Prime Minister of the UAE, for their continued support of Pakistan s development He acknowledged the role of existing UAE investments in Pakistan emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation The MoUs signed include collaborations between Pakistan s Ministries of Maritime Affairs Aviation Railways, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with Abu Dhabi Ports Group
Imran, others’ indictment defer red again in GHQ attack case
RAWALPINDI
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi on Friday once again deferred the indictment of former prime minister Imran Khan and others accused in the case related to attack on GHQ during May 9 violent events
The GHQ attack case is linked to the PTI founder s arrest on May 9 2023 from the Islamabad High Court Following Imran s arrest, widespread protests erupted across the country, which escalated into riots during which PTI supporters targeted and vandalised numerous
civil and military installations Key sites that were ransacked or vandalised included General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi Jinnah House in Lahore (Corps Commander House in Lahore) and Mianwali airbase ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah conducted the hearing of the case at Adiala Jail During the hearing defence counsels raised objections to the indictment s contents noting that the GHQ investigation report included statements by 94 witnesses and none of whom named the PTI chairman or any other senior leader Lawyer Babar Awan argued that the individuals who initially
implicated PTI leaders have since withdrawn their statements KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur did not attend the hearing and his attorney submitted a request for an exemption from attendance Meanwhile, copies of the indictment were not distributed to the 25 accused individuals present Former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed submitted a petition requesting for acquittal in an attempt to avoid indictment GHQ attack case
Earlier this year, Imran Khan was arrested in the GHQ attack case soon after his release warrant was issued in the cypher case
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Friday approved the nomination of all Sindh High Court (SHC) judges to serve on a constitutional bench tasked with addressing the significant backlog of constitutional cases The decision aimed at expediting case resolution allows all SHC judges to hear constitutional matters until November 24 2024 The JCP is set to revisit the matter on November 25 for further deliberation The announcement came during the second meeting of the JCP, established under the 26th Constitutional Amendment The meeting held at the Supreme Court was presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi with a singular focus on forming a constitutional bench for the SHC Chief Justice of the SHC Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, proposed that all SHC judges remain engaged with constitutional cases until the stipulated deadline The JCP endorsed the proposal highlighting its commitment to reducing delays and ensuring swift justice
TExperts highlighted these figures during a session on “Environmental Conflict and Social Dialogue in Pakistan organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), where they discussed the economic and social impacts of environmental degradation At the session moderated by Dr Zainab Ahmed of Beaconhouse National University speakers noted that environmental damage is exacerbating Pakistan s economic challenges Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed emphasized that environmental conflicts threaten the country s security as future conflicts may center around clean water and air Dr Ahmed also raised concerns about agricultural land
being repurposed for housing, which could impact the country s food security, and urged for an institutional approach to prevent further deforestation
The speakers linked environmental stability to social peace with Prof Dr Arshi Saleem Hashmi of the National Defence University stating that environmental issues affect every segment of society Imrana Tiwana highlighted that climate change already impacts 8% of Pakistan’s GDP a figure projected to reach 30% by 2050
Saqib Basir from Muslim Aid Pakistan reported that natural disasters linked to climate change have wiped out 70-80% of the country’s development gains, a severe setback for Pakistan’s efforts to grow its economy Prof Rafi Amirud Din of COMSATS University added that prior efforts to reduce single-use plastic bag usage through bans had minimal effect, underscoring the need for more comprehensive environmental policies
Another session focused on mercury pollution shed light on the health risks posed by skin-lightening products
with high mercury content Moderated by Dr Razia Safdar from the SDPI the session revealed that Pakistan s cosmetic industry contributes around 55% of mercury pollution Although Pakistan signed the Minamata Convention, banning cosmetics with mercury concentrations over 1PPM enforcement remains a challenge Director of NEQS PEPA Dr Zaigham Abbas stated that out of 59 samples of skinwhitening creams tested, only three complied with the regulations Speakers, including dermatologists and environmental policymakers agreed on the urgent need to control mercury pollution and improve public awareness Brig Dr Naeem Raza from the Pakistan Association of Dermatologists noted that the widespread use of mercury-laden cosmetics stems from weak implementation of existing laws while PSQCA’s Khawaja Mohiuddin highlighted the lack of standard testing labs for contaminated products and absence of regulations for online cosmetic sales With climate-related losses mounting and mercury pollution posing grave health risks, experts urged stronger regulations and enforcement to mitigate these environmental and health challenges
remittances
$766
12% month-on-month increase and a 24% rise from the same month last year From the United Arab Emirates, inflows increased by 10% month-onmonth, reaching $620 9 million, with a 31% jump compared to October 2023 Inflows from the United Kingdom
were $429 5 million showing a slight 1% increase from September and a 30% year-on-year improvement
Remittances from the European Union saw a minor month-on-month dip, standing at $359 1 million, while inflows from the United States reached $299 3 million, reflecting an 8% increase This growth in worker inflows is attributed to a stable exchange rate a narrowing gap between open market and inter-bank rates, the expansion of digital payment options, and an increase in workers relocating abroad, particularly to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
PR OFIT
M o n i to r i n g D e s k
Following
WaLL StReet ReaCtS to tRumP’S Re-eLeCtioN With
CCP issues repor t on competition in power sec tor
structures outdated infrastructure and geographical challenges The CCP recommends prompt implementation of the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contracts Market (CTBCM) model, which was approved in 2020 to open up the wholesale electricity market This model would allow bulk power consumers such as those with loads of 1 MW
Leadership crisis at DGPC: Riaz Ali ’s 90- day tenure allegedly leaves Pakistan’s energy sec tor in disarray
down in administrative order
leum Concessions (DGPC) has stirred significant concern within Pakistan s energy sector, with insiders warning of a potential leadership crisis According to industry sources, initially appointed for a short-term role to fill the position Ali’s time as acting DGPC has reportedly left the Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions a key regulator under the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), grappling with administrative disarray, policy inconsistency, staff disillusionment and eroding stakeholder confidence Also 90-day tenure of Riaz Ali as acting Director General of Petroleum Concessions (DGPC) has stirred significant concern within Pakistan s energy sector, with insiders warning of a potential leadership crisis Riaz Ali’s tenure originally intended as a temporary assignment has left Pakistan s energy sector facing what sources describe as a severe leadership crisis, said sources Originally a temporary assignment for a 90-day period, Ali’s tenure, according to sources, has left Pakistan’s energy sector facing what they describe as a severe leadership crisis said industry sources
The sources claimed that despite the expiry of his job tenure, the government has so far not issued an extension letter to Riaz Ali to continue as acting DGPC following the expiration of 90-day tenure And the absence of a decision from the government on either extending his role or appointing a successor only compounds uncertainty within the DGPC
The DGPC’s mandate includes overseeing all upstream exploration and production activities granting petroleum rights such as exploration licenses and promoting petroleum exploration by negotiating with both foreign and local companies It plays a crucial role in driving energy policy forward, managing technical data, and collecting government revenues from dividends royalties and other sources
Yet under Riaz s leadership these essential functions have reportedly suffered, with stagnation in key regulatory frameworks and a break-
As per sources under Mr Riaz s leadership, the DGPC has encountered unprecedented challenges Key regulatory frameworks, including critical third-party gas sales regulations, have stagnated This lack of progress has left private sector stakeholders questioning whether Riaz has the capability or willingness to implement policies crucial to revitalizing the sector Officers within the DGPC, frustrated by the disarray, are reportedly considering their exits due to the lack of leadership vision and stability
One of the most controversial moves during Riaz Ali s time as acting DGPC was his alleged attempt to bring in employees from external companies, a decision criticized by insiders as presenting a potential conflict of interest In addition Riaz s health marked by a recent heart attack reportedly due to the demands of the role has raised further concerns While sources acknowledge sympathy for his situation, his health has also added to the uncertainty within DGPC fueling worries about his ability to handle the role s requirements effectively
The industry sources contrasted Riaz’s tenure with that of his predecessor, Kashif Ali, who served as DGPC from January 2022 to August 2024
One of the most controversial decisions made under Riaz s watch was Riaz attempted to bring employees from external companies into the DGPC, a decision met with immediate backlash over its apparent conflict of interest
sympathy for his situation, his
Under Kashif s leadership, additional gas reserves were identified and are expected to add over 200 MMCFD to Pakistan’s gas system by December 2024 His leadership saw the finalization and approval of long-pending offshore regulations as well as the initiation of a high-resolution basin study to unlock future hydrocarbon potential Furthermore, Kashif ’s term saw the DGPC collecting Rs 166 billion in revenues from royalties training funds and other fees including Rs 8 billion from defaulting companies marking a robust revenue collection period that highlighted his ability to enhance fiscal discipline within the sector With Riaz’s 90-day term now concluded and the government yet to issue a decision on his future or appoint a permanent head sources argue that the DGPC needs a leader capable of restoring stability, driving key reforms, and rekindling industry confidence “Pakistan’s energy sector needs steady, effective leadership to get back on track ” emphasized an industry source Industry sources also underscored the urgency of appointing a permanent DGPC leader who can implement reforms, attract foreign investment, and boost local production a critical step in bringing stability back to the country's energy sector Petroleum Minister secretary petroleum and DGPC Riaz Ali was approached to verify the facts but they did not bother to respond till the filing of this story It is worth mentioning that Pakistan’s energy sector requires a leader capable of restoring stability rebuilding confidence and implementing policies that will attract foreign investment and drive local production, sources argued With critical reforms left in limbo and industry stakeholders calling for immediate intervention there is a growing consensus that a return to steady effective leadership is necessary to guide Pakistan s energy sector back on track
Paying for transmission
TAnother visit to Saudi Arabia
Following up to end isolation
ergy space finance healthcare and sustainability
T was quite appreciable to note that through the determined committed sincerest and collaborative efforts of the political and military leadership, Pakistan was gradually moving on an upward trajectory economically and also overcoming the chronic problem of isolation internationally As these efforts were continuing objectively, foreign heads of states and governments as well as foreign dignitaries are visiting Pakistan and the country is hosting internationally important moots the recently held Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit being the latest instance in this regard Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has just paid another very fruitful and purposeful visit to Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative and more importantly meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in Riyadh Addressing the plenary session of Future Investment Initiative (FII) s 8th edition, the PM called for global efforts in Artificial Intelligence , Health and Education to overcome the contemporary challenges, Pakistan was in the process of laying the foundation of knowledge-based economy driven by innovation in three pivotal domains Artificial Intelligence Education and Health and invited the participants of the moot who had come from all over the world to invest in Pakistan, bringing their expertise and creativity to his country He said that no nation could overcome today’s challenges alone and no single country could harness the potential of tomorrow without the support of others Pakistan as on a transformative journey of resilience sacrifice and a relentless pursuit of stability and growth He further pointedly stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was more than a trend, it was a force revolutionizing economic societies and industries, at this critical juncture Pakistan was not just embracing AI but committed to excelling it, our mission in this regard clearly was to encourage the young minds to redefining the boundaries of AI training skilled engineers and data scientists minds as the backbone of Pakistan s AI growth and equipping their workforce to harness the power of AI across the industries The theme of the FII was Infinite Horizons; Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow” and focused on global investments aimed at addressing major issues such as artificial intelligence robotics education en-
Iqbal — against the West
The PM was addressing the moot for the second time during his second tenure, first one was in October 2022 during his first tenure Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) is a very sincere friend of Pakistan and its people and in furtherance of Saudi Arabia’s long standing history of helping this country in all difficult times he was always quite willing to extend all possible help and assistance to Pakistan as and when it needed and required During his important one -on- one meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince on the sideline of the 8th edition of Future Investment Initiative they discussed plans to further expand economic collaboration across various sectors including trade investment and the broader economy between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan They also underscored the long standing and deepening religious and cultural relations between
keh raha tha Ke Misr-o-Hindustan ke musulman banai millat mita rahe hain
Ye zaireen-i Maghrib hazaar rehbar bane huaiy hain
DR Muhammad Iqbal got his
education at home after which he was admitted to school college university, for all his qualifications, like matriculation, intermediate, graduation, postgraduation and doctorate He not only dressed in Western clothes, but obtained all his education on the Western pattern But surprisingly despite adopting Western culture education and literature Iqbal in his poetry is totally opposite and against the Western thought, culture, education, liberty,
damaged, nd disappeared, while half a dozen new Muslim countries got their existence of the globe It was the truth that Iqbal had told in his poem ‘March 1907’
Diyar-i-Maghrib ke rehne walo! Khuda ki basti dukaan nahi hai Khara jisay tum samajh rahe ho ayaar hoga
Tumhari tehzib apne khanjar se aap hi khudkushi karega
Jo shakh-i naazuk pe ashiana banega napaidar hoga
(People of the lands of the West! God s land is not a shop
What you consider good will regarded as a counterfeit Your civilization will commit suicide with its own dagger The nest built with weak branches won t last
Iqbal not only denigrated Western thought and thinkers, but also criticized those prominent Easterners who favoured the Western thought and civilization Once he found (perhaps in imagination) at the last resting-place of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) a Muslim who asked about the Ummah s bad condition Iqbal says to him: Kal aik shorida khwabgah-i Nabi pe ro ro ke
Hamain bhala inse wasta kya jo tujhse naashna rahe
Ghazab hai yeh murshidaan-i khud been khuda teri qaum ko bachaye Bigarh kar musulmano ko yeh apni izzat banaa rahe hain
(Yesterday a young man was weeping at the resting place of the Prophet (PBUH) That the Muslims of Egypt and India were wiping out a built-up Millat
Votaries of the West became our leaders in thousands
What do we have to do with those who don t know us?
The disciples of navel-gazers are amazing, may the Almighty save your nation By spoiling the Muslims they are winning respect for themselves
With the same flow of thought, Iqbal further wrote in the tribute to the classic poet Bedil:
Taalim Falsafa Maghribi ye Nadan hain jinko hasti ghaib ki talaash
Paikar air nazar se ho ashna Hai Sheikh bhi Brahmin sanam taraash
Mahsoos par bana hai uloom jadid ki Is daur main hai sheesha aqeeda pash pash Mazhab hai jis ja naamwoh hai ik junoon-i khaam Hai jis ko takhayyul is ko inta ash
(The teaching of the Sage of Western Philosophy
The teaching of Western philosophy is Ignornant are those who seek an Unseen Being
If the form is unfamiliar to sight, would the shape zlso be an idolmaker like the Brahmin Modern knowledge is built on sense In this era the mirror of belief has been shattered So-called religion is just a raw dream Which ends a man s imagination
Democracy especially the Western and modern democratic socio-poilitical system, is unjust, inhuman and immoral This is imbued in Iqbal’s poetry Iqbal condemned democracy in its entirety He said:
Hai wahi saaz-i kahan Maghrib ka jamhuri nizam Jiske pardon mein nahin ghair az nur-i qaisari
Dar-i istabrad jamhuri qabaa main pa-i kot To samajhna hai ye azadi ki hai neelam pari Majlis-i Ain-o-Islah-o-riayat-o-huqooq Tibb-i Maghrib main mazay meethay asar khwab awari
(The West s demoocratic system is the same old instrument Whose strings lack any tunes but imperialism So understand that this is the demon of
autocracy dancing in freedom s garb And you
think it is the fairy queen of liberty Legislation, reform, concessions and right In the Western medicine are but sweet narcotics
About who got a Western basis for their thought because of whom the Muslim Ummah was suffering a lot, Iqbal declared:
Leh rha hai meh faroshan-i Fargistan se Paris Woh meh sarkash hararat jiski hai meena guraaz Hikmat-i Maghrib sa yeh kaifeeyat hui
Tukre tukre jis tarah sonay ko kar deta hai gaaz
(Persia is buying from the vintners of Paris, That heady wine, whose heat is enough to melt the jar The wisdom of the West is as if It is in pieces the way scissors cut gold into tiny pieces)
(Don
Curbing
elite immigration
Still a stigma
India’s Foreign Policy
Older Women in Societ y: Significance and wider impacts
A neglec ted resource for all of societ y
also a concern as older women may experience loneliness or depression especially if they live alone Support systems like social clubs, senior centres, and community programs play a crucial role in helping them stay active and connected D SOCIETAL ATTITUDES AND AGEISM: Older women often face double discrimination ageism compounded by sexism Media and societal narratives sometimes portray aging as a loss of beauty, worth, and relevance, leading some older women to feel
Many older women become advocates for issues affecting both younger and older generations such as healthcare reform environmental preservation and social justice Their lived experiences give them a unique and compelling voice in these areas F REDEFINING AGING: There is a growing cultural shift toward recognizing and celebrating aging with older women challenging societal norms and redefining what it means to grow older They are participating in sports starting new businesses, traveling, and engaging in lifelong learning This shift helps dismantle negative stereotypes and encourages younger generations to view aging as a stage full of possibilities and empowerment rather than decline In sum older women are invaluable to society bringing knowledge stability and insight to families, communities, and public life
The value of older women in society is rooted in several factors many of which come from the life experiences resilience and knowledge they carry:
A EMOTIONAL AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT: Older women frequently serve as primary caregivers in families, whether caring for grandchildren elderly parents or other relatives This
caregiving role provides invaluable emotional and practical support, often at times when families need it most They are a source of unconditional love and stability, helping to strengthen family bonds and provide a reliable support system that fosters emotional resilience within families B ROLE AS COMMUNITY LEADERS AND ADVOCATES: Many older women become active in community organizations, religious groups, and advocacy initiatives contributing time effort and leadership to social causes Their involvement supports community cohesion and progress and they often advocate for issues such as healthcare, social justice, and environmental sustainability Their influence is particularly powerful in intergenerational advocacy, as they can unite people of different ages and backgrounds around shared goals using their credibility and experience to champion meaningful changes
C ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Many older women contribute economically, either by working well into later life or by starting new business ventures Their expertise and networking skills make them valuable in various industries and their involvement in the economy can inspire others, breaking stereotypes about productivity in older age Some become involved in social enterprises, using their knowledge and networks to create businesses that also address community
needs, such as providing services to other seniors or creating products that help underserved communities
D CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND INTERGENERATIONAL CONNEC-
TION: Older women often possess exceptional interpersonal and conflictresolution skills honed by years of navigating family, work, and community dynamics This makes them valuable in mediating conflicts and fostering communication whether in families or communities They help bridge generational gaps connecting youth with older generations by sharing stories wisdom and advice that resonates across age groups, fostering empathy and understanding E PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE: Older women often have a strong spiritual or philosophical outlook that helps them cope with life s challenges This maturity allows them to offer psychological support and guidance to those
With technology becoming essential for daily activities, many programs aim to teach older women digital skills These include using smar tphones, online banking, and communication tools, empowering them to stay connected and self-sufficient These programmes and schemes collectively recogniz e the vital contributions of older women and aim to provide the suppor t necessar y for their health, independence , and dignity
What India gains from Trump’s comeback
an agnostic who has convinced the evangelicals in America (over one-third of Americans who affirm traditional Protestant teachings on the authority of the Bible) and the Zionists in Israel – and now the Hindus in India – that he is their protector India s official stance is that relations with Washington have steadily progressed during the tenures of US President Joe Biden and his four predecessors, including Trump External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said as recently as November 5: “we have actually seen steady progress in our relationship with the US over the last five presidencies Including an earlier Trump presidency So when we look at the American election we are very confident that whatever the verdict, our relationship with the United States will only grow ” The government kept its cards close to its chest given the expected tight race between current VP Kamala Harris and Trump Once bitten twice shy At a massive political-cultural rally in Houston in 2019, with Trump by his side, Modi erred seriously while trying to persuade the Indian-American community that the US president was a good bet for a second term This time around however Modi didn t risk the wrath of the Democrats In September he had a change of mind about meeting with Trump Suffice to say, for a second time, New Delhi erred in reading the tea leaves The government is betting that Trump will snuff out the highly embarrassing allegations by Ottawa and Washington that New Delhi plotted to kill Khalistan separatists living in the US and Canada Indeed, Trump wouldn t be interested at all in a witch hunt of the Indian leadership Ottawa and the Five Eyes (Australia, Canada, New Zealand the US and UK) concluded that the plot went to the uppermost echelons of the Indian leadership and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has become a thorn in the side of the Indian government However, Trump has a poor opinion of Trudeau and will gladly throw him under the bus (Trump had a public spat with Trudeau during the controversial G7 summit in Quebec in 2018 from which he abruptly walked out refusing to put his signature on the final declaration ) The bottom line, nonetheless, is that the US-Indian tango will have gravitas during the Trump presidency going forward The bedrock of shared interests includes China s rise defense partnership technology and economic ties Equally Trump may not make such a big fuss (as the Biden administration is doing) over India s relations with Russia or Modi s warm relations with President Vladimir Putin Trump may even calm tensions
with Moscow and turn his back on the proxy war in Ukraine The known unknown is how Trump uses the short time of four years to boost his MAGA movement Trump s first term is nothing to go by, since he was new to the ‘swamp’ in DC, and the Deep State entrapped him in the quagmire of ‘Russian collusion’ Who is the real Trump? We are yet to find out The choice of J D Vance as his vice president gives some clues But Trump is certainly a wiser and more experienced politician today than he was in his first term Be that as it may, Jaishankar is right that New Delhi is experienced enough by now to handle idiosyncratic American presidents and cut to the chase On the whole therefore the sense of euphoria in New Delhi is understandable Suffice to say, the consolidation of relations with Russia in recent years and a potential thaw on the horizon in Sino-Indian ties puts India in a comfortable position today in regional and world politics Cynics might say a friend to all is a friend to none But as the 20th century British writer C S Lewis once said, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival At any rate India s doctrine of multialignment in the present transformative period in the world order has nothing to do with airy friendships but is a purposive pursuit of interests in an unpredictable external environment Trump and Modi are pragmatic and independent deal makers Both prioritize real interests ahead of liberal or neoconservative ideological interests To grasp the ideas shaping the Trump administration, one has to understand its three pillars of populism, authoritarianism, and nativism His impressive mandate bears this out Nativism may seem an almost exclusive American concept which favors native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants But nativism in India also arose in a natural place: A nation constructed through waves of invasion and backlashes to invasion where the meaning of ‘native’ is always evolving In the Indian context however the phenomenon of nativism is also a view on how a state should be structured It is an ideology that seeks congruence of state and nation, that is, the political and cultural unit – one state for every nation and one nation for every state Modi’s nativism outstrips Trump’s M K Bhadrakumar a retired Indian diplomat who has served in Russia South Korea Sri Lanka West Germany Pakistan Afghanistan and Uzbekistan before ultimately retiring as Indian Ambassador to Türkiye
TH E world is facing one of the most difficult times in history since World War II ongoing conflicts growing security threats polarization of societies rising populism and radical extremism In this context the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies is mind-blowing, and there is much to be excited about and celebrated There is also a wide array of implications for religious freedom both positive and negative Already AI is being misused for disinformation fake news and surveillance These are all factors which have a direct impact on religious communities which are under extreme pressure If we want to overcome injustice and repression, we must be one step ahead We must seek to understand AI and develop systems which serve to disrupt immoral applications and to strengthen the fight for freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) It is therefore incredibly important that more is done to connect experts in the field of AI and ethics with political decision-makers In October the International Freedom of Religion or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) met in Berlin for the annual ministerial hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Frank Schwabe, member of the Bundestag and commissioner for global freedom of religion, produced and led a compelling conference focusing on the implications of AI for FoRB IRFBA known as the Article 18 Alliance in reference to article 18 in the U N s Universal Declaration of Human Rights is formed of 43 countries represented at government-level, with a mandate to defend and advance religious freedom for all Presentations and discussions demonstrated that the task ahead for us is daunting given the pace of developments the breadth of applications for generative AI and the scope of its uses for good and ill However it is a challenge from which we cannot shirk We should be in no doubt about the inevitability of a world in which AI plays a major part in the workplace health care security environmental concerns social life and even religious life Frank Schwabe and I issued a joint communiqué which affirmed our commitment as an alliance to this urgent work, establishing a
multi-stakeholder dialogue with governments civil society religious actors and tech companies focusing on deeper human rights impact assessments in tech companies, explicitly dealing with FoRB and its interconnection with other human rights, developing an exchange on the basic concepts underlying the stakeholders’ approaches to AI and FoRB and a taxonomy of how behavior related to religion or belief manifests online Human history in relation to the development of technological breakthroughs demonstrates our
and subverting the stability of the wider world there s no doubt that free democratic nations must be at the front end of technological developments including generative AI Our first priority must be to model the distinction between morally courageous leadership, and nefarious, exploitative tyranny We must work multilaterally across the international community to put in place the legal framework and all necessary safeguards around AI-powered technology We also should be doing everything necessary to hold bad actors accountable for their abuses Specific to religious freedom, there’s a need to explore new applications that will serve to identify and predict threats to religious communities to recognize and intervene when AI is being used to generate content promoting hatred and violence, and to map in great detail religious heritage sites that are threatened with destruction so they may be preserved Growing up in Communist Czechoslovakia I
Dr rajkumar Singh
TRUMP SELECTS WILES AS CHIEF OF STAFF, SIGNALS FAMILIAR FACES FOR KEY POSTS
for PAF personnel transcending borders and ideologies alike Regarded as Pakistan's national poet Allama Iqbal s influence stretches far and wide Sarojini
Naidu a prominent figure in the Indian freedom movement, hailed him as the Poet Laureate of Asia In Iran, known as Iqbal-e-Lahuri, his verses fuelled the revolutionary spirit among both the elite and the masses The universality of Allama Iqbal's philosophy resonates with conservatives modernists and socialists alike but it is his enduring impact on PAF that stands out As we commemorate Iqbal s 147th birth anniversary it is fitting to revisit his profound messages in relation to PAF Allama Iqbal, as noted by scholar Ahmed Javed, is a unique intellectual in Islamic history who grasped the essence of Islam and preserved it through his poetry This makes his work an invaluable resource for future generations His poetry is distinguished not only by its rich content but also by its striking style imagery and allegory
This rare combination elevates Allama Iqbal to the ranks of the greatest Urdu and Persian poets The deep connection between Allama Iqbal and PAF is rooted in the fact that the motto of Pakistan Air Force is adopted from Iqbal’s poetry aptly depicting the attributes of Air Power “May it be the deserts or the oceans, Everything is beneath my wings
The mottos of all squadrons / units of Pakistan Air Force are inspired from Iqbal s poetry a testament to the spiritual linkage that PAF as a fighting arm attaches with Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal For every Shaheen of Pakistan Air Force, Iqbal's words resonate powerfully: "Life is only a taste of Flight" PAF s bond with Iqbal is also illustrated through the symbols and language prevalent in his poetry which resonate deeply with PAF s identity The emblematic Shaheen (Eagle) is a prime example This majestic bird, frequently depicted in Iqbal s verses, embodies attributes of valour, grace, speed and endurance, inspiring a daring spirit in youth while challenging the status quo of passivity and complacency
The falcon never falls tired from flight But if it has breath then there is no danger of falling
The Shaheen symbolises the very qualities that PAF seeks to instil in its young combatants Unlike other birds, the Shaheen stands out for its fearlessness and mastery of the skies, a spirit mirrored by PAF’s warriors: “Though both glide in the same blue sky
The lofty Hunting Eagle & the Vulture are in reality world apart
The warriors of the 1965 and 1971 conflicts stand as monumental embodiments of the Shaheen s spirit of resilience within Pakistan Air Force, exemplifying unmatched bravery and sacrifice in the face of daunting challenges In the 1965 aerial combat, pilots like MM Alam and Sarfaraz Rafiqui etched their names in history with remarkable aerial feats showcasing exceptional skill and courage that turned the tide of the battle This legacy of heroism persisted into the 1971 war where heroes such as Rashid Minhas made the ultimate sacrifice, epitomising the highest ideals of duty and patriotism Their extraordinary acts, often at great personal
IZMI HERLANI
Payoneer hosts Checkout
Connect for Pakistan’s fashion exporters
(PBA) and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) hosted a seminar titled Enabling Green Financing and Green Bonds via Credit Enhancement Solutions today at a local hotel The high-profile event brought together top officials from the State Bank of Pakistan and Ministry of Finance, CEOs, and investment heads from
Rahman, CEO of InfraZamin Pakistan, and Philip Skinner Head of the Middle East North Africa and Pakistan at GuarantCo and Origination Lead for Nature at PIDG
Mushahid unveils 5-point plan for Palestine, ME peace at IPI Conference
