Epaper_24-04-28 ISB

PISLAMABAD/RIYADH

R I M E Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday arrived in Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to participate in the two-day special meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ‘Global Collaboration Growth and Energy for Development being held from Sunday (tomorrow)

Deputy Governor of the Riyadh region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Bin Abdul Aziz, Pakistan s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and embassy staff received the prime minister and his delegation at the Riyadh Royal Airport

The prime minister was invited to attend the WEF meeting by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab

The Prime Minister is accompanied by a high level delegation including Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb The prime minister and the ministers will participate in WEF discussions on issues related to trade and investment measures new investment frameworks restructuring of supply chains, sustainable growth, and the energy landscape, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release

new investment frameworks, restructuring of supply chains sustainable growth and the energy landscape The forum will highlight Pakistan s crucial priorities in global health architecture inclusive growth, revitalizing regional collaboration, and the need to balance promoting growth and energy consumption

Power Division denies plans to impose fixed tax on solar energy

The high level participation in the Forum will afford an important opportunity to present Pakistan s priorities specifically in global health architecture, inclusive growth, revitalizing regional collaboration and the need for striking a balance between promoting growth and energy consumption

ways to reinvigorate growth globally amid the challenges posed by an increasingly fragmented geopolitical and economic environment It will revolve around three themes: revitalizing global collaboration; a compact for inclusive growth; and catalyzing action on energy for development it was added

The prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and officials participating in the event This visit marks Shehbaz s second to Saudi Arabia as PM this month Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest the Prime Minister s Office Media Wing and the Saudi media reported Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation for an Iftar gathering at his Al-Safa Palace in Makkah according to a report in the Saudi media

On the margins of the main event the prime minister and his delegation will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the Saudi leadership, heads of international organizations, and other prominent figures participating in the event About 1 000 leaders from business government and academia will participate in the Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development, WEF said in a press statement

The meeting will focus on new path-

Quetta cour t suspends Achakzai’s arrest warrant until May 31

arrest warrant of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai The PkMAP) chairman a presidential candidate of the Sunni Ittehad Council was booked under section 448 (house trespass) and section 447 (criminal trespass) in a First Information Report (FIR) registered at Gwalmandi police station on March 11 The warrant was issued after the PkMAP chief failed to appear in court on April 22 for a hearing in connection with the FIR While issuing the arrest warrant the judicial magistrate directed police to produce Achakzai before the court on April 27 During hearing on Saturday Judge Kamran Baloch suspended the arrest warrant and adjourned the hearing till May 31 Achakzai s defence counsel Advocate Qari Rehmatullah argued that the charges themselves were “brought forward with malice” He added that Achakzai was not even present in Quetta during the raid despite being named in the FIR It is possible that a relative or some other family member near his residence occupied the land, as Mehmood Khan Achakzai spends most of his time in Islamabad for his political activities,” Rehmatullah told the court Earlier officials from the local administration and Quetta as well as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) charged Achakzai with illegal occupation of government land and interference in official duties when his security guard allegedly resisted a team of officials who raided a plot of land opposite Achakzai s residence The guard was taken into custody and was found possessing a firearm without a licence according to the FIR

The event bridges the growing North-South divide, which has further widened on issues such as emerging economic policies, the energy transition, and geopolitical shocks

Earlier Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Saudi Arabia along with his delegation to attend a World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting

The diplomatic talks will center around trade and investment measures,

The Prime Minister s Office said in its handout that after the Iftar meal, the prime minister and the Saudi crown prince sat for a one-on-one meeting It added that Prime Minister Shahbaz conveyed his best wishes for the health and well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman A week later, a high-level Saudi delegation, led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, arrived in Pakistan as part of efforts by Pakistan to attract investment from Riyadh

FBR undergoes major reshuffle following PM’s dissatisfaction, intelligence agencies’ input

g PM ORDERS REMOVAL OF 25 SENIOR OFFICERS FROM KEY POSITIONS

toms Group’s top officers have been placed in the admin pool These officers include Mukarram Jah Ansari (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-22) Member (Legal & Accounting-Customs) FBR (Hq), Islamabad; Mrs Shah Bano G M Khan (Inland Revenue Service/BS-21), Director General (IOCO) FBR (Hq) Islamabad; Dr Fareed Iqbal Qureshi (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) Member (Customs Operations) FBR (Hq), Islamabad; Tariq Mustafa Khan (Inland Revenue Serv-

The Power Division has refuted claims that the government plans to introduce a fixed tax on solar energy In a statement released on Saturday, the Power Division clarified, There are no plans to impose a fixed tax on solar power ” Further details provided by the Division indicated that neither the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) nor the Power Division had proposed such a measure to the government The Division also reiterated its commitment to the 2017 Net Metering Policy, which is designed to foster the adoption of alternative energy sources The statement highlighted a significant increase in solar energy adoption under this policy Additionally the Division mentioned that it is contemplating certain proposals and amendments to protect economically vulnerable groups from additional financial strain The spotlight on solar energy has intensified following media reports that the government was considering adjusting the buyback rates for net metering electricity to Rs11 per unit from the existing Rs21 These reports have sparked considerable criticism as stakeholders encourage the government to continue its support for renewable energy and lower electricity costs in the context of climate change

unassigned for the past two years The reshuffle affected Inland Revenue Service (IRS) and Customs Group officers, who were transferred and placed on the OSD list Discontent is reported among the FBR s ranks with complaints about being treated harshly over uncontrollable issues and criticisms of inadequate leadership According to a notification issued on Friday, 13 key members/director generals of the board and two chief commissioners of Inland Revenue as well as Cus-

ice/BS-21) Member (Accounting) FBR (Hq) Islamabad; Ahmad Rauf (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) Director General, Directorate General of Law & Prosecution, Islamabad; Mirza Mubashir Baig (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) Director General Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi; Hyder Ali Dharejo (Inland Revenue Service/BS-21), Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office I, Karachi; Muhammad Azam Sheikh (Inland Revenue Service/BS-21) Director General Directorate General of Internal Audit (Inland Revenue) Islamabad; Muhammad Saleem (Pakistan Customs Service/BS21), Chief Collector, Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South) Custom House Karachi; Abdul Wahid Uqaily (Inland Revenue Serv-

ice/BS-21), Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office II, Karachi; Afaque Ahmed Qureshi (Inland Revenue Service/BS-21) Member (IR-Policy) FBR (Hq) Islamabad; Khurshid Ahmad Khan Marwat (Inland Revenue Service/BS21), Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office Islamabad Following the Prime Minister s directive and spy agencies reports 22 IRS officers were also transferred Syed Nadeem Hussain Rizvi was moved to the Inland Revenue Service Academy Lahore while Ms Amina Hassan took on her new role at the Directorate General of AntiBenami Initiative Islamabad Other officers including Ahmad Shuja Khan and Sadia Sadaf Gillani received new assignments On the Customs side 14 officers received new postings such as Faiz Ahmad who was transferred to the Customs Academy of Pakistan, Karachi, and Muhammad Sadiq who was appointed as Director General of the Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi Officers retaining performance allowances before this notification will continue to do so at their new postings The FBR has directed all affected officers to manage their charge relinquishment and assumption diligently for record-keeping and further action

said that the encroachments on public roads and pavements are made by those paid out of the public exchequer Occupants of properties also assume that the pavement running in front of their property is theirs, to do with it as they please Generators are also installed thereon Pavements are for the use of the public; access thereto and use thereof cannot be prevented or restricted said the order

It added that everyone, including the provincial and federal governments, and all those under them must abide by the law and cannot encroach upon public roads and pavements nor can block them which may stop or restrict public use thereof Speaking about barriers that are placed to protect the buildings from terrorist attacks the court stated that security can be ensured by placing the barriers within the premises Therefore, all are directed [ ] to clear public roads and pavements of all encroachments within three days failing which the same should be demolished/removed by the relevant authority and the cost incurred thereon shall be recovered from those who encroached thereon the order added

Imran thumbs up for negotiations with establishment, political forces

PM CONVENES MEETING OF SELECTION BOARD FOR PROMOTIONS TO GRADE 22

Terrorist killed, another injured as securit y forces foil attack in Harnai

RAWALPINDI

S ta f f R e p o R t

PThe security forces on Saturday effectively foiled a terrorist attack in Harnai district of Balochistan on Saturday eliminating one terrorist and injuring another, the military s media wing said in a statement According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists attempted to halt passenger vehicles travelling on Sanjavi Road in Harnai In a swift and decisive response security forces engaged the terrorists leading to the elimination of one terrorist while another sustained injuries in a fire exchange The timely response by the security forces thwarted nefarious intent of the terrorists, saving innocent lives,” the statement said Following the encounter a thorough sanitisation operation has been launched in the area to root out any remaining terrorists The ISPR underscored the unwavering commitment of Pakistan s security forces to counter threats: Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace stability and progress of Balochistan ”

Sessions judge kidnapped by armed men near Tank-DI Khan border: police

DERA ISMAUIL KHAN

W e b D e S k

District and Sessions Judge Shakirullah Marwat posted in South Waziristan was kidnapped by armed men near border area of Tank and Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said on Saturday DI Khan Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohammad Adnan confirmed the incident which took place in a village named Bagwal in the border area between Tank and DI Khan when the sessions judge was on his way back to DI Khan returning from duty He said that the abductors left the judge s car and driver on the spot Police said that no one has claimed the responsibility of the judge’s abduction Reacting to the unfortunate incident Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi expressed concern and grief over the matter He called on KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to explain the reason of his non-seriousness in the establishment of peace in the province “[The] CM should tell why isn’t he serious about establishment of peace and why are terrorists are on the loose he asked Kundi said that the reports of the judge s abduction has given rise to sense of insecurity among the masses He then prayed for the safe recovery of the judge Taking notice of the matter, KP CM Gandapur issued directives for safe recovery of the abducted judge He said that emergency measures should be taken for Marwat’s recovery and all available resources should be utilised for the task Gandapur condemned the incident saying that elements involved in the kidnapping cannot escape justice

Wheat prices plummet in Punjab as govt delays procurement

prices in Punjab have plunged

Rs 3 000 per maund (approximately 40 kilograms) due to the provincial government s failure to begin its procurement campaign

This has caused significant distress among farmers who fear financial losses and a potential decline in wheat production next year

Despite a record harvest this year the Punjab government s poor strategy for wheat procurement has stalled the process, leaving farmers with limited options The government set a support price of Rs 3 900 per maund but with no official buying in sight prices in the open market have dropped to Rs 2 900 Farmer organizations warn that these low prices could severely impact future production They argue that failing to offer fair compensation for their crops will discourage farmers from planting wheat next season Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasin stated on Friday that the current moisture content in the grain is as high as 18%, preventing his department from purchasing the produce This high moisture level poses a risk of weight reduction upon drying resulting in potential losses for the government

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan highlighted that despite the government s fixed minimum support price of wheat at Rs

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership stated that the 100-page starling US state department report on grave human rights abuses in Pakistan substantiated PTI s submissions, as lawlessness and fascism pervaded in the country during the past two years, demanding that Chief Justice of Pakistan to fulfill his legal and constitutional obligations to rein in the reign of tyranny or else leave the position instantly Addressing a press conference along with PTI senator Walid Iqbal and Advocate Abuzar Salman Niazi, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, they made it clear that they wanted to live in a democratic Pakistan envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam where rule of law and constitutional supremacy reign supreme as they did not want to live in the Hitler and Mussolini s Pakistan He said that the US 2023 Country Report highlighted serious human rights violations in Pakistan, including extrajudicial killings enforced disappearances privacy lack of fair trial disappearance of journalists serious restrictions on internet freedom; substantial interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, torture, inhumane treatment with a lack of accountability etc

He said that a culture of lawlessness pervaded in the country as no one freedom dignity and respect and sanctity of four walls were safe from state goons Raoof went on to say that there was two powers of which one could be seen but was

3 900 per 40kg the open market price stands at Rs 3 200 Growers hesitate to sell to the department due to uncertainty regarding procurement, unlike previous practices He expressed concerns over billions of rupees held by middlemen instead of reaching the farming community On the other hand opposition parties in the Punjab Assembly boycotted house proceedings on Friday to show solidarity with wheat growers and announced a protest from Monday against the government’s poor wheat procurement policy Liaqat Baloch Deputy Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami criticised the government s handling of the situation He accused them of “worst blackmailing” and neglecting farmers’ needs

The lack of government procurement has also resulted in a shortage of Bardana (grain sacks), further limiting farmers bargaining power in the private market, he said

P K TO

In a related development the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to buy 300,000 metric tons of local wheat

According to the provincial food minister, the government has fixed the price of wheat at Rs 3900 per 40kg and the government has decided to buy 300 000 metric tons of local wheat

Food Minister Zahir Shah Toro said that Rs 29 billion have been allocated for the purchase of wheat, buying wheat at the local level will save Rs 9 billion

powerless and a dummy while another was unseen but it was actual power; however, it was working like shadow

He lamented that there was de facto martial law in the country as there was no democracy because only the orders of shadow powers were implemented and no one even could challenge them Raoof demanded that the judges should find remedy to the deeply rooted malady in the country instead of shying away of their constitutional obligations He stressed the CJP to perform his duty lawfully and should not act like a bystander and fix the long-delayed PTI s various petitions for hearing and ensure rule of law or else leave the office Speaking on the occasion, Senator Walid Iqbal said that the report was very important because it covered the entire period after the regime change thus it was a damning assessment on the performance of the PDM caretaker regime and the unseen power-wielders

F i v e e y e w i t n e s s e s i n m a

KHAIRPUR

N p

In a twist in the case of death of a nine-yearold maid Fatima Furro at a Pir ’s (spiritual healer) residence in Ranipur area of Khairpur due to torture and rape a few months ago five eyewitnesses have changed their statements on Saturday Ujala and Swera, Fatima s cousins, who also worked with her at the Pir ’s home, and three others namely Sagheer, Muhammad Hassan and Naseem have denied they saw the suspects in the case committing the crime Following the development the suspects lawyer has filed a petition in the court seeking bail for his clients On November 9, 2023, it was reported that the DNA samples of Pir Asad Shah, the prime suspect in the murder case of Fatima had matched with the semen obtained from the clothes of the victim who worked at his home Fatima was found dead under mysterious circumstances on August 14 Later, a post-mortem report confirmed that the minor was also sexually abused It also confirmed torture with the child An investigation into the incident was initiated after an FIR was lodged on the complaint of the girl s mother Shabnam Khatoon under Sections 302 (intentional murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) at Ranipur police station During the investigation the police arrested suspects Pir Asad Shah his wife Hina Shah his father-inlaw Pir Fayyaz Shah and Imtiaz Mirasi

CTD makes headway in attack on foreigners in Karachi

KARACHI

S ta f f R e p o R t

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to have found clues into the suicide attack on the vehicle of foreigners in Mansehra Colony of Landhi area a couple of days ago Two passers-by were killed while five Japanese nationals escaped unhurt the suicide attack on the vehicle they were travelling on April 19 The CTD officials said they have found clue about the motorcycle used by the attackers The motorcycle was sold in 2020 on instalments by a showroom in Mehran Town Korangi A department s team has recorded the statements of the showroom owner The showroom owner informed the CTD officials that the 2018-make motorcycle was purchased by Saddam Hussain Thaheem He said that Saddam came to the showroom along with his father Qurban Ali The Rs45 000 bike was sold on Rs3 000 per month instalment The buyer paid only three instalment and then disappeared, he added The CTD has started a search for the buyer of the bike

He said that the universal declaration of human rights (UDHR) was adopted by the newly established United Nations on 10 December 1948 which set some minimum standards covering human dignity privacy freedom sanctity of four walls that was included in Pakistani constitution as well However, he said that out of the 100 pages, 50 pages contained of human rights violations, dignity and abuses with special mentioned of PTI leaders and workers, who were subjected to custodial torture Walid stated that even death of individuals occurred in custodial torture which was a crime under section 302 of the penal code that carried the death penalty but constitution and law violators mighty remained unpunished hitherto He highlighted that even the report mentioned instances wherein police unlawfully raided without having warrants the houses of PTI leaders and supporters and it was said that the protectors of citizens in uniform even stole precious items from homes in uniform Walid recalled that the fascist regime violated constitution but not conducting elections in the constitutionally mandated timeframe and denied fair trial and due process which was evident in the case of Imran Khan who was the only leader whose trial was conducted behind the closed door He made it clear that the country could only become super power if it adheres to the principles of law and constitution Speaking on the occasion Advocate Abuzar Sulaman Niazi said that the US administration report summerised widespread and rampant human rights abuses

and constitutional violation instances in the country which substantiated all their submissions and contentions after regime change He said that there was no rule of law and constitution was sacrificed, besides compromising judicial independence PTI leader stated that its state responsibility to protect and safeguard right to life right to freedom and right to liberty and the judiciary was the guardian of public rights but it miserably failed in performing its due duties He went on to say that enforced extrajudicial killing was rampant in the country right to privacy right against torture right to dignity freedom of expression and right to information violated with impunity Abuzar contented that free speech was the basic right but what happened to senior anchorperson Arshad Sharif, as even the SC did not fix his case of inhuman killing for hearing despite his mother hue and cry Similarly he added that what happened to Imran Riaz and Asad Toor

Govt to promote collaboration with industr y, academia, civil society: Jam Jamal

‘ M O D I ’ S E L E C T I O N R H ET O R I C ’ : E X P E R T S U R G E PA K I S TA N T O M A I N TA I N ‘ H E I G H T E N E D V I G I

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

TH E India Study Centre (ISC) of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) convened a session on Saturday to discuss the ongoing 18th Lok Sabha elections in India Attended by academics diplomats and researchers from various Islamabad-based think tanks the event provided a platform for in-depth discussions on different aspects of India s electoral process and its potential implications, particularly within the context of Pakistan-India relations The participants engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views covering the entire seven-phase electoral process

Discussions revolved around significant developments such as the publication of election manifestos the tone and content of the election campaign the role played by the Indian Election Commission and various media entities and the diverse political landscapes and profound rhetoric found across all regions of India

A matter of particular

apprehensions re-

potential implications of such rhetoric on India’s internal social fabric and its external engagements with neighbouring

mony There was a consensus among experts on the necessity for Pakistan to maintain heightened vigilance considering the possibility of impulsive actions including false flag operations driven by perceived desperation within the ruling establishment in India

Regarding Pakistan-India relations, participants underscored the importance of awaiting the final election results before making any informed assessments particularly on whether India would take proactive measures to address all outstanding disputes between the two nations through substantive dialogue With the voting process set to conclude by June 1, and results anticipated on June 4, the implications of the Indian elections on regional dynamics, particularly Pakistan-India relations remain a subject of intense scrutiny and analysis

Plan afoot to operate ‘C irc ular Road Parking Plaza’ on PPP model: Bugti

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Friday said that government has formulated a comprehensive plan to operate the ‘Circular Road Parking Plaza on public private partnership model to utilize resources and generate more revenue for development of the city The CM stated this while talking to media persons during visit to Circular

Road Parking Plaza CM Bugti said that he had directed the Administrator Quetta Metropolitan Corporation Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat to make the seventh-floor parking plaza operational and established at Circular Road area He said that last month,

KP gov t declares scrutiny committees mandator y to propose new projects

around one million rupees had been generated from this plaza Sarfraz Bugti said through public private partnership model a hotel would also be established on the top floor of the parking plaza and a lift would be installed there on urgent basis

The CM said that Executive Engineer (Xen) has been suspended over the charges of incompletion noted in the construction works of parking plaza and that the person should face inquiry in this regard He said that government would also establish parking plaza at available space of old meat market aimed to overcome roadside problems and provide safe parking places to the commuters CM Bugti said that lifter would be provided to traffic police on the same public private partnership model as there is a single lifter with police in Quetta He said that efforts would be made to improve the condition of Baldia plaza and directed to revise its rent agreements as the QMC is collecting rent on monthly basis The chief minister said that Kandhari Bazaar, Jinnah Road and encircling roads would be declared as walking streets Bugti stressed the measures to improve traffic drainage and sewerage system in Quetta city He said steps are being taken to beauty the city environment after resolving public issues Expressing his regret over occupants of the government-leased properties, he said that rent of Baldia cafe has not been paid during last seven month which must be submitted to concern office

Int ’l Conference on Inter faith Religious D iplomac y in Indus Valley Civilization begins at AUS

Technology and Skill Development

Khairpur Mirs, Prof Dr Madad Ali Shah, Pro VC IBA University

Sukkur, and Prof Dr Dur Muham-

mad Pathan Pro-VC MUET Khairpur campus highlighted the religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in Indus Valley Civilization

LHC CJ, HCBA delegation discuss legal issues, matters of mutual interests

the Planning and Development Department following the preparation of PC-1

Punjab's Speedo Bus Ser vice faces shutdown due to financial crisis

April, 2024

Mr Fayaz Hussain Abbasi Commissioner Sukkur graced the inaugural session as the chief guest

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Zahid Hussain Khand extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests, speakers, and dignitaries, acknowledging their valuable contributions Dr Khand appreciated the efforts of the organizing team for their insightful arrangements

Keynote speaker Dr Steven Bonta from the USA explored the Indus Valley Scripts in comparison with other languages Prof Dr Arbella Bhutto VC Shaheed Allah Bux Soomro University Jamshoro Prof Dr Tehmina Mangan VC Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur, Prof Dr Muhammad Ramzan, VC Emerson University, Multan, Prof Dr Rasool Bux Mahar, VC Benazir Bhutto the University of

Prof Dr Samreen Hussain, VC Dawood University, Karachi emphasized the significance of religious tourism in Pakistan, citing the acceptance of religious diversity fostered by the preservation of old shrines and traditions

Mr Mola Bux Dharejo DC Sukkur, shared insights on the formation of the Interfaith Harmony Committee” by the Sukkur administration

In conclusion Mr Fayaz Hussain Abbasi commended the Vice-Chan-

message of

and

Indus Valley Civilization Dr Abdul Razzaque Channa presented research on the portrayal of Sindhi women in textbooks

Parallel sessions on cultural/religious tourism and human rights and politics were held featuring scholars from across the country presenting their research papers The closing ceremony witnessed Prof Dr Nusrat Shah, VC Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana as the chief guest alongside other esteemed dignitaries Recommendations were presented by Dr Samina Zia Sheikh former Dean Faculty of Photography and Performing Arts Prof Dr Zahid Hussain Khan VC Aror University reiterated the conference’s success and emphasized the importance of coexistence and peace He thanked all participants for their contributions towards making the conference a success

Abdul Latif Bhittai The conference featured technical sessions on various related themes and concluded with a Gala Dinner & Musical Night The second day began with keynote speeches by Dr Prem Sagar Menghwar, from the University of Virginia USA Dr Saeed Ahmed Rid, and Dr Abdul Razzaque Channa Dr Menghwar discussed lessons

delegation extended invitation to the chief justice to visit the High Court Bar Association Multan at the earliest The leaders of the lawyers apprised the chief justice of the issues faced by the bar associations in the Multan division and discussed matters of mutual interest They praised the initiatives taken by the chief justice for the convenience of lawyers and litigants and offered suggestions for the welfare of the bar associations President of the High Court Bar Association Multan requested the chief justice to increase the number of judges at the LHC s Multan Bench as the current shortage was causing a backlog of cases He also suggested that lawyers from the Multan bar be considered for appointment as judges in the LHC Additionally, the delegation demanded air conditioners and 500 executive chairs for the High Court Bar Association Multan’s conference hall adequate funds for lawyers welfare and the establishment of a ladies bar room and day care center for female bar members The chief justice said that the provision of speedy and quality justice was the top priority of the LHC, and lawyers might support in making the justice system more effective He promised to address the issues of the Multan division bar associations on a priority basis and utilize all available resources for the welfare of young lawyers

JI announces pro -farmers protests across Punjab on 30th

H a m a s ’ r e s i s t a n c e a

e l i o c c u p at i o n j u s t i f i e d u n d e r i n t ’ l l aw ’ : M u s h a h i d

President Erdogan and the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Dr Noman Kurtulmus A day earlier, speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s ministerial-level debate on the Middle East situation Ambassador Usman Jadoon called on the United Nations and the world community to consider further measures against Israel to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to its “plausible genocide” of the Palestinian people in the besieged enclave

S omething strange is happening on campuses all round the world

TH O U G H police were called to disperse students protesting in favour of Gazans at campuses in New York and Austin Texas on Thursday, the protests have only spread, not just to other US campuses, but also campuses in other countries This has two frightening implications for Zionists First that their long established hold on campuses is breaking down Second, they are losing the younger generation, with all that means for the future of the Zionist lobby There is a groundswell of silent support for these protests as those who do not necessarily agree with them are wondering about why the right to assemble, and the right to free speech, should be so ruthlessly suppressed The unquestioning obedience of the USA to Israel is being questioned This questioning is very dangerous for the Zionists, because it leads to questions about what exactly Israel does to further US national interests Apart from that, what price free speech? Muslims saddened and disgusted by the slaughter of Palestinians are left to wonder if free speech is only totted out as a totem to justify blasphemy against the Holy Prophet (PBUH) It is possible to dismiss the protests as youthful rebellion, part of the process of growing up Those young people braving arrest today, after all, are the bank managers and textile machinery salesmen of tomorrow It does reflect something that the older generation, still loyal to Israel, tries to hide: despite the sickening slaughter and the imposition of starvation, the Israelis have killed over 34,000 people there, which is about 1 7 percent of the population there The protests are also reflective of the emotionalism and soft-heartedness of youth Their more rational elders have accepted the bloodshed as the cost of doing business However in this election year US President Joe Biden should consider the consequences of alienating a lot of protesters, young rebels as they might be, who are voters, very often for the first time Student protests in the USA raise memories of the Kent State University shootings in June 1970, when four students were killed by the National Guard while protesting the Vietnam War So far no University has gone beyond the local police So far the US establishment is trying to control the situation by the talks in Qatar, but the refusal of Israel to give ground has led to a stalemate How much longer can Western governments resist their young people? Youth after all has time on its side

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit

n d i a

W h y i s W a s h i n g t o n e s c a

t r a d e w a r w i t

The

Iactions mark perilous strides by Washington propelling the USA and China further into a quagmire of escalating trade hostilities They not only misconstrue, but potentially distort China s manufacturing prowess, deviating starkly from the bedrock principles underpinning the World Trade Organization (WTO) The risk is not merely economic; it jeopardizes the delicate fabric of international relations demanding judicious recalibration to avert further discord Under the guise of national security concerns, the USA is framing routine trade and investment as existential threats to American interests US Trade Representative Katherine Tai echoes these sentiments decrying China’s alleged transgressions as the scourge behind the USA s industrial woes Yet a closer appraisal reveals a narrative at odds with reality The purported desolation of American industries rings hollow when imports of Chinese steel barely register on the economic radar and Chinese electric vehicles remain a rarity on US roads, hampered by hefty tariffs As the rhetoric escalates it’s imperative to sift through the hyperbole and discern the true impact on American workers and industries separating fact from political posturing in the tumultuous realm of international trade In the current milieu of geopolitical tensions, the rhetoric emanating from Washington paints a stark portrait of China, laden with allegations bereft of substantial evidence

However China s response characterized by

affairs

ment

s H i n d u t v a - d r i v e n

r a n s i t i o n u n d e r M o d i

ON 19 April 2024, during the polling in Manipur cadres of Arambai Tenggol a BJP private Militia were spotted with guns They are behind much of the recent violence there and now they tried to rig the election for BJP and in response angry voters destroyed the EVMs Amidst ongoing elections in India, recent occurrences of communal violence conversion laws prejudice and persecution are eroding India s democratic reputation as it gains prominence on the international platform The U S Commission on International Religious Freedom Annual Report, 2023, sheds light on India’s infringements of religious freedom and human rights within its territory, as the global community continues to confront these pressing concerns According to CNA Insider the rise of fake news and propaganda in India has reached alarming levels Anil Kumar, who works in BJP s IT cell, hires various artists to make videos praising Modi and against the opposition As Statista Survey 2023 highlights the spread of fake news and misinformation is the biggest threat in India because fake news has become an industry in India Hate content spread by the Modi government has now taken the form of religious polarization and extremism resulting in deaths In India religion has been weaponized as a source of disinformation to target minorities

Moreover the Guardian Report on the Indian Election shows a bleak picture of the Modi government highlighting concerns about democracy, economic issues, and social tensions The freezing of opposition party accounts, the arrest of all key opposition leaders, the use of the prosecution as a weapon and the BJP receiving Rs 1 25 billion aid cannot be a coincidence Modi is unpopular in South India where regional and cultural identity is prioritized over Hinduism In areas where Modi s popularity is low, the laws of Hinduism are enforced through violence and terrorism

In India, a multitude of issues have come to light exposing infringements and atrocities that impede the complete exercise of religious liberty for its entire populace The Allahabad High Court in Uttar Pradesh declared the Madrasa Act of 2004 to be unlawful, as effectively outlawing Islamic institutions As a result, the state government was ordered to relocate children enrolled in Islamic education to mainstream institutions

The rise of cow vigilante acts aimed at safeguarding cows has had a disproportionate impact on minority groups, particularly Muslims and Dalits Data indicates that incidents of

cow vigilante actions led to around 50 deaths between 2016 and 2020 The numerical values have experienced significant growth in recent years The Human Rights Watch Report 2023 reveals that a total of 280 individuals sustained injuries as a result of over 100 incidents throughout this period The prevalence of mob lynching harassment and intimidation is eroding the fundamental pillars of Indian secularist culture as India claims Muslims face persistent legislative threats The Citizenship Amendment Act’s adoption in India has sparked additional debates about religious freedom and pluralism inside the country CAA which expedites the process of granting citizenship to non-Muslim individuals migrating to India from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, poses a potential risk of marginalizing and disenfranchising Muslims already within India The implementation of this act together with the establishment of the National Register for Citizens (NRC) has generated concerns regarding the marginalization of Muslims in social, political, and economic domains These laws erode the fundamental values of peaceful coexistence, egalitarianism, and liberty protected by both the Indian Constitution and global human rights norms Furthermore there is a very alarming matter of the biased involvement of law enforcement and municipal government in targeting Muslims and minority groups in India Law enforcement agencies exhibit bias and apathy in their policies, so falling short in their ability to offer sufficient protection to vulnerable individuals Under Modi’s ethno-nationalist policies the Indian government is engaging in structural violence and fostering a culture of impunity against Muslims The restriction of the Islamic headscarf in educational institutions has recently engendered tensions and riots in southern India, mostly in-

speaks volumes a narrative of innovation and market dynamism It is unequivocal: China s industrial ascent is a product of enterprise ingenuity and spirited engagement in global commerce Amidst the cacophony of accusations, the delineation between right and wrong remains unambiguous Washington’s attempts to vilify China through a litany of accusations are a transparent cloak for its own protectionist and unilateral agenda The invocation of Section 301 and the imposition of tariffs have not o n l y f l o u t e d

widespread condemnation from the international community As history echoes this latest bout of antagonism will be no exception Amidst Washington s recent barrage against China s manufacturing sector the spectre of electoral calculus looms large The Biden administration s pivot appears tailored to court favour with blue-collar voters in pivotal swing states Yet, beneath this veneer lies a deeper truth: America’s failure to grapple with China’s industrial rise “Made in China” symbolizes not just

dynamics Without a nuanced comprehension of this reality, the trajectory of Sino-American trade relations risks derailment As the US grapples with its own introspection, the path forward demands a recalibration of strategy one grounded in mutual understanding and constructive engagement China s manufacturing prowess particularly in heavy sectors like steel and shipbuilding mirrors the natural evolution of global economic integration This ascent, marked by resilience and ingenuity, underscores China’s formidable competitive edge Leveraging its expansive market robust infrastructure and innovative drive China has surmounted hurdles en route to industrial preeminence However coerced growth devoid of fairness, risks stifling the true potential of Made in China Washington, cognizant of its own indus-

trial decline stemming from protectionist policies must heed this cautionary tale Sustainable progress demands a departure from unilateralism towards a framework of mutual cooperation, ensuring the vitality of global manufacturing landscapes Amidst the turbulence plaguing America’s traditional manufacturing sector Washington is fac-

for

to tangible economic growth are paramount national concerns Blame-shifting offers no solutions; instead embracing globalization s currents and honouring comparative advantage principles are pathways to sustainable progress Washington s penchant for protectionism risks exacerbating the plight of struggling sectors

pragmatic approach entails fostering industries aligned with domestic strengths rather than propping up uncompetitive players In this era of economic flux adaptation not obstructionism is t h e k e y t o f o r t i f y i n g A m

dscape and safeguarding its global competitiveness In the realm of global economics, China s trajectory is undeniable Its strides in economic openness have propelled it forward, a path it remains resolute in pursuing As titans of industry China and the USA must join hands to safeguard the stability of the global economic web fostering growth with mutual regard and equitable gains It s imperative for the US administration to acknowledge China s manufacturing prowess, embrace the tenets of globalization, and eschew hasty deployment of punitive measures like the “Section 301” tool Such gestures mark the genesis of a more symbiotic rapport essential for a harmonious economic landscape

The writer is a freelance columnist

row t h w i t h mu t u a l r e g a rd a n d e q u i t a b l e g a i n s I t Ês i m p e r a t i v e fo r t h e U S a d m i n i s t r a t i o n t o a ck n ow l e d g e C h i n a Ês m a n u f a c t u r i n g

p row e s s , e m b r a c e t h e t e n e t s o f g l o b a l i z a t i o n , a n d e s c h ew h a s t y

d e p l oy m e n t o f p u n i t i v e m e a s u r e s l i k e t h e „ S e c t i o n 3 0 1 ‰ t o o l . S u c h

g e s t u r e s m a r k t h e g e n e s i s o f a m o r e s y m b i o t i c r a p p o r t , e s s e n t i a l fo r a h a r m o n i o u s e c o n o m i c l a n d s c a p e .

volving Hindus and Muslims Some states governed by BJP have employed bulldozers to dismantle the residences and businesses of Muslim demonstrators as a kind of collective retribution Certain Hindu organizations have claimed ownership of specific Islamic structures, arguing that these locations were built on temples during the era of Muslim rule A notable illustration of this phenomenon is the demolition of the Babri masjid and the subsequent construction of the temple

After two terms under Modi s leadership there are growing concerns about the mistreatment and discrimination faced by religious minority groups, particularly Muslims as mentioned above If Modi were to secure a third term there is a risk that these issues could escalate further endangering the lives and rights of minorities Then there s a risk of India transitioning into a Hindu state potentially leading to the marginalization or disappearance of the Muslim community The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has repeatedly expressed its concerns about India’s intentional persecution of religious minorities hence India must be designated as a Country of Particular Concern As a result the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 would apply several economic sanctions, as India contends that diversity in culture and religion is what makes a democracy strong As India’s election unfolds the future of the country’s secular tradition lies in limbo The dominance of Hindu nationalism in politics has raised questions about India s commitment to diversity and inclusivity

The writer is a freelance columnist

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has repeatedly expressed its concerns about IndiaÊs intentional persecution of religious minorities, hence India must be designated as a Countr y of Par ticular Concern. As a result, the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 would apply several economic sanctions, as India contends that diversity in culture and religion is what makes a democracy strong. As IndiaÊs election unfolds, the future of the countr yÊs secular tradition lies in limbo.

Impor tance of learning and earning together

IN today s fast-paced and competitive world, the concept of learning and earning concurrently has become increasingly relevant and advantageous The traditional notion of pursuing education solely before entering the workforce is being challenged as individuals recognize the benefits of gaining practical experience while continuing their education By combining learning with earning individuals can acquire valuable skills knowledge and real-world experience that not only enhance their employability but also accelerate their career progression Moreover, earning while learning provides financial independence, allowing individuals to support themselves financially and alleviate the burden of student debt This dual approach not only fosters personal growth and development but also empowers individuals to make informed career choices and adapt to the evolving demands of the job market Overall embracing the balance of learning and earning simultaneously opens doors to a wealth of opportunities and paves the way for success in both academia and the professional world ALEENA KHAN KARACHI

Private law colleges

L AW education in Pakistan has become more like a business Due to a dearth of public-sector law colleges across the country private institutions have cropped up that charge hefty fee from the students and thereby deprive those from middle and lower-middle classes of a chance to pursue the education of choice Moreover, these law colleges take advance fee for upcoming semesters which puts an additional burden on the students as well as their parents WASEEM JISKANI HYDERABAD

Dir t y streets in Karachi

I recently returned to Karachi from Lahore after Eid holidays and was sad to notice the difference between the two cities in terms of cleanliness

IN recent weeks, there has been an uptick in actions in Balochistan by purported supporters of the Baloch people aiming to instill fear Having failed to disrupt security and infrastructure the Baloch Liberation Army has reverted to its original tactics In a recent act of cowardice they stopped the Makka coach from Quetta to Taftan on National Highway N-40 at Nushki and killed nine innocent labourers These terrorists are not involved in any legitimate struggle for rights; instead they are criminals thieves and anti-national elements causing harm in various ways

They receive substantial rewards from enemy intelligence agencies for perpetrating such terrorist acts Not only do these unscrupulous individuals rob labourers seeking employment opportunities but they also resort to violence against them Their aim is to spread fear and panic in society while conducting terrorist activities against the state and its institutions Dr Mahrang Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Solidarity Committee, and her fellow journalists who are purported human rights advocates but are accused of defaming the state and its institutions under the guise of advocating for missing persons are unable to justify the killing of these nine innocent citizens They fail to express solidarity and offer condolences to the families of these victims of violence They lack the moral courage to condemn terrorist acts and terrorism Indeed those who support terrorism and terrorists or speak in their favor cannot be considered patriotic or loyal to the people of Balochistan and the state of Pakistan

In an era marked by global uncertainties terrorism emerges as a prominent threat to peace stability and human security As nations contend with the multifaceted challenges posed by extremist ideologies and violent actions, it becomes the duty of governments to confront these threats with steadfast determination and robust measures

Dealing strictly with terrorists is not merely an option but a fundamental obligation in safeguarding societies and upholding the rule of law

The Pakistani Government and the Pakistan Army are taking robust and decisive actions to eradicate terrorism from the country

Recently COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir presided over the 264th Corps Commanders Conference held at GHQ The forum paid tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs including officers and personnel of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens who have laid down their lives for peace and stability in the country COAS commended the tireless efforts of the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies in successfully thwarting numerous terrorist attacks and neutralizing key terrorist commanders during ongoing counterterrorism operations The COAS instructed commanders to actively prevent terrorists from gaining any foothold

He stated “The Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) of Pakistan with full support from the resilient nation are resolute in permanently eradicating this threat from Pakistan, by the grace of God

The conference condemned the heartless terrorist attack targeting Chinese nationals in Besham as well as the cruel killings of innocent civilians in Baluchistan The participants were briefed on how terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan pose a threat to regional and global security while also serving as proxies against Pakistan and its economic interests, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) In Pakistan when the government and law enforcement agencies take decisive actions against terrorist elements purported human rights advocates promptly intervene Interestingly, these advocates often remain silent when other countries implement even stricter measures against such elements within their territories

Our judicial system is widely recognized for its flaws and delays often resulting in

cases dragging on for years and leading to the wrongful conviction of innocent individuals while the actual perpetrators evade justice In such circumstances whenever our agencies detain someone for investigation and evidence gathering, accusations of coercive and illegal arrests frequently arise I firmly believe that our agencies do not apprehend innocent individuals without cause, and there is always substance behind these arrests

If someone is innocent and has not acted against the state or the armed forces there should be no grounds for their apprehension Behind every missing person, there is always a story, and our religion emphasizes the love for our country, the nation that has granted us identity and freedom Therefore it is the duty of every individual to recognize the significance of our freedom an independent nation and a patriotic armed forces

While it may be tempting to immediately blame agencies for allegedly capturing innocents, it is crucial to remember that many of these arrests have led to the identification of numerous terrorists anti-state elements and foreign agents Terrorists rarely confess to their crimes voluntarily and thor-

ough investigations are essential for extracting information from them National security is a non-negotiable priority, and no country compromises on this aspect I have encountered numerous columnists and journalists who constantly criticize the agencies often focusing on only one aspect of the situation In presenting a comprehensive and truthful perspective, I aim to address those who question why some individuals disappear I do not claim that all missing persons are guilty, as it is not my role or that of journalists to make such judgments Only a thorough investigation can determine the innocence or guilt of individuals

Several factors contribute to the phenomenon of missing persons Importantly, not all individuals reported missing are within the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies; some have connections to terrorist organizations and are involved in activities against the state Individuals associated with terrorism may go into hiding to avoid arrest Additionally, some people go missing due to personal vendettas, seeking shelter in remote areas to evade potential retaliation from adversaries Others may be involved in crossborder smuggling and various criminal activities leading them to evade detection by remaining in hiding

The categorization of these individuals

It’s time to declare Israel a rogue state

as missing persons can be deliberate or inadvertent influenced by deliberate actions or a lack of awareness Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies have consistently committed themselves to safeguarding fundamental human rights as mandated by the constitution In pursuit of this goal, Pakistan’s security forces have made numerous sacrifices to secure the well-being of individuals and society However despite their unwavering dedication these agencies often face unjust accusations regarding missing persons disappearances unsupported by evidence Furthermore, a deliberate social media campaign spreads this misinformation, fostering misconceptions among the public The issue of missing persons is pervasive worldwide and Pakistan is no exception with various factors contributing to its exacerbation While human rights organizations tend to scrutinize security forces, they often overlook the underlying factors or ground realities Voluntary disappearances, sometimes mistaken for enforced disappearances are prevalent with instances of individuals choosing to vanish without notifying their families

Furthermore, investigations reveal cases where individuals deliberately disappear to evade arrest by law enforcement agencies Additionally identifying abandoned deceased individuals poses a significant challenge Based on meticulous statistics from Edhi and Chippa over 35,000 abandoned bodies have been interred throughout the country solely by these two NGOs since 2005 It’s crucial to distinguish between cases of missing persons and enforced disappearances as often missing individuals are later discovered to have been casualties of security force actions during counterterrorism operations in the country For instance, in a past incident, terrorist Karim Jan, listed as missing, was killed during an attack on the Gwadar Port Authority complex His sister formally requested his body following the incident Similarly the sister of terrorist Abdul Wadud Satakzai had been searching for her brother since August 12, 2021, before learning of his death in the Mach attack When compared to other nations, it becomes evident that the issue of missing persons is a significant global concern extending to developed countries such as the US UK and Europe as indicated by credible sources from various nations A compar-

ative analysis of missing persons reports underscores the gravity of this issue In the US the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) reported 521 705 cases in its 2021 publication on the FBI website The UK s Missing Persons Unit (MPU) data for 2020/21 documented 241,064 cases A 2018 news report in Germany cited 11,000 missing persons In India the number of cases reached 347 524 in 2018 According to the Asian Federation against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) witnessed 8,000 cases from 1989 to 2012 Nepal reported 10,418 cases in the year 2020/21 These statistics vividly

2,302 cases remain unresolved

the reported number of “missing persons” cases in Pakistan is relatively low both domestic and international actors have made deliberate efforts to portray Pakistan as a country with a significant number of missing persons There is undeniable evidence of banned Baloch militants engaging Pakistani nationals for terrorist activities, offering lucrative compensation to sow instability within Pakistan

Simultaneously despite the relatively low count of missing persons cases in Pakistan, both domestic and foreign adversaries have attempted to depict Pakistan as a nation with a substantial population of missing individuals These hostile entities utilize figures like Dr Mahrang Baloch to disseminate false propaganda and instigate hatred against the country Dr Mahrang & Co is attempting to exploit public sentiments against the state by presenting a distorted picture

It is evident that the BLA and its leaders are merely using the issue of missing persons as a political tool They have no genuine concern for the actual issues faced by the people of Balochistan The people of Pakistan and Balochistan recognize the true intentions of these anti-state elements and wholeheartedly support the concrete measures taken by the government and the Pakistani Army to combat terrorism

The writer is a freelance columnist

AN O T H E R day, another tragedy in Gaza At the time of writing rescuers were pulling bodies out of the rubble after an Israeli air strike on a residential building in southern Gaza s Rafah city Meanwhile a few miles away in Khan Younis, the grisly effort of digging up bodies buried in mass graves on the grounds of the Nasser Hospital continues The Palestinian death toll is now more than 34,000 and 1 1 million people in Gaza are experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity The world is also on edge as many fear a wider regional war after Iran sent a retaliatory barrage of drones and missiles into Israel following Israel s strike on the Iranian consular building in Damascus Since then, Iran s air defences brought down three suspected Israeli drones over the central city of Isfahan Ignoring calls for caution from around the world including its closest partner and protector – the United States Israel remains determined to conduct a costly ground operation in Rafah where hundreds of thousands of civilians are sheltering Commentators and political figures have declared that Israel is a liability and that its leaders have lost their way The “rogue state” label has a sordid history It has long been weaponised against states considered antagonistic to Western political interests The label had its heyday during the Clinton years when it was used for countries that were viewed as unpredictable obstinate and all in all unwilling to follow international norms Eventually, the Clinton administration abandoned rogue states for the more politically correct label “states of concern” But as the US-led “war on terror” divided the world between the good and the bad the “rouge states” label was once again revived by the Bush administration as a catch-all term for countries that constituted the world of evil Undoubtedly this label helps the West s self-perception as a force for good in the world But it also provides justification for the contemptuous treatment and isolation of rogue states – presumably to prevent them from “wrecking public order, setting off wars and subverting whole areas of the world” The irony now is that Israel often considered a beachhead of Western interests in the Middle East seems to exhibit all the familiar features of a rogue state Indeed it has violated all international norms and laws throughout its genocidal war on Gaza Israel has heeded none of these rules We know that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians killed since October 7 have been civilians This includes more than 14 000 children Already back in January Oxfam International reported that the daily death rate in Gaza was higher than all other major conflicts in the 21st century Israel s tactics on the battlefield have been indefensible Israeli forces have been insistent in their targeting of medical facilities in Gaza Throughout the campaign Israel has conducted more than 900 strikes on healthcare facilities killing at least 700 medical professionals Currently only 10 out of 36 hospitals are partly functional in the Gaza Strip Israeli authorities have claimed that hospitals in Gaza were being used as military bases by Hamas This was the official justification for Israel’s twoweek siege of al-Shifa Hospital, the enclave’s largest and most advanced medical facility When Israeli forces eventually withdrew from the complex witnesses described dystopian scenes of

“human heads eaten by crows, unidentified and decomposing body parts and hundreds of corpses piled up and buried in mass graves”

Israeli forces have similarly targeted aid workers

There was global outrage and condemnation in early April after seven workers from the food relief organisation World Central Kitchen were killed in a targeted Israeli strike” But that attack was simply one of many Gaza has been the most dangerous place for humanitarian workers for more than six months and close to 200 workers have been killed thus far Going against all rules and norms Israel has also restricted aid flows into Gaza – this despite warnings from aid agencies that famine is imminent In violation of Article 79 of the additional protocols of the Geneva Conventions that require that journalists be protected as civilians in a war zone it has systematically attacked journalists and media personnel in Gaza including their family members In fact 75 percent of all journalist killings in 2023 were in Gaza as a consequence of Israel s military campaign Israeli forces have also reduced all Palestinian universities in Gaza to rubble Israel has also been eager to keep the battlefront open with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran, hoping that a regional war would force the direct involvement of the US and other Western allies On the Lebanese front Israel Hezbollah and other armed factions exchanged 4 733 attacks from October 7 2023 to March 15 2024 Israel was responsible for 3,952 of these incidents Alongside Hezbollah operatives, those attacks killed many civilians, including children, as well as journalists and medics When Israel carried out its strike on the Iranian mission in Damascus it killed Brigadier-General Mohammad Reza Zahedi a senior commander in Iran s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Zahedi was the highest-ranking Iranian official to be assassinated since the US killing of Major-General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 Iran’s retaliation was also the first time that a foreign country had directly attacked Israel since 1991

Ironically Iran – often treated in the West as a prototypical rogue state – has insisted on a restrained approach declaring that the matter can be deemed concluded But it has required some diplomatic wrangling to convince Israel to keep its response muted Reportedly, US President Joe Biden has told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to simply “take the win”, after Israel “thwarted” Iran’s attack In exchange for a limited Israeli response Biden has reportedly greenlighted the Israeli ground invasion of Rafah even though every actor in the region opposes the operation Cairo has warned that the invasion of Rafah could even endanger the peace accord between Egypt and Israel Numbers do not lie either That Israel is largely isolated was self-evident in the voting tally for the United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire back in December While 153 countries voted for the resolution only 10 including Israel and the US voted against it In the last UNSC vote on March 25 2024 14 out of 15 members voted in favour of the resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire Notably, the US chose to abstain rather than do what it usually does – veto any resolution that seeks to restrain Israeli actions against Palestinians Israel is able to persist with its rogue conduct and obstinate circumvention of international laws regulations and norms because it has strong all-season allies like the US in the West But labelling Israel as a rogue actor and treating it as such, is an essential condition for any punitive actions the international community can take against a country that has violated the rights of Palestinians for 75 years with utmost impunity With countries like Canada the Netherlands Japan Spain and Belgium suspending arms sales to Israel it would seem that its rogue nature is gaining some recognition Eventually, one would hope that supporting Israel would become too much of a liability, even

T h e e x i s t e n t i a l t h r e a t t o b i t c o i n

There is an eventual cap of 21 million bitcoins in circulation, which will be reached in 2140 To date, about 19 6 million bitcoins have been mined

Tprocess, provide an increasing incentive to the miners, who are paid in bitcoins, to participate in the network There is an eventual cap of 21 million bitcoins in circulation which will be reached in 2140 To date about 19 6 million bitcoins have been mined It is the throttling of supply relative to a de-

January (forced on by a court judgment) to allow exchange-traded funds to create bitcoin ETFs The best part of $US10 billion ($15 5 billion) of new

The catalyst for the surge in the price this year was the creation of 11 ETFs including one by the world s largest asset manager Black Rock which has brought a tide of new retail and institutional funds into the market for bitcoins That new and large-scale source of demand is now hitting a market with limited new supply and where the incentive for creating new supply has just been halved

Bitcoin s miners use massive amounts of processing power – and massive amounts of high-cost energy – in verifying the blocks of deals The bitcoin system depends on those miners for its security and the trust that the blockchain is recording only legitimate transactions

Those miners are processing more than half a million transactions a day within warehouses chock-full of computers It s a high-cost and capital-intensive process that s now dominated by listed companies

The halving will have a big impact on the revenue of smaller or more leveraged miners because their revenue per transaction has been halved If transaction costs go up significantly it will inevitably impact the demand for bitcoins and their p r i c e a n d m a k e a r e l a t i v e l y c l u n k y s y s t e m e v e n less efficient That will be offset in the short term, at least, because of the increased value of bitcoins they might hold but with a big cut in revenue no compensating reduction in their operating costs and another halving due in four years there is an ominous cloud over the miners futures

a medium of exchange within the existing payment system They are a mechanism for speculation and their limited supply has made them one of the purest of risk assets Indeed, as their volatility suggests, they provided leveraged exposures to risk They rebounded this year from a two-year depression

That has major implications for the broader bitcoin market While transaction fees are as volatile as the price of bitcoins, early this month they averaged less than $US3 per transaction On Friday as the 210 000th block that triggered the halving was processed bitcoins shot up to $US128 (One user perhaps anxious to participate in the decisive block and become part of bitcoin history, paid a fee of eight bitcoins, or more than $US500,000) Over the weekend, the average transaction cost fell back below $US35 If miners want to compensate for the losses of revenue generated by the halving they will need to rely on increased transaction fees Indeed eventually given that halvings are locked in every four years, transaction fees will be their only material source of revenue from their mining activity If it is increasingly uneconomic to continue to mine there will be a growing question mark over the capacity of the network to verify transactions Without the miners within the decentralised network there would be no trust and therefore no network and no bitcoins So there s a question mark, which will grow with each halving, over the viability of bitcoin The obvious answer to the miners’ loss of billions of dollars of revenue from the halvings is more and larger transaction fees At present those fees are in practice optional for users That may have to change, with some form of fee schedule imposed by the miners or (this might be difficult to orchestrate within a decentralised network) the network itself If transaction costs go up significantly it will inevitably impact the demand for bitcoins and their price and make a relatively clunky system even less efficient If they don t the bitcoin ecosystem will confront a growing threat to its very existence

US INTELLIGENCE BELIEVES PUTIN PROBABLY DIDN’T ORDER NAVALNY TO BE KILLED: REPORT

WASHINGTON A G E N C I E S

US intelligence agencies have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin most likely did not order the killing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny at an Arctic prison camp in February The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday Navalny, 47 when he died, was Putin’s fiercest domestic critic His allies branded extremists by the authorities accused Putin of having him murdered and have said they will provide proof to back their allegation The Kremlin has denied any state involvement Last month, Putin called Navalny’s demise “sad” and said he had been ready to hand the jailed politician over to the West in a prisoner exchange provided that Navalny never return to Russia Navalny s allies said such talks had been underway The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous people familiar with the mat-

China-proposed initiatives bring benefits to people worldwide, says defense

minister

ter, said on Saturday that US intelligence agencies had concluded that Putin probably did not order Navalny to be killed in February The report said Washington had not absolved the Russian leader of overall responsibility for Navalny s death however, given the opposition politician had been targeted by Russian authorities for years, jailed on charges the West said were politically motivated and had been poisoned in 2020 with a nerve agent The Kremlin denies state involvement in the 2020 poisoning

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday he had seen the Journal s report, which he said contained “empty speculation” “I’ve seen the material, I wouldn’t say it’s high-quality material that deserves attention Peskov told reporters when asked about the matter

Reuters could not independently verify the Journal report, which cited sources as saying the finding had been “broadly accepted within the intelligence community and shared by several agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the State Department s intelligence unit

The US assessment was based on a range of information, including some classified intelligence, and an analysis of public facts including the timing of Navalny’s death and how it overshadowed Putin s reelection in March the publication cited some of its sources as saying It cited Leonid Volkov, a senior Navalny aide, who called the US findings naive and ridiculous

Blinken concludes ‘c andid, substantive and construc tive’ meetings

BEIJING

S TA F F R E P O R T

China-proposed initiatives have brought dividends to the well-being of people worldwide, and have led the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to become a constructive force in safeguarding equity and justice, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said on Friday in Astana Kazakhstan Today s world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century Dong noted in a speech during the annual SCO defense ministers meeting adding that proceeding from the common interests of mankind, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the building of a community with a shared future for mankind the Belt and Road Initiative the Global Development Initiative the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative representing humanity s joint pursuit of a better world The region and the SCO were among the first to witness these ideas and initiatives being turned into real projects, said Dong, who led a Chinese delegation to the meeting held in the capital city of Kazakhstan

The ideas and initiatives have led the SCO to become a community with a shared future featuring mutual assistance and a constructive force in safeguarding equity and justice, Dong said The SCO should set an example of solidarity and cooperation amidst increasing instability and disorder in global governance serve as a promoter of dialogues for peace in the face of complicated and troublesome conflicts and disputes and become a guardian of common security against the backdrop of intertwined and interconnected security issues, he said

Advancing Chinese modernization through highquality development China will provide more opportunities for countries around the world he said adding that China stands ready to work with regional countries to implement the GSI and promote common security through common development Regional countries, now at a critical stage of development and revitalization, call for development, aspire to stability and depend on security Dong noted

Stressing the need to uphold solidarity and mutual trust share weal and woe and seek common ground while resolving differences, Dong said SCO member states should jointly build an SCO community of security for all that is more stable, resilient, open, inclusive and influential by improving the cooperation mechanism expanding military cooperation at a higher level forming a greater antiterrorism synergy and promoting more extensive youth exchanges in a bid to provide a strong guarantee for safeguarding common interests, and make greater contributions to regional and world peace During the meeting heads of defense departments of the SCO member states reviewed the cooperation results achieved since last year s meeting and expressed their willingness to continuously strengthen strategic communication, push forward practical cooperation, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability A joint communique was issued after the meeting During his stay in Kazakhstan Dong met respectively with defense ministers of Pakistan Iran Russia Kyrgyzstan and Belarus He also held separate talks with defense ministers of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan during which he exchanged views with the two defense ministers on the international and regional situations, state-to-state and military-to-military relations and issues of common concern

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken s three-day visit to China during which he had extensive exchanges with Chinese officials, was deemed by Chinese experts as “generally positive and playing a role in stabilizing relations between China and US but observers also believed such a visit by itself cannot fundamentally change the current trend of China-US ties Experts have noted that the five-point consensus reached by the two countries during Blinken’s visit suggested that China has pushed back against US pressure and helped push both countries to work toward improving relations in line with the agreement made by the top leaders of the two countries in San Francisco

The key challenge in ChinaUS ties lies in the US still holding the wrong perception of viewing China as a rival or enemy rather than a partner The US is currently struggling to break free from its preconceived notions about China, leading to difficulties in setting the right tone for Washington’s policies toward Beijing and managing the US-China relationship effectively As a result, Chinese experts urged the US to show the courage to accurately identify and correct its misconceptions about China

C A N D I D TA L K S

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday evening that talks with Blinken during his visit to China were candid, substantive and constructive During a courtesy meeting with Blinken on Friday afternoon, Chinese President Xi Jinping elaborated on China’s authoritative position

in China

on China-US relations and proposed guidance said Yang Tao directorgeneral of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the China s Foreign Ministry, while briefing the media on Blinken s visit on Friday evening Xi met with Blinken on Friday and stressed China is willing to cooperate with the US but cooperation should be a two-way street China is not afraid of competition, but competition should be about common progress, not a zero-sum game,” Xi said China and the US should be partners rather than rivals; help each other succeed rather than hurt each other; seek common ground and reserve differences rather than engage in vicious competition; and honor words with actions rather than say one thing but do another said Xi

Xi said China is committed to non-alliance and the US should not create small blocs adding that each side can have its friends and partners, it should not target, oppose or harm the other

Wang Yi a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee

and Chinese foreign minister held talks with Blinken on Friday in Beijing with the two sides reaching a five-point consensus based on a comprehensive exchange of views

First, both sides agreed to continue to work hard to stabilize and develop China-US relations in accordance with the guidance of the two heads of state Second both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts at all levels

Third, the two sides announced that they would hold the first meeting of the China-US intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence continue to advance consultations on the principles guiding China-US relations hold a new round of China-US consultations on Asia-Pacific affairs and China-US maritime affairs, and continue consular consultations The two countries anti-drug working group will hold a senior officials meeting

Fourth the two sides will take measures to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries welcome students from each other ’s countries and work together for the success of the 14th China-US

Abbas, international leaders to hold Gaza talks in Riyadh this week

RIYADH

R E U T E R S

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and several international officials will be in Riyadh this week for talks aimed at pushing for a peace agreement in Gaza to be held on the sidelines of a World Economic Forum meeting the WEF s president said on Saturday We do have the key players now in Riyadh and hopefully the discussions can lead into a process towards reconciliation and peace, Børge Brende said at a news conference in Riyadh, adding that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis would be on the agenda US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will attend the meetings alongside regional leaders including Qatar s prime minister Saudi Arabia s foreign minister Oman s crown prince and Bahraini officials, Brende said Egypt s foreign minister, Brende said, would be there to update officials on a round of talks Egyptian negotiators held in Israel on Friday in an effort to restart stalled efforts to end the war in Gaza and return the remaining Israeli hostages There is now a bit of momentum for negotiations on the hostages and also a possible ceasefire Brende said

Baligh stresses star ting education exchange programs with UK

LAHORE

S TA F F R E P O R T

Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its long-standing relations with Britain stressing the need of starting education programs between the two countries He was talking to a delegation of UK Higher Education leaders led by Slr Steve Smith which called on him at Governor House Lahore on Saturday Punjab Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan, was also present on the occasion

The delegation comprised Dr Wendy Alexander Scotland s Education Champion notable delegates from UK universities and British Council Pakistan representatives Muhammad Balighur Rehman welcomed the participants of the delegation Talking to delegation, he said that the exchange of such educational delegations would help promote cooperation in higher education and research between Pakistan and the UK The Governor Punjab further stated that the government was taking steps to advance higher education and social welfare through research commercialization innovation and collaboration He said that he wants the academia associated with the UK universities to strengthen the educational exchange with the universities of Punjab He said that he would like to express his sincere gratitude to the UK Government British Council Universities in the UK and HEC representatives for their collaborative endeavors aimed at internationalizing higher education through the promotion of principles such as quality equity and transparency

Co l u m b i a U n i ve r s i t y l e a d e r s h i p u n d e r f i r e

f o r p o l i ce c ra c kd o w n o n p r o t e s t e r s

response university spokesperson Ben Chang said we are committed to an ongoing dialogue and appreciate the Senate s constructive engagement in finding a pathway forward,” the Associated Press reported As the death toll mounts in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis worsens protesters at universities across the U S are demanding that schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies they

James who has acted as a spokesperson for the pro-Palestinian encampment as a member of Columbia University Apartheid Divest, apologized on Friday in a statement on X, saying that he “misspoke in the heat of the moment” and “every member of our community deserves to feel safe without qualification ” Protest organizers said James comments didn t reflect their values They declined to describe James level of involvement with the demonstration

A number of Jewish students have said they have felt unsafe at Columbia and at other universities although other Jewish students have joined the demonstrations BBC reported

‘52km Thehri- Ranipur section will be maintained at cost of Rs498m by Dec 2024’

TA F F R E P O R T Federal Minister for Communications Mr Abdul Aleem Khan has reiterated his commitment to realize roads building schemes with quality construction as per scheduled time frame He recalled that the old alignment of National Highway (N-5) between Thehri and Ranipur passes through cities of Khairpur, Kot Diji and Kumb in Sindh province During dualization of N5, this road segment was realigned to bypass Khairpur city and reduce the distance between Thehri and Ranipur Since then he said National Highway Authority has been regularly maintaining the new alignment whereas the old alignment is also being maintained as per requirement through Routine Maintenance Contracts Mr Abdul Aleem Khan was responding to a call attention notice in National Assembly moved by MNAs Ms Nafisa

schemes for functional overlay on 52 km length from Thehri to Ranipur with allocation of Rs 498 Million in Annual Maintenance Plan 2023-24 Continuing the Federal Minister said presently these maintenance schemes are under procurement and their financial bids were opened on April 24, 2024, and that the work will commence on completion of procurement process and contractual formalities in 2-3 weeks time period The execution of work will be completed by December 2024 Mr Abdul Aleem Khan further informed that Ministry of Communications and National Highway Authority are attaching priority to earlier realization of Sukkur - Hyderabad motorway and a tunnel at Babusar Top on Rawalpindi - Gilgit road in the north The tunnel will facilitate traveling in this difficult mountainous terrain of the country The Federal Minister assured to personally monitor the pace of work on roads construction projects across the country

Regional cooperation workshop on Smuggling of Migrants and Sharing Best Practices concludes in Islamabad

A two-day Regional Cooperation Workshop on the subject of combating Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) and trafficking in person (TIP) held on 26-27 April 2024 at the Marriot Hotel Islamabad concluded today The workshop was jointly organized by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) which aimed to address the urgent need for increased collaboration among nations to effectively combat the smuggling of migrants, especially in the wake of tragic incidents like the Greece Boat incident The workshop brought together representatives from Pakistan Turkey Egypt Libya UAE Iraq Oman Greece Italy Iran and other relevant EU countries Nominated delegates from key participating countries shared their insights and expertise, focusing on emerging national trends in Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM)

T‘ Vote BJP or get ready for evic tion’: Assam forest officials threaten Muslim villagers

DISPUR (ASSAM) S TA F F R E P O R T

Residents of some Muslim-majority villages in BJP-ruled Assam have been threatened by state government officials to either vote for the saffron party candidate or get ready for eviction with the help of bulldozers

The threats by nine Assam forest department officials have driven the residents of Butukusi village falling under Assam’s Karimganj parliamentary constituency to approach a local court Among the nine forest officials named is MK Yadava, the special chief secretary of forest Calling it a criminal intimidation and insult deliberately commit-

ted by the said forest officials, the residents have sought from the court of the chief judicial magistrate of Karimganj an order for an impartial inquiry on the matter by engaging an independent authority

The complainants have categorically stated in their appeal to the court that there has been similar intimidation by those officials in neighbouring Muslim-majority villages too since April 21

The petition said “The accused along with Assam Police commando/Forest force in 40/45 numbers in black attire, armed police, armed forest guards are going house to house in day and night at Butukusi and surrounding areas, and asking the residents of the houses calling them out from (of)

the house, taking photographs of their house/residential rooms, keeping them standing in front of their house, asking them to vote for the BJP candidate Kripanath Mallah or they will be evicted from their house by bulldozer after June 7 2024 (the counting votes for the general elections

The petition also stated that the forest officials and those accompanying them used abusive and insulting languages like refugees Bengalis from Bengal etc while addressing them (the village residents)

It added, They asked us if we want to reside in our houses peacefully and happily, then we have to vote for the BJP candidate or we will be evicted

S i n d h C M l a u n c h e s we e k- l o n g i m m u n i z at i o n c a m p a i g n i n 2 5 d i s t r i c t s

KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that eradication of polio was a collective responsibility therefore district administration local bodies civil society members and our partners must work together to save our children from the crippling disease of polio

This he said while presiding over a meeting of the Provincial Task Force for Eradication of Polio

here at CM House on Saturday We are launching a week-long National Immunization Campaign from Monday, 29th April in 25 districts therefore all the deputy commissioners and SSPs must ensure its success by supporting the polio teams in administering Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to children below 5 -years of age, he added The meeting was attended by Minister Health Dr Azra Pechuho

Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab

Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh

Home Secretary Iqbal Memon IG

Police Ghulam Nabi Memon Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Secretary School Education Zahid Abbasi, Adl IG Karachi Imran Yakoob Secretary Health Rehan Baloch EOC Coordinator Irshad

Sodhar DG Health Dr Waqar

Chairman Rotary Aziz Memon Ms

Melissa of Unicef, Dr Zain of WHO and other concerned

The Divisional Commissioner, DIGs of Hyderabad Mirpurkhas

Shaheed Benazirabad Sukkur and Larkana participated in the meeting through video link

Police set to launch crackdown on online betting during Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 Match

LAHORE

The Capital City Police Officer

(CCPO) of Lahore Bilal Sadiq Kamiana has announced a stringent crackdown on online betting during the ongoing T20 series between Pakistan and New Zealand

According to Kamiana, raids will be conducted based on intelligence to apprehend individuals involved in illegal betting activities A total of 423 cases have been registered against offenders this year alone

The CCPO confirmed that 1863 individuals have been arrested, with over 5 4 million rupees seized in connection with these cases

Pakistan is set to host the final T20 match against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, this week

Despite losing the previous two matches, Pakistan aims to conclude the series on a positive note Despite being a relatively inexperienced team compared to New Zealand who lead the series 2-1 Pakistan re-

mains hopeful of leveling the series with a win in the final match

The prospect of winning the series has heightened tensions particularly for the Green Shirts who cannot afford to lose as it could impact their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024

As the teams gear up for the crucial match this week, all eyes will be on Pakistan's performance, with fans hoping for a strong showing to salvage the series and boost morale ahead of the T20 World Cup

Youth held for staging his kidnapping

RAWALPINDI

S TA F F R E P O R T

Police have apprehended a young man who orchestrated his own kidnapping drama, aiming to extort a staggering one crore rupees from his own family The incident unfolded within the jurisdiction of Nasirabad police station where the youth s father filed a complaint on April 25th prompting swift police action

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the young man, accompanied by his friends, meticulously staged the abduction to demand the

exorbitant ransom from his unsus-

pecting father Identified as Sajid Aftab and Qasim all three culprits have been taken into custody with charges to be brought against them in court based on substantial evidence Police authorities disclosed that the main culprit Sajid had conspired with his friends to carry out the elaborate scheme which unfolded in the Chakri area under the jurisdiction of Nasirabad police station This incident comes in the wake of another case just two days prior, where police in Muzaffargarh pursued a similarly concocted kid-

napping involving a youth from Sindh province Named Muhammad Ahmed the youth not only orchestrated his own abduction but also demanded a hefty ransom from his parents, aiming to secure twenty lakh rupees for his release and fund his desired extravagant wedding and lifestyle aspirations Authorities have registered a case against Muhammad Ahmed and his accomplices at Rohilanwali police station, with the aid of modern technology enabling them to trace the youth to the Kacha area of Ranipur Sindh

IIOJK HC quashes illegal detention of banned JeI leader Adv Zahid Ali

Wheat har vesting, threshing in full swing in Potohar region

GUJAR

The farmers in Potohar region have started wheat crop harvesting and threshing as the Met Office and agricultural department have warned them to cut their crops immediately to avoid any harm from unpredictable rains in the Potohar region The wheat crop harvesting and threshing was in full swing in the Potohar region, like other parts of the country “The farmers are interested in harvesting their wheat crop as soon as possible to avoid any harm from the unpredictable rains in Potohar region due to the changing weather patterns

In a survey conducted by this agency, it revealed that wheat crop on 290,000 acres of land in Rawalpindi region provides around 275 26000 tons wheat every year Currently wheat harvesting has started in all parts of the Potohar region including Phulgaran Shah Allah Ditta Rawat Kallar Syedan Lohi Bher Kahuta Sagri Raqqa Chak Beli Khan Fatehjang Tarnol Golra, Gujar Khan, Chatta Bakhtawar, Sihala, Ari Syedan and Mandra Farmers started collection of bardana or gunny bags at the advent of the month of April from procurement centres established by the food department while the physical procurement of wheat started from a mid of the month

A prominent farmer from the Potohar Region belong to Data Bhatt village of Tehsil Gujar Khan Mr Raja Bilal Fayyaz has viewed that Punjab government has fixed the price of wheat of Rs 3900 per 40 kilo gram which to him is very less as the actual cost of wheat from sowing to harvesting and threshing is very high Raja Bilal has stated that currently they owned a vast land of more than 300 kanal and the real concern for the small farmers was the unprecedented rise in the cost involved in sowing and harvesting the crop, adding that these farmers were scratching their heads in limbo as affording the expenses was beyond their means Meanwhile wheat growers belong to Sukhoo of village Khumb Mr Raja Asif Bashir and Raja Adil Bashir have noted that the government s decision to hike the per-liter price of diesel at a time of harvest of cash crop expressed its apathy towards the people linked with agriculture, adding that the move significantly increased the charges of machinery including tractors reapers and threshers involved in the process

Last year the rate of wheat threshing was between Rs18 00 and Rs2 500 and this year the rate is very high, he added It also revealed during survey that thresher owners are charging from Rs2,200 to Rs2,500 per hour

Karachi's Cattle Market 2024 leads the way

Abdul Qadir Qamar led a discussion and Q&A session on improving border control mechanisms to detect irregular migration attempts Additional Director General (ADG) Immigration FIA Ashraf Zubair Siddiqui, delivered the closing remarks

DAR STRESSES UPON NEED OF BROADENING ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

FAdditional DG FIA (Immigration) senior officer of Pakistan Customs and IFC Team The IFC presented progress review report and highlighted that foreign investors were showing keen interest in the bidding process of Islamabad International Airport and a healthy competition was expected The fora also reviewed Key Performance Indicators (KPI s) and service delivery benchmarks worked out by international consultants to improve quality of services at airports It was assured by the heads of government agencies that all out efforts would be made for observance and adherence to service delivery benchmarks to ensure seamless passenger experience at airports The foreign minister stressed on IFC to expedite and complete the required tasks within stipulated time frame for outsourcing of Lahore and Karachi Airport

Justice Shah for developing ‘firewall’ around judicial system to deter inter ference

LAHORE

W E B D E S K

The Supreme Court s Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on Saturday said that developing a firewall around the judicial system was very important , adding that there cannot be any external interference in the judiciary The judge’s remarks come amid the situation revolving around the allegations made by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges against interference in judicial affairs by the country s intelligence apparatus On March 25, six IHC judges out of a total strength of eight wrote a startling letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) members, regarding attempts to pressure judges through abduction and torture of their relatives as well as secret surveillance inside their homes

The letter was signed by judges Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Babar Sattar, Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Saman Rafat Imtiaz A day later, calls had emerged from various quarters for a probe into the investigation amid which CJP Isa summoned a full court meeting of the Supreme Court s (SC) judges After a meeting between CJP Isa and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 28, the duo decided to form a commission to investigate the concerns of interference in judicial affairs following the cabinet’s approval However former CJP Tassaduq Hussain Jillani who was appointed to head the commission subsequently recused himself from the matter leading to the apex court taking a suo motu notice of the issue On April 3, CJP Isa asserted that any attack on the judiciary s independence would not be tolerated as he hinted at forming a full court to hear a suo motu case pertaining to allegations of interference in judicial affairs

Addressing the 5th Asma Jahangir Conference with the theme of People s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil Rights in South Asia Justice Shah said: Firewalling is very important There can be no external interference in our affairs The judiciary will stand united against any interference that comes into our system and we take it seriously ” Announced by the Asma Jahangir Legal Aid Cell (AGHS) the two-day conference is being organised in collaboration with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) The judge said that the apex court bench hearing the suo motu case on the IHC letter was also looking into a firewall against interference Justice Shah said that all institutions must realise that if there is no justice then they cannot exist adding that it was better for everyone if the justice system worked independently Every institution is weakening itself if you weaken the justice system, he said The justice system has to be strong, robust and independent for all the other institutions to develop, grow and prosper,” he added Justice Shah said technology and artificial intelligence (AI) were important if the courts wanted to provide expeditious and inexpensive justice If we don t bring technology or AI into our systems and keep moving on the registers in a colonial manner then we cannot address the 2 4 million cases, he said He said it was important that the system incorporated the data on the dashboard which carried out the analysis

Plea lands in IHC seeking Justice Babar S attar ’s rec usal from audio leaks c ase

ISLAMABAD

T The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Pakistan

Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Federal Investigation

Agency (FIA), and the Intelligence

Bureau (IB) on Saturday sought Justice Babar Sattar’s recusal from the hearing of audio leaks case The four institutions filed petitions in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), pleading with Justice Sattar to recuse himself from the case

“To fulfill the demands of justice, Justice Babar should excuse himself from hearing the case ” the petition maintained

The Pemra maintained in the

plea that the case remains pending despite its chairman appearing before the court multiple times

A separate bench of the IHC has already decided on another case of a similar nature, PEMRA added The petition noted that the same bench should decide on this case as well The next hearing of the case is scheduled to be held on April 29

The petitions being heard by Justice Sattar include those filed by former first lady Bushra Bibi and the son of former chief justice Saqib Nisar

In a similar objection last year, the former coalition government had raised objections to the presence of former CJP Umar Ata Bandial Justice Ijazul Ahsan and

Justice Muneeb Akhtar on the bench hearing the audio leaks case On May 26 2023 the Supreme Court stayed the proceedings of the commission led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa and included Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq

A five-judge SC bench which apart from the three judges included Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed issued the order while hearing four petitions filed by PTI founder Imran Khan Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Abid Zuberi as well as others against the inquiry commission

Improve law and order, crackdown drug dealers in Islamabad, Interior Minister tells IGP

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday directed the new Islamabad Inspector General of Police to improve law and order situation and come down hard on criminals in the federal capital In a high-level meeting here Mohsin Naqvi tasked the police officials with launching a vigorous crackdown on the gangs involved in the sale and purchase of drugs and bust the drug mafia with the help of modern technology

He emphasized that the drug paddlers were the enemies of the future of Pakistan and deserved no leniency ordering enhanced surveillance outside educational institutions to check the sale of intoxicants including ice

IGP Ali Nasir Rizvi briefed the minister of interior about the law and order situation in the meeting which was also attended by all DIGs and CTOs

The minister ordered to ensure foolproof security of foreign nationals living in Islamabad and establish a special protection force for the security of foreign nationals in Islamabad Special attention should be given to the security of all important offices and places including the red zone and diplomatic enclave, he added He also ordered an effective action against beggar mafia and professional beggars in the city roaming freely in the city

Narcotics trafficking bid thwar ted as Customs seizes drugs wor th Rs1b

TORKHAM S TA F F R E P O R T

Customs officials at the Torkham border crossing, situated between Pakistan and Afghanistan, successfully intercepted a significant cache of illicit substances worth one billion rupees in an operation on Saturday Speaking at a press conference held at the customs house Chief Collector Customs KhyberPakhtunkhwa revealed that the major trafficking attempt was thwarted following a tip-off about the drug smuggling from Afghanistan, The operation unfolded when an empty truck entering from Afghanistan underwent rigorous scrutiny by customs officials The thorough search led to the discovery of 14 kilogrammes of ice and 18 kilogrammes of heroin concealed within secret compartments of the vehicle Subsequently, the truck driver was apprehended, and the confiscated drugs were presented to the media The Chief Collector Customs emphasised the gravity of the seizure, stating that the street value of the recovered narcotics in the international market is estimated to be around Rs1 billion

This seizure adds to the ongoing efforts of the customs personnel who in the past month alone have seized drugs worth one billion and 390 million rupees in and around the Torkham border area Highlighting the nexus between drug smuggling and terrorism the Chief Collector pointed out that smugglers often collaborate with terrorist networks which is the reason why many Customs staff have been martyred by terrorists while conducting antismuggling operations recently He further asserted that the proceeds from drug trafficking are frequently channelled into funding terrorism

Punjab on aler t as PMD warns of heav y rains till April 29

LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T

The minister also directed the IG police to immediately deal with promotion cases of capital Police saying that the promotion is the employees’ right that he should get on time to boost morale of police force

The minster assured the police officials that steps will be taken to bring the salaries of Islamabad Police at par with the Punjab Police ordering hiring against all vacant posts in Islamabad police through fair and competitive recruitment process

The minister also sought a comprehensive plan to resolve the traffic problems in Islamabad while identifying areas of traffic congestion, adding that Islamabad Safe City system will have to be equipped with modern requirements like Lahore Safe City

The minister asked the police to ensure 100% registration of First Information Report (FIR) on the complaints of citizens, warning that stern action would be taken against those officers applying delaying tactics or denying registration of FIR

Business communit y demands reduc tion in interest rate

PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T Members of the business community urged the government and State Bank of Pakistan to cut interest rate to flourish industries trade and businesses and improve the economy of the country The business community said prices of import items and raw materials increased exorbitantly owing to gradual increase in policy rate by the central bank, consequently cost of doing business also increasing and inflation also jacked up According to details a meeting of businessmen was held under chairmanship of Industrialists Association Peshawar president Ayub Zakori in IAP office

Besides, IAP former presidents, executive members and senior members and industrialists, members of the business community secretary IAP Wasiullah Khan were present on the occasion

The participants of the meeting said that the further increase in policy rate will work under the prevailing scenario Ayub Zakori said the previous increase in policy rate to 22 percent has struck a mortal blow to an already struggling business community The decision has further pushed up the cost of doing business and dampen prospects for reining in cost-push inflation he added

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Saturday directed the authorities to take precautionary measures amid a forecast for torrential rains across the province The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had on April 22 alerted the concerned authorities with a forecast of a new spell of rainfall in Punjab till April 29

The Met Office had predicted that various cities including Lahore would receive moderate to heavy rains from April 26 to 29

Rain-wind/thunderstorm (few moderate/ heavy falls) is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala Hafizabad Sialkot Narowal Kasur Okara Faisalabad Toba Tek Singh Jhang Khushab Sargodha Mianwali Pakpattan and Sahiwal While in Dera Ghazi Khan Rajanpur Bhakkar Layyah Multan, Kot Addu, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar rain is expected with occasional gaps from April 26 to 28 Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places during the period ” the PMD had said Maryam issued instructions for taking measures in advance on the forecast of heavy rains in Punjab till April 29 She directed the commissioners deputy commissioners and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) managing director to remain active for the drainage of rainwater The Punjab chief minister directed the officers concerned to be present on the ground in all shifts and utilise all resources for drainage of the water All necessary steps should be taken to keep the traffic flowing in Lahore and the other cities The traffic wardens should actively perform duties in the field to help citizens, she ordered in a bid to ensure easy flow of vehicular traffic during and after rains

The chief minister instructed rescue services agencies to take immediate safety measures to make sure that the people from low-lying areas were timely transferred to safe places CM Maryam also directed that the residents of the low-lying areas should be warned in advance about the situation and help should be taken from media, social media and mobile alert service in this regard Maryam said effective measures should be taken to protect livestock in rural areas

Pro -Palestinian protester disrupts German envoy ’s speech at A sma Jahangir Conference