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Afshain Afzal
By Afshain Afzal
The people of Pakistan are thankful to the United Nations rights chief Volker Turk for raising concerns over the new 26th constitutional amendment saying that it will seriously undermine judicial independence. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the International Commission of Jurists also dubbed the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a “blow to judicial independence”. Through amendments in the constitution, the custodians of the Constitution have set up a constitutional regime to derail democratic institutions including the Judiciary. A series of anti-Judiciary and anti-democracy revengeful actions through the Constitution 26th Amendment Act 2024 by making amendments and insertions in Articles including 199 (1A), 202A, 203D, 208, 209, and 215 has exposed the anti-state designs against state authorities in Pakistan.
These amendments have been formulated with an intention not only to destroy the institution of the Judiciary by taking away its independence but also to seize the progression towards its separation from the executive. These amendments have also delayed the implementation of Islamic provisions, at least three years behind schedule, and also weakened the Federation by creating grounds for absolute autonomy in the provinces by placing seats of Provincial Judges in the Federal capital. The immediate impact of the Act 2024 was a sense of disrespect amongst the Judges for each other, which instigated six junior Judges to dare skip the Full Court Reference of the Supreme Court on 25th October 2024, despite written invitations and reminders.
Through these amendments an attempt has been made to place junior Judges and advocates, non-judicial retired officials, and nominated women, non-Muslims, and transgender over the senior judges. The Judiciary has been made a mere rubber stamp with no teeth to nib the evil and injustices. More so, to achieve said hidden agendas, the supremacy of the Constitution has also been tarnished by getting passed issues at provincial and local government levels such as local taxes, fees, cess, charges, tolls in Cantonment areas in the Fourth Schedule.
Humiliating amendments regarding the powers of Chief Justice and other Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts that if Chief Justice or Judge of the Supreme Judicial Council is absent or is unable to act due to illness or any other cause, the Judge of the Supreme Court who is next in seniority below the Judges or another High Court who is next in seniority amongst the Chief Justices of the remaining High Courts, shall act as a member of the Council in his place. There is a provision Chief Election Commissioner and members will hold office until his successor enters upon the office no matter takes years.
Pakistan has been a federation since independence in 1947, but various attempts were made in the past, which are continuing, to change the federal structure on the lines of India or the United States of America for strong autonomous provinces or states. With a strong Federation and autonomous provinces within prescribed limits, the foundation of an Islamic social contract among provinces and territories afterward included in or acceded, these become part of the state as Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Ideally, the Amendment Act should have been confined to Judicature but issues like discontinuance of Presidential awards in the field of nursing were made part of the Amendments. In a nutshell not only the present Amendments, but numerous Amendments made in the past, especially in 2010/ 2011, require review de-novo.
By Afshain Afzal
The Constitution 26th Amendment Act 2024, has been made law but the same invited a lot of criticism. The United Nations rights chief Volker Turk raised concerns over the new 26th constitutional amendment saying that it will seriously undermine judicial independence. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also demanded the withdrawal of the Amendment. The International Commission of Jurists dubbed the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a “blow to judicial independence”. Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson tried to respond the international criticism including the High Commissioner for Human Rights during a news briefing in which she said that it has been drawn from unwarranted and misplaced conclusions from media reports, social media posts, and speculative analysis. Unpublished remarks by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reflect, “The Amendment became possible as we have friends inside Bureaucracy and Armed Forces as well as political system, which ensured delay in enforcement of Islamic provision of the constitution, boost to the western financial system by delaying Riba, political and executive controlled Judiciary and inclusion of non-Muslim and women at the top slots and non-official-controlled institutions.
At the national level, the 26th Amendment is being criticized on a ground of interference in the independence of the judiciary. The concerns included; the constitutional package as 26th Amendment has some drafting issues and a "serious anomaly" related to Articles 191A, 175A(1) which may become a hurdle in the formation of constitutional benches in the Supreme Court. The new Judicial Commission of Pakistan cannot be created and no constitutional benches can be appointed unless this provision is amended via another constitutional amendment. However, it is not correct as if some members of the Judicial Commission are not available for the constitution of the constitutional benches then the available members can decide the constitutional benches. A couple of petitions challenging the 26th amendment has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan and other Courts on the grounds including; the Constitution does not give parliament the right to encroach upon the basic structure of the Constitution due to which judicial independence has been done away with; setting a principle for the appointment of judges from the three most senior judges, formation of constitutional benches and requiring retirement before the age of 65 undermines the judiciary's autonomy; it is contrary to the principles of judicial independence and separation of powers and that various sections of the amendment are in-conflict with constitutional principles.
The invisible hands behind the drafters of Constitution 26th Amendment Act 2024 tried to make fun of Islamic provisions of the constitution as well as the Judiciary in Pakistan to dishonor the personalities including honorable Judges in the same manner how they did with the District Administration in the past by converting Deputy Commissioners into District Coordination Officers? One wonders why others cannot smell foul play. Are Pakistanis really ignorant of the drama series of political prisoners; can’t they see that the grounds for someone’s comeback being prepared? If we recall a month earlier, “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024” was made law in which under Clause 2 (f) District Magistrate has been defined as Deputy Commissioner and under Clause 6 the right of Appeal and Revision has been awarded to Chief Commissioner rather than a Court. In a nutshell, the 26th Amendment must be challenged in the Supreme Court of Pakistan as well as floors of the Parliament. Complete analysis and rationale… clause-by-clause and sub-clause-by-sub-clause highlighting clear violations with the Constitution and rationale has been prepared to be shared with the Speaker, Chairman and Chief Justice of Pakistan.
By Afshain Afzal
The last few weeks witnessed the general public is denied access to three dropdowns sub-menus of the Main Navigation Menu on the official website of the National Assembly of Pakistan. These include; Bills introduced in the National Assembly, Bills Passed by in the National Assembly and Bills in the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). All others and dropdowns are perfectly working. Similarly, the Senate of Pakistan’s official website neither shows the Constitution 26th Amendment Bill, 2024 nor Bills before the Senate, Private Members’ Bills, Government Bills and Bills passed by the Senate. This has been done by design to deceive the Pakistani nation. At midnight 20/ 21 October 2024, other than commentary by the media, nowhere on the earth text of the Constitution 26th Amendment Bill, 2024 or the approved Amendment is available. Although, we do not have the slightest doubt over the loyalties of members of the Parliament including the opposition party, who after consultation with party chief Imran Ahmed Khan Naizi announced non-participation in voting but consensus and approval of the 26th Amendment but the matter is too serious to be over sighted.
It is claimed by the politicians that "The Constitution 26th Amendment Bill, 2024 is in the wider interest of the country while adhering to the oath of national development and public welfare.” But, the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been defeated through the Constitution 26th Amendment Bill, 2024. The 18th Amendment defeated the Federation of Pakistan and now independence of judiciary has become subservient to the Parliament and the Executive. Under Article 175 of the constitution, the constitution must be followed with regard to the judicature. It also provides that the judiciary should be separated from the executive. However, the present Amendment provides the establishment of a Special Parliamentary Committee consisting of twelve members responsible for judicial appointments.
It is worth laughing that Pakistan would be having three Supreme Courts; The Supreme Court of Pakistan, The Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan and Federal Constitutional Court. One wonders which is Adalat-e-Uzma and which is not. The new arrangement would turn the Supreme Court of Pakistan not more than a High Court of Appeal and The Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan having no relevance and one expects its future merger into the Federal Constitutional Court or part of a surplus pool.
One wonders from where Pakistan gets such novel ideas. We have the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, which is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases, and for criminal cases as well as it hears cases of the greatest public or constitutional importance affecting the whole population. The Supreme Court of the USA is the final arbiter of the law and when the Supreme Court rules on a constitutional issue that subject judgment is final. Its decisions can only be altered by a rarely f constitutional amendment or by a new ruling of the Court. In India, the Supreme Court is the final court of appeal for all civil and criminal cases as well as it decides constitutional issues.
A constitution is the most sacred document for every sovereign nation. The helm of affairs of the country including the rights and privileges, the law and regulations, and duties and obligations are embedded in the constitution. In short, the constitution provides all the procedures; how is to be country is run? The latest introduction of the 26th constitutional amendment is a matter of serious concern for the independence of the judiciary and the preservation of the constitution. We must not hesitate in highlighting whatever is in the national interest weather it is a suggestion or recommendation by ordinary Pakistani citizens or elected members of the assembly. To be precise the Constitution 26 Amendment should not be passed, as we can smell future troubles and hidden agenda, which will be attained through this amendment. Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly and Senate are requested not to approve this amendment in haste without making the original approved bill on the official websites and getting proper feedback.
By Afshain Afzal
Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump, who is in the lead for the elections 2024, is expecting a comfortable win. Despite pressures from agencies and the Pentagon, Donald Trump is expected to prove successful in reaching a permanent solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and end to Israeli genocide. He not only talked to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the telephone but is concerned about American double policy due to certain compulsions. If we recall, in September 2018, on the occasion of Jews' New Year (ending on 11 September), President Donald Trump announced stopping funding to UNRWA and told American Jewish leaders, “I stopped massive amounts of money that we were paying to the Palestinians… ”We’re not paying until you make a deal.”
It was not President Trump who decided so but the intelligence agencies misguided him to take such actions. No doubt, it was tactics to blackmail and starve homeless persons to sign a deal otherwise there is no option but to starve to death. Many analysts are confident including Hamas leadership and a great number in Muslim countries who expect the potential President of USA to provide justice to Hamas and the Palestinians by supporting recognition of Palestine as an independent state, after confirmation that it was other actors and not Hamas involved in 7 October terrorist attack on Israel. It is expected that a better policy of peace and justice will be witnessed on President Trump’s coming to the office. It is expected that peace-loving Jews would vote Mr Donald Trump for perment peace in the Middle East and around the world.
Former President Donald Trump's genuine effort for the struggle for upholding the high democratic traditions has made him popular not only in the US but around the world. Not only he is best among the available choices but is hope for a better tomorrow despite many pressures, ifs and buts that would hinder in the accomplishment of making America strong. Mr Donald Trump is still the favourate in the November 2024 election and it is American tax-payers foresee his comfortable win due pro-American policies and a strict adherence to rule of law.
By Afshain Afzal
Highly disturbing, degrading, and humiliating events were intentionally crafted and later propagated on national and Indian media claiming that events were in protest over ghost rape of a college girl in Lahore. The timings coincided with an international event in Pakistan, where ideally coverage was to be given to Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) scheduled on 15 – 16 October 2024. In well-organized black propaganda against Punjab Group of Colleges system, college administration and teaching staff were abused by the students and parents, manhandled by outsiders, and even slapped on the faces of college professors while school property was badly damaged throughout Punjab.
It all happened as a result of well-planed Police action against the spirit and violation of Police Order 2002 as well as social media campaigns to keep alive non-existent girl’s rape whose existence could not be confirmed by anyone even after the passage of five days. Despite that no one came out to identify the ghost invisible Miss Nobody against whom alleged rape was committed registered and non-registered news channels and social media apps including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, etc continued their propaganda from Saturday night, 12 October 2024, till to date.
As per the statement of the administration of Punjab Group of Colleges SSP Ayaz of Model Town visited the college campus No 10 at 0930 hours and asked College Vice Principal to call security guard namely ‘Ohn’ and instruct to immediately report back. The Vice Principal of the college phoned in front of SSP and ordered security guard to report back, after which school authorities were warned not to contact security guard Ohn again. SSP took along all evidence including DVR, DDV of 10 GB CCTV footage, leaving no evidence for college authorities to rely upon. When last reports came in college security guard namely Ohn and all the equipment in the school was still in Police custody.
It is quite shocking that even after the passage of five days Police has not lodged any First Information Report (FIR) pertaining to rape of any college girl or FIR against College girls who misguided the authorities by telling a lie as a witness to the incident of rape, In any case FIR has to be lodged against someone or against ASP Syeda Sher Bano Naqvi and Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran and other Police personnel for entering women college without ladies police, harassing students, causing damages worth millions of rupees to the colleges and leaving ambiguity in their statements to create law and order situation, throughout the country
We have the Lahore High Court’s Judgment, 2013 PLD 442 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE [p. 444] A S. 154 ---Police Rules, 1934, Chap. 34, R.1---Registration of FIR - Police carrying out inquiry/investigation prior to Registration of FIR. Legality Police officer did not have the authority to carry out an inquiry prior to Registration of a FIR so why security guards is under illegal detention. Ironically, even after the passage of five days with no trace of any rape, these Police officers are still asking the students and general public to come up with name of girls who was raped so that FIR case be lodged.
Meanwhile a committee was constituted which recorded the statements of DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, Director and Principal of the college, Gulberg ASP Sheharbano Naqvi, Security Incharge of college, Rescue Officer Shahid and 28 students. The first-year student and her parents, who were linked to the alleged rape episode on social media, said in their statement that the girl fell at home on 2 October due to which she hospitalized and on leave from school till 15 October 2024.
The excellent performances of all the educational institutions of Mian Amer Mahmood, the chairman of Punjab Group of Colleges network has earned these institutions Pakistan’s top educational institutions. To quote examples, in year 2024, Punjab Colleges have secured 142 top positions in all boards; in Multan Board Punjab Colleges bagged the first and third positions; in Rawalpindi Board
Punjab Colleges bagged first, second and third positions; in Faisalabad Board
Punjab Colleges bagged first, second and third positions; in Gujranwala Board Punjab Colleges got the third position; in Sargodha and Bahawalpur, Punjab Colleges bagged second and third positions while in Lahore Board, Sahiwal Board and DG Khan Board Punjab Colleges secured nineteen, nine and five positions. In 2023 too as well as earlier years Punjab Group of Colleges top positions.
Despite these flying colors few days back, there was a lot of propaganda against Punjab College located at Gulberg – III, Lahore on ground that a school guard raped a female student when no evidence could be found. The recordings from all college cameras and statements of officials from the college, no such incident ever took place and there was no evidence of the incident but social media still creating hype without naming the student or producing an eye witness. One wonders why FIR is not being lodged against those who misguided Police and the general public and created a law and order situation. To damage the reputation of Punjab Group of Colleges Punjab government has canceled the registration of the branch where the self-engineered fake incident reportedly took place. There are reports that the rivals and competitors in educational institutions were behind it due to jealousy. It is high time that there should be checks on Police powers and social media’s authenticity.
By Afshain Afzal
The unfortunate terrorist attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan that took the lives of two Chinese engineers and one Pakistani with several injuries is under investigation. It seems obnoxious that the incident took place on night 6 October 2024 but FIR was lodged with a delay of three days on 9 October 2024. A Counter-Terrorism Department official disclosed that instead of the security personnel present at the place of incident the FIR No. 142/24 was lodged by SHO Moosa Kaleem Khan of the Airport Police Station who was neither an eye witness nor could immediately report at the site of terrorism. The FIR has been lodged under the Pakistan Penal Code’s sections 302 (murder), 353 (assault to deter public servant from discharging duty), 324 (attempted murder), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharging public functions) and 427 (mischief causing damage) but later includes sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act was added. On the other hand, some witnesses pointed out illegal settlers from India and doing large business from “No Go Areas” and under government patronage.
On the condition of anonymity it was revealed that there was a clash in opinions and security agencies and others. The FIR quotes SHO recording his statement. The FIR quotes the SHO as saying that while he was on duty at around 11pm, a loud explosion was heard. Upon investigation, it was found that the explosion had occurred on the road in front of the CAA guardroom, near the outer signal of Jinnah International Airport Terminal Road. Several vehicles were destroyed in the blast, and fires broke out. Multiple individuals, including Rangers, police personnel and civilians, were injured, while two Chinese nationals were killed on the spot. Their bodies were found near the coaster, while parts of a third body were retrieved from a nearby drain. One wonders when those on security duties with the Chinese engineers or Rangers and security personnel were present at the site of terrorist attack and were prime witness, why FIR was not lodged by them? More so, why the FIR was not immediately lodged and what took FIR delay of three days?
We have the Lahore High Court’s Judgment, 2013 PLD 442 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE [p. 444] A S. 154 ---Police Rules, 1934, Chap. 34, R.1---Registration of FIR - Police carrying out inquiry/investigation prior to Registration of FIR. Legality Police officer did not have the authority to carry out an inquiry prior to Registration of a case. Similarly, we have Foreign Office Spokesperson Ms Mumtaz Zahra Baloch’s statement when she said, “this deplorable act of terrorism is an attack not only on Pakistan but also on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the Majeed Brigade.” One wonders how they got to know it was Baloch nationals or Balochistan Liberation Army or Majeed Brigade? Law is same for everyone and must be followed in letter and spirit. Why each time Baloch are blamed for terrorism even in cases where their own people were targeted. We all know the foreign hands supported by Indian and other agencies that are involved in privatizations investments purchase of power projects and businesses including Independent power producers (IPPs).
By Afshain Afzal
Three people were killed and 10 injured on Sunday night 6th October 2024, when a convoy of Chinese engineers was attacked near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan. The attack was foreign-Intelligence-crafted in collaboration with locals, and illegal immigrants to discourage Chinese investment in power projects. Initial reports indicated solar competitors from Indian Mumbai are behind the attack but names of other local and foreign competitors are also most likely. Pakistan’s Intelligence agencies have claimed the explosion was a "terrorist attack" targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement, “this deplorable act of terrorism is an attack not only on Pakistan but also on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the Majeed Brigade.”
A statement from the Embassy of China, Islamabad said, “At around 11 pm on October 6th, a convoy carrying Chinese staff of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited was attacked near the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, which caused two Chinese died, one Chinese injured and some local causalities.” The Chinese Embassy has called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and has reminded Chinese citizens. Meanwhile, most of the the foreign news agencies reported almost similar substance, “The separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which has in recent years carried out attacks on Chinese nationals involved in development projects in Pakistan, has said it carried out the attack. The militant group said it had targeted a high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors arriving from Karachi airport. A later statement from the group described it as a suicide attack, and named the perpetrator as Shah Fahad, part of a BLA suicide squad called Majeed Brigade. The attack was carried out using a "vehicle-borne improvised explosive device”.
These Engineers were working at 1320 MW Coal-fired Power Plant at Port Qasim Karachi by Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited, jointly owned by Power Construction Corporation of China and Qatari investment firm Al Mirqab Capital. In addition, Chinese company Power China has shown interest in conversion of imported coal power plants on local coal and construction of underground powerhouse and other generation system works of Diamer-Bhasha hydropower project. Power China, China Huaneng and SPIC have started to invite professional institutes to conduct a detailed study on the coal conversion, which covers the cost of power plant renovation, economic analysis of using Thar lignite coal, and other policy and commercial issues. Power China which is already working on RCC Dam (MW-1) Part of Bhasha Project is also participating in the bidding for the second phase of underground power house and other generation system works.
The Baloch nationalists have denied any involvement attack on Chinese Engineers and claimed that as a tradition our names are taken to launch operations against us and settle outsiders. The latest geo-political developments are also linked with the attacks where Russia has removed the name of 'Taliban' from ‘Terrorist List’ while earlier a number of Central Asian states including Kyrgyzstan and China established relations with Afghanistan. Last year, China nominated its Ambassador Mr Zhao Sheng at Kabul. Pakistan is also hosting leaders' summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which many blocks fear robust quick start investments and development. Initial investigations revealed foreign and local competitors are behind this attacks and earlier attacks on the Chinese. With a fear by competitors that the Chinese would sweep all works of constructing future power generation systems in Pakistan, attack was carried out to demoralize Chinese and other investors.
By Afshain Afzal
7th of October; on the occasion of the first anniversary to Israeli Shin Bet and Mossad planned terrorist-attacks inside its own mandated territory and own people… the world is criticizing Israeli genocide of orthodox Palestinian Muslims especially in Gaza and other Palestinian territories; medical authorities and media claiming 41,000 killed including women and children. Despite all resolutions in the United Nations assemblies, peace protests around the world and peace discussions, Israel Defence Forces under Israeli Prime Minister and advisors amongst the allies are continuing the genocide and other war crimes. To have a fair idea what happened on 7 October 2023? the United Nations public document dated 12 June 2024, in shape of ‘Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel’ reflect detailed findings on attacks carried out on and after 7 October 2023 in Israel (A/HRC/56/CRP.3). The Commission sent four requests for information to Israel and one request to the State of Palestine. Israel did not respond. The State of Palestine provided the Commission with information. The Commission also submitted six requests for access to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory but did not respond to the Commission’s requests for access to its territory and prevented access to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The Commission endorsed its opinion that Israel obstructed its investigations into events on and since 7 October 2023, both in Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Israel not only publically refused to cooperate with the Commission’s investigation into alleged acts committed by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups against Israelis but also barred medical professionals and others from being in contact with the Commission. The Commission was not able to visit the sites of the violations as the Israeli Government has prevented it accessing Israel. All these are the clear evidence that Israel had nothing to show to the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry that proves Hamas or Palestinian’s involvement in Israeli self-engineered terrorism inside Israel on 7th October.
A day prior to first anniversary of 7th October terrorist attacks, Israel’s Defence Forces and allies martyred or injured over 120 Palestinians in Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Syria. As per the media reports heavy bombardment in Jabalia refugee camp was reported in which at least 17 Palestinians including nine children were martyred. Israeli forces bombed a mosque Gaza martyring 21 Palestinians and wounding over dozens more. In Lebanon, 8 Palestinians were martyred on the same day. There is no truth of widening conflict drawing in the US, France, UK and Italy in the war, however, these nations are openly providing heavy military weapons and intelligence input to Israel as well as targeting Palestinians from their bases in the Middle East. Iran-allied groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen are no threat other than long-distance ineffective strikes on Israel, causing harassment but they are playing a game with the same objective not to let HAMAS and allies form Governments in Palestine or anywhere in the world.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been able to extend its present mandate until 31 August 2025 to establish a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East but why UNIFIL is silent of the massacre of Palestinians and Syrians inside Lebanon? It is high time that UN must play its due role to stop Israel and her allies from further genocide of Palestinians and pave the way for the recognition of the Palestinian state.
By Afshain Afzal
Special Counsel Mr Jack Smith charged former President Donald Trump in a revised indictment alleging that Trump conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 elections. Mr Smith’s allegations have rightly been rebutted as misleading submissions. It seems that he was briefed to leave the American taxpayers at an abyss to suppose whether former President Donald Trump orchestrated criminal conspiracies or not. The choice of time he was asked to choose was such to divide the long list of new voters who rejected the policies of Democrats in favour of pro-America Donald Trump’s policies.
It is projected that if Mr Smith won’t get a chance to bring the criminal case against Donald Trump to trial before the 2024 election but such is not the case. It is strange that the media is projecting Mr Smith’s case as his best when the allegations presented are weak lacking merit as well as are not constitutionally sustainable. Mr Smith also presented his arguments for why Trump is not immune from the charges, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling over that granted presidents broad immunity for official acts.
One should not deny that Donald Trump wanted to stay in power because he was being removed from power through fraud and coercion. The 6 January 2021 riots were planned by the agencies to divert attention and fail Donald Trump’s and his supporters' democratic norms. Mr Trump saved USA from losing the traditional democratic standards to call a spade a spade. If we recall, Trump supporters were joined by unidentified members of a force, which resorted to attacking the Capitol.
We should not link Mr Trump Twitter campaign to condemn Vice President Mike Pence, saying Pence lacked “courage” because Pence had resisted Trump’s pressure to intervene in the Electoral College certification. Trump’s telling her daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner: “It doesn’t matter if you won or lost the election. You still have to fight like hell” should not be linked by some new addition to the voters’ list who joined to create problem for the Trump as the remarks aimed to carryout a genuine effort for the struggle for upholding the high democratic tradition rather than winning the elections.
Mr Smith, since 2018 served as chief prosecutor in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands was a war crimes prosecutor and in November 2022 was appointed special counsel in the US Department of Justice (DOJ) as special counsel investigating Donald Trump. The popularity of Donald Trump is gaining strength as every day passes so the only option left was to create a controversy, which in the present case is not going to work. We cannot doubt Mr Smith’s integrity but the Department of Justice violated its own election rules. Nevertheless, let justice take its own course of action as everyone can be wrong, especially in the political environment that is presently prevailing in the US.
By Afshain Afzal
In the latest development, people from Lebanon of Palestinian and Syrian origins are arriving by boat to Cyprus to escape their planned deaths. However, these refugees are not allowed by Lebanon and Cypriot Armed Forces to stay in Cyprus or reach Europe. As part of a policy, Cyprus removes Syrian and Palestinian refugees back to Lebanon, where they are being killed by Israel’s Defence Forces. Lebanese Armed Forces and Cypriot authorities work together to keep refugees from reaching Europe, so they are either deported to Syria or killed. In the recent past, €1 billion package to Lebanon through 2027, including money to the “Lebanese Armed Forces and other security forces with equipment and training. As per the Cyprus Embassy in Beirut, they received hundreds and thousands of applications but those are not processed.
In another development, a meeting with foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom took place on 2 October 2024, to coordinate a response to Iran’s attack on Israel and stability in the Middle East through further sanctions on Iran. Israel's right to respond was also discussed. Plans to attack Iran’s nuclear sites were also considered but not approved. There were proposals to target Tehran’s oil and gas refineries and other targets.
Meanwhile, Israel's drones carried out attacks at the Islamic Health Society's center in the Zuqaq al-Blat area of Bachoura in the Lebanese capital Beirut. Media reports claimed nine health workers were martyred and two injured but other reports give high death toll.
On 28 October 2024, six paramedics from the Islamic Health Organization were killed in Beqaa. The Israeli army has issued new evacuation orders to Lebanese residents of the Beqaa, the southern suburbs of Beirut and south Lebanon.
Beqaa is located about 30 km east of Beirut and is considered one of the most sacred for Muslims. Israel’s Defence Forces are destroying the centuries-old ruins and heritage while awarding contracts everywhere to bring deliberate constructional changes including demolishment. Israel and Western allies are also destroying sites of historical importance in Israeli air raids and other attacks. It is high time that UNESCO authorities take action to protect the holy sites in Israel's occupied territories, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and elsewhere. More so UNO must play its role to stop the planned massacre of Syrian, Palestinian and others.
