HARD WORK, UNIT Y AND NOT WITCHCRAFT KEY TO TACKLE PAKISTAN’S CHALLENGES: PM
g PREMIER SHEHBAZ STRESSES PROGRESS DEPENDS ON ELIMINATING TERRORISM, EXTREMISM, AND SECTARIANISM
g LAUDS PAKISTAN’S VICTORY IN MAARKA-E-HAQ A S RESULT OF ARMED FORCES ’ PROFESSIONALISM AND PUBLIC PRAYERS
g CDF FIELD MARSHAL A SIM MUNIR: TERRORISM IS INDIA’S PRACTICE; ONLY THE STATE CAN DECLARE JIHAD
g PM VOWS ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH AUSTERITY, COLLECTIVE HARD WORK, AND TIMELY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
g EMPHA SIZES UNITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND HARD WORK ARE KEY TO NATIONAL STRENGTH, STABILITY, AND PROSPERITY
ISLAMABAD
R Shehbaz
Sharif on Wednesday emphasized that Pakistan s progress depends on hard work national unity, and the elimination of extremism, sectarianism, and terrorism, dismissing claims that witchcraft has ever influenced governance
Addressing the National Ulema Convention the prime minister underscored the pivotal role of religious scholars in promoting harmony and cohesion among all schools of thought to ensure the country’s stability and prosperity
The PML-N-led government has repeatedly alleged that during the tenure of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) key decisions at the highest level were influenced by witchcraft Speaking at the convention
PM Shehbaz said the nation could only achieve sustainable economic development once extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism are eradicated He called on religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarian divides and fostering brotherhood across all communities
The convention was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign
Minister Ishaq Dar Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir ministers, parliamentarians, and a large number of religious scholars from various schools of thought
Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements in defense PM Shehbaz said that Allah had blessed the country with a great victory in the Maarka-e-Haq against India attributing the success to the professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices of the armed forces and the prayers of the nation He praised Field Marshal Munir for his leadership while acknowledging the contributions of the Pakistan Army Air Force and Navy in the historic victory The world is recognizing Pakistan s performance, and Muslim countries are expressing pride in our achievements,” he said, while lamenting that some elements continue to spread propaganda against the armed forces
The prime minister also addressed the ongoing threat of terrorism stating that khawarij groups continue to target innocent citizens and security personnel He shared that he often meets families of martyred soldiers who take pride in the sacrifices of their sons for the nation
increase energy output On November 23 Exim Chair John Jovanovic told the Financial Times that the organisation s deals included the $1 25 billion loan for the Reko Diq mine The announcement is part of a $100 billion US plan to secure supply chains for critical minerals, nuclear energy, and liquefied
Charge d Affaires Natalie Baker Wednesday called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar During the meeting, the DPM/FM highlighted the importance of close Pak-US relations and discussed bilateral matters of mutual interest, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday distanced himself from growing calls to outlaw the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), insisting that neither he nor his party supports banning any political force He also clarified that imposing governor s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was not a PPP demand His remarks came as several ministers in the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N)-led federal government renewed calls for a ban on the
cusing it of promoting
and anti-army narrative Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Bilawal said: “I am not in favour of banning any political party but the party in KP must improve its conduct He cautioned that interference in ongoing counterterrorism operations could have serious consequences, warning that if any political group acted as a “facilitator” for militants governor ’s rule in KP might become unavoidable Debate around dismissing the KP government intensified
Govt considers moving Imran Khan from Adiala amid
a breakthrough that marks the first-ever hydrocarbon discovery from the Kingriali Formation in the block
The well is currently producing 2 280 barrels of oil per day and 5 6 million standard cubic feet per day of gas flowing through a 32/64 choke at a wellhead pressure of 2,400 psi an output that underscores the commercial viability of the find OGDC operates the Nashpa Exploration License with a 65 percent working interest, in partnership with Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) holding 30 percent and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) with a 5 percent carried interest
Spud-in on December 24, 2024, the Baragzai X-01 well was drilled to a depth of 5,170 meters into the Triassic-age Kingriali Formation, where a 90-meter interval proved highly promising Strong hydrocarbon indications and favorable open-hole wireline log interpretations prompted a drill stem test (DST) which confirmed the significant oil and gas potential
This major discovery not only de-risks deeper exploration prospects within the region but also strengthens Pakistan’s drive toward indigenous energy development The find is expected to support the country’s supply–demand balance and enhance the reserves portfolio of OGDC and its joint venture partners OGDC MD/CEO Ahmed Hayat Lak hailed the achievement stating: This milestone underscores our commitment to exploring and developing Pakistan s hydrocarbon potential This discovery is a testament to OGDC’s technical expertise and its role in securing sustainable energy for the nation ”
Tajikistan to impor t 100,000 tons of meat from Pakistan in $50m deal
Tajikistan
PUNJAB SIGNS MOUS WITH CHINA TO ADVANCE
hard work and timely implementation of policies, emphasizing that fulfilling Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah s vision required national unity and determination ‘Terrorism is India’s practice’ Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir highlighted the historic defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and noted Pakistan s unique role among Muslim countries as the protector of the Haramain He warned that a nation abandoning knowledge and learning will succumb to disorder and corruption, emphasizing that strength and respect come from education and hard work, not division Field Marshal Munir asserted that terrorism is a practice originating from India and that Pakistan confronts its enemies openly He clarified that in an Islamic state only the state can declare jihad and stressed that success in the battle for truth comes with Allah s support Urging scholars to maintain unity, he called on them to broaden public perspectives and strengthen national cohesion PM Shehbaz Sharif concluded by reiterating that national unity hard work and collective effort are indispensable for addressing Pakistan s challenges and securing long-term stability prosperity, and development
PM highlights of Pakistan’s glaciers, c alls for joint effor ts to protec t mountains
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
He pointed out that Pakistan is home to more than 7 000 glaciers including some of the world’s largest and most remarkable such as Siachen Baltoro Biafo and Batura
These glaciers form the backbone of Pakistan s water system, the prime minister said, noting that they feed the Indus River Basin support agricultural production contribute to hydropower generation and provide drinking water to millions of people from the northern highlands to the coastal plains However, he warned that this invaluable natural treasure is facing se-
rious threats due to rapid glacier melting climate change glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and environmental degradation He said these challenges are increasingly affecting water security, food production biodiversity and livelihoods linked to mountain ecosystems
The prime minister urged the nation to reaffirm its collective resolve to protect these fragile ecosystems through coordinated measures, including climate resilience initiatives, responsible land use, sustainable tourism, and active participation of local communities He also appreciated the role of national institutions environmental agencies and
tourism organizations in raising awareness about mountain conservation Emphasizing the importance of mountain communities, he said that local populations, as custodians of a rich cultural and historical heritage, must remain at the heart of conservation efforts On the occasion of International Mountain Day Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon the youth to become ambassadors of environmental protection He stressed the need for joint action to ensure that Pakistan’s majestic mountains and breathtaking glaciers are preserved for future generations in their full natural glory
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
PTI alleged that instead of facilitating visits as ordered by the courts, police used water cannons and force under cover of darkness injuring several women and workers while restricting media coverage The statement said National Assembly Parliamentary Leader Shahid Khattak was also injured during the crackdown Calling the incident a reflection of authoritarian governance, PTI said the use of force against women elders and elected representatives underscored the government s fear of Imran Khan and his public support
The party reaffirmed that no level of state pressure would force it into submission and vowed to continue its struggle for constitutional supremacy human rights judicial independence true democracy and a free media
Meanwhile PTI strongly condemned the barbaric police assault on PTI founder Imran Khan s sisters, fe-
male workers, and party leaders outside Adiala Jail last night stating that this shameful act once again exposed the stark reality that the incumbent government has abandoned moral boundaries constitutional principles and basic human values in its use of force against political opponents
The party said that Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi along with party leaders and works spent the entire day peacefully waiting outside the prison to exercise their constitutional and legal right to meet their unlawfully incarcerated leader on the court-mandated visitation day
However PTI stated that instead of facilitating the family members and lawyers to meet their leader as per the court orders the government unleashed police personnel under the cover of darkness, who attacked them with water cannons and physical force to disperse peaceful protestors “This conduct sends a clear message: the government has abandoned even the basic respect
owed to women, elders, and fundamental human rights in the country ” the statement added
The party stated that in the bitter cold of the night high-pressure water cannons knocked down Imran Khan s sisters and other women, severely injuring several workers It added that media teams were pushed back in a deliberate attempt to suppress the truth PTI emphasized that these actions reflect a mindset where brute force is treated as argument, oppression is considered strategy, and vengeance is mistaken for governance
“Our Parliamentary Leader in the National Assembly Shahid Khattak also sustained injuries in the police assault further highlighting the cruelty of the officials acting under explicit government directives, the statement said, adding that the regime has now reached a point where even elected representatives are not spared and are shamelessly trampled under its authoritarian boot
04
COMMENT
Indonesian President visits
IN D O N E S I A N President Prabowo Subianto met the Pakistani President, PM and Chief of Defence Forces on Tuesday, leading to a renewal of ties between the two most populous Muslim countries whose ties go back to Pakistani support for Indonesia in its struggle for emancipation from Holland after World War II, which was around the same time as the Pakistan Movement Though enough time has passed for the memory of both struggles to have faced, the Indonesian struggle has a personal significance for him as he is named after an uncle who died in the emancipation struggle The reflection of May’s conflict between Pakistan and India comes in the interest Indonesia has shown in the JF-17 Thunder, which had shot down two IAF Rafales Indonesia was close to a deal with France to buy Rafales for its air force, but is now reconsidering President Subianto, a former general, and defence minister, is very much involved in the decision-making process
President Subianto was one of those heads of government who met US President Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly sideline meeting after which he announced the Gaza peace plan So was Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif It is of some significance that the two have agreed to coordinate their stance at a time when the Peace Plan is to move to a new phase, and while Hamas is complaining loudly about Israeli violations of the ceasefire As both have possible peacekeeping roles their attitude and understanding would be crucial at this juncture The bilateral ties include $4 5 billion in trade, of which about 90 percent consists of Indonesian palm oil imported by Pakistan The two countries also have a Preferential Trade Agreement Though it was agreed that the trade would be balanced by Pakistani exports and that it would be increased there was no specific set Historically, the two countries have had a close relationship, which extended to Indonesia offering in 1965 to occupy the Nicobar and Andaman Islands, to open up another front for India Though it is possible that Indonesian goodwill may not extend that far, there is no doubt that Pakistan can count it among its friends As Indonesia is within ASEAN this means that Pakistan has a friend in that bloc and has a position in the Pacific that matches India s membership of the QUAD More to the point, the trading opportunities there are growing, Pakistan is poised to take a place in that trade
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
word Jirga literally translates to a council , which generally comprises male elders who are the sardars of their respective tribes These men are known for their experience, wisdom integrity and influence over the people These councils addressed a wide variety of disputes from land conflicts and family matters to criminal cases and tribal feuds aiming for a quick, efficient and socially acceptable solution Local Jirgas in KPK and Balochistan were known for resolving years-long property disputes and offering settlements which were accepted by both the opposing tribes However the very qualities that gave the Jirgas a respectable reputation their cultural rootedness deep trust, and autonomy became the bane of their existence
Over time, this unchecked authority and little to no governmental supervision led to boundless misuse of power and eventually justice became highly selective The decline of Jirgas came when the council members began prioritising personal and political gains over justice itself
Due to their immense influence and control, their verdicts became impossible to challenge, leaving the parties no way out Another highly criticised aspect of Jirgas is their incorporation of patriarchy in almost every case that involves a woman The infamous Mukhtaran Mai incident portrays how Jirgas were openly used to decriminalize violence, forced marriages, and even murder under the guise of tradition and honour This negative approach of the Jirgas caused a severe wave of criticism from human rights organisations and the judiciary which eventually led to the Supreme Court of Pakistan officially banning the Jirga system
TH E Lahoris have spoken on the shawarma vs books issue Their verdict: shawarma any day of the week! They announced this on the occasion of this year s edition of the Lahore Book Fair, at which 1200 shawarmas were reportedly sold (Eight hundred plates of biryani were sold too ) In comparison, the grand total of books purchased at the event stood at 35! These numbers could be somewhat inaccurate In fact they probably are But there can be little doubt regarding the loudness and the clarity of the collective Lahori verdict That books are not a patch on shawarmas happens to be the majority opinion in the Greater Lahore area There is no possibility of misinterpretation whatsoever, for where words merely whisper actions scream As to what considerations could have led to this collective action on the part of the Lahoris one can only speculate For starters a shawarma comes with the distinct advantage of costing much less than the average book Moreover, it offers solid and immediate return for money because it typically gets consumed on the spot Rarely if ever does it remain uneaten In comparison most books people buy stay unread and spend the rest of their sorry existence on bookshelves gathering dust What a waste of resources! Especially in the desperate financial straits the nation is in (when it has come down to the very survival and successful transmission of its quite unmatched DNA), nourishment must become the prime consideration It is obvious that books have little utility in this area Continuing on the economy theme if one is not going to read anyway (as most will not to save their lives), one might as well acquire an e-book, which costs nothing (thanks to easy access to unauthorized copies) Unlike books in hard form, they do not need dusting
istan since the courts remain expensive and inaccessible for people residing in remote areas Their continued presence is proof that tribal communities still depend on these councils for prompt dispute resolution, given the similarity of their core beliefs and familiarity with the framework While the imperfections of the Jirga system are irrefutable eliminating its entire existence would overlook its cultural importance and the crucial role it plays in providing accessible justice in rural Pakistan With the formal justice being expensive, intricate, and extremely prolonged due to an overwhelming number of cases filed on a daily basis creating a serious backlog and resulting in delayed justice people eventually turn to something familiar This creates an opportunity for the government to revamp the standards of the Jirgas by turning them into the modern-day methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and introducing them as a legal pathway that anyone can opt for ADR generally includes mediation arbitration and negotiation and is a legally recognised method for dispute resolution in major countries like the United States, Canada and the UK ADR is also recognised in Pakistan; however, its implementation remains limited due to a lack of awareness and informal mechanisms like Jirgas still dominate rural areas To make Jirgas a workable and accountable alternative a practical framework must be established one that balances traditional values with formal legal oversight The government can begin by lifting the ban on Jirgas and legally registering them under the provincial government or the ADR framework to ensure accountability Each Jirga should include trained mediators with equal female and minority representation Moreover council members should receive basic training regarding human rights through judicial academies or specialised NGOs to ensure that their verdicts align with constitutional values Judicial oversight and an appeal mechanism are also important components of this upgrade to allow the parties to challenge unfair outcomes in district courts Lastly every case brought before Jirgas must be documented to ensure transparency and that there is no illegal influence on the council members Such a framework would preserve the essence of Jirgas while ensuring that each decision remains consistent with Pakistan s legal principles and
It would be unfair to end this survey without acknowledging a counter argument that could (potentially) restore the balance somewhat in favour of books. That argument is this: Books do have an important nourishing role to play, not for the body but for the soul. The proudest Lahori, and ipso facto the most ardent advocate of shawarma, will be obliged to concede in all fairness that nourishing the soul is something that is beyond the powers of the finest shawarma money can buy.
human rights commitments Critics often disregard the idea of Jirga reform as unrealistic and impossible; however, Pakistan s own legal system, with its flawed enforcement and chronic delays, indicates that having laws on paper is never enough At times even formal court decisions or their prolonged procedures become questionable In this position if the state struggles to implement its own laws effectively, to expect the rural communities to completely abolish their centuries-old mechanism is impractical Rather than leaving people with no accessible alternative a regulated monitored documented and legally bound system of Jirgas would provide a safer pathway than the uncontrolled Jirgas that operate today Rejecting reforms does not eliminate the system; it only allows injustice and abuse to continue unchecked Because if these councils are still functioning regardless of the ban implemented by the Supreme Court itself why not regulate and control them turning them into a vital part of Pakistan s legal structure? Regulation therefore, is not a defence for the past but rather a necessary safeguard for the present
The major question is not whether Jirgas should exist or not, but whether they should continue functioning without accountability and oversight These councils still influence a lot of people s minds still give out strict and cruel verdicts still violate basic human rights and still mistreat women in the name of honour Therefore, regulation can transform these councils into accountable and culturally sensitive institutions By reshaping this tradition Pakistan can protect the vulnerable prevent abuse and ensure that community-based justice serves fairness and constitutional values rather than oppression
The writer is a freelance columnist
A path toward accessible justice
HArEEm FATimA
HASAN AFTAB SAEED
PAKISTAN is portrayed as a nation
confident in its rise as a significant military power, a belief reinforced by the episode of Marqa huq Within this narrative, the event symbolizes exceptional coordination discipline and strategic foresight across the armed forces culminating in the
is a palpable and steadily deepening sense of national pride among the populace who hold the deep conviction that their country s immense and varied sacrifices, its unyielding resilience, and its astute, far-sighted strategic decisions are finally and rightfully being acknowledged on the world stage marking a turning point in global perception
Another concrete indicator of Pakistan s significant military emergence is the increasing interest by several countries in Pakistan s defence products, its military technology, and its operational expertise Pakistan’s arms industry which earlier may have been described as modest or technologically fledgling is now expanding in both capability and technological sophistication The domestic state-of-theart production of advanced aircraft, sophisticated drones, precision-guided systems, heavily armoured vehicles, and a wide array of domestically engineered weaponry is viewed with intense national pride
perceived
For Pakistanis it is a
This sense of elevated status is further bolstered by Pakistan s expanding network of defence and diplomatic partnerships Deep-rooted cooperation with Saudi Arabia, growing engagements with Qatar and other Gulf states and warm ties with Azerbaijan are all interpreted as signs of trust in Pakistan s reliability and military
That Pakistan s domestically produced military equipment and platforms are now prominently displayed at prestigious international defence exhibitions and trade shows powerfully strengthens the domestic belief that Pakistan is achieving a new level of international recognition as a defence exporter When foreign countries express interest in purchasing Pakistani defense products, it shows Pakistan s defence scientists, engineers, and military officers are not just contributing, but are actively building a legacy of technological advancement and self-reliance
The visit of the King of Jordan to Pakistan was widely viewed as far more profound and meaningful than a mere ceremonial gesture of diplomatic goodwill his Majesty s interest in the operational activities and professionalism of the Pakistan Army was interpreted as a highly meaningful and deliberate acknowledgment that Pakistan is not only a rising but a continuously consolidating strategic force on both the military and diplomatic fronts
Such high-level royal visits substantive strategic consultations and profound expressions of inter-nation brotherhood never occur in a strategic or diplomatic vacuum; Pakistanis firmly believe they occur precisely because Pakistan’s demonstrated strength, its consistent reliability as an ally, and its perceived moral clarity on global issues which now forcefully command international respect and serious attention There
A major focal point of national pride centres on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir who is frequently characterized in domestic discourse as a dignified, disciplined, and visionary military figure whose interactions with global leaders have demonstrably elevated Pakistan’s overall international stature he introduced a much-needed period of stability strategic clarity and disciplined fore-
sight into Pakistan’s highly sensitive and critical national security environment his widely perceived reputation for unshakeable moral strength, calm and measured decisionmaking even under duress, and uncompromising professional integrity resonates profoundly and positively with the public That numerous foreign dignitaries both military and political now meet with him further deepens the conviction that Pakistan s current national security leadership is steadily getting the influence aligned with the country s strategic strength This rise in Pakistan’s international military recognition is linked to a core unwavering national belief that Pakistan has consistently stood for peace international justice and responsible conduct Pakistan despite its military strength, is consistently positioned within the domestic narrative as never having been the unprovoked aggressor Instead, Pakistan is widely seen as unequivocally committed to the peaceful and diplomatic resolution of disputes particularly concerning longstanding deeply sensitive international issues such as the disputed status of ashmir and the profound human rights concerns of Palestine Pakistanis believe that as their country’s credible military strength becomes more vis-
This significant and ongoing rise is fundamentally not a matter of geopolitical chance or for tune; it is the inevitable result of courage, national unity, collective sacrifice, and an absolutely unshakeable national belief that PakistanÊs pivotal time on the world stage is arriving with undeniable clarity and absolute confidence
ible on the world stage their calls for international justice and adherence to international law gain a corresponding international attention Pakistan s voice which may have, at times, been overshadowed or marginalized by the manoeuvring of larger regional powers is now being heard with respect, particularly because that voice emanates from a country that has demonstrated strategic maturity political prudence and an enduring moral commitment to global responsibility Pakistan s remarkable domestic counterterrorism achievements remain another intensely vital cornerstone of national pride Pakistan has been compelled to fight often virtually alone and defeat terrorist networks that threatened the nation s existence Few other nations have had to face down internal and external terrorism, and yet emerge with such restored order The Army s relentless, grueling, and ultimately successful campaigns have been fundamental in shaping Pakistan’s contemporary international image as a country capable of managing and ultimately defeating modern asymmetric threats The sacrifices by tens of thousands of soldiers, officers, law enforcement personnel, and civilians have forged a narrative of national determination, reinforcing the belief that Pakistan’s armed forces are now counted among the world’s most tested military forces in counterterrorism operations
This internal hard-won military strength is viewed as intertwined with the belief that sustained national prosperity and well-being depend on an unassailable security posture Pakistanis believe that long-term, meaningful economic development and social progress are impossible without demonstrably secured borders safe citizens and a strong technologically capable defence system Therefore, Pakistan s investments in comprehensive military modernization, the acquisition of advanced weaponry, the development of indigenous technology and the forging of robust strategic alliances are not
The India-Russia relationship has weakened
IN a world where one day a country seeks integration and the next day an isolationist comes along and throws even the notion of global or cross-border cooperation into the trash bin, one of the most important aspects of the rule of law is deeply eroded: The predictability of outcome (of relations compliance etc )
International accords that are agreed to are only as solid and as stable and coherent as the leadership of nations signing those accords is And that basis for constructive relationships among nations is eroding and, therefore, predictability and, as a result, stability FROM GLOBAL ORDER TO “STRATEGIC”
DISORDER: The National Security Strategy (NSS) which the Trump Administration released on December 4, is the latest proof that all policymaking by the United States is now channeled through the very narrow lens of Donald Trump and his closest advisors
In more than one way, the 29-page paper throws out the global order so carefully crafted by the United States and its european allies since 1945
It replaces this order with chaotic disorder by more or less abandoning the trans-Atlantic security alliance, which kept the world safe for 80 years and the established democratic norms shared by the allies This global, rule-based, democratically principled order had also largely served as the gold standard for the definition of freedom and democracy and thereby governed the relationships of the United States and its democratic european allies once referred to as the free world , with countries run by despots This disorderly “strategy” then allows Trump to favor a cozy relationship with Putin-run Russia, a regime which invaded another sovereign country is accused of committing serial war crimes and has unapologetically assassinated Russian dissidents on the soil of democratic european allies of the United States
POWER PLAYS AND ECONOMIC LEVER-
AGE: At the same time, China is trying to use its position wherever it has achieved dominance such as in rare earths to impose its will on other nations There are workarounds and long-term solutions but for now it is what it is
The overpowering role of the U S economy, if run by a nationalist, is similarly harmful to much of the world Maybe there are workarounds but they too are longer term and meanwhile it is what it is
BROKEN SUPPLY CHAINS, BROKEN TRUST: The breakdown of supply chains during the pandemic and further disruptions after the Russian attack on Ukraine, too, is a problem Developing alternative supply chains certainly is a “solution ” But again it takes time
Meanwhile countries that are still tied to the liberal world order i e to a rule-based international society, have become increasingly unstable themselves
DEMOCRACIES UNDER PRESSURE: They are not just facing international disorder, but domestic challenges from outspoken nationalists In response these nations are increasingly at risk to become rulebreakers themselves
Consider the post-fascist and post-military junta transition of Spain and Portugal It took place in the good old days of the late 1970s Back then, international rule-of-law was essentially beyond question, even if not always complied with
INTEGRATION TESTED IN EUROPE: Since these nations wanted to be part of the eU there was no question that they had to adopt the organization s governing principles This has been less true with countries like Poland, and especially hungary and Slovakia While they have benefitted greatly from their integration in the eU on the economic and regulatory front various of their governments have deliberately failed to comply with the eU s democratic standards This has held back the eU s political integration and, by extension, also the prospects for the muchneeded further levels of economic integration for the european economy to remain a power factor on the international front
WHEN RULES GIVE WAY TO RULERS: Thus even inside the eU the certainty that integration strengthens a rules-based world order is shaken To be sure, it was never a perfect world still All of that weakens integration to act as an antidote to U S isolationism supply chains problems or Chinese rare earth dominance
THE AGE OF THE RULER-BASED WORLD? Sadly, we no longer live in a rule-based world Around the globe we have moved into a phase of ruler-based societies The very real risk is that this, in turn will foster large-scale disintegration “post-democratic rule and yes conflict at home and abroad no matter where we live Let us hope that we can turn things around Uwe Bott is Chief Economist of The Global Ideas Center and Senior Editor at The Globalist
star”,
d “stood the test of time” This was Putin’s 10th visit to India since he assumed power 25 years ago and his 20th meeting with Modi since the latter became prime minister in 2014 however, there is a gap between the symbolism and the substance of this relationship While Putin pledged “uninterrupted fuel supplies” to India, the country’s companies are buying less Russian oil in the face of US tariffs and sanctions Russia and India concluded a string of memorandums of understanding in areas from migration and mobility to health and food security, maritime cooperation, fertilisers, customs, and academic and media collaboration But the anticipated announcements on major defence deals did not happen India has not concluded any major defence deals with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 This has been fuelled by delays in the delivery of several platforms and spare parts as Moscow has prioritised its own defence needs This is a trend that predates the war in Ukraine as New Delhi has sought to diversify its defence imports and strengthen its domestic production This all suggests that the India-Russia relationship does not hold the same geopolitical heft it once did During the cold war India maintained preferential barter arrangements and market access to the Soviet Union and its satellite states This privileged relationship reached its pinnacle
TZelensky to send US revised Ukraine war plan
Venezuela’s Machado ‘will
OSLO ag e n C i e S Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina
Machado
She is unfortunately not in Norway and will not stand on stage at Oslo City Hall at 1 pm when the ceremony starts, Kristian Berg Harpviken, the director of the institute and the permanent secretary of the award body told broadcaster NRK Asked where she was Harpviken said: “I don t know DEDICATED TO TRUMP
In this case it will be Machado s daughter
Ana Corina Sosa Machado Harpviken said When she won the prize in October
Machado dedicated it in part to US President Donald Trump, who has said he himself deserved the honour President Nicolas Maduro, in power since 2013 says Trump is trying to overthrow him to gain access to Venezuela s vast oil reserves and that Venezuelan citizens
forces will resist any such attempt
The Nobel Institute did not immediately reply to a request for further comment US MILITARY STRIKES
Machado has aligned herself with hawks close to Trump who argue that Maduro has links to criminal gangs that pose a direct threat to US national security despite doubts raised by the US intelligence community
The Trump administration has ordered more than 20 military strikes in recent months against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and off Latin America s Pacific coast Human rights groups some Democrats and several Latin American countries have condemned the attacks as unlawful extrajudicial killings of civilians Venezuela s armed forces are planning to mount a guerrilla-style resistance or sow chaos in the event of a US air or ground attack according to sources with knowledge of the efforts and planning documents seen by Reuters
In 2024, Machado was barred from running in the presidential election despite having won the opposition’s primary by a landslide She went into hiding in August 2024 after authorities expanded arrests of opposition figures following the disputed vote
The electoral authority and top court declared Maduro the winner but international observers and the opposition say their candidate handily won, and the opposition has published ballot box-level tallies as evidence of its victory
Christopher Sabatini a senior fellow for Latin America at Chatham House said the Nobel prize had given a strong signal of international validation (of) the democratic results that had been forgotten He told Reuters it had also elevated Machado to a person that the international community and the world can hang their hopes on ” he said
Second phase: Hamas rejects Gaza truce
PLAHORE
s ta f f r e p o r t
UNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday chaired a special review meeting on the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) where officials presented a detailed progress report on upgrading streets, parks, sewerage, and drainage systems across 52 cities
Authorities informed the chief minister that development work under Phase-I of the programme will formally commence on 19 December 2025 with major projects expected to be completed by 30 June 2026 So far projects worth Rs166 billion have been approved under the first-phase outlay of Rs304 billion
The briefing highlighted that 50 tenders have been floated with 10 finalized paving the way for the commencement of 10 major projects worth Rs53 5 billion in the coming days Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to prioritize construction and rehabilitation of severely deteriorated neighbourhoods and emphasized the timely completion of drainage
projects ahead of the monsoon season to mitigate urban flooding Officials further briefed that under PDP 3 497 km of sewerage lines will be laid, 181 km of drainage networks will be developed, and 56 new disposal stations will be constructed Additionally, 61 existing disposal stations will be upgraded increasing the total water-handling capacity to 2 114 cusecs
Phase-I of the programme covers 10 cities: Burewala, Khanewal, Lalamusa, Mailsi, Sillanwali, Vehari, Attock, Layyah, Alipur, and Jaranwala, where projects worth Rs53 billion will be launched immediately The development will later expand to 43 additional cities implementing sewerage drainage parks and street-rehabilitation projects amounting to Rs304 billion The chief minister said the PDP will bring visible improvements in urban living standards and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to “uniform development” across all districts of Punjab CM’S MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY On the occasion of International
K-Electric, PSRM set to build dedicated grid station at Gharo
Pakistan’s sur vival depends on restoring democratic governance: HRCP
KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Chairperson, Asad Iqbal Butt, has urged the country’s rulers not to repeat the mistakes that led to the tragedy of 1971 emphasizing that Pakistan’s survival depends on restoring democratic governance and ensuring employment education and healthcare for all citizens
He was addressing a seminar held at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday to mark International Human Rights Day Butt said Pakistan’s ruling elite bears direct responsibility for the widespread human rights violations across the country Backed by powerful capitalist interests he noted they have transformed political authority into an organized system of exploitation rendering democratic institutions ineffective and nearly paralyzed
He warned that the state s longstanding practice of using religious groups for strategic objectives has fueled terrorism and must end immediately Constitutional distortions attacks on the rule of law and amendments enabling authoritarianism he said have pushed Pakistan towards a quasi-fascist order where dissent is criminalized and questioning the state is treated as rebellion
“Despite repression, public movements, political parties, social organizations, and oppressed nationalities are standing firm ” he said “Efforts are underway to unite resistance forces into a broad popular alliance
against fascism imperialist domination and classbased exploitation ”
The joint platform has put forward several key demands including: withdrawal of the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments; an end to enforced disappearances; release of political prisoners; restoration of media freedoms; a minimum wage of Rs 50,000; abolition of anti-worker laws; protection of trade unions; halt to land grabbing and corporate farming; restoration of student unions; and equitable access to education Speaking on enforced disappearances Professor Sohail Sangi said that the practice dates back to the abduction of Hassan Nasir and has intensified over the years They do not tolerate questions They do not want any counter-narrative,” he said, adding that although reported numbers appear lower since 2024 the state has merely changed its strategy by widening fear and intimidation He expressed hope that ongoing resistance movements would continue until meaningful change is achieved
Discussing fundamental freedoms, Dr Riaz Sheikh said that human rights violations are a global phenomenon but economic independence is essential to counter them “Job insecurity unchecked privatization and the denial of wages even to media workers are all violations of human rights he said Political space freedom of thought and freedom of association he warned, are shrinking globally Religious radicalization remains a burning issue and must be addressed as part of the global human rights agenda ”
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), in connection with the observance of International AntiCorruption Day organized an anticorruption awareness walk in Islamabad today spearheaded by NAB Rawalpindi/Islamabad The walk's objective was to raise public awareness regarding the consequences of corruption and to highlight the commitment to promoting transparency
The dignified walk was led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the Chairman NAB, Lieutenant General (Retd) Nazir Ahmad, and the Director General NAB (Islamabad/Rawalpindi) Waqar Ahmad Chauhan
The event saw participation from members of all walks of life including prominent politicians, Members of the Parliament, diplomats, senior government officials (bureaucrats) a delegation from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Ulema-e-Karam leadership of the Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Business Chambers, leading members of civil society, media representatives, students, and senior NAB officers and officials
Addressing the gathering on this occasion Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq lauded NAB s efforts, stating that due to NAB's reformative policy, the fear and intimidation associated with the institution have ended and the confidence of the public business community politicians and officials in the institution has been restored Speaker Ayaz Sadiq appreciated the participation of individuals from all sectors of life, especially the business political and media circles in the walk The Speaker further stated that over the past two and a half years NAB, through internal institutional
reforms and the cooperation of federal and provincial governments,
PTI ANNOUNCES ‘NATIONAL CONFERENCE’ AS GOVERNMENT ALLIES INTENSIF Y OFFENSIVE
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declared that “things have reached a point of no return At a press conference he criticised the PTI s recent actions, saying: We have shown patience for the sake of democracy, but now there will be no mercy and no tolerance ” He said “all doors to talks are now closed” adding that anyone supporting the jailed PTI founder was effectively endorsing an attack on Pakistan s sovereignty and honour Wali accused the PTI of achieving “nothing” during its four years in power challenging the party to name one university, hospital or dam it built He added that
the central and provincial governments had been spared from PTI s politics and warned that KP would also be set free ‘COMMON SENSE SHOULD PREVAIL’: Later leaders of the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance which includes the PTI addressed the media outside Parliament PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated accusations that the party s mandate was stolen in the last general elections He said the PTI chose to stay within Parliament despite alleged injustices but warned that “common sense should prevail” in the current political standoff Referring to restrictions on meeting incarcerated party founder Imran Khan, he said: If parents are kept behind bars, how can the children sit with you?” He stressed that force would “achieve nothing insisting
Sanaullah says Pakistan won’t tolerate terrorism, regrets Afghan non-cooperation
Prime Minister s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah on Wednesday said Pakistan had made every possible effort including major sacrifices to address issues with Afghanistan but regretted that the Afghan regime had not shown the desired willingness to cooperate Speaking during a meeting with Kazakhstan s Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin the adviser underscored that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghan nationals for decades, yet Afghan soil continued to be used by elements involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan He stated in clear terms that Pakistan would not allow any form of terrorism on its soil
Senator Rana Sanaullah who also holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) discussed with the Kazakh ambassador matters of mutual interest and avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation
The meeting, held at the IPC Ministry, focused on expanding collaboration in trade sports tourism regional connectivity and cultural exchanges The Kazakh ambassador noted that bilateral trade and transportation links were currently facing difficulties due to the closure of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border which had adversely affected regional connectivity He said this disruption had posed challenges for the smooth movement of goods between the two countries
Highlighting existing trade ties, Ambassador Kistafin said Pakistan exports various agricultural products to Kazakhstan including mangoes oranges and onions along with surgical instruments and other goods, stressing that this trade partnership remained significant for both sides
Senator Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan s mangoes and oranges were internationally renowned for their superior taste and quality, adding that the government was keen to further expand agricultural exports and diversify trade with Kazakhstan
The ambassador described Pakistan as an important strategic partner for Kazakhstan and expressed his country’s interest in broadening cooperation in sports education agriculture, medicine, culture and other key sectors He recalled that prior to the border closure, both countries were actively working on the Pakistan–Kazakhstan railway connectivity project which was expected to substantially boost bilateral trade
late Ir fan Siddiqui’s son as adviser
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has appointed Imran Khawar Siddiqui, son of the late senator Irfan Siddiqui, as Adviser to the Chief Minister, official sources confirmed The Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) Punjab has issued the formal notification of the appointment Party insiders noted that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had initially considered Imran Khawar Siddiqui for a vacant Senate seat following his father s passing However his current role
on Foreign Affairs and as the PML-N’s parliamentary leader in the Senate
seeking the immediate suspension of the ordinance directing the government s lawyer to submit a report on the festival preparations by December 22 Kite flying was banned in Punjab in 2001 following numerous deaths caused by injuries from chemical- or metal-coated kite strings However under the new regulations, kite flying will be allowed only with cotton strings and severe penalties will be imposed for the use of hazardous materials Those caught using metal or chemically coated strings in Lahore could face a prison sentence of three to five years and fines up to Rs2 million The ordinance also includes provisions to ensure the safety of motorcy-
clists during the festival Children under the age of 18 will be prohibited from flying kites with parents or guardians held responsible if the restriction is violated The first offense will result in a fine of Rs50 000 with the penalty increasing to Rs100 000 for subsequent offenses Non-payment of fines will lead to further action against the parent or guardian Kite-flying associations must register with the district s deputy commissioner and only registered shopkeepers will be allowed to sell kites Both kites and kite strings will carry QR codes to identify the sellers and manufacturers of kite strings will also need to register for traceability
S attar blames Sindh govt for creating ‘state
M o n i to r i n g r e p o r t Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar on Tuesday accused the Sindh government of allowing a state within a state to emerge on Karachi s roads during Sindhi Culture Day celebrations, alleging large-scale lawlessness, violence and threats against the constitutional order
Addressing a press conference alongside Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi and other party leaders, Sattar said unrest and violence erupted at multiple locations in Karachi
He alleged that the writ of the state was openly challenged and compared the situation to the declaration of a separate Sindhu Desh
Sattar said violent confrontations with police resulted in several injuries and that criminal cases were registered under serious charges including terrorism and attempted murder He added that such actions created fear across the city and endangered public safety He criticised the Sindh government for what he called its silence over the episode saying that provincial spokespersons routinely comment on minor issues but failed to respond to an incident of major public concern Sattar also
