting of multidimensional trust worthy cooperation, multi-purposed paths of socio-economic prosperity and last but not least multi-corridors under the flagship of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Pakistan Engineering Council launches first specialized construc tion, engineering ADR/Arbitration

Centre

The

Religious

Affairs Secretar

y meets S audi ambassador to discus

Hajj preparations

bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy here on Wednesday During the meeting the two dignitaries discussed matters of mutual interest and reviewed the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage The meeting aimed to strengthen the bilateral relations between both the brotherly countries PR

PM ANNOUNCES ‘EDUCATION EMERGENCY’ TO BRING 26M KIDS BACK TO SCHOOL

Qatari Minister for Foreign Affairs arrives in Islamabad today

Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the education sector required immediate action and urgent responses as Pakistan stood at a critical juncture with no room for failure “The education statistics in Pakistan are concerning alarming and disheartening More than 26 million children are out of school This number exceeds the population of 150 countries worldwide, he remarked UNICEF representative in Pakistan Abdullah A Fadil stated that

g PM DIRECTS STRICT DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST FORMER PROJECT DIRECTOR AND FORMER MEMBER OF OPERATIONS

Already burdened power consumers should get ready to face an additional burden as the power distribution companies (DISCOs) have requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to approve recovery of Rs 51 billion and 88 crore worth heavy amounts from them DISCOs have filed their request with NEPRA for adjustments on account of capacity charges, transmission charges, and market operator fee, the impact of T&D (Transmission & Despatch) losses on Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) and variable operation & maintenance charges for the third quarter (January to March) of the financial year 2023-24, in line with the notified mechanism in this regard

According to documents, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), and Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO) have asked to allow recovery of total Rs 51 88 billion from the power consumers under the head capacity charges, variable O&M, Use of System Charges (UoSc) & MoF Among these, FESCO has requested to recover Rs 9 318 billion HESCO sought Rs 5 413 billion IESCO Rs 8 170 billion LESCO Rs 3 940 billion MEPCO Rs 3 621 billion, PESCO Rs 14 717 billion, QESCO Rs 5 389 billion, and SEPCO Rs 2 773 billion The bulk of the requested amount totaling Rs 31 348 billion under the head capacity charges while they requested

by the

for the application of

adjustments, the third quarterly adjustment for FY2023-24 of the DISCOs to be determined by the Authority shall also apply to the consumers of K-Electric read the documents NEPRA in a public hearing notice has invited all the interested/ affected parties to submit written/oral comments or objections as permissible under

Chinese vice FM, Planning Minister disc uss strategic Sino -Pak cooperation

ISLAMABAD

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal, met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on Wednesday in Beijing to engage in extensive discussions aimed at further strengthening the AllWeather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two nations

The talks encompassed a comprehensive review of the successful conclusion of the first decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the strides made in its second decade particularly focusing on the five corridors of growth, livelihood, openness, inclusivity, and innova-

tion as delineated by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng last year

During the meeting, Iqbal was commended for his instrumental role in CPEC, with Weidong acknowledging his significant contributions He also praised Pakistan’s 5-E s framework – Export Energy Equity E-Pakistan and Environment – devised by the Government of Pakistan to implement these five corridors under CPEC Both parties also delved into the early execution of crucial infrastructure projects in Pakistan including ML-I and KKH realignment

Iqbal reiterated Pakistan s unwavering commitment to the highquality development of CPEC and outlined future cooperation under CPEC phase-II Emphasis was

placed on priority sectors such as IT agricultural modernisation textiles minerals, and renewable energy He expressed gratitude to China for its unwavering support in making CPEC a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) highlighting its pivotal role in modernising Pakistan s energy and logistics infrastructure Furthermore, Iqbal underscored the importance of bolstering Business-to-Business (B2B) links for the second phase of CPEC advocating for streamlined visa issuance to Pakistani businessmen

He highlighted the urgency of the ML-1 Peshawar-Karachi Railway mainline project and called for enhanced collaboration in Human Resource Development

wheat procurement During the media interaction Khan further alleged that PML-N members had suggested no elections would occur and Nawaz Sharif would not return to the country until Justice Qazi Faiz Isa became the chief justice He criticised the electoral processes, asserting that elections for president prime