Epaper_24-05-6 LHR

PM TARGETS RS24T REVENUE POTENTIAL AMID CORRUPTION CHALLENGES

PAKISTAN CONDEMNS ISRAELI BRUTALIT

IN GA Z A , URGES OIC ACTION

rity and counter-terrorism, he said

Pakistan a countr y with future, to be next tech hub of region: Ambassador Masood

Abbot Proctor and Gamble Pfizer Honeywell Oracle Microsoft Dell IBM Caterpillar McDonald s Pizza Hut and Domino s Pizza They find our market rewarding, he observed We want US companies to scale up their investments in Pakistan ” he added LA Area chamber is the biggest chamber of commerce in California The Chamber has been a champion for the business community for 136 years now and has more than 1400 companies as members across 35 sectors

Highlighting multi-billions Gulf investment in Pakistan, the Ambassador invited US business community to join hands with Gulf nations and form trilateral partnership for fully reaping dividends being offered by Pak economy

Inviting President LA Area Chambers of Commerce to visit Pakistan and also to encourage US business leaders, he observed that positive perception after their visit will build confidence

The Ambassador also proposed sister city partnership between Los Angeles and Karachi to provide a framework for enhanced economic interactions

Highlighting presence of 150,000 Pakistani American community in LA Masood Khan observed that it was a strong founda-

tion to further build on bilateral relations The two sides agreed to work closely towards industry specific cooperation to enhance trade and business interactions

During meeting with Board members and entrepreneurs from the Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) led by Chairman PACC Waqar Ali Khan Ambassador Masood Khan highlighted the role of Pakistani American businessmen and investors in various sectors including hospitality, hotels, hospitals, telephony, medical transcription and billing, diagnostics, fintech, health tech, and telemedicine

“Pakistan values the contribution of the one million-strong Pakistani American community which is a bridge between the two countries They have invested heavily in Pakistan in various businesses and sectors and can help foster more collaboration and partnership”, he added

During his interaction with Pak-American and US business leaders entrepreneurs bankers professionals and officials at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, Masood Khan reiterated that relationship between Pakistan and United States had resilient foundations

“We want to scale up our trade and investment ties besides our ongoing cooperation in secu-

“We are in dialogue processes with the United States on climate change renewable and green energy healthcare education and technology These are our priority areas he said

Masood Khan said that international financial institutions including IMF were supportive of Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and the new government has owned reform package being pursued by the interim government This has built confidence within the IFIs he observed

The Ambassador during the meeting called upon US enterprises to diversify their product lines so that they could export their products to gulf and other regions During his series of meetings Masood Khan highlighted the role that SIFC was playing to facilitate business community spark investments and promote economic growth He highlighted that the Government of Pakistan has prioritized IT, agriculture, energy and extractive industry and every possible facilitation was being provided to the investors in those areas

Addressing a large gathering of Pakistani Americans in California, organized by Friends of Pakistan (FOP) President Jamal Khawaja, Chairman Arif Mansuri and Board FOP the Ambassador thanked FOP for its hospitality and organizing the meeting He said that he was delighted to see exemplary spirit of unity & harmony among diaspora and their passion and commitment for Pakistan, the U S and Pak-US relations

ISLAMABAD

t

Mushaal Hussein Mullick the Chairperson of Peace and Culture Organisation and wife of jailed Kashmiri Hurriyat leader, Muhammad Yasin Malik, has hailed the Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir ’s unwavering support to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their struggle for right to self-determination Mushaal Hussein Mullick in a statement in Islamabad said that the army chief ’s remarks on Kashmir that Pakistan would continue to provide “moral, political and diplomatic support to

Kashmir brothers was a source of inspiration, as it would give a new impetus to the ongoing Kashmiri freedom struggle

The Hurriyat leader went on to say that the Pakistani army chief ’s assertion was a reminder to the brave Kashmiri freedom fighters that they were not alone in their just fight, as entire Pakistan was firmly standing by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their pursuit for freedom to break the shackles of Indian slavery Mushaal stated that General Munir rightly highlighted that the international community s silence about the reign of terror unleashed by Indian forces in IIOJK could not suppress the voice of freedom

She continued that the Pakistan army chief s remarks was a clear-cut and unequivocal message to India that Kashmir was an internationally recognized disputed territory whose final status was to be decided as per the UN agreed formula and aspirations of the people of the scenic valley Meanwhile Mushaal paid rich tributes to veteran Kashmiri pro-freedom political leader Shaheed Muhammad Ashraf Sehraie on his 3rd martyrdom anniversary Shaheed Sehrai was the chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu Kashmir who achieved martyrdom on 5th May, 2021 while he was in custody in Jammu jail

R ailways earn Rs 66b in nine months

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t Pakistan Railways has achieved an unprecedented earning of Rs 66 billion in the first nine months of the current financial year 2023-24, despite facing a financial crisis due to floods in the monsoon season “The department is expecting to generate revenues up to Rs 80 billion by the end of this financial year through the consistent efforts and hard work of the Railway workers official sources said They said that during the first nine months of the last financial year (202223), the department earned around Rs

had retired as head of the English Department at what is now GCU but I remember him as a young lecturer there, with a hearty voice and a hailfellow-well–met manner that endeared him to us students The world will be am emptier, and probably more frightening, place without him around One person who has regained new life is Harvey Weinstein who single-handedly launched the #MeToo movement with the revelations about his exploits among female actresses He has had his conviction overturned, and he will go to retrial Ali Zafar, I hear celebrated this most

39 billion a historic increase in revenue during the same period of the current financial year (2023-24) According to the data, they said that out of the revenue of Rs 66 billion, revenue was derived from passenger and freight trains while other sectors of the department also contributed to the total revenue At present they said that Pakistan Railways is operating around 96 passenger trains, up from the previous year when 86 trains were running Similarly, during the previous year on average it operated 3 75 freight trains while the number reached seven freight trains this year The sources said the department

emphasized that the issue of delay in payment of salaries to employees has now been resolved and things will be more streamlined, once work on the Mainline-I (ML-I) project kicks off To a question they said that Pakistan Railways has beefed up precautionary measures to reduce passenger train accidents and only six minor accidents with no causality took place on the entire railway network in the country during the last three months The drastic decrease in accidents has been witnessed due to the efforts being undertaken to reduce trespassing at unmanned level crossings and unauthorized locations they added

PUNJAB CM STRESSES BIL ATERAL TRADE EXPANSION WITH SOUTH KOREA

Amir Muqam urges opposition to be construc tive, not confrontational

faced by everybody Engr Amir Muqam stated that overcoming inflation was a top priority for the government He highly praised the establishment of SIFC for its efforts in attracting investment In response to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister s accusa-

tions against the Federal government regarding resource allocation, he emphasized the equitable distribution facilitated by the National Finance Commission (NFC) award Earlier the federal minister administered the oath to the newly elected body of the Bar Council Association He congratulated the newly elected cabinet and expressed the hope that they would work for the welfare of the lawyers’ community Additionally he announced a grant of Rs 2 million for the Bar Council Association and assured efforts for the provision of gas facilities and a motorway link road in Buner He emphasized that access to gas was a right for the people of Buner and Shangla The Minister also expressed deep respect for the people of Buner and Swabi stating that they have always honored and respected him

Religious scholars and leaders from diverse schools of thought across the nation on Sunday endorsed the Code of Conduct for Pilgrims , issued jointly by the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) and the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP)

According to a statement this unified stance reflects a significant step towards ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for Pakistani Muslims

The Code of Conduct, meticulously crafted by the PUC and HOAP encompasses various aspects of conduct etiquette and safety measures to be observed by pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj It emphasizes the importance of adhering to Islamic principles, maintaining discipline,

and fostering a spirit of unity and brotherhood among pilgrims

Key provisions of the Code of Conduct include guidance on personal hygiene respect for fellow pilgrims adherence to designated routes and timings and compliance with the instructions of authorities and organizers

Moreover, it underscores the significance of upholding ethical standards displaying patience and tolerance and refraining from any behavior that may tarnish the sanctity of the pilgrimage

The endorsement of this Code of Conduct by religious scholars and leaders underscores the collective commitment of Pakistan’s religious community to promote harmony respect and reverence during the sacred pilgrimage

It reflects a shared understanding of the importance of ensuring a safe

and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims, regardless of their sect or school of thought

In a joint statement PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi and HOAP President Jamal Khan Tarakai expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and endorsement from religious scholars and leaders

They emphasized the significance of collaboration and unity among different religious groups in upholding the values of Islam and facilitating the performance of religious obligations

They said the endorsement of the Code of Conduct by religious scholars and leaders is expected to have a profound impact on the behavior and mindset of Pakistani pilgrims guiding them towards a Hajj experience characterized by piety, humility, and devotion

RAWALPINDI S TA F F R E P O R T

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF)

recovered 30 kilogram drugs arrested eight drug pushers in seven operations conducted in various cities across the country

A Dubai bound passenger was offloaded and held at Islamabad Airport after recovery of 80 heroinfilled capsules from him possession

A drug pusher was arrested with 15 6 kg hashish during a crackdown in Mandi Bahauddin

A spokesman of ANF Headquarters said on Sunday that 2710 intoxicated tablets were recovered from a parcel booked for New York at a courier office in Rawalpindi

Two suspects were arrested near Lakpas Toll Plaza Quetta besides recovery of 7 kg opium and 2 kg Ice from their possession During operation at Faisalabad road, two drug pushers were arrested with 1 2

A suspect was rounded up near GT Road Jhelum with 1 kg hashish while another drug peddler was arrested with1

Industr y-academia links

L A N N I N G, Development and Special Initiatives

PMinister Ahsan Iqbal was correct when he told the meeting of the Animal Husbandry Committee and the vice-chancellors of veterinary colleges that it was important for the forging of robust connections between academia and industry, besides the quipping of individuals with essentials skills for achieving economic progress He thus pointed out the two means whereby academia serves industry Apart from actually dealing with the actual problems faced by industry, academia plays an important role in preparing individuals to work in industry From such no-brainer skills as reading and writing, academia provides industry not just with the technologists it needs, but also the administrators who put together all the elements to make things work Skills useful in industry are particularly important in a country that is seeking foreign investment It is not necessary that someone fresh out of college should be able to work in a factory but he should be trainable which should be the purpose of an educational system

Another dimension, which is more aspirational at the moment, is that industrial issues be solved in academia This requires not just that academia be routinely and actively involved in research, but that industry must be engaged in innovation and creativity, which would require research to be performed Industry must be capable of asking the right questions and industry of answering Mr Iqbal directed his remarks towards animal husbandry, and while the tweaks to a new breed of buffalo or sheep might be profitable to individual livestock owners what is really needed is the backing of academia to industry Though there has been an influx of the private sector in higher education, the government still has a very large role to play Having separate research institutions does not seem to have been as fruitful as was thought and either the researchers should be returned to academia, or those institutions should start taking on students Mr Iqbal did not refer to a problem: money Not just who would finance the research but who would benefit While researchers would need to be funded by industry, grants for specific

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

n s i

More impor tant than it seemed

A ‘common goals’ economic policy

WH E N the Covid pandemic was at its peak, there were voices being raised from a number of corners– from politicians to academics to general masses– about a new normal whereby policy should take a multi-disciplinary approach whereby instead of virtually watertight focus of policy from the perspective of economic policy, health policy, and environment policy, for instance, there should instead be collaboration because the issues are overlapping and inter-linked Hence a multidisciplinary approach is needed to allow internalizing actions required to have greater chances of reaching common goals like effectively dealing with existential threats– climate change and the Pandemicene phenomenon– and meaningfully reducing poverty, and income inequality This ‘common goals’ policy requires a potent multilateral spirit, and coming together of for example of macroeconomic epidemiological and environmental policies since they all contribute to each other Moreover there is need for greater collaboration between countries, for instance, on reaching a global pandemic treaty, so that unlike during the pandemic, a Covid vaccine is reached which is based on broadbased collaboration between countries and among pharmaceutical companies Unfortunately reaching such a treaty still remains quite a distant dream in terms of fulfilment as pointed out by a Jan 2024 Guardian published article Global pandemic agreement at risk of falling apart, WHO warns as follows: Plans for a global pandemic preparedness agreement risk falling apart amid wrangling and disinformation, according to the chief of the World Health Organization who has warned that future generations may not forgive us Shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic the WHO s 194 member states decided more than two years ago to start negotiating an international accord aimed at ensuring countries are better equipped to deal with the next health catastrophe, or to prevent it altogether The plan was to seal the agreement at the 2024 World Health Assembly the WHO’s decision-making body which convenes on 27 May However Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the WHO s director-general said the momentum had been slowed down by entrenched positions and a torrent of fake news, lies, and conspiracy theories

mental shift in the Middle Eastern landscape

This also means for instance, reaching a legally binding global treaty on effectively reducing plastic production, since a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions result from its production According to the report ‘Plastic & climate: the hidden costs of a plastic pandemic published by the Center for International Environmental Law among others pointed out in this regard: The plastic pollution crisis that overwhelms our oceans is also a significant and growing threat to the Earth s climate At current levels, greenhouse gas emissions from the plastic lifecycle threaten the bility of the global community to keep global temperature rise below 1 5°C With the petrochemical and plastic industries planning a massive expansion in production the problem is on track to get much worse If plastic production and use grow as currently planned, by 2030, these emissions could reach 1 34 gigatons per year– equivalent to the emissions released by more than 295 new 500-megawatt coal-fired power plants By 2050 the cumulation of these greenhouse gas emissions from plastic could reach over 56 gigatons– 1013 percent of the entire remaining carbon budget Nearly every piece of plastic begins as a fossil fuel and greenhouse gases are emitted at each of each stage of the plastic lifecycle: 1) fossil fuel extraction and transport, 2) plastic refining and manufacture, 3) managing plastic waste and 4) its ongoing impact in our oceans waterways and landscape ’ Not just coming together and collaborating in terms of technical knowledge rich advanced countries, and multilateral institutions, like International Monetary Fund (IMF), need to release greater finances for

Not just coming tog ether, and collaborating in terms of technical knowledg e , rich advanced countries, and multilateral institutions, like International Monetar y Fund (IMF), need to release greater finances for developing countries– which are otherwise working with tight fiscal space in g eneral, both due to daunting expenditure needs with regard to climate chang e-, health sector preparedness in the wake of the ÂPandemiceneÊ phenomenon, and also for acute debt distress, especially due to over-board emphasis on austerity policies

Crisis in Chitral

IN the vibrant heart of Riyadh, amidst its soaring skyline and lively thoroughfares, a momentous gathering of global leaders, policymakers, and influential business figures recently unfolded The occasion? The World Economic Forum s Special Meeting in the Kingdom– an event of profound significance highlighting Saudi Arabia s escalating prominence on the international platform and marking a pivotal juncture in the region s course As delegates from every corner of the globe converged the conversations transcended mere economic discourse delving deeply into the intricate realms of geopolitics ideological currents and the very future trajectory of the Middle East At the heart of these discussions lay Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030– a holistic strategy for economic diversification, social transformation and national revitalization After eight years of implementation the Kingdom s visionary agenda is yielding tangible results ushering in a period of advancement creativity, and societal integration Against this dynamic backdrop, the World Economic Forum provided a stage to highlight Saudi Arabia’s evolving role-a symbol of promise and potential in a region historically marred by unrest and unpredictability Within the esteemed confines of the forum what unfolded transcended traditional rhetoric and dialogue, encapsulating a profound shift in the geopolitical paradigm-a shift defined by the rise of a new catalyst for positive change, prosperity and regional cohesion As eloquently articulated by a participant this phenomenon signals the Middle East s 1989 moment – an analogy drawn to the pivotal events that redefined the global landscape three decades prior Thus, the discussions and interactions at the forum symbolized not just discourse, but a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of regional and global transformation

Just as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the demise of communism in Eastern Europe marked the onset of a transformative era, the developments transpiring in Riyadh signify a monu-

The era of entrenched authoritarian rule and ideological steadfastness is waning, making way for a fresh ethos characterized by pragmatism collaboration and forward-thinking strategies

It s a time where the region is embracing a new dawn of possibilities and progress

The recent statements by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the significant decision confronting the region: the choice between a trajectory marked by discord and turmoil or one defined by unity security and peace As a crucial player in the region the USA has unequivocally stated its position– a dedication to nurturing enhanced collaboration and stability that transcends historical rifts and ideological differences This commitment signals a pivotal step towards fostering a more harmonious and secure future for all involved Central to this equation is the evolving relationship between the USA and Saudi Arabia–a relationship marked by a convergence of interests and a shared vision for the future Despite initial skepticism and geopolitical complexities, recent overtures signal a renewed sense of partnership and collaboration, extending beyond conventional security concerns to encompass a broad spectrum of mutual interests from economic cooperation to technological innovation However, despite these diplomatic manoeuvres and tactical adjustments, formidable obstacles persist Foremost among them is the persistent Israeli-Palestinian conflict– a perennial source of tension that remains resistant to resolution Saudi Arabia s willingness to endorse Israel s inclusion in the Arab and Muslim spheres is contingent upon a genuine dedication to pursuing a viable two-state resolution– a proposition entangled with intricate complexities and deep-rooted historical grievances Addressing this issue remains a critical challenge in the pursuit of regional stability and harmony

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne-

tanyahu stands at a crucial juncture, torn between the demands of peace and the complexities of domestic politics His decision not only shapes Israel’s trajectory but also resonates throughout the region holding significant implications for lasting peace and stability

Similarly Hamas entangled in a deadly conflict with Israel, faces the harsh realities of war juxtaposed with the necessity for peace

The pressing nature of the situation, compounded by humanitarian crises and regional dynamics accentuates the need for prompt and resolute action Both Netanyahu s choices and Hamas s responses are pivotal in determining the course of events with far-reaching consequences for the prospects of peace and stability in the region

Meanwhile, the spectre of Iran looms large casting a shadow over regional dynamics and geopolitical calculations The SaudiIranian détente of March 2023 marked a significant milestone-a testament to the potential for rapprochement and cooperation in a region long characterized by animosity and mistrust However, underlying tensions persist, underscoring the fragility of the regional equilibrium and the complexities of navigating geopolitical fault lines

At this pivotal moment the Middle East finds itself at a decisive crossroads– a point in history marked by choices whose consequences will echo for generations

As key players navigate the intricate terrain of geopolitics and the urgent need for peace the road ahead appears both uncertain and pregnant with potential Within the corridors of power and the arenas of diplomacy the destiny of nations teeters on the edge– a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of visionary leadership, boldness, and diplomatic acumen in shaping not only the region’s fate but also the broader global landscape

The writer can be reached at: writetomahossain@gmail com

Resilience in ruins

Dr Omer JaveD

sarmaD sattar

IN a display of unwavering allegiance, the G7 countries the USA, Canada, Italy, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, along with the European Union have vocalized full solidarity with Israel reinforcing their steadfast commitment to its security in the face of aggressive actions from Iran This unity was further strongly affirmed following a dire incident when Iran launched hundreds of drones and missile strikes against Israel an act that was roundly condemned by the G7 leaders as direct and unprecedented Amid escalating tensions the international community watches as global leadership and security become focal points of concern, especially within the realms of the Middle East’s volatile dynamics and the intricate dance of financial markets on the global stage In the broader Middle Eastern context the support extended by Western nations to Israel s military actions which have included the mass killing of civilian Muslim Palestinians and attacks on Islamic symbols, has significantly contributed to the rise of anti-Western sentiment in Muslim-majority states

This sentiment is further aggravated by the perception of a “total war of attrition” that these Western policies seem to wage against Muslim states and globally The consequences of such policies have been profound, leading to a halt in any normalization processes in the Middle East and prompting regional countries to diversify their foreign policies away from traditional Western alliances The unwavering support of Western countries for Israel has led to significant geopolitical consequences and shifts in international perceptions

The erosion of credibility among these nations is evident as they have consistently demonized groups like Hamas and other Palestinian actors without holding Israel accountable for its actions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank This one-sided support has not only removed the moral high ground often claimed by Western powers but has also fu-

eled further mistrust and resentment towards these countries among global observers

Israel’s track record of engaging in provocative actions that have detrimental effects on regional stability is well-documented These actions encompass the persistent expansion of settlements in the West Bank the annexation of the Golan Heights, and the recent military strikes on Gaza While Israel possesses the right to safeguard its own security it is crucial to acknowledge that these actions merely fuel tensions in the region and heighten the likelihood of conflict From annexing territories in the West Bank to expanding settlements in East Jerusalem, Israel s aggressive behaviour has sparked outrage and calls for action from the Western bloc It is time for the Western bloc to use its leverage and influence to pressure Israel to cease its provocative actions and commit to a negotiated solution Providing unconditional support to Israel only emboldens its aggressive behavior and undermines the credibility of the Western bloc as a promoter of democracy and human rights

Israel’s ongoing occupation of the West Bank including East Jerusalem and Gaza since 1967 is recognized as a violation of international law As the occupying power Israel is obligated under international law to ensure that the basic needs of the population in these

areas are met, a responsibility that extends to providing adequate living conditions and respecting the rights of the occupied populace

The International Criminal Court (ICC) holds jurisdiction over war crimes and other serious offences committed within or from the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) This legal framework provides a mechanism for accountability, aiming to address and rectify injustices occurring in the region Furthermore the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been petitioned to declare the Israeli occupation illegal demanding an immediate total and unconditional cessation of these activities The construction of Israeli settlements in these territories not only contravenes the Hague Regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention but is also classified as ‘pillage,’ a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court These settlements have led to widespread human

I s r a e l

It is time for the Western bloc to prioritiz e peace over politics and stand up for justice in the Middle East. The significance of this balanced approach extends beyond the immediate Israel-Palestine conflict, touching on broader implications for international relations, global security, and the moral authority of the West As the world moves forward, the emphasis must remain on fostering dialogue , understanding, and cooperation that respects the dignity and rights of all involved, paving the way for a future where peace and stability are not just aspirational goals but tangible realities

Our freedoms depend on press freedom

From Washington and Westminster to Buenos Aires and Budapest, effor ts to intimidate, cur tail, and constrain the free press are becoming more frequent and brazen

had been shot at and banned from observing local elections, despite their legal right to do so It was a worrying, but not especially surprising, start to this “super election year ” With half the world’s population casting ballots independent reporting on the candidates and the issues is essential Yet attacks on the media are rising even in more mature democracies In the United States, Donald Trump s return as a candidate has brought back fresh memories of January 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the Capitol lunged at journalists and destroyed their cameras and scribbled “Murder

1989 is being reversed The authors identify increased attacks on journalists as a leading indicator of autocratization: Aspects of freedom of expression and the media are the ones wannabe dictators attack the most and often first There is no doubt that threats to journalists are on the rise and not just in countries where independent media is always a target Over the past three years the Committee to Protect Journalists has documented near-record numbers of journalists (and even top media executives) behind bars, including in supposed democracies such as Guatemala, and in places that once enjoyed relatively high levels of personal and political freedom such as Hong Kong Journalist killings are at their highest levels in

in-

had experienced online hate, harassment, or threats of violence Among the most likely triggers for such abuse was reporting on “politics and elections ” Women and those from marginalized communities bear the brunt of this anti-media harassment online and the vitriol frequently spills over into real-world violence The consequences of this disturbing trend are not limited to the media Attacks on journalists harm us all Journalists perform the public’s due diligence on candidates, probing their professional records the veracity of their claims and the credibility of their promises By reporting on policy achievements and failures they help corroborate – or contradict – a candidate s official narrative, exposing lies and smear campaigns for what they are They also provide practical information about voting processes, and monitor for electoral irregularities and campaign-finance violations Without such information there can be no democracy but rather what V-Dem calls electoral autocracy where elections are empty rituals Independent reporting is also crucial for holding accountable those already in power It was old-fashioned, pound-the-pavement reporting that exposed New York Republican congressman George Santos’s falsified biography ultimately leading to his ejection from Congress (not to mention criminal charges) It was the news media that aired recordings of Peru s secret-police chief, Vladimiro Montesinos Torres, bribing judges and politicians – revelations that would lead to the downfall of President Alberto Fujimori And it was independent reporting on Partygate that ultimately forced Boris Johnson out as prime minister of the United Kingdom Independent, professional journalism –both local and national – is even more important now that misinformation and disinformation are flooding into the public domain A recent report by the Associated Press finds that artificial intelligence is supercharging the spread of election lies through deepfake images and audio that is impossible to distinguish from authentic recordings Similarly, a study released in March by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies found that disinformation had increased fourfold (compared to 2022) ahead of recent elections across the continent Independent news media are essential to counter this technology-driven trend Consider Taiwan s election earlier this year Although lies flooded online channels throughout the campaign, studies suggest that much of the disinformation was defused by the combined efforts of local media election authorities and fact checkers all of whom deliberately focused on building trust and furnishing voters with what they needed to make an informed, meaningful choice We now need to heed these lessons and watch carefully for warning signs If this year is a litmus test for democracy around the world a pre-indicator will be how the media are treated Jodie Ginsberg is CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists a nonprofit organization working worldwide to ensure that journalists can report freely

N 2009, I was having dinner with two distinguished academics, directors of top-ranked centres of scientific research Both told me they had been receiving a stream of excellent applications for faculty jobs from researchers based abroad This was unprecedented; they were far more familiar with Indian scientists leaving for jobs overseas That was still happening, of course, but now there was also a substantial flow of scientific talent in the other direction from the West back to India There were several reasons for this partial reversal of the brain drain The global financial crisis had led to a funding squeeze in Western universities, which now had less money to hire new faculty At the same time, India was spending more on research and scholarship The Union government had recently established a chain of high-quality research centres known as Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Several new IITs had also come up in recent years These had all attracted a stream of talented individuals to join their faculty In the 1940s and 1950s some fine scholars with PhDs garnered overseas returned to India even though they could have got prestigious positions in the West (They included such world-class scientists as EK Janaki Ammal, Homi Bhabha, MS Swaminathan, Satish Dhawan, and Obaid Siddiqi ) The primary driving force was their patriotism These individuals had grown up in the time of the national movement and were deeply inspired by its values Now that India was independent, they wanted to return to their homeland to help shape its future In later decades however those who did their PhDs abroad were more likely to stay abroad to work too This is because for most scientists patriotism is often not a primary motivation They also want the freedom to pursue independent research, the means to live moderately well, a social environment in which they can raise a family They would like to work in their own country but only if these other criteria are also met In 2009 the year that I had that conversation in Bengaluru, the Indian scientific ecosystem looked more promising than it had in recent times The economy was doing well leading to the augmenting of academic salaries And the social fabric also appeared more tolerant more accommodating than in past decades The communal polarisation of the 1990s and early 2000s appeared to have abated

For a young scientist seeking to pursue independent research, while hoping for financial security and social stability 2009 was therefore a far better time to be looking for a job in India than 1999 or 1989 or 1979 And so more scientists educated abroad were turning their back on the West and returning home to work Fifteen years later, would the situation be as attractive now for a young scientist wishing to return to India after a PhD abroad? I seriously doubt it This is largely because the current government led by Narendra Modi is far more hostile to scientific research than that led by Manmohan Singh Himself a scholar, educated at two of the world’s greatest universities Singh deeply appreciated the contributions of modern science Modi on the other hand is an autodidact and has contempt for those with an intellectual pedigree (consider thus his comment that he preferred hard work to Harvard”) It is true that men educated at prestigious universities (perhaps women less so) can be arrogant and snobbish and out of touch with the lives of the aam aadmi But without a solid infrastructure of scientific research no economy or nation can ever enjoy sustained progress

This was clearly the thinking of Jawaharlal Nehru, who set up the IITs and strongly supported the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and of Manmohan Singh who helped establish the IISERs Prime ministers between Nehru and Singh likewise promoted basic research, particularly in biology, which was now rivalling physics as the most important of the sciences By the 1980s if not earlier homegrown institutions were producing a stream of outstanding PhDs themselves Indian science could now draw as much on domestically trained talent as on people returning from overseas All this has changed since 2014 Narendra Modi has some time for technological applications whose fruits can bring him political capital Hence his patronage of the Indian Space Research Organisation Yet he has little interest in promoting scientific and technological research It is thus that he has allowed Hindutva ideologues to wantonly interfere in the functioning of the IITs Whereas in the past directors of these institutes were chosen by their academic peers alone under the Modi regime shortlists are actively scrutinised by right-wing apparatchiks, with those likely to follow their line being chosen Once in office, some directors of IITs pay elaborate obeisance to sanghi dogma disparaging Indians who eat meat opening gaushalas on campus disinviting independent-minded scholars from speaking to their students The ideological penetration of Indian science by Hindutva was starkly illustrated by a series of nine linked tweets issued by the secretary of the department of science and technology last month These lavishly praised the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore for designing a system that allowed sunlight to shine on the deity in the new temple at Ayodhya on Ram Navami

Before taking up his job as the head of the government’s scientific establishment, the person issuing the tweets had been director of one of the best IITs located in Kanpur His tweets therefore attracted sharp comment on social media Some critics went so far as to say that what the secretary was praising as a great contribution of Indian science could have been accomplished by a clever

tual reasons that the prime minister inaugurated the temple just a few months prior to the general elections, while presenting himself as its chief initiator and motivator indeed as its head priest itself The DST secretary must also know that the Indian Institute of Astrophysics is mandated to do rather

ISLAMABAD

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Ttinian people in Gaza Strip and to implement the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice Reiterating its solid support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to attain their inalienable rights including their right to self-determination and to establish their sovereign state with Al-Quds AlSharif as its capital the OIC called upon the international community to compel the occupying power to abide by international law and United Nations resolutions and end its illegal occupation, colonization of and apartheid in the Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem It also demanded for taking all measures to safeguard the Islamic identity of Al-Quds Al-Sharif from the illegal measures and policies as well as Judaization attempts of the occupier and the violations against the sanctity and the status of Al-Haram Al-Sharif

The organization also urged the Palestinian brothers and sisters to unite in their struggle to achieve their objectives under the

Brazil mounts frantic rescue effor t as flooding kills 66

banner of the Palestine Liberation Organization the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people It also paid tribute to the solidarity of African peoples and governments with the struggle of the Palestinian people, specifically the Member States of the OIC, and their firm stance to end the historical injustice that has befallen the Palestinian people based on their bitter experience with ending colonization and apartheid

Reaffirm its continued political moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people, the organization called upon the United Nations Security Council to take effective measures to implement its resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir to enable the Kashmiri people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite It also reaffirm the urgent need to resolve the longstanding disputes including Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir as per United Nations’ relevant resolutions and wishes of their people to avoid continuous threat to peace and security of the Middle

East and South Asia It also expressed deep concern over the increasing systematic persecution of Muslims and other minorities in India that had led to their political economic and social marginalization and urge the Government of India to take necessary measures to protect their lives and properties and prevent any such acts in the future

The declaration paid tribute to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and other Member States for leading efforts at the UN General Assembly for the adoption of the Resolutions designating 15 March as International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022 and Measures to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, 2024 and urge the UN Secretary General to appoint United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia and implement other relevant measures contained in these resolutions The organization reaffirming its support for a peaceful stable prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan, reiterated the need to address the challenges faced by Afghan people It also paid tribute

of Bar Kupershtein, who was seized along with more than 250 others when Hamas-led gunmen rampaged through Israeli communities near Gaza on Oct 7

Many of those taken hostage are believed to be dead but families want all of those taken to be brought back

Everyone must be returned We will not abandon them as the Jews were abandoned during the Holocaust,” said Hanna Cohen, an aunt of 27-year-old Inbar Haiman, who was initially believed to have been taken hostage on Oct 7 but was subsequently found to have been killed Her body is still believed to be being held by Hamas in Gaza

Some 1 200 Israelis and foreigners were killed on Oct 7, in the deadliest day in Israel s history, according to Israeli tallies

back We got to switch this government This has got to end The protests, ahead of the Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day, which falls this year on May 6, came as the war in Gaza nears the end of its seventh month amid growing international pressure to stop the fighting The only thing that keeps us going is the hope that Bar is alive and surviving said Ora Rubinstein the aunt

In response, Israel launched a devastating assault on the Gaza Strip destroying large swathes of the enclave and killing more than 34 000 people according to Palestinian health authorities

Netanyahu s government has insisted that it will not stop the war until Hamas is destroyed and all the hostages are returned but intensive efforts are underway to secure a halt to the fighting that might lead to a full ceasefire

and sharing the groundbreaking initiatives of the government in this space, Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja shared: Agritech has an essential role to play in enhancing Pakistan s agricultural productivity, promoting economic wellbeing of the farmers and ensuring country’s food security In this regard Digitalization and Agriculture are among the top priorities of the government and we are devising strategic initiatives and policy frameworks to facilitate all stakeholders especially our farmers to benefit from the emerging technological solutions

SHARJEEL VOWS TO PUT TRANSPORT SECTOR ON ITS FEET, SAYS RED LINE TO HAVE PAKISTAN’S 1ST BIOGAS BUSES

B2B and people -to -people ties key to strong bilateral relations: Vietnam’s envoy

ISLAMABAD

The NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) organised a keynote address by H E Nguyen Tien Phong, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan on “Envisioning Comprehensive Pakistan-Vietnam Cooperation: Prospects and Opportunities Lt-Gen (r) Engr Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Rector NUST, greeted the esteemed guest upon arrival Moderated by Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan, Director General NIPS the keynote highlighted the areas of PakistanVietnam cooperation

The Ambassador stressed the importance of people-centric approach to bilateral relations as the foundation for enhancing bilateral trade, S&T partnerships, academic and student exchanges cultural un-

derstanding and tourism promotion He termed business-to-business (B2B) and people-to-people ties key to strong bilateral relations between the two countries He underlined the need for a strong mechanism for implementing plans projects and proposals related to cooperation which he said required strong ownership by the government and the people on both sides He further said that the growth strategy of Vietnam is focused on integrating the Vietnamese firms and enterprises into the regional and global value chains and production networks He said that Pakistan s dynamic youth population, sectoral specialisation, industrial clusters, and price and locational advantages can catapult the country into the front ranks of emerging economies

The Ambassador praised NUST for being the leading knowledge hub of Pakistan He emphasised the importance of top universities as major drivers of nation-building and social development especially highlighting the need for promoting linkages between Pakistani and Vietnamese universities

Speaking at the occasion, Mr Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific), MoFA, said that Vietnam’s development in recent decades was highly impressive He stressed that Pakistan was committed to not only strengthening bilateral relations but also enhancing cooperation with ASEAN The keynote was attended by former and current senior public officials business personalities academics scholars and students

LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T

An extremely successful launch of District One Sheikhupura took place on 3rd May District One Sheikhupura is a fully gated secure society with all state of the art amenities They announced their on ground possession plots on 20% downpayment as well as an extremely convenient payment plan

The chief guest of the event Khateeb Badshahi Mosque Imam and Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal committee Abdul Khabir Azad talked about his longstanding relationship with 101 group and appreciated their commitment to delivery and customer satisfaction

The Chairman of 101 Group Mr Imran Hussain again highlighted that District One and 101 Group have always focused on fulfilling their promises The group aims to deliver their commitments as they have in the past with the most recent achievement of delivering possession under 1 year in District One Lahore

Road infrastruc ture being revamped to promote tourism in Nor thern Areas: Aleem K han

T

Federal Minister of Communications Privatization & Investment Board Abdul Aleem Khan has said that tourism will be promoted through means of communications and road infrastructure in Gilgit, Skardu and Northern areas therefore special attention will be given to the Karakoram Highway and the connected roads and motorways He added that this step would support tourists as a large number of people can have fun in these areas and the economic condition of the people residing here can improve as well He expressed these views during his visit to Gilgit on Sunday Abdul Aleem Khan has a meeting with the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan where members of the provincial cabinet, DG FWO and federal officers were also present Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan welcomed Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and discussed various projects including the dilapidated condition of

Karakoram Highway, Jaglot, Skardu Road and tunnels He welcomed the arrival of the Federal Minister to Gilgit-Baltistan and called this visit a blessing for the northern region of Pakistan Federal Minister of Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said that GilgitBaltistan is our home, Motorway will be built from Mansehra to Gilgit Baltistan and all issues including police deployment on the motorway and the problems of highways requiring repair will also be solved on a priority basis Federal Minister Abdul Aleem

Khan also held a high-level meeting with the authorities of Frontier Works Organization and National Highway Authority regarding Gilgit and adjacent roads where he was given a detailed briefing on the current situation Federal Minister of Communications directed that no effort should be spared in the construction of roads and improvement of travel facilities He said that he will continue to visit the northern regions in the future to ensure the completion of quality and speedy construction work in the area

PAKISTAN AND CHINA PLEDGE TO BOOST COOPERATION ON CPEC PROJECTS

PM S hehbaz vows transparenc y in probe into wheat impor t sc andal

that the government will disclose all findings to the public We will put everything before the nation stated PM Shehbaz during a meeting with Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, who heads the investigation into the matter

Directing Afzal to assign accountability and inform the individuals accountable for the scandal, the premier instructed the cabinet secretary to formulate recommendations based on available records and documents with a final report due by Monday

These remarks from the prime minister come amidst a challenging situation for the federal government, as both Balochistan and Punjab struggle to purchase wheat from farmers due to an excess stock allegedly caused by an overimport of the crop

The failure of provincial governments to procure wheat has led to a decline in prices, deeply con-

cerning farmers

Responding to criticisms, former caretaker prime minister Kakar denied involvement in the crisis emphasizing that overseeing wheat production was not within the purview of a prime minister s duties

Regarding the decision to import wheat, Kakar clarified that only 3 4 million metric tonnes were imported while the actual shortage was 4 million metric tonnes Sources reveal that the Ministry of National Food Security informed PM Shehbaz s cabinet that 28 18 million tonnes of wheat were produced last year, leading to a decision by the caretaker government to import an additional 2 45 million tonnes

This excessive import reportedly incurred a loss of over Rs300 billion to the national exchequer In response to farmers difficul-

Khokhar added that the spending on agriculture sector was only 0 8 percent of the total GDP How can a country progress if the spending on agriculture is too meager he posed question The Chairman Pakistan Kissan Ittehad expressed concern stating that society did not give due regard to farmers He however urged civil society, lawyers, students journalists and others to join farmers protest

Punjab governor ’s oath-taking postponed, Balochistan governor takes oath today

ties, PM Shehbaz chaired a meeting in Lahore, reassuring the procurement of 1 8 million metric tonnes of wheat through Passco to alleviate farmers’ economic hardships

Emphasizing the government s commitment to protecting farmers economic interests the PM ordered officials to oversee wheat procurement personally

Additionally, PM Shehbaz formed a national food security committee to address farmers’ concerns and ensure their facilitation in wheat procurement within four days

Secretary Afzal, briefing the prime minister on investigation challenges, clarified that Kakar and

g Delegation from KSA landed in Pakistan to engage in crucial business meetings aim at fostering trade partnership and explore investment opportunities in various sectors

s s a n M u r t a z a t h e n e w l y - n o m i n a t e d P u n j a b G o ve r n o r S a r d a r S a l e e m H a i d e r

from provinces last year

The documents also detail wheat quotas allocated to various institutions and provincial governments for 2022-23