SUPREME Court s Justice Ayesha Malik on Tuesday emphasized that seats should only be allocated based on proportional representation During the hearing regarding the reserved seats for the Sunni Unity Council (SIC) she reiterated that seats cannot be granted except according to the principle of proportional representation Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa presided over a 13-member full court for the proceedings The full court comprises 13 judges and also includes Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Athar Minallah Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi Justice Shahid Waheed Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan presided over the case At the beginning of the hearing, Faisal Siddiqui, representing the Sunni Ittehad
Council (SIC), stated that Sahibzada Hamid Raza had contested the election independently but had mentioned his affiliation with the SIC in the nomination papers Referring to the Peshawar High Court s (PHC) decision, Makhdoom Ali Khan explained that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had declined to allocate specific seats to the SIC, a decision upheld by the PHC CJP expressed surprise that Salman Akram Raja and Faisal Siddiqui did not
‘ Vision Azm-i-Istehkam’ entails intensif ying ongoing IBOs rather than new militar y op: PM
as Vision Azm-i-Istehkam would entail intensifying ongoing intelligencebased operations (IBOs) rather than a new and organised military offensive
The clarification comes after the PM’s Office (PMO) last night stated that the campaign would not be a large-scale military operation nor would it entail the mass displacement of local population
The prime minister took the cabinet members into confidence regarding the misunderstandings and speculations regarding ‘Vision Azm-i-Istehkam’,” PTV News quoted the PMO as saying during a meeting of the federal cabinet
The statement quoted PM Shehbaz: Azm-i-Istehkam is an overall national vision of a multifaceted cooperation of various security agencies and the entire state system
“For this purpose already ongoing IBOs will be intensified rather than [launching] a new and organised armed
operation, he added A large-scaled armed operation that would require displacement the initiation of such an operation under Vision Azm-i-Istehkam is merely a misunderstanding the premier was quoted as saying The aim of the campaign was to decisively root out the remnants of terrorists, crime and terrorism nexus, and violent extremism from the country”, the prime minister emphasised On Saturday the government had announced plans for a reinvigorated and reenergised national counterterrorism
campaign, which entailed augmenting the kinetic efforts of the armed forces with support from all law enforcement agencies as well as effective legislation to address legal voids that hinder effective prosecution of terrorism-related cases
The announcement had come after a meeting of the Central Apex Committee of National Action Plan (NAP), which was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by key federal ministers provincial chief ministers army and airforce chiefs and top bureaucrats However opposition parties in-
‘ W ith a heavy hear t,’ PPP decides to suppor t Azm-i-Istehkam
ISLAMABAD
S ta f f R e p o R t Despite having some strong reservations , the Pakistan People s Party (PPP) on Tuesday decided to support Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, aiming at eradicating terrorism and extremism nationwide
During a parliamentary party meeting held in Islamabad on Tuesday, the PPP leadership and members deliberated on the operation According to party insiders, the party decided to back the initiative after thorough discussion The PPP parliamentary party unanimously endorsed Operation Azm-e-Istehkam However, the party has communicated its concerns to the government regarding the operation”, the insiders They claimed the PPP leadership
expressed reservations about not being consulted on the operation In response the government assured that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence moving forward
The PPP emphasised its commitment to national decisions through consultation and reiterated its support for all anti-terrorism efforts The country’s welfare and the people’s safety have always been the PPP s top priority a party insider stated On Saturday the country s civil and military leadership decided launching a new campaign in an effort to tackle the resurgence of terrorism as Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the need for all institutions of the country to collectively combat this menace instead of relying on one A meeting of the Central Apex Committee on NAP, which was attended by
operation
key cabinet members, gave approval to Azm-e-Istehkam” after consensus among all the stakeholders including the four provinces Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
The office of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that Azm-e-Istehkam would not be a kinetic operation like the previous Zarb-e-Azab and Rah-e-Najaat rather it aimed at reinvigorating the implementation of Revised National Action Plan (NAP) A statement issued by the Press Wing of the Prime Minister s Office said that the ability of terrorist entities to carry out large scale organised operations inside Pakistan had been degraded by earlier kinetic operations therefore no large scale military operation was being contemplated
cluding the PTI, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) and the Awami National Party (ANP) had opposed the plan both inside parliament and outside demanding that the Parliament be consulted on the matter first
Following the PTI s protests during Sunday’s National Assembly session, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday even denied that any such thing was discussed with him during the apex committee meeting last week
OPPOSITION CONCERNS TO BE ADDRESSED: ASIF
Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Tuesday Defence Minister Asif stated We will try to create consensus this time as well We will definitely address the reservations expressed by the JUI-F, ANP and PTI
“There are no political aims of this operation We only want to challenge and end the rising wave of terrorism ongoing since the past few months he asserted
The minister urged all government components the judiciary security forces, the Parliament and the media to support the operation
Countr y can’t afford any militar y operation for stability: PTI
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t
Reiterating opposition to Operation Azm-e-Istehkam PTI s Barrister Gohar on Tuesday declared that the country could not sustain more military operations for stabilization
“Any decision must be brought to the house This country cannot afford any operation for stability as stability is linked with rightful representation in the assembly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Gohar Khan stated while speaking to the media outside the Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday
On the occasion, the PTI lawmakers and leaders reiterated their opposition against the newly approved military operation Declaring the party s firm stance against the operation they argued that military operations would disproportionately impact KhyberPakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan Investment isn
T I N A S I A : B L O O M B E R G
GOVT HOLDS OFF GAS TARIFF REDUCTION, PL ANS INCREASES FOR CAPTIVE POWER PL ANTS
Govt plans new industrial estate in Gujrat
The government of Punjab has announced its intention to develop a new industrial estate on non-agricultural land in Gujrat Punjab’s Industry and Commerce Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain chaired a meeting on Monday to discuss the development and colonization of 23 small industrial estates across Punjab Key attendees included Sidra Younas, Managing Director of Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC), Senior Economic Advisor Javed Iqbal and officials from the Irrigation Department The Assistant Commissioner District Revenue (ADCR) of Gujrat participated via video link
During the meeting, Minister Shafay Hussain directed the Gujrat district administration to identify suitable land within the next four days He emphasized the importance of selecting a location with nearby access to electricity transmission and gas pipelines for
the proposed industrial estate He highlighted that establishing this estate in Gujrat would enhance convenience for industrialists and stimulate economic activities in the region “The establishment of new factories in Punjab will generate employment opportunities The government is
committed to implementing a robust strategy to accelerate industrialization across the province Minister Shafay Hussain stated The initiative underscores Punjab s proactive approach to fostering industrial growth and economic development through strategic infrastructure projects
‘Audio leaks c ase’: IHC declares phone tapping without law as ‘ illegal ’
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
He highlighted the need to examine the legal standing of this document
could obtain private video footage from someone s home The lawyer reiterated that they do not conduct surveillance and only collect material after an incident for evidentiary purposes
‘With
heav y hear t , ’ PPP decides to suppor t A zm-i-Istehkam Op CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
“Azm-i-Istehkam is a multi-domain, multiagency whole-of-the-system national vision for enduring stability in Pakistan It is meant to reinvigorate and re-energise the ongoing implementation of Revised National Action Plan, which was initiated after the consensus across the political spectrum, it said The statement of the Prime Minister ’s Office said that the recently “announced vision for enduring stability named Azm-e-Istehkam was being erroneously misunderstood and compared with earlier launched kinetic operations The previous kinetic operations were conducted to physically dislodge terrorists from their known locations which had become no-go areas and compromised the writ of the state These operations required mass displacement of the local population and systematic clearance of affected areas it said There are no such no-go areas in the country since the ability of terrorist entities to or carry out large scale organised operations inside Pakistan was decisively degraded by earlier kinetic operations ” the statement added Therefore no large scale military operation is being contemplated where displacement of population will be required Reiterating that Azm-e-Istehkam aimed at energising the ongoing intelligence-based kinetic operations “to decisively root out the nebulous and shadowy presence of remnants of terrorists” their facilitators and violent extremism to ensure a secure environment in the country for its economic development This will include political, diplomatic, legal and information prongs apart from already continuing operations by all law-enforcement agencies This should address all the misunderstandings as well as settle unnecessary debate on the subject the statement concluded
The AAG added that in the case of missing persons the Sindh High Court (SHC) had instructed the disclosure of data to intelligence agencies The court then questioned whether this directive from the SHC was specific to a single case or applied as a permanent measure
The court instructed the AAG to review the policy formulated in 2013 and determine if data had been acquired according to this policy s framework The AAG affirmed compliance During the proceedings, the court asked about the rationale behind the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issuing directives In response the PTA s lawyer explained that a case before the SHC had convened all concerned parties, including the PTA, to devise a mechanism This arrangement, unchallenged thereafter evolved into the 2013 policy
The court asked whether the PTA affirmed that it had not authorized any entity to engage in phone tapping In response, the lawyer confirmed that indeed, PTA has not granted permission for any form of phone tapping The lawyer clarified that PTA’s role is regulatory and does not involve surveillance activities He noted that after the Mustafa Impex case any directive from a division is considered a decision of the federal government The lawyer representing Islamabad Police informed the court that, to their understanding, there is no prohibition against obtaining such information
Justice Babar then questioned police official whether they can enter someone s residence without a warrant
The lawyer responded that their practice does not involve surveillance or recording, but rather they gather material after an incident occurs
The court questioned whether in 11 years they had ever obtained a warrant
The lawyer replied that in their understanding, it s not necessary to obtain a warrant to gather material after an incident The court also asked how they
The court remarked that the Islamabad police seemed unaware of why warrants are necessary asking if there had been no need for warrants in 11 years The court further inquired who had instructed the Inspector General not to seek warrants It questioned whether the law enacted by Parliament was considered unnecessary given that warrants had not been sought in 11 years
Justice Babar commented that if a law had been made everyone should be aware of its requirements He added that people should be informed about how privacy is being breached, expressing that the courts are unaware of the activities being conducted He further emphasized that this wasn t a matter of national security where laws could be ignored or disregarded The Additional Attorney General requested the court to hold in-chamber hearing adding he then provide details
Justice Babar responded questioning if he was inquiring about terrorists He clarified that he was only asking about the law, whether hostile agencies were monitoring judges chambers or the Prime Minister ’s residence The AAGl denied this Justice Babar emphasized that national security wasn t at stake here and rejected the request for a chamber hearing
Despite repeated requests from the AAG for a chamber hearing, Justice Babar reiterated that he wasn t seeking national security secrets and refused to conduct mock hearings in chambers
During the hearing the federal government was asked to lift the ban on providing data to telecom operators
Justice Babar questioned whether rules had been established under the Telecom and Telegraph Act He criticized how obtaining a warrant from a judge could be considered a national security threat pointing out that Pakistan wasn t the only country combating terrorism
IHC judge mentioned that many countries including the United States had implemented laws and strategies post9/11 He argued that the situation wasn t overly complex and refusal to answer due to terrorism concerns wasn’t justified
Justice Babar stressed that he wasn’t asking for specific terrorist identities or the involvement of hostile agencies He expressed frustration at asking the same question for a year and warned that he might seek Supreme Court intervention if decisions were not respected
He noted that the reports had presented inconsistent stances suggesting possible forgery and questioned if this was the conduct expected of the federal government or if they considered themselves above the law
AAG Manoor Iqbal Dogal asserted that everyone must abide by the law The telecom company’s lawyer informed the court that providing data is a requirement set by the PTA for obtaining telecom licenses Justice Babar asked whether the lawyer was aware of the specifics of the data being collected The lawyer replied that telecom operators are not informed about the details; they install systems as directed by the PTA
Justice Babar requested that any correspondence regarding the installation of these systems by the PTA be presented as evidence The court emphasized that verbal statements were insufficient; detailed written directions were needed The telecom company s lawyer mentioned that authorized agencies could access 2% of all customers data simultaneously
Justice Babar questioned if 2% of telecom users data across the entire country was being accessed, and why the telecom companies who bear the costs and install the systems should not be accountable He noted that without a legal mechanism for phone tapping such actions were illegal if no oversight was provided IHC judge warned that telecom companies share responsibility if they provide citizens’ data without proper scrutiny and threatened to issue a show cause notice to the PTA chairman and board members for contempt of court
that the proposed campaign would involve intelligence-based operations Recalling the formation of the NAP after the 2014 Army Public School attack, the defence minister highlighted there was a “fundamental difference” between the situation back then and now Asif said there was a “sort of takeover of the tribal areas
and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) respectively Asif asserted: There is no such thing that Godforbid the terrorists writ has been established on any territory Terming the planned campaign a “continuation of the resolve made after 2016”, the minister said “certain quarters”
S F I C u p g r a d e d
Making it a division makes it firmly part of the permanent structure of government
tH e decision to make the Special Investment facilitation a separate division merely adds to an already large number of divisions pertaining to the economy the decision also does not make clear what is to happen to the Board of Investment, which has overlapping functions the new status for the SIfC raises a fresh series of questions the most significant is who will be the minister-in-charge for the time being it will continue to be the PM but it is only a matter of time before politicians realise that someone could be accommodated against the portfolio In that case the Prime Minister may not preside and delegate the task to the Minister It is also not clear, if under those circumstances the Chief of Army Staff would attend personally, or depute someone It is also not clear who will be the secretary of the new division the empire-building tendencies of bureaucrats have already displayed themselves in the panoply of economic ministries that already exist, with no less than three divisions finance revenue and economic Affairs, under one minister It should be remembered that the Production and Industries divisions are the remains of the nationalisations of the 1970s the divisions remain, even as they have given rise to a new one the Privatisation Division and the industries are being sold off One of the most salient features of this new division is the permanence that it accords to the voice of the COAS in economic decision-making As was pointed out to the PM in the course of the meeting where he took the decision, attracting investment has become covering the entire economy the SIfC seems to have started as a very targeted vehicle, of bringing investors and investment from the Gulf, with the COAS acting as a sort of guarantor there were c couple of investors conferences held, and Saudi participation in the riko Diq project has occurred but even the most enthusiastic booster of the SIfC would not argue that it has been a roaring success It is true that where investment is involved expecting quick successes is not wise Perhaps the upgradation of the SIfC could have been considered more After all though some economic indicators are positive, how much credit can be allocated to the SIfC?
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami
of the Biden Admin-
rael s war on Gaza, in recent weeks they unveiled the most confounding move of all On May 31 in a televised speech to the nation President Biden announced a three-stage “peace deal that he said would lead to an end to the conflict the plan he said had already been approved by Israel and the burden was now on Hamas to accept its terms the White House publicized the president’s proposal Here is the exact language of the plans outline:
PHASE-I
A complete ceasefire Withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza Release of some hostages and some remains of hostages Palestinian civilians can return to their homes in Gaza A surge in humanitarian aid
PHASE-2
A permanent end to hostilities Exchange for the release of remaining living hostages Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza
PHASE-3
Major reconstruction plan for Gaza Final remains of hostages are returned to their families
Shortly after the president released his plan Netanyahu released a statement that essentially rejected Biden s proposal the Israeli PM noted in a social media post that the actual plan to which he agreed stipulated: no end to the conflict until Hamas had been eliminated; no permanent ceasefire until all hostages were freed and victory was achieved; and no end to an Israeli security role in Gaza Some of this was noted in a June 1 statement issued by the Prime Minister s office which read: Israel s conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel Under the proposal Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put
PM were saying both the White House and State Department spokespersons appeared to accept Netanyahu
y o n d C o d e
it the State Department spokesperson elaborated further, noting that if Hamas were truly committed to saving the lives of their people instead of simply
S e c u r i t y C o u n c i l m e m b e rs a s k e d t o vo t e o n a r e s o l u t i o n t h a t cl a i m e d i t h a d I s r a e l Ês a c c e p t a n c e ?
Pa k i s t a n Ês f r e e l a n c e m a r k e t p r e s e n t s a dy n a m i c a n d p ro m i s i n g l a n d s c a p e fo r n o n - t e c h t a l e n t W h i l e c h a l l e n g e s
ex i s t i n f i n d i n g s e c u r e p ro j e c t s , n av i g a t i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l p ay m e n t s , a n d a c q u i r i n g c e r t i f i c a t i o n s , i n n ova t i v e s o l u t i o n s
a n d a s h i f t t ow a rd s h i g h - va l u e s k i l l s s u c h a s f i n a n c i a l
m o d e l i n g c a n p av e t h e w ay fo r s u c c e s s B y fo s t e r i n g a
s u p p o r t i v e e c o s y s t e m a n d e q u i p p i n g f r e e l a n c e rs w i t h t h e n e c e s s a r y s k i l l s a n d r e s o u rc e s , Pa k i s t a n c a n t r u ly u n l o ck t h e f u l l p o t e n t i a l o f i t s t h r i v i n g f r e e l a n c e wo r k fo rc e a n d
s o l i d i f y i t s p o s i t i o n a s a g l o b a l l e a d e r i n t h e g i g e c o n o my
System under stress
cial media in shaping narratives and moulding
The recent online campaign against the armed forces went too far
IN response to the harmful effects of misinformation, numerous countries have enacted strict regulations and penalties to counter the spread of false propaganda across various media platforms including social media China is widely recognized for its rigorous control over online content through the Great Firewall, a sophisticated system of internet censorship The Chinese government actively monitors and regulates social media platforms websites and online forums to curb the dissemination of false information perceived as detrimental to national security or social stability Furthermore China has implemented cybersecurity laws that impose severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment, on individuals or entities found guilty of spreading false propaganda or inciting social unrest online These steps are necessary to uphold social order and safeguard the public from harmful misinformation Russia has enacted various laws and regulations to combat the spread of false propaganda and disinformation, particularly on social media platforms The country’s antiextremism legislation empowers authorities to crack down on online content that promotes violence hatred or ethnic tensions Additionally Russia has introduced specific laws targeting the dissemination of false information, such as the Law on Information, Information Technologies, and Protection of Information Under these laws individuals or entities found guilty of spreading false propaganda or disinformation may face significant fines administrative penalties or even criminal prosecution Russia remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing perceived threats to national security and social stability posed by false information Turkey has implemented stringent regula-
tions aimed at managing the spread of false propaganda and misinformation on social media platforms In July 2020 the Turkish parliament passed a law mandating that social media companies with over one million daily users appoint local representatives and comply with government requests to remove content within 48 hours Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to fines advertising bans or bandwidth restrictions The Turkish government has justified these measures as necessary to combat the dissemination of false information and safeguard the public from online threats, including terrorism and defamation In response to the proliferation of false information and disinformation on social media platforms Singapore has implemented the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Enacted in 2019, POFMA grants authority to government ministers to issue correction orders or removal notices for online content deemed false or misleading Platforms that do not adhere to these directives may be subject to fines and other consequences Proponents assert that POFMA is essential for protecting public discourse and national security Through POFMA, Singapore maintains its dedication to combating the dissemination of false propaganda and shielding its populace from the adverse effects of misinformation Germany has taken proactive measures to address online hate speech and false information through the enactment of the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG)
Established in 2017, NetzDG mandates that social media platforms with a user base exceeding two million promptly remove illegal content including hate speech defamation and incitements to violence or face substantial fines Additionally platforms are required to publish regular transparency reports detailing their content moderation endeavors NetzDG represents a significant stride in holding social media companies accountable for propagating false propaganda France has implemented a rapid response mechanism to counter false information during pivotal events such as elections Through this system, government agencies, factchecking organizations, and media outlets collaborate to swiftly debunk misinformation circulating on social media platforms This initiative aims to furnish voters with accurate information and mitigate the impact of false propaganda on electoral outcomes Furthermore, France has enacted legislation empowering judges to mandate the removal of fake
news disseminated online, bolstering efforts to combat misinformation In the USA fact-checking initiatives play a pivotal role in combating false propaganda on social media Nonprofit organizations like FactCheck org PolitiFact and Snopes independently verify the accuracy of online information and debunk false claims Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have collaborated with these fact-checkers to flag disputed content and diminish its visibility in users feeds While fact-checking endeavours in the USA are voluntary and decentralized, they serve as a crucial resource for users seeking reliable information amidst the abundance of online misinformation Within every nation lies a cohesive fabric woven from threads of resilience pride and hope For the people of Pakistan this fabric finds the embodiment in the nation itself and its esteemed armed forces serving as pillars of strength and guardians of sovereignty Pakistan, with its diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions, acts as a unifying force for its citizens symbolizing collective identity and national pride that transcends regional ethnic and linguistic boundaries The green and white flag proudly fluttering in the breeze, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by past generations and the aspirations of those to come At the core of Pakistan’s defence and security apparatus stands the Pakistan Army an institution revered for its professionalism discipline and steadfast dedication to serving the nation Alongside the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force, it forms the bulwark against external threats and internal challenges, safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity Its presence imbues a sense of security and reassurance among the populace ensuring their safety amidst an uncertain world Throughout Pakistan s history the armed forces have played a pivotal role in upholding democracy and constitutional order During periods of political turmoil and crisis the Pakistan Army has emerged as a stabilizing influence ensuring the continuity of governance and safeguarding democratic institutions Its adherence to democratic principles and civilian authority underscores its position as a guardian of the nation s democratic ideals Beyond its traditional defence and security functions, the Pakistan Army actively participates in national development endeavours From spearheading infrastructure projects to providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief the armed forces lead initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Pakistan s citizens In today’s digital era, the influence of so-
public opinion is undeniable However with this influence comes significant responsibility as the uncontrolled spread of false propaganda can yield far-reaching repercussions especially when directed towards nations and their esteemed institutions Pakistan and its revered armed forces have frequently found themselves targeted by such deceitful campaigns, with consequences beyond the digital sphere There has been a noticeable surge in false propaganda against Pakistan and the Pakistan Army on social media platforms recently It is disheartening to witness such malicious campaigns against the country and its armed forces, freely propagated Many social media influencers especially those residing in foreign countries are advancing their own agendas or those of our adversaries by targeting Pakistan and its armed forces
False propaganda on social media has the potential to sow seeds of discord within society, undermining the unity and cohesion crucial for national progress By disseminating misinformation and fostering mistrust malevolent actors endeavour to create rifts along ethnic religious or ideological lines fracturing the social fabric of the nation
Such division weakens the collective determination of the people and impedes endeavours toward common goals and aspirations
The Pakistan Army revered for its professionalism and unwavering dedication to serving the nation often finds itself the subject of false propaganda aimed at tarnishing its reputation and eroding public trust When unfounded accusations and fabricated narratives gain traction on social media platforms, they can corrode the trust and confidence the people have in their armed forces This erosion of trust not only undermines the morale of military personnel but also compromises the nation s defence posture and resilience
False propaganda against Pakistan and its armed forces on social media platforms can escalate tensions with neighbouring countries and stoke external hostility When misinformation is weaponized for geopolitical ends it can exacerbate diplomatic crises and inflame conflict dynamics in volatile regions Moreover, false narratives depicting Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism or an international aggressor can provoke retaliatory actions from other nations, fostering a perilous cycle of escalation and instability The proliferation of false propaganda on social media can also inflict harmful consequences on Pakistan s economy discouraging foreign investment and impeding economic progress In a globally interconnected landscape where perception frequently molds reality, adverse
Why Ilan Pappe’s new book on the Israel lobby is a must-read
Pappe was denounced in the Knesset after publication in 2006 of his controversial book , The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
‘I’m not telling you to kill this person, but I shouldn’t be surprised if someone did’
of pro-Palestinian sympathies: Alan Duncan in 2016 and Christopher Mayhew in 1964 George Brown, a former Labour foreign secretary, was also targeted in the 1960s
Green There have been complaints allegedly about her liking a tweet that referred to the Israel lobby - widely considered an anti-Semitic trope, reported the New Statesman s associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe On a now-infamous Newsnight appearance following her defenestration a tearful Shaheen apologised for liking the tweet and accepted it was a trope She didn t have much choice The Equality and H u m a n R i g h t s C o m m i s s i o n ( E H R C ) t h e s t a t u t
regulator, agrees In 2020, it cited a claim that the Isr a e l l o b b y w a s b e h i n d a n
n t s a s evidence supporting a finding of unlawful antisemitic harassment
Pappe has entered perilous territory Few are better qualified to challenge the official orthodoxy that discussion of the Israel lobby is out of bounds None are more battle-hardened
One of the most eminent of the new historians who retold Israel’s foundation story, Pappe was denounced in the Knesset after publication in 2006 of his controversial book The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine Israel’s education minister called on the University of Haifa to sack him and one of Israel s best-selling newspapers pictured him at the centre of a target next to which a columnist had written: I m not telling you to kill this person, but I shouldn t be surprised if someone did After a slew of death threats, he left Israel, and was lucky to be able to find a billet at the University of Exeter
TARGETING POLITICIANS AND JOURNAL-
ISTS: The famous French publisher Fayard recently halted distribution of The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine Last month, Pappe, who remains an Israeli citizen, was interrogated for two hours by federal agents upon arrival in the United States He was eventually let in, but only after they copied the contents of his phone This kind of harassment Pappe later noted is nothing compared to what Palestinians routinely face He has produced
be read and then
by
The lobby has gone after journalists such as Jeremy Bowen who was forced to endure a long BBC investigation; former Guardian Jerusalem correspondent Suzanne Goldenberg; former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger; and broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby
The Israeli government repeatedly complained to the BBC that foreign correspondent Orla Guerin was “antisemitic” and showed “total identification with the goals and methods of Palestinian terror groups” once even linking her reporting from the Middle East to the rise of antisemitism in Britain - allegations that were as grotesque as they were false There are other names on this long list
In the US, William Fulbright, the longest-serving chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is the earliest and most devastating example The appalling story of his destruction in 1974 is well told in this book: Lobby money poured into the campaign coffers of his rival Arkansas Governor Dale Bumpers
From that time to this day, the road to the Capitol has been scattered with candidates, from the elite of American politics, whose careers have been similarly torpedoed ” Pappe writes Fulbright’s crime was to argue that “instead of rearming Israel we could have peace in the Middle East at once if we just told Tel Aviv to withdraw behind its 1967 borders and guarantee them
‘NOTHING TO TOUCH THEM’: This merciless treatment of individuals distinguishes the pro-Israel lobby from other lobbies both foreign and corporate Michael Mates a former member of the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee once told me (in a quote repeated in Pappe s book) that the pro-Israel lobby in our body politic is the most powerful political lobby There s nothing to touch them Pappe goes far back into history to sketch the origins of the agitation for the return of the Jewish people to Palestine This story begins with Christian evangelicals two centuries ago which might explain Pappe s employment of the term Zionist lobby rather than the standard pro-Israel lobby In the remote past as much as the present day, this type of support for Israel was animated by antisemitism In the 1840s, religious scholar George Bush, a direct ancestor of two US presidents called for a revived Jewish state in Palestine expressing hope that Jewish people would be offered the same carnal inducements to remove to Syria as now promote them to emigrate to this country
These early Christian supporters of a Jewish Palestine, like later Christian Zionists, were oblivious to the Palestinian presence in what they saw as the Holy Land For them Palestine was unchanged since the time of Jesus In the words of Pappe later it was imagined as being organically part of medieval Europe: its people donning medieval dress roaming a European countryside In Britain, Edwin Montagu, one of the earliest practising Jews to serve in a British cabinet, described Zionism as a “mischievous political creed” - a phrase that would have had him thrown out of Keir Starmer ’s Labour Party and pilloried in the media He viewed the Balfour Declaration as antisemitic while warning that when the Jews are told that Palestine is their national home every country will immediately desire to get rid of its Jewish citizens, and you will find a population in Palestine driving out its present inhabitants
SAFEGUARDING ISRAEL’S LEGITIMACY: After the establishment of Israel, the lobby’s main job became to safeguard the legitimacy of the Israeli state Pappe shows that the Labour Party was a stronger and more reliable supporter than the Conservatives He stresses the role of Poale Zion antecedent to today s Jewish Labour Movement which originally sought to reconcile Marxism and Zionism It convinced the trade unions and Labour that Israel was a socialist project Pappe writes that Poale Zion became “part of a lobby meant to arrest any potential anti-Israel orientations in the Labour Party in Britain and strengthen the relationship between the Labour Party and its pro-Israel Jewish constituencies According to Pappe, former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who led Labour from 1963 to 1976, was pro-Israel to the bone” Pappe speculates that Wilson’s admiration for Israel, like David Lloyd George’s in a previous generation was a product of a nonconformist Christian education The late politician Roy Jenkins noted that Wilson s book The Chariot of Israel was one of the most strongly Zionist tracts ever written by a non-Jew Alec Douglas-Home, foreign secretary in the Edward Heath government that succeeded Wilson s administration after the 1970 general election, was more friendly to Palestinians An Old Etonian aristocrat Douglas-Home is today dismissed as a hopeless old fogey and aberration in postwar Britain
Today his views would bring a nod of approbation from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign According to Pappe, he was the only British foreign secretary to openly discuss the right of return of the Palestinian refugees that were expelled by Israel in 1948”, and, still more remarkable “the only British foreign secretary to challenge the dishonest brokery of the Americans
In the wake of the 1967 war Douglas-Home insisted with Heath s support that Britain could no longer ignore the political aspirations of the Palestinian Arabs In government, he infuriated Israel by allowing the Palestine Liberation Organization to set up a London office
Pappe says that Douglas-Home was the only senior British politician with the important exception of the hard-drinking George Brown to interpret UN Resolution
242 as a demand for unconditional Israeli withdrawal to the borders of 5 June 1967 During the 1973 war, the Heath government refused to deliver arms to Israelthough, as Pappe notes, this was mostly due to a fear of the Arab oil embargo
THE CORBYN YEARS: Pappe s historical perspective enables him to see the Jeremy Corbyn leadership of the Labour Party in a new light Corbyn s views on Palestine were virtually identical to those expressed by most British diplomats and senior politicians ever since 1967; like them he supported a two-state solution and recognised the Palestinian Authority ” Pappe writes This made him more mainstream than the Palestine Solidarity Campaign which supported a one-state solution
In light of this Pappe reasonably asks: Why did the lobby see him as such a threat ? He answers: They suspected, correctly, that he sincerely believed in a just twostate solution and wouldn’t swallow Israel’s excuses for obstructing it ”
In a thought-provoking passage he adds: “Christopher Mayhew George Brown and Jeremy Corbyn had much in common They were in positions of power that could affect British policy towards Israel They were all totally loyal to the official British policy supporting a two-state solution to the ‘conflict’ None of them denied the right of Israel to exist none of them had made any anti-Semitic remark in their lifetime and they were not anti-Semitic in any sense of the word Pappe also has harsh words for the EHRC inquiry into Labour antisemitism In a more reasonable world, or maybe years from now, he writes, if people were asked about
Abdul bAsit Alvi
T7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies
Chinese militar y officials meet S audi defense minister
MIRPUR a p p
THE Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) government on Tuesday announced its budget of over Rs220 billion for the financial year 202425, including a development outlay of Rs44 billion
AJK Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan presented the budget in the session of AJK Legislative Assembly chaired by Speaker Chaudhary Latif Akbar
Highlighting the key features of the budget, Minister Abdul Majid Khan said the
total estimated income stood at Rs201 17 billion, with significant contributions expected from federal grants and inland revenue The development expenditure for the fiscal year 2024-25 was projected at Rs44 billion he added The minister detailed that total receipts were estimated at Rs201 17 billion with Rs105 billion anticipated from the federal government under the Federal
cluding the AJK Transport Authority Armed Services
The Economic, Health Impac t of Malnutrition in Pakistan: A
Malnutrition a pressing issue in Pakistan, has far-reaching consequences on the nation's economy and health With children being the most vulnerable, it is imperative that we raise awareness about this problem and urge decision-makers to prioritize addressing it The economic and health impact of malnutrition is far-reaching and it is imperative to explore the role of fortification as a potential solution
According to the National Nutrition Survey 2018 49 1% of children under five years of age suffer from iron deficiency The School Age Children health and Nutrition Survey (SCANS) 2020 reveals that over 90% of children have an inadequate amount of iron in their diet
This malnutrition leads to impaired growth frequent illness fatigue shortness of breath and a reduced ability to learn Consequently children miss out on school, stunting their physical and cognitive development, which poses a significant obstacle to a successful future “49 1% of children under five years of age suffer from iron deficiency
The economic cost of malnutrition is substantial The loss of productivity due to impaired physical and cognitive development results in a less skilled workforce affecting the nation s overall economic growth Moreover the healthcare costs associated with treating malnutrition-related illnesses put a strain on the country s limited resources It is crucial that decision-
c all for urgent ac tion
makers recognize the importance of addressing malnutrition to ensure a prosperous future for Pakistan
Recognizing the severity of malnutrition three major political parties in Pakistan included measures to address it in the run up to the elections While this is a positive step, it is now crucial to assess the progress made and ensure the implementation of these plans Collaborative efforts from the government non-governmental organizations and the private sector are required to combat malnutrition effectively
Food fortification is a long-term, sustainable solution to prevent malnutrition By adding essential nutrients to commonly consumed foods we can ensure that children receive adequate nutrition for their development In Pakistan milk and milk powders can be fortified to address iron deficiency, as they are easily accessible and consumed by children Another effective way to ensure that children receive adequate nutrition is by incorporating fortified foods into school meal programs By providing nutrient-rich meals, schools can contribute to the overall health and well-being of their students, improving their cognitive abilities and academic performance
Meanwhile it is also crucial to invest in research and development in the field of nutrition This includes exploring innovative ways to fortify foods, identifying new sources of essential nutrients, and developing cost-effective solutions that can be implemented on a large scale Collaboration between researchers policymakers and industry stakeholders is essential to drive
progress in this area On the other hand, to prevent the risk of malnutrition, it is also essential to raise awareness among parents and caregivers about the importance of a balanced diet This can be achieved through educational campaigns, community outreach programs, and school-based initiatives Additionally, the government can collaborate with the food industry to promote fortified products and create awareness about their benefits Policymakers should also consider revising existing nutrition policies to ensure they are aligned with the latest research and best practices
Regular monitoring and evaluation of efforts to combat malnutrition are essential to assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies and identify areas for improvement which can be done through the collection and analysis of data on nutritional status healthcare utilization and the impact of interventions on children s health and development Sharing these findings with stakeholders can help inform future policy decisions and guide the allocation of resources Malnutrition poses a significant threat to Pakistan s economic and health landscape with children being the most vulnerable group To ensure a prosperous future for the nation, it is crucial to prioritize addressing this issue By promoting food fortification, encouraging research and development in nutrition strengthening healthcare systems and monitoring progress Pakistan can work towards creating a healthier and more productive population
Senate proposal offers lifeline: Hope for Pakistan's dair y industr y amidst proposed tax
the National Assembly on Tuesday he appreciated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Minister of Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah for extending the tax exemption in the former FATA and PATA regions Engr Amir Muqam was of the view that the tax exemptions originally granted in 2018 had been extended until 2023 He said that despite external pressures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and industrialists, the Prime Minister, considering the current situation, extended the tax exemption period to June 2024
Chairman Senate, Australian HC discuss issues of bilateral interest
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr Neil Hakins on Tuesday called on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at Parliament House and discussed with matters of mutual interest and cooperation between the two countries Speaking on the occasion the Chairman Senate said that Pakistan accords high value to its relations with Australia and wanted to further strengthen the ties between the two countries He stressed for increased exchange of parliamentary delegation to enhance the inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two sides He also highlighted Pakistan s significant sacrifices in the war against terror and its humanitarian efforts, including the support extended to hundred thousands of Afghan refugees Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also emphasized Pakistan's proactive role in combating climate change underscoring the country's ongoing initiatives and achievements in this critical area The Australian High Commissioner commended Pakistan for its unwavering commitment and efforts in the fight against terrorism
ISSI’S 51ST ANNIVERSARY
D ar ar tic ulates vision of Pakistan’s foreign polic y in a transforming world
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) celebrated the 51st anniversary of its founding today The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, graced the occasion as Chief Guest where he dilated in detail on Pakistan’s foreign policy in a transforming world
Delivering his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underscored the growing impact of think-tanks and research organizations globally, stressing their pivotal role in generating research-based inputs fostering informed dialogue and impacting policy Over the past five decades he said, the ISSI has evolved into a formidable research organization and a reputable public sector thinktank This journey he emphasized has been supported by the political and administrative leadership of the Foreign Ministry and guided by the ISSI Board of Governors Reflecting on the past year, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted ISSI’s proactive initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between academic and policy communities; providing a platform for inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue; strengthening collaboration with national stakeholders; increasing collaboration with international partners; enhancing research standards; and leveraging media and social media
platforms for wider dissemination of insights He emphasized ISSI’s thematic priorities which encompassed analyzing global and regional developments; supporting concept of comprehensive security; strengthening efforts to accentuate pivot to geo-economics’; and reinforcing Pakistan’s strategic engagements with major powers as well as key regions including Central Asia ASEAN and Africa Additionally ISSI s engagements on issues such as the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, Afghanistan’s regional implications, Middle East dynamics, climate change impacts and cultural diplomacy were noted as critical contributions to the policy discourse
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, in his remarks appreciated ISSI’s contributions since inception in 1973 -including gaining recognition for its high-quality research and as a platform for multidimensional dialogue among various stakeholders
The DPM/FM underscored that the world today is undergoing profound transformations In this regard he noted that world leaders like President Xi and Chancellor Scholz have spoken of global tectonic shifts and changes taking place in the world which have not been seen in a century He added that the world is witnessing the end of one era and the beginning of a new one -- marked by the emergence of a multipolar order He emphasized that old and traditional security threats are compounded by new and non-traditional security threats and challenges These include ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East genocide in Palestine and simmering tensions across several continents Disintegration of arms control regime, new arms races, unprecedented growth of new emerging technologies food and fuel crises Islamophobia greyzone conflict and climate change present further challenges to global security
Leveraging science in fight against smoking
‘Nik ah in Iddat c ase’: Cour t reser ves verdic t on suspension of Imran, wife’s convic tion
announced on June 27 at 3pm while the hearing on central appeals against the sentence has been adjourned until July 2
A senior civil judge convicted the couple on February 3 for contracting marriage during Bushra Bibi’s Iddat period They were sentenced to seven years in jail with a fine of Rs500 000 each
They challenged the conviction before district and sessions judge Shahrukh Arjumand, who recused himself when the hearing had been concluded and the court was supposed to announce the verdict
Subsequently the case was transferred to Additional District and Ses-
sions Judge (ADSJ) Mohammad Afzal Majoka However the counsel for Bushra Bibi had filed a petition before the IHC seeking her release on bail and suspension of her sentence Separately the Islamabad High Court had ordered the sessions court to decide in 10 days on pleas by PTI founder and his wif e
On Saturday while resuming the hearing for pleas seeking suspension of sentences, additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ) Afzal Majoka asked Zahid Asif the counsel for Bushra Bibi’s exhusband Khawar Fareed Maneka to conclude his arguments on the applications by June 25 as the court would then take up the main appeals against their
convictions While hearing the case today, Imran’s lawyer Salman Safdar argued that the case would have been significant if it had been filed on time “There is a timeframe for every appeal but here the case was filed six years and 2 000 days later Safdar argued, adding that there was no judicial reference for the delay He said that since the appellant was a woman, there was a strong justification for the suspension of the sentence The appellant is the mother of five children he said Safdar also argued that the charges were framed in the absence of Bushra Bibi Salman Safdar argued that Bushra Bibi had been facing health issues and that the case had been dragged out unnecessarily emphasizing that despite being called to court multiple times no one appeared leading to delays Maneka s lawyer Zahid Asif argued that the appellant was present in the case when she was indicted, however, she had walked out after that
SC petitioned against ban on passpor t issuance to asylum seekers abroad
matic efforts in China Moreover, Rashid pointed out that the court s decision could pave the way for relief for incarcerated PTI leaders, including Yasmin Rashid, Aliya Hamza and Sanam Javed suggesting broader implications of the verdict
