g CHANGES TO ARTICLE 243 RESHAPE MILITARY COMMAND AND INTRODUCE NEW HONORARY RANKS
g OPPOSITION ALLEGES ‘ HA STE, DECEIT AND FRAUD ’ IN PUSHING AMENDMENT WITH PTI, JUI-F DEFECTING MEMBERS SPARK DEFECTION ROW UNDER ARTICLE 63-A
Justice Aminuddin named inaugural Chief Justice of newly-established FCC
g SENATE RE-APPROVES AMENDMENT AMID OPPOSITION PROTESTS AFTER NA PA SSES REVISED DRAFT WITH 234 IN FAVOUR, FOUR AGAINST
g LAW MINISTER, DEPUTY PM STRESS LEGAL PROCESS FOR DISQUALIFICATION AND VOTING RIGHTS OF DEFECTORS
Cabinet greenlights key
s disclosure at the PSX Mari said that the blocks have been awarded after competitive bidding on the basis of work units committed by various exploration and production (E&P) companies in the Pakistan E&P Offshore Bid Round 2025 (October) conducted by Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions Mari Energies has entered into partnership with Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company Limited (TPOC), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) Prime Global Energies Limited (Prime) United Energy Pakistan
(2466-10) in the Indus Offshore Basin has been awarded with OGDCL as operator holding 32 percent working interest, while MariEnergies and PPL each hold 24 percent and Prime has 20 percent The Kochi Creek Block (23668) also in Indus Offshore is operated by PPL at 40 percent with MariEnergies and OGDCL holding 30 percent each The Keti Bandar Block (2367-6) mirrors the Binn Qasim structure, with OGDCL operating at 32 percent and MariEnergies and PPL sharing 24 percent each alongside Prime at 20 percent MariEnergies will serve as operator of the Behr Block (2366-9) in Indus Offshore with a 40 percent interest, while OGDCL and PPL each hold 30 percent The Zarrar Block (2267-3) also in Indus Offshore has MariEnergies operating at 32 percent with OGDCL and PPL holding 24 percent apiece and Prime at 20 percent In Gharo Creek Block (2466-9), PPL holds operatorship with 40 percent, while MariEnergies and OGDCL each hold 30 percent Offshore Deep A (2266-14) in Indus Offshore has been awarded with MariEnergies as operator at 60 percent, working alongside UEP at 30 percent and OPI at 10 percent Offshore Deep C (2366-10) has MariEnergies operating at 70 percent with TPOC and Fatima each holding 15 percent Offshore Deep D (2366-11) is operated by MariEnergies at 40 percent, while OGDCL and PPL each hold 30 percent In Offshore Ultra Deep B (226613) MariEnergies will operate with a 60 percent interest followed by UEP at 30 percent and OPI at 10 percent Offshore Deep E (2266-15) also has MariEnergies at 60 percent with the
same JV structure of UEP at 30 percent and OPI at 10 percent Offshore Deep F (2366-12) is similarly structured, with MariEnergies operating at 70 percent alongside TPOC and Fatima at 15 percent each The Sapat Bandar Block (2465-5) in the Makran Offshore Basin has Prime as operator with 31 percent interest, while MariEnergies, OGDCL and PPL each hold 23 percent
The remaining ten blocks in the Makran Offshore Basin have been awarded entirely to MariEnergies with 100 percent working interest These include Makran Offshore Ultra Deep-I (2462-3), Ultra Deep-II (2362-2), Ultra Deep-III (2463-1), Ultra Deep-IV (2362-1) Ultra Deep-V (2363-1) Ultra Deep-VI (2361-2) Ultra Deep-VII (2362-4) Ultra Deep-VIII (2362-3) Ultra Deep-IX (2462-4) and Ultra Deep-X (2361-1) Mari Energies stated that formal award of the blocks remains conditional on the government’s grant of Petroleum Exploration Licenses execution of Production Sharing Agreements and the signing of Joint Operating Agreements between all JV partners The company added that completion of legal and procedural steps is required before exploration can commence
The company said that the acquisition of these offshore exploration blocks is a part of its long-term strategy where it aims to not only find new hydrocarbon resources but also to largely contribute towards energy security of Pakistan The acquired blocks together with various consortiums will allow systematic exploration of multiple untested hydrocarbon plays across both the Indus and Makran basins
Zardari signs ‘contentious ’ 27th Amendment into law amid widespread debate Govt
CONTINUED FR OM PAGE 01
Senate gives final nod amid opposition uproar
The president’s assent came only hours after the Senate approved the amendment for the second time amid raucous scenes and strong opposition protests Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani announcing the result, declared that 64 votes were cast in favour of the bill and four against it, meeting the constitutional requirement of a twothirds majority
The motion is carried by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the Senate, and consequently, the bill stands passed,” Gilani ruled after both clause-by-clause and division voting were completed During the session opposition members shouted slogans of Aain
ki tabahi, na manzoor” (“Destruction of the Constitution, unacceptable”), forcing the chair to repeatedly call for order
The bill was initially passed by the Senate earlier in the week and sent to the National Assembly, which endorsed it with eight amendments before returning it to the upper house for ratification of the changes Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar while tabling the bill again explained that the amendments were designed to harmonize the constitutional and defence framework with the newly approved 27th Amendment
He clarified that the incumbent Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) would continue to hold his current position but after his retirement the senior-most among the top judges of the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court would assume the title of CJP
Under the revised Article 6, dealing with high treason, the law minister stated “Any court in Pakistan be it the Federal Constitutional Court the Supreme Court or a High Court cannot validate the abrogation of the Constitution He stressed that the amendment was designed to “forever block the path to martial law and strengthen democracy ” Opposition objections and defection row
However the debate quickly turned acrimonious
COMMENT
27th Amendment
TH E need felt by the government for further tweaks to the 27th Amendment, which led to its having to go back to the Senate for passage again, shows the sort of haste with which the Act was passed That the government will face procedural challenges can be seen from the claim by PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan that the party has expelled the party’s sole floorcrosser Though the offending Senator has not resigned and remains listed by the Senate website as a member, grounds have come been created for challenging the passage of the amendment Though the courts have usually hesitated to take up such procedural challenges, unless the government can come up with another floorcrosser, there may be problems One of the amendments in the National Assembly best symbolzes what the government has tried to do: the Chief Justice of Pakistan will be that chief justice of the Supreme Court or the new Federal Constitutional Court who shall be senior The stage has been set for a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who will not be Chief Justice of Pakistan Even where the Chief Justice of the Supreme is Chief Justice of Pakistan he will be bound like his brother judges by the verdicts of the Constitutional Court In short the Supreme Court will no longer be supreme, and this has agitated not just the opposition but also the legal fraternity
The leader of the Anjuman Tahaffuz Ain Pakistan, and the PTI s nominee to replace the disqualified Umar Ayub as National Assembly Opposition Leader, Mahmood Achackzai told the government after the passage of the Bill by the National Assembly “we will make your life miserable ” He was primarily speaking about the movement which the opposition plans to launch from Friday, but the Opposition can also make things pretty hot in the House if it puts its mind to it
The PTI argues that the basic structure of the Constitution has been violated, because the judiciary is no longer free The Supreme Court is supposed to defend the Constitution but then so does the Constitutional Court Which has jurisdiction This is the issue facing the SC Constitutional Bench hearing the 26th Amendment case That too has been challenged as violating the Constitution s basic structure, but has not attained a decision Though it may now never be decided as infructuous the arguments and concepts raised in it are likely to inform the apparently inevitable court proceedings over this 27th Amendment
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late)
Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Iof Asia and the Middle East, has recently secured a string of diplomatic victories that have reignited optimism among its leadership and inspired hope across its citizenry From renewed engagement with the USA symbolized by high-profile meetings in Washington, to strategic realignments with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners, Pakistan has demonstrated its ability to engage the complexities of global politics with skill and foresight These achievements are more than diplomatic victories; if used wisely they can reshape Pakistan s economy and society The USA, long a critical player in Pakistan s strategic calculus, has re-engaged with Pakistan in a manner that transcends traditional diplomacy Beyond symbolic gestures, such as hosting Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership at the White House concrete outcomes have begun to materialize Agreements to facilitate mineral investments the easing of trade restrictions, and collaborative initiatives in technology and defence illustrate a renewed recognition of Pakistan as a vital partner in a region marked by volatility
Simultaneously the recent pact with Saudi Arabia emphasizing economic cooperation energy security and mutual investment underscores Pakistan s ability to diversify its international relationships and reduce dependency on any single power These diplomatic manoeuvres reflect a sophisticated understanding of global dynamics balancing ties with the USA China and regional actors to maintain strategic flexibility Yet while the world applauds Pakistan s rising profile, a more sober reality unfolds at home With a population exceeding 250 million, the country faces an employment crisis that threatens its long-term stability Recent government data indicates that youth unemployment hovers around 9 86 percent disproportionately affecting highly educated individuals Comparisons with regional neighbours illuminate the challenge: India, with a youth unemployment rate of approximately 7 5 percent and Bangladesh at around 6 8 percent have implemented targeted skill development and entrepreneurship programmes that have moderated unemployment whereas Pakistan struggles with a persistent skills mismatch and underutilized human potential
TH E 27th Amendment didn’t represent so much as a tweak to the Constitution as a major overhaul with an attempt to overhaul two institutions the judiciary and the Higher Defence Organization At the same time the introduction of a constitutional court is meant to safeguard against another bout of martial law, which was one of the motives behind the very first HDO It is one of the vagaries of history that Pakistan fought the 1965 and 1971 Wars without an HDO and it was only after Zulfikar Ali Bhutto got down to preparing a rump Pakistan for existence that he got down to an HDO for Pakistan, after the passage of the 1973 Constitution The HDO was intended to absorb the lessons of the previous two wars, and especially of the 1971 War In 1971 especially it was felt that there was insufficient coordination between the three services As a result Bhutto established the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with the three service chiefs as chiefs of staff rather than as Commanders-in-chief, the designation they had previously had Originally, the post was to rotate between the three services and the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff were elevated from three-star rank to four-star rank However the very first appointment in 1976 established the slot as a sort of consolation prize for a three-star general who did not make it to COAS
General Sharif had not made it to COAS (his junior, Lt Gen Ziaul Haq, did), but was promoted (unlike five others senior to Zia who all retired) and made Chairman He resigned after the 1977 coup perhaps because he did not like being subordinate to a CMLA his junior In 1980 when Lt Gen Sawar Khan was promoted to VCOAS and full general (with Zia still COAS), Lt Gen Iqbal Khan was promoted general and appointed Chairman The offices remained distinct though in the last days before Musharraf imposed Martial Law PM Nawaz Sharif appointed Musharraf Chairman causing CNS Adm Fasih Bokhari to resign because he felt he should have been appointed (Musharraf was given the office when appointed COAS, because his predecessor had it as an acting charge) Only when Musharraf appointed a chairman after he had held the office for three years himself Thus since 2001 eight Chairmen have held the office all serving three year terms
The first test of the new HDO came in the Kargil episode when it apparently didn t work at all Failure to inform the Navy or Air Force was mentioned by Admiral Bokhari when he resigned This time, in the summer over the Pehelgam incident, Pakistan again tested the HDO and found it not as effective as it should have been Therefore the present reorganization in which the COAS becomes ex officio Chief of Defence Forces It remains to be seen whether this ends the
Every day, thousands of young men and women, brimming with talent and ambition, are compelled to seek opportunities abroad, fuelling a brain drain that deprives the nation of its most dynamic workforce
The paradox is striking Pakistan s diplomatic achievements provide unprecedented access to capital technology and markets yet domestic policies lag behind, preventing these gains from transforming everyday lives The government now faces an imperative: to translate geopolitical victories into domestic prosperity turning external success into tangible benefits for millions of citizens Strategic international partnerships can and must be leveraged to foster industries that generate employment, particularly in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and technology Investment inflows from the USA, Saudi Arabia China and other allies can finance vocational training programs incubate startups and modernize education systems aligning the workforce with the demands of a rapidly evolving economy
Moreover, Pakistan possesses the demographic and geographic potential to emerge as an Asian tiger With a young energetic population and a strategic position connecting South Asia Central Asia and the Middle East the country could emulate the rapid development witnessed in nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which harnessed demographic dividends to drive industrialization, technological advancement, and regional trade
By creating conditions conducive to entrepreneurship supporting small and medium enterprises and incentivizing innovation Pakistan can unlock the latent creativity and energy of its youth Economic diversification, particularly in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, and mineral processing, will be essential to reduce dependence on traditional agriculture and textiles while providing sustainable high-quality employment
The government s role is pivotal Policy stability, transparency, and consistent support for economic reform are prerequisites for attracting long-term foreign investment Infrastructure projects from transport corridors to
independence of the services There are two issues with the HDO First the chiefs of staff remain commanders of their forces Second, the HDO was not designed for the command and control of nuclear forces The Constitution is now to include a provision for an Army officer to head the Army Strategic Command This implies that the Navy which could put nuclear payloads on its missiles and the PAF which could do the same are either not going to do so or may have to put those forces at the disposal of the strategic command The Joint Chiefs model was borrowed from the USA, where it is significantly different, having been designed for a nuclear power The Chairman is the principal military adviser to the President the Secretary of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security He has no command authority but nor do the members of the committee The present model seemingly places the other two services under the Army COAS Those services previously had issues with this Now enough officers have served in the Middle East to be familiar with even naval officers having army ranks The example of China is also before them where the Navy is part of the People s Liberation Army A constitutional safeguard has also been provided against the operation of the Army Act s provision for the retirement of a field marshal One of Bhutto’s actions upon taking office was to amend the Army Act providing for the retirement of a field marshal He then retired Ayub Khan who was already living a retired life Bhutto apparently did want to take any risk even though holding no appointment Ayub could give no orders The move to a separate constitutional court was inevitable, as it was said to be the ultimate goal
digital networks, should be prioritized not merely as symbols of progress but as engines of employment and industrial growth Regional cooperation, particularly with neighbours like Türkiye Azerbaijan and the Gulf states can open new trade corridors joint ventures and cross-border initiatives that benefit local communities The nation s leadership must embrace a vision where foreign policy victories are inseparable from domestic reform, a philosophy in which the prestige earned abroad fuels tangible progress at home Yet perhaps the most critical element is social investment Education must be reimagined to cultivate skills relevant to the 21st-century economy, encompassing not only technical proficiency but also entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and digital literacy Women, who remain underrepresented in the workforce, must be empowered through access to education professional opportunities and supportive social policies The inclusion of all citizens irrespective of gender or background will expand the labour pool, strengthen societal cohesion, and reinforce the nation s resilience in an unpredictable global environment
The government must turn Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements into tangible domestic progress by creating jobs investing in education and skills training modernizing infrastructure and fostering entrepreneurship, particularly among youth Policies should address structural unemployment, bridge the skills gap, and promote innovation to unlock the potential of a young population Students and young professionals should focus on continuous learning developing technical and entrepreneurial skills and contributing to national development initiatives By combining effective governance with a skilled and proactive youth, Pakistan can transform international success into lasting economic growth social advancement and renewed national pride
The writer has a PhD in Political Science and is a visiting faculty member at QAU Islamabad He can be reached at zafarkhansafdar@yahoo com and tweets @zafarkhansafdar
Living histor y
WHAT place does a museum hold in society? Is it merely the preservation of artefacts, or does its mandate extend beyond
engagement among pupils and professors alike as it arranges discussions on themes as diverse as War Memory and Identity Revisiting Ghazali and countless others that touch upon the history of the region and beyond By transforming itself into a thriving hub of scholarly discourse and knowledge exchange, the Lahore Museum has set a precedent,
Lost etiquette
Dr ZAfAr KhAN SAfDAr
TH E Palestine issue remains one of the world s most enduring and emotionally charged conflicts rooted in decades of displacement occupation, and political struggle since Israel s establishment in 1948 and the subsequent Nakba Repeated cycles of violence failed peace efforts and worsening humanitarian crises particularly in Gaza have caused immense civilian suffering and drawn global concern
The latest escalation, marked by relentless Israeli airstrikes, resulted in catastrophic devastation, thousands of deaths, and the collapse of essential infrastructure Although a fragile ceasefire mediated by the USA Egypt and Qatar has brought temporary relief it fails to address the conflict s deep-rooted causes The international community including Pakistan, has reaffirmed the urgent need for a fair and lasting two-state solution based on pre1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital emphasizing that peace must be built upon justice and adherence to international law rather than military power
As global powers deliberate the creation of an International Stabilization Force to secure and rebuild Gaza, Pakistan s potential role has come into focus due to its historic commitment to the Palestinian cause The defence of Palestine carries immense spiritual and moral weight in the Muslim world linked to protecting Jerusalem and restoring dignity to the oppressed Palestinian people Pakistan, with its decades-long record of advocating for justice and contributing to UN peacekeeping missions, stands as a credible and capable candidate to support such a mission Its consistent diplomacy through the UN OIC and the Gaza Peace Plan reflects its dedication to halting violence ensuring humanitarian relief, and paving the way for a sustainable two-state solution The proposed multinational force, supported by Pakistan and other Muslim nations aims to stabilize Gaza rebuild essential infrastructure and create the necessary conditions for lasting peace and Palestinian self-determination
If Pakistan working in close collaboration with other Muslim and friendly nations, were indeed to participate in an internationally sanctioned stabilization mission in Gaza this contribution would carry immense significance on multiple levels
Such an endeavour would be correctly viewed not only as a crucial diplomatic responsibility but, more importantly, as a pro-
found and sacred obligation a holy duty owed to the suffering people of Palestine Pakistani troops, who are already highly trained in the necessary procedures of peacekeeping, disaster relief, and complex humanitarian operations, could play a truly vital role in ensuring security competently facilitating aid distribution logistics actively rebuilding shattered infrastructure and assisting local governance structures to safely resume their essential functions By undertaking this mission, Pakistan would once again unequivocally demonstrate its unwavering and lasting commitment to global peace the paramount importance of human dignity and the enduring spirit of Islamic solidarity
While these complex discussions and deliberations continue, Pakistan remains absolutely steadfast in its core foreign policy principle: the unwavering support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination This is consciously not a temporary opportunistic stance influenced by ephemeral global politics but rather a deeply rooted position of principle and conscience
The government of Pakistan, its armed forces, and its people are fundamentally united in the unshakeable belief that a genuine and sustainable peace in the Middle East cannot and will not be achieved without achieving definitive justice for Palestine There can be absolutely no acceptable compromise on the Palestinians fundamental right to an independent, sovereign, and viable state strictly within the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its undisputed capital
As deliberations continue actively over the eventual formation of the International Stabilisation Force it is critically vital for the world to fully recognize that long-term stability in Gaza will not be achieved simply through the mere deployment of troops, but through a genuine demonstrable commitment to ending the occupation and fully enabling Palestinians to finally live freely and with dignity on their own ancestral land
Pakistan s potential role in such a mission would, therefore, represent not just another routine contribution to international peacekeeping but an embodiment of its faith, duty and humanity a powerful continuation of its principled legacy of standing consistently by the oppressed and striving for justice wherever it is systematically denied
The difficult road to a comprehensive peace in Palestine remains long and undoubtedly fraught with complex challenges, but nations like Pakistan driven powerfully by moral conviction and genuine compassion can help significantly pave the way toward a future of dignity freedom and lasting peace for all the people of Palestine Pakistan has also recently formalized a defence cooperation agreement with Saudi
Arabia, a notable development which has once again powerfully underscored the deep, historic, and spiritual bond between these two The relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia extends far beyond mere diplomatic courtesy or military collaboration; it is deeply rooted in a shared faith profound mutual respect and the common, vital aspiration to safeguard the sanctities of Islam and actively promote unity among the Muslim Ummah Pakistan’s defence ties with Saudi Arabia have always been marked by deep mutual trust strategic alignment and brotherly affection with both nations fully recognizing their shared and enduring responsibilities toward ensuring the security and necessary stability of the Muslim world
Pakistan’s potential participation in an international stabilization force for Gaza carries a profound symbolic and spiritual significance If Pakistan were to become an active contributing part of such a mission one dedicated explicitly to securing peace and stability in the very land that holds the Muslims’ first Qibla, Al-Quds Al-Sharif it would not only represent a solemn continuation of its historic commitment to the Palestinian cause but also an unparalleled honour
By undertaking this Pakistan would in essence, be spiritually extending its sacred service from the land of the current Qibla, the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, to the land of the first Qibla in Jerusalem This exceptional dual responsibility toward both the present and the first Qiblas of Islam would be a matter of immense pride reverence and spiritual joy for the people of Pakistan and for Muslims across the globe
Such a momentous development would carry deep emotional resonance throughout the entire Muslim world It would powerfully symbolize the necessary unity of purpose and the spiritual continuity between the two holiest lands intrinsically associated with Islam s earliest and most enduring sacred traditions
For Pakistan, a nation that has consistently defined its very identity by its strong Islamic values and its profound sense of responsibility
Israeli forces once again launched attacks on Gaza, yet the international community has remained larg ely silent. It would be deeply concerning if Israel were to violate the ceasefire agreement in the future .
What the enforced disappearance commission report failed to address
Out of 1,676 complaints received, 253 cases met the definitional threshold of EDs under international law
TH E Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in its report substantiated prima facie evidence of torture in 253 cases of enforced disappearances (Eds) and established compelling evidence of gross human rights violations committed by law enforcement agencies (LEAs) However the commission appeared to have trapped itself in the pursuit of punishing individual perpetrators rather than holding the state accountable or recommending effective remedies for the sufferings of the victims in these cases
The report, the first of its kind, reveals that out of 1 676 complaints received 253 cases met the definitional threshold of EDs under international law with supporting evidence such as general diaries criminal complaints and media reports The commission confirmed that the victims named in these complaints had been in state custody, that LEAs had filed false criminal cases against them when some of them reappeared and that these individuals are now alive with many having testified about their detention and mistreatment
Despite acknowledging the existence of such evidence, the commission remained focused on the absence of domestic legal provisions criminalising EDs It recommended enacting a new penal statute, which primarily looks to punish individual perpetrators and does little to ensure accountability of the state and its agencies for gross human rights violations The commission further advocates for the utilisation of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973 and the Army Act, 1952, as available legal frameworks, even though sufficient constitutional and statutory mechanisms for redress already exist under the Constitution of Bangladesh and the National Human Rights Commission Act (NHRC) 2009
By narrowing its scope to criminalisation the commission fails to acknowledge the broader principle of state accountability, overlooking reparations, public apologies, and guarantees of non-repetition to which victims are entitled under international human rights law, our constitution, and the NHRC law This limited approach risks reducing the commission s crucial work to a purely procedural exercise detached from the lived realities of victims and from the interim and immediate remedies they require Although the commission discusses at length the constitutional protection of the right to life, it remains conspicuously silent on possible constitutional recommendations for remedial and preventive frameworks areas that are not contingent upon statutory criminal measures
The commission could have referred the 253 substantiated complaints to the NHRC, which possesses quasi-judicial authority to issue show-cause notices to the government and to recommend appropriate remedies Alternatively, it might have submitted its findings to the High Court Division seeking the issuance of a rule nisi against the state or facilitated the NHRC or civil society organisa-
tions in representing the victims on the basis of its prima facie evidence The commission s own findings, based on documentary evidence and victims testimonies confirming their detention in state custody, meet the civil standard of proof namely the balance of probabilities which is sufficient to establish state responsibility for gross human rights violations Yet the commission made no recommendations urging the government or relevant ministries to provide compensation or guarantees of non-recurrence Besides, it failed to recognise that the absence of enabling legislation may itself constitute a human rights violation thereby warranting judicial and quasi-judicial intervention Moreover the commission appears to have overlooked several articles of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which require state parties to ensure remedies, prevention, and guarantees of non-repetition, obligations that extend well beyond the confines of criminal law Comparative experience from India shows how both the judiciary and its NHRC have adopted complementary approaches to address disappearances and torture The Indian Supreme Court, in Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association v Union of India (2017) and Union of India v Luithukla (SMT) and Others (1999), recognised state accountability and ordered compensation for victims families with prima facie evidence The Indian NHRC has likewise ensured interim financial relief and recommended preventive measures in numerous cases, including the disappearance of Tayab Ali by paramilitary force (1999-2000), the killing of two civilians by India Border Security Force (BSF) in Rajasthan (2000-2001) and the killing of a 16-year-old boy by BSF in Jammu & Kashmir (2010) Across these decisions and interventions both the Supreme Court and the Indian NHRC have consistently held that victims of gross human rights violations must, in appropriate cases, receive compensation and other remedial protections from the state, irrespective of, and in addition to, any criminal proceedings They have also emphasised the need to establish mechanisms that prevent the recurrence of similar violations in the future In contrast Bangladesh s enforced disappearance commission s recommendations reflect an inadequate institutional understanding of how human rights protection can operate through existing constitutional and quasi-judicial mechanisms It neither addressed the evidentiary value of its own report nor clarified who may rely on its findings in judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings
Md Abdul Halim is a practising barrister in the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and PhD candidate and visiting lecturer at the School of Law in the University of Hertfordshire UK
toward the global Ummah, being entrusted with the defense and stabilization of these revered territories would be viewed not as a mere strategic duty but as a sacred calling It would undeniably elevate Pakistan s moral and spiritual standing among all Muslim nations reflecting not only its proven military capability and diplomatic credibility but also the purity and sincerity of its intentions in serving a noble and, indeed, divine cause
The formalized defence agreement with Saudi Arabia in this regard provides an even stronger and more legitimate foundation for Pakistan s expanded role in the protection of crucial Muslim sanctities Saudi Arabia, by virtue of being the rightful custodian of the two Holy Mosques, has always served as a potent symbol of unity for Muslims worldwide Pakistan’s longstanding and robust military cooperation with the Kingdom has consistently involved extensive training expert advisory support and vital joint defense initiatives specifically aimed at safeguarding the Holy Land and ensuring the long-term stability of the region
The continuation and significant strengthening of this cooperation through the new defence pact signal Pakistan s enduring and unshakeable commitment to the security of sacred Islamic territories When viewed alongside Pakistan s potential involvement in the peace and stabilization of Gaza, it becomes powerfully evident that the country is being presented with the extraordinary privilege of contributing directly to the protection of both the current Qibla in Makkah and the first Qibla in Jerusalem
This extraordinary dual role carries immense historical and profound spiritual depth For many centuries, Muslim nations have historically viewed the defense of both the Holy Kaaba and the Al-Aqsa Mosque as being among the very highest and most noble acts of devotion and sacrifice
If Pakistan is now placed in a unique position to play a constructive and protective role in both of these sacred spheres through deep defense cooperation with the
T h e Ep ste i
guardians of the Holy Mosques and through crucial peace efforts in Palestine it will represent a truly remarkable chapter in the nation’s history It would not only fulfill a collective and long-held aspiration of the Muslim Ummah but would also profoundly reaffirm Pakistan s fundamental identity as a state born out of faith, dedicated resolutely to the service of Islam, peace, and justice This honour would serve as a powerful, living demonstration of how faith diplomacy
TH E R E S a sickening sense of recognition attending the release from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee of a new cache of e-mails from Jeffrey Epstein and his associates indicating that Donald Trump had full knowledge of the pedophile sex trafficker ’s activities and indeed “spent hours at Epstein s house with one of Epstein s victims as one of the e-mails from 2011 says This is after all the same Donald Trump who had been close friends with Epstein for more than a decade prior to the still-unexplained falling out between the two in the mid-aughts It s the same Trump who creepily lurked in the dressing room of the Miss Teen USA pageant he sponsored and who still more creepily touted his own young daughter ’s erotic appeal in media interviews And it s the same Trump who bragged in the infamous Access Hollywood tapes that his celebrity conferred upon him the right to approach women and grab them by the pussy and who reportedly laughed when Gary Busey was accused of the same conduct on the set of his reality-TV show The Apprentice It’s the same Trump who was found liable for sexual assault in E Jean Carroll’s $40 million civil suit alleging he attacked her in the dressing room of a Manhattan department store in the 1990s and was found liable for engineering campaign payoffs to his former mistress Stormy Daniels Still, Trump s Epstein escapades stand out, both because of the sheer depravity that characterized Epstein and his trafficking ring and because the specter of rampant child sexual predation has been a centerpiece of MAGAfueled conspiracy theorizing thanks largely to the prominence of QAnon activists in the Trump coalition The prospect that Congress would release damning Epstein documents has been a key concern for Republicans since the start of Trump’s second term thanks in no small part to the president’s own promise during the 2024 campaign to sign off on the opening of the Epstein files Having weathered the steady torrent of revelations about his own predatory sexual past Trump no doubt calculated that he once again could direct his followers away from any damaging disclosures in the files, waving them away as just another Democratic-engineered hoax seeking to undermine his grip on power But the narrative around the push for the files’ release didn’t bend to Trump’s usual strategy of denial and conspiracy-mongering As pressure built to secure the release of the files Trump wanly told his followers to move on; meanwhile Epstein s former paramour and convicted coconspirator Ghislaine Maxwell appeared to be selectively leaking damaging information about the Trump-Epstein alliance, including the president’s winking contribution to the sex trafficker s 50th-birthday book of testimonials from powerful friends and fellow predators Even some Republican House members dug in on their demands for the release
Araghchi
cent clashes and highlighted the importance of constructive regional efforts to maintain peace He also stressed enhanced cooperation among neighboring countries to safeguard security in South Asia The call for dialogue coincides with
Pakistan’s recent security challenges The Islamabad suicide blast on November 11 targeted the Judicial Complex in G-11 leaving 12 dead and dozens injured On the same day a bomb attack on a security forces convoy in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, wounded at least 14 personnel The day prior, Cadet College Wana faced an armed infiltration which was repelled by security forces though three people lost their lives during the clearance operation Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described the Islamabad blast as a wake-up call,” warning that Pakistan was in a “state of war ” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accused Afghanistan and India of involvement in the attacks vowing a resolute response to protect national security
Beyond South Asia, Lavrov and Araghchi discussed international matters including the United Nations’ draft resolution on Gaza Araghchi criticized proposals that would impose international oversight over Palestinian territories, saying such measures violated the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination Lavrov emphasized collective security and expressed Russia’s readiness for continued regional consultations
No foreign hand involved in my ouster, says Sheikh Hasina
ministration, who are pursuing a sectarian score-settling and socially regressive domestic agenda ” Hasina further challenged Yunus s democratic credentials noting his lack of an electoral mandate and his administration s decision to bar the Awami League a party she stated is
Donald Trump, with whom she said she had “very good relations ” had publicly expressed his dislike of Yunus The ex-PM added If Westerners think Yunus is a friendly face they are being fooled In fact, he is being used as the frontman by the extremists in his ad-
Mir waiz seeks Ravi Shankar’s role in release of detained Kashmiris
SRINAGAR
AG E N C I E S
Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called on India s spiritual leader Sri Ravi Shankar to play his role in the release of illegally detained Kashmiris in jails of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and across India According to Kashmir Media Service, Ravi Shankar met Mirwaiz at his Nigeen residence
Even before the results of voting for both phases of the
Bihar Assembly elections political temperatures in the
Rashtriya
have risen
(RJD)
Sunil Kumar Singh has warned that if any manipulation takes place during the vote-counting process Bihar could witness a Nepal-like situation According to Kashmir Media Service, Sunil Kumar Singh is a close aide of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi and is the maternal uncle of Tejashwi Yadav
The Modi government continuing its campaign to frame Kashmiri doctors in the blast outside the Red Fort in the capital New Delhi, has arrested another Kashmiri doctor, Muhammad Arif, residing in the state of Uttar Pradesh According to Kashmir Media Service, 32-yearold Dr Muhammad Arif, a resident of Islamabad district in South Kashmir is a first-year MD student of Cardiology at Government College Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College On Thursday an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) team raided Dr Arif s rented house in Ashok Nagar area of ??Nazirabad and arrested him, besides seizing his mobile phone and laptop Dr Arif was transferred to New Delhi for further questioning Earlier Indian police had arrested two Kashmiri doctors Dr Muzammil Ahmed Ganai and Dr Adeel Ahmed in connection with the Delhi blast
Sunil Kumar Singh warned that if any manipulation takes place during the vote-counting process to influence victory or defeat, Bihar could witness a situation similar to that of Nepal that would be difficult to handle “During the 2020 Bihar Assembly election, the counting process was delayed by 4 to 5 hours If the same were to be repeated tomorrow either our candidate would come out from the counting centers or the returning officers would Singh said He further asserted that any attempt at rigging or tampering with the election results would not be tolerated adding that RJD workers would take to the streets in protest The RJD leader also said that some elements within the government might attempt to interfere in the counting process MODI GOV’S CAMPAIGN TO FRAME KASHMIRI DOCTORS IN NEW DELHI BLAST CONTINUES
India to take Israel ’s LORA missile system into joint produc tion
d s o f t e r t a rg e t s n d i a a l r e a d y I s r a e l ’s l a rg e s t d e f e n c e c u s t o m e r r e s p o n s i b l e f o r n e a r l y 3 4 % o f i t s a r m s e x p o r t s b e t w e e n 2 0 2 0 a n d 2 0 2 4 i s a l s o r e p o r t e d l y e x p l o r i n g t h e p u r c h a s e o f I s r a e l s I c e B r e a k e r c r u i s e m i s s i l e Wi t h a N e w s D e s k r a n g e o f r o u g h l y 3 0 0 k i l o m e t r e s , a l l - w e a t h e r capability, and AI-enabled infrared guidance, the Ice Breaker expands India’s options for precision strikes a g a i n s t l a n d a n d s e a t a rg e t s
PUNJAB CM FORGES PARTNERSHIP
LAHORE
S ta f f r e p o r t
U N J A B Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on the sidelines of the COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil, met with Kim Sang-hyup, Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to cement a strategic partnership aimed at advancing environmental improvement and sustainable development in Punjab
The collaboration is expected to strengthen Pakistan s capacity in global carbon markets, promote green financing projects, and convert provincial climate initiatives into international carbon credits
During the meeting CM Maryam Nawaz and Kim Sang-hyup discussed pressing challenges related to climate change and explored ways for Punjab to leverage GGGI’s expertise to achieve its green growth goals Kim Sang-hyup lauded the Punjab government’s environmental measures particularly in addressing the historic flood crisis and praised the largest rescue and relief operations undertaken under the Chief Minister s leadership He also appreciated CM Maryam Nawaz’s address at COP30, highlighting her vision and passion for environmental sustainability Your vision reflects a firm commitment to environmental improvement in Punjab We look forward to
collaborating with you to achieve sustainable development goals ” Kim Sanghyup said In response CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of advancing Punjab s green initiatives with GGGI s experience, technical support, and global outreach, expressing her gratitude for the institute’s
REAP hosts luncheon in honour of international delegates at ISC
ISLAMABAD
S ta f f r e p o r t
The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) hosted a luncheon on the sidelines of the ongoing Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) bringing together key stakeholders from Pakistan’s rice sector the Chairman Senate of Pakistan and Founding Chairman of ISC and international delegates from various countries Chairman Senate of Pakistan and Founding Chairman ISC, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, graced the occasion as the chief guest The luncheon served as a platform to strengthen Pakistan’s trade relations and promote the country’s rice exports globally Speaking at the event Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani lauded REAP s consistent efforts in promoting Pakistani rice in international markets, emphasizing the sector s vital role in contributing to the national economy and enhancing the country’s agricultural export portfolio He highlighted that Pakistan’s rice industry not only sustains millions of livelihoods but also stands as a symbol of the nation s agricultural strength and global competitiveness
The Chairman of REAP, Malik Faisal Jahangir, in his address, welcomed the distinguished guests and international delegates, reaffirming REAP’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with global buyers and stakeholders He noted that Pakistan s rice particularly its premium Basmati variety continues to gain recognition across international markets for its superior quality, aroma, and taste
Development projects changing people’s
Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa while DG NAB Rawalpindi/Islamabad Waqar Ahmed Chouhan attended as the special guest The ceremony was also attended by CDA Board Member Admin and Estate Talat Mehmood Gondal Member Finance Tahir Naeem Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafiz, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz
Memon along with CDA and NAB officers and plot owners Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa and DG NAB Rawalpindi/Islamabad Waqar Ahmed Chohan congratulated the plot owners on the occasion of getting possession of their plots It is important to note that the process of handing over possession of more
FBR conducts tax awareness session at RIU Islamabad
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t On the instructions of Chairman FBR Mr Rashid Mahmood Langrial and Member Taxpayers Services Wing Ms Tehmina Aamer, the Federal Board of Revenue, through its Taxpayers’ Services Wing (TPS) organized a comprehensive Tax Awareness Session at Riphah International University (RIU) Gulberg Green Campus Islamabad The FBR delegation comprised Mr Muhammad Muti-ur-Rehman Mumtaz, Secretary (Tax Education & Facilitation), Mr Abdul Rehman, Second Secretary (Tax Facilitation) and other officials from the Taxpayers’ Services Wing Representing Riphah International University the session was attended by Ms Sarwat Jamila Director Campus Dr Tahira Nazir Head of Department (Faculty of Computing) along with faculty members and students from various disciplines In his opening remarks, Mr Muti-ur-Rehman provided an insightful overview of the FBR s functions and initiatives aimed at facilitating taxpayers
dom
personal interactions with the monarch, Prime Minister Shehbaz said, Tonight as we celebrate His Majesty s birthday, I recall my fond memories of the grand coronation ceremony that I attended personally two years ago Last year in September I also received a warm telephone call from His Majesty during which we exchanged
Interior M inister confirms Afghan links to Islamabad judicial complex blast
will do whatever is possible” to tackle the threat He further highlighted ongoing measures to ensure that illegal Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan are identified and expelled INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
Later on Thursday, Naqvi shared on X that he had a deeply reassuring telephonic call with Bahrain’s Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa who “unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack in Islamabad and conveyed heartfelt condolences on the loss of innocent lives
The Bahraini minister also reaffirmed his country s unwavering support and solidarity with Pakistan at all times ” according to Naqvi ARRESTS OF SUSPECTED FACILITATORS
Afghanistan
It is becoming very difficult for us; the way people from Afghanistan are coming here and attacking us he said adding that with Deputy PM Ishaq Dar also taking up the issue the government
Earlier Rawalpindi s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested seven suspects allegedly involved in facilitating the suicide bombing in Islamabad A police source stated that the suspects were apprehended from Fauji Colony (Pirwadhai area) and Dhoke Kashmirian in Rawalpindi while additional raids were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Investigators had also detained a
SC declares attack on police per forming dut y as terrorism
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday ruled that attacks on police or law enforcement officers while performing their official duties, even if arising from personal disputes, constitute acts of terrorism under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 The verdict was delivered by a three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Yahya Afridi Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim in the case of Riaz Hussain vs The State Riaz Hussain had been convicted for killing Abdul Wahab Chandio in 2016 while he was in police custody, and for shooting and injuring two constables Muhammad Ayub and Zahid Ali at Sub Jail Warah in District Qambar Shahdadkot While the Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced him to life imprisonment and the Sindh High Court upheld the conviction Hussain appealed to the Supreme Court claiming the act was a private feud and not terrorism The apex court rejected the appeal, clarifying that the attack targeted state officials in the line of duty, making it an assault on public institutions The judgment emphasized that any act intended to intimidate harm or obstruct law enforcement officers qualifies as terrorism even if motivated by personal enmity The court referenced previous rulings, including PLD 2020 SC 61 (Ghulam Hussain vs The State), noting that while personal disputes alone do not constitute terrorism, harming state officials under such circumstances falls squarely under anti-terrorism provisions
Naval Chief
bike rider from an online ride-hailing platform who had dropped off the bomber at the judicial complex CCTV footage helped trace the rider, who is now in protective custody
CONTEXT OF RECENT ATTACKS
The Islamabad blast occurred amid international events in the capital including the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference and the 6th Margalla Dialogue as well as a cricket match in Rawalpindi between Pakistan and Sri Lanka The attack coincided with a bomb incident in KP’s Dera Ismail Khan which injured 14 security personnel and came a day after the Cadet College Wana attack where all students and staff were rescued but three individuals were martyred during the clearance operation GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: ‘STATE OF WAR’
Following the Islamabad and Wana attacks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused Afghanistan and India of involvement in the surge of terrorism and vowed a befitting response to the nation s enemies Hours after the blast, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the incident as a “wake-up call” and stated that Pakistan was effectively in a
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has concluded his official visit to Bangladesh marking a significant step towards deepening bilateral maritime cooperation and regional security collaboration, according to the military s media on Thursday In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said “The visit planned in conjunction with the port call of Pakistan Navy Ship PNS SAIF at Chattogram featured a series of high-level meetings with Bangladesh s top military leadership and engagements aimed at strengthening professional ties between the two brotherly navies During the visit, Admiral Naveed Ashraf called on Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Principal Staff Officer Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan Discussions focused on matters of mutual professional interest, regional maritime security, and avenues to further enhance defence cooperation between the two countries, the statement said The meetings underscored the shared commitment of Pakistan and Bangladesh towards promoting peace stability and maritime security in the region The Naval Chief also visited the National Defence College (NDC), Bangladesh, where he interacted with the President NDC and faculty members and was given a comprehensive briefing on the institution’s mandate and academic programmes
state of war
Anyone who thinks that the Pakistan Army is fighting this war in the AfghanPakistan border region and the remote areas of Balochistan today s suicide attack at the Islamabad district courts is a wake-up call he remarked underscoring the heightened threat environment Interior Minister Naqvi also emphasized that authorities were carefully investigating potential links and warned that the timing and location of the attack carried a deliberate message Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed that the suicide bomber was not a Pakistani national, adding: He did not know Pakistan’s language nor did he know of the country’s currency,” further substantiating claims of cross-border involvement
The federal government has pledged to strengthen border controls enhance intelligence coordination, and accelerate operations against terror networks operating within and across Pakistan’s borders Authorities are working to ensure that suspects involved in these attacks are brought to justice swiftly while diplomatic channels are being leveraged to address cross-border terrorism concerns
While in Chattogram Admiral Naveed Ashraf held interactions with Commander Chattogram (COMCHIT) Commander Bangladesh Navy Fleet (COMBAN) and Area Superintendent Dockyard (ASD) He also visited the Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA), where he met the Commandant and faculty members The Naval Chief lauded the high professional standards maintained by the academy and highlighted the importance of academic excellence collaborative naval training and the need for advanced professional courses to meet the evolving challenges of the maritime domain
A key highlight of the visit was the reception hosted onboard PNS SAIF at Chattogram, which was attended by Bangladesh’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider diplomats senior military officials scholars journalists and business leaders The event reflected the growing resolve of both navies to promote regional cooperation maritime diplomacy and peaceful engagement across the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indian Ocean Region
IMF board to meet on Dec 8 to approve $1.2b disbursement for
