INDIAN SPONSORED PROXY WAR IS NO LONGER HIDDEN: FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR
g
WITH ‘ UNWAVERING SUPPORT ’ OF NATION AND BALOCH PEOPLE
g EMPHA SIZES PAKISTAN ARMY REMAINS FULLY ALERT AND PREPARED TO RESPOND DECISIVELY TO ANY THREAT, SAYING FUTURE OF PAKISTAN DIRECTLY LINKED TO A STABLE, PROSPEROUS BALOCHISTAN
PAKISTAN EAGER TO FORGE STRONG BIL ATERAL
REL ATIONS WITH BANGL ADESH: PRESIDENT Z ARDARI
Work on the Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant is progressing at a rapid pace and upon completion the project will contribute 1 200 MW of clean safe and low-cost electricity to the national grid said General Manager of the Chashma Nuclear Power Complex, Engineer Habibur Rehman He stated that Pakistan aims to increase its nuclear power generation capacity to 8 000 MW making nuclear energy a reliable component of the country s sustainable and affordable energy mix He was briefing a group of Islamabadbased journalists during a study tour of the
Chashma Nuclear Complex On this occasion media representatives toured various operational and under-construction units of the facility where they were briefed on the plant s performance, safety protocols, technical systems, and environmental standards Engineer Habibur Rehman noted that Pakistan is currently among the top 20 nuclear power-producing countries worldwide The country has six operational nuclear reactors with a total generation capacity of 3,530 MW, which is expected to rise to 4,730 MW after the completion of Chashma-5 He explained that the Chashma-5 project is based on the modern Hualong One (HPR1000) design a thirdgeneration pressurized water reactor The
the public representatives? Isn t it the public s right to know? Will the truth be shared only abroad in the name of national security? Bilal Shah wrote why is the government hiding this truth from its citizens? Professor Ashok Swain while sharing a clip of General Anil s interview on X wrote that the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Army has admitted in an interview with Bloomberg TV in Singapore that India has lost its fighter jets in recent clashes with Pakistan He asks why he does not tell the Indian people and the media in India the same thing? In another tweet he asks In October 2024, 100 Israeli fighter jets covered a distance of 2000 km and targeted more than 20 locations in Iran in three phases and not a single Israeli aircraft was lost in this entire operation So how did India lose its fighter jets in the fight against Pakistan when Indian planes were firing missiles from its own airspace? Another user wrote, a rare moment
project is being developed in collaboration with the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) The first concrete was poured on December 30, 2024 He added that nuclear power is regaining global attention Several developed nations including the USA Japan Britain and South Korea which had previously reduced or planned to phase out nuclear energy are now renewing their focus on the sector and actively constructing new plants The General Manager emphasized that nuclear power is a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly source of electricity Nuclear power contributed approx-
of truth but on foreign soil If India s Chief of Defence Staff can admit losses on Bloomberg TV, then our country why the silence? This is clearly an attempt to control the domestic narrative while the real facts are being acknowledged abroad Congress leader Jairam Ramesh while sharing the video of General Anil Chauhan s interview on his social media handle, wrote that on July 29, 1999, the then Vajpayee government had constituted the Kargil Review Committee under the chairmanship of K Subramanian father of the current External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and a strategic affairs expert He wrote that this committee was constituted three days after the end of the Kargil war and it submitted its detailed report in five months After necessary amendments this report was presented in both the houses of Parliament He asked whether the Modi government will take any such step now after the information given by the Chief of Defence Staff in Singapore?
S cholars at A JK varsit y event call for global engagement on Kashmir
S TA F F R
P O R T The Institute of Dialogue, Development and Diplomatic Studies (IDDDs), in collaboration with Mohiuddin Islamic University organized a one-day conference titled “Margins to Momentum and Re-centering Kashmir in Global Discourse: Challenges and Prospects at Neiriyan Sharif Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir
The event was held in the context of recent critical developments on the 6th and 7th of May, when India committed aggression against the mainland of Pakistan, attempting to undermine its sovereignty and inflicting civilian harm In response Pakistan retaliated on 10th May by downing six Indian fighter jets leading to significant embarrassment for India both nationally and globally The gravity of the situation given the nuclear capabilities of both countries reignited global concern over the Kashmir conflict and prompted US President Donald Trump to once again offer mediation His statement reaffirmed that Kashmir remains the core unresolved issue between India and Pakistan warranting urgent international attention The conference was inaugurated by Prof Dr Ihafaque Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Prof Dr Tajur Rehman, who emphasized that Kashmir is an internation-
ally recognized dispute validated by UN resolutions and international law He criticized India s continued avoidance of mediation and facilitation noting that its insistence on bilateralism without genuine intent has only prolonged the conflict He called upon scholars and students to academically engage with the Kashmir issue and contribute research that can inform policymakers both nationally and globally Ummar Hashmi Deputy Registrar of the University highlighted the geopolitical responsibility of all stakeholders in resolving the Kashmir issue Showkat Assistant Professor of Law, focused on the legal dimensions of the conflict
dent Cyril Ramaphosa came calling Instead of an ordinary meeting Trump played a video that was supposed to show how South African blacks were evicting whites from their farms and committing genocide Of course, neither Trump nor Musk was bothered by the (mostly Slavic) Jews committing genocide on (brown) Palestinians But blacks committing genocide of good Boer boys? Clearly unthinkable Musk it might be remembered, is South Africanborn and, like Trump (whose four grandparents were all immigrants from Germany), is a Wharton alumnus Musk is now out of the Trump Administration
might explain why Trump got along so well with Imran Khan It shows that he can get along with users You know, if Imran had still been PM, we probably could have gotten Columbia to have stuck to its statement regretting the death of innocent Pakistani civilians during India s Operation Sindoor It didn t supposedly because of Indian pressure, but more likely after it realized that supporting Pakistan meant supporting the government that had thrown behind bars one of the best customers of its national product Operation Sindoor continues to have a fallout though reports have turned out to be false that the Indonesian Air Force has mutinied; there is certainly not any less concern after Indonesia agreed to buy an unspecified number of Rafale jets from France Buying off-the-shelf 4 5th generation fighters didn’t work out so India has launched an MCA (medium combat aircraft) program Right but will it take delivery of the Tejas first? The LCA (light combat aircraft) entered service in 2016, after having been launched in 1983 So don’t hold your breath for the Indian stealth fighter Speaking of the whole conflict when is a false-flag operation still one? I mean does it still count if everyone and his uncle knew that it was a false-flag operation? I don t think so, but it seems to me to be a philosophical question of the nature of whether or not there is a sound if no one hears it like when a tree falls on a desert island? It seems
Ever y govt school to have furniture,
In a major move to strengthen public sector schools in the province, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has decided that hundred percent students enrolled in government schools will be provided with furniture under the ongoing educational emergency
The Chief Minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure that the provision of furniture to every government school is completed during the next fiscal year, adding that no students in public sector should sit on floor owing to unavailability of furniture
He was chairing a meeting here on Sunday to finalize the Annual Development Programme of the upcoming financial year
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance, Mr Muzammil
Aslam, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Ikramullah Khan and administrative secretaries of relevant departments
He further stated that all required funds for the provision of school furniture will be made available on a priority basis Highlighting the
government s commitment to improving basic facilities, the Chief Minister emphasized that access to proper furniture functional washrooms and clean drinking water in government schools is a top priority and that there will be no compromise on these essentials He also instructed that a special program be launched to improve the quality of education in government schools further directing that modern training be provided to teachers and that such training be made mandatory for all newly recruited educators During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on development proposals submitted by various departments, including Planning, Communications Local Government Education Health Irrigation and Water Supply Each proposed project was individually reviewed and finalized for inclusion in the upcoming development program Speaking to the participants, the Chief Minister said the new ADP will be a visionary document laying the foundation for the province's development agenda over the next four years The plan will incorporate input from elected public representatives and prioritize projects based on the actual
needs of communities across different regions
He added that the ADP would include solid and practical projects serving broad public interests with the majority of next year s development funds allocated to completing ongoing projects Projects with over 80% progress will be completed within the next year, while approximately 50% of other ongoing
Indian sponsored prox y war is no longer hidden: Field Marshal Munir
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
“The Pakistan Army with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people will confront and crush every enemy foreign or domestic that dares to challenge our sovereignty In April, at least six people, including three students, lost their lives and over 40 others mostly students sustained injuries after a bomb targeted a school bus in Balochistan’s Khuzdar Following the attack the military accused India of activating its assets to intensify terrorist attacks in Pakistan presenting irrefutable evidence of Indian statesponsored terrorism directed by the Indian military personnel Earlier during the event, PM Shehbaz underscored that terrorist groups under the umbrella of Fitna Al Hindustan sought the support of locals, which must be denied to them
24 hours also resulted in injuries to five citizens, including policemen “KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed is also on a visit to the region for reviewing the security situation ” he said adding that people were fed up with the terrorists and retaliated whenever they came across them SWAT S ta f f r e p o r t
“Indian-sponsored proxies operating in Balochistan have intensified their efforts to undermine peace destabilise the province and disrupt development
initiatives led by the Government of Pakistan and the Armed Forces PM Shehbaz emphasised
The COAS during his interaction with the tribal elders said, "We have concrete proof of India s hand behind terrorist networks operating in Balochistan These nefarious attempts of the enemy will fail ”
He affirmed that the Pakistan Army with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people will confront and crush every enemy foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir emphasized that the Pakistan Army remains fully alert and prepared to respond decisively to any threat He reiterated that peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable and that the future of Pakistan is directly linked to a stable prosperous Balochistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that Indian-sponsored proxies, including terrorist groups like Fitna Al-Hindustan, have intensified their efforts to undermine peace, destabilize the province, and disrupt development initiatives led by the Government
Tragic incidents claim lives of three children in Swat; nine injured in road accident
At least three children lost their lives in separate tragic incidents while nine members of a family were injured in a road accident in different parts of Swat district on Sunday, rescue officials confirmed In the Odigram area near the New Vegetable Market, a speeding dumper truck ran over a five-yearold child Ayan son of Akhtar Zada a resident of Khona Shaheed Balogram SHO Rahimabad police station Fazal Rahim Khan confirmed the child died on the spot while the truck driver fled the scene The body was shifted to Saidu Sharif Hospital for legal formalities and a case has been registered In another heartbreaking incident a five-year-old girl Khadija daughter of Shehbaz resident of Kohistan (currently residing in Gorra Matta) drowned in a water tank located in the courtyard of her house
Police said the girl was playing near the tank when she accidentally fell in Family members tried to rescue her but she had already succumbed Separately, in the Ningolai area of Kabal Tehsil, five-year-old Rehan Ali son of Usman Ali drowned in a canal while playing near its bank Locals retrieved the body after a brief search and handed it over to the family The incident has cast a shadow of grief over the area Meanwhile, nine-members of a family were injured in a road accident in Shakardara when a speeding car rammed into a Dyna vehicle traveling from Batkhela
of Pakistan and the Armed Forces
He underscored the critical need to deny these groups any local support, emphasizing that grassroots engagement is crucial for the success of counterterrorism efforts and for long-term peace and stability “The enemies of peace will find no space to operate within Pakistan ” the Prime Minister asserted “Our message to them is clear: the Government Armed Forces Law Enforcement Agencies and Administrative apparatus, with complete support of Pakistan, will take the Nation s fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion, defeating terrorism in a decisive manner ” The Prime Minister also highlighted a series of monumental developmental packages for prosperity in Balochistan emphasizing the need for these government initiatives to ensure a trickle-down effect to the populace He praised the people of Balochistan for their historic role in safeguarding national unity and urged them to remain vigilant against foreign-backed subversion and sabotage orchestrated and sponsored by India
tolerance Sufi shrines have always been centers of love service, and unity, she said She added that the teachings of Khwaja Sahib are a guiding light for all of humanity, transcending religious and sectarian boundaries Hafiz Muhammad Shabbir Chairman of the Pak-Kuwait Business Forum and host of the event, called Dr Afshan Malik s appointment a matter of pride for Pakistan “This milestone will play a key role in amplifying the message of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti ” he remarked Former Minister and PML-Q leader Dr Amjad FPCCI s Karim Azeer Malik and Shaista Hameed of the Insaniyat Foundation also addressed the gathering and praised Dr Afshan Malik s contributions to social and spiritual causes
Chauhan’s admission shows how the truth will out
IN D I A N Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan s admission that Indian aircraft had been shot down is the first admission by an Indian military official, even if partial, of the correctness of Pakistan s claim that it had downed six Indian aircraft This followed the concession by Dr Subramaniam Swamy the day before of an unspecified number of downings Dr Swamy is no longer active in politics, but is a respected figure in the BJP However, General Chauhan s concession, though he tried to frame it as a boast, confirmed to the world that Pakistan was not making hollow claims as India had been doing General Chauhan, who was speaking to Bloomberg TV at the Shangrila moot (at which his Pakistani counterpart Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Shamshad Mirza was aslo prevent) had to make the concession to make his further claim that the IAF assessed what went wrong and took corrective action It may be noted that whereas during its own offensive Operation Sindoor India lost planes during the Pakistani offensive Operation Bunyanum Marsoos it could not inflict any losses At the same time Pakistan made no claims about inflicting any losses on the IAF beyond the five planes it said it downed when India made its assault During that Operation it claimed to have knocked out such ground targets as an S400 launcher and a BrahMos missile storage depot Apart from the fact that Pakistan made very reasonable claims other evidence such as satellite imagery made it clear that India was trying to minimize its losses Instead of moving forward with whatever corrective action it considers needed General Chauhan’s partial candour has been met by an outcry with mounting calls for his resignation This is despite his having stoutly defended Sindoor as a success The general tenor of the criticism is that he shouldn’t have conceded the loss It seems the inability to concede that India had had its nose well and truly bloodied has led to the ridiculous Part of the problem is political: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking very bad and his image cultivated so carefully during the 2019 Phulwama crisis as the ‘warrior-hero’ has been shattered The strength of the evidence Pakistan had to back its claims shows that in this electronic age it is impossible to keep such losses hidden The RussiaUkraine conflict shows too that dust cannot be thrown into the eyes of the other side and false claims cannot be sustained for too long
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Nuclear securit y and strategic stabilit y
IN D I A S recent call to place Pakistan s nuclear arsenal under International Atomic Energy (IAEA) oversight has sparked significant diplomatic debate Though India aspires to present itself as a responsible actor in South Asia, its actions often come across as hypocritical Rather than acting as a stable actor India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh s statement seemed more like a political tactic than a genuine concern Using nuclear rhetoric as a political pretext could undermine the stability and trust between the South Asian countries However, credible minimum deterrence is at the core of Pakistan’s nuclear policy Its counter-threat positing is aimed at preventing aggression not provoking conflicts Since 1998 Pakistan has significantly expanded to ensure the safety security and transparency of its nuclear arsenal Pakistan s nuclear strategy and operational protocols are centrally managed by the National Command Authority (NCA), backed by the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) as its secretariat Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is protected with an extensive nuclear security architecture Ranging from biometric access control deployment of 10 000 troops and CCTV surveillance to disassembled warheads and immediate response capabilities Pakistan marked a significant improvement in the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) nuclear security index 2020 particularly in the “Theft: Secure Materials category Among the 22 weapon-usable nuclear material countries India scored 40 out of 100 and ranked 20th out of 22 in the secure material category, below Pakistan Such statements are not mere claims Over time, Pakistan’s positive progress has been acknowledged by international experts including those from the USA Since 9/11 it is reported that the USA invested over $100 million to help Pakistan in strengthening and securing its nuclear arsenal Experts like Ashley Tellis and Yukiya Amano (the former IAEA Director) highlighted Pakistan s nuclear security as one of the highest among nonNPT signatory countries At present, the Centre of Excellence for Nuclear Security in Pakistan is used to provide a regional training facility assisting field officers and scientists to fight against nuclear smuggling and sensitive materials
From abroad, for Pakistan
service gaps that deepen emotional and cultural ties between overseas citizens and their roots These efforts pushed Pakistan’s foreign reserves, promoted community development, and uplifted the economy and positioned Pakistani diasporas as a pivotal national asset in the country s socio-economic progress The Pakistani diaspora s role in national progress and economic building is well-recognized, and can be enhanced by implementing comprehensive and effective measures that move overseas Pakistanis from simply transferring remittances to actively contributing to the nation s growth as partners
Some of the key steps are:
1) Creating a National Diaspora Policy that delineates targeted strategies for commitment, investment, and collaboration
2) Setting up a Centralized Digital Platform that facilitates communication registration and access to opportunities
3) Offering tax incentives
4) Establishing Diaspora Economic Zones to attract foreign investment Moreover, to leverage the expertise and skills of educated Pakistanis abroad through actions that support short-term exchanges collaborative research and virtual mentoring would be an essential step These initiatives amplify financial inflows and enhance human capital that will foster innovation in a country In order to further enhance collaboration with Pakistani diasporas, Pakistan must focus on institutional support legal protection and cultural connection Governments should work on improving transparency in property rights inheritance laws and dispute resolution mechanisms especially through a more empowered Overseas Pakistanis Foundation this can increase trust and investment Promoting social engagement through annual diaspora forums
According to the prominent Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr Samar Mubarak Mand technically the validity of India s claims is baseless He asserted even during the most threatening period of terrorism (2006-2012) in Pakistan, that nuclear capabilities remain protected He stated, it is physically and technically” impossible for terrorists to get hold of nuclear weapons Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is protected by a multilayer security system often overlooked by those with political agendas On the other hand India s nuclear safety record remains largely unaddressed While the country claims to be a responsible nuclear power internationally, empirical evidence contradicts these statements Indian authorities arrested a gang in 2024 and recovered a highly radioactive element californium worth over $100 million from their possession This was just one example of many In Maharashtra Indian police seized 6 4 kg of natural uranium Later on in Kolkata, 250 kg of uranium compound was confiscated from a criminal gang Similarly, in 2021, security officials seized 1 kg of uranium, worth $440,000, from smugglers Additionally two similar seizures of 9 kg were made in Thane in 2016 and 5 kg in Mumbai in 2009
According to official reports there have been over 18 cases of uranium theft in India from 1994 to 2021 These cases reveal weak regulatory oversight and regulation of the active trafficking of radioactive materials on the black market Such breaches pose a significant threat to regional and global security As required by the IAEA s resolution 1540 India has repeatedly failed to report this trafficking database about various cases of nuclear material theft What further weakens India s credibility is the lack of independent oversight in its nuclear governance structure The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) India’s primary regulatory authority is not autonomous It functions under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE); the very organization it is meant to regulate This conflict of interest casts serious doubt on the AERB s ability to enforce safety standards or halt unsafe operations Unlike Pakistan, which has developed autonomous regulatory bodies and adopted international best prac-
cultural programmes and youth initiatives can help preserve inner ties across generations To stimulate a greater sense of ownership and national responsibility, enabling voting rights and establishing advisory councils involving diaspora members would play a vital role
Enhancing diplomatic and consular services will guarantee that overseas Pakistanis feel supported and valued, while also mobilizing them for economic diplomacy, international advocacy, and humanitarian initiatives The most important among all is the political stability and policy continuity to build diaspora confidence in government initiatives Without a stable environment even the most well-planned engagement strategies may fail to attract sustained support from overseas citizens
When considering current economic challenges in Pakistan, characterized by a lack of foreign exchange external debt burden increased inflation and a decline in mutual funds the role of the diaspora is more important than it is today Pakistanis abroad can help through these core issues of the economy, not just through transfers, but also investments in productive and high-selling generation sectors such as renewable energy, technology, education, healthcare and agriculture These areas are essential to the initiation of long-term economic resistance and self-bearing properties
Governments should take advantage of this opportunity by introducing targeted diaspora investment schemes and generating simple profits for overseas profits Diaspora Establishing trust measures such as strengthening institutions such as the Overseas Pakistan Foundation (OPF) improving integrated services and aggressive inclusion of diaspora members in national planning through consulting councils and public partnerships can provide significant benefits Pakistan can lead its global diaspora to long-term development This can shape a key role in designing an economic revival and a sustainable future
The writer is a freelance columnist
Governments should take advantag e of this oppor tunity by introducing targ eted diaspora investment schemes and g enerating simple profits for overseas profits Diaspora Establishing trust measures such as strengthening institutions such as the Overseas Pakistan Foundation (OPF), improving integrated ser vices, and aggressive inclusion of diaspora members in national planning through consulting councils and public par tnerships can provide significant benefits. Pakistan can lead its global diaspora to long-term development. This can shape a key role in designing an economic revival and a sustainable future .
Language shift
who are not so old yet older than these children, ‘delulu’ means delusion and ‘solulu’ is, of course, solution In the good old days, people used to be described as ‘charismatic’, but in this cyber age people have ‘rizz’ and those who have enough of it are rizzlers Interesting right?
Gen Z is the first generation born into the digital age; roughly between 1997 and 2010 These individuals are called digital natives and are referred to as Zoomers, iGeneration and post-Millennials They use digital spaces with amazing dexterity They know how to introduce and establish new trends, and, indeed, to throw away the old ones Every week or so new words fashion fads and memes come into existence and others simply fade away It would be safe to say that only this generation could swim in and out of trends at such a fast pace Their memory always jogging their minds always churning to create something fresh They evolve with the changing trends, and it is evident in their language
A very distinct feature of Gen Z writing is brevity This might be stemming from initial days of social media apps that had limited word counts giving rise to abbreviations and short forms Back in the 2010s abbreviations were quite trendy such as LOL (laughing out loud) and all the letters were spoken separately L-O-L
Now it has all changed The letters are now pronounced together as a composite word, like FOMO (fear of missing out), NGL (not gonna lie), IRL (in real life) and so on To an outsider I mean the Boomers and the Millennials these words might sound like brain teasers, but for the Zoomers it is very much a part of everyday communication
Beyond the evolution of language it is fascinating to see how language on
The need for character building in Higher Education Institutions
a pressing need to steer them in
Parents need to be involved
right
IN recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in behavioural challenges among students particularly at one of Islamabad s leading public universities The transition of students from intermediate college to university life at the bachelor s level has exposed a significant gap in their preparedness for the responsibilities and decorum expected in higher education settings This lack of preparedness has manifested in various forms of misconduct and disruption Instances include student involvement in unlawful activities such as organizing unauthorized strikes, engaging in verbal and physical altercations with faculty and staff frequent violations of university rules and regulations and attempts to challenge official systems such as grading policies Additionally patterns of academic neglect are apparent, such as habitual class bunking, poor attendance throughout the semester, and appearing only during examinations Some students have even gone to the extent of sabotaging university infrastructure including damaging CCTV cameras to evade surveillance obstructing the transport system and disrupting examination schedules Clashes with security personnel and administrative staff from time to time further highlight the severity of the issue
These behaviours not only affect the learning environment but also undermine the overall discipline and integrity of the institution This growing concern indicates a pressing need to integrate character-building programmes and ethical education as essential components of the academic curriculum Emphasizing values such as respect responsibility empathy civic sense and discipline can help shape students into well-rounded individuals who are not only academically competent but also socially
and morally responsible Universities must take proactive steps through counselling services, mentorship programmes, co-curricular activities, and regular workshops on life skills ethics and emotional intelligence Only through such holistic development can institutions foster a conducive learning environment and prepare students to contribute positively to society While academic institutions play a crucial role in shaping societies by nurturing future leaders a troubling trend has emerged wherein students increasingly take their institutions for granted A recent incident at a leading public university in Islamabad has raised serious concerns In this episode, students forcefully shut down the institution by initiating a strike, locking the entry and exit gates halting the transportation system indefinitely and disrupting inperson classes for over a week
Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident Similar disruptions have occurred periodically, with students justifying their actions as part of their right to protest However, the methods often involve unethical and unlawful behaviour Rather than engaging in dialogue some students resort to extreme measures to push forward their demands which in many cases are either unreasonable or exaggerated Demands have ranged from issues such as weak WiFi signals, additional hostel facilities, and the renovation or demolition of existing structures like cafeteria walls to resisting police presence on campus overstaying in hostels after the completion of studies and organizing celebrations of non-academic events such as the recent request to celebrate Holi
The call to celebrate Holi a festival rooted in Indian culture has sparked controversy especially considering the strained political relations and ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India Many have questioned the appropriateness of promoting such events on a large scale under the current circumstances
Moreover, the conduct of some students toward faculty members is increasingly alarming Reports have surfaced of teachers being harassed, misbehaved with, and even held hostage during protests Attempts by faculty to guide students or maintain discipline are often mischaracterized as harassment undermining the authority and safety of the teaching staff This situation calls for a balanced approach While students do have the right to voice their concerns, it must be done through lawful and ethical means There is an urgent need for counselling policy reinforcement and institutional accountability to ensure that campuses remain centres of learning, not arenas of disruption The current situation within the institution is deeply concerning There is an urgent need to focus on character building and instilling core values among students
A critical question arises: How have students been allowed to reach a point where they misuse institutional grounds for personal or political activities? This behaviour is not only inappropriate but is also tarnishing the reputation of both the institution and its genuinely dedicated students It is alarming that some students appear to have forgotten their fundamental role that of a learner It is equally troubling that teachers are repeatedly required to remind them of their responsibilities, even at this advanced stage of their academic journey Where have the basic manners and etiquettes gone? Why is the university dress code being disregarded? What has led to such aggression in pursuing demands?
These questions demand reflection and decisive action While such behavior is disappointing, it also presents a responsibility: to guide these students back onto the right path Many are wasting not only their time but also the hard-earned money of their parents Their actions are negatively impacting the overall academic environment To address this, individual counselling ses-
sions are strongly recommended not just with the students involved but also with their parents Students who disrupt the institution must be dealt with compassionately but firmly At the same time rules and regulations must be strictly and lawfully enforced to prevent further disturbances Institutions have every right and responsibility to maintain order and discipline without compromise Students must understand their role and place within the academic hierarchy Disrespecting teachers is unacceptable and disheartening especially when compared to the once-cherished teacher-student bond that was built on mutual respect and admiration It is evident that group dynamics sometimes lead to collective indiscipline, influenced by a few individuals While students certainly have the right to raise genuine concerns and seek improvements in facilities disrupting the entire institutional system is an extreme and unjustified measure It is imperative to restore a culture of respect, discipline, and academic focus for the betterment of students and the institution alike
It is likely that many parents are unaware of their children s hidden behaviours and intentions Now is the time for parental involvement to extend to the university level as well These students, who should be contributing to constructive endeavours, are unfortunately engaging in destructive actions The drive for self-improvement appears to have diminished in many cases Rather than focusing on personal growth some students are seeking recognition and fame through unethical and unlawful means, often under the guise of leadership
It is disheartening to witness this mindset among members of Generation Z Compared to previous generations they seem to require more guidance and counselling The vast exposure to media and numerous digital platforms is often leading them astray from a meaningful and responsible path There is
Both obser ved and anticipated outcomes sugg est that such positive educational inputs can lead to improved academic performance , reduced behavioral issues, enhanced social and emotional well-being, and the development of strong er communities Ultimately, we must prepare future g enerations to embody strong values and make lasting, meaningful contributions to society through their commendable actions
rection and help them resist the distractions that can so easily derail their potential
However, character building or development should focus on fostering ethical values and positive traits in students
Firstly it is essential to nurture social skills moral reasoning and emotional intelligence, rather than allowing destructive behaviours to affect the environment
A recent unfortunate incident highlighted the consequences of neglecting these aspects leading to prolonged academic disruption just as teachers were striving to complete the semester Secondly there must be a strong emphasis on character education
This includes teaching communication and collaboration skills, encouraging respect for others in speech and writing developing empathy instilling civic virtues and helping students understand their responsibilities and limitations Thirdly positive traits such as honesty responsibility patience respect resilience, compassion, integrity, passion, and kindness should be actively developed and encouraged Lastly, academic focus must remain a top priority as it forms the foundation of students future success Character development and academic achievement should go hand in hand to produce responsible capable, and ethical individuals In addition, character education should be integrated into the curriculum as a compulsory component of degree programs Increased interaction with positive role models is essential to help students adopt and
African slaves primarily ser ved as troops Some gained prominence – Bengal’s Rukh-ud- din Barbak repor tedly maintained an Ethiopian army of 8,000, his son expanding it to 20,000. Others, like Malik Ambar, rose even fur ther
aging the cultivation of previously unproductive areas
Tans in their own country
H E role of African slaves in India and the participation of Indians in slave administration has until recently received little attention Africans were not the first people enslaved in India, but Arab traders trafficked them to the subcontinent as early as the 6th century CE One of the first known cases involved an Ethiopian Jamal ud-Din Yaqut who became Master of the Royal Stables in Delhi in 1236 By the 14th century African slave trading grew as Indian authorities exploited maritime networks linking Africa and India Indian goods were highly prized in Africa and were exchanged for gold, ivory and Ethiopian slaves Trade in slaves was one of several exchanges connecting the Indian subcontinent with East Africa, creating a diverse and interconnected commercial system that thrived for centuries Arab dhows crossed the Indian Ocean in regular monsoon-driven voyages carrying slaves spices textiles and metals These maritime routes helped entrench African presence along India’s coastal cities, such as Surat, Calicut and Cochin, which functioned as critical nodes in this transoceanic slave network
AN EYEWITNESS: The diversity of African arrivals also complicates the simplistic binary of slave and free Some Africans arrived as merchants or seafarers in their own right, contributing to the cosmopolitan character of port cities like Cambay and Bharuch
The famed Berber traveller Ibn Battuta who was born in Tangier in 1304 journeyed extensively across vast parts of Asia and Africa in the 14th century He encountered thousands of African slaves during his travels observing Abyssinian guards shipmen and warriors deployed across the subcontinent
It was during his second journey that Ibn Battuta made his way across the Indian subcontinent, the Maldives Sri Lanka and China before returning to North Africa During his time in India he came across Habashis (as the Ethiopian slaves were known) distributed throughout the subcontinent from northern India to Ceylon They were employed primarily as guards or men-at-arms on land or at sea In July 1342, for example, he was south-east of Delhi, in the town of Allapur in Uttar Pradesh: “The governor of Alabur [Allapur] was the Abyssinian Badr a slave of the sultan’s a man whose bravery passed into a proverb He was continually making raids on
Ibn Battuta encountered African slaves in the southern Indian city called Qandahar (today the village of Ghandar on the mouth of the Dhandar river in Gujarat), where he describes meeting Ibrahim the owner of six ships Ibn Battuta then travelled to Colombo in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) where he again found the ruler guarded by about five hundred Abyssinians When Ibn Battuta arrived in the Indian port of Calicut he saw a fleet of huge Chinese junks, each with four decks carrying up to 1,000 troops on board The ships were highly sophisticated, with sailors having their wives and slave-girls living in their cabins which were complete with latrines Security was – once more – provided by Africans The owner s factor [or agent] on board ship is like a great amir When he goes on shore he is preceded by archers and Abyssinians with javelins, swords, drums, bugles and trumpets ’
The African presence in India particularly in military contexts also had a psychological and symbolic dimension Africans were often perceived as loyal physically strong and strategically useful because they were outside traditional kinship networks This made them ideal as bodyguards, palace guards, and elite soldiers, as their loyalty was presumed to lie solely with their patron Their position within Indian courts and armies was sometimes precarious but it could also be a pathway to influence and even power Importantly African troops played a stabilizing role in many of India s volatile princely states serving as both protectors and enforcers, their foreign origins ensuring loyalty that transcended local rivalries
AFRICAN SLAVES BECOME RULERS: African slaves primarily served as troops Some gained prominence – Bengal s Rukh-ud-din Barbak reportedly maintained an Ethiopian army of 8 000 his son expanding it to 20,000 Others, like Malik Ambar, rose even further Born in Harangue, Ethiopia, Ambar was enslaved and brought to Baghdad, then India He served under Chengiz Khan, a former Ethiopian slave turned statesman Freed after his master’s death Ambar joined the military of various Indian rulers By the 1590s he led a cavalry force in Ahmednagar and resisted Mughal incursions using guerrilla tactics He backed a new sultan and married his daughter into the royal family, consolidating his influence As regent, Ambar implemented reforms and infrastructure projects, including a water system still in use today He repeatedly thwarted Mughal forces – even Emperor Jahangir who had insulted Ambar racially Jahangir s frustration with Ambar is evident in his pejorative references calling him the black-faced one or the crafty one but these slights ultimately gave way to reluctant admiration In his official memoir, the Emperor Jahangir reversed his assessment of his opponent, declaring that although a slave Ambar was nonetheless ‘an able man In warfare in command in sound judgement and in administration he had no rival or equal He maintained his exalted position to the end of his life and closed his career in honour History records no other instance of an Abyssinian slave arriving at such eminence Ambar ’s political acumen extended beyond the battlefield He maintained a complex network of alliances with other regional powers and made use of marriage diplomacy to strengthen his hold over Ahmednagar He also sought to establish a bureaucratic apparatus that could outlast him, introducing land reforms and encour-
Ambar died in 1626 Though his son surrendered Ahmednagar to the Mughals in 1633, Ambar ’s transformation from slave to kingmaker remains remarkable Between 1486 and 1493 alone four Ethiopian commanders rose to rule Indian states
Their stories highlight how military slavery in India differed from other parts of the world The unique context of Indo-African relations, especially within Islamic polities, often facilitated the elevation of capable individuals, regardless of origin
INDIANS ADMINISTER THE SLAVE TRADE: India s involvement in African slavery extended abroad Indian merchants were key players in the Omani-led East African slave trade From the 1st century CE, Omanis traded along the Swahili coast, importing slaves – especially light-skinned women – for domestic service Many of these slaves were destined for service in elite households as concubines wet nurses or servants Indian traders especially in Muscat and later Zanzibar dominated commerce in coffee and pearls served as bankers and helped administer the slave trade Under Sultan Said bin Sultan (r 1804–1856), Zanzibar became the new capital, centred on clove plantations worked by slaves Indian merchants followed forming a major commercial presence along the coast
Although Britain abolished slavery in 1833 enforcement was slow By 1860 over 8 000 slaves owned by Indians were officially freed in Zanzibar The Indian community in Zanzibar and East Africa often maintained cultural and commercial links with Gujarat and Bombay, reinforcing the transoceanic dimensions of this trade
The entanglement of Indians in the East African slave trade was not limited to merchants alone Clerks shipbuilders and middlemen were all complicit in the system Some Indians served as slave overseers or worked in ports where captured Africans were processed and sold Sir Bartle Frere, the British governor of Bombay who visited Zanzibar in 1873, remarked that ‘Throughout the Zanzibar coastline all banking and mortgage business passes through Indian hands Hardly a single loan can be negotiated a mortgage effected or a bill cashed without Indian agency This complicity is rarely acknowledged today, yet it is essential for understanding the full scope of the Indian Ocean slave trade
THE LEGACY TODAY: In India the Sidis – descendants of African slaves – were gradually integrated Janjira and Sachin princely states ruled by Sidis existed until Indian independence in 1947
The rulers of these states, though relatively minor in comparison to larger princely territories, held real power and maintained their autonomy under British indirect rule Their courts often mirrored Indian traditions, but also retained distinct African elements such as Sidi drumming and Swahili phrases in ceremonial contexts
The Sidi community itself is diverse with roots tracing back to different waves of African migration and enslavement While some Sidis were brought as slaves, others arrived as soldiers, traders, or musicians
The integration process varied regionally: in Gujarat, for instance Sidis maintained a distinct identity while in other parts of India they assimilated more fully into local populations Oral histories religious rituals and festivals continue to reflect the syncretic nature of their heritage blending African, Islamic, and Hindu influences
Today, around 100,000 Sidis live in Gujarat, Karnataka and other regions of India Many retain Swahili musical traditions Sidi drumming and dance performances are popular in some areas and have gained recognition in India s cultural landscape In Pakistan a further 150 000 Sidis reside often in
Dr Saira Kazmi
captives in three stages and return the bodies of 18 more In exchange it demands the release of an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners The proposal also calls for the entry of unconditional humanitarian aid through the UN and affiliated agencies and for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire to commence on the first day
Bangladesh’s Jamaat- e -Islami regains political status after top cour t lifts ban
her final months in office Hasina also imposed an executive ban on the party in August 2023 The transitional government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus which assumed office after Hasina s ouster, had revoked that executive order, setting the stage for Sunday’s legal reversal “With the verdict, a multiparty
democracy and inclusive election has been acknowledged said Jamaat s lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir speaking outside the court He added that the 2013 decision had been politically motivated and that the new ruling reflected judicial fairness The verdict follows the Supreme Court’s May 27 decision to overturn the conviction of senior Jamaat leader A T M Azharul Islam who had been sentenced to death in 2014 for alleged war crimes during Bangladesh s 1971 war of independence Islam was released on May 28 after spending over a decade in prison
Jamaat-e-Islami had supported Pakistan during the 1971 war a stance that remains controversial in Bangladesh The party was long opposed by the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina and her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding leader The ruling opens the way for Jamaat to contest in the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections expected later this year In a broader shift the Awami League itself was banned by the interim government in May pending trial over its alleged role in suppressing last year ’s anti-quota protests that led to Hasina’s removal
‘ M e d i a M i r a g e ’ : W hy G r ow i n g U p i n a D i g i t a l
take a step back and reflect on the impact of this unhealthy overconsumption of “fakeness”? It is common for the young people to be overly consumed by this unrealistic standards of capturing moments instead of living in them why is this More common than not this generation is subconsciously tricked into believing that living an aesthetic life is the only way to project These days the younger generation live a life of fake smiles and aesthetic pictures but don’t enjoy the unpretty moments or things in life that are simpler Unrealistic beauty standards are put forward by the media for the consumption of very young children incorporating into their minds that often create a feeling of being inadequate or incongruous of their own looks Certainly there is more to life is their not?
An interview with Dr Sarah Lambert, Clinical Psychologist and Expert on Adolescent Mental Health where she talks about this topic addresses this topic by saying that this shift to digital spaces has led to increased mental health issues among young people particularly anxiety depression, and lowered self-esteem She pointed out the pressures of unrealistic beauty standards and the constant need for validation on social media, which often contribute to feelings of inadequacy Moreover the addictive nature of these platforms and the constant exposure to idealized lives can exacerbate loneliness and body image issues particularly
among adolescents who are prone to much more changes in mindset compared to adults It also impacts family life negatively as to how GEN Z wants to be perceived by other people as compared to how they actually are is vastly different Media might be a place for creativity and self-expression but holds harmful negative impacts of overconsumption, addictiveness and feeling a need to be “chronically online” It is something that even, I as a person face on a daily basis in my day to day life Research proves how it was much easier to live in the early days as there was no way for the youth to be such deeply embedded into media and its perceptions t is essential to know that the growing media that shapes today s youth primarily digital platforms has both positive and negative consequences While it offers access to information, connection, and new forms of selfexpression it also comes with significant challenges The pressure to conform to digital ideals the erosion of social skills the rise of mental health concerns and the addictive nature of these platforms all contribute to a more complicated and often detrimental experience for today s youth It s essential to find ways to balance the benefits of digital media with its potential harms, helping the younger generation navigate their growing years with a healthier more holistic approach to life
Email: minahiladnan254@gmail com
C hina protests US defence chief 's 'vilifying' Indo -Pacific remarks
s ta f f r e p o r t China has protested to the United States against vilifying" remarks made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the foreign ministry said on Sunday, while accusing it of deliberately ignoring calls for peace from regional nations China has objected to Hegseth calling it a threat in the Indo-Pacific the ministry added describing his comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday as "deplorable" "Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region and instead touted the Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation vilified China with defamatory allegations and falsely called China a threat the ministry said on its website The United States has deployed offensive weaponry in the South China Sea and kept stoking flames and creating tensions in the Asia-Pacific, which are turning the region into a powder keg," it added in the statement China s defence ministry also weighed in saying the U S is accustomed to using the forum to stoke disputes sow discord and seek selfish interests" "China's armed forces will work with other countries in the region to oppose hegemonism harming the Asia-Pacific region," ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement posted on the ministry s WeChat account Hegseth had urged allies in the Indo-Pacific region including key security partner Australia to spend more on defence after warning of the real and potentially imminent threat from China Asked about the call to boost defence spending, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government had pledged an extra A$10 billion ($6 billion) to defence What we ll do is we ll determine our defence
policy he told reporters on Sunday a transcript of his remarks showed As part of Washington s longstanding defence
ties with the Philippines, the U S military this year deployed Typhon launchers that can fire missiles to hit targets in both China and Russia from the island of Luzon India believes switching tactics on the first day of conflict with Pakistan earlier this month established a decisive advantage, before the neighbors announced a ceasefire three days later, India's highest-ranking general said on Saturday China and the Philippines contest sovereignty over some islands and atolls in the South China Sea with growing maritime run-ins between their coast guards as both vie to patrol the waters China s delegation at the forum said external intervention was the biggest risk for stability in the South China Sea, saying the country had shown "goodwill and restraint" through talks on the issue "Some foreign powers have sent warplanes and warships to the South China Sea for so-called freedom of navigation the state-backed Global Times newspaper cited Senior Colonel Zhang Chi from the PLA National Defence University as saying Such actions infringed China s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, he added The United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines have conducted joint maritime operations in the busy waterway China claims nearly all the South China Sea including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal ruled Beijing s expansive claim had no basis in international law however China's foreign ministry also told the United States not to play with fire on the question of Taiwan Any attempt by China to conquer Taiwan would result in devastating consequences , Hegseth said in his speech to Asia s premier forum for defence
Pakistan Nav y conduc ts two - day exercise against asymmetric threats at major por ts
that the examination has been conducted under the supervision of the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) in a transparent and disciplined manner Prof Taj also advised aspiring medical students to only enroll in recognized international institutions listed by the PM&DC and they must provide quality education so that when these graduates come back to Pakistan can pass the licensing exam and can get absorbed in the national health system and serve their country He also added that all parents and students must check the recognised list of international medical and dental colleges, as no graduate from an unrecognised institution will be registered with PM&DC KARACHI S TA F F R
Pakistan Navy successfully conducted a comprehensive two-day exercise focusing on countering sub-conventional and asymmetric threats across all major ports and harbours of Pakistan
The exercises were aimed at validating and refining Tactics Techniques and Procedures to ensure robust defence of critical maritime infrastructure against evolving asymmetric threats The exercise involved coordinated operations by Pakistan Navy Fleet units Pak Marines SSG (Navy) and Naval Aviation assets The exercises scenarios were designed to simulate a range of sub-conventional threats including sabotage, infiltration and unconventional attacks, enabling participating units to enhance inter-agency coordination situational awareness and rapid response capabilities During
APBF pushes for robust SME sector in next budget to boost employment
The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has called on the federal government to place small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of the upcoming Federal Budget 2025-26 warning that without immediate and meaningful support the backbone of Pakistan s economy could face serious setbacks In a policy meeting held in Lahore to finalize recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year, APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood emphasized that the government must take tangible steps to revive and protect the SME sector which represents over 90% of Pakistan s 5 2 million business enterprises contributes nearly 40% to the GDP, and employs more than 78% of the nonagricultural labor force
set up for this purpose
Meanwhile, Assistant commissioners have been instructed to take strict action against traders operating outside the approved markets The operation aims to ensure that animal trade remains organized and doesn t affect the city s daily life
Officials say that maintaining discipline in animal trading during Eid season is important for public safety and smooth traffic flow
Turkmen President disc
“Time for lip service is over The SME sector cannot survive without real support in the form of tax relief access to financing and a business-friendly regulatory environment said Syed Maaz Mahmood We expect the federal government to design Budget 2025-26 with a strong focus on job creation through industrialization, ease of doing business, and SME revival The APBF recommended a visible reduction in indirect taxes, including lowering sales tax to single digits and cutting the corporate tax rate to foster formalization and growth It also urged the Ministry of Finance to promote regionally competitive energy tariffs speed up sales tax refunds and provide interest-free or lowinterest credit schemes without collateral, particularly for youth-led startups and newly registered SMEs
Bil awal-led delegation reaches Us to highlight Pakistan's stance on indian aggression
President, PM disc uss sec urity, politic al issues during Lahore meeting
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday held a
(PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has announced a countrywide protest campaign against the PML-N-led government, declaring that he will lead the movement from behind bars The announcement was relayed by PTI Senator Ali Zafar following his
Settlement
MUZAFFARABAD
Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Sunday declared that lasting peace and development was impossible in the region without the just resolution to Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions saying clouds of war will continue to hover over South Asia
Chaudhry Anwarul Haq expressed these views while talking to a delegation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter, which called on him in Muzaffarabad today
He said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir s categorical stance on the Kashmir dispute is highly commendable adding that India should stop serious human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and allow international observers to visit the occupied territory
He strongly condemned Indian state terrorism in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and paid tribute to the
and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla
martyrs of Kashmir in beautiful words He said the Kashmir conflict has once again been highlighted at the global level and voices have started to be raised regarding settlement of the dispute
The AJK Prime Minister expressed serious concern over the ongoing state terrorism in occupied Kashmir nefarious attempts to erase the identity of Kashmiri Muslims settlement of non-state residents blowing up the houses of freedom-loving Kashmiri people with explosives, illegal confiscation of properties and unjustified arrests of thousands of Kashmiri youth under the guise of the Pahalgam incident
He called upon the United Nations the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and freedom-loving nations around the world to put pressure on India to settle the Kashmir dispute
The delegation included Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, General Secretary Advocate Pervez Shah, Abdul Hameed Lone, Raja Khadim Hussain, Mushtaq-ul-Islam
