A K I S TA N Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan said Friday that his party would participate in the all-parties conference (APC) in which the government is expected to take political parties into confidence over Operation Azm-e-Istehkam “My party will participate in the all-parties conference and hear what the government has to say the PTI founder told reporters as he appeared in a case at Rawalpindi s Adiala
jail, where he is imprisoned The PTI founder, while noting that his party has reservations over the new anti-terrorism action said it would only lead to further instability in the country
With terrorism on the rise the government has launched a reinvigorated and re-energised national counter-terrorism drive, which would be intelligencebased operations’ focused Khan’s comments came after media reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to organise an APC to gain political parties confidence in newly announced Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
PM Shehbaz will hold consultations to decide on the date of the APC, the sources said, adding that the date would be announced later The federal cabinet last week approved the launching of the counter-terrorism operation following the National Action Plan s Central Apex Committee s recommendations to turn up the heat on militants targeting Pakistan However, opposition parties includ-
ing the PTI, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), and others have voiced concerns over the military operation demanding that parliament must be taken into confidence before taking any such decision
In response to the criticism, the PMO had clarified that no large-scale military operation is being launched” in the country g
PPP to fully par ticipate in govt convened APC, confir ms Bilawal
S TA F F R E P O R T
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has assured the federal government of his party s participation in the All Parties Conference (APC) on Operation Azm-e-Istahkam
own hands ” He added I proclaim that Bajwa is a traitor and anyone who acts like Bajwa will be called a traitor The CM urged the institutions not to interfere in this political struggle, emphasising that Imran Khan is peaceful for the sake of the country and the nation “The day Imran Khan calls us, we will come out in full force The penalty for breaking the Constitution is death and we will punish those who break the Constitution according to the law he warned He reiterated The day we believe that justice will not be served, and we take the law into our own hands, let s see who stands in our way People should not thank me for developmental work, as it is their right Thank me when I bring Imran Khan back among the people ” Gandapur appealed to the judiciary for justice saying If the chief justice cannot provide justice he should recuse himself from our cases This country obtained by our ancestors,
Speaking to media representatives in Quetta on Friday, he said, “The Pakistan People’s Party will actively participate in the APC and send representatives to raise issues concerning the situation and law and order in Balochistan Emphasising PPP s longstanding stance against terrorism, Bilawal reiterated the party’s demand for permanent eradication of terrorism He pointed out that poverty inflation and unemployment are the biggest challenges facing the public and despite Balochistan s limited resources, efforts must be made to provide relief to the people
Bilawal announced plans to establish a modern transplant hospital in Nasirabad similar to the Gambat Institute in Sindh initiate the Peoples Bus Service in Balochistan and provide solar energy to the poor He further stressed providing low-cost electricity through publicprivate partnerships, alongside government efforts During the interaction Bilawal lauded the performance of Balochistan s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and provincial ministers while also discussing future development plans He acknowledged the Balochistan government’s efforts, in collaboration with political parties and stakeholders to establish law and order in the province Nation still paying for July 5 military coup Earlier in the day, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asserted that some individuals among
them were advocates of dictatorship Commenting on the July 5 incident when prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government was toppled by a second military coup Today was the day when a dictator overthrew the government of an elected PM Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a result and the country had paid a heavy price for this misadventure” the PPP chairman said He claimed that black day led to crises like terrorism extremism Kalashnikov and drug culture We are still facing the challenges today created by that black day, he added Former foreign minister disclosed that some individuals were still in favour of dictatorship despite facing its countless repercussions Bilawal quoted the oppression of democrats during the Gen Zia era, democrats, liberals and patriots were oppressed and faced imprisonment, flogging exile and executions
LAHORE S A L E E M J A D O O N
The Punjab government on Friday sought the deployment of Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel to assist the Punjab Police in maintaining “peace and tranquillity during Ashura-e-Muharram
On the hand Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar stated that a comprehensive security plan has been devised for foolproof security of more than 38,000 Majalis and over 10 700 processions to be held across the province during Ashura-e-Muharram
More than 457 000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties across the province from Muharram 1st to Youm-e-Ashur,” he informed
The spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department in a statement said the provincial government had sought the deployment of 150 Army and Rangers contingents in view of the requirements of different districts He said that a letter had been written to the Interior Ministry in line with the police s request for assistance in maintaining security The services of 60 Army contingents and 81 Rangers contingents have been sought through the letter” he added The law enforcement agencies (LEAs) will render best possible services for the peaceful observance of Muharram, the statement said Punjab Police finalize Muharram Security Plan
Meanwhile the Punjab Police devised the plan for comprehensive security of mourning processions and Majalis across the province
According to Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar more than 38 000 Majalis and over 10 700 processions will be held across the province during Ashura-e-Muharram More than 457,000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties across the province from Muharram 1st to Youm-e-Ashur “ he informed elaborating that police personnel would be deployed according to the
Interior Minister announces plans to elevate Islamabad to world class status
TH
within limits
The government finds itself roasted over two slow fires First the withdrawal of the turnover tax will require legislation, in the form of a repeal of the Income Tax Act amendment just passed in the Budget session which enabled this turnover tax Second in its attempt to widen the tax net, it must show resolve,
Dealers Association suffers from a number of handicaps First there is not much sympathy for them because of adulteration Then their attempts to remain outside the tax net are viewed without sympathy by a population which is not only within that tax net but which has gone through a bout of inflation and low growth It should also
ducation is an organized learning process that instills knowledge skills attitudes and beliefs in individuals It is a lifelong journey that begins at an early age, usually in formal settings such as schools, and progresses through various levels of further education professional training and personal development Education is vital to personal development and societal advancement because it equips people with the tools they need to think critically, solve problems, and positively contribute to their community Education in Pakistan’s cities is generally more advanced and accessible than in the countryside Cities like Karachi Lahore and Islamabad have a higher concentration of educational institutions like as public amd private schools colleges and universities These metropolitan schools typically have stronger infrastructure including well-maintained buildings, libraries, laboratories, and access to cutting-edge technology Private schools in cities are frequently associated with higher educational standards including a competitive curriculum and a greater selection of extracurricular activities Teachers in urban regions are often more skilled and experienced with access to superior training programmes and professional development opportunities The availability of resources and assistance from both the public and commercial sectors improves the quality of education in cities Urban schools are more likely to use technology in their teaching techniques leveraging computers internet connectivity and digital learning tools to improve the learning experience Furthermore urban students have better access to extracurricular activities like athletics, arts, and clubs, which are critical for overall growth Parental involvement is another important consideration in urban schooling Parents in cities are more conscious of the value of education and actively involved in their children s academic lives Improved contact between schools and parents typically via digital channels helps to encourage this participation Community support for education is particularly stronger in cities, where there is a greater emphasis on the importance of education for social and economic growth In stark contrast rural education in Pakistan has various problems that impede the provision of quality education Rural communities frequently face a short-
H e i g h t s o f b r u t a l i t y
age of educational infrastructure with many schools functioning in decrepit buildings or temporary structures Schools are scarce, so children must travel vast distances to attend classes, which can be a substantial barrier to regular attendance Many rural schools lack essential facilities like libraries laboratories and safe drinking water making it difficult to establish a positive learning environment
Teachers in rural areas are usually underqualified and overloaded, with a single teacher handling many grades and courses This shortage of skilled educators is aggravated by the difficulties of attracting and retaining teachers in remote areas due to lower pay harsh living circumstances and restricted professional development opportunities
As a result the overall quality of education in rural schools is poorer than in urban schools Rural schools frequently have a limited curriculum that emphasizes rote learning over critical thinking and problem-solving skills Extracurricular activities are uncommon due to a lack of resources and money Technology integration is
Arab relations with Israel
It is a sad reality that the discrepancy between PakistanÊs urban and rural education systems has also far-reaching consequences for young people , influencing their personal development, economic possibilities, and g eneral quality of life This divide reinforces cycles of inequality and diminishes the potential of rural youth in comparison to their urban counterpar ts
e been displaced Furthermore, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) proclaimed in 1988 Palestine as an independent state In this regard, PLO chief Yasser Arafat established an armed resistance movement in 1964 against Israel and it was later stamped in the Oslo Accords in 1993 Then the Palestinian Authority became the governing body of Palestine and started to maintain relations with 138 UN member states So far, various peace talks have been initiated such as, Madrid Conference 1991, Oslo Accords 1993, the Camp David Summit 2000 the Annapolis Conference 2007 Peace talks 2013-14 and Abraham Accords 2020 for normalizing the
By looking at the developments on the issue so far it was expected to be heard from Arab Muslim countries for a peaceful solution But in vain, no surge of voices was heard Consequently, boycotts of Israeli products in many countries is being observed Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned Israel for ignoring the UN’s ceasefire resolution Just after October 7 an Arab-Islamic Summit was organized by Saudi Arabia for ending the war in Gaza and rejecting Israel s justification of their actions as self-defence All efforts are being ignored, and ongoing conflict doesn’t seem to be ending So far, a massive destruction humanitarian crisis and barbarian acts are at their peak Everyone has a right to speak up on injustice but in a peaceful way We as a nation highly condemn the force on Palestinians and suggested countries, and urge international organizations world-wide to raise the voice for a peaceful solution, and end the brutality on humanity
The writer is an award-winning columnist researcher and Visiting Asst Prof (Ph D in Linguistics Malaysia) at Riphah International University & Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan She can be reached at saira asad2011@gmail com
All effor ts are being ignored, and ongoing conflict doesnÊt seem to be ending So far, a massive destruction, humanitarian crisis, and barbarian acts are at their peak Ever yone has a right to speak up on injustice , but in a peaceful way We as a nation highly condemn the force on Palestinians and sugg ested countries, and urg e international organizations world-wide to raise the voice for a peaceful solution, and end the brutality on humanity
Dr Saira KazMi
AM E R I C A N exceptionalism is the idea that the USA has a moral duty to lead by example and to promote its values globally This faith is rooted in the country s founding principles and reinforced by historical events such as the American Revolution and the subsequent development of a democratic republic However this self-assigned role as a global leader comes with significant moral challenges especially when it involves intervention in the affairs of other nations Legislators and policymakers often deal with the ethical implications of interfering in other countries’ domestic matters On one hand there is the desire to support and spread democratic ideals which are seen as universally beneficial On the other hand there is a need to respect the sovereignty and self-determination of other nations, recognizing that each country has its own unique cultural, political and social context The balance between promoting American values and respecting international sovereignty is delicate and fraught with tension For instance, efforts to support democracy in authoritarian regimes or conflict-ridden regions can lead to accusations of imperialism or neo-colonialism Such interventions, even if well intentioned can be perceived as overreach and may provoke backlash both domestically and internationally The use of military power in particular raises questions about the appropriate limits of force and the potential for unintended consequences, such as civilian casualties or long-term instability US policymakers must reconcile the nation’s influence and interests with the rights and sovereignty of other nations This often
involves complex decision-making processes where the potential benefits of intervention must be weighed against the risks and ethical concerns For example humanitarian interventions aimed at preventing atrocities may be morally justified but could also lead to prolonged conflicts or entanglements that undermine regional stability The promotion of American values on the global stage can lead to significant clashes when these values are perceived as conflicting with existing international norms or the interests of other powerful states
The global political environment is inherently competitive with various actors pursuing their own agendas and priorities As such the USA often finds itself in situations where its advocacy for democracy and human rights meet with resistance or hostility These clashes can complicate diplomatic relations and create obstacles to achieving broader foreign policy goals As the nature of international relations evolves new layers of complexity emerge including ethical concerns and the need to redefine approaches and policies
The rise of new global powers, technological advances and changing geopolitical dynamics all contribute to the increasing intricacy of foreign policy decision-making In this context US legislators face the ongoing challenge of adapting to these changes while upholding democratic norms and respecting diverse global perspectives
One of the key challenges to the policymakers in maintaining a balance between US influence and interests and recognizing the sovereignty of other nations is the need for a consistent and coherent foreign policy Inconsistent or contradictory actions can undermine the credibility of American exceptionalism and lead to accusations of hypocrisy
For example, supporting democratic movements in one country while maintaining alliances with authoritarian regimes in another can create a perception of double standards and erode trust in US leadership
Furthermore the domestic political landscape also plays a crucial role in shaping foreign policy decisions Public opinion, interest groups and political parties all influence how policymakers approach the concept of American exceptionalism and its application in international relations Debates over the appropriate role of the USA in the world, the use of military power, and the
prioritization of certain values or interests are common and often contentious These debates reflect the broader tensions within US society regarding the country’s identity and purpose on the global stage
The Puritans who settled in New England in the 17th century believed they were establishing a city upon a hill, a model society that would exemplify moral righteousness and divine favor The American Revolution reinforced this idea and the creation of a new nation based on principles of liberty democracy and individual rights The notion that the USA was a unique experiment in self-government and freedom became a central part of the national identity
Throughout the 19th century, this belief in American exceptionalism was bolstered by the country’s rapid expansion and economic growth Manifest Destiny the idea that the USA was destined to expand across the continent, was both a reflection and a driver of this exceptionalism mindset
The belief in a special American mission also underpinned efforts to spread democracy and capitalism abroad from the Monroe Doctrine to interventions in Latin America and beyond American exceptionalism has profoundly influenced the country s foreign policy Policymakers often view the USA as a moral leader with a duty to promote democracy and human rights worldwide
This has led to numerous interventions both military and diplomatic aimed at shaping global affairs in line with American values
One notable example is the USA s involvement in World War II and the subsequent establishment of the United Nations The USA positioned itself as a defender of democracy against totalitarianism, leading the effort to create a new world order based on collective security and international cooperation Simi-
larly, during the Cold War, American exceptionalism justified a global struggle against communism with the USA supporting democratic movements and regimes sometimes at the expense of ethical considerations
In more recent times the interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq were framed as efforts to spread democracy and combat terrorism These actions were justified by the belief that the USA had a unique responsibility to lead and protect the free world
However these interventions also highlighted the ethical and moral dilemmas inherent in American exceptionalism as they led to significant loss of life, regional instability and questions about the true motives behind US actions While American exceptionalism has been a driving force behind many of the USA s international policies it has also led to significant ethical and moral dilemmas
The belief in a unique American mission can create a sense of moral superiority, which sometimes leads to the justification of actions that might otherwise be considered unethical
One such dilemma is the tension between promoting democracy and respecting national sovereignty The USA has often supported regime change in countries where it perceives the government to be oppressive or undemocratic While these actions are framed as efforts to liberate oppressed populations, they can also be seen as violations of national sovereignty and self-determination The
American exceptionalism is a deeply ingrained ideology that has significantly shaped the USAÊs approach to international affairs While it has inspired effor ts to promote democracy and human rights, it has also led to ethical and moral dilemmas and a prioritization of national interests
The TikTok ban is a blueprint for more social media censorship
The US government has also pressured American tech companies to censor content on social media
TI K TO K is in trouble: In April President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation that forces ByteDance the popular social media app s Chinese parent company, to sell its majority stake to a U S -based firm If it fails to do this, the app will be banned in the United States Va r i o u s d
ployed against TikTok but Congress stated prime motive to force its divestiture is that the app s Chinese owners are beholden to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and thus having their tech on so many Americans’ phones is a dire national security risk The CCP is an authoritarian menace, and there is some evidence the Chinese government pressures TikTok to censor content about Tiananm
and criticism of Chinese President Xi Jinping Of course, the U S government has also pressured American tech companies to censor content on social media Thanks to the Twitter Files, the Facebook Files and other independent investigations we know that multiple federal agencies in-
content relating to Hunter Biden COVID-19 and other subjects When
President Biden decided the companies had been insufficiently deferential to his pandemic-related diktats, he accused them o
against them
If Congress really wanted to do something about government censorship of content on social media legislators could rein in the feds Instead they are singularly focused on TikTok which has responded with a lawsuit The legislation approved by Biden would apply to any social media company that is designated as a foreign adversary controlled application ” U S law currently defines China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran as foreign adversaries The law further stipulates that an app is deemed to be controlled by a foreign adversary if it satisfies at least one of three different criteria: It is headquartered in one of those countries the government of one of those countries owns a 20 percent stake in it, or the app is subject to direction or control by one of the foreign adversaries This
injured in Tak ht Bai IED blast
Three people were killed and seven others sustained injuries when an improvised explosion device planted near Jalala Bridge in Mardan s Takht Bai area was set off, police officials said Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Zahoor Barbar Afridi confirmed the casualties saying the explosion was set off via remote control DPO Afridi claimed that the explosion occurred soon after a police vehicle passed over the bridge, suspecting it could be an attempt to target the police Rescue 1122 rescuers and ambulances rushed to the scene soon after the incident and transported the deceased and injured to local hospitals The casualties were taken to the THQ Takht Bhai and MMC for further treatment and identification the health officials stated Police have begun collecting evidence from the site and have initiated an investigation into the incident Saddr Superintendent of Police (SP) Khalid Khan told the media that “unidentified terrorists” had planted the device near the Jalala bridge in Takhtbhai area which detonated as the police van passed by He said that the police vehicle and a rickshaw were damaged in the blast, with three people in the rickshaw dead while seven others, including two police officers were injured The police officer said that a large contingent of police arrived
at the scene upon being alerted and launched a search operation while rescue personnel shifted the wounded to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Takhtbhai and the injured police officials were taken to the Mardan Medical Complex A statement from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on social media platform X condemned the blast Naqvi also extended his condolences to the victims
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the explosion and sympathised with the victims families
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur took notice of the incident and sought an immediate report from the provincial police chief He also directed best medical facilities for the injured and sympathised with the bereaved families Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam too condemned the in-
cident and extended his condolences Yesterday amid a fresh spiral of terrorist violence in the K-P province, a former senator and four men travelling with him were killed in a roadside bomb attack on their vehicle in the Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district The outlawed TTP was quick to deny involvement in the IED attack on Hidayatullah Khan a
for
the independent
jaur-IV,
The
adding that mobile signals will be blocked in areas where processions and majlis will be held The Punjab government had cited spread of hate material and misinformation as reasons behind the move According to a Punjab Home Department letter, a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order was convened to review security and administrative
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Friday congratulated Keir Starmer the leader of the UK s Labour Party on the party s historic victory in the parliamentary election In a statement posted on his X timeline, Dar extended heartfelt felicitations” to Starmer, expressing confidence that the “deeprooted and broad-based ties” between Pakistan and the UK founded on shared history and people-to-people contacts will be further strengthened under Starmer s leadership DPM Dar expressed optimism that the two countries will work together to promote global peace prosperity and development
Earlier today the Labour Party under the leadership of Keir Starmer emerged victorious in the United Kingdom’s general election ending 14 years of Conservative rule Starmer is poised to become the country s next prime minister replacing outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak World leaders, including the presidents of Israel and Ukraine, as well as the prime ministers of Canada Australia and New Zealand have extended their congratulations to Keir Starmer on his party s landslide victory They have expressed optimism for continued cooperation and the strengthening of bilateral ties under the new Labour government The Labour Party is projected to secure a significant majority in the 650-member House of Com-
mons with forecasts indicating they will win 410 seats The Conservatives are expected to hold 144 seats, while the centrist Lib Dems are anticipated to claim 58 seats Sunak the outgoing Conservative Prime Minister has gracefully acknowledged the electorate s verdict, conceding defeat to Starmer s Labour Party This paves the way for a smooth transition of power, with Starmer set to assume the role of prime minister within 24 hours In his victory speech Starmer pledged a vision of national rejuvenation with a focus on putting the country s interests above partisan concerns The Labour leader expressed delight as his party is poised to secure a considerable majority in Parliament paving the way for significant changes under his leadership
