PM CALLS FOR GLOBAL EFFORTS IN AI, HEALTH AND EDUCATION TO OVERCOME CONTEMPORARY
commitment to strengthening traditional defense ties with Russia while both sides affirmed their dedication to bolstering collaboration in various security and defense domains
Asim Munir NI (M) Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Tuesday The meeting addressed the regional security environment and matters of mutual interest, including the enhancement of bilateral defense and security cooperation The COAS reiterated Pakistan s
Colonel General Fomin commended the Pakistan Army’s achievements in combating terrorism and highlighted the importance of a unified cooperative approach among the global community to counter extremism Russia’s Minister, Air Chief discuss bolstering of military cooperation Earlier a high-level delegation led by Russia s Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr V Fomin called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and discussed the bolstering of military cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two states the military s media wing said in a statement on Tuesday According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) emphasised strengthening military ties with Russia through collaborative training programmes joint military drills, and industrial collaboration
SIFC REQUESTS POWER DIVISION TO IDENTIF Y 10 PROJECTS FOR SAUDI INVESTMENT
ADB issues its first biodiversit y and nature bond
MANILA n e w s D e s k The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has issued its first biodiversity and nature theme bond to finance a pool of eligible projects across Asia and the Pacific The A$150 million (equivalent to US$100 million) 10-year issue was purchased by the Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company Limited of Japan and arranged by Credit
The National Export Development Board (NEDB) has urged provincial governments to eliminate the export cess imposed on goods, a measure it claims undermines Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets by inflating export costs
In a meeting led by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, stakeholders, including officials from the Finance Division, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Board of Investment (BoI) and representatives from all provinces addressed this and other key issues affecting exporters
The provincial infrastructure cess, levied on export goods, was a central point of discussion, with NEDB members highlighting its adverse effects on the country’s trade potential Recently Minister Kamal sent letters to provincial chief ministers particularly of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging them to recon-
Development (SFD) contributed 901 25 million Saudi Riyal (SR) towards the construction of the Mohmand Dam, a project designed to bolster Pakistan’s energy security and support regional development
The project will not only generate 800 megawatts of electricity but will also provide a sustainable water source for both human consumption and agricultural use, help mitigate flood risks, and address climate change impacts in
the area The SFD allocated a total of 1 6 billion SR to Pakistan in 2023, with 1 3 billion SR disbursed in the form of development grants Among the projects supported the Tarbela Dam received 178 28 million SR for repairs and Phase I of the Irrigation and Drainage project for lands along the Indus River banks was allocated 231 5 million SR Overall, the KSA granted 3491 65 million SR for various development initiatives in Pakistan, including infrastructure projects like the Makran Coastal Highway Golen Gol Hydropower Plant Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant Malakand region infrastructure reconstruction, and additional support for ongoing hydropower projects
sider the levy due to its impact on trade Punjab and Sindh responded, but replies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are pending The NEDB plans to present these recommendations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in an upcoming meeting, where decisions to dismantle export barriers are anticipated
Kamal emphasized the need for unified federal and provincial support noting that the Ministry of Commerce has actively worked to address export challenges, though progress from other departments has been slow
Additionally, the Board reviewed export profiles and action plans for growth in key sectors with input from 16 sector councils These councils play a vital role in tackling cross-cutting issues across industries to drive export growth
Minister Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the export sector and streamlining processes for enhanced efficiency
In a separate meeting Kamal discussed bolstering Pakistan s shipping
industry with Parliamentary Secretary of Commerce Dr Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti and Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed President of the National Institute of Maritime Affairs
The group examined strategies for developing a robust shipping sector, with Saeed calling for the industry to gain formal recognition, which could attract investment and establish Pakistan as a regional logistics hub
With Pakistan s export sector under pressure from high production costs and global competition, business leaders and trade bodies have echoed calls for easing fiscal policies
Atif Ikram Sheikh President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) recently called for the immediate removal of the infrastructure cess Sheikh stressed that the added cost of this levy has hindered businesses, urging provincial governments to reconsider their stance to enable Pakistan to compete on a global scale effectively
TPak istan R ailways pushes for 130% cost hike for bogie procurement
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
He further elaborated that Pakistan was blessed with something truly precious the youth who was their promise to tomorrow Talented resilient and armed with an untiring spirit, they are now ready to take on the emerging challenges, he added
Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, championed by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the prime minister said Pakistan shared a common mission and invest in their youth to shape the future
In this pursuit it is not just a responsibility; it is our persistent endeavour to empower our youth with quality education, digital inclusivity, and the crosscutting tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” he opined The prime minister further said that in agriculture climate resilience and the fight against misinformation they could unleash AI’s potential not merely to compete but to uplift and empower
Our aspirations in AI and beyond are deeply rooted in a solid educational foundation Through educational reforms, vocational trainings, and digital literacy, we aim to build a skilled, tech-savvy generation,” he added
He said projects like Daanish Schools and the Education Endowment Fund in Pakistan that his government steered made quality education accessible to those who once saw it as an unattainable dream
Today he said these graduates aren t just students; they are builders of tomorrow as doctors, engineers, and innovators They are pioneers, driving progress and uplifting their communities, a testament to the transformative power of accessible education Their success stories reinforce my belief that education is a true equalizer and a game-changer for individuals and nations alike he observed
The prime minister further said that health was the cornerstone of human advancement and Pakistan s healthcare sector was home to over 275,000 registered doctors with their youth pioneering new health-tech solutions With advancements in healthcare standards they envisioned a future where their doctors and
scientists collaborated across borders for a healthier tomorrow he added Imagine the impact, pooling resources in areas like genome sequencing and personalized medicine With such collaborations, we can redefine the whole healthcare system ” he further emphasized
He enumerated that their institutions like King Edward Medical College NUST and Aga Khan University held immense potential for breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatment and disease prevention
At Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Centre (PKLI), a centre of excellence in specialized care and research, they were unrelenting in the commitment to providing ‘state-of-the-art’ medical services to the people which contributed to building a healthier more resilient society As we look toward these infinite horizons and unpack our potential one truth becomes clear: the future of human advancement doesn t lie in isolation, it lies in collaboration in working together for win-win outcomes,” he stressed
The prime minister expressed the hope that as Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia moved towards new realms of possibility from their shared heritage to the frontiers of innovation this partnership might shine as a beacon for all Let this be our legacy: a commitment to a vision that transcends borders, embraces boundless potential, and inspires generations to come,” he added He also stressed that global human advancement and transformation could not take place unless peace was restored in Gaza and bloodshed stopped
The prime minister also expressed his deepest gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia for their remarkable vision and foresight in convening the important gathering of world leaders, experts and civil society to address issues shaping our future
COMMENT
Smog back as bad as ever
Th E return of the smog to Punjab has begun with Lahore briefly holding the unwanted title of the most polluted city in the world, it is no consolation that the Punjab government has issued an emergency alert, and no comfort that it is resolutely blaming the problem on East Punjab and haryana farmers burning the stubble in their fields after the Rabi crop in preparation for the winter crop mostly wheat The Punjab government has undertaken several measures, such as stopping the burning of stubble on this side of the border, but it must have realized that it cannot just throw up its hands and blame indian farmers That might satisfy it somehow, but it does not end the problem
The problem is now happening every year and is being blamed on global warming Quite apart from the efforts being made to reduce fuel pollution it should be recognized that the problem starts with smoky vehicles spewing smoke in vast quantities They remain on the roads because of a nonexistent vehicle inspection system The air quality in Lahore is worsened by large particulate matter At a time like this the sahiwal Power Plant’s request for more coal highlights another source of air pollution: thermal power is spotlighted Attempts to increase thermal generation instead of promoting solar and other forms of renewable power generation, merely worsens the problem The real problem is international The Punjab CM may have coercive power here, but only persuasive power across the border Even that persuasion has to be relayed through two federal governments it does not help that the federal ruling party is in the Opposition in East Punjab and Delhi The efforts by the indian governments to stop burning stubble are not bearing much fruit, and one solution, superseeder machines which will let seeding to be done through the stubble, needs money And unless both governments incentivize that, or some other solution, farmers are unlikely to stop burning stubble
This is just one of many problems that will crop up as the climate changes While Pakistan was carved out of india in 1947 for entirely good reasons, they were human reasons, not climatic Though a line had to be drawn on the map separating them, winds and the rain do not know them Unfortunately, the present indian government is unwilling to talk to Pakistan let alone cooperate still the Punjab government must do its best within the existing constraints
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
C o n s e q u e n c e s o f t h e
C h o i c e i n N o v e m b e r
Th
i have some questions for those who rightly hold this Democratic administration responsible for genocide and want to punish the Democratic nominee for president When they say they are voting their conscience by supporting a third party i ask them to explain how punishing Vice-President harris and enabling Donald Trump to become president will end the genocide especially as we have allies in the progressive side of the Democratic Party who support and have been working with us to advance our foreign and domestic policy concerns and will be with us to pressure a harris White house? Meanwhile the party of Trump is dominated by
hardline hawks who have little or no concern for Palestinians or our civil rights Or how voting for parties that have been around for decades and struggle to gain even one percent of the vote will advance anything other than helping elect Donald Trump? Or how turning our backs on all of the groups who have been our allies in the struggles for our civil and political rights and for a just foreign policy adds up to voting one s conscience ? it reminds me of a lesson i learned from the late Julian Bond in the aftermath of the 1968 election A decade ago i wrote a reflection on that lesson i ask you to consider it again: it was 1968 and the Us was reeling from the Vietnam War, urban unrest, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King and senator Robert Kennedy in the wake of voter opposition to the war, President Lyndon Johnson had been forced to end his reelection bid in favor of his Vice President hubert humphrey All of this was in the air when Democrats met for their convention to formally nominate humphrey On the first night of the convention, there was a fight over whether to recognize the all-white Georgia delegation or the mixed black and white delegation led by a young Georgia civil rights leader Julian Bond The mixed
They often miss the muck of the reality in which most of us live and the tough, and often less-than-perfect, choices with which we are confronted in the never-ending challenge to make life a little bit better whether in the struggle for human rights, improvements in the quality of life, or the provision of security for those who are most vulnerable
From colonial charm to urban chaos
city was ill-prepared to absorb them This migration has continued for two decades now and the population boom put an immense strain on the city s infrastructure With over 35 million residents Karachi now struggles to provide even basic services The roads, drainage system, and public amenities, which were initially designed for a smaller population, have buckled under the pressure The corruption in Karachi’s administration has also played a major role in the city s decline Funds meant for the development and maintenance of the city have been siphoned off leaving critical infrastructure projects incomplete or substandard Politicians and local leaders have used the city’s resources for their own gain, leaving the common citizens to suffer the consequences The absence of accountability has fostered a culture of neglect where basic civic responsibilities like garbage collection road maintenance, and drainage upkeep are ignored Mismanagement has intensified these problems With different political parties controlling various sections of the city there is a constant power struggle This has resulted in a lack of coordination between different administrative bodies Each blames the other for the city s problems, and as a result, nothing gets done Karachi, it seems, is caught in the middle of a political tug-of-war, and the city’s development is the last thing on anyone’s mind Another major issue is the environmental degradation that has gone unchecked for decades Once lined with trees Karachi s streets are now barren The green belts that existed in the British era have been replaced with commercial encroachments and illegal structures The unregulated industrial expansion has polluted the air and water making Karachi one of the most environmentally hazardous cities in the world sewage flows openly through many areas contaminating water sources and spreading diseases The overflowing garbage dumps not only degrade the environment but also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease
vectors The citizens of Karachi are living in a toxic environment, and the lack of proper waste management is pushing the city further into ruin Karachi’s downfall cannot be attributed to one single entity or group it is the result of decades of neglect corruption and mismanagement successive governments, both provincial and federal, have failed to take ownership of the city s problems Local government bodies, crippled by political infighting, have been unable to address the most basic needs of Karachi’s residents
The private
Second opinions in prenatal care
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of KarachiÊs decline is the apathy that has set in The citiz ens themselves have grown indifferent. People have become accustomed to living in filth and chaos, and there seems to be no collective will to demand chang e . Protests and demands for better ser vices are sporadic and often fall on deaf ears. In a city where the basic amenities are failing, the ever yday struggles for water, electricity, and safety have overshadowed the broader conversation about the cityÊs long-term future
TANZeel KHANZADA
How Pakistan’s largest cit y was ruined
Hidden agendas behind protests
Politicians sometimes use human shields
PO L I T I C A L power struggles often drive protests in Pakistan, where leaders may exploit public discontent to undermine rivals or distract from their own failures For example protests initially focused on issues like inflation or governance can quickly become platforms for political rivalry This manipulation tends to shift the narrative, diverting attention from genuine grievances to political manoeuvring
In the lead-up to elections protests may be strategically organized or supported by political parties to rally support Politicians might exploit social issues to mobilize specific voter bases, framing protests as efforts to champion the rights of marginalized groups However once the electoral goal is achieved their commitment to these issues may diminish leading to disillusionment among the constituents who initially rallied for change
More recently, the violent protests and repeated calls for demonstrations by the Awami Action Committee in AJK also appear aimed at fostering negativity and hate The Awami Action Committee has transformed into a pressure group focused more on political interests than on representing public concerns Its agenda appears self-centred, emphasizing personal gain and selfpromotion Reports indicate that one leader of the Awami Action Committee arrested on charges of robbery was attempted to be forcibly released by its leadership without going through the proper legal channels
This incident illustrates how the Awami Action Committee seems intent on masking its misdeeds behind a facade of activism Similarly, the leadership of PTI in Pakistan also seems disconnected from the country’s real issues and the needs of its citizens They are desperate to gain power by any means showing little concern for the harm they may cause to the country in pursuit of their selfish goals
The PTI’s first sit-in in 2014 aimed to
disrupt the visit of the Chinese president to Pakistan while more recently it planned to attack Islamabad during the SCO Summit diverting attention from the significance of this event for Pakistan The SCO is a crucial forum for international cooperation and a platform to raise awareness about the Kashmir issue globally By choosing to protest during such an important time the PTI appeared to align themselves with the agendas of those opposed to Pakistan potentially undermining the Kashmir liberation movement The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) established in 2001 focuses on political economic and security cooperation in the Eurasian region Pakistan became a full member in 2017 making the SCO a vital platform for Islamabad, offering numerous opportunities Membership strengthens Pakistan’s ties with key regional players like China Russia and Central Asian nations which is crucial for countering Western influence By engaging with the SCO Pakistan can align more closely with countries that share its strategic interests, enhancing its diplomatic leverage The SCO promotes regional connectivity through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which improve infrastructure and trade routes facilitating economic integration and establishing Pakistan as a regional hub for trade and investment Engagement with the SCO allows Pakistan to balance its relationships with major powers like China and Russia while maintaining strategic autonomy This multilateral approach can help Islamabad navigate complex geopolitical challenges The SCO s emphasis on economic cooperation can enhance trade relations among member states, providing Pakistan with access to new markets and investment opportunities especially in agriculture energy and technology By fostering economic ties within the SCO framework Pakistan can diversify its trade partnerships and reduce reliance on traditional markets, engaging in initiatives that promote collaboration across various sectors Increased cooperation in areas like energy resources transportation and infrastructure development can foster greater economic stability and growth for Pakistan and its neighbouring countries The SCO can
Trump scoops up the Muslim vote
Tiffany TrumpÊs father-in-law, Massad Boulos, a high-profile Lebanese-American businessman, „has been successful in kind of converting and talking to people to explain why Trump would be better‰
act as a platform for Pakistan to engage in development projects with other member states Collaborative initiatives in fields such as water management, agriculture, and technology transfer can bolster Pakistan s capacity for sustainable development and enhance the living standards of its citizens
A key objective of the SCO is to promote regional security and combat terrorism For Pakistan which has faced significant challenges related to extremism and terrorism, participation in the SCO offers an opportunity to collaborate with member states on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations and the adoption of best practices in security governance The SCO has shown a strong interest in the situation in Afghanistan especially following the Taliban s return to power Pakistan s participation in the SCO can enhance its role as a mediator in Afghan affairs promoting stability in the region A stable Afghanistan is crucial for Pakistan’s own security and economic interests making SCO membership particularly significant The SCO focuses on cooperative security mechanisms and peacekeeping initiatives, allowing Pakistan to contribute to and benefit from collective efforts to maintain regional peace and stability while addressing shared threats
This SCO summit was especially important for Pakistan not only because it was hosted by the country, but also due to the current challenges Pakistan faces The financial crises and terrorism issues are critical concerns that require international cooperation Those who impose restrictions on securing such international support for Pakistan cannot genuinely be considered its well-wishers
A major problem in Pakistan is that some leaders exploit the populace as “human shields ” In the political arena, the ethical responsibilities of leaders are paramount Unfortunately some politicians resort to manipulative tactics using their constituents as shields to deflect attention from their own wrongdoing The term human shield traditionally refers to using civilians to protect military targets from attack In a political context it describes the tactic of placing vulnerable communities in precarious situations to deter criticism or scrutiny By leveraging these groups politicians seek to insulate themselves from the reper-
cussions of their actions, often in pursuit of power or personal gain They exploit social issues such as poverty, education, or healthcare by presenting themselves as the sole protectors of these vulnerable populations For instance when faced with allegations of corruption or mismanagement some politicians highlight their community engagement efforts, framing critics as adversaries of public welfare This tactic effectively diverts attention from their misconduct
Additionally some politicians orchestrate protests or public demonstrations portraying them as grassroots movements This strategy distracts from their controversial policies or actions When scrutinized, these leaders often claim that any criticism of their behaviour is an attack on the very people who support them thus positioning themselves as morally superior
In some instances politicians prioritize the interests of specific groups such as ethnic or religious minorities while overlooking the needs of the broader society This approach fosters a narrative that any criticism of their governance equates to undermining these communities Such exploitation not only hinders accountability but also deepens societal divisions When politicians use their constituents as shields, it breeds cynicism and disillusionment among the public Citizens start to question the motives of their leaders contributing to a wider erosion of trust in democratic institutions
This lack of trust can lead to disengagement among voters and reduced civic participation, ultimately weakening the foundations of democracy
The tactic of using human shields can effectively suppress accountability Politicians who manipulate public sentiment to shield themselves from criticism evade scrutiny for their actions fostering a culture of impunity
This environment allows corruption and unethical behavior to flourish, undermining the principles of good governance By exploiting vulnerable communities, politicians can deepen social divisions Portraying dissenters as enemies of the people creates an us versus them mentality further polarizing society This division complicates dialogue and consensus-building, hindering progress on critical issues
In any democracy, the relationship between politicians and the electorate is foundational Citizens place their trust in elected officials to represent their interests uphold the rule of law and work toward the com-
mon good However the ability to distinguish between good and bad politicians is essential for a healthy democratic society
Good politicians are defined by their integrity and honesty They prioritize transparency in their actions and decisions keeping constituents informed about their intentions These leaders take responsibility for their actions and readily admit mistakes A hallmark of effective leadership is accountability; good politicians hold themselves answerable to their constituents and respond to public needs and concerns They welcome scrutiny and engage in open dialogue fostering trust and confidence in their leadership
Good politicians possess a clear vision for the future and the competence to realize that vision They understand the complexities of governance and are skilled at navigating challenges Their policies are well-researched and aim to improve the quality of life for all citizens Empathy is crucial for effective political leadership; these politicians actively listen to diverse perspectives and strive to represent the interests of marginalized and underrepresented communities They promote inclusiveness and advocate for policies that benefit all segments of society In contrast bad politicians often prioritize their own interests over
weak Biden occupied the White House In the Middle East particularly Biden and Harris have tried to have their cake and eat it They condemned the terrorist attacks of Oct 7, but also warned Israel against sending the IDF into Rafah They’ve demanded a cease-fire but have taken no firm steps to secure one Their inaction in the face of mounting civilian casualties has outraged Muslim Americans
who find themselves increasingly divorced from the mainstream Democratic Party While some progressive Muslims have been driven toward Green Party candidate Jill Stein those who are more socially conservative are moving toward Trump as the propeace candidate Last week UFC fighters Justin Gaethje, Beneil Dariush and Henry Cejudo campaigned for Trump in Warren, Mich , telling voters there he’ll bring peace to the Middle East “I saw the things [Trump] did in the Middle East where he stopped ISIS where he stopped bombing just random people like [former President Barack] Obama was doing, Dariush told the crowd Other Muslim Americans are looking to Trump because of the state of the economy CNN analyst Reena Ninan said on-air this month that she knew of not a single Arab American business owner willing to support Harris Tiffany Trump s father-in-law Massad Boulos, a high-profile Lebanese-American businessman, has been successful in kind of converting and talking to people to explain why Trump would be better,” Ninan said And some Muslims began souring on the Democrats long before the war in Gaza began or the economy tanked thanks to the party s embrace of woke policies in schools and local governments In 2023, Muslim clerics issued a nationwide call urging their followers to confront “gender ideology ” The Los Angeles Times has reported Especially in deep blue areas like Montgomery County Md Muslim Americans have organized protests against the incorporation of sexual topics and transgenderism in public schools As the Democratic Party increasingly reflects the deep progressive ideology of woke wine moms, Muslims are feeling that it no longer represents them The Muslim leadership post-9/11 got so afraid everyone got so scared Sheikh Mustafa Umar of the Islamic Center of Irvine explained People [were] like, Let s just team up just with anybody who is willing to talk to us ’ Not thinking about the long-term consequences that was a huge mistake ” But in a presidential election that could be the closest in decades the Muslim vote may be the difference-maker and their departure should leave Democrats soul-searching Ryan Girdusky is the author of They re Not Listening: How
AS someone who came of voting age when Election Day was just that not election weeks or even election months, I don t support early voting But since we have to play the hand we’re dealt, I went to cast my ballot at an early-voting site in Fairfax County Virginia wearing a pro-Trump T-shirt I was stunned when out of the blue with no provocation other than the T-shirt an older woman obviously an unhinged liberal Democrat blurted out I hate you! and Burn in hell! Never mind that she didn’t know me or anything about me She just knew that as a supporter of former President Donald Trump s bid to return to the White House I was the earthly embodiment of Satan and she saw herself as an exorcist That woman was and is clearly suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome To respond in kind would have been pointless so I didn’t I said “I love you too and left it at that Trump Derangement Syndrome is a real affliction one so widespread among liberals that it might be deserving of its own chapter in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Now-retired radio host Michael Savage summed it up succinctly in the title of his 2005 bestselling book Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder The diagnostic manual, now in its fifth edition, hasn t been updated since 2013 two years before Mr Trump emerged on the political scene The sixth edition is clearly overdue The woman at the polls whom I overheard telling other people that she was 77 could well be the poster child for Trump Derangement Syndrome
The pharmaceutical industry should consider investing in research and development to find a cure or at least a palliative for Trump Derangement Syndrome Someone should likewise start a charity fundraising group to help pay for the care and treatment of syndrome sufferers running TV ads soliciting donations of $19 a month, the way St Jude Children s Hospital and the Easter Seals do All kidding aside, Trump Derangement Syndrome provides an unlikely window into the double standard of the legacy media regarding election-related violence In both the presidential and vice presidential debates and throughout the presidential campaign, Mr Trump and his running mate, Sen J D Vance, Ohio Republican, have been repeatedly asked by what Mr Trump calls the “fake news” media whether they’re prepared to accept unconditionally the outcome of the election if they lose Asking that presumes that election results should be accepted in advance sight unseen even before voting has concluded, much less before the first ballot has been counted or any voting irregularity has been adjudicated The presumption of the question moreover is that the Republican ticket s supporters will erupt in violence if the Democrats win But the legacy media, as far as I know, have not once asked Vice President Kamala Harris or her running mate, Minnesota Gov Tim Walz, whether they and their supporters would likewise respect the verdict of voters if they lose Will Democrats and their supporters like the woman who hates me and wants me to burn in hell refrain from violence and accept defeat if Mr Trump triumphs? There’s ample reason to believe they won’t accept that result with equanimity especially given the liberals’ current by any means necessary mentality Democrats and the liberal media won t let anyone forget the Jan 6, 2021, Capitol riot,
XI JINPING HAILS ‘FUTURE-ORIENTED NEW-T YPE’
CHINA-FINL AND COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP
President Xi calls for advancing reforms at CPC moot
strength to advance reform in a steady and sustained manner while addressing senior officials attending a central Party school study session
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission made the remarks at the opening of the study session at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) for principal officials at the provincial and ministerial level
The session will look at ways to implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which rolled out a new package of comprehensive reforms for the country Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central
Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks during the opening of a study session for principal officials at the provincial and ministerial level at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) in Beijing China October 29 2024 /Xinhua Xi said China s efforts to advance reforms on all fronts in the new era have yielded substantial results across practical, institutional and theoretical dimensions representing one of the most monumental chapters in the nation s journey of reform and opening up He emphasized that the reforms are guided by clear principles Core commitments include upholding the Party’s overall leadership, adhering to Marxism, adhering to socialism with Chinese characteristics and upholding the people s democratic dictatorship focusing on fostering social equity and enhancing people s well-being in everything the authorities do Xi asserted that these prin-
ciples must remain unwavering, regardless of circumstances He also highlighted the need to uphold the unity of reform and the rule of law bolstering the rule of law through reform advancing reform in the domain of law-based governance and continuously improving the system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics Xi underscored the need to uphold the unity of reform and opening up, steadily expand institutional opening up take the initiative to align with high-standard international economic and trade rules deepen reform in foreign trade foreign investment and outbound investment management system, and foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized He said all regions and departments must implement the existing and incremental policies and strive to achieve the annual economic and social development goals The opening session was presided over by Li Qiang and attended by Zhao
Leji Wang Huning Cai Qi Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi who are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Vice President Han Zheng also attended the opening session Xi’s speech is of great significance to solidifying confidence and pooling strength for advancing reforms and will help ensure the effective implementation of various reform measures, said Li Qiang It is essential to grasp the core principles and practical implications of Xi’s speech and to implement reform measures with
Malaysia’s ex-PM Mahathir, 99, discharged from hospital
‘I’m not a Nazi ’: Trump insists as Harris blasts ugly
WASHINGTON Ag e n c e s
Donald Trump told supporters he is not a Nazi using a rally in the final week of a bitter White House race to refute accusations of authoritarianism including from a former top aide who branded him a fascist
As he and rival Kamala Harris, the current vice president, entered the final stretch of one of the closest US elections in modern times each candidate and their teams have ramped up the political rhetoric inflaming an already tense campaign Democrat Harris who has accused Trump of stoking divisions, crisscrossed Michigan on Monday while the Republican visited Georgia, another of the decisive swing states, where he said critics are accusing him of being a modern-day “Hitler ” “The newest line from Kamala and her campaign is that everyone who isn’t voting for her is a Nazi Trump told a boisterous rally in Atlanta The comments come a day after Trump held a major rally in New York s famed Madison Square Garden that was widely condemned for racist remarks his allies made during the event They also follow the recent publication of a New York Times interview in which Trump’s longest-serving White House chief of staff retired general John Kelly said the Republican fits the definition of a fascist something Harris said she agreed with last week Tensions are soaring in a race polls suggest is too close to call, fueled by fears that former president Trump could again refuse to recognize a defeat, as in 2020, and by his harsh rhetoric threatening migrants and political opponents On Monday a fire reportedly consumed hundreds of early ballots cast in a supposedly secure dropoff box in a competitive district in northwestern Washington state Another ballot box was damaged hours earlier in Portland, Oregon, where police said in a statement that an intentional act of arson sought to “impact the election process ” Trump has faced renewed outrage after one of the warm-up speakers at his Sunday rally in New York called US territory Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage Harris,
CORPORATE CORNER
oday, the FCDO-funded, Oxford Policy Management's Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme in collaboration with the Government of Punjab (GoPb) hosted a pivotal seminar focused on Socially Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including government officials, international development partners, and civil society representatives, to discuss the strides made in promoting equality and inclusiveness in public finance decisions in Punjab The opening session featured insightful contributions from Ms Namana Gulrukh Fareed Accountant General of Punjab; Mr Usman Ali Khan Secretary of the Women Development Department, Punjab; and Mr Andrew Bowden, Group Head of Open Societies and Effective Institutions at FCDO and Ms Saba Ali, Senior Chief ECA / Chief Environment & Climate Change Planning & Development Board Government of Punjab
CDA hosts 15th meeting of its board
ISLAMABAD
The fifteenth meeting of the CDA Board was held on Tuesday at CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa The meeting was attended by the Members of the CDA Board The meeting discussed different agenda items During the CDA Board meeting it was decided that the processing fees deposited by overseas Pakistanis for Neelor Heights Housing Project would be fully refunded The CDA Board also decided that plots in Sector C-14 would be allocated through balloting It was decided that overseas Pakistanis will be given priority in sector C-14 CDA Board approved the constitution of a seven-member committee which will scrutinize the cases submitted by the affectees of Islamabad in CDA The board decided to constitute a third-party validation committee to review the committee s recommendations Rehablitation benefits will be granted to affectees on the recommendations of TPV committee The board also approved the formation of a committee comprising the Member Admin and DC Islamabad to amend CDA's Land Acquisition Regulations The CDA Board directed the Law wing to submit recommendations to CDA board for establishing and restoring the covered market
PM, CROWN PRINCE DISCUSS PL ANS TO EXPAND ECONOMIC COLL ABORATION
Restoration of constitution into original form key issue: Hamid Khan
Senior lawyer and leader Hamid Khan on Tuesday stated that restoring the constitution to its original form has been a major issue in the ongoing
Two
mar tyred in terrorist attack on polio team in O rakzai
in the exam s administration and irregularities in its content During the hearing, Justice Panhwar highlighted the importance of a clear and fair testing process for students stating “We cannot leave students in a state of uncertainty ” The court emphasized that transparency in the examination process is essential to protect the educational futures of
and dental students
from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) within two weeks The court also barred arrest of the petitioner in any case registered anywhere against her during the period of protective bail A two-member PHC bench, comprising Justice Shakeel Ahmed and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah issued the order
among other agencies During the proceedings Alam Khan Adenzai the counsel for Bushra Bibi informed the court that this application pertained to details of the cases against her which have been registered in all four provinces On the court s query, the counsel acknowledged that none were registered within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) which was why she moved the court He also argued that if there are cases registered in other provinces his client could seek protection from Peshawar Justice Sahibzada Asadullah remarked that if there is no case in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the court could provide protection for Punjab Balochistan and Sindh as it has done previously Later Bushra Bibi withdrew her application for a transit bail after she was granted a protective bail Bushra moves PHC for transit bail On Monday, Bushra Bibi filed petitions in the PHC seeking details of cases against her and transit bail to enable her appearance in court
Five killed, 2 injured as miscreants attack dam workers in Panjgur
