Epaper_23-10-08 LHR

N E A R LY 2 3 0 PA L E S T I N I A N S K I L L E D I N I S R A E L I A I R B L I TZ O N G A Z A

pakistan c alls for immediate ceasefire in israel-palestine conflic t

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians in the Middle East The statement released on Saturday underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and a return to peaceful negotiations

UN agencies ‘ready’ to suppor t Pakistan in registration, managing Afghan refugees

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) stand ready to provide support in registering and managing Afghan nationals, the agencies said on Saturday

The statement comes amidst the government s crackdown on illegal immigrants residing across the country Earlier this week the government gave an ultimatum to all undocumented immigrants, including Afghan nationals, to leave Pakistan by October 31, or else risk imprisonment and deportation to their respective countries

GAZA/JERUSALEM

AT least 230 people lost their lives and another 1 610 wounded in Palestinian enclave of Gaza as Israeli forces retaliated following a deadly multi-pronged attack by Hamas forces into Israeli territory on Saturday

This alarming surge in casualties on Saturday came in the wake of an audacious and large-scale attack launched by the Palestinian group governing the Gaza Strip This marked the most substantial offensive against Israel in years, as Hamas fighters infiltrated southern Israeli areas The attack followed a barrage of thousands of rockets fired from within the besieged Gaza territory

At least 40 Israelis were fatally shot as Hamas resistance fighters executed an unprecedented multi-front assault on Israel at daybreak The attack involved the launching of thousands of rockets with dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrating the heavily fortified Israeli border through air land and sea routes The attack caught the country off-guard on a major holiday

In response to the attack, Israel’s military conducted air raids on Gaza

later on Saturday

The Israeli military released a statement saying Dozens of [Israeli military] fighter jets are currently striking a number of targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip ”

Meanwhile Mohammed Deif a senior Hamas military commander announced earlier that the rocket fire marked the commencement of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood He called on Palestinians worldwide to join the fight against the Israeli occupation

“We’ve decided to say enough is enough ” Deif declared urging all Palestinians to stand up to Israel In an audio message he proclaimed This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on Earth Israel said the group had declared war as its army confirmed fighting with Hamas fighters in several Israeli towns and military bases near Gaza and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate

Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known, he said “We are in a war and we will win it ”

At least 40 Israelis were killed in the attack so far with more than 250 wounded Israel s ambulance service said but added that the toll was expected to rise

The Israeli military said it had

We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians We are concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation,” the statement read Pakistan’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been consistent advocating for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the region The foreign office emphasised the importance of a just comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) resolutions ‘ME violence underscores urgent need to address ‘Palestine Question’ Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Saturday said that he was heartbroken by the escalating violence in the Middle East which underscored the urgent need for addressing ‘the Palestine Question’ In a post on X the prime minister said

We urge restraint and protection of civilians Enduring peace in the Middle East lies in a two-state solution with a viable contiguous sovereign State of Palestine founded on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif at its heart Pakistan s position is that a viable, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine should be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital This stance aligns with the international community’s efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict

launched air strikes into Gaza where witnesses reported hearing heavy explosions, with at least two dead

Israeli media reported gunbattles between bands of Palestinian fighters and security forces in towns in southern Israel Israel s police chief said there were 21 active scenes in southern Israel indicating the extent of the attack Saturday s incident marked an unprecedented infiltration by Hamas fighters into Israel from Gaza, and was the most serious escalation since Israel and Hamas fought a 10-day war in 2021

Israeli media reported gunbattles between bands of Palestinian fighters and Israeli security forces in towns in southern Israel In Gaza, people rushed to buy supplies in anticipation of days of conflict ahead Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the

operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to fight

“This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” he said adding that 5 000 rockets had been launched The Lebanese group Hezbollah said the operation was a decisive response to Israel s continued occupation and a message to those seeking normalisation with Israel”

An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei congratulated Palestinian fighters for the attack

The Israeli military said its forces were operating inside Gaza but gave no details Israeli Defence Minister Gallant said Hamas had “launched a war against the State of Israel” Israeli “troops are fighting against the enemy at every location” he said

The decision was taken in an apex committee meeting headed by Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir among others

The committee had decided that movement across the border would be subject to passports and visas, while electronic Afghan identity cards (or e-tazkiras) would only be accepted until Oct 31

After the passage of the deadline the authorities will kick-start an operation targeting illegal properties and businesses owned by immigrants or those being run in collaboration with Pakistani nationals

The move had drawn a response from Afghan authorities with Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid terming it “unacceptable” while urging authorities to revisit the policy

In a joint statement today both UN agencies stated they had a longstanding and strong collaboration with Pakistan and stood ready to provide support in developing a comprehensive and sustainable mechanism to register and manage Afghan nationals including those who may be in need of international protection It added that the UNHCR and IOM said they were appealing to Pakistan to continue its protection of all vulnerable Afghans who have sought safety in the country and could be at imminent risk if forced to return” The UN agencies urged all countries to “suspend forcible returns of Afghan nationals and ensure any possible returns to the country take place in a safe dignified and voluntary manner

They highlighted that Afghanistan was going through a severe humanitarian crisis with several human rights challenges, particularly for women and girls “Such plans would have serious implications for all who have been forced to leave the country and may face serious protection risks upon return ” the aid organisations noted They also acknowledged the government s sovereign prerogative over domestic policies, its need to manage populations on its territory, and its obligations to ensure public safety and security Appreciating “Pakistan’s generous hospitality towards Afghan nationals for over four decades, despite challenges” the UN agencies repeated the “call for all returns to be voluntary safe and dignified without any pressure to ensure protection for those seeking safety

320 dead, hundreds wounded in two 6.3 magnitude quakes in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD

M I A N A B R A R

At least 320 were reported dead and another 1,000 wounded in Afghanistan earthquake, according to disaster management authority spokesman Two 6 3 magnitude earthquakes hit western Afghanistan on Saturday, the country’s national disaster authority told media

The body of child taken out from the rubble of a collapsed house in today s devastating earthquake causing casualties and financial losses in Herat and Badghis provinces of Afghanistan

The United Nations gave a preliminary figure of

USGS website indicates seven earthquakes in the area At least five powerful earthquakes struck the city around noon, Herat city resident Abdul Shakor

Samadi said All people are out of their homes, Samadi said Houses, offices and shops are all empty and there are fears of more earthquakes My family and I were inside our home I felt the quake ” His family began shouting and ran outside afraid to return indoors The World Health Organization in Afghanistan said it dispatched 12 ambulance cars to Zenda Jan to evacuate casualties to hospitals

“As deaths & casualties from the earthquake continue to be reported teams are in hospitals assisting treatment of wounded & assessing additional needs the U N agency said on X formerly known as Twitter WHOsupported ambulances are transporting those affected, most of them women and children

U S S E N AT O R S , C O N G R E S S M E N R E A F F I R M

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O M M I T M E

ISLAMABAD

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MANY key US senators and congressmen have reaffirmed their commitment to further cement the Pakistan-US ties and expanding the scope of existing cooperation to trade and investment, renewable energy, climate change and regional security

In their meetings with Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan during the past week the US lawmakers discussed ways to further

N T T O F U R T H E R T I E S W I T H PA K I S TA N

strengthen the bilateral relations with focus on cementing ties in trade and investment, energy and counter-terrorism

The US lawmakers included Senator Bill Hagerty Senator Jon Ossoff Representative Jim Banks Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur

Representative Jason Crow according to a statement released by the Press Information Department here Ambassador Khan has also written letters to number of US lawmakers, thanking them for their resolute support during the recent vote in the House that rejected a proposed amendment to prohibit assistance to Pakistan under the State Foreign

No countr y allows stay of illegal immigrants: Solangi

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t C a r e t a k e r M i n i s t e r f o r I n f o r m a t i o n a n d B r o a d c a s t i n g M u r t a z a S o l a n g i r e i t e r a t e d o n S a t u r d a y s a i d t h a t n o g o v e r n m e n t w o u l d p e r m i t t h e s t a y o f i l l e g a l i m m i g r a n t s i n t h e i r c o u n t r y Ta l k i n g t o a p r i v a t e T V c h a n n e l , t h e m i n i s t e r c l a r i f i e d t h a t i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h l e g a l r i g h t s c o u l d o n l y r e s i d e i n P a k i s t a n H e m e n t i o n e d t h r e e c a t e g o r i e s o f A f g h a n r e s i d e n t s r e s i d i n g i n P a k i s t a n c u r r e n t l y T h e f i r s t g r o u p c o m p r i s e d o f i n d i v i d u a l s w h o a r r i v e d i n P a k i s t a n i n 1 9 7 8 a n d h a d P r o o f o f R e g i s t r a t i o n c a r d s W h i l e t h e s e c o n d c a t e g o r y i n c l u d e d t h o s e A f g h a n s w h o h a d b e e n i n P a k i s t a n s i n c e 2 0 1 6 a n d h a d A f g h a n c i t i z e n c a r d s v e r i f i e d b y t h e p r e v i o u s g o v e r n m e n t o f A f g h a n i s t a n T h e t h i r d g r o u p t o t a l l i n g a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 7 m i l l i o n p e o p l e e n t e r e d P a k i s t a n a f t e r A u g u s t 1 5 2 0 2 1 h e s a i d a d d i n g a m o n g t h e m s o m e p o s s e s s e d e x p i r e d v i s a s , w h i l e o t h e r s h a d e n t e r e d t h e c o u n t r y i l l e g a l l y To a q u e r y, h e s a i d m o s t o f t h e i l l e g a l i m m i g r a n t s i n P a k i s t a n w e r e f r o m A f g h a n i s t a n S o l a n g i e m p h a s i s e d t h a t t h e i l l e g a l i m m i g r a n t s m u s t v o l u n t a r i l y l e a v e P a k i s t a n b y O c t o b e r 3 1 a s t h e c a r e t a k e r g o v e r n m e n t w a s c o m m i t t e d t o i m p l e m e n t i n g t h e l a w H e s t r e s s e d t h a t t h e n a t i o n a l i n t e r e s t c o u l d n o t b e c o m p r o m i s e d f o r t h e s a k e o f b i l a t e r a l r e l a t i o n s , u n d e r s c o r i n g t h a t a c t i o n w o u l d b e t a k e n i n d i s c r i m i n a t e l y a g a i n s t i l l e g a l a c t i v i t i e s T h e m i n i s t e r s a i d a r e c o v e r y a m o u n t i n g t o R s 1 6 b i l l i o n w a s m a d e i n t h e g o v e r n m e n t s c r a c k d o w n a g a i n s t e l e c t r i c i t y t h e f t H e a l s o h i g h l i g h t e d t h e p o s i t i v e i m p a c t o f a d m i n i s t r a t i v e a c t i o n s , l e a d i n g t o a s i g n i f i c a n t r e d u c t i o n i n t h e p r i c e s o f e s s e n t i a l c o m m o d i t i e s s u c h a s o i l , s u g a r, w h e a t f l o u r, a n d f e r t i l i s e r S o l a n g i r e a s s u r e d t h e p u b l i c t h a t t h e c a r e t a k e r g o v e r n m e n t w a s d e d i c a t e d t o t h e b e t t e r m e n t o f t h e c o u n t r y a n d a ff i r m e d t h e i r r e s p o n s i b i l i t y t o c o n t i n u e t a k i n g n e c e s s a r y a c t i o n s I n r e s p o n s e t o a n o t h e r q u e r y a b o u t t h e u p c o m i n g e l e c t i o n s , t h e m i n i s t e r s a i d t h a t t h e E l e c t i o n C o m m i s s i o n o f P a k i s t a n b o r e t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r c o n d u c t i n g f r e e , f a i r, a n d t r a n s p a r e n t e l e c t i o n s i n t h e c o u n t r y

Interim health minister to represent Pakistan at WHO Regional Committee in Cairo

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan will represent Pakistan at the 70th session of the World Health Organization s (WHO) Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, said a press release The assembly is scheduled for October 9 in Cairo

The international health forum holds substantial significance as it convenes 22 nations spanning the Eastern Mediterranean Region ranging from Pakistan in South Asia to Mauritania in North Africa During the conference, Dr Jan aims to share insights regarding Pakistan’s healthcare initiatives, and the challenges the nation faces, and present comprehensive future action plans He will also present an annual performance report to the health ministers of the EMRO region during the conference The annual conference will revolve around topics such as universal health coverage, health emergencies, and the challenges that come with them One of the key items on the conference agenda is the election of the regional director for WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) Prior to his departure for Cairo Dr Jan plans to hold bilateral meetings with health ministers from friendly nations These discussions aim to foster enhanced cooperation, particularly in the domain of technology transfer for vaccine production within Pakistan Furthermore

Pakistan is in contention to host the first-ever Global Health Security Summit in Islamabad in December later this year and the health minister will advocate for Pakistan s candidacy during the conference

Operations and Related Programs

Appropriations (SFOFS) Act 2024

During the meeting with Senator Hagerty, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen the Pakistan-US relations with a focus on cementing ties in trade and investment energy and counter-terrorism the statement said

In the meeting with Ossoff from Georgia, matters relating to sister-province relations between Georgia and Sindh were discussed In the meeting with Congressman Banks the co-chair of the Pakistan Congressional Caucus Khan thanked him for his leadership in the Caucus and his

support for Pakistan Khan also met with Congresswoman Kaptur a ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and discussed Pakistan-US cooperation in defence, science and technology, education, renewable energy, climate change, and people-topeople contacts After the meeting with the Pakistani ambassador Congressman Crow tweeted that they discussed strengthening cooperation on regional security, Afghanistan, and economic development Khan also tweeted after the meeting, saying:

“Sought Congressional support for cementing bilateral ties ” Separately the ambassador thanked Congressman Mike McCaul Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Congressman Dean Phillips, Congresswoman Barbara Lee Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury and Congressman Lance Gooden for their strong support to Pakistan in foiling a move aimed at prohibiting assistance to Pakistan under the SFOPS Act

The ambassador said in his letter that the assistance earmarked under SFOPS would go to critical areas of cooperation including economic support counter-narcotics counter-terrorism, military education training and health programmes

“In the years to come, we would work harder to promote parliamentary exchanges and strengthen bilateral ties between our two nations In this endeavor we would always work with you closely stated the ambassador

Pak-UK to work jointly to empower Pak istani women: Mushaal

ISLAMABAD

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Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Human Rights and Women Empowerment Mushaal Hussein

Mullick and Afzal Khan MP Labour Party Shadow Minister UK Parliament on Saturday agreed to work together in adopting sustained policy initiatives for Pakistani economic women empowerment and growth in the work sector

During the meeting, they discussed adopting sustained policy initiatives to empower Pakistani women in detail said a press release

The SAPM on HR and Women Empowerment and MP Labour Party Shadow Minister UK Parliament agreed that there was not only a dire need to start skill

development programs for Pakistani women but also to give them funds in order to enable them so they could play their role alongside male colleagues for the betterment and uplift of the country

Mushaal also discussed the plight of women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) with Afzal Khan She said that fascist Narendra Modiled Indian army had been criminally involved in human rights violations as they were not only involved in gangraping over 11000 women but also rendering around 22 963 women widows during the last few years

She informed the Shadow Minister UK Parliament that the Modi regime hatched numerous conspiracies to change the demography of the occupied valley in sheer violation of UN resolutions and international laws She reiterated that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute was

SSGC organizes a captivating Mehfil- e -Milaadun Nabi (SAWW )

KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t

Living up to its long tradition SSGC organized Mehfil-eMilaad-un-Nabi (PBUH) an indispensable feature of the blessed month of Rabi-Al-Awwal that marks the birth of Almighty Allah s final Messenger Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

A large number of SSGC employees attended this mehfil that was held at the Company’s Head Office auditorium The event was organized by the Company’s Corporate Communication Department with requisite support from few Company departments

Reputed Islamic scholar Allama Hakeem Mohammad Akbar Dars was the distinguished speaker at the event In his thought-provoking talk, the learned scholar reiterated that there are so many precious and beautiful aspects of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that one can easily benefit from for this life and hereafter Allama saheb underscored the point that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is the ultimate epitome of perfection chosen for us by Allah (SWT) and it is incumbent on each one of us to follow his teachings of righteousness and virtue

The event was also marked by heart rending naat renditions by renowned Sanaa khuwaans Qari Asad-ul-Haq and Mohammad Faisal Hassan Naqshbandi besides a few Company employees Sanaa khuwaans presented their renditions in praise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with tremendous passion and gusto

The learned speaker Allama Mohammad Dars concluded the proceedings with a comprehensive dua

The Milaad was aptly hosted by a reputed religious program compere and former SSGC Chief Manager Mohammad Ali Gohar Another former SSGC executive Qari

imperative not only for durable peace in India and Pakistan but also for the entire world because unresolved Kashmir issues would remain a constant threat to world peace Mushaal asked international organizations, including the UK government to build pressure on the Indian notorious government to release the unlawfully incarcerated Kashmiri leaders including her husband Yasin Malik She said that Yasin Malik was being implicated in false fabricated and politically motivated cases in a bid to silent him because he was the most powerful voice of the Kashmir peaceful struggle

The British MP on the occasion held out assurance to SAPM on HR and Women Empowerment that he would take up the issue of the Indian atrocities and human right violations in UK parliament

Uplifting countr y’s economy to be great challenge: Fazl

PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t

Rais Ahmed recited verses from the Holy Quran to begin the proceedings Salman A Siddiqui Head of Corporate Communications thanked Allama Sahab for eloquently presenting before the audience many facets of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) He also thanked the Sanaa Khuwaans for their soulful naat renditions Mr Siddiqui also thanked the guests and the audience for their presence in large numbers At the conclusion of the mehfil he presented bouquets and giveaways to the guests

D ua Foundation provides free educ ation to exceptionally talented orphans

ISLAMABAD I N p

In a heartwarming and significant event held at the prestigious Jinnah Institute Rawalpindi the Dua Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free education to exceptionally talented orphans, took a giant stride towards realizing its mission

The event witnessed the presentation of scholarship certificates to orphaned students enabling them to pursue their studies in various fields thus igniting the flame of hope and knowledge in their lives

The event was graced by distinguished personalities with Zamurd Khan, the patron-in-chief of Sweet Homes, and Rahat Quddusi, the Chief Operating Officer of Jinnah Institute of Rawalpindi Law College, serving as the esteemed chief guests

Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to uplift the less fortunate in society

Expressing his admiration for the event and its organizers, Zamurd Khan emphasized the crucial importance of such initiatives in a country like Pakistan, where access to education is considered the birthright of every individual

He passionately articulated "I truly believe that orphans should not be neglected in this race for education These students I am confident will shine brightly in the future bringing honor and glory to Pakistan through their remarkable achievements Mr Dawood, owner of Dua Foundation, shared the organization s journey and objectives He noted that Dua Foundation initially began its noble work in collaboration with Faizul Islam in 2012 providing scholarships to its students However five years ago the foundation expanded its horizons by embracing students from diverse backgrounds and fields The primary focus was to address a critical gap: many orphanage institutions offer scholarships only up to the matriculation level Dua Foundation's mission

is to provide unwavering support to orphaned students in their pursuit of higher education From humble beginnings with four students, Dua Foundation has now grown to support 30 students, all of whom receive free education The foundation directly pays the educational fees of its beneficiaries to the institutes they attend ensuring transparency and efficiency in its operations However what set Dua Foundation apart is its exceptional mentors, who serve as elder siblings to the students The organization boasts a cadre of professors and scholars from various esteemed institutions, including Sargodha PAF College and Punjab University who voluntarily dedicate their time and expertise to mentor and guide these bright young minds

As a testament to the outstanding performance of its students, Dua Foundation is extending its education funding program to cover graduation-level studies

The organization's first student to benefit from this expansion is already on their journey toward higher education with plans to further widen its reach in the future The Dua Foundation s relentless commitment to fostering education and nurturing the talents of orphaned students is indeed a beacon of hope and promise for a brighter future This noble endeavor exemplifies the power of collective compassion and dedication toward shaping

Chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that uplifting the economy of country will be a great challenge While addressing a ceremony in Peshawar on Saturday, he did not want to see his opponents his jail and desires that every politician should be out of jail Referring to statement of one of the ambassadors raising concerns over arrest of chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Fazlur Rehman said that he had remarked that what s your opinion about sending other leader who remained three times country’s premier behind the bars He made it clear that the party was not having any personal tussle with any stakeholder However there are differences in ideology The JUI-F chief bemoaned that the traders are facing severe economic hardships, adding that the people were staging protests against the inflated power bills He lashed out at the interim government, saying, “The interim government has nothing to do ” Meanwhile while addressing a press conference in Faisalabad Fazlur Rehman said that his party will welcome Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on his return He said: We have made no contacts on the return of Nawaz Sharif to the country Nawaz Sharif has the right to return and do politics “The PML-N knows that Nawaz Sharif will return to the country with an organised plan he added Speaking about the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), Rehman said: No benefits have been reaped for the people with the merger of Fata ” “No single candidate can run the election campaign in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan ”

Atif flays police as 86 PTI leaders booked for par ticipating in Mardan Workers’ Convention

MARDAN

S ta f f R e p o R t

Former senior provincial minister and PTI Peshawar Region president Atif Khan has condemned the caretaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for lodging a case against 86 leaders and workers of the party for participating in Mardan Workers Convention Neither there was any vandalism nor roadblock during or due to the convention and it was held inside a private compound But regrettably, the KP government did not allow the PTI to hold the convention,” he said “While all the other parties are busy in rallies and election campaigns the PTI is being targeted by the government Khan said He said that the PTI workers were booked under the AntiTerrorism Act (ATA) for simply participating in a peaceful gathering This is a clear violation of the constitution and fundamental rights of the people ” Atif Khan said He demanded the KP government withdraw the case against the PTI workers and allow the party to hold its rallies and conventions peacefully The FIR against the PTI workers was registered at the Chota Lahore police station in Mardan on October 6, 2023 The FIR alleges that the PTI workers caused damage to public property and blocked roads during the convention However Khan has denied these allegations saying that the convention was held peacefully and that no damage was caused to public property

‘NOW OUT OF POWER’: BIL AWAL ASSURES TO FACILITATE FLOOD VICTIMS OF SINDH, PUNJAB

JACOBABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

AFTER his party’s ouster from power Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Saturday assured of facilitating the flood victims of Sindh and Punjab

Talking about recent flood during his visit to Jacobabad on Saturday, he said that climate change was a big challenge for Pakistan and the country was being affected

by climate change Bilawal Bhuto that he would fulfill the promises made to the flood victims and mentioned that the PPP was buildings houses for the flood victims estimated to be around 2 1 million The PPP’s chief said that he will start the ‘Apna Ghar ’ scheme for the flood victims of Punjab as well due to the massive destruction there also

He highlighted that as foreign minister he represented Palestine in every forum and the people of Pakistan always supported the Palestinian people because it a problem of

the Muslim Ummah

He said that democratic politicians see the solution of every problem in the elections The PPP is always ready for the election and it wants the polls to be held soon so that it can serve the people,” he reiterated

“Whoever is a democratic politician will say that elections should be held at their time as democratic politicians see the solution of every problem in elections he said while answering the question about Maulana Fazlur Rehman s views about polls

Recovery of electricity dues from defaulter continues in KP

PESHAWAR I N p

Under the supervision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Task Force for Energy the recovery of electricity bills from the users of defaulter feeders in various districts of the province continued

Strict directives have been issued to district administrations and police officers across the province to ensure the implementation of SOPs before registration of FIRs against electricity consumers

Under the supervision of KP Task F o r c e f o r E n e rg y, m o r e t h a n 2 0 6 4 5 connections involved in Kunda culture have been disconnected while in terms of fines and arrears more than Rs 1 43 b i l l i o n a m o u n t h a v e b e e n r e c o v e r e d a n d R s 11 0 m i l l i o n h a v e b e e n r e c o v e r e d f r o m t h e e l e c t r i c i t y consumers involved in the heinous act

It was told in the meeting that from

September

5 more than 10 406 raids were conducted in various districts of the province jointly by PESCO district administration and police in streets neighborhoods and bazaars, where large commercial hubs and factories involved in illegal use of electricity were raided

More than 20645 connections of Kunda mafia including consumers were cut while cases were registered

Elections to be held in Februar y 2023, says Raja Riaz

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t P a k i s t a n M u s l i m L e a g u e ( P M L - N ) l e a d e r R a j a R i a z s a i d t h a t e l e c t i o n s a r e l i k e l y t o b e h e l d i n F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 3 I n h i s i n t e r v i e w t o A RY N e w s p r o g r a m m e S a w a l y e h h a i , t h e P M L - N l e a d e r s a i d t h e u p c o m i n g g e n e r a l e l e c t i o n s w i l l b e h e l d a r o u n d F e b r u a r y 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 , w i t h o u t a n y d e l a y H e l a m b a s t e d P P P s a y i n g t h a t t h e y a r e t r y i n g t o d i s t a n c e t h e m s e l v e s f r o m t h e o u t c o m e s o f 1 6 - m o n t h P D M g o v e r n m e n t t e n u r e R a j a R i a z s a i d t h a t t h e c a r e t a k e r g o v e r n m e n t h a s n o m e m b e r s w h o h a v e a n a s s o c i a t i o n w i t h t h e P M L - N T h e E l e c t i o n C o m m i s s i o n o f P a k i s t a n ( E C P ) e a r l i e r a n n o u n c e d t h a t g e n e r a l e l e c t i o n s w o u l d b e h e l d i n t h e l a s t w e e k o f J a n u a r y 2 0 2 4 I n a s t a t e m e n t , t h e E C P s a i d t h a t i t r e v i e w e d w o r k o n d e l i m i t i n g c o n s t i t u e n c i e s a n d d e c i d e d t h a t t h e i n i t i a l l i s t f o r t h e d e l i m i t a t i o n o f c o n s t i t u e n c i e s w o u l d b e p u b l i s h e d o n S e p t e m b e r 2 7 T h e f i n a l d e l i m i t a t i o n l i s t w i l l b e p u b l i s h e d o n N o v e m b e r 3 0 , s a i d E C P, a d d i n g t h a t g e n e r a l e l e c t i o n s w i l l b e h e l d i n t h e l a s t w e e k o f J a n u a r y 2 0 2 4 f o l l o w i n g t h e 5 4 - d a y e l e c t i o n s c h e d u l e T h e e l e c t o r a l b o d y w a s u n d e r i m m e n s e p r e s s u r e f r o m t h e p o l i t i c a l p a r t i e s r e g a r d i n g t h e a n n o u n c e m e n t o f t h e e l e c t i o n d a t e T h e a n n o u n c e m e n t c o m e s a d a y a f t e r t h e E C P s a i d i t h a d s c h e d u l e d a m e e t i n g w i t h p o l i t i c a l p a r t i e s n e x t m o n t h t o d i s c u s s t h e c o d e o f c o n d u c t f o r g e n e r a l e l e c t i o n s

Palestine-Israel situation requires restraint to avoid fur ther bloodshed: President

commercial customers are involved in

power theft Recovery campaigns against consumers in Bannu, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan and Mardan divisions should be done at the level of feeders and it was emphasized to speed up the

against more than 7080 accused by local police amongst them 479 accused were also arrested

Moreover the Chairman Task Force Muhammad Abid Majeed emphasized that strict action should be taken against such housing colonies which have been established without government permission where the customers have arrears of billions of rupees and big

PPP writes to ECP on contradic tion in draf t amends to Elec tion Rules 2017

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Pakistan People s Party Secretary General Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari on Saturday expressed reservations over the draft amendments to the Elections Rules 2017 published by the commission on September 22 2023

The ECP had asked for suggestions and objections on the amendments by October 7, 2023

In a letter addressed to the Election Commission of Pakistan

(ECP) Secretary Bokhari has expressed serious concern about a condition imposed in the proposed Form-68 that requires the contesting candidates to provide the total election expenses under campaign finance (under section 211(2) of the Elections Act 2017) made by a party

He also observed that sub-rule

(3) of rule 161 requires the political parties to submit the details of election expenses within sixty days of the publication of the names of

returned candidates in the official gazette but Form-68 requires the contesting candidates to provide the total election expenses under campaign finance (under section 211(2) of the Elections Act, 2017) made by a party within 10 days of polling day (in case of returned candidate) and within thirty days (in case of all other contesting candidates) as per sections 98, 124 & 134 of the Act

Bokhari wrote that this is a contradiction and an impossibility as the contesting candidates cannot provide the information that is not yet available from their respective parties

He requested the ECP to omit the column in Form-68 that requires Total election expenses under campaign finance (under section 211(2) of the Elections Act, 2017) made by a party

Nearly 230 Palestinians killed in Israeli air blitz on G aza

CONTINUED FORM PAGE 01

A number of terrorists have infiltrated into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said in a statement, adding that residents in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip had been told to stay in their homes Israeli media claimed that gunmen had opened fire on passers-by in the town of Sderot, in southern Israel, and footage circulating on social media appeared to show clashes in city streets as well as gunmen in jeeps roaming the countryside

We were told there are terrorists inside the kibbutz we can hear gunfire a young woman named Dvir from Beeri Kibbutz, told Israeli Army Radio from her bomb shelter Reports of Israelis taken captive:

Hamas media displayed videos of what it said were bodies of Israeli soldiers brought into Gaza by fighters, and Palestinian gunmen inside Israeli homes and touring an Israeli town in jeeps reportedly been driven into Israel by the attackers Palestinian media also reported that a number of Israelis had been taken captive by fighters and Hamas media circulated video footage apparently showing a destroyed Israeli tank

The Israeli military was aware of reports of captives a security source said but provided no further details In a briefing with reporters an Israeli military spokesman declined to comment

Netanyahu’s office said he would meet top security officials in the coming hours and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant authorised the call-up of reservists

In Gaza the roar of rocket launches could be heard and residents reported

armed clashes along the separation fence with Israel, near the southern town of Khan Younis, and said they had seen significant movement of armed fighters Israel s ambulance service said teams had been dispatched to areas in southern Israel near Gaza and residents were warned to stay inside

A group representing military reservists who had planned to refuse to attend training over their objections to the government’s plans to overhaul the judiciary called on reservists to report for duty

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said its fighters were joining Hamas in the attack We are part of this battle, our fighters are side-by-side with their brothers in the Qassam Brigades until victory is achieved ” said Islamic Jihad armed wing spokesman Abu Hamza on a post on Telegram Palestinians in Gaza expressed

a k e P a k i s t a n a d e v e l o p e d a n d prosperous countries T h e r e f o r e , t h e y s t a t e d t h a t t h e s e v i d e o r e c o r d e d s t a t e m e n t s o n o a t h s s h o u l d b e k e p t s a f e a n d p r e s e n t e d b e f o r e t h e c o u r t s a s a p r o o f T h e P T I l e a d e r s d e c l a r e d t h a t i n c a s e o f t h e i r a n y o t h e r v i d e o s t a t e m e n t c o n t r a r y t o t h e r e c o r d e d o n e s u r f a c e d i t w o u l d b e f a k e b e c a u s e u n d e r n e w t r e n d P T I l e a d e r s a n d s u p p o r t e r s w e r e b e i n g a b d u c t e d a n d r e c o r d e d s t a t e m e n t s o f t h e i r c h o i c e u n d e r d u r e s s a n d c o e r c i o n

t o t h e p r e s s r e l

disbelief at the infiltration into Israel It is like a dream I still can’t believe it, fighters inside our occupied land?” said one Gaza shopkeeper The escalation comes against a backdrop of surging violence between Israel and Palestinian fighters in the West Bank, which together with the Gaza Strip is part of the territories – currently occupied by Israel – where Palestinians have long sought to establish a state It also comes at a time of political upheaval in Israel which has been riven by deep divisions over moves to overhaul the judiciary and as Washington works to strike a deal that would normalise ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia

The attack came a day after Israel marked the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war that brought the country to the verge of catastrophic defeat in a surprise attack by Syria and Egypt

institution

a t h a m p e r i n g a p p o i n t m e n t o f t h e h e a d o f a n y s t a t e

make CNIC mandator y for goods sale, purchase at scrapyards

Sindh Police

S ta f f R e p o R t T h e S i n d h P o l i c e o n S a t u r d a y m a d e i t m a n d a t o r y f o r o r d i n a r y c i t i z e n s t o s h o w C o m p u t e r i s e d N a t i o n a l I d e n t i t y C a r d ( C N I C ) f o r s a l e o r p u r c h a s e o f g o o d s a t s c r a p y a r d s A c c o r d i n g t o d e t a i l s t h e S i n d h p o l i c e m a d e t h e d e c i s i o n i n a n e ff o r t t o p r e v e n t t h e s a l e a n d p u r c h a s e o f s t o l e n g o o d s M o r e o v e r, a c t i o n w i l l b e t a k e n a g a i n s t s c r a p e r s w h o f a i l e d t o p r o v i d e t h e i r n a t i o n a l i d e n t i t y c a r d s S a l e a n d p u r c h a s e o f g o o d s a t s c r a p y a r d s w i t h o u t C N I C w i l l b e c o n s i d e r e d t h e f t t h e p o l i c e s a i d M e a n w h i l e t h e p o l i c e a l s o c o n d u c t e d a t a rg e t e d o p e r a t i o n a t R a n c h o r e L i n e s c r a p m a r k e t a n d c h e c k e d t h e r e c o r d s o f g o o d s b e i n g b o u g h t a n d s o l d i n t h e m a r k e t T h e p o l i c e a l s o u s e d Ta l a a s h a p p t o c h e c k t h e m o t o r c y c l e e n g i n e b e i n g s o l d i n t h e m a r k e t A d a y e a r l i e r i t w a s r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e S i n d h a p e x c o m m i s s i o n d e c i d e d i n p r i n c i p l e t o r e p a t r i a t e i l l e g a l A f g h a n i m m i g r a n t s T h e S i n d h a p e x c o m m i t t e e s s e s s i o n w a s h e l d u n d e r t h e c h a i r o f t h e c a r e t a k e r C M M a q b o o l B a q a r i n w h i c h t h e N a t i o n a l A c t i o n P l a n ( N A P ) , k a t c h a o p e r a t i o n a n d o v e r a l l s e c u r i t y s i t u a t i o n w e r e r e v i e w e d I G S i n d h g a v e a b r i e f i n g o n t h e o v e r a l l s e c u r i t y s i t u a t i o n T h e m e e t i n g w a s a l s o a t t e n d e d b y C h i e f o f A r m y S t a ff ( C O A S ) G e n e r a l S y e d A s i m M u n i r a n d h i g h - u p s o f t h e l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a g e n c i e s ( L E A s ) I t h a s b e e n d e c i d e d t o c o n t i n u e t h e j o i n t o p e r a t i o n o f p o l i c e a n d R a n g e r s i n t h e k a t c h a a r e a s o f S i n d h A r e p o r t w a s a l s o p r e s e n t e d o n t h e i l l e g a l l y r e s i d i n g A f g h a n i m m i g r a n t s a n d t h e i r a l l e g e d i n v o l v e m e n t i n s e r i o u s c r i m e s 7 8 2 A f g h a n a r r e s t e d f o r i l l e g a l l y s t a y i n g i n K a r a c h i P o l i c e d e p a r t m e n t i n v a r i o u s o p e r a t i o n s i n K a r a c h i s e i g h t d i s t r i c t s f r o m S e p t e m b e r 0 9 t o O c t 0 2 a r r e s t e d 7 8 2 A f g h a n s i l l e g a l l y s t a y i n g i n t h e c i t y, o ff i c i a l s s a i d M o s t o f t h e i l l e g a l i m m i g r a n t s w e r e a r r e s t e d i n M a l i r, K o r a n g i a n d E a s t d i s t r i c t s P o l i c e a r r e s t e d 2 0 4 i l l e g a l i m m i g r a n t s i n E a s t d i s t r i c t 1 3 5 i n M a l i r a n d 11 4 i n K o r a n g i d i s t r i c t s M o r e o v e r 1 2 6 A f g h a n s a r r e s t e d f r o m K e a m a r i 9 0 f r o m C e n t r a l a n d 5 8 f r o m K a r a c h i We s t d i s t r i c t o ff i c i a l s s a i d P o l i c e a l s o a r r e s t e d 3 5 A f g h a n s f r o m t h e C i t y p o l i c e d i s t r i c t a n d 2 0 f r o m S o u t h d i s t r i c t , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e p o l i c e A d d r e s s i n g a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e i n I s l a m a b a d f o l l o w i n g t h e a p e x c o m m i t t e e m e e t i n g t h e c a r e t a k e r i n t e r i o r m i n i s t e r S a r f r a z B u g t i s a i d t h a t t h e i m m i g r a n t s h a v e b e e n g i v e n a d e a d l i n e o f N o v e m b e r 0 1 t o l e a v e t h e c o u n t r y B u g t i f u r t h e r s a i d t h a t a t a s k f o r c e h a s a l s o b e e n c o n s t i t u t e d w h i c h w i l l t a k e a c t i o n a g a i n s t i l l e g a l i m m i g r a n t s

I am recording this statement

u n d e r o a t h t o d a y t h a t I m r a n K h a n n e v e r o r d e r e d u s t o t a k e a n y v i o l e n t a c t i o n s o r

t o a t t a c k m i l i t a r y i n s t a l l a t i o n s ”

G a n d a p u r a d d e d PTI KP President categorically stated that he also never ever issued orders to anyone to commit violence or vandalise state or private properties “I am recording my statement for the courts, institutions and people of Pakistan,” Gandapur maintained Similarly PTI Islamabad President Ali

Awan also issued his recorded video statement and clearly stated that PTI Chairman believed in supremacy of law and constitution who never supported violent act,

which was evident from his lifelong struggle He went on to say that PTI staged sit-ins and took out protest rallies and marches but they did not harm anything adding that Imran Khan always exercised restraints despite facing great hardship because he did not believe in the politics of confrontation with state institutions T h e r e f o r e , t h e P T I I s l a m a b a d P r e s i d e n t s t a t e d t h a t h e w a s r e c o r d e d h i s s t a t e m e n t o n o a t h a s a p r o o f a n d i n c a s e a n y o t h e r s t a t e m e n t r e c o r d e d u n d e r c o e r c i o n w o u l d h a v e n o l e g a l s t a n d i n g b e c a u s e h e w a s i s a n d w i l l b e s t a n d i n g f i r m l y w i t h I m r a n K h a n a n d P T I c o m e w h a t m a y

O nly dialogue c an solve the conflic t, and for that a ceasefire is essential

ITH 40 Israelis killed by a combination of gunmen attacking in Israeli towns and rocket fire and 198 Palestinians killed by Israeli retaliatory rocket fire on the Gaza Strip it seems that war has once again reignited It cannot escape notice that this sudden heating up in the conflict occurs at a time when several Muslim countries headed by Saudi Arabia are poised to recognize Israel

The pattern is familiar, but the scale is perhaps unprecedented Previous episodes have been similar, in that Palestinian rocket attacks have been followed by Israeli retaliation, including by air strikes, but they all led first to a ceasefire, followed by a dialgue ending the conflict, at estileast temporarily

A permanent solution will not come without a resolution of the Palestinian-Israel issue The 1993 Oslo Accords between Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat envisaged a two-state solution That seems to be now overtaken by events, mostly the Israeli takeover of Palestinian territory for settlements or connecting roads At the root is the Israeli occupation after the 1967 Six-Day War of Egyptian and Jordanian territory which had been part of the British Palestine Mandate and on which Palestinians hoped to build a state Unfortunately for them that was also land where Israel looked to expand It had not been satisfied with its original landgrab in 1948, and hoped to expand in the West Bank

So far, talks h0eaven getting Israel what it wanted, whether it be the Camp David Accords, by which Israel got recognition from Egypt, or the Abrahamic Accords, which saw the UAE and Bahrain follow in recognizing Israel

Each recognition has come with profound commitments to the Palestinian cause, but the result seems to be the same: that Palestinian violence is to be met by violent retaliation P a k i s t a n i s o n e o f t h e M u s l i m c o u n t r i e s t h a t h a s j o i n e d t h e c a l l s f o r s a n i t y t o p r e v a i l I n t h e e n d a c e a s e f i r e w i l l o n l y l a s t u n t i l t h e r e i s a f r e s h p r o v oc a t i o n A t r u e s o l u t i o n i s n o t g o i n g t o o c c u r u n t i l t h e P a l e s t i n i a n p e o p l e g e t t h e i r d u e r i g h t s a n d t h e i l l e g a l o c c u p a t i o n o f t h e i o r l a n d c o m e s t o a n e n d

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late)

Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor

TTP worsens Pak-Afghan Ties

rulers have also implemented other concrete steps t o n e u t r a l i z e t h e t e r r o r i s t a c t i v i t y d e t a i l s o f t h e c r a c k d o w n o n t h e o u t l a w e d Te h r e e k - e - Ta l i b a n

Pakistan were shared in bilateral talks they hosted [in the end of September] last week in Kabul with a h i g h - l e v e l d e l e g a t i o n f r o m I s l a m a b a d

The VOA report explained that Afghanistan is ‘relocating’ TTP fighters away from the border with Pakistan The report also quoted Pakistani officials who think that Afghanistan s government is consciously distancing itself from the groups such as TTP who are involved in criminal activities and cross border attacks Pakistan has repeatedly accused the TTP of operating out of bases in Afghanistan, and pointed out that incidents of terrorism have risen across the country in recent months

S a j j a d S h a u k at

IN r e c e n t m o n t h s , m i l i t a n t s o f Te h r i k Ta l i b a n P a k i s t a n h a v e a c c e l e r a t e d t e r r o r a t t a c k s i n s i d e P a k i s t a n I n t h i s r e g a r d m o r e t h a n 5 9 p e o p l e d i e d i n c l u d i n g a d e p u t y s u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f p o l i c e o n S e p t e m b e r 2 9 i n b o m b i n g a t t a c k s i n M a s t u n g a s c r o w d s m a r k e d t h e b i r t h d a y o f t h e P r o p h e t M u h a m m a d ( P B U H ) S h o r t l y, a n o t h e r e x p l o s i o n rocked a mosque in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa p r o v i n c e k i l l i n g a t l e a s t 1 0 p e o p l e T h e m o s q u e i s m a i n l y f r e q u e n t e d b y p o l i c e p e r s o n n e l O n O c t o b e r 1 i n a g u n b a t t l e p o l i c e a n d C o u n t e r Te r r o r i s m D e p a r t m e n t ( C T D ) t h w a r t e d a n a m b u s h b y 1 2 t e r r o r i s t s o n a K u n d a l p o l i c e p o s t i n M i a n w a l i , k i l l i n g t w o t e r r o r i s t s , a s o t h e r s f l e d A p o l i c e c o n s t a b l e w a s k i l l e d d u r i n g t h e e x c h a n g e o f g u n f i r e T h e C T D r e p o r t s c o n f i r m e d t h a t t h e t e r r o r i s t s w h i c h a t t a c k e d K u n d a l c h e c k p o s t b e l o n g e d t o t h e T T P s Ti p u g r o u p T h e y h a d a l s o

a t t a c k e d a p o l i c e c h e c k p o s t i n L a k k i M a r w a t ( K P K ) H e r e t o o t h e t e r r o r i s t s r a n a w a y a f t e r f a c i n g r e s i s t a n c e As regards the terror assaults in Chitral, military’s media wing (ISPR) on September 10 this year said in a statement: Security forces have killed seven more terrorists during an exchange of fire in the Ursoon area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s Chitral district on September 9 Four Pakistani soldiers were martyred on September 6 in two separate attacks on Pakistan’s check posts in Chitral, which shares a border with Afghanistan Twelve terrorists associated with outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan were also killed T h e I S P R s t a t e m e n t e l a b o r a t e d : A l a rg e g r o u p o f t e r r o r i s t s e q u i p p e d w i t h t h e l a t e s t w e a p o n s h a d a t t a c k e d t w o m i l i t a r y c h e c k p o s t s

i n C h i t r a l d i s t r i c t t h e a t t a c k s w e r e c o o r d i n a t e d f r o m t h e K u n a r a n d N u r i s t a n p r o v i n c e s o f A f g h a n i s t a n ” C i t i n g P a k i s t a n i o ff i c i a l s V O A r e p o r t e d o n S e p t e m b e r 2 7 : I s l a m a b a d s e ff o r t s t o c o u n t e r c r o s s - b o r d e r a t t a c k s h a v e b o r n e f r u i t s a s i n t e r i m A f g h a n r u l e r s a r r e s t e d 2 0 0 s u s p e c t e d m i l i t a n t s i n v o l v e d i n a t t a c k s a g a i n s t P a k i s t a n t h e A f g h a n

C a r e t a k e r P M i n a c t i o n

was more than what the previous federal governments had done in years together

Reports suggest that the Afghanistan government has told its citizens not to help or cooperate with the TTP for its jihad against Pakistan In this connection, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has forbidden his forces from launching cross-border attacks against Pakistan calling them haraam He has also ordered Afghans not to give donations to the TTP for its so-called jihad against Pakistan

The TTP is designated a global terrorist organisation by Pakistan, the USA, and the UN

In this respect, the tactical alliance between some Baloch separatist groups and the TTP is most alarming These outfits are now equipped with the most modern weapons left by the US forces in Afghanistan The long porous borders with Afghanistan and Iran have allowed the militants to move freely

Despite the denial of the Afghan administration, reports point out that TTP militants are still being sheltered by the conservative Islamic regime

But Islamabad’s stance has become very tough t o w a r d s t h e A f g h a n Ta l i b a n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n a f t e r the latest wave of terror attacks by the TTP And t h e m i l i t a r y l e a d e r s h i p h a s w a r n e d t h e A f g h a n r e g i m e a g a i n s t p r o v i d i n g s h e l t e r t o t h e t e r r o r i s t outfits involved in assaults on Pakistani security agencies

In a statement the ISPR indicated: “It is not for t h e f i r s t t i m e t h a t P a k i s t a n h a s c a l l e d u p o n t h e A f g h a n Ta l i b a n r e g i m e t o a c t a g a i n s t m i l i t a n t s a n c t u a r i e s b u t t o n o a v a i l I n s t e a d A f g h a n Ta l i b a n o ff i c i a l s h a v e s t r o n g l y r e a c t e d t o Pakistan s warning A Taliban spokesman said that it is mainly Pakistan’s responsibility to deal with the problem at home” At the same time the statement said: “It is expected that the interim Afghan government would not allow the use of its soil to perpetrate terror against any country in line with commitments made in the Doha agreement Such attacks are intolerable and would elicit an effective response from the security forces of Pakistan” N o t a b l y l a s t y e a r P a k i s t a n t a rg e t e d m i l i t a n t s a n c t u a r i e s b a s e d i n A f g h a n i s t a n s K u n a r a n d N a n g a r h a r p r o v i n c e s N o w s u c h a c t i o n s a r e q u i t e r i s k y a n d c o u l d h a v e s e r i o u s c o n s e q u e n c e s f o r r e g i o n a l p e a c e I t w i l l p u t t o t h e t e s t I s l a m a b a d s r e s o l v e t o f i g h t t e r r o r i s m i n a l l i t s m a n i f e s t a t i o n s

T h e r e f o r e , I s l a m a b a d n e e d s t o a c t t o c o n t a i n t h e i n c r e a s i n g m i l i t a n c y e m a n a t i n g f r o m

Afghanistan through talks and peaceful measures P a k i s t a n a l s o n e e d s c a u t i o n i n u n d e r t a k i n g a n y a c t i o n w h i c h c o u l d l e a d t o w i d e r c o n f l a g r a t i o n

Retaliatory cross-border raids could also result in t h e t o u g h e n i n g o f t h e A f g h a n Ta l i b a n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n T h e p r e s e n c e o f t h e T T P a n d o t h e r t r a n s n a t i o n a l m i l i t a n t g r o u p s i n A f g h a n i s t a n h a s b e e n a c a u s e o f s e r i o u s c o n c e r n f o r t h e international community as well In this connection addressing a seminar at the S t i m s o n C e n t e r o n S e p t e m b e r 1 2 U S S p e c i a l R e p r e s e n t a t i v e f o r A f g h a n i s t a n To m We s t admitted that the Taliban rulers had significantly degraded” the capabilities of the militant Islamic State (IS) group Mr West further remarked that the Doha agreement which enabled the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan was no longer as relevant as it once was He has identified the TTP as the greatest threat to regional stability, including Pakistan He added: Washington looked at Pakistan through the lens of Afghanistan, and now, for the last two years, through a different lens” I n t h i s s i t u a t i o n t h e r e i s a r e q u i r e m e n t t o develop a regional consensus in order to force the Taliban administration to abandon its patronage of a g r o u p t h a t a l s o p r e s e n t s a s e r i o u s t h r e a t t o A f g h a n i s t a n s o w n s e c u r i t y a n d o t h e r r e g i o n a l countries

Meanwhile, giving a November 1 deadline, Pakistan on October 3 ordered all illegal immigrants including 1 73 million Afghan nationals to leave the country or face expulsion after disclosing that 14 of 24 suicide bombings in the country in 2023 were carried out by Afghan nationals

On October 5, Pakistan imposed restrictions on 2012 items in connection with Afghanistan’s transit trade The authorities also demolished illegal constructions made by Afghan immigrants in Islamabad and Lahore

On the same day Foreign Office Spokesperson

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified that the decision to deport illegal residents was not specifically targeted at the Afghan refugees, but against all immigrants residing in the country illegally without valid visa documents the operation was not against the Afghan refugees living legally the country had been hosting for several decades despite its economic constraints

At this critical hour Pakistan is facing multiple p r o b l e m s a n d c r i s e s i n t e r n a l l y a n d e x t e r n a l l y, w h i c h a r e i n c r e a s i n g p o l i t i c a l a n d e c o n o m i c i n s t a b i l i t y i n t h e c o u n t r y O u r s e c u r i t y f o r c e s e s p e c i a l l y t h e A r m y a r e c o m b a t i n g t e r r o r i s t s ’ attacks in North Waziristan and South Waziristan B e s i d e s k i l l i n g s o m e m i l i t a n t s s o m e A r m y s soldiers are, also, being martyred in exchange of f i r e S o , I s l a m a b a d s h o u l d n o t l o s e i t s p a t i e n c e w i t h t h e A f g h a n Ta l i b a n ’s i n a c t i o n O t h e r w i s e , T T P w h i c h h a s c o n n e c t i o n w i t h I n d i a a n d o t h e r a n t i - P a k i s t a n t e r r o r o u t f i t s w i l l f u r t h e r w o r s e n Pak-Afghan ties

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations and can be reached at: sajjad logic@yahoo com

E d i t o r ’ s m a i l

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah Lahore Pakistan E-mail: letters@pakistantoday com pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

THE National Assembly was dissolved on August 9 by President Arif Alivi on the advice of Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, thus paving the way for induction of the caretaker set-up for running the day-to-day national affairs till the holding of the general election

In accordance with the constitutional provisions regarding picking up a suitable person as the caretaker prime minister outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmad held consultations After mutual consultations more than once they came up with the name of Senator Anwarul Haq Kakar from Balochistan as the caretaker prime minister

According to the then reports which appeared in the media, the name of Senator Anwarul Haq Kakar was suggested by Raja Riaz Ahmad and PM Shehbaz Sharif accepted it as a unanimously agreed candidate for the caretaker prime minister After being so named Anwarul Haq resigned from his political affiliations He did not hurry to take oath forthwith but preferred to do so on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day on August 14, at the Presidency where President Arif Alvi administered the oath to him

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar has been in office for less than two months but he has already made quite emphatically clear that he means business will not tolerate any nonsense and try his level best to set things right to the maximum level in the greater national interest as long as he is in the office

As the caretaker prime minister who for the first time has got expanded mandate rather than merely looking after day-today routine work and ensuring holding of the general election on the date which is yet to be announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan, Anwarul Haq Kakar has been quite active both at the internal as well as external fronts In all fairness ,what the caretaker federal government was doing to tackle the long lingering and pending burning issues

On the external front the caretaker prime minister undertook his maiden foreign visit lasting five days to New York (USA) and London (Britain In New York, he attended the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit Leaders 6 on the topic "Mobilizing finance and the means of implementation for SDG achievement " He stressed the dire need for adequate financing for the poor nations and sought climate justice for Pakistan including fulfilment of the pledge to provide over $100 billion annually in climate finance at the forthcoming CoP 28 Summit,which has been further exacerbated by a morally bankrupt international financial architecture

Anwarul Haq Kakar attended the 78th session of the UN General Assembly and in his maiden address emphatically called upon the UN Security Council to ensure implementation of its resolution on Kashmir, strongly urging the world at large for effectively countering state terrorism including Hindutva fascism unleashed by the Indian government and reiterated that Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all its neighbours including India with whom relations continued to be strained due to its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir for 75 years and torturing and killing Kashmiris demanding their birthright of self-determination in accordance with UNSC resolutions

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York the caretaker [prime minister held meetings with a number of world leaders including Iranian President Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva

These incidents often result in casualties and displacement, raising human rights concerns. Likewise, global human rights watchdogs have been raising concerns about the freedom of expression in India, including restrictions on the media and cases of journalists facing threats and attacks

Co-Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates and exchanged views for further promoting and strengthening bilateral relations He also addressed a press conference in New York and called for the formation of an alliance for keeping a close and strict check on India's rogue behaviour

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, while in London, addressed the senior leaders of the financial markets and said that the British investors were keen to invest in Pakistan He also talked to the newsmen and interacted with the students at Oxford University and visited Islamic Studies Centre and availed the opportunity here and there underlying the urgent need

Frustrations define Nadra operations

IN the sprawling city of Karachi a scene that mirrors bureaucratic nightmares of Kafkaesque proportions unfolds daily at the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office in North Nazimabad Citizens of this vibrant metropolis desperate to have their CNICs made or renewed, or to make use of this essential service or that, are greeted with unending queues and hours of waiting regardless of weather; be it the scorching summer sun or the freezing winds of winter

What makes this ordeal graver is the knowledge that one Nadra centre caters to a staggering population of almost 10 million, spanning neighbourhoods from Nazimabad to Surjani Town

Such conditions not only highlight inefficiencies but also raise serious questions about the state s commitment to serving its people

for the world to wake up as India s Hindutva was fast spilling over to the West

The caretaker prime minister s maiden foreign visit was quite productive, result-oriented, meaningful and successful despite being short and packed with hectic activities and engagements He rightfully presented Pakistan s point of view on all occasions which was duly appreciated and endorsed by the world leaders by and large

On the domestic front, the federal government headed by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar was quite appreciably and determinedly countering the host of socio-economic problems and issues and pursuing policies aiming at serving the people at large

It goes to the credit of the caretaker prime minister for taking harsh and strong decisions notwithstanding any pressures whatsoever The caretaker federal government was coming hard and harsh at smuggling of all sorts topped by dollars following which Pakistani Rupee has started gradually stabilizing which was being appreciated by all Caretaker prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar also took strong notice of hefty electricity bills following protests by the people and ordered a crackdown on power theft which was producing good results Smuggling and hoarding of eatables like sugar and other essential articles were also being firmly and strongly checked and curbed with positive results

Reiterating the commitment to eliminate terrorism and extremism in all forms and shapes and in the wake of somehow accelerated terrorist attacks the caretaker prime minister and his government have quite rightly and justifiably taken strong decisions asking all aliens living illegally in Pakistan to leave by October 30

The caretaker prime minister continues to do good work aiming at welfare of the people, betterment of the national economy and this all augurs well for the beloved motherland

The writer can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail com

Upon delving into this issue, several challenges emerge First, the sheer number of people reliant on a single service centre is overwhelming According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, neighbourhoods like North Nazimabad New Karachi Gulshan-i-Iqbal and Surjani Town collectively house millions The inadequate infrastructure at the said Nadra office is hardly sufficient to handle this massive segment of populace

While long waits can be tiresome, what rubs salt into the wound is the apathetic behaviour of Nadra staff An efficient service delivery system must be anchored in respect and empathy Disrespectful behaviour towards citizens not only tarnishes the reputation of an institution, but also belittles the struggles of individuals who generally take time off work, or travel long distances to access these services

Addressing this dire situation demands immediate interventions Increasing service capacity is the obvious first step Opening more Nadra centres in densely populated areas will distribute the load, thereby reducing wait times

Besides introducing online services for tasks like form fill-ups can greatly reduce in-person processing times

An organised appointment system could further streamline the process, allowing citizens to plan their visits and mitigate unexpected waiting periods

If Traffic police can do that why can it not be done by Nadra?

Moreover, providing sheltered waiting areas equipped with basic amenities, such as benches and drinking water, can improve the overall experience for those who must wait This is especially crucial given Karachi s extreme weather conditions

Also needed is regular and compre-hensive staff training All citizens, regardless of their background, deserves respect and courtesy Regular evaluations and feedback mechanisms can ensure that service standards are upheld and any deviation is rectified promptly

One might wonder if all this is even feasible With political will and strategic public-private partnerships these solutions are not just within reach but can in fact be implemented swiftly Collaboration with the private sector can expedite the process of opening new centres or technologically upgrading the existing ones

It is upon us, the citizens, to raise our voice, share our experiences, and hold our institutions accountable An efficient and empathetic service delivery system is not a luxury; it is a right

As Karachi s heartbeat continues to pulse with life and aspirations, it is time for its institutions including Nadra to match its pace ensuring no citizen is left behind in the shadows of inefficiency

e m b e r i n g J a m a l K h a s h o g g i f i v e y e a r s o n !

Here it may be mentioned that in countries like Turkey, Iran Pakistan and Egypt; a vibrant academia is as much qualified for interference by the state in question

sometimes called ‘the new hybrid’; a ‘national security state’ etc were and are precisely evolving the type of state which is intolerant to dissent while there is no bar on enjoying life provided the person or the family enjoying have enough grains to do the needful

HEN the article hits the stand; it would be five years on after the gruesome death at the hands of the Saudi Intel sleuths of the renowned Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was finally confirmed after days of uncertainty, as to whether the slain journalist was still inside the Saudi mission to Istanbul or had left the premises

The unceremonious death of an editor who was very much a regime insider lately in the Saudi context was a cause of disagreement between the rival states of Turkey and Saudi Arabia for days to come Likewise US public opinion also compelled an otherwise non-committal US government to demonstrate, what can be called an eyewash way of protest

The Trump Administration was firmly behind MBS along with other like-minded states inclusive of Pakistan which was then led by the hybrid mix found it odd to protest while keeping the geopolitical commitments intact in the process

The killing was in fact a reminder of the fact that the modern nation-states might have grown more online and sophisticated; but its response to dissent with knowledge elicits the same primitive response No matter the victim might have been a regime insider; an acquaintance in the fifth generation warfare (as happening in Pakistan) or a former radical (reference to murders chain in case of Iran 1997-99)

It is said that one can realize the ordeal and understand the pain only when afflicted with the same For many that murder was an insider affair, better left to the country of origin Few realized along various political and ideological fault lines that it was only the faint demonstration of how a state can go increasingly intolerant in not just suppressing dissent but if the need arises can physically eliminate the source of dissent The options available for the police states around the globe are, either to go for the extreme as the last resort; or try to pressure the dissenting opinion makers of the society to the extent that they are forced to toe the line

Not to ignore the fact that ever since last year ’s antiHijab riots in Iran; two female journalists who at a certain point of time reported the main incident or contributed to the new stream, have been put on trial by a seemingly non-activist Iranian judiciary, meaning that it is very much tuned to follow the line of the established order in that theocratic state Likewise, a silent purge of the main campuses by the conservative; clericalestablishment-supported Raeesi government seems to confirm that it is discouraging free inquiry and speech

A bird s eye view of these states reveals that while the expressions of people enjoying lives within the limits set by the state do not offend them; these nation-states, or ideological ones, are not comfortable; if the same generation is tuning itself to question the same establishment Here it is pertinent to mention that while the Saudi state under the effective grip of MBS has opened up in an unprecedented manner; especially in the domain of cultural expression; it has been 360-degree intolerant of dissent

The late Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was onetime editor of the monarchy mouthpiece organ Yet being a journalist, he was apparently not sleeping over the underground currents in the society The very reason he advocated reforms at the expense of finally his life and dismembered body was that what he thought to be the best course of action for that society

Likewise the Iranian conservatives trying PR activities like inviting football ace Ronaldo, copying similar Saudi PR activity a month back were not comfortable with reporters working independently They were happy with cheering and ‘enjoying’ crowds, but not willing to allow the media the right to question They have been equally ruthless with even the grandson of the founder of the republic Hasan Khomeini if he does not follow the desired line

F o r m a n y f a l l e n c o r r e s p o n d e n t s , e d i t o r s , f o r c i b l e r e m o v a l f r o m t h e s c e n e c a n b e s t b e c a l l e d a d e s p e r a t e a c t F r e e f l o w o f i n f o r m a t i o n i s a s t r e n g t h o f a j u s t s y s t e m T h e b e h a v i o u r t o t h e c o n t r a r y s u g g e s t s o t h e r w i s e I t i s h i g h t i m e t h a t s t a t e s e v o l v e g e n u i n e d i a l o g u e w i t h t h e r u l e d p o p u l a c e , r a t h e r t h a n a f e w s o n g s o n t h e o c c a s i o n o r a f e w e m b e d d e d c o r r e s p o n d e n t s t a k i n g r i d e s i n I t a l i a n - b u i l t A W 1 3 9 s D i a l o g u e i s t h e w a n t i n g f a c t o r ; i r r e s p e c t i v e o f t h e b e s t t r e a t i s e s w r i t t e n b y t h e b e s t o f l e g a l m i n d s ; a s p r i n t e d s c r i p t u r e c a n n o t u n d o t h e s t a t u s q u o ; b u t a d i a l o g u e c a n !

Whether it can be called a political accident gone uncontrollable, the developments since April 2022 and May 2023 indicate ominously towards the silent retreat of the civil state despite the fact that the 1973 Constitution is very much enforced Articles of the constitution are threadbare clear on the limits of the organs of the state and likewise remind the state of the rights of the common man with special regards to his or her basic human rights

Similarly, the limits of oaths are also clearly defined However, in practice the supremacy of the written script is wanting Taking the debate further in a particular context of limitations for the media; traditionally the reporting cadre sets editorial direction in any ideal setting of print media and electronic media Analysis needs factual data for taking a position on any issue

In any system where the deep state or the controllers want to disallow free space for information means reporting space and analysis means the editorial space the first firing shot is usually directed at the person reporting or collecting facts The second person on the firing line is the editorial itself or initially the news desk

section of the Pakistani political landscape; a few hailing it as a golden period while the other few condemning it as a dark period However a non-partisan analysis which is an increasingly rare commodity in the land of pure and truth, suggests that the space that began eroding in 2018 has been completely eroded, by the time 2023 formally closes

Not to miss the point with reference to the worldwide trends and Pakistan being part of the same world The evolution of the new settings in Pakistan;

Like the late Khashoggi, if people in Pakistan between 2018-2022 have not been killed, they have been disallowed to practice their profession The period under discussion has drawn different inputs from the cross

How India's Hindu nationalists are weaponizing history against Muslims

d i , ” b u t i t n o w s o u n d s l i ke w i s h f u l t h i n k i n g

TIME MAGAZINE

au d R e y t R u S C h k e

ABOUT a month ago, a video emerged of an Indian teacher telling students to slap a 7-year-old classmate The boy had gotten his multiplication tables wrong but his real crime was being an Indian Muslim India used to be a secular democracy but its current leader, Narendra Modi of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), advances a radically different vision Modi wants India to become a Hindu nation in which India’s religious minorities (about 20% of the population) are secondclass citizens and Muslims especially (about 14% of Indians) are compelled to accept increasing majoritarian violence Indeed, stories of terrorizing Indian Muslims have become depressingly common in Modi’s India, with human rights groups documenting rising violence with each passing year International groups such as Freedom House and V-Dem consider India only partly free and an electoral autocracy owing to the sharp decline of human and civil rights

The BJP has always considered Muslims to be less Indian than Hindus The political party was formed in 1980 as an offshoot of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) an allmale paramilitary organization founded in 1925 and modeled on Italian fascist groups such as Mussolini s Blackshirts Both the BJP and RSS view India as a nation for Hindus, by Hindus, and seek to coalesce and mobilize a Hindu identity that historically was porous and varied

Early Hindu nationalist leaders endorsed violence against Indian Muslims For example in December 1938 mere weeks after Kristallnacht the Hindu nationalist leader V D Savarkar declared that Muslims who oppose

Hindu interests will have to play the part of German-Jews ” The RSS’s second leader, M S Golwalkar, proclaimed that Germany’s “purging the country of the semitic Race - the Jews” is “a good lesson for us in Hindusthan to learn and profit by Such genocidal calls remain current today In 2021 a Hindu nationalist leader urged his followers to be prepared to kill millions of Indian Muslims Watchdog groups, including Genocide Watch and Early Warning (a project of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum) caution that signs of genocide are already manifest in India Modi is a lifelong member of the RSS Before he became India s Prime Minister in 2014 he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, a state which, during his watch in 2002, saw India s worst communal riots since partition leaving at least 1,000 people dead, most of them Muslim This earned him international rebuke including a 2005 U S travel ban and notoriety at home as an anti-Muslim strongman

That reputation helped propel Modi and the BJP to victory in India s 2014 general election After five years of rising Hindu nationalist violence against Indian Muslims, Modi led the BJP to another election win in 2019 Although many Indians including many Hindus oppose the BJP it currently enjoys unprecedented power to reshape India

TEXTBOOK WARS

A key piece of the BJP s agenda involves twisting history to demonize Muslims, and Hindu nationalists often zero-in on the Mughals, a dynasty that ruled parts of northern and central India during its heyday from about 1560 to 1720

Chief among Hindu nationalist disinformation about the Mughals are that these kings fuelled Hindu-Muslim conflict a phenomenon that largely developed during British colonial rule

(1757–1947) By vilifying earlier Indian kings, the British deflected attention from their exploitative and harmful colonial enterprise

Contemporary Hindu nationalists follow

British colonial ideas regarding Indian history but they go further in attacking the Mughals

Sometimes Hindu nationalists falsely accuse the Mughals of committing a genocide Other times they falsely malign the Mughals as colonialists, which depicts them and by extension all Muslims today as a foreign threat to India Hindu nationalists have in turn attacked the Taj Mahal as a Mughal-built monument omitting it from tourist booklets and promoting the conspiracy theory that it used to be a Shiva Temple They have removed parts of Mughal history from school textbooks This renders many Indian children ignorant of key parts of their own history including that the Mughals built a multicultural empire patronized Hindu and Muslim religious groups and relied on Hindu elites known as Rajputs to rule Hindu nationalists have also razed historical mosques Most prominently, in 1992, a Hindu mob illegally destroyed an early 16th-century Mughal mosque in Ayodhya a town in northern India In 2020 Modi laid the foundation stone for a modern temple to the Hindu god Ram atop the mosque s ruins When completed Ayodhya s Ram Temple will embody the heady mix of anti-Muslim iconoclasm and Hindu triumphalism that is core to the BJP’s vision After having students hit their 7-yearold Muslim classmate the Indian teacher stated defiantly: “I do not regret my act; people are with me Indeed over the past decade Indian Muslims have been subjected to violent and often deadly assaults by India s Hindu majority for praying, marrying across religious lines, celebrating holidays, eating beef, protesting government policies, reporting on Hindu nationalism, and more Many used to take comfort in the aphorism that “India is not Modi but it now sounds like wishful thinking As the BJP s agenda continues and Indian democracy erodes we will likely see more attacks on religious minorities, especially Muslims, in both India s past and present

Audrey Truschke is a professor of South Asian history at Rutgers University

Here the murder in Kenya of a journalist highly critical of the post-April 2022 coalition directly confirms the loss of space The recent prolonged absence of another journalist formerly aligned with the 20182022 hybrid set up and obviously critical of the post-April 2022 situation indicates that raw information and raw editorial comment might be a luxury of the past Writing an obituary for a journalist who worked in a foreign land was part of the system in place; rather his discourse was more of sincere advice than a call for rebellion makes a perfect context when commenting on the trends over all Journalists in the post WW2 nation states are civil society opinion makers, reflecting to the civilian and military bureaucracy, the pulse of the street They are doing the feedback work more articulately than the salaried intelligence services sleuths are The evolving state structure behavior patterns across the region; with incompetent states and organs unwilling to listen to dissent are the red flags for the states themselves For many fallen correspondents, editors, forcible removal from the scene can best be called a desperate act Free flow of information is a strength of a just system The behaviour to the contrary suggests otherwise It is high time that states evolve genuine dialogue with the ruled populace rather than a few songs on the occasion or a few embedded correspondents taking rides in Italian-built AW 139s Dialogue is the wanting factor; irrespective of the best treatises written by the best of legal minds; as printed scripture cannot undo the status quo; but a dialogue can!

The writer is a freelance columnist

How the West uses the Nobel Peace Prize to ad vance politic al agenda

O

IN a highly politicized move, the Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize 2023 to a female Iranian prisoner jailed for her anti-establishment activism The prisoner Narges Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her activities against the alleged oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all, according to a statement by the Nobel Committee Mohammadi is known for her cooperation with anti-revolutionary elements and has been jailed mainly for her incitement to regime change in Iran She is currently serving her prison term in Tehran The decision to award Mohammadi the Nobel Prize comes in continuation of efforts to elevate her to a national leader in the alleged fight for freedom in Iran She is the symbol of what it means to be a freedom fighter in Iran Berit Reiss-Andersen Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said immediately after the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize 2023 to Narges Mohammadi This is not the first time the Nobel Committee has allocated this prize to suspicious Iranian elements In 2003, Shirin Ebadi was awarded the same prize, turning her into a prominent opposition figure working to achieve regime change in Iran But while the Nobel Prize for other science fields – which rarely goes to non-Western figures- may enjoy some credibility the Nobel Peace Prize is a highly politicized award with a history of being used to advance Western political agenda against governments opposing the Western hegemony This is one of the reasons why many of the Nobel Peace awards stirred major controversies Also, the process of selecting Nobel Prize laureates has been criticized by critics as being vague and non-transparent The Nobel Foundation prohibits disclosing information on the nominations and deliberation process for the next 50 years after winning according to Al-Jazeera The selection process has at times been marred by accusations of sexism racism and the award committee being Eurocentric

In addition, the award has been criticized for its premature or faulty understanding of peace or for being politically motivated For example, some of the Nobel Peace laureates have later been criticized for committing acts that violate human rights The Nobel Prize has also been marred by evidence that it has closely been linked to CIA-led political campaigns against foreign governments U S documents revealed nearly a decade ago the CIA printed Russian-language copies of Boris Pasternak s Nobel-winning novel Doctor Zhivago during the Cold War in an attempt to sow unrest among Soviet citizens according to the Guardian Conversely the Nobel Committee has refrained from awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to people who might have deserved it Critics have pointed to the case of Mahatma Gandhi, the legendary leader of the Indian independence movement Geir Lundestad, the ex-director of the Nobel Institute admitted in 2006 that that was the greatest omission in the prize s history According to Lundestad Gandhi was shortlisted five times (twice before World War II then in 1946 1947 and 1948) but the committee s Euro-centric viewpoint and its failure to support national liberation struggles in colonies prevented Gandhi from receiving the award, according to the Business Standard

How generative AI is boosting the spread of disinformation and propaganda

In a new repor t, Freedom House documents the ways governments are now using the tech to amplify censorship

ARTIFICIAL intelligence has turbocharged state efforts to crack down on internet freedoms over the past year Governments and political actors around the world in both democracies and autocracies are using AI to generate texts, images, and video to manipulate public opinion in their favor and to automatically censor critical online content In a new report released by Freedom House a human rights advocacy group researchers documented the use of generative AI in 16 countries to sow doubt smear opponents or influence public debate

The annual report, Freedom on the Net, scores and ranks countries according to their relative degree of internet freedom, as measured by a host of factors like internet shutdowns laws limiting online expression and retaliation for online speech The 2023 edi-

tion released on October 4 found that global internet freedom declined for the 13th consecutive year driven in part by the proliferation of artificial intelligence Internet freedom is at an all-time low, and advances in AI are actually making this crisis even worse,” says Allie Funk, a researcher on the report Funk says one of their most important findings this year has to do with changes in the way governments use AI though we are just beginning to learn how the technology is boosting digital oppression Funk found there were two primary factors behind these changes: the affordability and accessibility of generative AI is lowering the barrier of entry for disinformation campaigns and automated systems are enabling governments to conduct more precise and more subtle forms of online censorship

DISINFORMATION AND DEEPFAKES

As generative AI tools grow more sophisticated, political actors are continuing to deploy the technology to amplify disinfor-

mation Venezuelan state media outlets for example spread pro-government messages through AI-generated videos of news anchors from a nonexistent international English-language channel; they were produced by Synthesia, a company that produces custom deepfakes And in the United States, AImanipulated videos and images of political leaders have made the rounds on social media Examples include a video that depicted President Biden making transphobic comments and an image of Donald Trump hugging Anthony Fauci In addition to generative AI tools, governments persisted with older tactics, like using a combination of human and bot campaigns to manipulate online discussions At least 47 governments deployed commentators to spread propaganda in 2023 double the number a decade ago And though these developments are not necessarily surprising, Funk says one of the most interesting findings is that the widespread accessibility of

generative AI can undermine trust in verifiable facts As AI-generated content on the internet becomes normalized it s going to allow for political actors to cast doubt about reliable information, says Funk It s a phenomenon known as liar s dividend, in which wariness of fabrication makes people more skeptical of true information, particularly in times of crisis or political conflict

when false information can run rampant For example in April 2023 leaked recordings of Palanivel Thiagarajan a prominent Indian official, sparked controversy after they showed the politician disparaging fellow party members And while Thiagarajan denounced the audio clips as machine generated independent researchers determined that at least one of the recordings was authentic CHATBOTS AND CENSORSHIP Authoritarian regimes, in particular, are using AI to make censorship more widespread and effective Freedom House researchers documented

22 countries that passed laws requiring or incentivizing internet platforms to use machine learning to remove unfavorable online speech Chatbots in China, for example, have been programmed not to answer questions about Tiananmen Square And in India, authorities in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration ordered YouTube and Twitter to restrict access to a documentary about violence during Modi s tenure as chief minister of the state of Gujarat which in turn encourages the tech companies to filter content through AI-based moderation tools In all, a record high of 41 governments blocked websites for political, social and religious speech last year which “speaks to the deepening of censorship around the world says Funk Iran suffered the biggest annual drop in Freedom House s rankings after authorities shut down internet service, blocked WhatsApp and Instagram, and increased surveillance after historic antigovernment protests in fall 2022 Myanmar and China have the most restrictive internet censorship according to the report a title China has held for nine consecutive years

WORLD REACTS TO SURPRISE ATTACK BY HAMAS ON ISRAEL

ways call for restraint, he said

Frequent US-China high-level interactions rekindle hopes but uncer tainties remain

TH E Palestinian Islamist group

Hamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in years on Saturday in a surprise assault that combined gunmen crossing into several Israeli towns with a heavy barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip Israel said it was on a war footing and began its own strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza with Israeli media reporting gunbattles between bands of Palestinian fighters and security forces in southern Israel

Here is reaction to the attack from around the world

GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF

SCHOLZ: “Terrifying news reaches us today from #Israel We are deeply shocked by the rocket fire from Gaza and the escalating violence Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands by Israel, Scholz said on social media

FRENCH PRESIDENT EM-

MANUEL MACRON: Macron said on Saturday that he strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel

I express my full solidarity with the victims and their families and those close to them Macron wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter

SAUDI ARABIA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY: The ministry called for an “immediate cessation of violence” between Israel and the Palestinians the state news agency reported

We are following the unprecedented developments between a number of Palestinian factions and Israel occupation forces which has led to a high level of violence on a number of fronts”

EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: Egypt warned of grave consequences

from an escalation in tensions between Israel and the Palestinians in a statement from the foreign ministry carried by the state news agency t called for exercising maximum restraint and avoiding exposing civilians to further danger

BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER

JAMES CLEVERLY: “The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians The UK will always support Israel s right to defend itself, Foreign Minister James Cleverly said in a social media post

URSULA VON DER LEYEN, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION: “I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel It is terrorism in its most despicable form Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks, she posted on X

EUROPEAN UNION FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF JOSEP BORRELL:

“We follow with anguish the news coming from #Israel We unequivocally con-

Washington expels two Russian diplomats

WASHINGTON

A G E N C I E S

The United States said it was expelling two Russian diplomats, a retaliatory step after Moscow kicked out two Americans last month

“In response to the Russian Federation’s specious expulsion of two US embassy Moscow diplomats the State Department reciprocated by declaring persona non grata two Russian embassy officials operating in the United States a State Department spokesperson said Russia said last month that it was expelling two US diplomats for liaising with Robert Shonov, a Russian citizen who had formerly worked at the US consulate in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok

After a previous reduction of diplomats Shonov started working as a contractor and the United States says he was hired for routine monitoring of publicly available Russian media Russia arrested him in August on charges of passing along what it called confidential information on Ukraine The State Department “will not tolerate the Russian government’s pattern of harassment of our diplomats” the spokesperson said

The Department s actions send a clear message that unacceptable actions against our embassy personnel in Moscow will have consequences Relations between the United States and Russia have deteriorated sharply since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine last year

The United States has said it sees no point in seniorlevel talks except on isolated issues such as arranging swaps of prisoners Even before the war the US diplomatic presence in Russia had been sharply reduced after a decree by President Vladimir Putin limiting the hiring of local staff, with Russians seeking US visas often obliged to go to embassies in third countries

Asian Games produces 15 world records, $84 million in ticket revenue

ISLAMABAD

The 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou east China s Zhejiang Province, will come to an end on Sunday So far, there have been 15 world records broken, according to the organizing committee, which held a summary press conference on Saturday morning

A total of 11 830 athletes from 45 countries and regions have come to China to participate in the competitions of 481 events across 61 disciplines in 40 sports including nine non-Olympic sports In addition to the 15 world records, the athletes also set 28 Asian records and 150 Asian Games records by Friday night (October 6) The Asian Games in Hangzhou includes the most events, the most participants and went through the most complicated organizing work in Asian Games history ” Zhu Qi’nan a spokesperson for the organizing committee said at the press conference It may also be one of the most complicated multi-sport events in the world Both the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day of China are being celebrated during the Asian Games,” another spokesperson, Mao Genhong, said “The two holidays bring more attention to the Asian Games ”

demn the attacks by Hamas This horrific violence must stop immediately Terrorism and violence solve nothing Borrell posted on X

TURKISH PRESIDENT TAYYIP ER-

DOGAN: We call for restraint from all parties, Erdogan said at a congress for his ruling AK Party in Ankara “They must refrain from aggressive acts ” he said

DUTCH PRIME MINISTER MARK

RUTTE: Just spoke with Prime Minister @netanyahu about the unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel I told him that the Netherlands unequivocally condemns this terrorist violence and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself,” Rutte said on social media

RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MIN-

ISTER MIKHAIL BOGDANOV: Russia is in contact with Israel the Palestinians and Arab countries in connection with the escalation of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, the Interfax news agency reported citing Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov It goes without saying that we al-

WORLD CUP 2023

HEZBOLLAH: The Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, an arch foe of Israel issued a statement on Saturday saying it was closely following the situation in Gaza and was in direct contact with the leadership of the Palestinian resistance

Following events involving Gaza militants who fired a barrage of rockets into Israel, the statement added that it was a “decisive response to Israel’s continued occupation and a message to those seeking normalisation with Israel

UKRAINIAN FOREIGN MIN-

ISTRY: Ukraine strongly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks against the civilian population in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv ” the ministry said on X “We express our support for Israel in its right to defend itself and its people

POLISH FOREIGN MINISTER

ZBIGNIEW RAU: I strongly condemn Hamas ongoing attacks on Israel

This baseless aggression and acts of violence, especially against civilians, are unacceptable Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these terrible events Rau wrote on X

CZECH PRESIDENT PETR PAVEL:

The attack conducted from the Gaza Strip is a deplorable act of terrorism against the State of Israel and the civilian population ” Pavel said in a statement

“The rocket attacks and the infiltration of Hamas commandos into Israel will block any efforts for a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for a long time

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed a trip to the Czech Republic a long-time Israel ally following the hostilities a statement from the Czech presidential office said

India receives threat to blow up Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

An email threatening to kill Indian Prime Minister Modi and blow up the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was received by Mumbai police on Thursday in the midst of the ICC Men s World Cup that India is currently hosting

The email demanded the Indian government to pay 5 billion Indian rupees and release notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi who is now detained in Delhi’s Mandoli jail according to Hindustan Times

The email continued to reveal that the group that sent the email had already organised people to carry out the assaults

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), who reportedly received the threat letter from Europe subsequently alerted the Mumbai police according to the police

We have received the email from the NIA which has alerted all concerned agencies in other places as well

We also got the email ID from which the NIA got the email and are trying to trace that as well and prima facie it seems that the mail has come from Europe ” a police officer said

The police officer noted that they

have initiated a manhunt for the sender and will review and step up security at all cricket events if necessary He also suspected the message to be a prank or malicious play by someone sitting in a foreign nation, the report added

The police officer added that the message appears to be a hoax or mischief played by someone sitting in a foreign country but they have still launched the manhunt for the sender and the security of all cricket matches will be reviewed and beefed up if required

The email sent to the NIA read: We will blow up Narendra Modi and the Narendra Modi stadium as well if the government fails to pay us ₹500 crore and release Lawrence Bishnoi

Everything sells in Hindustan so we too have bought something No matter how much you secure, you won t be able to remain safe from us If you wish to talk, do so on this email ”

A case has been already registered against Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who had threatened to attack the World Cup matches He had even threatened to take revenge for Shaheed Nijar s assassination three weeks ago

With more frequent high-level interactions between the US and China taking place and a bipartisan US Senate delegation planning to vist China in the coming days some Chinese experts said on Friday that whether US-China relations will truly warm up due to the recent communications and exchanges between officials of different levels and across various fields requires continued observation

This also shows that current US-China ties are still in an uncertain status but positive factors are increasing they noted In a press briefing on Thursday local time the White House expressed its support for a planned visit by a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to China, Japan and South Korea next week

Asked about the upcoming trip, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that “we support certainly their engagement in the region Schumer has repeatedly urged the US to take a harder line on China and urged lawmakers earlier this year to begin new legislation aimed at addressing concerns about the world s second biggest economy, Reuters reported on Tuesday The trip will follow visits by a series of Biden administration officials including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in August

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that China welcomes Schumer s visit to China hoping that it will contribute to a more objective understanding of China in the US Congress, increase dialogue and communication between the legislatures of the two countries, and add positive factors to the growth of China-US relations

I believe that both sides will make some progress in the legislative exchanges that have been troubling their relationship as many of the restrictive measures in the US policy toward China originate from US legislation, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday

Therefore close communication and exchanges between the top legislative bodies of the two countries can help avoid a situation where the foundational stability of the bilateral relationship is substantially undermined, Li said Schumer s trip to China will be the first congressional vist to the country in four years, which also reflects some “new characteristics” in the latest high-level interactions between the two countries said some experts who believe that the US Congress has been following in the steps of the Biden administration in enhancing interactions with China

CORPORATE CORNER PAKISTAN REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL , STABLE SOUTH ASIA DESPITE THREATS

RUDA/CBD CEO pledges to set up state-of-art Mass Transit System in Lahore

LAHORE: Minister of transport Mr Ibrahim Hassan Murad, visited the CBD headquarters and held extensive discussions on matters related to connectivity of Punjab mass transit system with the transit plans of RUDA and CBD He appreciated the transport and transit plans of both the authorities He further stated that due to hyper inflation price hikes, petroleum price variations and an overall dip in economic activity the solution to public mobility is affordable and people friendly mass transit systems During briefing session the contours of RUDA transit plan basing on nine precincts with extensive primary secondary and tertiary roads network with 300 feet right of way at main nodes was elaborately explained with inclusions of transport technology, transport corridors, expected corridor densities and the rider stipulations PR

Indian SC ’s verdic t on status of K ashmir to have no consequences on its disputed nature: IPS forum

I

A

D: The burning Kashmir issue should be seen as an international armed conflict and a matter of illegal occupation annexation and settler colonialism and all unilateral actions by the Indian government or court verdict to legitimize them have no legal standing in the eyes of the UN, the world community and international law This was discussed during the 22nd meeting of the Institute of Policy Studies’ Working Group on Kashmir (IPS-WGK) a body of experts and opinion leaders on Kashmir affairs under the title Article 370 in the Indian Supreme Court: Arguments, Outcomes & the Way Forward The hybrid session, chaired by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, was addressed by Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman IPS, Sheikh Abdul Mateen special representative of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chairman Masarrat Alam Bhat Dr Asma Shakir Khawaja executive director Centre of International Studies (CISS) Muzaffarabad, AJK, Iftikhar Gillani, senior Kashmiri journalist based in Ankara, Ambassador (r) Ishtiaq Hussain Andrabi, Advocate Imran Shafiq international law expert Advocate Nasir Qadri executive director Legal Forum for Kashmir (LFK) Dr Sheikh Waleed Rasool

Kashmiri academician and activist Dr Khurram Abbas, director, India Study Centre, Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), Reema Shoukat, communication strategist, Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), among others, and moderated by Farzana Yaqoob former AJ&K minister and general secretary IPS-WGK PR

ICCI c alls for better development of Blue Area to boost trade ac tivities

I S L A M A B A D: Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said that Blue Area is the largest commercial centre of Islamabad which plays an important role in the development of the economy and stressed that the CDA should focus on its better development to facilitate the growth of trade activities He said this while talking to a delegation of Traders Welfare Association Blue Area Islamabad that visited ICCI led by its President Raja

Hassan Akhtar and congratulated ICCI Office Bearers for one year s extension in their tenure Ahsan Bakhtawari said that parking is the most serious issue of the Blue Area and CDA should allow parking of vehicles on the green area of Fazal Haq Road till the construction of a parking plaza is materialized He said that ICCI intends to organize a mega shopping festival in the Blue Area in collaboration with TWA Blue Area to boost trade activities and enable customers to get a chance of shopping at affordable rates Raja Hassan Akhtar, President, Traders Welfare Association Blue Area highlighted the important issues of traders of his market He said that the non-availability of parking the old sewage system and non-functional street lights are the main issues of the Blue Area and stressed that the CDA should address them on an urgent basis He stressed that CDA should set up a flower market in Blue Area besides pruning trees He demanded that the CDA should set up a food street in the Blue Area, which is the need of the hour for the traders and citizens PR

AT the United Nations Pakistan has reaffirmed that despite continuing threats it remains committed to the goal of a peaceful and stable South Asia

Pakistan’s permanent representative to UN offices in Geneva, Khalil Hashmi expressed the resolve while speaking at the General Assembly s First Committee that deals with disarmament and international security matters

He said over the past quarter century, Pakistan has proposed a number of initiatives to promote peace and security and prevent the emergence of nuclear weapons in South Asia

Referring to the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Khalil Hashmi warned that India’s continued repression of Kashmiris right to self-determination in defiance of the Security Council resolutions poses a grave threat to regional and international peace and security

He said strategic stability is also threatened by India as it continues to receive abundant supply of conventional and nonconventional weaponry as well as new sensitive technologies and platforms The Pakistani envoy reaffirmed the need for equitable and balanced disarmament measures that ensure each State’s right to security, with no individual State or group of States gaining advantages over others

People of all faiths enjoy complete religious freedom in Pakistan: Aneeq Ahmed

PESHAWAR

A P P

Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter faith harmony, Aneeq Ahmed here Saturday that there was a complete religious freedom in Pakistan and followers of all schools of faiths were free to perform religious obligations as per their beliefs

He said Islam was a religion of peace, brotherhood and strongly prohibit bloodshed, extremism and terrorism

The Minister was addressing Religious Interfaith Harmony Conference here at a local hotel attended by KP Caretaker Religious Minister Justice (r) Arshad Hussain, Khateeb Masjid Mohabat Khan Tayyab Qureshi leaders of different faiths including Islam

Hindu Sikh Christian and others

Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed said the conference was an important event where representatives and leaders of different schools of thoughts came together to promote and broader understanding about mutual coexistence peace tolerance and cooper-

ation for the benefit of people

He said the leaders of all faiths have already announced that there was no room for terrorism and militancy in Pakistan and have strongly condemned Mastung Hangu and others terrorists attacks

The people of Pakistan have strongly rejected terrorism in all forms and manifestation and all institutions were working together to wipe out menace of terrorism

The Minister said great responsibilities rest on shoulders of religious scholars to promote message of brotherhood, unity, interfaith harmony, compassion and mutual coexistence imperative for a prosperous society

H e s a i d t h e H o l y P r o p h e t Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as R e h m a t u l L i l A a l a m i n a n d H i s life was a beacon of light for entire humanity

He said youth are future of Pakistan and urged ulema and religious scholars to educate them about the teaching of holy Quran and Seerah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in its true perspectives

Aneeq Ahmed said he was standing before participants of the

confernce today with a deep sense of gratitude and hope as we were gathered here to work with unity for progress and prosperity of Pakistan

It is a privilege to witness the unity and diversity that define the world s religious landscape Pakistan give equal rights to all minorities and they are living peacefully here As the world that often seems divided conferences like these serve as beacon of hope said the minister

The minister reminded that despite differences in beliefs, rituals, and practices, there is a commonality of kindness, empathy and respect that binds us together

He said each religion has its unique teachings and traditions offering a pathway to a meaningful life and a deeper connection with the divine but all are against terrorism and condemn terrorists attacks in Pakistan

However it is essential to acknowledge that sometimes these differences have led to misunderstandings and conflicts Therefore it is our moral duty as leaders and representatives of differnt faiths to work towards interfaith harmony and mutual coexistence

Isolated heav y fall expec ted in K ashmir, Pothohar region, Mansehra, Abbottabad

ISLAMABAD A P P Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated chances of isolated heavy fall in Kashmir Pothohar region, Mansehra and Abbottabad during the next 24 hours

The PMD also warned the risk of land sliding in Dir Swat Chitral Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir

on Monday According to the synoptic situation, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country A shallow westerly wave was present over northern areas of the country Dry weather is likely to prevail over most parts of the country while hot in southern areas

However partly cloudy weather with rain-wind/thunder-

storms is expected at isolated places in Gilgit Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

During the last 24 hours, dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country and hot in southern parts

However 01 mm of rain was recorded in Balakot and Gupis

The highest temperatures recorded were Shaheed Benazirabad Sibbi 42 C and Turbat 41 C

HESCO recovers Rs1,879.3m from major cities during crackdown: S pokesman

HYDERABAD

I N P

The Hyderabad Electric Supply company (HESCO) has claimed to have collected an amount of 3 590 005 million rupees since the launch of the campaign against power theft and illegal connections in the region on September 7 2023 and out of which around 3 553 0032 million rupees were recovered from defaulters, while 41 8 million rupees were collected on account of penalties

According to Hesco spokesperson Saadik Kubar, significant amounts have also been collected from major cities of the region during this campaign amounting to a grand total of 1 879 3 million rupees

On Friday he added that collections of 81 million rupees were received from major cities of the region in-

Mehmoodur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhar y remanded in judicial c ustody

cluding 58 5 million from Hyderabad, 12 8 million from Nawabshah and 9 The spokesperson however disclosed that a total of 150 9 million rupees was recovered yesterday from the whole region 8 transformers were removed and power was disconnected from 38 transformers for the dues of 76 013 million rupees Kubar further informed that during this drive, 4 transformers were removed from the Hyderabad Circle, 1 from the Larkana Circle 1 from the Nawabshah Circle and 2 from Mirpur Khas Circle A total of 251 transformers have been removed and electricity has been disconnected from 1 110 transformers since the beginning Hesco authorities submitted 1,219 letters to relevant police stations against power thieves for registration of FIRs, apart from those 413 cases were registered leading to the arrest of 45 power thieves

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday sent PTI leaders Mian Mehmood-ul-Rasheed and Ejaz Chaudhary on judicial remand in a case related to the burning of a container at Lahore Kalma Chowk The court approved 14 days judicial remand of PTI leaders and scheduled their next appearance for October 21 It is pertinent to mention here that violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9 I N P

Police seize Iranian diesel from coach in S hahdadkot

SHAHDADKOT: Local police seized 1100 litres of Iranian diesel from a passenger coach here and arrested two accused Shahdadkot s A-Section police personnel seized 1100 litres of smuggled Iranian diesel from a passenger coach during checking at Qubo Road officials said

RDA seals eight illegal commercial proper ties in Civil Lines area

RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on the directives of the Director General (DG), Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa here on Saturday carried out an operation against illegal and unauthorized commercial use of residential buildings and sealed eight properties in Civil

J. collaborates with Turkish ac tor Burak Ozcivit for launch of new fragrance ‘Ruler

’

K A R A C H I: J one of Pakistan s most prominent lifestyle brands launched a new fragrance in collaboration with international star Burak Ozcivit, best known for his leading role in the worldrenowned series “Kurulus: Osman” The event was star-studded set off by elaborate floral décor with Burak and the masterminds’ behinds J unveiling the new fragrance which has been named Ruler An exclusive crowd of guests attended the event eager to meet the popular star and get a first look at the exciting new fragrance J is a premium brand which was established in 2002 and has since then, expanded its reach across Pakistan as well as globally The brand’s more than 150 outlets in Pakistan alone are testament to its popularity and positioning as the country s largest retail brand Globally J at present has more than 30 outlets spread out across the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar PR

Capital police conduc t examination of promotion List A-1

Following the special orders of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, examination of promotion List A-1 was held at Police Line Headquarters a police public relations officer said He said that an examination board consisting of principal Capital Police College and other officers under the chairmanship of CPO Law and Order/Commandant Capital Police College conducted the examination A security program was issued and foolproof security arrangements were made on the inside and outside sides of the ground All the candidates were given a good environment arrangement for their seating DSP Capital Police College encouraged all the candidates before the commencement of the examination and addressed them and said that any kind of support material, mobile phone etc should be handed over to the administration immediately if any later If such a thing comes to notice strict legal action will be taken against the concerned A regular board has been constituted for the examination under the supervision of CPO Law and Order/Commandant Capital Police College, who will conduct all matters related to the examination while maintaining transparency PR

National Institute of Maritime Affairs convenes 8th special meeting of Advisor y Board

GOVT COMMITTED TO BOLSTERING DISASTER MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES: PM K AK AR

Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that mindful of Pakistan s susceptibility to disasters and the grim specter of climate change while the government was resolutely committed to bolstering the disaster management capabilities enacting requisite legislation promoting governance that was attuned to risk, erecting resilient infrastructure, and above all, fostering adaptability Disaster Management System in Pakistan was witnessing a transition from a reactive to a proactive approach which signified a crucial shift in how they collectively responded to unforeseen crises, the prime minister said in a message on the occasion of “National Resilience Day”, being observed on October 8

“I believe that the National Resilience Day will inspire the people of Pakistan to not only deepen their understanding of disaster risk management but also share the vital message of readiness, resilience, fortitude, and self-sufficiency,” he added

He said previously the focus was primarily on reacting to emergencies after they occurred often resulting in significant loss of life and property

However, with advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of natural phenomena, Pakistan was moving towards a proactive approach he said adding this involved establishment of a modern National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) at NDMA NEOC had the capacity to create common operating picture enabled by multiple satellite feeds, software, Artificial Intelligence tools that would strengthen digital risk assessment early warning systems and preparedness strategies he observed The caretaker prime minister further said Alhamdulillah, today, we have a robust institutional structure for disaster management in the form of NDMA and PDMAs

Employees working on KP developmental projects still await salaries

PESHAWAR A Z I Z B U N E R I

Despite the passage of three months in the fiscal year, majority of employees working on developmental projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are still awaiting their salaries

Provincial Administrative departments are blaming the Finance Department and Planning & Development for the delay Due to the administrative crisis in KP, most employees working on developmental projects have been deprived of their salaries for a continuous three months While the provincial government has released funds for all developmental projects officials in administrative departments are dragging their feet when it comes to disbursing salaries leaving employees without compensation for the months of July, August, and September

The KP government had approved a four-month budget for expenditure The decision was made to ensure that salaries for all employees working on developmental projects would be disbursed

policy

Cop mar t yred, another injured in Buner IED blast

fires – exacting a toll on the precious lives as well as billions of dollars lost to infrastructure, the prime minister said On this day, he said, they aimed to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of climate change-induced disasters with a special focus on disaster resilience Last year once again he said Pakistan bore the brunt of a climate-induced catastrophe in the form of unprecedented floods

We now, need to strengthen the Disaster Management system at the district level to evolve as the actual implementing bodies of Disaster Risk Reduction policy and plans at the local level

He said National Resilience Day was marked on 8th October as a solemn tribute to the indomitable spirit of the people of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, who had borne the brunt of harrowing disasters

“It serves as a stark reminder that we reside in a region profoundly susceptible to calamities Pakistan ranks as one of the most vulnerable countries declared by the Climate Risk Index We have witnessed a series of natural catastrophes in the shape of earthquakes, floods, GLOF events, scorching heatwaves and forest

The province of Sindh and parts of the province of Balochistan suffered the most One-third of the country was submerged with a toll staggering over 1700 precious lives lost 12867 injured and 33 million lives forever altered, he said, adding over a million valued livestock perished, and four million acres of vital crops lie ruined The communication grid lay in tatters The federal and provincial governments working in unionism marshaled every resource within grasp – financial, administrative, and organizational – for the rescue and relief of their affected citizens, the caretaker prime minister added “Let us move forward with determination resolve and a shared vision of a stronger more resilient Pakistan Together we shall not only weather this storm but emerge from it stronger and more united than even before Together, we shall not only endure, but prevail,” he emphasised

ATC grants bail to PTI’s Haleem Adil Sh, Raja A zhar in May 9 case

KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T

An Anti-Terrorism Court on Saturday granted bail to PTI leaders – Haleem Adil Shaikh and Raja Azhar in May 09 rioting incidents The court ordered two PTI leaders to submit surety bonds worth Rs100,000 each for availing the bail in rioting and arson incidents on May 09 in Ferozabad police station jurisdiction after arrest of PTI Chairman PTI

The court also extended interim bail of another PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman

The police in its charge sheet alleged Haleem Adil Shaikh, the former leader of opposition in Sindh Assembly of rioting arson and other offences The ATC adjourned further hearing of the case till October 23 Haleem Adil has been on judicial remand in jail in a case registered in Mubeena Town police station Violent protests erupted across the country after arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan from Islamabad High Court by the paramilitary force Rangers in Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9

KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T

Admiral Naveed Ashraf assumed the role of the 23rd naval chief of staff during the change of command ceremony in Islamabad on Saturday The outgoing service chief, Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi, formally handed over command to the new naval chief

In his farewell address the outgoing chief congratulated Admiral Ashraf for taking command and highlighted the admiral s distinguished career He expressed confidence that the admiral would prove to be a capable and worthy successor who would lead the Pakistan Navy to new heights

Niazi further added that the Pakistan Navy stands as a strong and vital component of the country’s armed forces, capable of safeguarding our maritime frontiers

He stressed that Pakistan values collaboration in matters of maritime security

The outgoing naval chief also pointed out that as India transitions into Bharat, there will likely be “increased fundamentalism, extremism, and bigotry in our neighbourhood ” This implies a significant agenda focused on warmongering and expansion which will complicate security challenges in the future, he said Hence, the former chief believes in the need for preparedness, professionalism, and unwavering self-esteem in re-

sponding to these challenges

Admiral Ashraf received his commission in the operations branch of the Pakistan Navy in 1989 He is a graduate of the National Defense University in Islamabad the US Naval War College and the UK s Royal College of Defense Studies In recognition of his exceptional professional services and bravery, Ashraf has been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat

During these violent protests the protesters attacked and vandalized important state buildings including security installations

Securit y forces kill two terrorists in Kech District IBO

RAWALPINDI

S TA F F R E P O R T

Security forces killed two terrorists during an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Zerber Kech District of Balochistan Province military’s media wing ISPR said on Saturday

On reported presence of terrorists on night 6/7 October 2023, the ISPR handout said, the security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Zerber, Kech District

“During conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists as a result of which two terrorists were sent to hell A large quantity of equipment and explosives has also been recovered The killed terrorists had been actively involved in multiple terrorist activities against the law enforcement agencies, the statement added “Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area Security forces of Pakistan are committed to thwart efforts of enemies of peace in the country the statement added

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Sirajul Haq on Saturday said that the two families have been dominating the country for a long time and they are now again maneuvering to grab the power, warning that Jamaat will hold those accountable who have stashed their wealth abroad after coming to come to power

In a statement on Saturday the JI chief said that inflation and unemployment have increased due to the wrong policies made during the past five years He regretted that the situation got worst from bad as the caretaker government was still pursuing policies of the previous government He demanded that petroleum price be decreased to 150 rupees per liter after decrease in the value of dollar and oil prices in the global market

Haq said that Jamaat-e-Islami was in the field

t o p r o t e c t t h e r i g h t s o f t h e p e o p l e s a y i n g t h e p r o t e s t m o v e m e n t a g a i n s t i n f l a t i o n a n d i n f l a t e d electricity bills will continue saying a sit-in will be staged in front of the Sindh Governor House in Karachi on October 8

Haq said that Jamaat-e-Islami was struggling to protect the rule of law and the rule of law in the country

He said that we want a clean and transparent election and the Election Commission should give the date of the election and conduct the election in an impartial manner Haq said that Pakistan is the only country in the world that came into existence on the basis of an ideology

He said that the world colonial powers did not a c c e p t i t w h o l e h e a r t e d l y f r o m t h e b e g i n n i n g a n d made it the center of conspiracies Haq said that the economic depression unrest and explosions in the c o u n t r y a r e t h e r e s u l t o f t h e c o n s p i r a c i e s o f t h e colonial powers He said that the ruling elite imposed on the country for years submitted to colonialism instead of the nation and protected the interests of financial institutions and also promoted personal interests Haq said that 30 million children are out of school in Pakistan

He said that the children of rulers are studying in higher institutions abroad and their businesses and families are also living in Europe and America Haq said that the Islamic system is the solution to all problems and only Jamaat-e-Islami can give the system of Quran and Sunnah to the nation He said that the experiences of the last 75 years have proved that martial law and dynasties cannot improve

Kh Asif optimistic about Nawaz Sharif’s becoming PM for 4th time

SIALKOT S TA F F R E P O R T

Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former defence minister Khawaja Asif was optimistic of Nawaz Sharif s becoming the prime minister of Pakistan for fourth time Addressing a press conference in Sialkot on Saturday, he said that the Nawaz Sharif will arrive in Pakistan on October 21 to resolve the issues being faced by the country Khawaja Asif further stated that when the PML-N supremo left the government in 2017 the per unit electricity cost was just 11 rupees and now it was 55 rupees per unit

All the prevailing crises of Pakistan would be resolved when the Nawaz Sharif would take oath as prime minister for the fourth time, he added

The former defence minister was of the view that the PML-N’s supremo wasn’t even named in the Panama Case but still he was disqualified

He informed the former PM would land in Pakistan after visiting a couple of foreign countries

We saved Pakistan from default during our coalition government of 16 months, Asif concluded

SECP issues warning against fraudulent investment schemes by Meilleuretech Services

referred the matter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for a thorough investigation Meilleuretech Services (SMC-Private)

Limited now finds its name on the List of Companies engaged in Unauthorised Activities,” accessible on the SECP’s website This list serves as a comprehensive warning to the public highlighting entities that are prohibited from accepting deposits or investments from individuals and groups

Services (SMC-Private) Limited disqualifying Zeeshan Munir from holding the position of chief executive and director in any company and imposing substantial penalties Furthermore the SECP has

The SECP in its relentless pursuit of protecting investors and maintaining the integrity of the financial market, urges the public to exercise caution and conduct due diligence before investing in any scheme As the regulatory body continues its efforts to eradicate fraudulent activities it remains vigilant against unscrupulous entities ensuring a secure investment environment for all