By Afshain Afzal

There is confusion in every statement as well as events being reported regarding hijacking of Pakistani train, "Jaffar Express" on 11 March 2025. It seems a staged drama to attract international admiration, sympathies and funds in billions.

As planned by the handlers of drama, we are most likely to witness attacks by terrorist on prisons in Mach Jail or somewhere else in Balochistan that would lead to freeing all terrorist and they would sneak into Afghanistan; giving opportunity to hunt them there. These are the same tactics American and allies adopted in attacking independent nation states including Afghanistan and pockets of Pakistan.

As per the witnesses, some bogies of Jaffar Express train were derailed as a result of explosion at the track. The armed terrorist announced and warned telling to come out of the train. On our resistance, they stared firing for almost 30 minutes. When all passengers came out and were made to sit outside on ground, 15 to 20 hijackers who were wearing military style vests with rockets and weapons left the area and placed the hijacked passengers on the mercy of only five individuals who made them sit beside the train in groups comprising of Punjabis, Saraikis, Sindhis, Baloch while separate group of Army and FC personnel were made.

There are many questions that need to be answered before taking any concrete action to handle terror, terrorism and terrorists including the following:-

According to the eye witnesses there were over 45 military and FC personnel on the train; some of them must also be traveling with their family members but one wonders why these personnel did not resist to take over, especially when only five hijackers were left on the first night?

Where was Railways Police who are supposed to present in each train?

Why the Railways Authority did not issued any pressure release or took nation including love ones of passengers who got hijacked by armed terrorists?

Why ISPR or Armed Forces did not issue any pressure release, statement, any update or assurance to nation?

Why ISPR or Armed Forces did not update information till 1200 hours on 13 March 2026, except No PR-88/2025-ISPR dated 12 March 2025?

Why exact names of passengers were not released who booked their seats and why conflicting statements about number of passengers were issued by Railways Authorities; somewhere 500 and on other occasions more than 400?

Why names of those killed by terrorists are still withheld; do their love ones haven't any right to know about their wellbeing?

Why dead bodies of those killed have not been handed over to their families in presence of media?

Why compensations have not been announced by the Provincial or by the Federal government?

Why dead bodies of the 34 claimed killed terrorists have not been shared to media or handed over hospitals or their families?

In the latest development the government has invited all the political parties including opposition for consultations on ensuring peace and eradicating terrorism but what about the gap in the incident. Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other so called separatist groups have denied any role or knowledge of the incident while the Interim Government of Afghanistan also issued rebuttal and asked information and identities of terrorists which ISPR chief claims to have intercepted through Satellite phones used by hijackers and show their supporters in Afghanistan. There is no doubt that the things are not straight here and a drama was staged to get license to arrest and kill any one. Should we allow this when we have proper democratic functioning government and institutions to handle the affairs?

We must not forget what was also brought out by Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, "Regional organisations must empower member states to fight terrorism in accordance with the rule of law and human rights” and “Regional missions must respect the prohibition on the use of force as strictly interpreted by the International Court of Justice.” It is high time that the UN Secretary General, world leaders including President Trump and human rights organizations must intervene to discourage reign of terror in Pakistan and the region.

By Afshain Afzal

Widespread rumours and fake news are being propagated that Pakistani passenger train, Jaffar Express has been hijacked and Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for hijacking the train. Railways authorities Quetta confirmed that Jaffar Express, carrying 500 passengers in nine coaches departed from Quetta at 0900 hours on 11th March, 2025 was hijacked by armed militants at Tunnel No 8 in Mashkaf Tunnel, located around 157 kilometres from Quetta and approximately 21 kilometers from Sibi. As per the ground details railway track on Tunnel Number 8, was blown that caused the train to derail and was subsequent taken over by the militants. Controller Railways Quetta immediate reaction was that “Till now we are unable to make any contact with passengers or crew members." Ironically, a day earlier Balochistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claims to have received a threat alert, regarding a planned attack by Baloch separatists.

The train-hijacking incident took place at the time when world representatives were busy for an Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. In his report to the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, urged, “Regional organisations must empower member states to fight terrorism in accordance with the rule of law and human rights” and “Regional missions must respect the prohibition on the use of force as strictly interpreted by the International Court of Justice.” In other words engagement with diverse civil society organisations in preventing terrorism was agreed upon.

Regarding the hijacking, as per the official version Terrorists claims to have taken 182 as hostage and intense firing was also reported. According to sources armed men dressed in Salwar Kameez and at least three in Military design uniform were controlling the train once it was derailed. Muhammad Nadeem a passenger informed that armed individuals did not stop Jaffar Express but was taken over by armed men when driver of the train stopped the train when he saw damage to track at Tunnel No 8. He clarified that in many places in Balochistan there are no mobile signals and place of incident was one of these places. If we recall, last year in August 2024, militants attacked Kolpur and Dozan railway stations in Bolan. Similarly, on 25 December 2024, Pakistan Railways announced the suspension of the Jaffar Express operations between Quetta and Peshawar.

We cannot ignore that in July 2024, Railways Authorities floated a tender under PEPRA Rules to outsource (Private) 22 trains throughout Pakistan. In February 2025, Railways announced privatisation of 7 trains including Karachi Express, Farid Express, Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Sukkur Express, Mohenjo Daro Express and Rawalpindi Passenger train. On 11 February 2025, bogie of Jaffar Express derailed near Naseerabad, Balochistan as the train was travelling from Lahore to Quetta. All these incidents are causing billions of rupees loss each month to Pakistan Railways so that the corruption, inefficiency, poor management is justified under the garb of law and order situation. One wonders if the incident was linked with bidding of outsourcing or privatization of the trains.

There can be no doubt in the fact regarding the sabotage and terrorism linked with Railways that was thoroughly investigated in year 2010 to 2012 and in later years, which confirmed that railway employees having families in India were behind these incidents and were also involved in circulating fake threat related handout, a day earlier or immediately at the time of terrorist incidents. During this period the incidents that took place in Sindh and Balochistan, which were attributed to Balochistan Liberation Army and other nationalists confirmed to be carried out by the transport mafia and those who were on the payroll of the Indian agencies. No doubt if the railway system is allowed to run smoothly all the cargo and good chunk of passengers, according to the capacity of Railways, will be permanently shifted to the travel by rail.

As per the latest side investigation it was also revealed that Dhadar area of Sibi had British time offices and residence where a Signal setup was also stationed. Now there are plans to evacuate the whole population from this area and develop it as tourist spot attracting the Hindus, Europeans and others. Meanwhile, where the Inter Services Public Relations is silent over the incident, the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, saying: “The beasts who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions.” If we recall, in November 2024, at least 26 people were killed and 62 injured when a gas cylinder exploded being carried out by passenger at Quetta Railways Station but was canvassed as it was a suicide blast at Railway Station. Official statements must be given after due confirmation as neither Balochistan nationalist or any separation group has taken the responsibility nor the incident took place as being reported. No doubt, it was an attempt to show loose writ of the government and insecure Pakistan for investment.

By Afshain Afzal

Today President Donald Trump raised his hand on Holy Bible to sworn in as 47^th President of USA. Earlier his inauguration speech was remarkable and served as a ray of hope for making America great and efforts to bring peace in the world especially in Ukraine and the Middle East. His speech gave an assurance of religious freedom and freedom of speech. He also announced some of the names of his hardworking team; some of them really patriots and wonderful people. President Donald Trump would be lucky to have in his tenure as US President the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angles Olympics as well as USA’s 250 years celebrations.

President Donald Trump highlighted that he intend to cut taxes, end inflation, slash prices, raise wages and bring back thousands of factories back to USA through tariff and smart policy. He announced strengthening America, modernizing military and rebuild entire military. He sarcastically claimed that Washington gave billions and billions of dollars to Taliban and a big chunk of American military equipment to Afghan enemy. No one can deny the fact that US and NATO forces took along all the military equipment while some were transferred to Iran. There was a junkyard of destroyed and unserviceable US military equipment in Afghanistan that foreign forces left at the time of withdrawal from Afghanistan. Taliban cannibalized and make some road worthy by changing the engines and replacement of other parts from other vehicles of different types; some are now in good shape.

File Photo: Afghanistan

On wonders why President Trump felt unserviceable and destroyed US leftover equipment so important that he had to mention in his speech. It can be either pressure from war veterans or because of Afghanistan proved to be a bleeding wound for USA where beside heavy toll of US servicemen and others, Americans committed a crime of killing over 1.6 million innocent unarmed Afghan men, women and children as well as raised to ground all the major standing structures everywhere. In the process Washington destabilized her economy and lost respect as world leader.

 President Trump reminded that US pay billions of dollars each year to Afghanistan and if billions of dollars are to be paid to Afghanistan; Washington will not give money unless they give back American military equipment that US allowed them to have them. Outlining the strategy, he announced that Washington will give Afghanistan only couple of bucks and tell them that US wants military equipment back so that Americans can build their once great cities including capital in Washington DC making them safe, clean and beautiful again.

 It is encouraging that President Trump felt concerned about loss and destruction in California wildfires and announced employment of best builders in the world to rebuild California more beautiful in all respect. But what about whole of the Afghanistan, US and allies destroyed during two decades of occupation. Most of the present Afghan interim government leaders are not Taliban but compromised Taliban and others who long time back surrendered before western agencies in Doha; some of them are having strong connections with Tehran while others with New Delhi. Everyone has a lot of expectations from President Donald Trump as instrument of peace. It his time that Washington and the UNO must review towards Afghanistan and allow their full recognition on the assurance of compliance with international obligations and the law for peace in the region and beyond.

By Afshain Afzal

There is no doubt that Pakistan desires good friendly relations with all the Muslim countries including Iran. It was positive announcement when on 21 November 2024, Iranian Consul General Hassan Darwishvand expressed Tehran’s goal of increasing trade between Pakistan and Iran to $10 billion. But some recent policy changes have shaken Pakistan’s businesses, agriculture and economy as Pakistan is overlooking sanctions against Iran, which may attract further international sanctions on Pakistan. In the latest development, Iranian authorities have totally dishonored 1960s agreement between Pakistan and Iran, which allowed Rahadari system authorizing Pakistani Baloch resident of Sistan Balochistan to visit Pakistan without visa or passport and carry custom free items to both sides as compensation of Pakistan’s handing over Pakistani territory to Iran including snow-capped, eroded Koh-e-Tuftan volcano. The poor Baloch nationals who are being targeted by the militaries from decades and intentionally kept backward and marginalized have now no voice anywhere. The worse unnoticed human rights suffering could be seen in Balochistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Iran announced the opening of a new crossing point at Kohak Cheedgi area on Pakistan-Iran border in Panjgur to facilitate trade activities between the two countries, discourage trade allowed to Baloch of Sistan Balochistan under Radhari system and smuggling of goods and provide employment and business opportunities to the new settlers living on both sides of the border of the two countries. In December last year, Pakistan and Iran inaugurated the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing which is located about 120km from the Iranian port of Chabahar and 70km from Gwadar port. The Federal Board of Revenue has notified duty free trade and tariff concessions from January 2025 on the import of items and finished products from Iran and other countries under the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement. Trade is also being carried out through other channels. Secretary of Transit and Border Trade Zubair Shah, directed the Collectorate of Customs in Gwadar to take necessary steps in Kohak Cheedgi border crossing point and coordinate with other stakeholders and departments concerned to ensure required infrastructure development in the area immediately.

It is desire of the government and people of Pakistan that Iran is able to clear her position and international sanctions against Iran are lifted but Pakistan must abide international obligations. Today where Afghan items are being restricted in Pakistan markets, Iranian products including petroleum items, urea, machinery, equipment, fruits and vegetable, detergent, milk, cream, curd, cheese, ghee, eggs and other smuggled items are flooded not only in Balochistan province but even in smaller Pakistani cities. There are reports that Iranian items are smuggled through Pakistan to India. It is high time that policy makers from both countries must act responsibly, abide by international law and obligations, extending legal help to in this difficult time to overcome issues.

By Afshain Afzal

The month of March 2025 is vital, not only Afghanistan but also for the peace in South Asian region and beyond. The mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was extended until 17 March 2025, through Resolution 2727 (2024). The Resolution called on all relevant stakeholders to coordinate with UNAMA in the implementation of its mandate and to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel throughout the country. The Secretary-General is furnished report every three months on the situation in Afghanistan and the implementation of UNAMA’s mandate. The latest report being compiled bears prime impotence for the recognition of Afghanistan as an independent and sovereign state. However, the enemies of Afghanistan are trying their level best not to allow Afghanistan’s recognition to materialize.

In the same regard, the latest drama, which bears footmarks of at least three countries, 16 Pakistani government employees belonging to Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) were reportedly kidnapped from Lakki Darra Tang Road in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is being blamed by authorities but they have distanced themselves from any such act. Within hours security forces claimed that in a search operation eight of the hostages got freed and efforts were underway to secure the release of the rest. There are reports that they were working on mining development projects related to nuclear power stations and electric power generation. In a engineered video that surfaced on yesterday, the abductees asked the government to accept the demands of kidnappers including release Mujahideen and their family members, including children, and not to demolish their houses and disrespecting the dead bodies and compensation by the government for their damaged houses.

If we recall, in a Press Briefing dated 19 November 2024, Mr Matthew Miller, Spokesperson Department of State was asked a question to reflect as all terrorist groups are based in Afghanistan, and Taliban, who promised not to allow these terrorist groups to use Afghan soil as a launching pad are actually patronizing these terrorist groups but Mr Miller the US has the capability to target these terrorist dens, but the US has important bilateral counterterrorism partnership with the Government of Pakistan, and it includes to counter these type of threats. In other words it means the actions and strategies by Islamabad have blessings from Washington.

Despite these tense relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan due to misleading inputs from other agencies and negative propaganda against Taliban, there are many positive developments that reflects hope for a stable Afghanistan. In the latest development, on 12 January 2025, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Faisal Torki Al-Buqam, called on Afghan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss matters related to expanding bilateral relations between Afghanistan Saudi Arabia, delivering consular services to Afghans nationals residing in Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on existing opportunities to enhance cooperation. Regional courtiers including China and Russia have also signaled to boost trade and investment in Afghanistan.

In another development, on 3 January 2025, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Dr. Majid Takht Ravanchi visited India and discussed review of bilateral relationship, including situation in Afghanistan, Chabahar Port, trade and economic issues. Both sides agreed that where Islamabad is being compelled to discourage Afghan trade through ports of Pakistan, Chabahar Port will be used to support Afghanistan’s reconstruction and economic development. Beside meeting with Vikram Misri, India's Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Majid Takht Ravanchi also called-on the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and discussed Pakistan and Afghanistan issue.

As a follow up of the Indo-Iran meetings, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met acting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on 9 January 2025, and offered expanding relations between India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost trade through Chabahar Port in Iran, which India has been developing for goods to bypass the ports of Karachi and Gwadar. One wonders a dangerous game is being played against Afghanistan by New Delhi and other foreign nations to tarnish the image of Taliban in the eyes of international community and United Nations. Blame game against Afghanistan for their involvement in terrorism is in full swing and likely the links of kidnapping of Pakistani officials will also be joined with Taliban which in baseless and untrue. It is high time that UN Secretary General demand impartial report from UNAMA to allow Afghan people enjoy long awaited independence and sovereignty that will ensue not only peace in Afghanistan but whole region and beyond.

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.