COLOMBO,5 December 2024,(TON):On 23 November 2024, a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal triggered heavy rainfall, which resulted in catastrophic floods across Sri Lanka. This affected over 330,000 people, with six confirmed deaths and several others missing. Around 98,000 families have been displaced, and critical. infrastructure, including roads and farmland, has been destroyed.

In response, countries like India, China, and the United States have pledged support. India offered immediate relief and technical assistance, while China contributed financial aid. The U.S. and international bodies such as the UN World Food Programme have been helping with food, shelter, and medical supplies.

With the floodwaters receding, authorities are focused on rebuilding efforts and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases. Moving forward, Sri Lanka may need to strengthen its flood management and climate resilience efforts to mitigate future disasters.

NEW DELHI, 4 December 2024, (TON): A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar will hear the matter.

The lead petition (Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India) was filed in 2020 in which the Court issued notice to the Union Government in March 2021. Later, few other similar petitions were also filed challenging the statute which seeks to preserve the status quo with respect to religious structures as they stood on August 15, 1947, and prohibits legal proceedings seeking their conversion.

The Union Government is yet to file its counter-affidavit in the matter, despite the several time extensions given by the Supreme Court. On July 11, 2023, the Court asked the Union to file the counter by October 31, 2023.

The petitioners argue that the law is arbitrary and unreasonable and infringes the fundamental right to practice religion, leading to the violation of the fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution.

By Afshain Afzal

To conduct loyalty test of journalists and media persons, the Federal Government in Pakistan on 2 December 2024, has mandated Intelligence agencies and Police including Intelligence Bureau (IB), Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct said task. In the same regard, the Federal Government has formed a 10-member Joint Task Force to identify those involved in spreading malicious propaganda against the State of Pakistan.

An official statement said, Joint Task Force has been tasked with to identifying individuals, groups and organisations involved in creating and spreading fake and misleading news from 24 - 27 November 2024, including entire media campaign related to the issue (Islamabad's D Chowk Protests), tracking and tracing individuals and groups, whether in Pakistan or abroad, involved in this malicious campaign and bringing them to justice under the law, and suggesting measures to bridge policy gaps.

Many thanks to the Federal Government taking action on Article “A probe into 26th November Islamabad killings – Horrifying findings” published on 1^st December 2024 but there is requirement of a judicial probe by a Judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan to give it a legal affect. There is no doubt that media did not play its due responsible role but who provided the malicious and fake information and data to the journalists and media persons, on the basis of which they carried out their campaigns and propaganda, playing with the sentiments of Pakistani nation and international community.

Denial to the unclassified official information is a crime under the law, “The Right to Access to Information Act, 2017”. We as journalists and media persons were expecting briefings and press releases from Ministry of Information, Press Information Department (PID), Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the political spokespersons of political parties, but they disappointed the masses and allowed to believe in rumours due to total blackout. Our institutions should have moral courage to come up and face the situation and perform their duties for which they are reasonably paid.

The politicians and government employees serving and retired, who took oath to be loyal to the ideology of Pakistan and the Constitutions issued highly provocative statements and become part of spreading fake and misleading information. The intelligence agencies and police also spread rumours as per the reports. Other institutions also did not play their due responsibilities so why only journalists and media persons are required to identified and brought to justice under the law. It is high time that to comprehend that “The Press (media) and Nation Fall and Rise Together.” Let us give up policy of suppression, coercion and blackmailing against those to dare speak the truth and allow free and responsible media to come up as power of Pakistani nation.

By Afshain Afzal

The on ground visits to relevant areas and institutions, interviews, tracking the strategies and field probes from analytical angle to find real faces behind the ugly game of fire and blood kept Friday and Saturday busy days. There is no change in earlier confirmation that on 26/ 27 November 2024, the total numbers of causalities recorded at various hospitals in Islamabad as result of firing was three killed and 40 injured. The political party behind the protests failed to prove their claim that over one thousand protesters were killed by security forces crackdown operation in Pakistani capital Islamabad. Three days after the incident, names of not more than 12 persons allegedly killed but without proper identities; CNIC numbers, parentage of individuals or other details, which also included according to party’s own statements, some isolated death cases and those injured persons who died later. Some witnesses confirmed that electricity was discontinued much ahead of the operation but live footage during the time of operation failed to qualify as all the streetlights were glowing in all the videos released. Two witnesses said some of the protesters were beaten or arrested when they took refuse in nearby buildings. A witness claimed on the condition of anonymity that one of the protester announced that he would open fire on fleeing protester if they abandon mission or try to run away. He claimed he only heard some firing but declined to elaborate.

The issue that created confusion was that operation by the authorities was neither intense nor any coercive measure other than teargas shells was adopted which could invite such cowardly reaction from protesters, where all of them were running away for several kilometers on straight road and leaving of over two dozen and a half unattended vehicles with doors wide open to save lives. It was confirmed that things were dramatized to prepare videos otherwise most of the scenes of arson and running from D Chowk towards overhead bridge could not be confirmed by any witnesses. Even the person covered by international media who was pushed by Rangers personnel from the top third container, proved fake and he was not injured at all as a person standing between containers on ladder supported him and he deflected to make him safely land without any hurt. The person, with both hands broken shown in videos is a fake. Several videos clips in support and statement of a witness are available to prove this fraud. More so, any forensic expert can conclude that the angles and size of bullet holes on vehicles or windscreens and other damages clearly reflected to be self-inflected and lack any authenticity.

Another cock and bull story was an interview given by a party protester to a journalist at PIMS hospital, namely Safeer Ali, son of Ilays Hussain, resident of G-13, Islamabad. He claimed that he is an eye witness along with thousands of other protesters that Rangers and Police vehicles including four Vigo and four trucks, after losing strength against protesters started speedily withdrawing and running over many persons killing four Rangers personnel and one civilian and injuring two other Rangers personnel under their vehicles. His claimed the civilian killed was his brother namely Muhammad Ilyas who retired from Frontier Constabulary six month back. A drama was staged to develop hatred against security forces and try to create impression that they confined to barbaric tactics of running over protesters. It is strange that his deceased brother’s name is Ilyas and his father name is also Ilyas. Initial probe reflected this was a conspiracy by some Kashmiris linked with India to defame Pakistan Army and the security forces.

Without crossing the red lines in reporting the Truth and saving report for an exclusive article, several hours ahead of official announcement by state controlled Pakistan Television News about deployment of Army under Article 245, every protester got communication of security forces’ intensions and plans to open live fire to kill all the protesters. Witness openly took name of officers belonging to military and intelligence leaking these plans to public. Peaceful protesters were not stopped and allowed to reach D Chowk at the mouth of Constitution Avenue, Islamabad, probably to justify later operations. Witnesses confirmed that that had prior knowledge through horse’s mouth rather some retired and serving officers as well as leaders spread rumours themselves about massive operation for which Commandos were engaged and over 35 officers were moved from Sialkot to Islamabad. This claim was however, refuted by some senior officers. Later, all these rumours proved wrong.  

Probe also concluded that particular days for major operations in Pakistan are carefully chosen and are linked with events in neighboring India, Like 26^th November live firing on unarmed protesters coincided with 26^th November 2008, Mumbai attack when Indian city of Mumbai was struck by a devastating terror attacks planned by Indian intelligence agencies, leaving 166 innocent people dead and over 300 injured. The attack provided opportunity to the Indian authorities to openly violate Human Rights against her nationals and carryout genocide of sub-nations including people of disputed Jammu and Kashmir as well as Muslim population Eastern and Western Indian states.

Interestingly, 16^th December terrorist attack on Army Public School at Peshawar that killed 130 students also took place on same day when Indian forces captured the East Pakistan and deprived Pakistan of its entire Eastern wing with more than 56 percent of its population. Pakistan used to be observed this day as determination to take revenge from enemies who divided Pakistan. Now the day is celebrated to take revenge from Pakistanis as internal enemies. Already, every year on 16^th December mourning is observed at state level undoctoring hatred against Muslim religious extremists and resolves to eliminate internal enemies of Pakistan. This time Khyber Pakhtun Khwa provincial government has plans to observe the day against the Federation of Pakistan.

The 26^th November much dramatized attack on unarmed protesters at Islamabad, whosoever has carried out; security forces or the protesters, was a grand plan to allow lifetime license for Pakistan’s Armed Forces and the security forces to hunt for anyone without condemnation throughout the country, especially Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtun Khwa. The day witnessed drone attacks and operations in former FATA and Balochistan where locals were protesting against unprovoked attack on civilians. Earlier, in the name of “Reinvigorating Counter Terrorism Campaign” to achieve “Azm-e-Istekham,” the Federal Apex Committee of National Action Plan on 19 November 2024, approved comprehensive military operation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtun Khwa. In fact, the planners of Islamabad killings drama including some serving and retired officials failed to calculate chances of their detection and that someone would be able to raise doubt of fake claims of mass killings and massacre by the security forces of Pakistan. As per the plan there was to be a strong reaction against Pakistan Army and security from the loyal Pakistanis of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtun Khwa giving room to mass insurgency further leading to Governor rule, Martial Law and extensive military operations. Many foreign countries have started funding and colorations for the military operations to eliminate the sons of the soil. Now this will not happen as Pashtuns and Baloch brothers and sisters are quite clear that some of their leaders and friends have set a trap to pith them against authorities, especially Armed Forces to give chance for a military operation. We need to understand that majority of Pakistan’s security forces and politicians are loyal but they should be careful honouring human righty and complete freedom instead of issuing embarrassing warning and threats. There is also no doubt that Baloch and Pashtun are as loyal as others rather exemplary Muslims.

By Afshain Afzal

Fabricated stories of brutalities mass killings of PTI protesters at the hands of security forces including Rangers and Army were made public to arouse anti-state sentiments intending to create serious law and order situation. According to statement given by the former Governor Punjab and Attorney General of Pakistan, presently Member National Assembly Mr Latif Khousa during talk at Capital Talk Show on 27th November said, 278 people PTI protesters were killed and 1900 received bullet wounds as result of live direct bullets fired on them on 26 November 2024 in Islamabad. To authenticate his claim he disclosed that Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtun Khawa has announced Rs 100 million per person as compensation.

Hospital authorities in Islamabad confirmed only 3 people killed and 40 injured. A thorough investigation reflected lack of evidence concerning mass killings or injuries or even that security forces used Light Machine Gun to kill protesters. It is shameful that if offices representing State can so confidently lie to instigate masses against institution what we can expect from others. General masses and international community is concerned to know the truth but they are doubtful. Post incident scenes near Blue Area and other roads leading to Islamabad reflected if some major disaster or brutal action has was carried out which made everyone to leave their public transport and vehicle and ran away. Deserted vehicles of various types with smashed windscreen and window pans gave a horrifying look. Some of the vehicles and containers were also burnt.

Video clips on social media reflecting firing by light and heavy machine guns and people running away to save their lives gave evidence as if brutal actions were taken. On investigation, it was revealed that no live bullets were fired by the security forces, or the Army. This time too the Army remained neutral in the same manner when military refused to stop protesters from coming to D Chowk, Islamabad and even allowed protesters to occupy Parliament lawns and Constitution Avenue for several days. Evidence of security forces brutality could not be witnessed any where except a video in which a person sitting on the top of container was dragged and purposely thrown down by Rangers personnel. However the exact timing or occasion remained doubtful as well movements and actions of bystanders were suspicious if cooked. The same could be verified from same containers but many were removed and readjusted. However, it requires further confirmation from Rangers getting the view/ investigated.

Large number of people protesting for the release of the PTI leader were arrested in different cities including Islamabad. Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) building in Islamabad was declared as a sub-jail and detainees were kept there. There were evidences of arrested kept in other places but it was not officially acknowledged. Hospital in Islamabad confirmed three deaths and 40 injuries while the second hospital denied that any case was reported to them or they may have a avoided to furnish information. There were two bodies those might have been seriously injured who appeared to have run over by speedy vehicles near the overhead bridge leading to Blue Area, Islamabad.

As per confirmed reports the protesters were fed up from not making progress in occupying D Chowk and the Parliament building. At many occasions they insulted their leadership and blamed them trying to run away. They were adamant that leaders should not be allowed to sit inside their vehicles and forced them to come out and bear tear gas shelling. The leadership got divided into three groups, each refusing to listen to each other. However, ordinary rouge protesters took leadership in their own hands and stared insulting leadership for cowardice. In the end protesters got out of control and started smashing all the vehicles breaking their windscreens and pulling people out. Meantime some protesters also opened fire and make everyone run away. Leaders and protesters reversed their vehicle and defying one-way near the overhead bridge and Metro station fled away. In the state of uncertainty, all the protesters also ran away leaving their vehicles behind abandoned.

It was good show from the security forces that they did not allow anyone to take writ of state in their hands and resolved the security threats. Doubts are been created by included those deaths in the hospitals same day which were not linked with the protest. Whatever the case may be the loss of lives should not be taken easy and must be investigated and those behind including some officials need to be punished. There are rumors of Governor rule and banning of PTI, however the same is not feasible and constitutionally sustainable. There is need to formulate clear polices and new law to avoid such happenings in the future.

By Afshain Afzal

French President Emmanuel Macron as the architect of cease fire between Israel and Hizbollah along with US President, the Prime Ministers of Israel and Lebanon with the consent of Iranian leadership agreed to implement UNSC Resolution 1701 which provides areas which are south to Litani, Lebanon will have no weaponry and should be free from any armed fighter. The agreement that became effective at 4:00 a.m local time, on 27 November 2024, provides that the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end. It can be guarded with weapons only by Lebanon’s state army and the UN peacekeeping force. One wonders why Iranian and Lebanese leaders had to stage a drama of announcing war against Israel and the US, providing a chance to Israel and allies to eliminate Hamas and their supporters in the Middle East when none sent ground, air or Naval forces to save the Palestinians from their brutal genocide. 

The ceasefire agreement provides a 60-day halt of hostilities during which Hezbollah is to retreat around from the Israel-Lebanon border, while the Israeli military is expected to withdraw completely from the Lebanese territory. As per the ceasefire deal, the Lebanon army is expected to deploy around 5,000 troops in the southern region. The agreement also states that United Nations peacekeeping troops, the Lebanese army and a multinational committee will keep a watch and supervise the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. In a statement Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin declared Hamas as Iranian-backed terrorist organizations and said, “We must continue to focus on improving the desperate humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and we remain committed to securing the release of all of the hostages.

There is no doubt neither Hamas nor orthodox Muslim Palestinians were behind the attack on 7th October 2023 or taking hostages. However, during the so-called Israeli war against Hamas, Muslim leadership in Gaza, the occupied territories inside Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Crete were ruthlessly eliminated. The holy ancient places were leveled to the ground to remove the signs of Prophets (Alhe Salam). In this evil genocidal plot to eliminate entire orthodox Muslims in the Middle East, Israel's Western allies were not only silent spectators to the war crimes and genocide of Palestinians but were directly involved in funding, arming and providing personnel in the crimes against humanity. These nations crippled UN, humanitarian and relief organizations and journalists to perform their due role but also brutally killed them.

The terrorist attack inside Israel was a drama staged to eliminate the entire leadership of Hamas and its supporters. Iran and Lebanon, wittingly or unwittingly, tried to give an impression to the international community that Hamas is a terrorist organization have the full support of Iran. The same is the reason why US Secretary of Defense said, “Our support for Israel's security remains ironclad, and so does our support for Israel's right to defend itself from Iranian-backed terrorist organizations like Lebanese Hizbollah and Hamas”. Let there be no doubt that Hamas has no links with Iran and is a political organization that believes in peace and right of self-determination of the Palestinian nation for independence and the sovereign state of Palestine and peace in the world.

By Afshain Afzal

The stage has been set to purposely create an uncontrollable law and order situation in Pakistan. Self-engineered situations are being created in Balochistan and former FATA as well as areas and regions having centrifugal presence to revolt against the Federation. In the latest development, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi issued a warning to ghost protesters who have not yet entered Islamabad’s sensitive zone and are only visible in fake social media videos that the Government may take extreme steps, including invoking Article 245, imposing a curfew or any other extreme steps. If we recall, in April 2024, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s National Assembly member, Syed Mustafa Kamal gave an idea of immediate deployment of Army personnel and demanded that Karachi should be handed over to the military for three months. A few days back Karachi-based businessmen and industrialists also have appealed to the Chief of Army Staff to assume control of the Sindh's provincial capital for six months to resolve its basic civic issues, as the business fraternity in turn will help Pakistan retire its massive foreign debts. Interestingly, recently, the Federal Government approved an additional Rs 60 billion in funding to support ongoing military operations, "Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategies,” in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) as part of “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam announced by Pakistan Army on 21st June 2024.

Closely associated with the situation, there are elements not in favour of recognizing the sovereignty of Afghanistan, keeping the Government in Kabul in limbo with an extremely sour relationship with Pakistan. Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan is on focus to condemn the Government at Kabul for their involvement in terrorism inside Pakistan. Spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Amna Baloch in a press briefing on 21 November 2024, disclosed that Pakistan conveyed the US authorities concerns about the terrorist threat that Pakistan faces from Afghanistan and the sophisticated equipment that these terror groups have, which continue to kill Pakistani nationals. Islamabad hopes to work with the US for peace in Afghanistan and to ensure that Afghanistan fulfills its commitment of countering terrorism so that these terror groups do not threaten Pakistan's security. Pakistan claims that the Taliban Administration is supporting terror groups, particularly Fitna e Khuwarij.

Islamabad or any other country should not be mistaken that President-elect Donald Trump, following the Republican policy, will not deploy American forces in Afghanistan, Pakistan or foreign soil. Some Indian agents and personnel on American agencies’ payroll are actively leveling grounds to initiate war in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, if Washington refuses to fund Islamabad in this new war or decline assistance through American ground troops and equipment, in months to come Pakistan will be an uncontrollable hell for terrorist attacks. In a Press Briefing dated 19 November 2024, Mr Matthew Miller, spokesperson US Department of State clarified regarding attacks on Pakistan military personnel and acts of terrorism from Afghanistan in its policy, “We have regular high-level dialogues and working level consultations dedicated to enhancing both civilian and military capabilities to detect and counter these type of threats”.

In another shocking statement, nullifying the role of the Federation and Armed Forces in the provinces, Pakistan’s Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Reza Naqvi on 22nd November 2024, told the media regarding Parachanar terrorist attack that the responsibility of law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on KPK government which is involved invading the Federation of Pakistan “Dhawa Bol Deya”. KPK government should be questioned whether the province's responsibility should be to eliminate terrorism or to give a call for attacking the Federation. Our responsibility is only to assist and after the passage of the 18th Amendment, the Federal Government is not responsible for the control the law and order but despite 40 killings they are not doing it and it is their sweet will to take action or not. It is high time that security forces should follow the Constitution in letter and spirit to save the Federation and attain peace rather than acting on the dictates of individual political leaders.

By Afshain Afzal

The security forces have disrupted the normal life and hijacked the fundamental rights of all Pakistanis over of bogus strike call given by an alleged criminal who happens to be a politician. It is being projected in media that Rangers have been deployed at key government buildings, educational institutions closed, exams postponed and public transport has been banned and eating places sealed but interestingly there is no protester seen anywhere; not more than two dozens were observed in Islamabad and that is all. Unaware of government action on “Mr Nobody” as no noticeable protesters are there other than fake social media clips, the general public continued their routine affairs but were stuck due to the closure of roads through a series of huge containers.

One wonders these politicians and others are booked under charges of terrorism and under Clause 11 W of The Anti-Terrorism Act,1997 (XXVII of 1997) any person guilty of printing, publishing, or disseminating any material whether by audio or video-cassettes or any form of data, storage devise, FM radio station or by any visible sign or by written photographic, electronic, digital, wall chalking or any other to incite hatred or giving projection to any person convicted for a terrorist act or any proscribed organization or an organization placed under observation or anyone concerned in shall he punishable on conviction with imprisonment which may extend to five years and with fine. It has become a matter of routine that normal Police personnel can block any road and disrupt signals through jammers for days to allow some event take place.

All main highways and motor ways leading to Rawalpindi to Islamabad from other provinces have been blocked while normal traffic through small roads and streets are allowed to operate, causing loss in billions to the country beside making huge claims for performing extra duties to inflict further loss to Pakistan. Fake news that on 23 November 2024, all shops and offices were closed and student hostels vacated proved misleading as office were open and businesses commenced till late night. The propaganda that there will be record protester in Islamabad on 24 November proved totally wrong and purposely spread on social media to divert the attention of Pakistani masses from other issues of vital importance. One wonders the issues of Ms Bushra Bibi and former Prime Minister Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi that they violated Islamic code of marriage seems less impressive when the Los Angeles, Court on 13 August 1997, passed its judgment that Mr Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi without contracting marriage with Ms Sita White, daughter Tyrian White had illegitimate American national girl-child.

Since in Pakistan Islamic law has not been enforced so Constitution has been tailored to allow violator of Islamic law and even corrupt elements to be elected as national leaders. Article 62 of the Constitution provides that person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Parliament unless; (d) he is of good character and is not commonly known as one who violates Islamic Injunctions; (e) he has adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and practices obligatory duties prescribed by Islam as well as abstains from major sins; (f) he is sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, honest and Ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law. Interestingly, the criteria or the qualifications specified in paragraphs (d) and (e) are not applicable on non-Muslim.

It is quite disturbing that offices and businesses were open throughout Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other cities a day earlier and even on 24^th November educational institutions, Public Service Commission and others are sending messages to applicants that exams will be held as scheduled on Sunday, 24 November. Fake paid social media campaigns and notifications from government were telecast as headlines without any cause or threat. There are transactions to be made to within the country and abroad for admissions and businesses, what should Pakistanis tell them of failing to meet the deadlines? Many people have to visit hospitals and their lovesone, many have to complete their assignments and appear in online exams but there are no Internet services. Is government ready to compensate their losses and an apology?

By Afshain Afzal

It was the fourth time that the US vetoed the UNSC Resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. On the occasion, the US deputy envoy said during the session in New York, “We made clear throughout negotiations that we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages.” This irresponsible attitude cannot be expected from the US projecting itself as the world leader.

President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office on 20 January 2025. We expect Mr Trump to preserve, protect and defend the American Constitution but at the same President-elect Trump and his Cabinet should never forget that being a man of principles and protector of the Christian faith he has to follow Article VI, Clause 3 of the Constitution, “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States”. To bring any change in American policy, a Constitutional Amendment would be required. 

The First Amendment provides that Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. However, the rumours are audible in certain circles inside the Oval and the Pentagon that Mr Trump will also follow President Biden’s policy to use law or Veto power to allow the coercive imposition of Judaism, Christianity or alien religions in Palestine or elsewhere. The lines that President Joseph Biden followed by becoming party to war crimes and genocide of Palestinians must be discontinued to allow acceptance of America's peace role in the regions. Despite condemnations, the notorious US support to the Israeli Army to impose Judaism on the orthodox Muslim Palestinians continued by funding, arming and assisting rather deploying American soldiers to carry out genocide alongside of Israelis in Gaza and elsewhere especially against Hamas and like-minded Muslims.

The American leadership under Mr Trump must understand the dynamics of Middle East politics where bogus claims of assistance by Iran, and groups in Yemen and Lebanon to Hamas are being made to allow Israeli and Western forces to take revenge from Palestinians and engage in military deployment and destruction of Gaza. If these Muslim nations are concerned about Palestinians why don't they send their ground air and naval forces to land inside Israel and Palestinian territories to expel and destroy enemy forces? Washington must discontinue aid to Tel Aviv to prevent disaster and genocide as well as implement arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Palestinian leaders about whom Israel claims they killed all. Instead of focusing on Muslim nations staging drama of war against Israel who are neither representatives of Hamas nor Palestinians, Washington must engage Saudi Arabia and Turkey to implement independence of Palestine so that Jews and Muslims of the region can live with peace and harmony.

By Afshain Afzal

The tragic 9^th November 2024, explosion at Railways Station in Quetta, Balochistan killed 28 persons and injured more than 54 persons including a bulk of military personnel. There are suspicions that India was behind the deadly attack. Other reports speak about cylinder-blast The on-ground preparation for isolating provinces of Balochistan and strips from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with Azad Jammu and Kashmir including Gilgit Baltistan is in full swing. Elements in India, Afghanistan and Iran under the patronage of agents and enemies inside Pakistan’s security and bureaucratic apparatus are committed in dividing the country into five autonomous states. As per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, it would amalgamate Bengal and Bangladesh; followed by establishing a corridor linking India with Afghanistan through Wakhan belt and Nooristan into the Central Asian countries; and into Iran through strips in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Interestingly, instead to taking action Pakistan’s authorities have pre-recorded statements, supporting videos and international reports to confirm that the unrest and terrorism in Balochistan is not as result of foreign interference and plots but it is due to Baloch secessionist groups including Baloch Liberation Army and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to Islamic State and Al Qaida (ISIK/ISIL /ISIS) including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Interestingly, the 9^th November terrorist explosion coincided with the departure of bulk of Indian Army personnel through number of Indian Railways trains and other transportation for 'Poorvi Prahaar' exercise, a nine-day exercise commencing from 10^th November 2024, aim to develop collaboration capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in conducting joint operations in areas adjoining Bangladesh.

The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti disclosed that authorities would pursue the terrorists and bring them to their logical end. The Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir said terrorism will never be tolerated and reaffirmed nation's resolve and commitment towards eradicating this menace. General Syed Asif Munir fight against terrorism requires the steadfast support of nation, along with the efforts of the military and civil institutions, to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the country. Many nations including Gulf expressed condolences with the Government of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Thai government to acquire 100 Chaiseri First Win vehicles, designed for protection against ambushes and explosives. These mine-resistant vehicles are set to enhance the Pakistan Army’s capability to operate in challenging environments.  However, new Constitutional Amendments have given extensive powers to the security forces, which is feared may not be misused and these vehicles might not be used against own people. It is time to check the authenticity of intelligence inputs from foreign and own quarters and instead of using Chaiseri First Win vehicles internal elements or for hire, save them for enemies and adversaries to protect external borders. The lives of personnel are most vital but we must be very sure what statements are being issued.