Epaper_24-02-25 KHI

Food ministr y officials caught clearing 117 metric tons of infested chickpeas

session held on Saturday night Mohammed Moinuddin Riaz from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) emerged as the second-place candidate with a total of 103 votes Earlier six MPAs including Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Shafay Hussain

ATC decides to proceed with May 9 cases against Imran in his absence

in the garrison city further raising the political mercury in the country

The former bureaucrat has since then retracted his allegations while stressing that his actions were carried out with the PTI who had also given him lucrative positions in future

of formation of federal and provincial governments further praying the court to set aside Form 47 of all national and provincial constituencies, prepared in violation of Section 13 (3) of the Election Act 2017

Doubts over the polls were further exacerbated by the revelations made by now-former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha who last week, tendered his resignation out of guilty conscience for abetting large-scale electoral rigging

Meanwhile, former prime minister Imran Khan has also written to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) asking the global lender to hold an audit of the election results before approving any new loan for Islamabad Senator Hollen s letter further underscores that any new government will struggle to bring the nation together without a credible investigation as the country requires a strong government with the people s backing to make difficult but necessary decisions in light of the prevailing economic and security challenges “Respecting the decision of

certificate However, Mr Waleed Mukhtar, the entomologist, entertained the application of expired food shipment and conducted inspection in sheer violation of enforced rules According to the law the shipment was required to be either destroyed or re-shipped from Pakistan in accordance with Rule 46(4) of PPQR by rejecting the request of biosecurity clearance Mr Shahzad Salman, an entomologist, also signed and issued the biosecurity clearance order and Zaamin Enterprises It was later revealed that Waleed Mukhtar did not even draw a sample from the expired food shipment as given in

Provinces spend Rs542b on development projects in 1HF Y24

g M i x e d t r e n d s a c r o s s p r o v i n c e s , S i n d h l e a d s w i t h 1 4 1 % i n c r e a s e i n

PTI’s Faisal Javed asser ts PTI founder would become PM again

P S D P s p e n d i n g g

i n g b y u n k n o w n a s s a i l a n t s n e a r a f l y o v e r c l a i m e d t h e l i f e o f o n e b r o t h e r a n d l e f t a n o t h e r i n j u r e d I n u n r e l a t e d c a s e i n S u r j a n i To w n t w o b r o t h e r s w e r e a l s o i n j u r e d a f t e r a r m e d a t t a c k e r s o p e n e d f i r e o n t h e m T h e p o l i c e a r e c u r r e n t l y i n v e s t i g a t i n g b o t h i n c i d e n t s M u l t i p l e r e p o r t s o f s h o o t o u t s w e r e a l s o

reported in different parts of Karachi including Orangi Town Manghopir in New Karachi and Jamshed Road l e a v i n g t h r e e p e o p l e i n j u r e d A s h o o t i n g n e a r M u h a m m a d S h a h g r a v e y a r d a l s o l e f t o n e p e r s o n i n j u r e d A c c o r d i n g t o l a w e n f o r c e m

proposes char ter of economy among all political par ties

LAHORE

u d h r y S h u j a a t H u s s a i n h a s p r o p o s e d a c h a r t e r o f e c o n o m y a m o n g p o l i t i c a l p a r t i e s C h a u d h r y S h u j a a t s u g g e s t e d t o i n c l u d e t h e o p p o s i t i o n a l o n g w i t h

government parties for

Salman Akram Raja says PTI faced ‘election engineering at deepest level’

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t PTI-backed candidate Barrister Salman Akram Raja has said that the country faces election engineering

the deepest level Responding to a post on X about the PTI’s strategy against alleged rigging, Raja said, “You must understand this is not a situation in which we face rigging at a bunch of polling

Shujaat

Bsaid that the interim set-up was working with diligence to ensure good governance and fulfilled its responsibilities assigned for the

of the country in any way

Ali Mardan said “The provincial government has successfully implemented its strategic initiatives for the provision of health

Ali

“The

Pakistan facing formidable challenges, says Murad Ali Shah

Joint militar y training between Pakistan Army, RSLF at MFFR

the candidate for Sindh Assembly speaker In the Feb 8 general elections held on 130 general seats of the Sindh Assembly, the PPP had secured 87 seats The PPP enjoys a comfortable majority in the house and it doesn’t need support from any other party to get its speaker deputy speaker and chief minister elected

Air

Th e d e c i s i o n t o avo i d a h u g e p e n a l t y p ave s t h e way f o r i t t o b e b u i l t

Fs b e i n g p l a c e d o n U S s a n c t i o n s l i s t s , a n d d i d n t a l l o w t h a t t o s t o p i t s n u c l e a r p r o g r a m m e A t t h e s a m e t i m e P a k i s t a n s t i l l h a s b i t t e r m e m o r i e s o f t h e $ 6 b i ll i o n a w a r d e d t o B a r r i c k G o l d b e c a u s e o f t h e c a n c e l l at i o n o f t h e R e k o D i q m i n i n g l e a s e I t w a s o n l y w i t h s o m e d i ff i c u l t y t h a t t h e m a t t e r w a s s e t t l e d a n d P a ki s t a n g o t o u t o f t h a t p e n a l t y T h i s d e c i s i o n m u s t a l s o b e s e e n i n t h e l i g h t o f t h e r e c e n t e x c h a n g e o f m i s s i l e s b e t w e e n I r a n a n d P a k i s t a n P a k i s t a n a n d I r a n b o t h n e e d e d a w a y t o s h o w t h a t n o r m a l c y w a s b e i n g r es t o r e d T h i s p i p e l i n e i s n o t b i l a t e r a l T h e I r a n - P a ki s t a n p i p e l i n e i s s u p p o s e d t o b e j u s t o n e l e g i n t h e p i p e l i n e l i n k i n g I r a n t o I n d i a A P a k i s t a n - I n d i a p i p e l i n e w o u l d o p e n u p a w h o l e d i ff e r e n t d i m e n s i o n i n t h a t t r o u b l e d r e l a t i o n s h i p H o w e v e r n o w t h a t I n d i a a n d I r a n a r e f a c i n g d i ff i c u l t i e s t h a t m i g h t n o t b e a f a c t o r H o w e v e r, t h e r e i s s t i l l C h i n a t o b e c o n s i d e r e d T h e r e i s a G w a d a r- C h i n a g a s l i n e l i n k , w h i c h d e p e n d s o n I r a n i a n s u p p l y T h e n t h e r e i s t h e p r o s p e c t o f l i q u ef a c t i o n a t G w a d a r a n d s h i p p i n g f r o m t h e r e t o C h i n a P a k i s t a n s o w n n e e d s a r e p r e s e n t l y a b o u t 4 3 0 0 m i l l i o n c u b i c f e e t p e r d a y T h e p i p e l i n e i s p a r t o f a n a g r e e m e n t f o r t h e s u p p l y o f 7 5 0 m i i l i o n O b v i o u s l y t h e p r o j e c t d o e s n o t d e p e n d o n t h i r d p a r t i e s In principle, this is a decision that should have been left to the new government, because it was not merely an economic decision but one involving China India the USA as well However, it is

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit

It was the template now used in all of India

ID o g A r

SEVENTY-SIX years ago, Pakistan emerged on the world stage as a beacon of hope and promise a homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent seeking self-determination and freedom from colonial rule Yet today Pakistan s journey over the decades is marred by disappointment, discontent, and disillusionment It is a story tainted by corrupt politicians, conniving and cowardly officials, and copious foreign interference In 1947 Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule but within a year of the passing of its founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, it fell into the hands of local colonialists, marking the beginning of a tumultuous political landscape and continuous economic crises The fracture of the nation in 1971, with East Pakistan seceding to become Bangladesh shattered the very foundation of the two-nation theory upon which Pakistan was built highlighting deep-seated issues of identity and governance The era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto brought nationalization of industries and the initiation of Pakistan's nuclear program, yet it also ushered in a period of political turmoil and military intervention as Bhutto failed to improve governance and develop institutions Bhutto s ousting and subsequent execution by General Zia ul Haq in 1977 plunged Pakistan into a

dark era of martial law and authoritarian rule for the next ten years Zia's regime, characterized by suppression of dissent and Islamization policies, left a lasting impact on Pakistan s social fabric and political landscape which continues to this date

Since Zia s tenure Pakistan s trajectory has been marked by a series of crises both internal and external largely of its own making Political instability economic turmoil, and security threats have plagued the nation, undermining its potential for progress and prosperity The last few decades have witnessed a precarious balancing act of power dynamics between military establishment and supposedly elected representatives with the entire system of governance and institutions seemingly held hostage to the whims of a select few So far, it has been a story of elite capture where a country and a population of some 250 million people is unable to achieve its true potential

Despite boasting the fifth largest population in the world and possessing nuclear capabilities Pakistan remains mired in poverty and underdevelopment Elite capture of resources and power has perpetuated a system where the majority of the population is marginalized and disenfranchised, trapped in a cycle of poverty and inequality The pervasive influence of the military in politics, coupled with politicians exploiting the army s clout to gain and maintain power has only exacerbated Pakistan's governance woes The central issue plaguing Pakistan s progress is the absence or erosion of the rule of law Rule of law is the cornerstone of any democratic society, ensuring that all individuals and institutions are subject to fair and impartial legal frameworks Without it, corruption flourishes institutions weaken and justice remains elusive In Pakistan the rule of law has been repeatedly undermined by military interventions political interference and institutional decay perpetuating a culture of impunity and injustice If anything, last two years since the ouster of Imran Khan’s government, and what happened afterwards is a testimony to the fact how rotten to the core this system of status quo is Nevertheless amidst this

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

Human Rights Watch in 2002 and Amnesty International in 2003 charged the Gujarat state administration” for involvement in “a massive cover-up of the state’s role in that massacres” and pointed out numerous police officials specifically ministers high officials and leaders of the fundamentalist outfits such as RSS VHP BJP and Bajrang Dal as participants

In this respect, Rana Ayyub in her book, Gujarat Files-Anatomy of A Cover-up and Manoj Mitha in his book, The Fiction of Fact Finding, and Sreekumar in his book Gujarat behind the Curtain have proved Modi’s involvement in the genocide of the Muslims in Gujarat

In this context in an open letter published in The Guardian on 10 April 2014, it was pointed out that even most well-respected international intellectuals of India held Modi as the main culprit behind the massacre of Muslims in Gujarat According to Ashish Nandy The Gujarat pogroms were not just about the number of helpless victims killed (over 3000) and rendered homeless (several hundred thousands) It was about the sheer planning, the brutality, the maniacal genocide that was perpetrated over a population for days on end Narendra Modi did not only shamelessly preside over the riots and act as the chief patron of rioting gangs the vulgarities of his utterances have been a slur on civilised public life If Modi s behaviour till now is not a crime against humanity, what is?

In this connection, following Gujarat riots in 2002 and state collusion, the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) established that the then Gujarat Chief Minister Modi was linked to communal riots in a significant way It also pointed to Modi s ministerial colleague Maya Kodnani s full involvement in the massacre of Muslims Following its findings, the Commission recommended a US visa ban for Modi

Notably a report of the British High Commission in India had said that the programmes in Gujarat had all the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing this massacre was planned, possibly months in advance, carried out by extremist Hindu organisations with the support of the state government headed by Modi ” Meanwhile various investigations failed to reveal the real criminals of Hindu terrorism in

Gujarat, as they were top officials of the Indian government Hence the Supreme Court of India had ordered a fresh probe on 25 March 2008 but the same remains inconclusive due to concealment of evidence against the culprits who are members of the dominating political parties of the country Since the BJP-led Modi became Indian prime minister, covert interference by his regime and by the extremist parties, BJP and RSS have meant the investigations of Gujarat riots have been kept under the carpet

gloom and despair, there still remains a glimmer of hope for Pakistan's future The path to redemption lies in upholding its constitution strengthening the rule of law and nurturing democracy Islamic principles of adl (justice) and insaaf (equity) offer valuable guidance in this endeavor, emphasizing fairness, equality, and accountability in all aspects of governance The only way Pakistan can move forward is for its military establishment to understand and recognize that continued interference in politics will not only further weaken or destroy all the institutions in the country but also weaken the military s own primary role as the protector of the country s borders The way people came out to vote during the recent elections in February 2024 restored some hope but then again not respecting people’s mandate will only lead to disillusionment discontent and despair And who knows how this may turn out in the coming few weeks and months Adherence to the rule of law where no one institution or person is above the law, is not only essential for Pakistan s survival as a federation but also critical for its long-term sustainable economic growth By promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity Pakistan can unlock its true potential harnessing the talents and energies of its diverse population and its resources to build a more prosperous and equitable society If Pakistan fails to address its fundamental and systemic challenges and embrace the principles of justice, fairness and rule of law, it risks descending further into chaos and instability Balkanization and denuclearization loom as real threats posing grave consequences for regional peace and security unless Pakistan reverses the trajectory it is on

The time has come for Pakistan to reclaim its narrative, to chart a course towards a brighter and more prosperous future The journey will be arduous, filled with obstacles and setbacks, but the destination is worth striving for It is for the people of Pakistan to decide what will be their story in the coming decades or will they leave this to the same old set of elites and power brokers

The author is a senior international banker with degrees in economics and political science from University of Pennsylvania and Brown University

Child labour and it’s impact on economy

As Hindu nationalism grows in India, the Modi-led BJP’s policies and practices in Gujarat state have served as a model for systemic, nationwide discrimination against the minorities, especially Muslims. So, keeping Modi’s past and present record, it can be predicted easily that Indian minorities will face further persecution and barbarity at the hands of Hindu extremists and more incidents of Gujarat-like riots will take place, if Modi remains in power

Wheat price

SAjjAD ShAukAt

Deterring Talent Migration

rights and services including healthcare education and employment opportunities

qualifications and enhance their professional skills positioning themselves for success when economic conditions improve

connection to their country, they are more inclined to actively contribute to its advancement This contribution may manifest in efforts to enhance education infrastructure and technological advancements Patriotism serves as the impetus for citizens to defend the core values that define their nation be it democracy, freedom, or justice A robust sense of patriotism acts as a bulwark against internal and external threats to these values, motivating citizens to stand against injustice and work toward positive societal change Whether facing economic downturns natural disasters or other challenges a strong national spirit fosters unity and a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good This collective resilience contributes significantly to a nation's ability to overcome adversity Moreover patriotism promotes the celebration of diversity within a nation emphasizing that people from different backgrounds can unite under a common flag This inclusivity enhances social cohesion, fostering a harmonious and vibrant society

Patriotism also extends to the preservation of a nation's history culture and traditions Citizens who take pride in their heritage are more likely to support efforts aimed at protecting and promoting their unique identity This, in turn, enriches and diversifies the global cultural landscape Additionally, a nation with a patriotic citizenry tends to enjoy a more favorable position in the international arena Strong diplomatic ties and international cooperation are facilitated when a country s people are dedicated to its success enhancing its global standing and contributing to diplomatic initiatives that benefit its citizens

The notion of a homeland holds profound significance in the identity and sense of belonging for individuals globally Nevertheless some individuals for various reasons find themselves without a country to claim as their own The absence of a homeland often results in a significant loss of identity and a feeling of not belonging Nationality closely intertwines with personal identity and the lack of a country can leave individuals adrift

The absence of a homeland can lead to various legal and political obstacles Lack of citizenship restricts access to fundamental

Stateless individuals may find themselves in a legal limbo encountering difficulties in obtaining documentation and facing potential deportation

The lack of citizenship severely limits an individual's freedom to travel Stateless individuals may encounter challenges in obtaining visas and may face additional scrutiny at borders This restriction on mobility can impact opportunities for personal and professional growth, hindering the pursuit of education or employment opportunities abroad Being without a homeland often carries social stigma and misconceptions leading to discrimination and exclusion on both personal and societal levels This can contribute to mental health challenges intensifying feelings of alienation and despair Additionally, the absence of legal protection and rights can render individuals without a homeland vulnerable to exploitation

Living and working overseas can be a rewarding experience However it brings its own set of challenges Adapting to a new culture can be one of the most significant hurdles, with language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and social norms creating a sense of isolation and disorientation Even if one is a citizen of a foreign country they may still experience a secondary status

Navigating the legal and administrative systems of a foreign country can be daunting with challenges in obtaining visas, work permits, and other essential documentation Career-related obstacles are common, as qualifications obtained in one s homeland may not always be recognized and employment opportunities can be competitive Access to healthcare becomes a significant concern with differences in healthcare systems and potential language barriers complicating matters Securing adequate health insurance coverage may not always be straightforward Managing finances in a foreign country involves dealing with currency exchange rates fluctuating living costs and tax implications leading to unexpected financial challenges for expatriates Being physically distant from family and the familiar comforts of home culture can be emotionally taxing, making it challenging to celebrate holidays important milestones and maintain relationships Families with children may encounter educational challenges due to differences in

The S audi foreign ministr y issued earlier this month an admirably clear statement “that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and all Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip”

education systems curricula and language barriers impacting a child s academic progress and requiring extensive research to find suitable schools aligning with educational expectations

In an increasingly interconnected world, individuals frequently find themselves contemplating the possibility of departing their home country during periods of economic uncertainty The attraction of stability job opportunities and improved living conditions abroad can be enticing However, there are compelling reasons to consider remaining in one's home country amidst an economic crisis One of the primary advantages of staying in one's home country during an economic downturn is the support network that local communities can offer Friends family and neighbours often unite during challenging times, providing emotional support and practical assistance Being part of a community familiar with local dynamics provides a sense of belonging and solidarity that might be challenging to replicate elsewhere Those intimately acquainted with the local culture job market and economic landscape are better equipped to navigate challenges during a crisis Economic crises are cyclical, and historical patterns show that recovery often follows downturns By remaining in the home country individuals position themselves to benefit from the eventual economic upswing Those engaged in local business education, or real estate may find themselves well-placed to capitalize on opportunities as the economy rebounds Transferring assets across borders can be a complex and costly process During economic crises currency values may fluctuate making it challenging to safeguard one s financial portfolio Keeping assets within the country allows individuals to mitigate risks associated with currency volatility and maintain a more stable financial foundation Staying in a country during an economic crisis provides an opportunity to actively contribute to its recovery By participating in local initiatives supporting small businesses and engaging in community development, individuals can play a role in rebuilding the economic fabric of their homeland Economic downturns present excellent opportunities for self-improvement and skill development Remaining in the home country enables individuals to pursue further education gain additional

nation Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin happily pocketed the subsequent Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty while essentially ignoring the other part of the accords After the 1993 Oslo Agreement established a

Palestinian statehood Israel ended and did not resume the follow-up bilateral negotiations that came closest to realizing that objective Netanyahu is at least as masterful as any of his predecessors in combining cooperative noises for foreign consumption with effective resistance against any real progress toward a Palestinian state During his first tenure as prime minister he made some of his own promises in the U S -mediated Wye River Memorandum of 1998 only to suspend implementation of the agreement (which would have involved the withdrawal of Israeli forces from portions of the West Bank) a few months later

During economic crises practising financial responsibility becomes paramount Individuals can contribute to overall stability by managing their finances wisely, avoiding unnecessary debt, and saving for the future Responsible financial behaviour on an individual level enhances the nation s economic resilience Active citizen engagement involves advocating for policies promoting economic recovery and addressing systemic issues Individuals can participate in community forums, engage with policymakers, and support initiatives aiming to create a more robust and equitable economic system A focus on sustainability and environmental conservation contributes to long-term economic recovery Initiatives promoting green technologies, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility benefit not only the planet but also stimulate growth in emerging industries

Civic engagement is a powerful tool for change Individuals can actively participate in the democratic process by staying informed about economic policies voting in elections, and holding elected officials accountable A politically engaged citizenry contributes to the formulation of policies aligning with the nation's economic interests

The details outlined above provide a nuanced understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of living and working overseas Despite the financial challenges faced by Pakistan, the situation is gradually improving The nation is advancing towards political steadiness with high hopes pinned on the incoming government Collaboration between the military and civilian authorities is exceptional with the military committed to offering comprehensive support to address both internal and external challenges alongside the government With the concerted efforts of figures like COAS Gen Asim Munir, who is actively addressing issues and fostering positive change the country is witnessing positive signs Efforts to reduce the prices of the dollar petrol and goods along with substantial foreign investments, indicate a positive trajectory The solution lies not in leaving the country but in staying, finding opportunities within the current situation and contributing positively Choosing to remain in Pakistan presents an opportunity to play a role in spreading positivity productivity and patriotism contributing to the collective spirit needed for the nation's progress

The writer has a PhD in Political Science and can be reached at akramzaheer86@yahoo com

TBut understanding the serious flaws in the administration’s strategy begins with acknowledging that upgrading the Israeli-Saudi relationship to full diplomatic ties would not be a “peace” agreement any more than the earlier upgrading under the Abraham Accords was None of the Arab countries involved had actually been waging war with Israel Several of them including Saudi Arabia, already had extensive cooperation with Israel, including on security matters For these countries to take the formal step of exchanging embassies and ambassadors does not advance either true regional peace or any other discernable U S interest

It is also important to understand Israeli objectives in seeking full formal relations with the Arab states and especially Saudi Arabia One objective is to use such relationships as a further basis for a strengthened anti-Iran military alliance, thus extending the Israel policy of promoting maximum antagonism and isolation of Iran Rather than making the Middle East more peaceful such a development would only sharpen and intensify lines of conflict in the Persian Gulf

The other even stronger Israeli objective is to enjoy cordial relations with other regional states and to show the rest of the world that it can have such relations despite continuing the occupation of Palestinian territory and denial of Palestinian self-determination In short for Israel the upgrading of relations with Arab states is all about not having to make peace especially with the Palestinians

Even if the Biden administration were to reach the kind of three-cushion carom-shot deal it seems to have in mind, two major sources of slippage make it unlikely that, despite the administration’s assertions, Palestinian statehood would be brought any closer

Lately Netanyahu has made statements strongly rejecting Palestinian statehood which is part of what he wants his domestic audience to hear if he is to have any hope of salvaging his political career Despite that declared opposition, it is not beyond Netanyahu s wiles to make once again enough positive noises on the subject to satisfy MbS and, in turn, satisfy the Biden administration, with its hunger for a Saudi-Israeli normalization agreement while still effectively blocking progress toward a Palestinian state Thus even if the administration were to get its muchsought Saudi-Israeli deal the agreement would have multiple negative consequences Subsequent Israeli slow-rolling or outright nullification of the Palestinian provisions of such a deal would leave Palestinian statehood as far away as ever Any Palestinian violence against Israelis would give Netanyahu an excuse just as with the Wye River Memorandum to end implementation The Palestinians would be given one more source of frustration and anger as words would go unmatched by deeds in granting them power over their own affairs

Meanwhile, the normalization of Saudi-Israeli diplomatic relations probably would not be reversed, given that MbS would want to keep the favors he got from the United States Israel having pocketed that diplomatic prize something else that Netanyahu would need in hoping to save his career would have even less incentive than before to make concessions to the Palestinians in the future Assisting a Saudi nuclear program would increase uncertainties in the Persian Gulf and raise the risk of a nuclear arms race between Saudi Arabia and Iran A U S security guarantee to Saudi Arabia would mean tying the United States closely to an authoritarian state

The Biden administration is correct in finally recognizing post-October 7 that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict needs to be seriously addressed It also is correct that Saudi Arabia has a role to play that is related to that conflict It was a previous ruling

Public education was supposed to unify societ y by bringing students of all backgrounds together to learn in a safe environment. Instead, it ’s become a divisive force, which is the real failure, and tragedy, of public education today

Cu r e t h a t c e n t r e s w h i t e n e s s a n d E u r o c e n t r i c i t y t h a t m u s t b e a c t i v e l y d e c o lo n i z e d ” T h e r e a s o n t h e To r o n t o D i s t r i c t S c h o o l B o a r d t o l d i t s b u r e a u c r a t s a d m i n i s t r a t o r s p r i n c i p a l s , t e a c h e r s a n d o t h e r s t a f f , i s t h a t p u bl i c e d u c a t i o n i s “ i n h e r e n t l y d e s i g n e d f o r t h e b e n e f i t o f t h e d o m i n a n t c u l t u r e ” w h i c h i s w h i t e m i d d l e - u p p e r c l a s s m a l e C h r i s t i a n c i s g e n d e r, h e t e r o s e x u a l , a b l e - b o d i e d , n e ur o t y p i c a l , e t c ” T h u s t h e b o a r d ’s “ e q u i t y a n t i - r a c i s m & a n t io p p r e s s i o n d e p a r t m e n t s a i d i t w a s p r o v i d i n g a l l s t a ff w i t h a 3 7 - p a g e d o c u m e n t , F a c i l i t a t i n g C r i t i c a l C o n v e r s a t i o n s A Te a c h i n g R e s o u r c e f o r C h a l l e n g i n g O p p r e s s i o n i n To r o n t o D i s t r i c t S c h o o l B o a r d C l a s s r o o m s o u t l i n i n g i t s c o r e b e l i e f s a n d h o w t o a d d r e s s t h e s e i s s u e s i n c l a s s I t w a s n ’ t s u p p o s e d t o b e c o m e p u b l i c , b u t i t g o t o u t O n t a r i o E d u c a t i o n M i n i s t e r S t e p h e n L e c c e i n t e r v e n e d a n d t h e b o a r d n o w s a y s w e h a v e t e m p o r a r i l y r e m o v e d i t f r o m t h e i n t e r n a l w e b s i t e s o t h a t a r e v i e w c a n b e c o m p l e t e d w i t h a n e y e t o b e t t e r a l i g n i n g i t w i t h t h e E d uc a t i o n A c t O n t a r i o H u m a n R i g h t s C o d e a n d T D S B s p o l i c i e s a n d p r o c e d u r e s – w h i l e m a i nt a i n i n g o u r c o m m i t m e n t s t o a c h i e v e m e n t w e l l - b e i n g H u m a n R i g h t s a n d e q u i t y f o r a l l B u t i t w o n t m a k e a n y d i f f e r e n c e b e c a u s e t h i s i s t h e t h i n k i n g t h a t d o m i n a t e s n o t o n l y t h e T D S B b u t p u b l i c e d u c a t i o n t o d a y T h e O n t a r i o g o v e r n m e n t l a s t y e a r p a s s e d B i l l 9 8 t o r e - f o c u s O n t a r i o s e d u c a t i o n s y s t e m o n student achievement, prioritizing hands-on learni n g a n d s k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t i n r e a d i n g w r i t i n g a n d m a t h B u t t h e o n l y w a y t o g e t t h e T D S B t o d o i t s a c t u a l j o b w o u l d b e f o r t h e p r o v i n c e t o t a k e i t o v e r a n d t h a t ’s n o t g o i n g t o h a p p e n I n s t e a d t h e T D S B w i l l c o n t i n u e t o t e a c h s t ud e n t s t h a t r a c e m a t t e r s b e c a u s e a s t h e d o c um e n t i n s t r u c t s , i t i s a v i s i b l e a n d d o m i n a n t i d e n t i f y f a c t o r i n d e t e r m i n i n g p e o p l e ’s s o c i a l , p o l i t i c a l e c o n o m i c a n d c u l t u r a l e x p e r i e n c e s ” T h e s e d a y s a t t e m p t i n g t o r e f o c u s t h e T D S B a n d p u b l i c e d u c a t i o n i n g e n e r a l o n d o i n g t h e i r j o b s i n s t e a d o f p l a y i n g i d e n t i t y p o l i t i c s i s l i k e p l a y i n g w h a c k - a

now awaiting the outcome of the weekend talks with Israel mediated by others

Mediators have intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, aiming to prevent an Israeli assault on the Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million displaced people are sheltering at the southern edge of the enclave Israel has threatened to attack the city if no truce agreement is reached soon Washington has urged its close ally not to proceed, warning of vast civilian casualties if an assault on the city occurs

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Egyptian mediators in Cairo this past week to discuss a truce marking his first visit since December

Two Egyptian security sources confirmed that Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel would head to Paris for talks with the Israelis after wrapping up discussions with Haniyeh on Thursday Israel has not publicly commented on the

China’s economy kicks off the year with a strong recover y: repor t

Paris talks which are expected to continue through the weekend Reuters reported that the militant group did not offer any new proposals at the talks with the Egyptians but was waiting to see what the mediators would bring back from their discussions with the Israelis citing a Hamas official who requested anonymity Ceasefire outline emerged from earlier talks: The last time similar talks were held in Paris, at the start of February, they produced an outline for the first extended ceasefire of the conflict, approved by Israel and the United States Hamas responded with a counterproposal which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then rejected as delusional Hamas, believed to still be holding more than 100 hostages seized in the October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the conflict insists on their release only as part of a truce that includes an Israeli

withdrawal from Gaza Israel on the other hand refuses to withdraw until

Hamas is eradicated Late on Thursday, Netanyahu presented his security cabinet with an official plan for Gaza once the fighting stops He emphasized that Israel expects to maintain security control over the enclave after destroying Hamas and also sees no role there for the Palestinian Authority (PA) based in the West Bank Washington favors a role for a re-

PR OFIT R E U T E R S

The United Arab Emirates home to the financial hub of Dubai, has been dropped from a global watchdog’s list of countries at risk of illicit money flows, a win for the nation that could bolster its international standing

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) a body that groups countries from the United States to China to tackle financial crime, on Friday dropped the UAE from its ‘grey list’ of around two-dozen nations considered risky

The Gulf country a magnet for millionaires bankers and hedge funds, was placed under closer scrutiny in 2022, when the FATF highlighted the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing involving banks precious metals and stones as well as property

The delisting is a coup for the one-time regional pearl and fish trading hub which is now one of the world s wealthiest nations

after the discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi in the late 1950s

It had made getting off the list a priority bolstering its antimoney-laundering efforts in a drive spearheaded by the minister of foreign affairs and brother of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan John Kartonchik a director at UAE think tank Re/think said the move could boost confidence in the country and attract more money from overseas

“Investors may feel more secure ” he said Banks would also be able to cut the cost of dealing with wealthy clients in the country said a senior banker, who asked not to be named Despite being grey-listed, the UAE continued to attract the globe’s wealthy and it is an increasingly popular destination for cryptocurrency firms and Russians in the wake of war with Ukraine

Dubai s luxury property market trailed only New York, Los Angeles and London in 2022, according to property consultant Knight Frank,

while the UAE last year overtook Belgium to become the world s trading hub for rough diamonds Nonetheless the delisting jars with the assessment of European officials The European Union lists the UAE as a high-risk country for money laundering and terrorist financing alongside

T wo years and counting: Russia advancing as Ukraine pleads for bullets

MOSCOW:

The Book Governance of China formally unveiled

Event held to mark World Day of Social Justice 2024 In

being given

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Countr y ’s biggest, only dedicated alternative energy exhibition will open its doors in Lahore from 27th

Renowned host Noorul Hassan put to auction famous bat used by cricketer Naseem Shah to hit two back-to-back sixes to secure a memorable victory in the Asia Cup match against Afghanistan Shahid Afridi and CEO of Green Crescent Zahid Saeed Trust also seen in the picture This and other sports memorabilia were auctioned to fund the joint education drive of GCT and the Shahid Afridi Foundation PR KARACHI P R Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt ) Ltd , country s leading exhibitions organizing company will be organizing a flagship event Pakistan Sustainability Week (PSW) alongside Solar Pakistan – 14th International Renewable Energy Exhibition & Conference and Electricity Pakistan – 7th International Exhibition for Energy Storage and Power Industry from 27th – 29th February 2024 at Expo Centre Lahore Pakistan Sustainability Week will be the biggest gathering of key industry leaders, policymakers, investors, manufacturers, suppliers, traders and distributors The event aims to create a platform for networking collaboration and knowledge exchange that will elevate the alternative energy industry in Pakistan The three-day mega exhibition is expected to have more than 175 eminent global companies from 15 countries including Austria, China, Czech Republic, France Japan Pakistan Singapore and UAE etc with a number of versatile technologies to be debuted at the event Alongside the exhibition, Sustainability Innovation Summit will also take place which will focus on highlighting technical innovations alternative energy initiatives bringing industry stakeholders government officials and thought leaders under a common platform to share their valuable insights, market overview and experiences Mr Saleem Khan Tanoli, CEO Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt ) Ltd stated that “Pakistan Sustainability Week has played a pivotal role in the development of alternative energy industry by introducing efficient technologies and solutions for manufacturers and the event is all set to augment success and growth for the industry ” Pakistan Sustainability Week has proved to be a worthy platform for professionals to get acquainted with latest industry trends and technology up-gradation in the alternative energy domain and successfully bridged the gap between industry and consumers

Rotar y Club Islamabad Metropolitan launches national plantation

After police tor ture, arrests, opposition par ties to obser ve ‘Black Day’ on Monday

from

PPP and 36 from MQM

The assembly session was then adjourned till 11am on Sunday (tomorrow) after Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani announced the schedule for the elections of the speaker and deputy speaker According to a statement issued by the Sindh Assembly, nomination papers can be submitted from 2pm to 3pm today Scrutiny of the papers will be conducted at 6pm, following which a list of valid candidates will be posted by 7pm Protests by opposition

Before the start of today s session workers and supporters of opposition parties entered the highsecurity red zone after pushing through barricades set up by law enforcement personnel However, the city s police intervened and prevented the protesters from approaching the Sindh Assembly Many have reportedly been detained Authorities imposed Section 144 to restrict gatherings near the provincial assembly building in anticipation of protests GDA Information Secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim said over 2,000 party workers have been arrested by police” across Karachi Speaking to the media near the Karachi Press Club, he stated that the GDA’s protest will continue until their demands are met He mentioned that the police have blocked different points in the city preventing political workers from reaching the Sindh Assembly Sindh United Party s leader Syed Zain Shah claimed that all main roads in Karachi were blocked by law enforcement agencies He asserted that peaceful protests would continue Speaking to journalists at the Karachi Press Club Shah mentioned that JI and PTI would also protest against the bogus elections

He added that a meeting of GDA today would decide the further course of action regarding protests in Sindh A spokesperson of the Qaumi Awami Tehreek added that around 150 party workers were arrested by the police

The GDA, JI, JUI-F, and independent members aligned with the PTI refused to take the oath today opting instead for a peaceful protest outside the assembly Speaker Durrani in a media statement said that the public has rejected those protesting outside the assembly He suggested that the opposition members should seek redressal of their concerns through the election tribunals instead of holding protests during the inaugural session of the provincial legislature

The Sindh Assembly consists of 168 members including 130 general seats 29 reserved for women and nine for minorities

The Election Commission has released notifications for the successful candidates of 163 Sindh Assembly seats, including 27 women and eight minority seats Notifications for two remaining seats will not be issued due to the unfortunate passing of a candidate and Hafiz Naeemur Rehman’s resignation from the assembly seat

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) holds the largest parliamentary presence with 114 seats, while the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) comes second with 36 members and Jamaat-e-Islami has three There are 9 independent lawmakers in the assembly

The Sunni Ittehad Council supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has not reached a decision on joining the assembly

It s worth noting that 60 members are entering the Sindh Assembly for the first time Heer Ismail Soho is the sole female member, elected for the fifth consecutive time Qaim Ali Shah, elected