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PM CALLS FOR SWIFT ACTION TO BRING AN END TO PALESTINIAN GENOCIDE Tuesday, 12 November, 2024 I | 9 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
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Urges world’s help for accountability of unabated Israeli war crimes
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PM Shehbaz to visit to Baku, Azerbaijan to attend COP29 Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will visit Baku, Azerbaijan on 1213 November 2024 to participate in the “World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit” of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and other senior officials. The Prime Minister will address the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on 13 November 2024. He will also attend several High-Level events on the
sidelines of the Summit, and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders. Several high-level events and roundtable discussions hosted by Pakistan will also take place at the Pakistan Pavilion during COP29. At the COP29, Pakistan will call for balanced and ambitious progress on all issues such as loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation. It will seek predictable financing to address developing countries’ climate goals. Pakistan will also underscore the historical responsibility and the principle of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibility and call on developed nations to undertake deeper emission cuts.
sistance and protection,” he said. “International humanitarian laws meant to protect the vulnerable have been torn to shreds,” PM Shehbaz said. “Humanity is being tested and failing. Is it any wonder then that after decades of suffering and oppression, the spirit of resistance remains unbridled?” The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment and unwavering support to “establish an independent, viable and contiguous State of Palestine with Al-Quds Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.” He
stated that Palestinian self-determination is “the only avenue towards justice and durable peace in the Holy Land”. The PM also condemned Israeli military action in Iran and Lebanon, warning: “Such escalations constitute a dangerous threat that could unleash a broader war.” “As the Ummah, we are bound by duty, by faith and by our conscience to stand resolutely with the people of Palestine more than ever before,” Shehbaz said. “We must not let this systematic genocide and aggression persist.”
ISLAMABAD
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RIYADH
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a speech to the Arab-Islamic Summit on Monday, denouncing Israeli aggression in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran and reiterating Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the people of Palestine. Arab and Muslim leaders have gathered in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a summit addressing the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, a chance to send a message to US president-elect Donald Trump. PM Shehbaz, who left for Riyadh on Sunday, addressed the summit and pointed out the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza. “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a level beyond imagination,” he said. “For over one year, the occupied
Palestinian territories, especially Gaza, have fallen in endless darkness and despair with devastated homes, lives lost and families torn apart”. “These atrocities committed against the Palestinians have rightfully been labelled as genocide, not only by the media but the International Court of Justice,” the prime minister added. “With each passing day, every moral code is flagrantly violated by Israel. yet the killing and destruction continue with no end in sight. I ask … how long will this annihilation be ignored?” PM Shehbaz then noted that Israel has become emboldened by the “world’s indifference and inaction,” lamenting that calls for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian relief have fallen on deaf ears. “The most sophisticated weapons continue to be supplied to Israel. Indeed, it has been assured of unconditional as-
Justice Mansoor questions legitimacy of regular bench handling Constitutional cases ISLAMABAD
Chief of Australian Army lauds Pakistan’s efforts in countering terrorism RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT
Amid ongoing uncertainty about the future of various cases in light of the issue surrounding constitutional benches, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, has questioned the constitutionality of the existing benches until designated constitutional ones are formed. “Until a constitutional bench is established, are we unconstitutional?” Justice Mansoor asked during the hearing of a tax-related case in the apex court on Monday. The case was being heard by a three-member bench, which also included Justices Ayesha Malik and Aqeel Abbasi. His comments come after the ruling coalition pushed through the 26th Amendment in both the National Assembly and the Senate last month. This amendment includes provisions for the establishment of designated constitutional benches at the Supreme Court and high courts. The controversial constitutional changes have sparked confusion regarding the future of pending cases and the jurisdiction of the benches hearing them. During the hearing, Justice Ayesha pointed out that the bench led by Justice Mansoor was an “ordinary” one, and the case should ideally be heard by a constitutional bench. In response, Justice Mansoor remarked, “At present, there is no constitutional bench, so what should be done with this ‘unconstitutional bench’?” He further questioned whether constitutional cases should remain on hold until the designated benches are formed, stating that even if they proceeded with the case, no one could challenge their decisions. “Even if we decide the case, what will happen? Who is going to stop us? […] The review will also come to us, and then we can affirm our jurisdiction,” he said, adding that the debate over whether a case should be heard by a regular or constitutional bench had been raised multiple times.
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir in Rawalpindi on Monday to discuss global and regional security issues and mutual defence cooperation. During the meeting, both military leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral relations to promote shared goals of peace and stability. General Munir expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for its ties with Australia, saying, “We value our relationship with Australia and the role it plays in fostering peace and stability.” Lieutenant General Stuart commended Pakistan’s counterter-
rorism efforts and expressed his commitment to deepening bilateral defence and security cooperation. Both sides reiterated their resolve to enhance collaboration to support regional and global peace efforts. Earlier, Lieutenant General Stuart laid a floral wreath at the Yadgare-Shuhada, a memorial for
Pakistan’s fallen soldiers, upon his arrival at the General Headquarters (GHQ). He was received with a guard of honour by a Pakistan Army contingent. The visit marks a commitment to expanding security ties between Australia and Pakistan, focusing on mutual interest areas in defence and counterterrorism.
China vows to thwart all efforts to ‘sabotage relations with Pakistan BEIJING
MIAN ABRAR
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, on Monday, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Pakistan, saying no efforts to undermine the trust and cooperation between the two countries would succeed. Addressing a regular press conference at Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Lin assured that China
would continue backing Pakistan’s counterterrorism actions and would “steadfastly protect” Chinese nationals and institutions abroad. He added, “China and Pakistan remain committed to defeating any schemes to sabotage our relations and bringing terrorists to justice.” Describing the China-Pakistan partnership as an “evergreen strategic cooperative partnership,” Lin emphasised the strength of mutual trust between the two nations. “Any attempt to weaken our mutual trust and coop-
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Says Israel has become emboldened by ‘world’s indifference and inaction’
STAFF REPORT
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No ban on broadcasting Imran Khan’s name: Pemra LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has submitted a written response to the Lahore High Court (LHC), denying any directive or ban on broadcasting the name of the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan on television. The response came as Justice Farooq Haider heard a petition filed by PTI member Akmal Khan Bari, alleging a restriction on using the PTI founder’s name in television broadcasts. PEMRA, however, clarified that it had issued no notification or order to this effect. In its detailed report to the court, PEMRA stated that the petitioner failed to present evidence of any such restriction imposed by the regulatory authority. PEMRA also argued that the petitioner’s case is pending within PEMRA’s own proceedings, and thus the application before the Lahore High Court is inadmissible. The federal government’s counsel supported this view, stating that, per PEMRA’s ordinance, the case does not qualify for court hearing. With the petitioner’s lawyer absent, an assisting attorney informed the court of the lawyer’s commitments at the Supreme Court. Following these proceedings, the court postponed the case indefinitely. The petition argues that news channels are violating fundamental rights by refraining from mentioning the PTI founder’s name and urges the court to direct media outlets to lift the alleged restriction. Imran Khan being provided all jail facilities, IHC told The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday dispossed of the petition seeking better facilities and access to meetings for former prime minister (PTI) Imran Khan after jail authorities assured court. Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir issued the written order after hearing the petition filed by Noreen Niazi. The written order read that authorities at Adiala Jail had provided Imran Khan with all necessary facilities as per judicial directions and prison rules. The detailed report submitted to the court by the Superintendent of Adiala Jail assured that Khan, like other prisoners, had been granted the ability to meet with visitors, which had previously been restricted by the Punjab Home Department due to concerns over terrorist attacks. Furthermore, the jail authorities mentioned that Khan had appointed a coordinator, in line with court orders, for any future meeting requests. Deputy Superintendent of the Jail clarified that Khan, as well as other prisoners, were provided with all jail amenities according to the rules, and that the assurances were given in accordance with the judicial order. The lawyers representing the petitioner expressed satisfaction with the jail authorities’ statements and the court’s order. As a result, the petition for improved facilities and unrestricted visits was dismissed. Last month, IHC instructed the Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure that Imran Khan is provided with all the facilities he is entitled to according to the jail manual. eration will not succeed,” he declared. He further noted China’s ongoing commitment to Pakistan’s economic and social progress, adding that cooperation across various sectors would persist, aiming to benefit the people of both nations. “China reiterates that terrorism is a common enemy of humanity. It’s the shared responsibility of the international community to fight terrorism and prevent tragedies from happening again. China will continue to support Pakistan in fighting terrorism,” he said. “We are firm in our commitment to protecting the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions overseas. China and Pakistan have the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm China-Pakistan relations and ensure that terrorists will pay the price,” he said.
Mastermind of Karachi airport suicide attack nabbed KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Home Minister Sindh Mr Ziaul Hassan Lanjar announced on Monday that four suspects, including the mastermind behind the suicide bombing near Karachi airport that targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers, have been arrested. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi alongside Sindh Inspector General of Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, Minister Lanjar provided details of the arrests of suspects involved in the attack. “Javed alias Sami, who is the mastermind of the [airport] attack, and the woman facilitator Gul Nisa were arrested from RCD highway [which connects Karachi to Quetta],” the provincial minister said while addressing the press conference. The main suspect, identified as Javed, was responsible for coordinating the operation, including conducting reconnaissance and gathering information on the Chinese nationals’ movements, Lanjar stated.
He confirmed that two Chinese engineers were among the three people killed in the bombing, while 11 others were injured. The attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an outlawed separatist group. Lanjar identified the suicide bomber as Shah Fahad, whose body was largely destroyed in the explosion. “CCTV footage helped identify the bomber and two of his accomplices. Fragments of the vehicle used in the attack were also recovered from the scene,” he added. He pointed out that the investigation revealed Javed’s direct involvement in the suicide bombing, while Gul Nisa had facilitated him. He said that the investigators recovered the chassis number and registration plate, which belonged to a double-cabin vehicle, from the spot. The home minister added that the vehicle, used in the attack, was purchased for Rs7.1 million from a showroom in Karachi and transferred under the suicide bomber’s name. “The payment was transferred through a private bank in Hub, Balochistan,”
he added. Lanjar further said that the suicide bomber, Shah Fahad, was identified through his fingerprints “since his face and much of his torso were burnt during the explosion.” Citing further investigation, he said that the suicide bomber had arrived in Karachi in the same vehicle along with a woman on Oct 4, and stayed at a local hotel in Saddar. During the night of the attack, the minister said, Javed — who was inside the airport — alerted the attacker via phone when the Chinese convoy exited the airport. “As the Chinese convoy reached a short distance from the airport, the suicide attacker drove the explosives-laden vehicle close to them and detonated it,” the minister added. Furthermore, he said, two more suspects — identified as rickshaw driver Farhan and Muhammad Saeed — were also accomplices in the blast. Meanwhile, the law enforcers have also identified three more terrorists — Danish, Gul Rehman, and Bashir Zaid — who were involved in the attack and are still at large.
The provincial minister also lauded the efforts of CTD and Sindh police and announced a Rs50m reward for them, saying
he would recommend them for the Quaid-eAzam Police Medal (QPM) as well as the President’s Police Medal (PPM).
QUETTA: In a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Balochistan on Monday, authorities have arrested two suspected suicide bombers allegedly planning attacks on security forces and foreign nationals. The operations also led to the capture of the mastermind behind a foiled suicide attack targeting Chinese engineers near Karachi Airport. This suspect was apprehended in Windar, a town in Balochistan, as part of ongoing efforts to counter regional threats to security. In addition to these high-profile arrests, security forces detained four other suspects from various locations in Balochistan, fur-
ther disrupting planned acts of terrorism. Sources indicate that these individuals were part of coordinated efforts aimed at destabilizing security in Karachi, particularly with planned attacks on key installations and foreign personnel working in the region. These arrests come shortly after a deadly explosion at Quetta’s railway station on Saturday, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people and injured more than 40 others, including women and children. Commissioner Quetta, Hamza Shafqaat, reported that the blast occurred at 8:25 am as the Jaffar Express was preparing to depart. STAFF REPORT
Balochistan operations lead to arrest of suicide bombers, Karachi plotter