A B I N ET ’ S N O D A M I D H E AT E D P O L I T I C A L , L E G A L D E B AT E
g PM SHEHBAZ CHAIRS CABINET SESSION VIA VIDEO-LINK FROM BAKU TO APPROVE DRAFT A S ALLIES BACK THE BILL AIMING TO STREAMLINE CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS
g CABINET-APPROVED DRAFT TABLED IN SENATE WHICH WA S REFERRED TO NA, SENATE LAW PANELS FOR DETAILED REVIEW
g LAW MINISTER EMPHA SIZES DISCUSSIONS TO CONTINUE UNTIL A CONSENSUS REACHED AMONG ALL MEMBERS, INVITING OPPOSITION TO JOIN SESSION
ISLAMABAD
S a l e e m J a d o o n
IN a decisive move the federal government on Saturday accelerated the much-debated process for the 27th Constitutional Amendment, presenting the bill in the Senate immediately after federal cabinet approval
The step described by some critics as rushed triggered intense discussions in the parliamentary committees on law and justice, highlighting the complex interplay of politics, provincial rights, and judicial reforms in Pakistan
PML-N, PPP defend handling of 27th Amendment process G O V T P U S H E S 2 7 T H A M E N D B I L L I N S E N AT E A F T E R
g JOINT SESSION OF NA AND SENATE LAW COMMITTEES CONVENED; JUI-F MEMBERS BOYCOTT OVER PROVINCIAL RIGHTS CONCERNS
g PM ENGAGES ALLIES; OPPOSITION PTI AND JUI-F RAISE CONCERNS OVER PROVINCIAL RIGHTS, NFC SHARES AND TRANSPARENCY
The move has drawn both support from allied parties and sharp criticism from opposition and legal experts who view certain aspects as encroaching on provincial autonomy and the 18th Amendment
The draft, which has been under deliberation for over a decade, proposes significant structural changes, including the formation of a Federal Constitutional Court revisions in the appointment and transfer processes of high court judges adjustments to provincial cabinet thresholds, and modifications to the military leadership structure Committee Deliberations and Initial Reactions
PTI denounces 27th Amend as a ‘strike at very foundation of constitutional structure’
t Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday denounced the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment as a conspiracy against the Constitution,” refusing to participate in the parliamentary committee formed to scrutinize the bill Party leaders warned that the amendment threatens the independence of the judiciary, undermines provincial rights, and is being pushed through in haste without broad consultation or national consensus The proposed 27th Amendment is nothing short of a conspiracy against the Constitution that s why the entire process is being carried out hastily in complete disregard of democratic norms and parliamentary traditions Senator Ali Zafar told the media The amendments {strike at the very foundation} of the constitutional structure by undermining the judiciary and eroding the delicate balance of powers that the 1973 Constitution carefully created ” he regretted
After the Senate tabled the bill it was referred to the standing committees on law and justice which convened a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate committees to discuss its provisions However, two Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) members, Aliya
Opposition alliance announces nationwide protests against 27th Amendment
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-ePakistan (TTAP) a multi-party opposition alliance has announced a nationwide protest movement against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment just hours after the government introduced it in the upper house of Parliament Democratic institutions have been paralysed in Pakistan the nation must rise against the [proposed] 27th Amendment,” said
Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas in a statement Abbas accused the government of granting even more authority to the already powerful” through the proposed constitutional changes Alongside the MWM the TTAP alliance comprises the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC)
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t
The Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Saturday defended the government s handling of the 27th Constitutional Amendment rejecting claims that the process was being rushed through without adequate debate insisting the draft had undergone extensive scrutiny before being tabled in the Senate, following approval from the federal cabinet
Earlier in the day the bill for the 27th Constitutional Amendment was formally presented in the Senate and referred to the standing committees on law and justice for detailed review The committees are expected to hold joint sessions to deliberate on the proposed changes including the formation of a Federal Constitutional Court revisions to the appointment process of high court judges, adjustments to the provincial cabinet threshold and modifications to the military leadership structure
US WARNS IT COULD FORCE 20% FLIGHT CUTS IF SHUTDOWN CONTINUES
PIA flight operations disrupted after engineers
citing safety concerns grounding several flights and leaving passengers stranded nationwide The national carrier struggled to resume full operations even after 36 hours amid accusations that it had breached international aviation standards by engaging unauthorised third-party engineering services In response, the airline described the disruption as an attempt to derail its ongoing privatisation process “Management team along with key post holders of the Engineering Department immediately responded By using alternative means and working tirelessly overnight and the day restored the operations, thus mitigating the impact of already delayed flights for subsequent operations, PIA said in a statement The airline confirmed that five flights were cancelled with alternate arrangements made for affected passengers Two international flights PK783 Karachi–Toronto carrying 104 passengers and PK701 Islamabad–Manchester with 329 passengers departed on time Seven flights, however, faced delays ranging from four to 14 hours, including PK747 Lahore–Madinah (316 passengers) PK761 Karachi–Jeddah (160) PK300 Karachi – Islamabad (139) PK741 Islamabad–Madinah (305) PK233 Islamabad–Dubai (162) PK245 Islamabad–Dammam (180) and PK755 Sialkot–Riyadh (142)
satellite
OFIT s ta f f
e p o r t Elon Musk’s Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, secured its largest direct-to-cell deal yet with telecoms group Veon granting access to over 150 million potential customers both companies said on Thursday as competition in satellite-to-smartphone connectivity intensifies Direct-to-cell technology allows smartphones to connect to satellite networks in space that beam telephone signals back to Earth The market has gained momentum with significant investment aimed at closing coverage gaps in remote areas The deal will enable Veon to integrate Starlink s service into its networks starting with operators Beeline in Kazakhstan and Kyivstar in Ukraine Veon also operates in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan Kyivstar will launch the service in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Beeline following in 2026 The Kazakhstan agreement was announced during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev s visit to Washington on Thursday This is the biggest partnership in terms of addressable customer base in the world, Ilya Polshakov, Kyivstar s new business director who spearheaded Veon s
C hina suspends
expor t controls on rare ear ths and lif ts US impor t bans following trade talks
PR OFIT s ta f f r e p o r t
China announced a series of key trade adjustments on Friday, including the suspension of export controls on rare earths, superhard materials, and other strategic resources The move comes after recent trade talks between China and the United States in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and follows the implementation of new measures agreed upon by both countries The suspension includes the pause of four notices issued by China s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs (GAC) in October, which had imposed export controls on various materials, including rare earths lithium batteries and synthetic graphite anode materials This pause will remain in effect until November 10 2026 Additionally, China lifted the ban on U S log imports and reinstated soybean export qualifications for three U S companies, effective from November 10 2025 These moves were prompted by corrective measures taken by the U S to address prior issues such as the detection of harmful species in logs and the presence of contaminants in soybean shipments The actions reflect China’s com-
mitment to honoring trade agreements and its efforts to stabilize bilateral trade According to Chen Fengying a research fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, these moves demonstrate China s responsible trade practices and a willingness to uphold commitments in trade relations with the U S These actions will inject certainty and stability into the global economy, Chen said China s positive approach follows recent progress in China-U S trade relations with both sides adjusting tariff and non-tariff measures The U S also made significant moves
including reducing tariffs on fentanyl-related imports from China and extending the suspension of some reciprocal duties On November 10 China will suspend additional tariffs on certain U S imports for one year, while keeping some tariffs in place The adjustments are seen as a positive development underscoring the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the world s two largest economies The outcomes of the trade consultations were hailed as a breakthrough, and both countries are optimistic about further enhancing their economic and trade cooperation
SURGE IN DIRECT TA XES BOOSTS PAKISTAN’S TA
and lossmaking state-owned enterprises (SOEs) However, he expressed optimism about the country’s
Govt pushes 27th Amend Bill in S enate af ter c abinet ’s nod amid heated politic al, legal debate
To address delays in Senate elections and subsequent appointments of the chairman and deputy chairman, the bill introduces clauses ensuring clarity in the process preventing potential disputes Political Consultations and Approvals Before the Senate session Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the federal cabinet meeting via video link from Azerbaijan, where he was attending international engagements The cabinet approved the draft for the 27th Constitutional Amendment and welcomed the effort as a step toward strengthening federal-provincial relations and promoting national interests The prime minister emphasized that he had taken the guidance of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari into account while finalizing the draft
He also acknowledged support from allied party leaders including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari ANP President Aimal Wali Khan and PML-Zia head Ijazul Haq
dependence Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser also reiterated that the current parliament, lacking a full mandate, should not rush major constitutional changes Meanwhile JUI-F and MQM-P raised concerns over clauses that could diminish provincial autonomy and were pushing for robust local government structures, reflecting a persistent demand for greater devolution of powers Provincial Implications and Legal Experts’ Views The proposed amendment has triggered debate across provinces particularly regarding Article 243 and the provincial NFC shares While the PPP expressed conditional support for reforms affecting the military and constitutional courts, it firmly opposed any rollback of the 18th Amendment or provincial financial entitlements
draft proposes that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) handle judge transfers removing
while retain-
disputes
to
Provincial Cabinets: The bill proposes in-
the 11
advisers from
with an increase in
seven This change addresses concerns raised by most provinces except Punjab Military Leadership and Titles: Article 243, which gives the federal government control over armed forces, is also under review The amendment clarifies titles such as field marshal marshal of the air force and admiral of the fleet as honorary lifetime titles for national heroes distinct from operational appointments like COAS or chief of defense forces Responsibilities of these positions will be defined by Parliament post-appointment Elections and Upper House Procedures:
PM Shehbaz also consulted multiple ruling allies on Thursday, including top leadership of the PML-Q, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP), MQM-P, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and others to secure a consensus for the amendment The federal cabinet highlighted that joint efforts were made to ensure the amendment reflected the wider interests of the federation while strengthening relations with provinces Opposition Concerns and Criticism The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) strongly criticized the amendment terming it a potential encroachment on provincial rights
PTI leaders including Senator Ali Zafar questioned the timing and secrecy of the draft, arguing that the opposition had received the bill only on the day of the Senate session, leaving insufficient time for review PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed that certain provisions such as creating a court system subordinate to the federal government could undermine judicial in-
Legal experts have described the bill as ambitious noting that the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court could streamline constitutional disputes but might also require careful balancing to avoid overlapping with existing judicial structures Lawyers have cautioned that provincial buy-in and public consultation are critical to maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s federal framework Public and Institutional Feedback
The bill has sparked extensive discussions within the law ministry provincial governments, and civil society organizations Federal officials have highlighted that previous amendments, such as the 18th and 26th, involved extensive consultations while the current draft builds upon those discussions to modernize judicial and administrative processes
The law minister also noted that pending bills, including MQM-P s proposals on local governments and BAP s proposals on increasing assembly seats, will be discussed in conjunction with the 27th Amendment to ensure alignment with parliamentary priorities
The Senate and standing committees will reconvene on Sunday November 9 to continue deliberations
Progressing Privatisation
Preparing to sell the family silver The only border Aghanistan wants to revisit
THE Privatization Commission’s Board on Thursday met and took decisions to expedite the privatization of the House Building Finance Corporation, Pakistan International Airlines, and three international airports, those at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi While HBFC and PIA are at an advanced stage of sell-off, the airports are next All the decisions of the Board are to be ratified by the Cabinet Committee on Privatization, and then by the full Cabinet itself, but they are expected to go through as recommended HBFC is the closest to being privatized, through a negotiated sale to a single pre-qualified bidder approved in July 2023 to the Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Corporation Limited It would be more in the nature of a merger for the PMRCL is itself over 43 percent owned by government entities (the Finance Ministry and National Bank) and 0 16 percent of its shares are owned by HBFC itself The Board set a reference price which will be compared to the reference price submitted by the PMRCL It may be remembered that when the government tried to sell PIA last year, it received only one bid, of $36 million, which was far below the reference price of $305 milllion, so the sale fell through This time around, there is a great effort at making the sale, which may explain why the Board allowed the addition of AKD Group Holdings to join the consortium headed by Arif Habib Corporation With the auction date not set, but to take place before the end of the year, bringing in the AKD Group would be cutting a little fine The decision to sell off the airports management ahead of p;ower distribution companies is a little puzzling for the government had announced that it would sell off a number of distribution companies this year
The government’s seriousness in selling off the family silver is less out of ideological commitment than because of a commitment with the IMF It is true that the government has no business in the business of business, but the government needs to ensure that it is not carrying out privatizations just because the IMF told it to do so For example, now that PIA has turned a profit, the rationale for privatizing it, to get away from the losses it makes, is a little lost It should not be forgotten that once an asset is sold, it has gone forever, and there no chances of benefiting from it
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
SINCE the formation of Pakistan Afghanistan has nurtured an irredentist claim to the lands west of the Indus a misplaced dream rooted more in myth than in history From the Treaty of Gandamak (1879) to the Durand Agreement (1893), every major accord had already delimited Afghanistan’s authority long before Pakistan was born By the mid-19th century Afghan rule had receded from Punjab and Peshawar; by the Treaty of Gandamak it had surrendered control of its remaining frontier regions to the British, a concession that reshaped the political map of the region Modern Afghanistan itself had taken form only in the mid-18th century under Ahmad Shah Durrani whose brief empire stretched from Mashhad to Multan before fragmenting under the weight of tribal rivalries and imperial pressures The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) stands as one such defining moment in South Asian history On 26 May 1879, Emir Mohammad Yaqub Khan and Sir Pierre Louis Napoleon Cavagnari, representing the British Raj met in Gandamak a village near Jalalabad in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province to conclude an accord that would determine Afghanistan s fate for generations The Treaty of Gandamak ended hostilities and formalized new arrangements between Kabul and Calcutta Under its terms, key frontier regions including the Kurram Valley, the Khyber Pass, and adjoining tribal territories from Haft Chah to Landi Kotal came under
British control In return Afghanistan was recognized as a British protectorate; its foreign relations were placed under the supervision of the Government of India A permanent British mission was stationed in Kabul, and the Emir was granted an annual allowance of Rs 600,000, a gesture that symbolized subordination more than partnership marking Afghanistan’s entry into the Great Game of empires
The peace that followed the Treaty of Gandamak proved fleeting Afghanistan restless by temperament and circumstance, soon slipped back into turmoil On 3 September 1879, the newly established British mission in Kabul was attacked, and every member of the delegation was killed an incident that stunned the empire and shattered the fragile calm that had only just been achieved The British response was immediate and forceful; the conflict reignited and by 1880, after a hard-fought campaign, Afghanistan once again came under British influence
In the settlement that followed, Abdur Rahman Khan ascended the throne, a strong ruler navigating within the limits set by imperial power Thus unfolded one of the most consequential chapters of the 19th century s Great Game the enduring rivalry between Britain and Russia for mastery over Central Asia s passes, peoples, and prestige By this time, Afghanistan s borders were taking shape through a series of imperial bargains In the north the 1873 Anglo-Russian agreement established the Amu Darya River as the boundary though Russia s steady expansion led to further adjustments in 1888 when it occupied the Panjdeh Oasis Britain eventually conceded that territory, securing a promise from Russia not to advance further south To the west, the border with Iran was settled under the 1857 Treaty of Paris, with Britain acting as arbitrator between the two sides From 1872 to 1935 British commissions delineated the Afghan-Iranian border with remarkable precision The most consequential of these demarcations however, was the one to the east, the Durand Line In 1893, Emir Abdur Rahman Khan met with Sir Mortimer Durand, the British Indian Foreign Secretary, to define the frontier between Afghanistan and British
Yet, history holds its ironies The very frontier that once offered Afghans sanctuary in their darkest hours, sheltering millions who fled war, famine, and foreign occupation is the same line they now hesitate to acknowledge Borders, however, are not erased by sentiment or silence; they endure through law, history, and lived reality. The Durand Line, drawn in ink more than a century ago and sealed by time, remains not just a border but a testament to the region’s enduring struggle between geography, power and pride
India The agreement, known as the Durand Line Treaty, established a border that has since stood as one of the most debated lines in modern history Successive Afghan rulers including Habibullah Khan
TCountries from every continent including many from the Global South are not only engaging with China but actively seeking deeper economic ties Pakistan, for instance, has sent 20 companies to showcase textiles, marble, brassware, and other goods, hoping to expand its footprint in the Chinese market This is not just about trade It is about the architecture of globalization in a world that is increasingly multipolar China s approach to opening up- lowering tariffs expanding free trade agreements, and offering zero-tariff access to least developed countries and 53 African nations- signals a deliberate effort to shape a more inclusive global
sitioning itself not just as a manufacturing powerhouse or export juggernaut but as a vast and stable consumer market This shift matters For years the narrative around China s rise focused on its ability to produce cheaply and at scale Now the emphasis is on its capacity to absorb global goods and services, offering growth opportunities to countries that might otherwise be sidelined in a fragmented global economy The launch of the Sharing a Large Market Exporting to China brand at this year s expo captures this pivot It is a message to the world: China is open for business, and not just on its own terms The CIIE, which has facilitated over $500 billion in cumulative transactions since its inception in 2018 is becoming a kind of international public good It offers a platform for small and medium enterprises developing countries and niche industries to access one of the world s most dynamic markets Of course, none of this unfolds in a vacuum The global economy is still grappling with the aftershocks of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions The USA under President Trump continues to pursue a more transactional approach to trade often framed in terms of national security The European Union is navigating its own internal divisions while trying to maintain strategic autonomy In this context, China’s steady expansion of trade partnerships- now numbering 30- and its commitment to multilateralism stand out
There is a pragmatic logic to this China s domestic economy is undergoing a transition, with slower growth in some sectors and a push toward innovation and consumption-led expansion Opening up its market is not just a diplomatic gesture; it is an economic necessity But it is also a strategic choice By deepening ties with countries across Asia Africa Latin America and beyond China is building a network of
economic relationships that can buffer against external shocks and political headwinds The participation of countries like Bangladesh illustrates how this strategy plays out on the ground For Pakistan access to the Chinese market offers a lifeline amid economic challenges The CIIE provides a venue to showcase its industrial and cultural strengths from textiles to handicrafts, in a setting that values diversity and innovation This is not charity It is commerce, but commerce with a geopolitical edge As China strengthens its role as a buyer not just a seller it reshapes the incentives for global engagement Critics will argue that trade with China comes with strings attached Concerns about market access, intellectual property, and regulatory transparency persist But these are not unique to China They are part of the broader negotiation that defines global trade What matters is that China is offering a platform and many countries are choosing to participate That choice speaks volumes The CIIE also reflects a broader truth about globalization It is not dead It is evolving The old model- dominated by Western institutions and norms- is giving way to a more pluralistic system China’s role in this transition is both contested and consequential By hosting events like the CIIE and backing them with concrete policy measures, China is not just talking about openness It is institutionalizing it This does not mean the road ahead is smooth Trade tensions, political rivalries, and economic uncertainties will continue to shape the global landscape But the CIIE offers a glimpse of what a more balanced and inclusive globalization might look like It is a reminder that interdependence, while
of
Learning and living in China
DR ZAfAR KHAN SAfDAR
Shifting power dynamics in global politics
Indo -Pak relations fit the realist paradigm
grammar of global politics
what they can and the weak suffer what they must" He further elaborates that the rising power of Athens disrupt Sparta inciting a devastating conflict that ended in Athenian defeat and proved
states Through another lens, the Treaty of Westphalia (1618-1648) marked the turning point in global politics built upon the principle of the modern nation state It established the earliest boundaries of sover-
decisions unilaterally in their national Interest That was the transition that built the essence of Realism, where national inter-
World Wars I and II exposed the failure of idealism as power led to war by forming blocs like the Triple Entente and the Axis with states exerting power to secure their national interest This led to the emergence of realism In the era of indirect warfare the Cold War segregated the world into adversarial ideological blocs, as the USA and USSR confronted each other through proxy wars, nuclear deterrence, and global power chess The conflicts etched a truth in the global world order and proved that the balance of power and harsh realism of nuclear deterrence could ensure state survival in an anarchic world In the complex chessboard of international relations, strategic considerations often eclipse moral judgments with the strategic contest between the USA and China having established that as the core struggle of this era John Mearsheimer a prominent realist theorist, argues that The United States will go to great lengths to contain China and maintain its regional hegemony in Asia" The Indo-Pacific region has become a strategic conflict zone where hegemony defines power In an era where power determined security AUKUS has turned into a strategic pillar of realist geopolitical contest between the USA and China The trilateral pact with the USA, UK and Australia as members, it
In the 21st Century, modern conflicts have been switched from traditional warfare to non-kinetic warfare including cyber, propaganda, psychological and economic warfare Realism examines these tools as a strategic expansion of power in global politics Emerging bipolarity is marked by China’s Belt and Road Initiatives, the USIndia strategic partnership and Russia’s regional objective, escalating competition for dominance In South Asia, the Indo-Pak relationship also remains locked in a realist security dilemma The perpetual conflict between India and Pakistan in not a diplomatic collapse, it is realist power politics where survival supersedes the emotions In the harsh arena of global politics, power, survival and strategic tactics seem to prevail throughout the globe In 21st Century, states driven by self-interest, not ideals, acting with strategy and vigilance, will shape the world s turbulent course
has illustrated the realist logic of hard balancing, empowering Australia to possess nuclear powered submarines and enhanced defence power to deter China s rise of naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific It exemplifies self-help deterrence and alliance building as a core tactic for state security in an anarchic system The Geelong Treaty this July secured a 50 year UK-Australia submarine pact unveiling a strategic move to counter China amid the strategic flux of US priorities QUAD aligning the USA Australia Japan and India, has transformed the soft realism structure to counter China s rise in Indo-Pacific Despite lacking a formal strategic framework like AUKUS, it strengthens intelligence sharing maritime collaboration and organized military drills to resist China s dominance while remaining short of full scale warfare In June 2025, QUAD conducted its largest ever naval exercises near to South China Sea, engaging carrier strike forces, drones and anti-submarine systemd as evidence of cohesive deterrence Amid the dynamics of Realpolitik drills serve as strategic declarations Now shifting through another lens, recent PLA exercises revealed China s operational plan for a Taiwan Strait conflict The two-day military exercise conducted by the PLA in early April suggested a three-phase operational plan that the PLA is likely to adopt for a campaign against Taiwan The People s Liberation Army (PLA) China s joint military force served as the critical tool of Beijing s hard power In April, the PLA organized "Strait Thunder - 2025/A", a large-scale strategic exercise which included demonstration of missile strikes naval blockades and combined sea land operations near Taiwan Through a Realist lens such drills reflect China s commit to deter the US alliances of AUKUS and QUAD by military strength and secure its national interest through force, if required While others formed alliances China initiates infrastructure as a silent weapon in the global power competition China s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) renewed momentum in 2025 through new infrastructure deals among global trade regions Recently, China strengthened ties in Central Asia and Africa with major agreements in Kazakhstan and Egypt focused on digital networks energy and transport In April it launched a direct shipping route from
“WHAT is soft power made in Germany? asks the CEO of the Goethe-Institut in its latest editorial It’s an apt question given the institution s self-proclaimed mission to send a message of resilience in less liberal societies But for an organisation so invested in the liberal ideals of peace and security, its silence on Gaza speaks volumes The Goethe-Institut gestures vaguely toward “war” and “upheaval” in the Middle East yet the live-streamed atrocity in which Germany is directly complicit is apparently not a dark enough chapter to confront On 10 October 2023, the Goethe-Institut published a statement condemning the "inhumane Hamas attacks," calling for the unconditional release of the hostages and affirming its solidarity with Israel
I worked for the Goethe-Institut in Lebanon from 2023 until June 2025 In one of the first crisis meetings shortly after 7 October, we discussed the implications the events might have on our work Someone raised the question of the institute’s support for Israel and what would be expected of employees A perplexed management was genuinely unable to guarantee protection for private social media activity if it was deemed to cross the red lines What these were was not spelt out This discussion took place before the bombing of the Al-Ahli hospital I mention this date because back then I still held the
foolish belief that there existed a point of overreach when Israel’s sadism and cruelty would become undeniable Even for liberals Even for Germans In 2025 we know that no sadism is enough Two consecutive years of genocide: charred bodies, raped prisoners, dismembered children, bombed hospitals, tents, mosques and universities, amputations without anaesthetics, starving families, explosive robots complete obliteration Still German institutions stand firm in their support of the genocidal entity
On 18 October 2023 the day after the first hospital bombing, I did not go to work As the genocide started to unfold in those early weeks, I was advised to seek psychological counselling because “clearly this [Gaza] is what is bothering you ” But what was bothering me was that it was not bothering them During an all-staff meeting in January 2024, I asked the regional director why an organisation claiming to promote cultural understanding and education was not making any statement against the genocide in Gaza I was flatly told that the Goethe-Institut is not a political organisation I asked why then it had issued a statement in support of Israel after October 7 Good point , was the reply I received Ironic that two years later, when they no longer bother to pretend, the CEO willingly describes the institution as a soft power tool in the “interplay of politics and culture” On that occasion there were two other interventions: one person stated that this was work and should not be mixed with politics; the other praised institutions maintaining neutrality in conflicts The majority remained silent Later that month, employees of the institute in Amman initiated an effort to mobilise
across the region In line with liberal best practice, the organisers had requested approval from management before reaching out and politely asked whether they were allowed to exclude the institute in Israel from participation This compliance-seeking behaviour would turn out to be all-pervasive
As a result, the initial push never turned into anything concrete No one who held a midto higher-management position ever attended; others were either too fearful of repercussions or too opportunistic to risk missing the next step on the career ladder I left the group after realising with immense frustration that nothing more than rage on a leash was being practised: members insisted on using all the proper channels of course creating as little disruption as possible My demand to reject any connection and cooperation with institutions in Israel was immediately dismissed under the banner of it s never going to happen
In August 2024, a company-wide internal update on the “situation in Israel/Palestine” sparked a debacle I commented on the post with a list of resources on the genocide; a couple of other colleagues from Palestine and Jordan doubled down and Zionist feelings were hurt
The anonymous Internal Communication team stepped in, finger-wagging, urging everyone to respect colleagues with differing opinions They stated: “The term genocide is complex and controversial South Africa accused Israel of genocide at the ICJ but Israel categorically denies this accusation The ICJ is currently investigating A verdict has not yet been reached The Goethe-Institut does not use the term genocide in their official communication ” On 16 September 2025 when the UN
Guangzhou to Peru s Chancay port thus enhancing its influence in Latin America, apart from lowering logistics costs BRI is a Realpolitik-driven plan to enhance China’s power by constructing railways trade corridors and ports In anarchic system states use every instrument of power including economic strategy to secure their national interest without entirely depending on military force
The 20th Century proved that realism excelled not in peace but in everlasting struggle where proxy wars became the strategic weapons of global supremacy Navigating under the veil of nuclear deterrence the USA and the USSR evaded open conflict but extended power through proxy wars, including the Korean War (19501953) where contending regimes were weaponized to secure dominance the Vietnam War (1955-1975) in which Washington struggled to contain communist expansion In the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002) where both global powers endorsed opposing blocs in Africa, and the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) also witnessed competitors for strategic hegemony by facilitating antagonist Afghan factions without direct conflict Proxy wars elucidated the realist
published its findings affirming Israel’s genocide in Gaza the last of many international bodies to do so I remembered that reprimand its sheer arrogance and contempt When Israel started bombing Beirut in September 2024 I incidentally ended up on a call with the then director of the institute in Ramallah She lamented the situation: “If only one could do something” I told her she very well could by refusing cooperation with Israel Such an option seemed illogical to her: the institute s presence in Tel Aviv was necessary to amplify dissenting voices in Israel! And right here lies the purpose of the
eral buffer zone: they lend cover to the false narrative of the other Israel
Syed Laique Haider
TEHRAN MAY BE EVACUATED IF DROUGHT PERSISTS, WARNS IRANIAN PRESIDENT
Pakistan’s Strategic Pivot: The Saudi Defence Gamble
South Asia While officials from both countries were quick to emphasize that nuclear cooperation is not part of the arrangement, the symbolism of Pakistan’s nuclear status inevitably influences perceptions As the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear
represents a powerful security partner for Riyadh especially at a time when Saudi Arabia is rethinking its reliance on U S protection The agreement reportedly includes provisions for intelligence-sharing, joint military training and greater defense coordination building on a long history of military cooperation in which Pakistan has provided training and advisors to Saudi forces For Islamabad the pact is significant because it ensures the continuation of Saudi financial support, energy cooperation, and political backing in international forums benefits that are particularly important as Pakistan struggles with economic instability inflation and debt
The deal also enhances Pakistan s standing in the Muslim world offering it a more influential role in Middle Eastern affairs More broadly, this agreement reflects each country s effort to adapt to an evolving regional environment: for Saudi Arabia, diversification of security partnerships; for Pakistan diversification of foreign alliances
The ripple effects of the Saudi-Pakistan pact extend across the Middle East and South Asia For Iran, the agreement is likely to be seen as a direct challenge, heightening suspicions about encirclement and potentially intensifying tensions along the Pakistan-Iran border, where clashes with smugglers and militants are already common For Israel and Gulf neighbors such as the United Arab Emirates Riyadh s outreach to Islamabad signals a diversification of defense links beyond Washington, which could complicate regional calculations At the same time, the pact allows Pakistan to broaden its foreign policy base Although its relationship with China remains central through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Islamabad is keen to avoid overdependence and has sought stronger links with Gulf states for both financial and strategic reasons The pact enhances Pakistan’s diplomatic
weight in the Middle East giving it potential roles in mediation and peacekeeping while reassuring it of sustained financial support from Riyadh In South Asia, the effects are equally significant India has been cultivating closer ties with Gulf countries, but Pakistan’s renewed defense partnership with Saudi Arabia complicates New Delhi’s efforts to establish exclusive influence in the region While the pact does not directly alter the Kashmir conflict, it indirectly strengthens Pakistan s deterrence posture and bolsters its confidence in international diplomacy The message is clear: Pakistan enjoys powerful allies beyond its immediate neighborhood thereby influencing India s strategic calculations Despite the benefits the pact presents Pakistan with serious challenges A major concern is diplomatic balancing: too close an alignment with Saudi Arabia risks complicating ties with Iran, Turkey, China, and even the United States There is also the economic burden of expanded military cooperation which could strain Pakistan’s already fragile finances Domestically citizens may question whether the pact drags Pakistan into Middle Eastern rivalries particularly the Saudi-Iran conflict at a time when the nation faces pressing internal issues such as militancy
D alit scholar ’s PhD withheld at Kerala varsity amid entrenched c asteism in
Indian ac ademia
TRIVANDRUM
Ag e n c e s
In yet another troubling case of caste discrimination and academic harassment in Modi’s India, the PhD degree of Dalit research scholar Vipin Vijayan from Kerala University has been withheld by the Dean of the Sanskrit Department, Dr CN Vijayakumari, despite his fulfillment of all formal academic requirements According to Kashmir Media Service Vijayan who completed his M Phil and PhD research under the same professor ’s supervision, said that the Dean refused to forward his PhD file for approval and made casteist remarks questioning his right to study Sanskrit She told me that a Pulayan or Parayan can never master Sanskrit the way a Brahmin does he wrote in a detailed social media statement, calling the experience emotionally devastating and academically humiliating ” The scholar said that although his thesis Sadgurusarvasam: A Study was approved by two external examiners appointed by the ViceChancellor, the Dean blocked his final vivavoce certification stating he was not qualified to even speak Sanskrit Vijayan said he possesses postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit from Sree Sankaracharya University and Kerala University itself He said that caste and political bias motivated the obstruction, noting that he was once a member of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) while Dr Vijayakumari is openly aligned with RSS–BJP ideology and a member of a Sangh-affiliated teachers’ body “If I am politically biased
Pakistan-Iran cinematic collaboration eyed as Punjab announces Film City projec t
LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari on Saturday highlighted the growing potential for cultural and cinematic collaboration between Pakistan and Iran suggesting that filmmakers from both countries could jointly produce a world-class feature film on the life and philosophy of Allama Iqbal The minister also announced the Punjab government s approval for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Film City, with work on the project set to begin soon, opening new avenues for
bilateral cooperation in media and arts
Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Iranian Consul General in Lahore, Minister Bokhari said that the possibility of Iranian collaboration in the Film City project will be formally presented before the Film City Committee She noted that the Institute of Development and Planning (IDAP) has already completed the design for the ambitious initiative Pakistani producers are eager to bring Iqbal’s vision to the big screen, and Iran with its cinematic expertise can play a key role in this co-production venture she said The minister further urged Iran-
ian investors to consider setting up display centers for Iranian carpets in Punjab citing strong market demand and significant investment opportunities in this sector
The dinner was attended by a high-level Iranian delegation including Dr Ahmad Noroozi Director for Overseas Affairs Abbas Mohammadnejad Murtaza Shamsi and Ali Mohammed Nafchi Pakistani officials present included Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani Additional Secretary Culture Muhammad Nawaz Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed and DGPR Fareed Ahmed
National leadership prominent institutions and civil society on Saturday paid rich tribute to Poet-Philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal, underscoring that his vision of selfhood, freedom and dignity continues to inspire Pakistan’s
Muslims of the subcontinent to their distinct identity and gave them the dream of an independent homeland rooted in spiritual, moral and collective revival Ayaz Sadiq urged the country’s youth to internalize Iqbal’s teachings of selfhood and self-respect emphasizing that national
M H A I L S PA K I S TA N - T U R K I Y E , A Z E R B A I J A N B R O T H E R H O O D AT A Z E R B A I J A N V I C T O R Y D AY
Pakistan, Turkiye vow deeper strategic par tnership as PM pushes regional outreach
BAKU/ISLAMABAD
S
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a high-profile meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day Parade using the occasion to push forward Pakistan s strategic outreach in the region and reaffirm a deeper, broadened partnership with Turkiye, according to state media The meeting also attended by Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir underscored Islamabad s intent to elevate its political, defense, economic, and investment ties with Ankara at a time of shifting regional alignments, said a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Saturday
During the talks the two leaders
reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Türkiye relations and reiterated their shared resolve to further strengthen cooperation across all priority sectors The prime minister conveyed warm felicitations to President Erdogan and the people of Turkiye on Republic Day, praising the spirited observance of Pakistan–Türkiye Friendship Week which he said reflected the depth and resilience of the two nations longstanding fraternal ties the statement said Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to transforming this historic relationship into an expanded future-focused partnership encompassing defence trade investment political engagement and people-to-people exchanges It was also agreed that a ministerial-level delegation from Turkiye would visit Pakistan soon to accelerate cooperation in these areas
baijan,
under the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, responded to the call of history five years ago and liberated their ancestral lands of Karabakh The world witnessed in awe as Azerbaijan s brave armed forces reclaimed their majestic lands, and throughout this struggle, Pakistan stood like a rock beside its brotherly country Azerbaijan ” he said The prime minister described Azerbaijan s victory as a glorious vindication of a just cause and a beacon of hope for nations striving for sovereignty and self-determination, specifically citing the people of Gaza and Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
aircraft in lightning speed defending the motherland with unparalleled precision, he said
