and deliver a message to those in power He, however, added that no one could be allowed to take the law into their own hands
from federal and provincial authorities The loss of precious lives is heartbreaking Emotions must be set aside, and facts and reason must prevail No one is above the law In light of the country s internal situation
“Unfortunately some unpleasant events occurred [at the protest] which escalated and resulted in firing, he said Consequently, some people were killed and some were injured ” The KP govt’s spokesperson did not provide details about the number of casualties the parties responsible for the gunfire or the cause of the incident Saif said that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur took immediate notice of the events and instructed the local administration to take steps in this regard
under control He added a jirga was also being held to establish peace and security
The spokesperson added that the Bannu commissioner deputy commissioner and other officials engaged with the protest leaders and political figures in talks and had brought the situation
Third judge excuses himself from taking ad-hoc
role in SC
from taking up the position of adhoc judge in the apex court Justice (r) Mazhar Alam Main Khail cited personal reasons and dissatisfaction with the subsequent social media campaign Earlier this month, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa proposed four retired judges including Alam Baqar and Mian Khail for the
take up the ad-hoc judge position The move however faced severe criticism from various quarters including the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) which has challenged the decision in the Supreme Judicial Council Barrister Gohar said that the appointment of ad hoc judges was mala fide Four judges are being appointed at the same time during the vacations with a view to bringing in like-minded judges ” Gohar said “We are sending this issue to the Supreme Judicial Council ” he added PTI has accused the appointments of being politically motivated and opposed any ad-hoc judges from hearing their cases However, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the appointments, stating that the Constitution permits the appointment of ad-hoc judges and suggested that any legal concerns such as the invocation of Article 6 against PTI leaders could be debated in Parliament CJP okays name of Justice (r) tariq Masood Meanwhile the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Friday approved the appointment of Justice (r) Sardar Tariq Masood along with Justice (r) Mazhar Miankhel as ad-hoc judges to the Supreme Court (SC) The latter however has refused to accept the offer The JCP meeting considered the proposals for the appointment of ad hoc judges and approved two names for the role with the majority of votes According to sources, Justice Munib Akhtar opposed the appointment of Justice (r) Sardar Tariq Masood as an ad-hoc judge
“The chief minister has instructed that a transparent investigation be conducted into the incident and that exemplary punishment be imposed on those found responsible for unlawful actions and causing instability, he said The spokesperson said that compensation was also announced for those killed and injured during the violence adding that further details would be revealed soon
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said he was deeply concerned about the incident and had summoned a report
ECP ‘bows’ to SC, decides to implement reser ved seats verdict
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday decided to fully implement the Supreme Court’s verdict declaring the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as eligible for the reserved seats On July 12 a 13-judge full bench of the apex court had declared that the opposition PTI was eligible to receive reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the national and provincial assemblies, dealing a major setback to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s ruling coalition and potentially making the PTI single largest party in both houses of Parliament
The Supreme Court had also declared the PTI a parliamentary party An ECP spokesperson in statement issued on Friday that the election commission has decided to implement the decision of the Supreme Court and has issued instructions to its legal team to ensure the implementation of decision It added that “instructions were issued to the legal team of the election commission that if there is any obstacle in the implementation of the decision of the Supreme Court, then they should immediately identify it so that the Supreme Court can be referred for further guidance ”
Responding to criticism from the PTI the commission said it condemned it and rejected it
The demand for resignation from the commission is ridiculous
The commission will continue to work in accordance with the constitution and law without consider-
ing any kind of pressure ” the press release said
The ECP said that it did not misinterpret any decision, referring to the judgement s observation that the commission had misinterpreted the court’s January 13 ruling stripping the PTI of its election symbol of the bat and mentioned the party s candidates as independents
The majority judgement had explained that the ECP had no authority to declare validly nominated candidates of a political party to be independent candidates
The election commission did not declare PTI s intra-party election as valid Against which PTI went to various forums and the election commission’s decision was upheld Since PTI’s intra-party elections were not valid In the logical consequence of which the symbol of the bat was withdrawn under Section 215 of the Elections Act Therefore, blaming the election commission is very inappropriate,” the ECP press release said It said that 39 lawmakers who
were declared as PTI MNAs by the court had indicated their affiliation with the party in their nomination papers, adding that it was necessary to submit the party ticket and a declaration to the returning officer (RO) to be a candidate of any party but the aforementioned candidates had not done so Therefore the ECP said it was not possible for the ROs to declare them as PTI candidates “The 41 candidates who have been declared independent have neither mentioned PTI in their nomination papers nor disclosed the affiliation of the party nor submitted any party ticket Therefore, the ROs allowed them to participate in the election in an independent capacity After winning the election these MNAs voluntarily joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) within three days under the law In the Supreme Court, the SIC appealed against the decision of the election commission and the Peshawar High Court (PHC)
of Allegiant aircraft were delayed while Sun Country delayed 23pc of flights, the data showed The companies did not give details on the number of flights impacted CYBER OUTAGE HITS AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND A cyber outage related to an issue at global cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike and Microsoft hit
Pak istan advances SDGs amid triple crises
UNITED NATIONS a p p
Despite grappling with the triple crises of food, fuel, and finance, Pakistan has made progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at ending poverty protecting the planet, and improving lives worldwide Speaking at the High-Level Political Forum under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council Ambassador Usman Jadoon acting permanent representative to the UN highlighted Pakistan s integration of the UN s 2030 Agenda for SDGs into national development policies and plans
“We have made progress in SDG implementation However like other developing countries Pakistan faces numerous challenges
Pak istan is look ing for ex ternal financing avenues: Aurangzeb
“The
and paramedics is
on high alert to handle the emergent situation on war footings and mitigate the prospects of loss to human lives a statement released by the health department said
The department also ordered health officials to stay in contact with the district administration and rescue teams for better cooperation POLITICIANS, RIGHTS ACTIVISTS
CONDEMN INCIDENT
governments must
immediately engage with the protestors and their legitimate concerns and hold to account those responsible for protestors deaths and injuries Moreover, any actions taken to restore law and order in the region must be debated transparently in Parliament and account for the rights of those affected,” it demanded Amnesty said the “death and
G o i n g d i g i t a l
PR I M E Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid the Federal Board of Revenue his second visit in a week on Thursday underscoring the importance he feels the FBR plays in his efforts to raise the taxes needed for meeting the conditionalities of the recent $7 billion IMF package, of which an important component is the increasing of revenue collection The meeting also showed his fascination with technology for though digitization had been extensively discussed at the last meeting the latest meeting was mostly about various pieces of new software which the FBR was using, particularly in the levying of customs and sales tax
One of the results of digitization has been the detection of Rs 60 billion in evaded taxes
It is worth noting that Mr Sharif still sees himself as representative of businessmen, and apparently sympathizes with their desire to stay outside the tax net at the same time as he recognizes the need to bring them within the net That is one of the reasons he is interested in digitization for it brings an element of objectivity to what has been a subjective process Mr Sharif seems to realize that reducing taxation officials’ contact with taxpayers will prevent corruption He touched another source of corruption when he ordered an increase of 100 in the number of appellate tribunals
Delays are a source of corruption and it is said ” time is money” and anything that can speed up any dispute resolution mechanism, is a source of corruption Apart from the corruption aspect, with the FBR expanding its efforts, the number of disputes will also increase
There are two strands visible in Mr Sharif ’s engagement with the FBR One is that of the IMF which sees the FBR as the country’s main agent in collecting enough revenue to balance the budget At the same time, Mr Sharif also sees the FBR as the centre of an extremely corrupt mechanism, whose members were more focused on lining their own pockets than collecting revenue for the state Apart from problems with the tax laws, there are also problems with the tax collection machinery Pieces of fancy software will only deliver results, in the tangible form of enhanced revenue if the men behind the machine are not actively seeking means of subverting it Mr Sharif may find that this is the biggest danger he faces
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi
Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
FO R decades Pakistan has faced ongoing tensions between civilian and military governments, creating an institutional imbalance that undermines democracy and permits presidential decrees to dissolve legislatures The military’s influence over the judiciary has often prioritized self-preservation over constitutional integrity Following General Zia-ul-Haq s era the courts became more politically confrontational, compromising their objectivity This implicit support for military authority reinforced authoritarianism and diminished judicial independence a core principle of the 1973 Constitution
As a key state institution the judiciary continually seeks to balance military interests with the rule of law, raising concerns about its independence, especially during military rule Recently, judges have become prominent public figures, openly engaging in political discourse and attracting media attention which has sparked debates about potential judicial overreach With the changing political environment in Pakistan the judiciary remains a powerful force, redefining its role while manoeuvring through the intricacies of power, accountability, and autonomy The judiciary’s role in Pakistan’s politics was significantly shaped by the 1954 constitutional crisis which led to the dissolution of the first Constituent Assembly The Chief Court of Sindh restored the federal assembly but upheld the Governor General s orders, creating an imbalance in federal institutions The judiciary’s lack of independence hindered the establishment of the rule of law crucial for democratization in transitional states like Pakistan During the Ayub regime the judiciary became increasingly co-opted by the military remaining subservient to the dictator Its perspective on federalism mirrored authoritarian views, perceiving ethnic and linguistic groups as threats rather than assets to the Pakistani federation The independence of Pakistan’s judiciary is linked to its neutral role avoiding bias in case outcomes However the political elite including the military, bureaucracy, and judiciary, have undermined parliamentary sovereignty Since 1988, the judiciary has faced challenges related to legislative and political matters during assembly dissolutions The Supreme Court’s in-
three-month training session at Liaoning Petrochemical College KFUEIT is the first Pakistani university to open a window for its students to explore interna-
N T E R N AT I O N A L I Z AT I O N in universities involves integrating global perspectives practices, and experiences into all aspects of academic life, including teaching, research, and institutional management This process fosters a multicultural environment promotes cross-border collaboration and prepares students for success in an interconnected world
Despite recent progress Pakistani universities still face significant challenges in meeting international standards of excellence According to the QS World University Rankings, no Pakistani university ranks within the top 300 globally highlighting the urgent need for substantial improvements in research output academic reputation and internationalization efforts
Producing high-quality research that can compete on a global scale remains a major challenge for Pakistani universities Factors such as limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient research collaboration hinder their ability to contribute significantly to global knowledge production While there is increasing engagement in international collaboration there is still ample room for improvement
Strengthening partnerships with foreign universities and research institutions can enhance research output, facilitate faculty and student exchange programs, and promote cross-cultural understanding
Ensuring the quality of education is a top priority
Improving teaching standards updating curricula to reflect global trends and incorporating innovative teaching methods are essential for enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st-century job market Internationalization plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges and positioning Pakistani universities as globally competitive institutions
Implementing a comprehensive internationalization policy is imperative Establishing partnerships with renowned universities and research institutions abroad can facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and collaborative academic initiatives For example, universities like Harvard and Oxford have extensive networks of international partnerships that enhance their global presence and academic reputation
Offering opportunities for students to study abroad or participate in exchange programmes with partner
consistent constitutional interpretations have led to ambiguities in its rulings, limiting its effectiveness as a neutral arbitrator in supporting democracy The political crises of the 1990s stemmed not from judicial failure to uphold parliamentary supremacy but from the inability of civilian governments to repeal the Eighth Amendment Instead of restraint, the judiciary has displayed activism and politicization, exemplified by the disqualifications of Prime Ministers Yousaf Raza Gillani and Nawaz Sharif Events like the 2016 Panama Papers controversy and protests against the 2017 Election Act have intensified judicial involvement in politics Currently, Pakistan s legal system faces significant challenges that impact its effectiveness, public trust, and commitment to fundamental rights While the judiciary is crucial for upholding the rule of law a backlog of cases across all court levels undermines confidence in its ability to deliver timely justice Efforts to reduce the backlog in the judiciary continue, but systemic challenges remain Comprehensive judicial reforms are needed to address structural deficiencies and improve capacity Key areas include recruiting training and retaining judicial officers who uphold integrity and impartiality Judicial independence is critical yet concerns about political interference threaten its autonomy Protecting this independence requires robust safeguards, such as transparent appointment processes, secure tenure, and mechanisms to shield judges from external pressures Judge selection processes vary across countries and legal systems with some countries using executive or legislative bodies independent judicial councils or commissions, merit-based selection processes, judicial elections, hybrid or mixed systems, and tenure and removal provisions Executive branches, such as the president or prime minister often appoint judges while legislative bodies like the Senate may appoint judges Independent commissions or councils assess candidates qualifications and recommend appointments to the executive Meanwhile, some jurisdictions elect judges through popular vote or other elected officials, such as in the USA Hybrid or mixed systems combine elements of different selection meth-
institutions can broaden their horizons foster cultural understanding, and enhancing their academic experience Programmes such as Erasmus+ in Europe and Fulbright scholarships in the USA promote student mobility and international collaboration Providing language support and offering courses in multiple languages particularly English can attract international students and faculty facilitate communication and promote diversity within the university community
Integrating global perspectives into the curriculum through international case studies, guest lectures by visiting scholars, and study abroad opportunities enriches students’ educational experiences and prepares them for global citizenship For example institutions like Stanford University and the University of Toronto offer interdisciplinary programmes that explore global issues from diverse perspectives
Encouraging faculty to collaborate with scholars from around the world on research projects, securing funding for international research initiatives, and participating in global research networks can enhance the visibility and impact of research conducted by Pakistani universities MIT s International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) programme facilitates research collaborations between faculty and researchers abroad, leading to innovations with global significance Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (KFUEIT) in Rahim Yar Khan serves as a remarkable example of internationalization in Pakistan KFUEIT continues its journey towards global integration by fostering collaboration with the Chinese company Tang International Under an MOU, 150 students of KFUEIT received two sessions of three-month training in Pakistan and China In the first session, held in Pakistan, the students will learn the Chinese language and the basics of Chinese culture In the second session held in China they will learn modern engineering techniques After completing the training these students will secure jobs at chemical plants of Chinese companies in Nigeria Following the MOU with Tang International, 50 students have completed their three-month training in Pakistan and are currently in China for another
The internationalization of Pakistani universities presents both challenges and oppor tunities in the quest for global competitiveness While significant strides have been made, there is a pressing need to address issues such as limited research capabilities, funding constraints, and outdated infrastructure . However, by embracing international collaboration, fostering a multicultural environment, and enhancing teaching standards, Pakistani universities can position themselves as hubs of global excellence .
ods, such as in Italy, where judges are appointed by the Super or Council of the Judiciary Judicial tenure and removal mechanisms typically require serious misconduct or incapacity ensuring accountability while safeguarding judicial independence International best practices emphasize the importance of selecting judges through transparent, fair and accountable processes that prioritize qualifications merit and judicial independence These practices aim to maintain public confidence in the judiciary and uphold the rule of law essential principles for effective governance and democratic institutions Pakistan’s legal system also faces challenges in protecting fundamental rights like fair trial and freedom of expression The Supreme Court plays a vital role in interpreting constitutional provisions and setting precedents in human rights and electoral reforms Enhancing transparency and accountability is essential to build public trust, supported by initiatives like public access to court proceedings Technology can transform the judicial system through digitalization including e-filing and virtual court proceedings but this necessitates investment in infrastructure and training alongside data privacy protections As part of the international community, Pakistan adheres to human rights standards that influence domestic reforms Addressing case backlogs, strengthening judicial independence, promoting human rights and leveraging technology are crucial for an efficient and accountable judiciary Pakistan can improve its legal system by adopting successful strategies from Europe the USA and Scandinavia, known for efficiency and transparency These include modern case management ensuring judicial independence enhancing public access to proceedings and investing in judicial education European models like Estonia s digital courts show how technology can enhance legal efficiency Fostering a culture of judicial ethics through codes of conduct and accountability measures is vital for maintaining fairness and integrity in the judiciary
The writer has a PhD in Political Science and is obn the visiting faculty at QAU Islamabad He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo com and tweets @zafarkhansafdar
Pakistan can improve its legal system by adopting successful strategies from Europe the USA and Scandinavia, known for efficiency and transparency. These include modern case manag ement, ensuring judicial independence , enhancing public access to proceedings, and investing in judicial education. European models, like EstoniaÊs digital cour ts, show how technology can enhance legal efficiency
Hydro-politics in South Asia
Karbala’s enduring impact
Dr Zafar Khan SafDar
LE B A N O N has had a history of violent civil war and political interference by Syria, which occupied the country until 2005 Since Hezbollah and Israel have had ongoing conflicts there are still disputes along Lebanon’s borders with Syria and Israel The USA has tried to help Lebanon achieve peace and prosperity as instability in Lebanon could affect the whole region Lebanon faces significant challenges, including a collapsing economy, failing state institutions the lasting impact of the Beirut port explosion and the strain of hosting many refugees Lebanon is also close to war with increasing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel which could lead to broader regional conflicts Hezbollah is a key ally of Iran, and if conflict starts, pro-Iran militants from Syria and Lebanon as well as increased activity from Houthi and Iraqi militias could threaten US interests in the region
The USA played a key role in guiding the United Nations Security Council to pass Resolution 1701, which helped end the war between Hezbollah and Israel However, the main goals of the resolution to prevent any armed groups from being south of the Litani River except for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and to disarm all armed groups in Lebanon were not fully achieved Because of this, Lebanon is now at risk of becoming a centre of regional conflict which could involve the USA
Since the Hamas attack on October 7 Hezbollah has dragged Lebanon into a conflict with Israel without the government s involvement, leading to escalating attacks and tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border This could turn into a larger war at any moment The US quickly sent naval forces to the Eastern Mediterranean to try to contain the Israel-Gaza war and to deter Hezbollah Washington has been working to
prevent a larger war
As yet, there are no signs of the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah stopping, as both sides seem to be trying to change the rules of engagement on the battlefield The conflict has displaced over 150 000 residents from both South Lebanon and North Israel Israeli airstrikes into South Lebanon have forced more than 100,000 residents from their homes and caused significant damage to the economy, environment, and infrastructure Similarly Hezbollah’s attacks into Israel have displaced around 60 000 residents and affected North Israel s infrastructure and economy The longer the violence continues the greater the risk of a larger, uncontrollable war In response, the US has advanced the Hochstein initiative, which aims to reduce the conflict despite ongoing skirmishes The strategy focuses on reducing Hezbollah’s presence near the border increasing the presence of LAF and UNIFIL south of the Litani River and encouraging displaced residents from Israel and Lebanon to return home The conflict in Gaza affects negotiations on the Lebanon-Israel border Hezbollah insists the war in Gaza must end before they stop their attacks on Israel US President Joe Biden s support for a ceasefire in Gaza could provide an opportunity for both sides to reduce their attacks However, Israel s strategy has changed since October 7, and it now prioritizes destroying Hezbollah by forcefully striking Lebanon There is concern that once Israel finishes its operations in Gaza it will shift focus to Lebanon In 2022 the USA helped mediate a maritime dispute between Israel and Lebanon, allowing for natural gas exploration and reducing conflict in that area Demarcating the Lebanon-Israel border, especially difficult areas like Northern Ghajjar and Shebaa Farms can help stabilize the region and protect civilians from future wars Short- medium- and long-term steps can pacify the border starting with enforcing an 8-10 km buffer zone on the Lebanese side, free of non-state armed groups and secured by the LAF and UNIFIL This would also require stopping Israeli attacks and overflights of Lebanese territory
Maintaining this buffer zone would help implement UNSCR 1701 The long-term goal is the full disarmament of Hezbollah, enabling the Lebanese government to have full control
over its territory However, the immediate risk of war requires a gradual approach, prioritizing UNSCR 1701’s call for an area free of armed groups between the Blue Line and the Litani River Strengthening the LAF is crucial for restoring Lebanese sovereignty Although the LAF has struggled to assert itself without clashing with Hezbollah it remains a respected institution across Lebanon s divided society Supporting the LAF is critical for short-term mediation success and for its increased deployment to Lebanon’s border with Syria which is used for illegal activities like drug and arms trafficking Short- and medium-term challenges include keeping the Lebanon-Israel land border issue separate from the Israel-Gaza War and making a land border agreement despite Lebanon not having a president The USA should aim for a lasting solution Past approaches like the 1996 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah allowed some cross-border attacks This was different from the 2006 UNSCR 1701, which called for an end to violence and for disarming Hezbollah
Though hard to implement, UNSCR 1701 is the only framework for stable peace along the Lebanon-Israel border Hochstein s gradual approach might achieve its full implementation In 2006 the Lebanese government helped create the resolution They convinced the USA not to use UN Chapter VII, which allows military action, to make the resolution acceptable to the Lebanese people Today Lebanon has a caretaker government that cannot enforce a ceasefire or control
Hezbollah’s actions Lebanon has had no president for over a year and Hezbollah is blocking the election by pushing its candidate Suleiman Frangieh while the opposition has other candidates Only a reform-minded president can improve Lebanon s economy and help stabilize the Lebanon-Israel border US leadership should work with the Quintet (Egypt, France, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) to help elect a president in Lebanon In the past lack of unity and US leadership has hindered this group s effectiveness The Quintet should not suggest their own candidates but should help Lebanese factions agree on a candidate The US must lead in unifying the Quintet and using its diplomatic power to support the Lebanese people’s call for a capable reform-oriented government
The Lebanese government combined with the partial enforcement of the 1989 Ta if Agreement, allowed both state and non-state groups to exploit the country, worsening its decline During this time, Hezbollah, supported by Iran, successfully gained local support and used the state’s weaknesses to maintain its independence and weapons
While Hezbollah focused on its goals the political elite distracted by internal competition, misused and wasted state resources along with business elites This mismanagement led to economic collapse and widespread poverty among the Lebanese people To stabilize Lebanon it is crucial to address the close ties between Hezbollah and the country s elite and restore trust in state institutions and the formal economy
However, over four years of continuous
A comprehensive US-Iran policy needs to recogniz e IranÊs disruptive role in the region and address the damag e caused by the Islamic Revolutionar y Guard Corps (IRGC) and its proxies, holding Iran accountable for their actions. Failure to do so will only strengthen IranÊs influence , harming US strategic interests and limiting WashingtonÊs ability to respond to global challeng es.
What’s driving protests in Bangladesh
CA M P U S protests across Bangladesh against public-sector hiring quotas turned deadly this week illustrating the severity of a jobs crisis in the world s seventhmost populous nation Protesters are calling for reform of a quota system that reserves more than half of highly sought-after government jobs for certain groups including women the disabled and the descendants of veterans of the 1971 War of Independence
The country s High Court last month reinstated the quotas, which the government had abolished in 2018 The intensity of the student backlash, which has left at least 12 people dead in clashes between protesters and government supporters lies in part in a faltering economy that has failed to create enough jobs for young people who make up more than a quarter of the population The context of the quota reform movement is about precarity, or persistent insecurity about employment and income faced by the young people ” said Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir a professor of development studies at the University of Dhaka and chairman of the economic research think tank Unnayan Onneshan
Nearly one in five Bangladeshis between the ages of 15 and 24 are not in a job nor a classroom according to official statistics from 2023 University graduates face higher rates of unemployment than their less-educated peers and about 650,000 graduates are among the more than 2 million young people entering the job market each year University libraries are filled with young graduates cramming for the civil-service exam vying for scarce government jobs that promise job security good income and prestige In last year s recruitment test, some
The
Many have died in the violence after universit y students and job aspirants protested a reser vation system for government jobs
346 000 candidates competed for just 3 300 jobs according to local media Blue-collar jobs are now also harder to come by even as the textile and garment sector Bangladesh s biggest employer, sees stellar growth Exports have jumped fourfold to $40 billion since 2008, according to data from industry group BGMEA, but employment across private sector jobs has stagnated “For a country that seeks to ride a demographic dividend –that is the economic benefit of having a large economically active youth [population] – the job crisis faced by youth is a deadweight loss, said Titumir WOMEN IN PROTESTS: Large numbers of women have joined the campus demonstrations and scores of female students were hurt when the protests turned violent this week Young women are in an especially precarious position when it comes to access to education and work, with government surveys showing 27% of women and girls aged 15 to 24 lack work or an education compared with 10% of young men Titumir said this leaves them more susceptible to domestic abuse and poverty A key point of contention is over the 30% of civil service jobs reserved for the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters who fought in Bangladesh’s liberation war against Pakistan Protesters argue that far fewer jobs should be earmarked for grandchildren of fighters Farhana Manik Muna a protest organiser in the city of Narayanganj said activists want the government to form a commission to propose reforms to the quota system “We are not calling for a wholesale cancellation of all quota reservations Rather, we want a reasonable approach towards helping disadvantaged groups she said including members of Bangladesh s small
Indigenous communities and people with disabilities Protesters are demanding that more people are recruited based on merit
Other activists said Bangladesh needs a
the employment market “We want reform in the recruitment for government jobs but also a programme for creating employment throughout the economy Nahid Islam the coordinator of the quota reform movement
teaching and the skillsets required for work that is in high demand such as masons and electricians
The lack of work has forced millions of low- and unskilled workers to find jobs overseas in order to send home small remittances, while Bangladesh faces a brain drain at the same time as qualified
settle in higher-income countries Meanwhile companies and development organisations often recruit professionals from other countries for managerial and skilled technical jobs The government approved more than 16,000 foreign work permits last year, according to news reports citing the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority It was not immediately clear how many of those permits were for skilled professions We need to ask what skills would a Bangladeshi young professional need to climb to those managerial jobs, said Taiabur Rahman, a professor at Dhaka University For activists like Islam, solving the jobs riddle is their best shot at a decent future for themselves and their families “Ultimately what we need is fair opportunities and better skills for young people in the country he said
TH E images that surfaced on
and
ing activists of Chhatra League attacking protesters, including girls, with various weapons and sticks to break student demonstrations at several universities are deeply depressing outrageous and deplorable
These demonstrators were demanding reforms to the quota system in civil service recruitment, which was scrapped in 2018 following a similar protest but restored on June 5 following a judicial ruling This ruling shocked many young people The government s appeal against the ruling suggests it also wants a change in the outcome
The latest wave of violence against the protesters follows a public pronouncement by the ruling party’s general secretary Obaidul Quader that Chhatra League would teach a lesson to those who allegedly undermined the spirit of the war of independence This allegation centres around distortions, selective quotations, miscommunications, and a lack of empathy and understanding These unnecessary escalations involving party members punishing protesters must stop immediately and the responsibility squarely falls on the leadership of the ruling party
These latest developments add to the concerns over the increasing tendency towards intolerance and the preference for violent means to suppress any dissent whether political or apolitical The latest data on casualties of political violence in Bangladesh despite their shortcomings in accuracy, clearly show that the ruling party, Awami League, has seemingly lost control over the organisation Consequently, the party has turned into fertile ground for factionalism and turf wars It must be acknowledged that there is no established institutional mechanism for monitoring political violence in Bangladesh, and some civil society organisations, mainly rights groups, compile data from media reports on violence without independent verification and their choice of news outlets is not always consistent
This perhaps explains why the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), in its latest report, stated that 91 people were killed in “political violence” in the first six months of this year while Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) another rights group reported 41 deaths during the same period due to political rivalry and clashes Deadly political violence is not rare in our political culture, where the winner-takes-all
Big blow for Biden as pressure to pull out of US elec tion mounting
NEWS DESK
Joe Biden s campaign encountered increased pressure on Thursday, as concerns from Barack Obama about the presidential election emerged, along with a somber mood among Democrats and polls indicating that Donald Trump was gaining a lead Several Democrats depicted a bleak outlook A senior party official told a private news outlet that many within the party viewed Biden s stepping down as
Xi said at the event that the aim of convening the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was to make systematic planning and arrangements for further deepening reform comprehensively and provide strong impetus and institutional guarantees for achieving the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects On July 1 2021 Xi declared the realization of the First Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects when he addressed a gathering at Tian’anmen Square to celebrate the CPC’s centenary Now China is marching towards the Second Centenary Goal of building itself into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious by the middle of the 21st century, in time for the centenary of the People’s Republic of China
Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Wang Huning Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang attended the symposium
Non-CPC personages put forward opinions and suggestions on issues including stimulating economic vitality, further reforming the medical and healthcare systems advancing high-standard opening up and promoting integrated development across the Taiwan Straits In response Xi said that it has been a
customary practice and fine tradition of the CPC Central Committee to extensively seek opinions from all sectors when conducting research on major issues and formulating documents for important meetings
Reform measures should fully cover prominent problems standing in the way of advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said, urging efforts to remove deepseated institutional obstacles and structural problems with a focus on economic structural reform
Xi also stressed that the enthusiasm initiative and creativity of the entire Party and the nation should be fully mobilized
It is imperative to continue to pool wisdom to make reform decisions more rational and ensure effective implementation Xi said
Reforms must be carried out effectively with well-made plans and targeted policy enforcement said Xi warning against losing sight of reality
CORPORATE CORNER
Ship Yarmook
B U S I N E S S I S S U E S
PR OFIT A P P
TH E Senate Standing Committee on Commerce has assured representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) that issues of the business community will be resolved on a priority basis The standing committee met at the KCCI head
contribute towards maritime security and to support international efforts against menace of maritime terrorism piracy and narco-arms smuggling PR
PM&DC to conduct MDC AT examination on Sept 22, 2024
I S L A M A B A D: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC)has decided to conduct
for the MDCAT exam the statement said that the decision had been taken keeping in view the larger interest of the students Last year almost 180534 students appeared in the exams According to estimates this year 200,000 students are likely to sit in the exam The MDCAT paper difficult index would also be taken into consideration for ease of students without compromising merit to ensure that all provinces conducted exams without any trouble to students PR
High-Level meeting addresses critical issues at Karachi Port
ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to resolve long-standing issues at Karachi Port A meeting was convened under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chair Planning Commission (DCPC) The meeting held at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs brought together key stakeholders including Secretary Maritime Affairs Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Chairman Pakistan Ship s agents Association, the President of Karachi
S TA F F R E P O R T Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control Pakistan and across the world are observing the Accession to Pakistan Day today (19th July) with a renewed pledge to continue their struggle for freedom from Indian illegal occupation and complete merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan On 19th July in 1947 genuine representatives of the Kashmiris unanimously passed the resolution of Kashmir s Accession to Pakistan during a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in Aabi Guzar area of Srinagar The historic resolution called for the Accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan in view of its existing religious, geographical, cultural and economic proximity to Pakistan and aspirations of millions of Kashmiri Muslims The convention was presided over by Chaudhry Hamid Ullah Khan, and the resolution was presented by Khawaja Ghulam-ud-Din Wani and Abdul Rahim Wani, with 59 prominent leaders in attendance
The development had come almost a month before the creation of two sovereign states of Pakistan and India under the Partition Plan of the British Indian colony on August 14 and 15 respectively, the same year As per the understanding behind the Partition Plan the Princely States were free to accede to either of the two newly established countries The decision of
19th July 1947 was a testimony to the fact that the people of Kashmir had linked their future with Pakistan They took the decision of joining Pakistan to protect their political religious social cultural and economic rights as they were well aware of their fate under Hindus who had deep seated animosity for Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir Meanwhile an analytical report released by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service today revealed that at least 450,000 Kashmiris have laid down their lives for Jammu and Kashmir ’s freedom from Indian occupation and its Accession to Pakistan during the past 77 years It said the worst kind of Indian state terrorism have failed to
Amir Muqam reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering suppor t to Kashmiris on all international platforms
ISLAMABAD S
Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam has reaffirmed Pakistan s unwavering support to Kashmiris on all international platforms
The minister in his message on Kashmir Accession to Pakistan Day’ highlighted the significance of the day He recalled that on July 19, 1947 the brave people of Kashmir passed a resolution in Srinagar for accession to Pakistan
He emphasized the enduring dedication of Kashmiris to this cause, noting the immense sacrifices they have made over the past seven decades in their quest for self-determination The commitment of Kashmiris to Pakistan is eternal Amir Muqam added
He asserted that no Indian tactics could undermine this profound bond, as evidenced by the continued burial of martyrs in the green crescent flag symbolizing their unwavering love for Pakistan Minister Muqam noted the re-
silient spirit of Kashmiri youth, who, like their forefathers, remain determined to achieve self-determination and complete accession to Pakistan “Kashmiris hoist the flag of Pakistan on every street and intersection of Occupied Kashmir he remarked underscoring the widespread public support for this cause “Pakistan will continue to stand by Kashmiris at all forums of the world ” he affirmed emphasizing the nation s commitment to the Kashmiri struggle for freedom and self-determination
MUZAFFARABAD
Tehreek-e-Shabab-ul-Muslimeen and Pasban-e-Hurriyat organized rallies in Muzaffarabad today on the occasion of Accession to Pakistan Day in which hundreds of citizens participated On 19th July in 1947, genuine representatives of the Kashmiris unanimously passed the resolution of Kashmir s Accession to Pakistan during a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in Aabi Guzar area of Srinagar Tehreek-e-Shabab-ulMuslimeen took out a rally from Upper Adda Lal Chowk All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter information Secretary and Vice Chairman of Tehreek-eShabab-ul- Muslimin Mushtaq Ahmad Butt and Hurriyat leader Syed Gulshan led the rally President Al-Shifa Muhajir Camp Abdul Hameed Lone President of Muhajir Camp Zero Point Chaudhry Shah Wali Lal Deen Durrani Muhammad Younis Mir Dr Younis Mir, Sardar Khurshid Awan, Riaz Ahmed Awan, Naseer Ahmed Mir, Munir Kunshi, Zubair Ahmed, Asif Durrani, Arshad Awan
s death
hong Kong top health exper t raises alarm over future pandemic threat
HONG KONG A G E N C I E S Hong Kong microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung has done battle with some of the world s worst threats, including the SARS virus he helped isolate and identify And he has a warning
Another pandemic is inevitable and could exact damage far worse than Covid-19 according to the soft-spoken scientist sometimes thought of as Hong Kong s answer to top US health expert Anthony Fauci Both the public and (world) leaders must admit that another pandemic will come, and probably sooner than you anticipate,” he told media at the city’s Queen Mary Hospital where he works and teaches Why I make such a horrifying prediction is because you can see clearly that the geopolitical economic and climatic changes are changing so rapidly he said Politicians must come to their senses and solve global existential threats, he warns in his new autobiography “My Life in Medicine: A Hong Kong Journey” While world leaders are more focused on “national or regional interests” Yuen said a rapidly changing climate coupled with emerging infectious diseases should be a top priority
This is something so important that we should not ignore – Humble background –Yuen is a globally recognised authority on coronaviruses and infectious diseases but he came from humble beginnings Born in Hong Kong in the late 1950s he grew up in a 60-square-foot subdivided flat with his parents and three brothers Since graduating from medical school in 1981, he has worked in the city’s public hospitals, where doctors are paid far less than in the private sector It was in 2003 when he leapt into the public consciousness after he and his team successfully isolated and identified severe acute respiratory syndrome better known as SARS
It was a vital step towards testing, diagnosing and treating the disease, which emerged in southern China and Hong Kong before spreading globally The virus killed nearly 300 people in the city in just two months a toll second only to mainland China
That experience informed Yuen s approach to the Covid-19 pandemic which ripped through Hong Kong due to lax vaccination, particularly among the elderly We benefited from the 20 years of study that followed the SARS outbreak,” he wrote in his book “Until factors beyond our ability to stop or overcome fear ignorance poor messaging and deliberate misinformation the measures were effective in buying Hong Kong time until the vaccines were developed In the end despite tough lockdown measures and lengthy quarantines, Hong Kong recorded some three million infections about half its population and more than 13,800 deaths from Covid-19
It was a frenetic time for Yuen who became a familiar face as the government’s go-to expert and penned more than 100 peer-reviewed studies on the virus
It also put him in a delicate position on several occasions including when his call to lift restrictions in 2022 was rejected when the city stayed aligned with China s zero-Covid doctrine of closed borders and quarantines The self-described medical “detective” also faced complaints that put his license at risk after he described the seafood market in China s Wuhan where the first cluster of coronavirus cases was detected as a crime scene
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has called off its sit-in at Faizabad which was organized to protest against Israeli atrocities in Palestine following successful negotiations with the federal government The decision to end the protest was announced during a joint press conference wherein talks were held between TLP leaders and the Prime Minister ’s Advisor on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah
At the presser, Sanaullah highlighted the TLP s commitment to protesting against Israeli aggression and the government’s condemnation of the war crimes committed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu The government of Pakistan stands firmly with the oppressed in Palestine and will continue its support,” stated Sanaullah He further revealed that Pakistan would be sending over 1 000 tons of food and medical supplies to Palestine by the end of July
Describing Israel as a terrorist state, the advisor condemned the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly the bombing of innocent civilians in Gaza labeling it as inhumane and contrary to the teachings of any religion Sanaullah also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had strongly condemned Israel s actions during the recent Shanghai Conference emphasizing that the government would persist in denouncing Israel s terrorism and supporting the Palestinian cause
ISLAMABAD S TA F F
Khawar Farid Maneka the petitioner of the Nikah Iddat case on Friday challenged the acquittal of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Khawar Farid Maneka, the former husband of Bushra Bibi and plaintiff of the Nikah in Iddat case filed the appeal against the acquittal in the IHC on Friday In his appeal Khawar Farid Maneka has requested the court annul the acquittal decision, asserting that it cannot be upheld Khawar Farid Maneka named
the federal government, the founder of PTI Imran Khan, and Bushra Bibi as respondents in the appeal
On July 13 the Additional District and Sessions Court Islamabad overturned the convictions of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Iddat case
Pronouncing his reserved decision, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka acquitted the former prime minister and the former first lady in the Iddat case setting aside their seven-year each sentences
The court, in its verdict, remarked that Imran Khan and his wife should be immediately released if they are not wanted in any
other case Both petitions seeking the formation of a medical board and consultations with religious scholars are hereby rejected ” the verdict stated According to the 28-page written verdict Khawar Maneka as his lawyer said, was deprived of his right to conciliation, but during cross-examination, Maneka himself admitted that he received the Nikah news the very next day but did not think of filing a complaint six years ago The judge declared that Khawar Maneka had failed to prove his allegation that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi solemnised their Nikah during the Iddat period
T ime for Afghan authorities to take
ac tion against terrorist groups: Pakistan
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
A K I S TA N has once again asked the Afghan authorities to take immediate and effective action against terrorist groups including their sponsors and backers At her weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan has provided concrete evidence of individuals and groups responsible for terrorist incidents inside Pakistan
She said we expect the Afghan authorities to disarm the TTP and Gul Bahadar Group and hand over their leadership including those involved in terrorist incidents to Pakistan
The spokesperson said the Afghan authorities know the whereabouts and actions of these individuals Talking about the recent attack on Bannu Cantt by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Mumtaz revealed that Pakistan has expressed its serious concerns to the Afghan interim government
She said that Pakistan has shared intelligence with Afghanistan regarding terrorist groups and has maintained continuous communication with Afghan authorities Responding to a question
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan will continue to defend itself against all terror groups and ensure the safety and security of its people Concerning immigration, Mumtaz clarified that Pakistan s immigration laws are strict, with daily deportations of illegal Afghan residents
“Currently 44 000 Afghan citizens are awaiting relocation she added
While the spokesperson was not aware of Malala Yousafzai s recent statements on this issue, she expressed hope that Yousafzai would advocate for the expedited relocation of these refugees
The FO condemned the attack on a Shia mosque in Muscat on Muharram 9
describing it as a barbaric act of terrorism Pakistan expressed solidarity with the victims and highlighted the importance of collective action against terrorism To another question about US State Department’s concern over the Islamabad s announcement on banning the PTI the FO spokesperson emphasised that countries should refrain from commenting on Pakistan s domestic matters, asserting that Islamabad can handle its internal issues independently
“Banning political parties is an internal issue of Pakistan said Mumtaz Zahra stated categorically Additionally she said that Pakistan condemned the Israeli attacks on Palestinian refugee camps, particularly the assault on Khan Younis camp, which resulted in the deaths of 19 Palestinians calling it a violation of United Nations regulations
