CL ASHES, SHELLING AND ARRESTS AS CAPITAL REMAINS CHAOTIC AMID CONFUSION OVER GANDAPUR’S ARREST
g Police and PTI workers back and forth continues for entire day, disturbing life for second day
g Barrister Gohar accuses authorities of straight fires on workers, govt denies claims
g DPM Dar says protests intended to create chaos and undermine Pakistan's diplomatic efforts
TGovt will fr ustrate PTI bid to sabotage upcoming SCO summit: Naqvi
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of attempting to sabotage the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit stating that the government would not allow such plans to succeed Speaking to the media at D-Chowk in Islamabad, Naqvi stated that there was an attempt to storm the capital under the leadership of the KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur with the intention of causing casualties Fortunately no such incidents took place which thwarted their plans he added
In
protesters organised in convoys to reach the protest venue led to intermittent clashes with police Many activists advanced towards D-Chowk, pushing back law enforcement agencies but were met with intense tear gas shelling that forced them to retreat
the ruling authorities have broken all records of yesterday’s atrocities ” During a press briefing, Qaiser reported that thousands of tear gas shells had been fired at PTI’s peaceful protestors He mentioned that many participants in the convoy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s Chief Minister were injured due to the government s aggressive response
PAKISTAN’S CEMENT SALES HIT LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 2017
Pakistan to initiate pilot project for RMB transactions in Gwadar Free Zone
where the China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC) advocated for the RMB settlement exemption as a pilot scheme specifically for the Gwadar Free Zone In response to the evolving economic landscape and to promote Gwadar s role in regional trade the Pakistani government has strategically redirected 60% of its maritime cargo traffic from Karachi to Gwadar Port Additionally, COPHC has proposed allowing the Gwadar Port to handle seafood transshipments from international waters aiming to establish Gwadar as a regional hub for seafood logistics
Gov t’s measures backfire against PTI protesters; admits Faisal Vawda
SLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Senator Faisal Vawda criticized the government stating that the measure that the federal
The CCOCIP directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to collaborate closely with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Commerce Division and Finance Division to refine the details of these proposals
The committee also emphasized the need to consult with the Balochistan provincial government due to the sensitive nature of fishing, which is a significant livelihood in the region The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has been tasked to provide a detailed path forward addressing these challenges to ensure that the developments align with both local and national economic strategies Security for Chinese nationals working on various projects across Pakistan, particularly those related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), remains a priority There have been consistent requests for more streamlined and effective standard operating procedures to ensure their safety
IMF tranche, easing inflation set to lift stock market sentiment, report
at $10 7
as of September 27, 2024 On the currency front PkR largely remained flat against the greenback throughout the week closing the week at 277 52 Other key developments during the week included: 1) Pakistan and Russia signed a barter deal to boost agricultural trade, 2) Refineries demanded action on key issues before upgrades, 3) Pakistan and Malaysia vowed to strengthen ties, 4) IPP talks remained undisclosed, and 5) The government repurchased PKR 351 billion in treasury bills
level since January 2021 Additionally in the auction held on October 2 the yields for the 6-month and 12-month T-Bills decreased by 334 and 326 bps, respectively, compared to the previously accepted auction Moreover, the trade balance for September 2024 posted a $1 78 billion deficit OMC’s offtakes reported at 1 27 million tons in September up 20% annually Whereas cement offtakes for September clocked in at 3 67 million tons down 5% YoY largely due to subdued domestic demand amid the economic slowdown and higher construction costs Overall, average daily trading volumes remained down by 12 1% WoW, clocking in at 342 3 million shares compared to 389 4 million shares traded in the
Top-performing sectors were Textile Spinning Leather & Tanneries Oil & Gas Exploration Fertilizers and Tobacco, up 10 8%, 6 7%, 5 8%, 5 2%, and 4 8% WoW Modarabas, Vanaspati & Allied, Close-End Mutual Funds, Woollen, and Investment Banks/Companies were the worst performers down 8 0% 4 4%
TIranian FM c alls for ceasefires in G aza, Lebanon during Syria visit
SIALKOT
S ta f f R e p o R t
Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is prioritizing power over national interests with is condemnable
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Sialkot Cantonment area the defence minister asserted that the loyalty of PTI and its leader, Imran Khan, lies solely in maintaining authority rather than serving Pakistan’s interests He said the pattern of behaviour from the PTI was continuing since 2014 when their protests had delayed the visit of the Chinese President and initiation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Khawaja Muhammad Asif said similar behaviour was being shown by the PTI leaders on Saturday when the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) summit was round the corner, and the party was all out to undermine Pakistan’s international standing
He raised concerns about the involvement of armed groups including hundreds of Afghans during PTI s protests
He accused the PTI of hindering Pakistan s development through their demonstrations, stating, “PTI’s protests have always sought to obstruct Pakistan’s progress ” He raised an alarm at the identification of some protestors as potentially linked to a banned militant group
The defence minister said that the PTI was using the public resources to
Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali
identity as Pakistanis like the PTI has ” He pointed out the stark contrast between PTI’s actions and the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers noting that while many have fallen in defence of the nation the PTI has not paid tribute to these martyrs nor addressed significant international issues such as the Palestinians’ cause He also linked PTI’s current unrest to fears over improving economic indicators in Pakistan suggesting that the PTI leadership was anxious about legal troubles and was trying to create chaos in response to the government s successes He asserted that the prime minister has effectively presented issues like Kashmir and Palestine on the international platforms which he believes has unsettled the PTI
Khawaja Asif called for accountability for the PTI actions and highlighted the necessity of exposing their alleged connections with foreign
elements that did not align with Pakistan’s interests
To a question he said that the PTI seeks to create chaos and violence He praised the Punjab police for their resilience in handling the situation stressing that the armed groups being brought in did not represent the values of Pakistan
To another query the defence minister remarked that the KP chief minister had crossed all limits making it impossible to rule out any response The PTI had already exploited the province and was now wasting resources in their assaults, which he labeled as acts against the nation
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The Interior Minister informed that 564 individuals have been arrested during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, including 11 plainclothes personnel from the KhyberPakhtunkhwa (KP) police
He explained that plainclothes officers from the KP police participated in the protests marking the first instance in Pakistan where police have been utilised in such demonstrations Among those arrested are 11 officers from the KP police and 120 Afghan nationals”, he claimead
The interior minister revealed that the KP police officers were apprehended at D-Chowk prompting the Interior Ministry to initiate an investigation with
a report to be submitted to the prime minister He maintained that the protesters aimed to stage a sit-in until the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit but the authorities managed to control the situation with great restraint He noted that certain elements were hell bent on inciting violence, but police and law enforcement effectively performed their duties
Naqvi warned that those involved in the assault on the police including the KP CM and other individuals issuing orders for violence would face legal repercussions He assured that action would be taken against anyone implicated in the unrest
The minister further stated that no leniency would be shown to those attacking police highlighting that
protesters used long-range tear gas and that trained terrorists were among the armed groups storming the capital On the occasion, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman noted that direct gunfire was aimed at the police Despite this he commended the police for their efforts in preventing any unpleasant incidents He affirmed that the authorities would not allow any disruption of peace, assuring that Pakistan remains safe and will continue to do so Meanwhile during a visit to Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad to inquire after the health of police officers injured during protest, Naqvi slammed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of crossing all limits
“The responsibility lies with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa We tried to make him understand but he is not willing to listen and is crossing the red line
Naqvi claimed that Gandapur s convoy fired at police, resulting in injuries to 80-85 police personnel He praised the courage of the injured officers acknowledging their restraint despite the violent situation and commended their dedication to upholding the law
Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, warned that no troublemakers will be allowed near Islamabad s D-Chowk particularly during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit He stressed that any attempt to disrupt the conference would be dealt with strictly
Speaking at a press conference in the capital Tarar highlighted the importance of the SCO summit noting that several heads of state will be visiting Pakistan
COMMENT
Blast from the past?
Does the PTI have an eye on the SCO Summit?
TH AT the PTI protesters tried to hold a rally in D-Chowk in Islamabad on Friday may have been an attempt to revive memories of the past: back in 2014, it was the sit-in at D-Chowk which merited wide media coverage and the sort of projection of party chief Imran Khan that he could not have paid for That it was ruthlessly suppressed was also no surprise, because that has been the policy of the government for previous protests It is supposed to be part of the quest for political stability that the government has launched, that protests are to be discouraged
Because of the timing the PTI has managed to revive memories of how the sit-in persuaded the Chinese President to cancel a scheduled visit With an SCO Summit to start less than a fortnight off, on September 16 the idea of a PTI sit-in at D-Chowk was bound to make the government uncomfortable That discomfort would have been increased by KP Information Adviser Saif Ali Said saying that the PTI would invite the Indian Foreign Minister to address the rally during his visit Quite apart from the chances of a foreign dignitary addressing even a government party’s event, the attitude shown, the optics of getting India to intervene in Pakistan’s politics is not likely to go down well with the establishment The PTI should realise that its cause, the release of its chief, Imran Khan, is a valid one, but it is purely a domestic political one and to involve any foreign dignitary or dignitaries make for very bad optics The twist of the knife in the wound is that Mr Saif did not choose any of the other SCO members to beat the government on the head with but India, which has little love lost for Pakistan Indian commentators had been jubilant over the May 9 attacks on installations, saying that the PTI had done something India had not been able to do which was to drive a wedge between the Pakistani people and the Army
The PTI needs to do something it has not so far been good at: Soul-searching It is pulling the tricks out of the old playbook, not realising that the very game being played is different Its game plan against Mian Nawaz Sharif was based on having powerful friends in high places Now it does not have those friends
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
ROAD SAFET Y: A SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUE
All of society must play its role
IN Pakistan, road safety is more than just a matter of individual caution or adherence to traffic laws It is a pressing social and economic issue that deeply affects public health quality of life and the national economy With more than 27,000 road traffic deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan faces a road safety crisis that touches every corner of society
The cost of this adversity is not only measured in lives lost but also in the social and economic disruption it causes to families communities and the nation s development trajectory The Social Toll of Road Accidents in Pakistan: Road accidents in Pakistan have a profound social impact Every fatality or serious injury on the roads leaves families devastated and communities shaken The psychological trauma for survivors and those who have lost loved ones cannot be overstated For many families the death of a breadwinner in a road accident plunges them into poverty especially in rural areas where social safety nets are weak or nonexistent Furthermore, the effects of road safety failures are not equally distributed across society Vulnerable groups such as pedestrians cyclists and motorcyclists are at higher risk of road accidents In cities like Karachi and Lahore where traffic congestion is a
the movement of goods are all affected by the high rate of traffic incidents When accidents occur, there are not only the costs of vehicle repairs and insurance claims but also the loss of time productivity and sometimes even human resources
Cultural Attitudes and Behavioral ChallengesL
One of the root causes of the road safety
development and poverty alleviation To address this issue, a multifaceted approach must be adopted that prioritizes safer infrastructure, strict law enforcement, and a cultural shift toward responsible road use In doing so, we can transform our roads into safer spaces, reducing the loss of life and paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous society
It is vital, especially in this digital age
TAbid hussAin
H E Merriam-Webster dictionary defines information as "knowledge obtained from investigation study or instruction " Similarly the Oxford English Dictionary has defined Information as the communication of instructive knowledge, news of some fact or occurrence Information has become a vital factor for contemporary society, particularly after the advent of the Internet Experts in the information field divide all information into six types: (1) Conceptual Information which is based on concepts ideas hypotheses theories and beliefs (2) Empirical Information which can be obtained from experimentation, verifiable methodologies, observations, and so on (3) Procedural Information is that kind of information that is based on a specific procedure in other words if a person already knows about something that how to perform a specific task such kind information is known as procedural information (4) Policy Information is closely related with rules and regulations, laws and policies for effective decision-making process (5) Directive information is a meaningful type of information that provides direction or descriptions to individuals in
order to understand concepts and circumstances (6) Stimulatory information includes stimulatory information which is useful for stimulating a reaction in order to motivate individuals or groups to take action Individuals information-seeking behaviour varies from generation to generation Earlier, information acquisition was based on physical means like books, journals, newspapers, and libraries People usually relied heavily on experts professionals teachers and librarians for specialized knowledge Still today with the advent of advanced technologies like the Internet people mostly rely on search engines like Google and Yahoo and digital libraries Now, people can access millions of pieces of information without visiting libraries and institutions with one click Mr Wilson coined the phrase information behavior in 1981 and described that information seeking behaviour is a broad term which involves a set of actions that an individual takes to express information needs, seek information, evaluate and select information and finally uses this information to satisfy his/her information needs " According to Girija Kumar “the information seeking behaviour is mainly concerned with the need what kind of information and for what reason and how information is found, evaluated and used and how the needs can be identified and satisfied " The question arises in the mind as yo what role the library plays in the information-seeking behaviour of an individual The answer is simple: the library of the contemporary era has become the hub of enormous information in both printed and electronic formats So, it plays a commendable role in shaping information-seeking behaviour both from a historical point of view and in modern times Individuals are seeking information that is more reliable and credi-
r e s o u r c e s a t h o m e , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h o s e w h o d o n o t h a v e t i m e t o v i s i t t h e l i b r a r y p h y s i c a l l y S u c h a c c e s s p r o m o t e s e q u i t a b l e i n f o r m a t i o n - s e e k i n g h a b i t s i n d i v e r s e c o m m u n i t i e s T h e l i b r a r y a l s o p r o v i d e s s o c i a l a n d c o l l a b o r a t i v e s p a c e s t o i n d i v i d u a l s o f c o n t e m p o r a r y s o c i e t y , w h e r e p e o p l e c a n c o l l a b o r a t e , s h a r e t h e i r i d e a s , a n d w o r k t o g e t h e r o n I n f o r m a t i o n - s e e k i n g p r o j e c t s S u c h c o l l a b o r a t i o n s u p p o r t s r e s e a r c h p r a c t i c e s a m o n g i n d i v i d u a l s i n a s o c i e t y I n s h o r t , l i b r a r i e s ' r o l e i s u n d e n i a b l e i n i n d i v i d u a l s i n f o r m a t i o n - s e e k i n g b e h a v i o u r b e c a u s e t h e y p r o v i d e a c c e s s t o r e l i a b l e
ble Libraries offer access to a wide range of curated information in the form of books academic journals databases and research papers This helps individuals develop habits of seeking high-quality and verified information rather than relying on biassed sources Search engines offer vast amounts of information, but most need to be more reliable and factual enough to be trusted The modern library offers information literacy services to both individuals online and personally Libraries educate people on how to locate evaluate, and use this information effectively; in this regard, librarians help them become critical thinkers and train them to know credible and unreliable sources Such credible sources are vital for their academic goals Libraries of contemporary society offer lifelong learning services; they support their patrons by providing them with a wide range of services and allowing them to seek information that suits their academic goals
Similarly, individuals can also explore new areas of knowledge which develops their habit of seeking information and helps them in their professional development Libraries also help individuals bridge the digital divide by granting them free access to the Internet and digital resources at home, particularly those who do not have time to visit the library physically Such access promotes equitable information-seeking habits in diverse communities
The library also provides social and collaborative spaces to individuals of contemporary society, where people can collaborate, share their ideas, and work together on Informationseeking projects Such collaboration supports research practices among individuals in a society In short libraries' role is undeniable in individuals information-seeking behaviour because they provide access to reliable information support research activities foster critical thinking, and bridge the digital divide In a nutshell, libraries are inspirational sources for people to search for information, evaluate, and use information in both physical and digital formats
The writer is the Deputy Director of the Library at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad He can be reached at abidhussain@issi org pk
The Price of Political
Empowering Youth through IT
IN
culture of innovation IT also serves as a powerful tool for social change Young people can utilize digital platforms to raise awareness about social is-
sues, mobilize communities, and advocate for change Through social media campaigns blogs and online petitions they can amplify their voices and influence public policy Equipping them with IT skills enhances their ability to engage in civic activities and effect change In our interconnected world, IT empowers youth to connect with peers globally share experiences and collaborate on international projects This global perspective enriches cultural exchange and understanding By participating in discussions on topics like climate change, human rights, and technology, Pakistani youth can contribute to solutions that cross national borders Empowering youth through IT also highlights the importance of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education Encouraging participation in STEM fields, particularly among young women, can advance gender equality in technology Programmes and scholarships aimed at underrepresented groups can help diversify the IT workforce and drive innovation from multiple perspectives
The Government of Pakistan along with various organizations, is actively working to empower the youth through IT initiatives
The Special Communication Organization is a key player in this field, It is already crucial in delivering telecommunications and information technology services in the strategically important regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan A core service is the provision of dependable telecommunications infrastructure, which is essential, considering the challenging terrain of AJK and GB where traditional communication networks often struggle SCO has established a robust network that includes fixedline mobile and broadband services ensuring residents have access to essential communication facilities
This connectivity is crucial for personal communication, as well as for businesses and government services SCO has significantly expanded mobile network coverage in both AJK and GB enabling residents to stay in touch with family and friends access vital information, and communicate with healthcare and educational institutions The availability of mobile services also supports local businesses by facilitating better engagement with customers and suppliers
SCO has made impressive progress in delivering high-speed internet services to remote areas Through initiatives such as deploying fiber-optic cables and utilizing satellite technology, SCO has improved broadband access enabling online education telemedicine and e-commerce This advancement has created new opportunities for economic development and access to information for youth and entrepreneurs in AJK and GB
Given the susceptibility of AJK and GB to natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides SCO plays a critical role in disaster management by ensuring communication networks remain operational during emergencies It collaborates with local authorities and agencies to provide timely information and coordinate rescue efforts
SCO’s initiatives also extend to enhancing educational and healthcare services in AJK and GB With improved communication infrastructure schools and healthcare facilities can harness technology for better service delivery For instance, online education platforms and telehealth services can reach remote areas, granting students and patients access to quality resources and specialists that might otherwise be unavailable By improving telecommunications infrastructure SCO has stimulated economic development Enhanced connectivity enables local businesses to thrive and expand markets Additionally, the growth of the IT sector has generated job opportunities for young professionals in both AJK and GB
SCO is dedicated to community engagement and development conducting awareness programs to educate residents about the benefits of digital communication and technology These initiatives encourage local communities to effectively utilize available services, promoting digital literacy and enhancing the overall quality of life
The SCO has made significant strides in advancing the IT infrastructure of AJK and GB In an impressive timeframe of just 11 months, it has established 12 state-of-the-art Software Technology Parks and 37 Freelancing Hubs across these regions under its “Swift Action Plan ” These initiatives demonstrate the SCO’s commitment to empowering local youth by providing modern IT facilities high-speed internet and access to global freelancing platforms
The 12 STPs have been set up at the district level in key cities throughout AJK and GB, including Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Mir-
pur Muzaffarabad and Kotli These STPs are equipped with cutting-edge technology enabling young IT professionals to enhance their digital skills and contribute to Pakistan s burgeoning digital economy
Meanwhile, the 37 Freelancing Hubs, launched at the tehsil level and linked to the STPs, provide local youth with access to online freelancing platforms and resources that empower them to work and earn from anywhere Notably a dedicated FLH for girls in Kel has been a game-changer in promoting gender equality within the IT sector These initiatives are already making strides in reducing unemployment and equipping youth with the tools and training they need for selfreliance and economic independence This effort goes beyond technology; it is about creating a brighter future for the youth of AJK and GB The SCO aims to foster innovation and skill development that will enable our young generation to make positive contributions to their communities and the national economy A comprehensive ecosystem is being developed to encourage college students and local youth to engage with the SCO s initiatives and receive training for self-empowerment The mission is clear: to equip our youth with essential digital skills, unlock global earning opportunities, and nurture a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency
In this short time numerous success stories have emerged transforming the lives of families and communities There are numerous success stories highlighting the exceptional services of the SCO in empowering youth through IT One inspiring example is Nad-e-Ali who triumphed over challenges with SCO s support Born differently-abled in GilgitBaltistan Nad-e-Ali s family worried about his future His father, a painter, worked hard to provide for him, but opportunities seemed limited Everything changed when the SCO’s Independent Living Centre for Persons with Disabilities offered him the tools facilities and emotional support he needed With training and access to highspeed internet, Nad-e-Ali learned graphic design and is now a successful freelancer, earning enough to support his family He serves as an inspiration to others in his community proving that with the right support anything is possible Another success story is Miss Sara a young tech entrepreneur from Baltistan who exemplifies leadership for women in technology She began her career at the SCO s Software Technology Park in Skardu in 2023 Starting as a solo worker she received mentorship and guidance from the SCO
which helped her develop her skills and confidence Within a year Sara founded her own tech startup employing several young women from her community Her success has made her a role model, inspiring other women in Gilgit-Baltistan to pursue careers in technology Zil-e-Huma also stands out as a champion for women through freelancing in Gilgit-Baltistan Hailing from the remote area of Challat she moved to Gilgit
Ayatollah K hamenei ’s sermon signals Iran could strike Israel again
RLebanon and the West Bank; intelligence reports indicated that Hezbollah was meeting in a bunker south of Beirut so Israeli strikes tracked those movements and attempted to target them Israeli military leaders said these strikes attempted to target Hashem Safieddine presumed to be a future Hezbollah leader taking over in place of Hassan Nasrallah, whom Israel assassinated a week ago In his sermon, the ayatollah said Iran would be fueled by Nasrallah's killing "It is the duty and responsibility of all Muslims to support Lebanon s jihad and the battle for al-Aqsa mosque he reportedly said There is no doubt that the Zionists and the Americans are dreaming the Zionist entity will be uprooted from the ground, it has no roots, it is fake, unstable, and exists only because of American support " Israel "won't last long," the ayatollah added It seems based on the ayatollah's public pronouncements that Iran will continue to dole out retribution toward Israel for their impressive dismantling of Hezbollah but questions remain as to how successful future Iranian strikes will be Another outstanding question is whether Israel will target their nuclear sites, attempting to hinder further development a strategy Israeli politicians and military personnel have discussed but which
Australia is becoming a world leader in censorship
American officials have warned them not to pursue
"Unlike a previous such demonstration in April, Iran's missile command was really trying this time argues Bloomberg s Marc Champion They gave no lengthy notice They used only the most potent weapons in the Iranian arsenal, ballistic missiles, and these were bunched so as to saturate and penetrate Israel's air defenses A significant number made it through yet their impact appears to have been minimal between the outcome of two massive conventional missile strikes and Hezbollah's incapacitation it s now clear to both sides that Iran has no effective deterrent against an Israeli attack unless and until Iran develops a nuclear arsenal
The U S angle: According to new reporting from The Wall Street Journal, the U S has been kept increasingly out of the loop by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Though officials have been mulling targeting
SPIKED H u g o t i m m s New ‘misinformation’ laws could give the state unprecedented power over our speech on social media
Communications Authority, enabling it to sanction social-media companies and suppress what they publish – all in the name of preventing harm This represents a significant expansion of state power over online expression Indeed, the legislation would give ACMA bureaucrats carte blanche to investigate any content they deem ‘false, misleading and deceptive’ The bill’s definition of harm is equally generous focussing on harm to anything from the health of Australians and the Australian environment to democracy itself The communications minister Michelle Rowland’s claim that the bill is not a threat to free speech is hardly reassuring The actions of Big Tech and the government have already provided a glimpse of the coming clampdown Last year Facebook removed a Sky News
video on the grounds it was broadcasting misinformation about Labor s proposed Indigenous Voice to parliament, ahead of a referendum on the initiative Facebook later tacitly admitted that the video wasn’t actually misinformation, but a perfectly legitimate political opinion expressed by Peta Credlin – one of the most well-known media figures in Australia and a former chief of staff to Tony Abbott when he was prime minister In more recent months, Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety commissioner, has tried to censor not only Australians but the rest of the world too Having been first appointed as Australia s chief internet censor in 2017 most Australians hadn t heard of her until April this year, when she decided to take X to court under Australia’s Online Safety Act over a video of a non-fatal stabbing of a Christian bishop in Sydney Inman Grant argued that its continued circulation risked inciting more violence A few weeks prior she had also tried to have a post removed from X by Canadian national Chris Elston – known as Billboard Chris – which linked to a Daily Mail article about an Australian trans activist and adviser to the UN who had posted lewd photos of himself online Outside Australia the expansion of online censorship is even more pronounced Last month, Meta owner Mark Zuckerberg admitted Facebook had been forced to remove Covid-19 content at the behest of the Biden administration And the UK s slide into censorship was captured well by Stephen Parkinson the di-
rector of public prosecutions who in the wake of the Southport riots said that retweets of certain content could now land people in prison Throw in the recent arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in Paris and the banning of X in Brazil, and the battle for free speech has never seemed more urgent Sadly too few seem to be willing to take on the fight in Australia Liberal leader Peter Dutton, and leader of the opposition, has already wavered
lation after the online response to the murder of six people at a shopping centre in Bondi Sydney in April Yet the untrue claims that the Bondi murderer was Muslim or Jewish (depending on the prejudices of the tweeter) barely escaped whatever sad part of the internet they originated from To attack freedom of speech online because of a few moronic, misinformed tweets is a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater The government s proposed laws against misinformation are an infantilising imposition on the Australian public They assume we re incapable of judging for ourselves what is true and what is false, and that we need the government to decide for us It’s time we recognised this de facto censorship regime for what it is – an attack on the very idea of a free society
Enforced disappearance proof destruc tion concerning
After
CHANGES made to the secret detention centres apparently to destroy evidence as the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has found, is gravely concerning The commission, formed on August 27 to identify and find out the people forcibly disappeared by security and law enforcement agencies during the autocratic Awami League regime on October 2 said that it had found the existence of a number of such centres including a joint interrogation cell known as aynaghar on the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence headquarters premises with 22 cells The commission is reported to have visited the place on September 25 and the secret cells of the Detective Branch and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes Unit on October 1 The commission however did not elaborate on the changes made to the centres and the destruction of evidence Nonetheless, this suggests that the law enforcement and security agencies are trying to paper over their wrongdoings While it is apparent that not all in the law enforcement and security agencies were complicit in enforced disappearances which earned Bangladesh a negative image the agencies cannot shrug off their responsibility and should cooperate with the commission to restore their integrity and regain trust More than 600 cases of enforced disappearances have been reported by local and international rights groups since the Awami League government assumed office in 2009 In some cases, the disappeared people were later found dead In other cases they returned but kept silent about what happened And the whereabouts
TOP HEZBOLL AH LEADER HASHEM SAFIEDDINE OUT OF CONTACT FOR SECOND DAY, SOURCE REPORTS
ATech Paradox: AI and human nature
AFNAN WASIF
In recent years, the discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) has reached a fever pitch with opinions sharply divided over whether it is a dangerous force or a beneficial innovation To grapple with this dilemma, one must first delve into the complexities of human nature, our historical precedents, and the duality inherent in all technological advancements where they have been both a boon and a bane Human nature is inherently curious and driven by a complex mix of cooperation and competition Philosophers like Thomas Hobbes posited a rather brutish view of humanity, suggesting that without social contracts humans would devolve into chaos In contrast liberalism offers a more optimistic outlook highlighting our capacity for collaboration and mutual benefit
Both perspectives reveal that technology in itself is neutral it is the application by humans that determines whether its impact is constructive or destructive From the wheel to the internet every innovation has been a double-edged sword, capable of serving both noble and nefarious purposes
Take the wheel for instance This invention revolutionized transportation and logistics facilitating the movement of goods and people An
ambulance equipped with wheels can save lives, while a military vehicle uses the same technology to transport missiles and weaponry The technology itself does not possess intent; it is the human hand that wields it In essence the moral implications of any invention lie not within the technology but in the intentions of its users Fast forward to the digital age, where computers have permeated every aspect of life From hospitals and schools to corporate offices and airports computers have enabled tremendous advancements However, they have also been employed in missile
‘Bullet for democrac y ’:
Trump to return to site of rally shooting
Butler has become
s like a monument now,” the Republican candidate said at a recent rally in Milwaukee Trump’s campaign said “he took a bullet for democracy” in Butler and that he would speak behind protective glass on his return
The former president was six minutes into a campaign speech in a scorching field and turning his head to look at a chart of immigration statistics, when eight shots rang out Trump winced and grabbed his ear, ducking down behind his podium as Secret Service agents flooded the open-air stage Surrounded by bodyguards and with blood trickling across his face Trump raised his fist and shouted fight fight fight to the crowd providing his campaign with a now iconic image
The first thing I said is, How many people are dead?’ Because, you know, we had a massive crowd As far as the eye could see ” Trump said recently In fact his first words captured by the stage microphone,
CORPORATE CORNER
inDrive par tners with Rescue 1122 Sindh to revolutionize driver safet y training
Anti-Pak istan sentiments run deep in PTI’s DNA: Azma
‘S ufi Night ’ organized by Federal Ministr y of Information, Broadc asting and Culture
(writer) former MPA Shahzia Chand actor Rashid Mahmood poet Baba Najmi Wajahat Goraya Shahzia Nasir PSO Rana Mashood Akbar Ali Administrator of Iqbal Hall Anjum Waheed among other political social, and individuals from various walks of life
Member of Provincial Assembly and Coordinator of the Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting for Culture and National Heritage, Farah Diba, MPA Bibi Waderi, MPA Shahbaz Khokhar Coordinator NA-127 Rabia Afzal PSO to the Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shahbaz Talib Advisor to the Federal Minister of Information Khurram Naqvi Lieutenant Colonel Abid, Air Commodore Shahid Ali, Rabia Rehman
The Sufi Night featured renowned singer Shabnam Majeed, who showcased her talent and performed exquisite Sufi poetry that compelled the audience to sway with delight Renowned folk artist Sai Zahoor presented a Sufi dance that entertained all attendees The audience congratulated the Federal Ministry of Culture and National Heritage for organizing this splendid program Sajida Farooq Tarar, the mother of the Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, stated that the government is tirelessly working to resolve public issues and promote economic development Under the leadership of Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the Prime Minister the country is on the path of progress She emphasized that the promotion of regional culture is a guarantor of unity and solidarity, and acknowledged the issues faced by artists, writers, poets, and other stakeholders in the arts, assuring that all possible efforts would be made to address them While addressing the attendees Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Farah Diba welcomed the guests She mentioned that Sufism was introduced in the subcontinent through Sufi poetry She highlighted that under Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif's vision, the government is utilizing all resources to promote culture, with activities ongoing at both provincial and federal levels She further stated that the federal government is also ensuring the preservation of cultural assets through various initiatives projects and programs at the provincial and local levels
GOVT STILL SHORT OF MAGIC NUMBER TO PASS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: REPORT
yet to convince Maulana Fazl to support the government s efforts especially after the Supreme Court s recent ruling on Article 63A Chinese modernization ser ves as model for Pakistan to promote economic development: PM Shehbaz
Six soldiers of Pakistan Army including a lieutenant colonel embraced martyrdom during a gunfight with terrorists in North Waziristan s Spinwam area, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday The military’s media wing said that the fire exchange with the terrorists of Fitna Al-Khawarij took place on the night between October 4 and 5, during which six Khawarij were also killed “Lt-Col Muhammad Ali Shaukat was leading the operation against the khawarij when he and five soldiers embraced martyrdom as a result of intense exchange of fire said the military s media wing Lt-Col Muhammad Ali Shaukat, aged 43, hailed from Faisalabad and is survived by a widow and three sons
According to the ISPR all the martyred soldiers had served the nation with valor Lance Naik Muhammad Ullah had completed 13 years of service, while Akhtar Zaman had served for 10 years
“Security forces are determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism Sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our determination the statement added Earlier in the day, security forces gunned down a terrorist involved in a recent attack on the convoy of foreign diplomats visiting Swat the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in another statement
According to army s media wing the terrorist was killed during a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Swat’s Charbagh area on the night between October 4-5
On September 22 a police van escorting the diplomats was targeted by an improvised explosive device (IED) near Malam Jabba resulting in the death of one policeman and injuries to four others
However, the foreign diplomats remained safe in the targeted attack
The military’s media wing said that two terrorists including Kharji ring leader Atta Ullah [aka] Mehran were killed after an intense exchange of fire, while another terrorist was apprehended Atta Ullah, the ISPR revealed, remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area including the attack on the convoy of foreign dignitaries COAS, SENIOR ARMY, CIVIL OFFICERS OFFER FUNERAL PRAYERS OF SPINWAM
MARTYRS: Later, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir along with senior army and civil officers soldiers and relatives of the martyrs on Saturday attended the funeral prayers of Army
martyrs who valiantly embraced martyrdom in Spinwam area of North Waziristan at Peshawar Garrison the ISPR said According to the military s media wing, these martyrs include: Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shoukat Shaheed (age: 43 years resident of district Faisalabad) Lance Naik Muhammad Ullah (age: 31 Years resident of District Khyber) Lance Naik Akhtar Zaman (age: 30 years, resident of District Lakki Marwat), Lance Naik Shahid Ullah (age:29 years, resident of District Tank), Lance Naik Yusaf Ali (age:31 years resident of District Orkazai) and Sepoy Jameel Ahmed (age:26 years resident of District Swat) The bodies of the martyrs were sent to their native towns where they will be buried with full military honors These sacrifices of our martyrs sustain our resolve and courage in the ongoing war against terrorism,
S TA F F R E P O R T
A first case has been registered following violent clashes between protesters and police at Faizabad, nominating 250 suspects
The case was filed under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act after three police officers were severely injured by demonstrators, who also vandalized a police patrol vehicle The charges include violations under Section 16 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (1960) along with eight sections of the Pakistan Penal Code
The clash erupted as protesters heading towards Islamabad s DChowk confronted the police at Faizabad Police confirmed that the
case has been registered at the Sadiqabad police station and 17 suspects have been arrested so far The protest, organized by PTI, led to widespread unrest in Islamabad with several skirmishes between protesters and law enforcement throughout the day Among those detained were Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan, who were apprehended after reaching D-Chowk Meanwhile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur s convoy continues its march toward Islamabad despite the imposition of Section 144, banning gatherings in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi Police Rangers and FC personnel
have been deployed across the capital with military units patrolling the streets Mobile phone services and the Metro Bus system remain suspended across Rawalpindi and Islamabad while reports of internet disruptions have surfaced Schools and other educational institutions have also been closed, causing further inconvenience to residents Major roads in the capital are blocked, with containers placed at key entry and exit points of the twin cities
In an effort to maintain order Islamabad s district administration has enforced a ban on pillion riding for the next two days, effective from midnight, with violators facing strict legal consequences
g COAS, senior army, civil officers offer funeral of Spinwam martyrs