Epaper_24-06-16 LHR

BASE POWER TARIFF INCREASED BY

ELITE FORCE ASI WHO SHOT DOWN T WO L AW YERS IN ATTOCK OVER PERSONAL GRUDGE ARRESTED

G - 7 Risking G re ate r Co nf lict w ith Ru ssia

victory, though this would have catastrophic conse-

quences and likely provoke a massive international response

IT did seem like a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul

As the government scattered largesse on the industrial consumer, cutting the rate at which electricity is supplied by Rs per unit, the electricity tariff was also hiked by Rs 7 72 per unit to Rs 35 50 The tariff hike is expected to net Rs 483 billion, while the reduction in the industrial tariff is expected to cost Rs 23 billion It is not a subsidy from the government, which will not put up the Rs 23 billion something which the IMF frowns upon However, it does amount to a subsidy from the consumer to industry, because if that reduction had not come the tariff hike could have been reduced proportionally

That the country’s only path out of its economic woes are to increase its imports phenomenally is easily understood That the government has chosen this reduction as a means to increase exports is therefore understandable However is the government sure that it has selected the best option, that Pakistan’s traditional exports, textiles, are not a sunset industry, that there is enough innovation and breaking of new ground to justify this subsidy The consumer may not know that he or she is subsidizing industry but he or she knows that power is now dearer For that the government will be blamed which will carry a political cost The PML(N) is axiomatically business-friendly, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has even served as President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry But will this step earn enough foreign exchange to justify the political loss Mr Sharif has already spared the traders in the Budget just presented despite the threatening noises before and after about widening the tax net Can he afford further friendliness?

Perhaps more relevant is whether he can keep up this policy It was appropriate that the enouncement of this step coincided with a downward revision of oil prices However, while this will mean a cut in the

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

M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit

THE government, people, and political elite of Pakistan seem largely unaware that the Russia-Ukraine war is taking a dangerous turn as the G-7 a powerful coalition of the world s wealthiest and most resourceful countries, met in Italy (13-15 June, 2024) and while enjoying Italy s legendary hospitality, took the decision to allow Ukraine to use US and Western arms, ammunition, drones, robots, missiles, and other weaponry to launch attacks within Russia G-7 countries (Canada France Germany Italy Japan the United Kingdom and the United States) have also decided to unfreeze Russian assets of $50 billion mainly parked in Europe and other parts of the world, which were frozen following Russia s invasion of Ukraine to fund Ukraine's war efforts, including repaying the USA and other Western countries that have been supplying weapons and military support to Ukraine These vital and highly sensitive and critical decisions are akin to poking Russia to react violently and take desperate and drastic actions to counter these moves and protect its interests Russia may intensify military operations in Ukraine, launching large-scale offensives targeting major cities and critical infrastructure Additionally Russia might employ its sophisticated cyber warfare capabilities to launch widespread cyber attacks against critical infrastructure in Ukraine, the USA, and Europe, disrupting power grids, financial systems, communication networks, and other essential services It could also use tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine to force a swift and decisive

Diplomatic

It may target Western supply lines and logistics hubs in NATO countries providing military aid to Ukraine, using missile strikes or sabotage to disrupt the flow of weapons and supplies and targeting NATO allies in Eastern Europe, such as Poland or the Baltic states to escalate the conflict to a broader regional war

Beyond direct military actions Russia could engage in economic warfare by cutting off energy supplies to Europe shutting down pipelines or disrupting energy exports, severely impacting European countries dependent on Russian energy Covert operations and proxy warfare could also increase, with Russia supporting insurgent or terrorist groups within Europe and the US to create instability Diplomatic and political moves might involve strengthening alliances with countries opposed to US and European policies, such as China, North Korea and Iran, forming new economic or military alliances to counterbalance NATO and the G-7

If Russia implemented its strategy, the USA and Europe may respond with a comprehensive and coordinated approach by bolstering their military presence in Eastern Europe deploying additional troops and equipment and increasing direct support to Ukraine with advanced weaponry and intelligence

They may impose economic sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, such as energy and finance and cyber countermeasures to strengthen defenses and retaliate against Russian attacks Diplomatically they would isolate Russia internationally rallying condemnation through forums like the UN and strengthening alliances with countries opposed to Russian actions

Each of these actions carries significant risks and could lead

n A g r i c u l t u r a l S t o r a g e & S e r vi c e s C o r p o r a t i o n ( PA S S C O ) t o e n s u r e i mm e d i a t e w h e a t p r o c u r e m e n t H o w e v e r a c c o r d i n g t o t h e P r e s i d e n t o f P a k i s t a n K i s s a n I t t e h a d ( P K I ) t h e g o v e r n m e n t s h o u l d a r r e s t t h e c u l p r i t s o f t h i s w h e a t i mp o r t s c a n d a l H e a l s o l a m e n t e d t h a t w h e a t w a s i m p o r t e d i n t o t h e c o u n t r y e v e n t h o u g h ‘ e v e r y b o d y k n e w t h a t t h e c r o p h a d b e e n p l a n t e d o n m o r e a c r e s i n t h e c u r r e n t s e as o n t h a n i n t h e p a s t T h e f a r m i n g c o m m un i t y o f P a k i s t a n i s a l s o f a c i n g t h e c h a l l e n g e o f h i g h c r o p p r o d u c t i o n c o s t s t h a t h a v e d o u b l e d s i n c e 2 0 2 3 T h e g o v e r nm e n t h a s n o t b e e n f a c i l i t a t i n g t h e a v a i la b i l i t y o f U r e a a t r e t a i l p r i c e s D e s p i t e s u c h c h a l l e n g e s f a r m e r s i nc r e a s e d t h e a r e a f o r w h e a t c u l t i v a t i o n a n d p e r - a c r e p r o d u c t i v i t y t o e n s u r e n a t i o n a l f o o d s e c u r i t y I t r e s u l t e d i n r e c o r d - h i g h p r od u c t i o n o f a r o u n d 2 9 m i l l i o

Literacy in world 5th most populous countr y

Hub roads

Unending protest

AjwA HijAzi

Can AI Break Gender Bias for an Inclusive Future?

IAmiNA A GHAfoor

N an era marked by globalization and rapid technological advancements the relationship between gender dynamics and technology continues to exhibit signs of deep-rooted patriarchy This issue is particularly significant in the context of the adoption and integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) across diverse cultural landscapes

Factors such as technology access educational pathways cultural norms gender equity initiatives and techno-activism all play crucial roles in the adoption and utilization of AI However, generative AI currently tends to predominantly represent males, leading to a skewed perception of professional roles For instance when searching for images of professionals in fields like law medicine engineering or scientific research AI-generated results overwhelmingly depict men This bias in representation highlights the nuanced intersections between gender iden-

tity and the adoption of advanced technologies like GAI which have profound implications for both present and future generations Addressing these issues is essential to ensure a more equitable and inclusive technological future

Significant research findings indicate substantial gender bias in GAI particularly in professions traditionally dominated by men For example studies have shown that men are represented in 76 percent of AI-generated images of professionals, while women appear in only eight percent This disparity not only highlights but also potentially exacerbates, existing gender inequalities in society The underrepresentation of women in AI-generated content suggests a reinforcement of gender stereotypes that can influence societal perceptions and career aspirations

It is crucial that women are included and acknowledged for their presence and contributions to the advancement design and implementation of AI technologies The gendered nature of technology especially generative AI becomes apparent when examining recent studies, which show that 99 percent of AI-generated images of professionals depict men This alarming underrepresentation of women suggests that generative AI could perpetuate gender biases and male dominance in professional fields Moreover certain systems affect the physical and mental well-being of women and non-binary individuals Gender-biased systems used in healthcare, welfare, and the automotive industry, in particular, pose significant risks Approximately 18 8 percent of

By addressing these issues comprehensively, we can create a more equitable and just society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in the technological age Prioritizing gender equity and justice as primary goals for AI systems can create a downstream impact on design and management decisions, fostering a technological

gender-biased systems compromise physical safety, while 3 42 percent create health hazards These statistics underscore the urgent need to address gender biases within AI to protect the well-being of all users

The adoption of GAI will likely impact gender perceptions in future generations, who will rely on AI for educational and other purposes This reliance on AI-generated content may reinforce male dominance and potentially hinder women s empowerment Consequently this issue necessitates a strategic and multifaceted approach to address and mitigate these biases

Technologists, policymakers, educators, and all stakeholders must collaborate to build a platform for women's empowerment and ensure that AI technologies reflect diverse and balanced representations In the realm of socio-economic development especially within the context of Pakistan there exists a pressing demand for inclusive growth, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of women

Gendered AI could exacerbate gender inequality making inclusive progress in technology essential for the equitable development of society Highlighting the need for a more intersectional and inclusive approach in AI advancement, especially in AI-generated images, is imperative

This approach must consider how gender intersects with other dimensions of power and oppression such as race class and ability Ensuring that the experiences of marginalized groups including women of color, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities, are adequately addressed within feminist technoscience studies is vital An inclusive approach will help achieve the goals of women's empowerment societal justice economic growth and creating space for everyone

Empowering and encouraging more women and all genders to take visible roles in all realms of life will be instrumental in driving forward societal and technological progress This comprehensive strategy involves revising the algorithms and datasets used in AI training and fostering a culture that values and promotes gender diversity in the tech industry

To address these disparities, we must take a holistic approach that includes enhancing technology access for all genders, promoting inclusive educational pathways challenging cultural norms that reinforce

The strategic shift in Iranian public opinion on nuclear weapons

The

gender biases and strengthening gender equity initiatives It is also essential to support techno-activism efforts that advocate for fair representation in AI Generative AI has the potential to shape societal perceptions significantly

Therefore, its development and implementation must prioritize inclusivity Policymakers technologists educators and activists must collaborate to create frameworks that ensure AI technologies reflect diverse and balanced representations This involves not only revising the algorithms and datasets used in AI training but also fostering a culture that values and promotes gender diversity in the tech industry Moreover addressing the gender biases inherent in GAI is critical for achieving broader goals of gender equality and empowerment If left unchecked then these biases can perpetuate and even exacerbate existing inequalities, hindering progress toward a more just and equitable society Therefore it is imperative to incorporate intersectional approaches that consider how gender intersects with other dimensions of power and oppression By actively working to eliminate gender bias in GAI and other technologies, we can pave the way for a future where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a mechanism of

deterrence capability to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and existence

In the context of systemic transitions and changes in the world order which are often accompanied by wars Iranians are convinced of the necessity for a strong deterrence capability This conviction transcends political systems, emphasising that regardless of whether or not the regime is democratic the country must be able to defend its existence While a democratic government is ideal the pragmatism of realpolitik dictates a focus on tangible security measures rather than ideological aspirations

Tthe perceived actions of Israel Many Iranians believe that, in a hypothetical war scenario between Iran and Israel Israel would retaliate for battlefield losses by targeting Iranian civilians much like the alleged genocide in Gaza This fear drives a heightened desire for a formidable deterrence capability to protect Iran from potential mass casualties inflicted by Israel Iran’s strategic culture profoundly influences its population’s support for nuclear armament Strategic culture encompasses the worldview and policymaking patterns of a state s political and military leadership In Iran s case, this culture is shaped by historical legacies, shared beliefs, collective experiences and decision-making modes that mould

the nation’s threat perceptions and strategic thinking Iran s strategic behaviour since the The shift in Iranian public opinion towards supporting nuclear weapons is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by regional conflicts, strategic culture, historical experiences and a desire for national independence

1979 Revolution is deeply rooted in historical legacies of decline in relative power and frequent interventions by great powers over the past two centuries This history has instilled a sense of insecurity, resentment and distrust towards the West and Russia Iranians see themselves as natural leaders of the Middle East expecting to play a primary role in Central Asia and the Caucasus Actions undermining this perceived rightful place trigger strong reactions, reflecting the sensitivity of Iranian leaders and people to their status in regional and global affairs

Geography also plays a crucial role in Iran s strategic thinking The desire for a preeminent role in Middle Eastern political and security affairs and maximum freedom of action in its surrounding region stems from both a historical sense of leadership and a need to prevent encirclement by more powerful states This sentiment resonates with Iranian resentment of past humiliations by world powers during the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties

The current Iranian regime s efforts to blend nationalism with Shi’ism under

the slogan “Achaemenian Gene and Hosseini Blood” reflect a strategic attempt to unify the nation This slogan evokes the ancient Persian Achaemenid Empire and the martyrdom of Imam Hossein combining historical pride with religious devotion Imam Hossein s legacy of resistance against oppression and his willingness to sacrifice for justice are powerful symbols that resonate deeply within Iranian society This fusion of nationalism and religious identity aims to reinforce a sense of unity and purpose, especially as the society distances itself from strict Islamic ideology Iran’s strategic loneliness and quest for independence significantly influence its nuclear aspirations Historically Iranian leaders and citizens both pre and post-1979 have sought to become a developed nation while maintaining independence This aspiration has often clashed with Western interests, reinforcing a perception that the West opposes Iran’s development and independence This perception fosters a strong desire for self-sufficiency with nuclear capability seen as a crucial component of national security and autonomy Iran’s geopolitical isolation and history of invasions, from ancient times through the Arab and Mongol invasions to the occupation during World War II and the eight-year war with Iraq have shaped a national psyche deeply concerned with security These historical experiences contribute to a collective consciousness that prioritises a robust

2021) and Niger (in 2023) U S -supported officers also played a role in coups in Mauritania (2008), Gambia (2014), Chad (2021), and Guinea (2021) The total number of U S -trained mutineers across Africa since 9/11 may be far higher than is known but the State Department, which tracks data on U S trainees, is either unwilling or unable to supply it The Pentagon is mandated to provide a

The collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) following the US withdrawal and the imposition of new sanctions has led many Iranians to question the efficacy of diplomatic solutions

The perceived failure of the JCPOA to deliver economic relief and security assurances has fuelled a sense of betrayal and scepticism towards future negotiations This reinforces the belief that only a strong deterrent including nuclear weapons can guarantee Iran s security and sovereignty

The shift in Iranian public opinion towards supporting nuclear weapons is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by regional conflicts strategic culture historical experiences and a desire for national independence

The recent development underscores that Iranians are increasingly concerned with security and deterrence, driven by a complex interplay of historical legacies strategic imperatives and contemporary geopolitical realities As Iran navigates its geopolitical landscape the growing public support for nuclear armament signals significant implications for its nuclear policy and regional security dynamics

Understanding this shift requires a nuanced appreciation of the factors shaping Iran s strategic behaviour and the broader context of its security concerns

Hamid Bahrami is an independent international relations analyst

briefing on coups carried out by U S -trained African partners to the Senate and House Armed Services committees but missed its March deadline A source on Capitol Hill told The Intercept that the Pentagon eventually held the required classified briefing but the Department of Defense failed to confirm the information The U S has recently been forced into withdrawing its troops from Niger and Chad due to souring relations with these longtime allies and the former acolytes who now lead them “While the juntas justify their coups and continued strongman rule based on the claim that they are uniquely able to restore security episodes of violence linked to militant Islamist groups have doubled since these militaries have seized power,” wrote Smith and Siegle

nor the military training provided to many of the leaders of these coups The failure of U S counterterrorism efforts and the far higher spikes in terrorist violence over the span of U S involvement also go unmentioned Aside from a single sentence the report contains no substantive discussion of the billions in security assistance the U S government has pumped into the Sahel, nor the military training provided to many of the coup leaders Throughout all of Africa the State Department counted a total of just nine terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2003 the first years of U S counterterrorism assistance in the Sahel Last year, the

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environment to the nation Due to their supreme services, the masses are able to sleep peacefully at night,” said Pirzada He strongly criticized the elements who were propagating against the country’s institutions Riaz Pirzada stated that the martyrdom was a big honour PR Iranian Ambassador visits KP-BOIT

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of investment & Trade, (KP-BOIT) welcomed His Excellency Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan for a special visit and interactive session with KP-BoIT Government officials and Business Associations during KPIRAN Investment Dialogue on 13th June 2024 by KPBoIT Board Members of KP-BOIT, Mr Shahid Shinwari and Dr Mohsin Khan presented bouquet and traditional pagri of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Souvenir on behalf of

The naval forces of Pakistan and Türkiye have stages Turgutreis-9 exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean to enhance operational readiness and foster cooperation

PNS Babur visited Aksaz naval base and participated in the exercise

The purpose of the exercise was to further enhance the interoperability and joint operations capability between the two navies

"Training exercises were conducted in the Eastern Mediterranean with the participation of the TCG Heybeliada corvette the TCG Doganay submarine and the PNS Babur corvette of the Pakistan Navy, the Turkish National Defence Ministry said on X Pakistan Navy in a statement said the exercise on Monday and Tuesday at the Golcuk

Indian author Arundhati Roy, Kashmiri scholar Sheikh Showkat to face prosecution over 2010 speech

T Amid growing concerns about freedom of speech in Modi’s India, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has granted sanction to prosecute renowned Indian author Arundhati Roy and Kashmiri scholar and former professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain for their speeches made at an event in Delhi fourteen years ago The sanction to prosecute Arundhati Roy a fierce critic of India s policy in Kashmir and Sheikh Showkat former Central University of Kashmir professor,

was granted under the black law Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) Roy and Hussain had made the speeches at a conference organised under the banner of ‘Azadi – The Only Way on October 21 2010 at LTG Auditorium Copernicus Marg in New Delhi The FIR against Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain was registered following the orders of the Court of Metropolitan Magistrate New Delhi officials in the Raj Niwas the official residence of Delhi LG said The FIR in the matter was registered on a complaint made by

Kashmir-based Hindu rightwing activist Sushil Pandit on October 28, 2010 The Hindu activist claimed that Roy s speech, and a number of others, “jeopardized public peace and security” by advocating for the separation of Kashmir from India

Although the case was registered in 2014, the sanction to prosecute Arundhati Roy and Shiekh Showkat has once again stoked concerns about freedom of speech under Modi's government Roy has long been a vocal critic of India s Prime Minister Narandra Modi and experts say the case is an effort to silence her

and Iran Business Community to attend KP-BOIT’s International Investment & Trade Expo Islamabad to be held in September 2024 PR Exercise prec autions during

Spokesperson

RAWALPINDI

S TA F F R E P O R T

Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Enforcement Squad taking action in accordance with the law against illegal housing schemes conducted an operation against Century Town, an illegal housing society located in Mouza Bagga Sheikhan and demolished infrastructure

According to an RDA spokesman the Task Force formed on the directives of the Divisional Intelligence Committee had accelerated its operations against illegal housing schemes

The operation was conducted

against Century Town as despite the notice to stop illegal advertisements, booking of the plots, and development work the owners of the housing scheme continued to operate booking offices in violation of the regulations The operation team included officials from the RDA and cops from Police Station Rawat Key team members included Shiza Butt, Assistant Director Planning RDA along with RDA Scheme/Building Inspectors and other team members

The spokesman informed that the operation was conducted on the directives of Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Muhammad Abdul Aamer Khattak under the su-

pervision of Director General (DG) RDA Kinza Murtaza, Additional DG RDA, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi and City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi DG RDA Kinza Murtaza said that on the orders of the Commissioner, the crackdown against illegal housing societies would continue and strict action would be taken without any discrimination against the rules violators

She advised the citizens not to invest in illegal housing schemes The citizens can visit the RDA website, www rda gop pk or the RDA office to get information about legal and illegal housing societies

Sherief Tokhi, Abdul Bari Kakar Jahangir Rind Mir Ashfaq Nawabzada Sharif Moazzam Buut Mahwish Janjua Abdul Bari Khurshid Ahmed Rahim Kakar, Ateeq Kakar, and others have

Gen (r) Bajwa was behind PTI govt ’s toppling: Sh Rashid