Controlling information
Why is the registering of VPNs raising hackles?
THE Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s campaign to register VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, received a boost from the Council of Islamic Ideology, which called on the government to ban them because they were being used to access pornographic or blasphemous websites That the VPNs are also used by users mainly to get around the blocking of X, formerly known as Twitter, which has been banned in Pakistan since February, was not mentioned This declaration came the same day as the Interior Ministry sought a ban on VPNs The animus against X is because it has been the main place where the keyboard warriors of the PTI have exerted themselves The concern for public morality seems to have been tacked on The ban on X has been challenged in court but no decision has been reached so far The Interior Ministry request is based on the use of terrorists by VPNs for communication
This is a will otherwise chase The state would probably be more comfortable in the old days, when the 1857 rebels had to send around chapatis to raise the flag of revolt Or perhaps when silk handkerchiefs were used, during the later Reshmi Rumaal Tehrik of Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi Ever since the invention of the radio the state has been uncomfortable and with the invention of the Internet it has virtually been reduced to impotence An attempt was made to regulate social-media platforms by getting them to register but this was shot down after the platforms protested Youtube has been banned but it was lifted and X has been However, this ban shows why bans will not work, much as the government would like them to Technology finds backdoors Already, the ban on X has failed to the extent that the Prime Minister uses it quite openly When the VPN door is closed, another will be opened COAS Gen Asim Munir also weighed in the issue in his remarks at the Margalla Policy Dialogue, hosted by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute, saying the ‘spread of misleading and incorrect information has become a significant challenge He might know from personal bitter experience that life in the fishbowl is not easy at all But there is really no alternative Even the most weighty state machineries seem unable to prevent people from using the Internet for private purposes
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
The two-state solution is not being applied
Americans voted their pocketbooks
ACOMB, Detroit Michigan: Being in the field a month prior to the elections, going door to door and meeting a diverse range of people from rich to poor from White to Black and including Asian African and other communities was an experience like no other Each of these individuals was preparing to choose the upcoming leader of the most powerful nation on Earth, a person who would hold intrinsic and potentially global influence over American lives and those in other countries This leader would decide which conflicts to continue which wars to end and where new battlegrounds might emerge even deciding at times who might face ruthless elimination
Through these intimate connections with people on streets, in homes, and in their communities, four primary issues emerged without question The most pressing concern was jobs and the economy followed closely by inflation then women s rights with many others expressing a general sense that everything needs to change stop and reset Some people, upon finding an attentive ear, were moved to tears as they shared their struggles One woman in her 40s, living in a relatively well-maintained home within a middle-class neighborhood in Detroit Michigan a key swing state pointed to a shipping container filled with her household belongings when asked about the biggest issue in her life She explained that she had lived in that house for 28 years It was where she had built her family, investing her heart and soul into making it a beautiful home However, after both she and her husband lost their jobs several months ago they depleted all their savings and finally decided to leave in search of work in another state uncertain but hopeful it might offer better job opportunities As she recounted her story she nearly broke down in tears There was another black lady, who had a house full of young kids When asked what in her opinion is the biggest problem she said it is the current government which has made their lives miserable I asked her a follow-up question: Do you think that Kamala Harris or Trump would improve the government? She said that it had been the government by Democrats for four years, where Kamala Harris was the Vice President, and if she had any guts and ability, she could have helped the president take measures to
improve the economy and provide jobs to the jobless but she could not do it How could she now improve the economy when she had already consumed all her ideas during the last four years? There were many young Asians who were interviewed and asked the same questions They provided the cogent same reply that during this government most of the earning hands were out of jobs and saw no future job openings if the same government continued for another four years They all were of the view that they would support Trump not because they loved him but because of the failure of the current administration to deliver on the economic and employment front There was another black woman who burst into tears when engaged in conversation She explained that both she and her husband were retired receiving only $900 per month in pension Out of this, they pay $650 in rent, leaving them with just $350 to cover all their household needs After the economy and jobs the next most pressing issue for ordinary people was
C o n g r e s s m e m b e r s , t h e s e e f f o r t s u l t i m a t e l y f a i l e d t o s w a y v o t e r s
R e p o r t s h i g h l i g h t i n g l o w u n e m p l o y m e n t r a t e s a n d e c o n o m i c r e c o v e r y c o u l d n ’ t d i s g u i s e t h e h a r s h r e a l i t y f o r m a n y A m e r i c a n s f a c i n g j o b l o s s e s , r e d u c e d e c o n o m i c a c t i v i t y , h i g h i n f l a t i o n , a n d s o a r i n g c o m m o d i t y p r i c e s
V o t e r s , u n c o n v i n c e d b y w h a t t h e y p e r c e i v e d a s e x a g g e r a t e d c l a i m s o f p r o g r e s s , r e s p o n d e d b y o v e r w h e l m i n g l
m o c r a t s o u t
f o f f i c e , i n
b u t f e l t c o m p e l l e d t o v o t e f o r h i m i n t h e a b s e n c e o f a b e t t e r a l t e r n a t i v e Q a m a r B a s h i r
e l e c
immediate measures to sever these relations until Israel ceased its continued violent action and adhered to the international norms
Pans including women and children and continuously suspended all humanitarian assistance from anywhere for Palestinians and is mercilessly ignoring all judgements of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and UN Security Council for ending its aggression and killings of Patestinians and withdrawing from Gaza In chasing the Hamas leadership and network, Israel has also extended its aggression to Lebanon, Syria and also to Iran The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League held an extraordinary joint summit on Palestine recently in Riyadh Saudi Arabia Attending the Summit Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif not only reiterated Pakistan s unstinted and unwavering support for Palestine and a two-state solution of the lingering and burning problem with Al-Quds Sharif (Jerulalem) as its capital based on the pre-1967 borders but also called for swift action for bringing an end to the Isrelis con tining genocide of Plestinians,, urged the world s help for accountability of unabated Israeli war crimes, emphatically stating that Israel had become emboldened by the world's indifference and inaction
The PM said that the prevailing humanitarian crisis in Gaza was beyond any imagination and quite regretfully pointed out that most sophisticated weapons were being continuously, being supplied to Israel by some counties, and that for over a year the occupied Palestinian territories especially Gaza had fallen in endless darkness and despair with devastated homes and with every passing day every moral code was being flagrantly violated by Israel
He also pointedly stated that international humanitarian workers meant for protecting the vulnerable had been torn to shreds, humanity was being tested and failing, asking if it was any wonder then that after decades of suffering and oppression the spirit of resistance remained unbridled He also said the countries having diplomatic and trade ties with Israel must also take
The communique issued at the conclusion of the extraordinary OIC-Arab League Joint Summit called for an urgent international intervention in the Gaza situation urging the countries to immediately halt supplying their arms to Israel and instead support a diplomatic initiative to halt the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza elsewhere This was not merely a symbolic stand on the part of the countries represented in the Joint Summit but also a clarion call for taking concrete steps to rein in Israel's policies and taking effective measures for ensuring the protection of the Palestinians right as strongly and quickly as possible PM Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the vision of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) in convening and hosting the extraordinary joint summit of OIC and Arab League over the burning Gaza situation
While in Saudi Arabia the PM also held a meeting with Saudi Investment Minister Engineer Khalid bin Abdulziz Al-Falih and Advisor Royal Court Nohammad Al-Tuwaijri on the sidelines of the Summit as a follow-up on the recent engagements for economic ties between the brotherly countries He told them that good progress has been made over eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the two Investor and businessmen delegations to Pakistan during last couple of months It would have been an appreciable act on the part of the Prime Minister if he had also mentioned the decades-long killings and brutalities of the occupying Indian security forces in his address to the Summit as there were similarities between both the burning and lingering Kashmir and Palestine issues Both Kashmir and Palestine issues are, most unfortunately and regretfully, victims of being ignored by the international community and the world body to say the least
Briefly historically speaking it may be pointed out here that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was formed in 1969 over the Palestine issue After the occupation of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War, there was
an attempt to burn down the Masjid Al-Aqsa in August 1969 and a Summit was held over this situation within a month then in Rabat, Morocco
The Arab League was even older as it was founded in 1945 by the seven Arab states just before the end of World War Two Both OIC and the Arab League somehow have not been so effective in helping the people of Gaza presently and on the whole proving effective and aggressive in resolving the long standing unresolved Palestine issue There is no denying the bitter fact that an unholy alliance has been developed between India and Israel viz-a viz the burning and lingering unresolved Kashmir and Palestine issues
As stated above, there is an uncanny resemblance between the Palestine and Kashmir issues Like the Kashmiri people who were suffering and struggling for their freedom from illegal Indian occupation of their Jammu and Kashmir territory since 1947 and the Palestinians who have also been denied their right of self-determination
The writer is Lahore-based Freelance Journalist Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News) Radio Pakistan Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail com
There is an uncanny resemblance between the Palestine and Kashmir issues. Like the Kashmiri people , who were suffering and struggling for their freedom from illegal Indian occupation of their Jammu and Kashmir territory since 1947, and the Palestinians who have also been denied their right of self-determination
Breaking the silence
muhammad Zahid rifat
Women’s Hormones: Implications for Societ y and Family
They must be taken into account
HORMONES play a crucial role in women s health affecting physical mental and emotional wellbeing An overview of the impacts hormonal changes have on women include: a Menstrual Cycle: The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone Hormonal fluctuations can cause physical symptoms (e g cramps bloating and headaches) and emotional symptoms (mood swings and irritability) Conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are also linked to hormonal changes b Pregnancy and Postpartum Changes: During pregnancy levels of hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) progesterone, and estrogen increase significantly These changes help support the pregnancy
but can also lead to symptoms like nausea, fatigue, mood swings, and changes in skin and hair After childbirth, hormone levels drop rapidly which can contribute to postpartum mood disorders including postpartum depression c Perimenopause and Menopause: In perimenopause estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate as a woman approaches menopause, often causing hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and changes in metabolism During menopause the ovaries produce less estrogen leading to symptoms like vaginal dryness reduced bone density and increased cardiovascular risk d Bone Health and Muscle Mass: Estrogen is important for maintaining bone density As estrogen levels decrease (particularly during menopause) women are at higher risk of osteoporosis Changes in hormone levels can also affect muscle mass and body composition d Mental Health and Mood Regulation: Hormones play a significant role in regulating mood and mental health Estrogen, for example, impacts serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked to mood) so fluctuations in estrogen can influence anxiety depression and overall mood stability e Skin and Hair Changes: Hormonal changes can affect the skin s oil production, which is why acne can be linked to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause Changes in hormone levels can also influence hair thickness and growth patterns For example lower estrogen levels can lead to hair thinning during menopause f Weight and Metabolism: Hormones like estrogen
Romantic or marital relationships are often directly affected by hormonal changes, as they can influence intimacy, communication, and emotional connection If hormonal shifts lead to decreased libido, mood swings, or fatigue, it may affect physical and emotional closeness between partners, sometimes requiring adjustments in expectations and patience. Addressing hormonal changes as a family can not only reduce stress but also deepen connections, empathy, and mutual support
progesterone, and insulin impact metabolism, hunger, and fat storage Fluctuations in these hormones can contribute to weight changes especially during perimenopause and menopause Managing hormonal changes often involves lifestyle adjustments such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and sometimes medical treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for symptom relief, especially during menopause Hormonal changes in women can have a significant impact on social behaviour often influencing mood energy levels and interpersonal interactions: a Menstrual Cycle and Mood Swings: During the menstrual cycle, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can lead to shifts in mood, often causing irritability anxiety and sensitivity Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can intensify these emotional shifts which may lead to withdrawal from social activities, difficulty with focus, and heightened sensitivity to social cues b Impact of Pregnancy on Social Behavior: Pregnancy brings significant hormonal changes leading to increased levels of estrogen progesterone and other hormones These hormonal shifts can impact social behaviors in different ways; for example, some women may experience increased irritability or heightened emotional sensitivity, while others may feel a stronger desire for social support and connection Feelings of bonding or protective instincts may become more pronounced due to hormonal influences impacting how a woman interacts with family and friends c Postpartum
Hormonal
Changes: After childbirth, hormone levels drop sharply, which can impact mood and lead to postpartum mood disorders like postpartum depression or anxiety Women experiencing these hormonal adjustments may find themselves less interested in social activities, preferring to focus inward :or seeking reassurance and understanding from close friends and family members
d Perimenopause and Menopause: As
Donald Trump’s S audi oppor tunit y
The incoming administration should understand that it has built up an incredible deposit of political and social capital in the kingdom
INTEREST j o S h ua
There is a very real enthusiasm in Saudi Arabia for the second Trump administration and the possible renewal of American conservatism
The new Administration should take the opportunity to reset the relationship on a more stable basis by inviting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman back to Washington President Trump made Saudi Arabia the first stop on his first trip abroad in 2017, sending a signal that he viewed the relationship as a linchpin for American policy in the Arab world There was a desire to put Riyadh front and center as the face of a changing Middle East, in which the United States could serve as a strategic partner for a transformational future That will probably be on the agenda again, especially with the crown prince holding out the prospect of normalization with Israel and actively promoting regional peace talks for a two-state solution It is important for the new administration to understand it has built up an incredible amount of political and social capital in the kingdom, which will allow it to explore a wide range of issues beyond peace-making in the Middle East It should take advantage of this goodwill and welcome Saudi leaders to Washington The first step is to understand and appreciate the broad reservoir of support that exists among many Saudis for American conservatism, the Republican Party, and President Trump’s own political agenda DEI IN RIYADH The term Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is not commonly used in Arabic though versions of it appear at times in the mainstream press Several Arab outlets have reported rather factually about the Black Lives Matter movement and the DEI agenda in terms of their contribution to revising the historical record and in terms of the corruption scandals that have surrounded them Some organizations have written DEI principles into their mission statements, probably with the help of Western consultants There is even the rare social media post decrying how a Trump victory means the end of LGBTQ rights in Saudi Arabia However far more writers have recoiled in shock and horror at the way cultural liberalism has contributed to a polarization in American politics and a weakening of American influence abroad It is impossible to know the full extent of Saudi public opinion since only a couple of organizations are able to conduct surveys in the kingdom and only under very limited conditions However Saudi nationals are voracious users of social media and even if they occasionally self-censor politics, debate can be extraordinarily open and opinionated on social and cultural issues For a typical example of the discussions that have taken place consider the following exchange on X from October 25 Abdullah alKhorayif
transgender child who at nine years old graced the cover of a 2017 National Geographic feature on the gender revolution Abdullah offered no real commentary of his own, though his very loose translation did highlight the irreversibility of transitioning and the supposed regret that the subject now feels
The immediate reaction from one user was to simply ask whether a small child is capable of fully expressing their needs and desires without prompting from an adult Some questioned the mother ’s motives for allowing and encouraging the transition, while others questioned a legal system that would allow minors to undergo permanent changes Entire side conversations were devoted to placing the blame on the Biden administration and its continuation of a particular set of policies originating in the Obama years Several users noted the discussion seemed to mirror a conversation among Americans responding to Elon Musk’s own reposting of the original article In other words there was a self-awareness that some people in America shared their views Saudi Arabian social media users engaging in the debate about “Wokeism” come from a variety of backgrounds Many are presenting their unfiltered spontaneous thoughts about a social issue they perceive to be a problem By contrast those commenting on party politics are more often experienced pundits carefully attuned to the bias of American legacy media channels and the ways parties attempt to influence the media cycle They are also often strongly nationalist and pro-government They tend to share a sense of nostalgia for a Republican Party they believe was historically friendlier toward the kingdom Whether or not that perception is entirely true is debatable, as one prominent Saudi academic was quick to remind people It was unarguably so at the peak of Bandar bin Sultan’s heyday as Saudi ambassador in Washington which is still within living memory Similarly an incredible amount was accomplished under Presidents Nixon and Ford to help the Saudis build infrastructure, preserve water resources, and increase government capacity Regardless, many commentators focus on drawing a comparison between what they see as the Trump administration’s efforts to confer respect and dignity on the kingdom and the Biden Administration s virtue-signaling Many continue to recall President Biden s remark on the campaign trail in 2019 that he would make Saudi Arabia a “pariah ” Sometimes, this is conflated with a general suspicion of the Democratic Party At least one poll from the Washington Institute in 2022 showed that Biden s visit to Riyadh in his attempt to reset the relationship had virtually no effect on Saudi popular attitudes The most creative approaches are those that combine a heady mix of Arab Nationalism and Arabism in attacking Hillary Clinton and the Muslim Brotherhood AMERICA FIRST AND SAUDI FIRST Public opinion surveys on Saudi Arabia are exceedingly scarce Still, rare examples have shown Saudi nationals to have more favorable opinions of Trump than other Arabs
limiting superficial social interactions e Effects on Empathy and Social Cognition: Estrogen and oxytocin, known as social hormones, can influence empathy, bonding, and social cognition Oxytocin, which can be affected by hormonal changes, plays a key role in nurturing behaviors and emotional closeness Higher estrogen levels have been linked to greater social sensitivity which can enhance empathy and the ability to interpret others emotions However, as estrogen declines (e g , during menopause), some women report feeling less inclined toward nurturing or emotional closeness f Stress Response and Conflict Resolution: Cortisol the stress hormone can be influenced by estrogen levels High stress especially during hormonal fluctuations, can impact a woman s patience and resilience in social situations Women may be more prone to react strongly or feel overwhelmed in conflict situations when undergoing hormonal changes which can alter how they handle social disagreements or misunderstandings Many women use lifestyle strategies to cope with these changes, including practicing self-care, staying connected with supportive friends and family, engaging in physical activity and managing stress through mindfulness or other techniques EFFECTS ON FAMILY
Hormonal changes in women can have substantial effects on both the individual experiencing them and their family These changes often affect physical health, emotional stability, and social behavior, all of which can influence family dynamics Effects on Family Dynamics: a Communication and Understanding: Hormonal changes can affect a woman s tone patience and sensitivity, which may lead to conflicts or misunderstandings within the family Family members may need to adjust their expectations and approach to communication offer-
ing more patience or flexibility Open discussions about hormonal changes can foster understanding and empathy, helping family members support the individual more effectively b Parental and Partner Roles: For women who are parents, hormonal fluctuations can impact their patience energy and parenting
in the region with their views improving after his May 2017 visit The notion of Saudi greatness is emblazoned on advertisements and social media accounts though the phrase Make Saudi Great Again itself is not a slogan The Saudi state does share some aspects of the American political narrative a great leader delivering change and hope, a course correction after years of cultural drift and a catchphrase of Saudi First that appeals to national sentiments There are also similarities in policy For a long time, Saudi Arabia has had an existential crisis about guns, drugs, and crime coming over its southern border The development strategy involves preserving culture and bringing investment to underserved communities outside the capital The drive is on to move headquarters technologies and skills back home to the kingdom to boost job growth and benefit local industries
While some writers in other parts of the Arab world have attacked MAGA supporters for promoting dangerous conspiracy theories and threatening the end of democracy using language that echoes the rhetoric they hear in American media a number of Saudis have been more nuanced Some see real value in Trump s political agenda and yet recognize that an extremist far-right group of MAGA supporters could derail it calling on Trump to disown them There were Saudi writers in December 2020 who stated quite plainly that Trump s refusal to concede the election was putting personal ambition above the party and country SEIZING THE MOMENT
For a long time, Washington relied on Cairo and Amman as mainstays of diplomacy in the Arab world This was partly as a reward for their willingness to make peace with Israel and partly because those countries wanted foreign assistance and attention Since the Arab Spring and the Abraham Accords, American diplomacy has become more decentralized There may be benefits to that approach, but there are also advantages to having a focal point for major initiatives For example the president should know that he has a reliable partner ready to provide him with a platform for a major policy announcement at a critical moment when Arab public opinion is against the United States
The enthusiasm that exists in Saudi Arabia right now is tangible and important for U S policy in the region
Many in the kingdom have been hoping for an end to the liberal policies of the Biden-Harris camp a restoration of Republican Party politics as they remembered it, and a resumption of President Trump’s personal approach to regional engagement Saudi perceptions may be nuanced and critical at times Their feelings may be motivated by a range of domestic factors
However the key point is that this wellspring of positive sentiment will allow the Trump administration to explore engagement with Riyadh on global priorities in a way that could not have occurred in 2017
Joshua Yaphe is a Visiting Fellow at the Center for the
The exodus from X to Bluesky has happened
There’s comfor t in being surrounded by like -minded people, but challenge is impor tant, and we may have to look for it elsewhere
Dr rajkumar Singh
with a major
Western leader in nearly two years, speaking to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who initiated the call despite Kyiv’s objections
For our part we must do everything we can to ensure that this war ends next year We have to end it by diplomatic means, Zelensky said in an interview with Ukrainian radio
“And this, I think, is very important ”
There have been no meaningful talks between Russia and Ukraine but Trump s re-election has plunged the brutal conflict s future into uncertainty, with the Republican repeatedly promising to cut a quick deal to end the war
“We have to understand what the Russians want ” Zelensky said Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he will only accept talks with Ukraine if Kyiv surrenders Ukrainian territory that Moscow occupies
The Kremlin said he repeated that demand in the phone conversation with Scholz on Friday
Zelensky has rejected Putin s conditions
With North Korea sending troops into the most significant conflict on European soil since World War II Russia’s invasion has sent shockwaves reverberating far beyond the continent
For weeks, the West and Ukraine have warned that thousands of Pyongyang’s troops were already helping Moscow’s forces in the Kursk region where Kyiv has taken swathes of Russian territory since early August It follows months of tightening military ties between the two former Communist allied nations, with Moscow and Pyongyang ratifying a landmark defence pact on Tuesday South Korea has slammed its nuclear-armed hermit neighbour s involvement, with Japan s foreign minister joining the chorus of condemnation while on a visit to Ukraine on Saturday “This will not only deepen the severity of the Ukraine situation but also have extremely significant implications for east Asia s security situation, Takeshi Iwaya said, pledging further support Iwaya’s diplomatic visit took him to Bucha a town outside the capital where Russia s army is accused of committing horrific atrocities against civilians early in the war Following Russia s retreat after a month-long occupation,
We have reached the conclusion that we want to remain, as a cabinet for all people in the Netherlands,” Schoof told reporters at a news conference in The Hague on Friday evening Addressing the incidents in Amsterdam last week Schoof acknowledged the national unrest saying There is a lot of upheaval in the country It was an emotional week, a heavy week, and a lot has been said and a lot happened Nonetheless, he firmly stated, “There has never been any racism in my government or in the coalition parties ”
China-Japan relations are in a critical period of improvement and development, as the current international and regional situation face changes and turbulence, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday As close neighbors and important countries in Asia and the world the relationship between China and Japan holds significance that goes beyond the bilateral scope, Xi said while meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Lima Peru He noted that China is willing to work with Japan, in accordance with the principles and directions established in the four political docu-
ments between China and Japan to uphold the important consensus that the two countries should be partners not threats comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and endeavor to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era Xi stressed that China s development is an opportunity for the world and this is especially true for neighboring countries like Japan He expressed hope that Japan will work with China to develop a correct mutual understanding steer the bilateral relationship in the right direction from a strategic perspective and with a broad view of the overall situation and translate the important political consensus reached by both sides into concrete policies and actions
ferences in a constructive manner and maintain the political foundation of bilateral relations Both sides should deepen and expand cultural and local
Global Climate Finance Mechanisms: Assessing Equit y and Effectiveness
BAKU S TA F F R E P O R T
On Day Four of the ongoing 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, focusing on Finance, Investment, and Trade, the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) held its second sideline event titled “Global Climate Finance Mechanisms: Assessing Equity and Effectiveness The event was organized in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), the Food Security and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE) and the Climate Resourcing Coordination Center (CRCC) from the ICESCO Pavilion in Baku Stadium In his remarks Ambassador Zakaria simplifying the financing mechanisms, address monopolistic tendencies, enable regional developing and under developed states such as
CDA Hospital celebrates World Diabetes Day
CDA hospital
Naeem Taj, Head of the Endocrinology Department Dr Sarwar Malik, Deputy director Dr suleman and all
specialist of capital hospital Islamabad The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness about diabetes its increasing prevalence and to promote preventive measures to control and manage the condition effectively Dr Naeem Taj, Executive Director of CDA Hospital, delivered an insightful address, emphasizing the growing threat of diabetes and the importance of public education to prevent and manage the disease LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T The Prophet ﷺ set great examples of tolerance in his life we have to follow them said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on International Day for Tolerance She added,”Patience, respect and tolerance are the foundations of a successful and a peaceful society
light of the teachings of Quaid-e-Azam ”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said ”Educational institutions should also teach principles of tolerance respect and love to the
young generation ” She added,”The poison of hate and bigotry makes societies hollow She highlighted To build a society that provides equal opportunities and rights to every citizen is my priority Madam Chief Minister said,”Accept differences, promote tolerance and respect each other ” She added ”Pakistan should be made an example of peace tolerance and brotherhood
I D E A S 2024 begins to showcase latest defence technological innovations from across globe
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T
The 12th edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar; (IDEAS-24) is scheduled from 19 to 22 November 2024 at Karachi Expo Centre The event as per its traditions will showcase a number of splendid activities encompassing world s advance defence technology demonstrations, international seminar, IDEAS Tri-Services Karachi Show, networking, and business expansions through B2B and B2G engagements IDEAS-24 will bring together defence industries from across the globe to showcase their latest technological innovations Defence Industry of Pakistan (public as well as private) will also showcase its Defence related Products of international standards One of the new addition in IDEAS-2024 will be the Startups Pavilion which is being established under the auspices of National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan Navy Maritime Science and Technology Park (PNMSTP) and National Aerospace and Technology Park (NASTP) in the field of Artifi-
cial Intelligence (AI) and defence sector with a view to give an international exposure to our young entrepreneurs, who are expected to display highly innovative projects and technologies A large number of senior civil and military delegations and trade visitors (inland & foreign) would also be witnessing IDEAS24 This was briefed to national and international media during Curtain Raiser of IDEAS-24 at Karachi Expo Centre on Saturday, 16 Nov 24 by officials of Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO); Ministry of Defence Production Brigadier Ali Adil Director Coordination, Commodore Aitazaz Khalid SI(M), Director Media, DIGP Traffic, Mr Iqbal Dara and Mr Zohair Naseer Chief Executive Officer of Badar Expo Solutions were also present during the brief After the opening remarks by Brigadier Ali Adil (Dir Coord DEPO), Commodore Aitazaz Khalid SI(M) (Director Media) briefed the media about the sequence of events in IDEAS-24 The exhibition will start on 19 November after a grand inauguration ceremony and will continue till 22 November Honourable
Prime minister of Pakistan will be the Chief Guest of Inauguration Ceremony An International Seminar on Pakistan Defence Production Potential – Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward” will also be held on day three of this exhibition Renowned national and international Subject Matter Experts will present their scholarly papers on the topic Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI(M) will be the Chief guest For the visiting dignitaries as well as for people of Karachi a TriServices Karachi show will be held at Nishan-e-Pakistan Sea view Karachi IDEAS-24 will surpass all previous milestones in terms of space booked, number of exhibitors and delegates both domestic and foreign Karachi Expo Centre has been booked to its full capacity with more than 550 exhibitors including 340 international defence exhibitors from Turkey, China, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Far East Besides trade visitors more than 350 high level Civil/ Military official delegates from 55 countries will be attending the exhibition
modernistic stance in his poetics Dr Waheed Ahmad, a leading poet of Urdu ‘nazm’, originally from Lyallpur hails Urfi for his poetic excellence in his flap annexed to the back cover of the book In his introduction to the book Urfi briefly
(sic) or
and Mir Yunus who initiated him into the art of poesy Vet-
K A
I: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam
Memon hosted a dinner in Karachi in honour of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the owners of media houses The event was attended by Mian Aamir Mir
Ibrahim Sultan Lakhani Aleem Khan Duraid Siddiqui, Sultana Siddiqui, Athar Qazi, Ahmed Zuberi, Dr Kareem Rajpar, and Naz Afrin Sehgal Other notable attendees included Shahryar Chishti, Ghulam Nabi Morai Sofia Chishti Shakeel Masood Senator Sarmad Ali Ejazul Haque Murtaza Wahab Shazia Atta Marri and Qasim Naveed Qamar
eran poet Nazir Qaiser too pays rich tributes to Urfi and contends that the instant collection of verse seems like a compendium of social political and cultural essays in verse conforming to the zeitgeist Excerpts of some verses from the book would demonstrate Urfi s artistry besides his grasp of Urdu wordage Uski mairi aadat may/ Qadr-e-mushtarak yeh thi/ Aik doosray ko hum/ Napasand kartay thay Kya bata uN zururtoN nay mujhay/ Mairay undar say kha liya hai dost Haq apna gar mangtay haiN hum/ Tau kya hum darbari haiN Urfiyat paa gaey woh Urfi ki/ Jo zamanay kay khaal-o-khad may rahay
Mray charoN taraf hai khaara paani/ Jazeeray par maeiN piyasa jee raha huN
Gudaz Sahil Par
Manzoor Saqib is a veteran poet and academic This book is his fifth in a series, after his prize-winning verse anthologies
‘Jugnu Tujhay Talash KaraiN’, ‘Naya Suraj Nikalta Hai’ ‘Awaza-e-Khushbu’ and ‘Aik Tabeer Khwab Chahti Hai’ In his introduction to the work he affirms that an artist cannot estrange himself from the contemporaneity in social, political, economic and academic domains The book in hand portrays this state of affairs within the time frame of 2016-2023 It comprises ‘ghazal’ ‘nazm’ ‘qit’aat’ and ‘fardiyat’
Being an optimist, he dedicates the book to a peaceful and beauteous tomorrow Poet Nazir Qaiser appreciates Manzoor Saqib s intent and style in poetry In his opinion the latter is well aware of the distinction between art and slogan-mongering which is tantamount to assuming that existentialistic reality is not alien to aesthetic unreality insofar as their artistic merger leads to the creation of ‘truth’ which is synonymous with ‘beauty’ Here are a few select verses from Gudaz Sahil Par to illustrate the poet s art and person: Ek tawazun pay hai uthaan mri/ Wazn aur qafiye ka aadmi huN Hum nashini ka yeh lagta hai asar hai Saqib/ Jalnay lagta huN charaghoN ko jalaata hu’a maeiN Daikhtay aur dikhatay haiN sukhanwar
laikin/ Khwab tau khwab haiN tabeer ghazal may aa ey Apni sochoN ko sada rakha hai masbat hum nay/ Shab ki gahrai ko bhi qurb-e sahar jana hai Sard raatoN ki khamoshi may hum/ Tayri yadoN ko suna kartay haiN Aik
Sukoon, and Hassan Abbasi have contributed flaps and prefaces to the book, commending the art and person of the author There is a consensus among them on the innocuousness fluidity and spontaneity of
is of the view that Bismil’s ghazal is ‘see-
Mujahid Asif Saqib Sultan
the senses and with a flame in the thought This reminds us of the function of poetry, which is not self-expression, but the proper fusion of meaning in language Famed poet Asif Saqib
g Committee headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
procurement plan for Food Year 2024-25
draft a
leader Ilyas Bilour passes away
new appointments in the Cabinet include Lal Chand Ukrani as Special Assistant for Minority Affairs Sarfraz Rajar as Special Assistant for Social Protection and Qasim Naveed Qamar as Special Assistant for Public-Private Partnerships Punjab claims
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has called upon courts to expedite decisions regarding the May 9 incidents Addressing a news conference on Saturday he presented alleged evidence implicating senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in orchestrating attacks on sensitive installations and memorials of national martyrs He claimed that detailed video evidence including CCTV footage from Lahore Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and other cities, directly linked the PTI leaders and members with violence “The evidence is undeniable, and it is now up to the courts to ensure swift justice he stated
The minister accused the PTI leaders of being part of a well-organised conspiracy and said they
received direct instructions to target key national sites They kept asking for evidence, and now it is in front of everyone,” he added Tarar criticised the PTI founder and his associates for allegedly damaging national identity and security while consistently denying
responsibility He questioned whether they would apologise to the nation and accept accountability for their actions
He referred to the PTI as the Tehreek-e-Inteshar (Movement for Chaos) accusing the party of looting and causing unrest as part of its agenda They attempted to harm national security, and their actions align with the narratives of our enemies ” he added
The minister promised that all evidence including CCTV footage was secure and unalterable He stressed the need for a swift resolution of pending cases to set a precedent and deter such incidents in the future
Concluding his address Tarar urged PTI leadership to apologise to the nation and stop calling for foreign interference He reiterated that justice must be served to prevent chaos in future
LAHORE
S TA F F R E P O R T
Punjab continues to grapple with a severe smog crisis as its capital Lahore, remained engulfed in toxic air on Saturday, maintaining its position atop the list of the big cities across the globe with worst air quality The smog crisis hits the most populous province of the country every winter but air pollution has worsened in the recent years, as a result of cold air trapping dust, low-grade diesel fumes and smoke from illegal stubble burning on fields Today
