By Afshain Afzal

The year 2025 will witness focus on NGOs; friends from nonprofits? American Secretary of State announced this December about settlement of Afghans of a particular faith by Welcome Corps, a program that empowers American citizens to act as sponsors for refugees in their communities in all 50 states to the United States. The plan is quite clear, “Our friends from nonprofits, from resettlement agencies have worked across the United States to support refugees – enrolling kids in local schools; connecting people to English classes; offering sometimes just a friendly smile, a warm meal; showing a new family around town. Finally these new American would return to their native country to take over Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and many Muslim countries, leaving others as unprivileged workers class. Afghanistan entered into new year, “2025” with fears that future operations would go beyond 1.6 million cold blooded murders of innocent Afghan women, children and men during two decades of Western intrusion of Afghanistan. This time they have a long-term plan to get Afghan majority to turn into minority so the Westerners hands are free of any blood strains.

Propaganda about security situation is intentionally been created to develop hatred against Taliban and projects others as innocents. In the latest development, despite clear proofs that all international donors, and organizations including NGOs claims to be supporting the Afghan people without involving or providing details to the Taliban interim government, all blame is leveled on the Doha compromised faction of Taliban interim government for the socio, economic, political and security situation in Afghanistan. On 31 December 2024, the UN human rights chief Volker Turk said, “Afghanistan's governing Taliban authorities must reverse their ban on Afghan women working for NGOs. In the same statement, he said, "I am deeply alarmed at the recent announcement by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan that non-governmental organizations’ licenses will be revoked if they continue to employ Afghan women. This is absolutely the wrong path being taken". He added, "For the future of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities must change course." One would also like to recall, the statement of Ms Alison Davidian, UN Country Representative in Afghanistan, “The fate of Afghan women determines the fate of women everywhere.” Did the United Nations or any other entity really sit down with Taliban Afghan Interim government to resolve the issue or mere strong statement and warnings would suffice to bring a paradigm change?

Taliban’s fears and apprehensions fits, ‘once bitten twice shy’ that is based on events immediately before the 11 September 2001 attacks and announcement of US war on Afghanistan. Although, at that time the Taliban agreed to allow for the construction of schools for boys and girls, and to permit women to work in the NGOs especially the education and health sector, in July, thirty-five international NGOs operating in Kabul withdrew their expatriate staff from the country rather than comply with a Taliban demand to relocate to and rehabilitate a dilapidated dormitory that lacked electricity and running water. The Taliban ultimately agreed to allow the NGOs to return to their former offices, with the understanding that the relocation would take place in the near future. Among the groups affected were Save the Children, Care International, and Médecins du Monde. Some groups, including Care, were allowed keep some programs and projects running using local staff. Further negotiations between the NGOs and the Taliban were put on hold following the US airstrikes.

Last year, in September 2023, Taliban interim government detained 18 staff of an international NGO, International Assistance Mission (IAM) including an American woman, possessing numerous documents and audios, which proved that they were inviting people to convert to Christianity. They were detained from Ghor province of central Afghanistan, and taken to the capital Kabul for deportation. The point of view of IAM was that their organisation is founded on Christian values, but that it does not provide aid according to political or religious belief. As an immediate after affect, a report from the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), said it found that the Taliban benefit from American-funded education programming through the generation of tax revenues and from more “nefarious” methods like the establishment of fraudulent NGOs and extorting and infiltrating existing NGOs to obtain or direct international donor aid.

During hearing before the Committee on Oversight and Accountability US House of Representatives on 19 April 2023, John F. Sopko Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction highlighted, “due to the refusal of State and USAID to fully cooperate with SIGAR, I cannot report to this Committee or the American people on the extent to which our government may be funding the Taliban and other nefarious groups with US taxpayer dollars. We simply do not know since the Department of State, USAID, the UN and other agencies are refusing to give us basic information that we or any other oversight body would need to ensure safe stewardship of tax dollars. More troubling, State and USAID have instructed their employees not to talk to SIGAR, and in one recent instance, State told one of its contractors not to participate in a SIGAR audit. I note in passing that DOD’s refusal to respond to SIGAR’s inquiries in 2022 caused months of delay in responding to this committee’s requests. Unless this changes, we will face another summer of delays and noncooperation. On 13 March 2023, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs asked SIGAR to examine 14 specific areas of US assistance to the Afghan people—among them, whether US funds benefit the Taliban. This will of course require the full cooperation of State, USAID the UN and all of their implementing partners and subcontractors.

Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, women have been progressively empowered to fill public spaces but most of the women especially who worked for the Americans refused to work in Afghanistan as they were offered better opportunities to settle abroad if the denounce Taliban rule and speak against Sharia. In the same regard, most of the findings for Afghanistan secretly go to anti-Taliban factions especially women for their settlement in various countries. An Afghan woman with initials ‘Ms MF’, who worked for me in Islamabad for some time has now acquired European nationality and settled with her children. Taliban have also arranged high school and university education n for the girls but schools are closed till March on account of winter vacations but negative propaganda is being rumoured. One wonders in such an environment how women will get empowered and adjusted in the society… isn’t it a planned conspiracy against Afghan nation?

Official record provides that since August 2021, US $8 billion was provided or made available to the Afghan people by the United States alone. Where is that money gone? We know that US authorized transfers of $3.5 billion from the Afghan central bank reserves to a new international fund created with the hope of stabilizing Afghanistan’s economy but both US taxpayers and Afghan nation are ignorant where is that money? Similarly another $2 billion was earmarked for human rights, humanitarian and development efforts but there is lack of transparency and accountability. When the Taliban government asked these NGOs and international organizations for audit that should bulk of heavily paid women getting huge salaries through fund money. A huge sum of nearly $2.8 billion is claimed to have been to transport, house, and feed Afghan allies who have been evacuated from Afghanistan to safer location... does this make sense? It is high time that UNO must intervene to scrutinize all the findings for Afghanistan and make all NGO transparent and accountable through rigorous audit. The Taliban authority as well as the world has the right to know where funds for Afghanistan have gone and why an Afghan class is being created ‘Foreign nationality holders’ to let Afghanistan bleed permanently. It is high time that the UNO and other International Organizations, the European Union and others must compel the NGOs and aid agencies to allow complete audit and working as per the lawn enforced in Afghanistan. 

KABUL, 29 December 2024, (TON): Taliban Ministry of Education has completed work and earmarked over 145 schools for girls throughout Afghanistan for education beyond the sixth grade that was barred in the past due to lack of proper facilities and resources. Since September 2024, some women have started their businesses of own and running private schools smoothly. This is the first time that Afghanistan not only witnessed implementation of much awaited education system where Afghan girls and women would avail opportunities to get higher and university education in public and private institutions but will also be allowed to set their workplaces.

Sources at Kabul disclosed that in the second phase Afghan female workers will also be allowed working with international relief organization including the United Nations and other aid organizations, after due clearance but same could not be confirmed from official sources. Sources in Kabul has informed that a reform committee would announce opening hundreds of schools early next year after winter vacations are over. Funding will also be required by Taliban authorities to implement reforms.

By Afshain Afzal

In the latest development, the EU, UK and the US, UK highly criticized the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) announcement dated 21st December 2024 that the military Field General Court Martial convicted 25 people in the first phase over attacks on the installations of the Armed Forces including desecration of the monuments of Shuhada. What the EU, UK and the US, missed the announcement include second phase sentences of remaining accused when the due process is complete. More so, all those sentenced by the military tribunal would have right to appeals including the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The development came soon after the ISPR’s announcement; the European Union announced its concern over the sentencing of twenty-five civilians by a military court saying, “These verdicts are seen as inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In line with article 14 of ICCPR every person is entitled to a fair and public trial in a court that is independent, impartial and competent, and has the right to adequate and effective legal representation. It also stipulates that any judgement rendered in a criminal case shall be made public. There are threats to end trade concessions.

The United States also issued a press statement dated 23 December 2024, on the sentencing of 25 civilians in a Pakistani military tribunal, “The United States is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023. These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees… and continues to call on Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process, as enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said, “While the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal proceedings, trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial. We call on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”.

If we recall, on 9 May 2023, Pakistan witnessed tragic incidents of politically motivated terrorism cum treason, which provoked general masses to resort to violence and arson as well as trespassing highly sensitive prohibited installation to cause damage and take over them at multiple places. The law took its course and the Supreme Court of Pakistan on 27 March 2024, nullified its previous order of 23rd October’s injunction ordering that military courts could commence trials but they would not convict or acquit any suspect until the pendency of government-instituted intra-court appeals (ICAs) or their decisions would be conditional to the Supreme Court verdict. Previously, a five-member Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Ijazul Ahsan, Munib Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Ayesha Malik, declared that trying 103 civilians in military courts for their role in attacks on Army Installations was unconstitutional.

Is west forgetting how they treat anti state elements and those who commit national security breaches? Should we remind the United Kingdom and the Europeans who brought the existing laws into Pakistan… didn’t they implement it to democratize their rule in present day Pakistan and other nations? Are the Americans, Europeans and the Briton forgetting the respect of human rights and fair trial at Guantanamo Bay, installed interim governments in occupied parts of Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and other nations?

The United Kingdom must not forget her own laws where under Trespass on protected sites - sections 128-131 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 as amended by section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The USA Code 1752 says, “whoever knowingly enters or remains in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority to do so with the intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government official functions, engages in disorderly or disruptive conduct in, or within proximity to, any building or grounds when their conduct impedes or disrupts normal business….” US law says one who engages in any act of physical violence against any person or property in any restricted building or grounds may be awarded a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both. Can EU deny punishments for protest-related offences where physical assaults and significant criminal damage to property, aggravated trespass etc.

What the Western nations fails to understand is that being the members states of the United Nations Organizations all states are equal is all respect without any discrimination unless sanctioned under the UNO Charter. The highly objectionable series statements and tweets against Pakistan’s national security and sovereignty by the United States of America, European Union and the United Kingdom are direct interference in the internal affairs a member nation of UNO. The Secretary General of United Nations and the international observer groups must not take these statements light, as it is the direct threat to Pakistan’s independence, sovereignty and existence as a nation. There is no doubt that much is to be done for transparent, fair and accountable justice in Pakistan but Military Courts should not be deprived of its due role granted by the constitution and justice system to expose the evidences which may expose security if left to civilian courts only. Let us hope strong influential nations do not put so much pressure on other governments that they are unable to maintain their sovereignty, national integrity and independence. We expect Western players to help constitutionally supported Islamic justice system to honour international law, conventions and Statues.

By Afshain Afzal

Yesterday, in a personal meeting with Indian held Jammu and Kashmir’s leader at Rawalpindi went smooth. He shared excess of BJP and grave human rights violations in Kashmir by the Indian authorities under the guidance of Israeli military and intelligence advisors through planned cold-blooded murders of pro-Pakistan leadership by Indian Army and Border Security Forces. They decided to provide an opportunity to others to restore statehood of Indian portion of Jammu and Kashmir. In the past few days, Ladakh and Srinagar witnessed Jammu and Kashmir Congress planning of series of protest march to Raj Bhavan for statehood restoration. The leaders claimed that although the meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah is unlikely to produce desired results but at least there would be some development in a positive direction.

Meanwhile the Kashmiri Pandits in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom have also agreed not to let India occupy the Jammu and Kashmir state anymore. They rejected the legitimization of Jammu and Kashmir Vidhan Sabha, including Ladakh as legislature of Indian union territory as well the Assembly elected through elections in 2024. The meeting of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 18th December to discuss the issues seems mere attempt to gain time but positive signal for peaceful revival for the movement for Independence of Jammu and Kashmir. The followers of late Sayed Ali Geelani have announced their stance that they would not allow New Delhi to restore Article 370 and will not accept anything less than complete right of self determination, expulsion of illegal settlers in Jammu and Kashmir including Pakistani and Chinese administrated Jammu and Kashmir and restoration of State land to the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. 

On 5 August 2019, Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated and Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act to reconstitute the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Indian Unions Territories with effect from 31 October 2019. Now India is heading towards two constitutional amendments; “129th Amendment Bill 2024” and “The Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2024”. The One Nation, One Election” which aims to streamline the electoral process where the legislation will be rolled out in two phases. In the first phase, elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will be held simultaneously. Subsequently, elections for local bodies, including Panchayats and municipalities, will be conducted within 100 days of the General Elections. Through The Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2024, amendments in Section 5 of the Government of Union Territories Act 1962, Section 5 of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act 1991 and the Section 17 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, to align holding of simultaneous elections along with the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

The Indian politics has adopted a new form of coercion to achieve desire results that has legalized brutal mass killings, a form of partial genocide and denial of the right of self-determination of Kashmiris and other States in India. Those struggling for their legitimate rights of self-determination, recognized by the United Nations and other civilized nations are killed in fake encounters or forced to flee for other countries. It is high time that UNO must pave way for the safe return of all state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir presently divided between countries, ensure expulsion of illegal non-state subjects and provision of an opportunity to Kashmiris around the world to express their right of self-determination as per the British Government’s undertakings before the partition and United Nation Security Council Resolutions.

By Afshain Afzal

16^th December reminds of a horrifying day, when Pakistan lost her entire Eastern territory along with majority of its population in 1971. This day reminds how ideology of Pakistan, announced by Abul Kasem Fazul Haq, Sher-e-Bengal and Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in 1940 proved correct that joint or secular models of Muslim system of governance and non-Muslim system are not workable in Muslim majority nations and regions.

In the 1970 national elections, despite leading his party to a major victory in the elections, Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman was not invited to form the government. On 25 March 1971, Mujib-ur-Rahman was arrested by the Pakistan Army in an Operation Search Light. During his nine-month detention, insurgency erupted and an attempt was made by Pakistan Army to crush Bengali nationalists and bring peace. An all-out civil-war between the Pakistan Army and East Pakistani Hindu nationalists and its supporters started in which USA played a major role in the disintegration of Pakistan. In the meantime, Indian forces intervened and it led to the liberation of East Pakistan as an independent nation and emergence of Bangladesh in 1971.

In fact, neither before the 26 March 1971 nor after the Pakistani surrender drama on 16 December 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had any role is dismemberment of East Pakistan or creation of Bangladesh as sovereign state. He was true nationalist and rightly addressed as Bangabandhu. After Bangladesh’s independence and release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from Pakistani custody in January 1972, he never spoke against Pakistan, however, he wanted to punish those who created such situation that divided Pakistan and also those who exploited the situation.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh under a parliamentary system adopted by the new country. His government under the pressure of Hindu dominated communist Mukti Bahini, enacted a constitution proclaimed socialism and secular democracy. The Awami League won a huge mandate in the country’s first general election in 1973. However, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman faced challenges of rampant unemployment, poverty, and corruption and a famine also took place in 1974 due to massive black marketing and corruption. Bangabandhu in his address to Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) on 5 December 1974 said, “I have given my whole life to this country. I cannot tolerate that people are starving for the corruption and smuggling.” He asked BDR to stop corruption and smuggling. The government was criticized for denying constitutional recognition to indigenous Hindu minorities and human rights violations by its security forces, notably the National Defense Force Para Militia. Amid rising political agitation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman initiated one party socialist rule in January 1975.

Six months later, he and most of his family were assassinated in a coup led by Bangladeshi Army officers and the day they choose was 15th of August which is celebrated as Independence and Partition Day by India and Pakistan. On this day cold blooded murder of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (17 March 1920 – 15 August 1975), the founder of the Bangladesh, his family members and other top leaders. On 15 August 1975, top Pakistani and Bangladeshi leader and father of Bangla nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated along with all his family members, except his two daughters; Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana who were saved because they were abroad at that time. A total of 17 members of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family were killed on same night in three different houses; two in Dhan-mondi and one around Minto Road, Bangladesh.

We cannot forget that late younger brother of President John F. Kennedy namely Senator Edward M Kennedy alias Ted Kennedy was the main person who disintegrated Pakistan into Pakistan and Bangladesh. He openly supported then-East Pakistan during the Liberation War. In October 2022, US Senator Edward Moore Kennedy Jr was son Ted Kennedy and his three family members paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban that immediately afterwards witnessed her downfall as planned when foreign agent Muhammad Yunus destroyed the country. The 16^th of December is important day that reminds that where we must keep good friendly relations with foreign nations but never forget how we were cheated and betrayed by our enemies in the past.

By Afshain Afzal

It is a million dollar question but will remain unanswered because it involves annual billions of dollars funding to keep this world insecure. We do have tens and hundreds of past examples where we witnessed all out military operations or use of drones, artillery and even bombing by aircrafts but for a minute imagine an incident in near future where a religious extremist heading a Madrassa in troubled Pakistan-Afghan border give mere a sermon and what will be the reaction from State authorities? From the loudspeaker of minaret he announces before a religious gathering, “Hundreds of Police and Rangers personnel fell to our hands but we safely allowed them to be transported unharmed. This time I am warning the personnel of Police, Rangers, and Army to disobey orders if asked to sprinkle bullets on your own unarmed people. The state is compelling the public to revolt by killing own people and I hereby declare that next time we will not talk about remaining peaceful fire is opened on unarmed people and to save the lives of our people we will come out with weapons then we will show who run away; who has how “Gharrat”, who has more strength and then they will not be visible anywhere”.

From the legal point of view, Section 6 (7) (a) of Ant-terrorism Act, 1997 provides; In this Act, a “terrorist” means “an individual who has committed an offence of terrorism under this Act, and is or has been concerned in the commission, preparation, facilitation, funding or instigation of acts of terrorism”. Sections 121, 121A, 122 and 123 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860) covers the offence: Section 121 provides; whoever wages war against Pakistan, or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine. Section 121-A provides, whoever within or without Pakistan conspires to overawe, by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force, the Federal Government or any Provincial Government, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Section 122 provides, whoever collects men, arms or ammunition or otherwise prepares to wage war with the intention of either waging or being prepared to wage war against Pakistan, shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Now let us weigh what Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said in his 14 December 2024, address at Mansehra, Abbottabad, “Hundreds of Police and Rangers personnel fell to our hands but we safely allowed them to go rather safely transported them. I am telling the Punjab Police, I am telling Rangers, I am telling the soldier of Army that such order which you are obeying and your are sprinkling bullets on your own unarmed people, the responsibility of food has been taken by Almighty Allah there is Lannat on such food… State has been given the status of mother but this state by killing own people is compelling the public to revolt. I am firm on my declaration that next time we will not talk about remaining peaceful; Imran Khan for God shake the abandon the word of peaceful then we will come out without the slogan of peaceful and then whosoever open fire on unarmed and to save the life of our people and we are compel to save their lives and then when we will come out with weapons then we will show who run away; who has how much Gharrat, who has how much strength “Damm”, who has how much manly strength, and then you will not be visible’.

We all know that it is conspiracy against the state of Pakistan in which in the name of Civil Disobedience weapons would used to spill blood on the streets to blame State authorities and security agencies. In the war against the Federations may security and intelligence personnel are directly involved who are engaged in spread rumours to create hatred. The state machinery, specially the security and intelligence personnel need to be reminded Section 123 of the Pakistan Penal Code, “Whoever, by any act, or by any illegal omission, conceals the existence of a design to wage war against Pakistan, intending by such concealment to facilitate or knowing it to be likely that such concealment will facilitate the waging of such war, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. One wonders why blue-eyed terrorists exempted from prosecution… only because they claim to be from influential class or sons and brothers of a military officers as many politician claim. Why military operations cannot be launched in posh areas of Federal capital and provinces. And why only religious factions who criticized government for non-implementation of the Constitution are target of military operations. It is high time that State authorities, International community including UNO and human right organizations must take action to track the real terrorists and protect the victim for being poor and orphans belonging to Madrassas.

By Afshain Afzal

The political and security situation in the Middle East especially Syria and Palestine including Golan Heights is too fragile to comment. Since weekend the US and Israeli forces carried out tens and hundreds of aerial strikes across Syria destroying military equipment and facilities. Some of the war mutations including helicopters and aircrafts etc were seen moving towards Iranian border through Iraq. Reports emitting from the Syria and coastal areas said that purposely American, Israeli and French forces destroyed Air Defence facilities, Radars, Monitoring facilities, Naval and Air Forces facilities, aircrafts and naval ships to exert maximum destruction as possible, causing Syria loss of billions of dollars. Statement by the UN Secretary General is hope for normalcy, “… the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future. The future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine...”.

Some senior commanders including a Western ally said on the condition of anonymity, “… stage is being prepared in Africa and Asia to eliminate terrorists on the lines of elimination of Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria… our target would be Syria and Iraq followed by extremist Sunni population in Iranian border towns, Pakistan and Afghanistan.” They added, “Chapters of Al-Qaida, Islamic State (ISIS) and others will be opened to establish links of everyone with Internationally recognized terrorist organization.” There are reports that in three months period all sectors and regions would become active but much depends upon the policies of President-elect Donald Trump once he takes over the office.

Meanwhile, the Western players transferred huge cache of arms and ammunition to Syrian Kurds and Shiites homes. The leadership of Syrian Kurds, especially in Aleppo has moved to Israel, Iran and some airlifted to other destinations. Despite all out help, the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had to flee for Russia after giving orders to move out of Syria in the aircrafts provided by Western players. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government following a stunning advance and fleeing remained more or less peaceful. To avoid tickling affects, Lebanon, Jordon and Israel have closed all land borders, cross border crossing with Syria. The western players are looking for a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. The International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations have demanded safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria and foreigners. Iran has desired friendly relations between the Tehran and Damascus.

The Syrian interim government has announced amnesty to all including those Armed Forces and officials loyal to the previous government. Good relations with all the neghbouring countries including Iran to allow peace to prevail. Unlike pervious government of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, the new Syrian government will Islamic in foundation with full guarantees and freedom to the minorities, fulfilling all international obligations. It has been clarified that sectarianism and division with the Syrian nationals will be discouraged. The new constitution would be public friendly to rebuild Syrian Republic. All foreign organizations and bodies would be allowed to operate under the new law subject to respect to cultural and religious with transparency and accountability for the scrutiny of the masses and international organizations. It is high time that the foreign military deployment in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and elsewhere must be withdrawn to allow peace return to the Middle East and the regions. The role of UNO and other humanitarians organizations is vital, not to fall pray self-engineered and factitious reports.

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.