World
politics
Mirwaiz reiterates to fight for peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute
SRINAGAR – Senior leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has reiterated to continue his struggle for finding a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Kashmir dispute.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a media interview, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq lamented that despite over seven decades since the dispute over Kashmir began, a final settlement still remains elusive. He emphasized the importance of respecting the aspirations and will of the Kashmiri people and reaffirmed the Hurriyat’s dedication to peaceful methods of dialogue and cooperation to achieve a resolution. He said, “The Hurriyat, formed in 1993, was a political initiative for supporting a political resolution of this long-standing issue on the democratic principle of respect for the aspirations and will of the people of J&K”. “The Hurriyat’s political endeavour remains favouring peaceful methods of dialogue and cooperation between the parties as means to a resolution”, he added.
He criticized India’s illegal actions of August 5, 2019 as having further complicated the issue and disempowered the people of IIOJK. He said, “The government of India made drastic unilateral changes and complicated the dynamics of the Kashmir issue in 2019. The alterations have further disempowered people”. Referring to the events of post-1947, the Mirwaiz said, “The new neighbours (India and Pakistan) took the Kashmir problem to international fora, fought war three to four times and signed bilateral agreements. However, a final settlement still eludes us”. He also criticized India’s attempt to project the ongoing parliamentary elections in IIOJK as a representation of the people’s will in the larger context of the Kashmir conflict.
Whereas, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference has paid glowing tributes to senior Hurriyat leader, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, on the eve of his third martyrdom anniversary in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, senior APHC leader and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir Chairman, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai who challenged India’s illegal occupation and political injustice in IIOJK for decades died in Indian captivity on May 05, 2021. The statements said the best way to pay tribute to the iconic leader is to follow his teachings and fulfill his mission. The APHC leaders said Ashraf Sehrai and other martyrs will continue to live in the Kashmiris’ hearts for his sacrifices for the freedom cause.
US moves military planes to Qatar after UAE bans use of a base for attacks: WSJ
NEW YORK – The United States is moving its fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles and other military aircraft to Qatar after United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials warned they would not allow Washington to use their territory for attacks in West Asia, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Emirati officials informed the US in February that they would no longer allow US warplanes and drones based at Al Dhafra air base to carry out attacks in Yemen and Iraq without notifying them in advance, the newspaper said.
“Restrictions have been imposed on strike missions against targets in Iraq and Yemen,” a UAE official told WSJ. “These restrictions are based on self-protection.”
Al Dhafra air base is located approximately 32 kilometers south of the capital Abu Dhabi.
U.S. officials said the move prompted U.S. commanders to send the additional planes to Al Udeid as Qatar has not imposed similar restrictions.
A decision of this kind highlights the existing tensions between the US and the Persian Gulf countries, the WSJ report noted.
Three Indians charged with assassinating Sikh leader in Canada
CANADA – Three men have been arrested and charged in Canada for the alleged murder of a prominent Sikh separatist, according to Canadian police, marking the latest development in a long-running intrigue that has fueled diplomatic tension between Canada and India.
According to court filings seen by CNN, the men are identified as Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar. They are accused of conspiring “with others to commit the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” according to the filings. They are also charged on a second count for using a firearm “on or about June 18, 2023… to commit first-degree murder.”
All three suspects are Indian nationals, police said in a press briefing on Wednesday. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was gunned down by masked men last June outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. He was a prominent campaigner for a separate Sikh homeland out of India, which would be known as Khalistan and include parts of India’s Punjab state.
Last September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had credible information linking the Indian government to the killing of Nijjar. The allegation outraged India, which has vehemently denied the claim, calling it “absurd and motivated.” The diplomatic fallout saw tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats from both countries.
Authorities on Wednesday did not specify who allegedly conspired with the accused but said there are separate investigations ongoing on Nijjar’s death.
“These efforts include investigating connections to the Government of India,” Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner David Teboul told a Friday press conference.
Police clear pro-Gaza sit-in at top Paris university
Paris – Police on Friday entered the Sciences Po university in Paris to remove dozens of students staging a pro-Gaza sit-in in the entrance hall, AFP journalists saw, as protests fired political debate about the Israeli-Gaza conflict. Demonstrations have struck education institutions in several French cities in recent weeks, echoing the mass Gaza protests that have led to clashes in US universities. One protester at elite school Sciences Po, who identified himself as a representative of the students’ Palestine Committee named Hicham, said university authorities had given the group 20 minutes to leave before the forcible evacuation because of “exams to be held from Monday”.
The Paris police headquarters said that “91 people were removed without incident,” while Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s office said such protests would be dealt with using “total rigour”.
Sciences Po interim administrator Jean Basseres said he was “conscious of the significance of this difficult decision and the emotion it could spark”, adding that “multiple attempts at dialogue did not allow us to avoid it”.
The university closed its main buildings on Friday in response to the sit-in and called for remote classes instead. After the evacuation, around 300 people demonstrated on the Pantheon square around 1.5 kilometres (just under one mile) from the university in response to a call from student unions.
“I’m moved by what’s going on in Palestine,” said Mathis, 18, a music student at the nearby Sorbonne university who asked not to give his surname.
Eric Coquerel, a senior lawmaker for the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, said the “the government must accept young people mobilising”. “Instead, they often criminalise, caricature or slander them,” he said. Sciences Po, widely considered France’s top political science school, with alumni including President Emmanuel Macron, has seen student action at its sites across the country in protest against the war in Gaza and the ensuing humanitarian crisis. Protests have been slow to spread to other prominent universities, unlike in the United States — where demonstrations at around 40 facilities have at times spiralled into clashes with police and mass arrests.
Demonstrations have so far been more peaceful in France, home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel and the United States and to Europe’s largest Muslim community. The University of California, Los Angeles, announced that Friday’s classes would be held remotely after police cleared a protest camp there and arrested more than 200 people.
Sciences Po administration took the same step for its Paris student body of between 5,000 and 6,000.
Protesters had occupied the entrance hall in a “peaceful sit-in” following a debate on the conflict with administrators on Thursday morning that their Palestine Committee dubbed “disappointing”.
Administrator Basseres refused student demands to “investigate” Science Po’s ties with Israeli institutions. The latest war in Gaza began on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Oil prices up over prospect of extended OPEC+ output cuts
Oil prices increased on Friday over expectations that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, would continue production cuts.
International benchmark Brent crude traded at $84.02 per barrel at 10.16 a.m. local time (0716GMT), an increase of 0.42% from the closing price of $83.67 per barrel in the previous trading session.
American benchmark West Texas Intermediate traded at $79.28 per barrel at the same time, a 0.42% rise from the previous session that closed at $78.95 per barrel.
Oil prices plummeted to the lowest levels in the past seven weeks, with reduced supply risks in the Middle East due to cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, while projected demand dwindled over concerns about the US economy after the US Federal Reserve left the interest rate policy unchanged.
Higher prices were, however, bolstered by the possibility that the OPEC+ group, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, would continue to reduce production.
The price declines come just weeks ahead of the OPEC+ group meeting on June 1. Experts predict that if oil demand does not improve by June, OPEC, which needs higher prices, could agree to sustain its voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day.
UN chief urges global action against Israel’s military operation in Rafah
In a strong warning against a military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on “those with influence over Israel” to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement.
“A military assault on Rafah would be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee,” Guterres said at a news conference.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the UN chief stressed that a military assault would not only have a “devastating impact on Palestinians in Gaza” but also significant repercussions across the region.
The UN chief stressed the worsening situation in Gaza after Oct. 7 and said his consistent calls for “a humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive surge in humanitarian aid” remain unheard.
“For the sake of the people of Gaza, for the sake of the hostages and their families in Israel, and for the sake of the region and the wider world, I strongly encourage the government of Israel and the Hamas leadership to reach an agreement,” he said.
Guterres expressed concern about the disturbing reports emerging from Gaza, where hospitals are now being likened to cemeteries amidst the discovery of mass graves.
“I am deeply alarmed by reports that mass graves have been discovered in several locations in Gaza, including Al Shifa Medical Complex and Nasser Medical Complex,” said Guterres.
Emphasizing the urgency of an independent international investigation into the mass graves, Guterres said, “It is imperative that independent international investigators, with forensic expertise, are allowed immediate access to the sites of these mass graves, to establish the precise circumstances under which hundreds of Palestinians lost their lives and were buried, or reburied.”
He noted that children and disabled individuals are dying from hunger and disease in northern Gaza and urged everyone to “do everything possible to avert an entirely preventable, human-made famine.”
Noting the importance of applying all kinds of pressure to prevent a horrific tragedy, Guterres said the greatest obstacle to aid to Gaza is the lack of safety for humanitarian workers.
He said humanitarian aid convoys, facilities, staff and beneficiaries should not be targeted.
Guterres expressed gratitude for aid from the air and sea but stressed that those methods do not replace access via land routes. He reiterated the call for Israeli authorities to allow safe, swift and unimpeded aid.
On the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), Guterres noted that the agency does “irreplaceable and indispensable work” to support millions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
Following a report by the Independent Investigation Group on the neutrality of the UNRWA, he said an action plan has been developed to implement the recommendations. He reported that many countries that had suspended funding to UNRWA have resumed providing funds.
Adding that some member countries have started supporting UNRWA for the first time, Guterres noted that despite the generosity of private donors, there is still a funding gap.
“I call on member states, both traditional and new donors, to pledge funds generously to ensure the continuity of the agency’s operations,” he said, adding that the agency’s presence across the region is a “source of hope and stability.”
The UN chief also said it is “the moment to reaffirm our hope for and contributions to a two-state solution — the only sustainable path to
peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the wider region.”
Tesla’s Elon Musk lands in China amid hopes to boost electronic vehicle sales
Tesla CEO Elon Musk met with China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang, who promised that his country would “always” be open to foreign firms, and will provide a “better business environment,” state media reported.
“China’s very large-scale market will always be open to foreign-funded firms,” Li told Musk, who landed in Beijing earlier in the day amid hopes that he will bring his company’s autonomous driving technology to China, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Promising that Beijing would do more to help foreign firms, Li said: “China will stick to its word and will continue working hard to expand market access and strengthen service guarantees.”
Beijing would also provide foreign companies with “a better business environment so that firms from all over the world can have peace of mind while investing in China,” Li added.
The world’s one of the richest men also met with the head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Ren Hongbin “to discuss next steps in cooperation and other topics,” according to the broadcaster.
Musk’s latest trip also coincides with the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, which kicked off on April 24 and runs through May 4, the daily South China Morning Post reported.
Musk, who also owns X and SpaceX among others, is seeking to meet senior Chinese officials to discuss the rollout of Full-Self Driving (FSD) software in China and to obtain approval to transfer data collected in the country abroad to train algorithms for its autonomous driving technologies.
This is Musk’s second visit in less than a year. He had made a three-day trip to the world’s second most populated country in June last.
His latest visit is seen as a move to boost electronic vehicle sales in China as Tesla is grappling with slower growth for electric vehicles in both its main markets of the US and China.
The Austin, Texas-based carmaker has faced fierce competition from Chinese EV makers over the past few years forcing the company to cut the prices of its Shanghai-made vehicles by up to 6% to maintain its leading position in China’s premium segment.
Tesla, the front-runner in China’s premium EV segment, delivered 603,664 Model 3s and Model Ys made at its Shanghai Gigafactory to buyers in China last year, an increase of 37.3% over 2022.
China has seen the increased adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems and higher levels of autonomous driving functions in mass-produced cars.
Musk recently said Tesla’s autopilot and FSD options could soon be provided to its Chinese customers.
Economy (world)
PAKISTAN
Politics
Atta Tarar holds open court session in NA-127, pledges swift resolution of workers’ issues
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar conducted an open court session at his office in constituency NA-127, where he attentively heard the grievances of the workers.
Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader directed the swift resolution of these issues, emphasizing the significance of addressing the concerns of the constituency’s residents and workers promptly.
Tarar expressed his commitment to prioritize the resolution of workers’ problems, stating that his constituency was like his home, and the workers were akin to family members.
During the event, Rana Mubasar Iqbal, MPA Mian Imran Javed, and other leaders extended messages of condolence on the passing of Afzal Hussain Tarar, praying for his soul to be granted the highest rank of Jannah.
Federal Minister Atta Tarar lauded Afzal Hussain Tarar’s contributions to the party and the nation, highlighting his kindness and respectfulness within the family.
Aimal Wali Khan elected ANP president
Aimal Wali Khan, the son of veteran politician Asfandyar Wali Khan, has been elected as the central president of the Awami National Party.
According to a report by Dunya News, Aimal Wali Khan was elected as the central president in the ANP’s intra-party elections, while retired brigadier Saleem Khan was elected as the general secretary.
Similarly, Sardar Hussain Babak became the secretary for external affairs, Engineer Ehsan the secretary for information, and Dr Meerab Awan as the central secretary for transgender rights.
On Saturday, Senator Zahid Khan resigned as the ANP spokesperson due to apparent differences with the party leadership. He did not even participate in the intra-party elections.
PTI rejects person-specific constitutional amendment
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday said that it would strongly resist the federal government’s plan to bring a constitutional amendment to change the present mechanism of appointment of judges to the superior judiciary and to give three-year tenure to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa as he will retire on October 25 this year.
The opposition party termed any such move as “the person-specific constitutional amendment to benefit the incumbent chief justice. A spokesperson of PTI in a statement accused CJP for playing the role of a main facilitator in snatching an iconic electoral symbol “bat” from the party and stealing its public mandate, vowing that any such constitutional amendment would be resisted tooth and nail at all fora.
The remarks of the spokesperson came at a time when some media reports suggest that the government through the constitutional amendment is considering extending the tenure of CJP Isa.
The PTI spokesperson, in a strongly-worded reaction to the planned constitutional amendment regarding appointment of judges to superior courts, said that the current government took the decision to reward CJP Isa for his alleged questionable role in the cases relevant to the party.
He while giving a reference to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case taunted CJP by saying that he could see dereliction of justice 40 years ago, but can no longer see meddling in judicial affairs even after its endorsement by judges from all the high courts.
The spokesperson accused that the behaviour of CJP Qazi Isa during the entire period of his tenure as chief justice was very regrettable and reprehensible with respect to the supremacy of the constitution and upholding rule of law.
He further alleged that the chief justice reduced the status and value of his position by compromising on the rule of law and constitution, which opened the door for the extra-constitutional and extra-democratic forces to interfere in the independence of the judiciary.
The spokesperson further alleged that the nation was well-aware of the fact that the chief justice was being given the extension in his tenure as a bribe.
He said that the “public-rejected government imposed through polls fraud was known for destroying the state institutions” and the proposed constitutional amendment pertaining to changing the mechanism in appointment of judges to the superior judiciary was the continuation of this reprehensible tradition.
He recalled that the government had taken every decision during the last two years which harmed and undermined the constitutional supremacy, rule of law and the institutions.
He continued that strengthening institutions and a strong state was the vision of PTI Founding Chairman Imran Khan. However, he lamented that the present rulers lacking public mandate were weakening and undermining the state institutions so as they could advance their illegal and unconstitutional agenda.
The PTI spokesperson said that the Constitution of Pakistan did not allow any person-specific constitutional amendments, as legislations were always done in situations where there was a collective interest. He vowed that PTI would strongly oppose any person-specific constitutional amendment in every legal and democratic way and would block its passage in the parliament as well.
MMA champion Shahzaib Rind, boxer Amir Khan call on COAS
ISLAMABAD – Boxing Legend Amir Khan and Martial Arts Champion Shahzaib Rind met Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Saturday. COAS appreciated both for their phenomenal achievements in the field of sports and expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s youth for their outstanding potential.
Rind, a mixed martial arts fighter from Balochistan province, recently won the world’s premier full-contact striking league Karate Combat in the United States. He is also a six-time national champion. The athlete also defeated India’s Rana Singh during Karate Combat 45.
Rind also had a brawl with Singh recently. The brawl with Indian fighter Rana Singh broke out after he abused Rind and talked inappropriately against Pakistan. After a press conference, when the Indian fighter abused Rind and pushed him, Rind slapped him to “bring him to his senses”.
However, in true sportsmanship spirit, the Pakistani MMA champion held up both the Indian and Pakistani flags after winning the bout, promoting positivity in the face of adversity and earning praise for his symbolic gesture. Famous boxer Khan retired from professional boxing with a record of 34-6, which included two super-lightweight world-title wins and five successful title defence fights. Separately, Amir Khan was conferred the rank of honorary Captain of Pakistan Army for one day for his contribution in the field of boxing, according to the ISPR. It said the former boxer was pinned the badges at a graceful ceremony. Khan won a silver medal in the Light Weight category at 2004 Olympics at the age of just 17 years.
The Pakistan Army has always honoured and encouraged the people with excellent performance in all fields. Talking on the occasion, Amir Khan said that he was very happy and feeling proud for being honoured by the Pakistan Army. He said he always supported the Pakistan Army as he was proud of wearing the military uniform. He expressed his intention of opening more boxing academies across Pakistan. He also thanked the Army Chief and Pakistan Army for the honour and respect given to him.
PM on wheat import scandal: Fix the responsibility, furnish a report by Monday
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ordered a comprehensive and transparent probe into the caretaker government’s decision concerning wheat import scandal – a move that has triggered a full-blown crisis in the country as farmers are now forced to sell their produce at cheaper rates.
It was the caretaker government which allowed the grain imports notwithstanding the fact that the imminent wheat crop harvest and ample stocks available in Pakistan, especially in Punjab – the country’s food basket.
As Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Agha – who is heading the second inquiry committee to investigate scandal – reached the PM Office, sources say Shehbaz directed him to fix the responsibility in unambiguous terms and furnish the report by Monday.
In this regard, the prime minister ordered the federal secretary to use the available record and documents while also presenting recommendations on the subject.
On the other hand, the sources say a committee meeting is in the session despite Saturday being a weekly holiday, which will go through a report filed by a panel formed earlier to ascertain the facts.
The move coincides with a PML-N gathering to be held at the party’s Model Town headquarters in Lahore to define a strategy to deal with the prevailing wheat procurement crisis.
Freedom of expression vital for democracy: CM
LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Friday acknowledged the media’s positive role in awakening the collective consciousness of society and termed freedom of expression as vital for transparency and democracy.
“Media plays a pivotal role in awakening the collective consciousness of society,” said the chief minister in her message on World Press Freedom Day.
Madam chief minister said that freedom of expression was essential for transparency and thriving democracy, but it should come with a sense of responsibility. “A sense of responsibility for press freedom is very much crucial to bring positive change in society”. The Punjab government, she said, was taking all possible measures for the welfare of journalism and journalists. She paid tribute to journalists who raised the banner of independent thinking in the era of dictatorship.”Tribute is also due to all hard working journalists who report abuse in their society. I salute the first journalist of Sub-continent, Maulvi Muhammad Baqir who was martyred for the freedom of expression”, she said.
Separately, the chief minister ondemned Khuzdar Blast which also took the life of President Khuzdar Press Club. She offered condolences to the bereaved family of the President Khuzdar Press Club, and prayed for the speedy recovery of all the injured.
“Enemies of freedom of press will never succeed in their goals,” she said while condemning a bomb blast in Khuzdar.
ECONOMY (PAKISTAN)
Ishaq Dar, Saudi FM renew pledge to boost economic ties
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday met with Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Banjul, Gambia, and discussed boosting strategic and economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
They had the meeting during the sidelines of the 15th OIC Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul.
Recognizing the profound significance of the enduring strategic and economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, both dignitaries reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering economic cooperation and increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar commended Saudi Arabia’s ambitious “Vision 2030,” aimed at catalyzing socio-economic transformation within the Kingdom in the 21st century.
He emphasised the recent visit of the Saudi Foreign Minister to Pakistan, leading a high-profile delegation, as a pivotal moment in strengthening economic collaboration between the two nations.
CCP approves Scheme of Arrangements for acquisition of 100pc shareholding of PIA
ISLAMABAD – The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved a Scheme of Arrangements for the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIA) by PIA Holding Company Limited (Holdco). This approval is part of the Government of Pakistan’s ongoing privatization process for PIA.
Holdco, a public limited company wholly-owned by the Government of Pakistan, was recently incorporated to succeed to specified assets, liabilities, and subsidiaries of PIA, including its business, property, rights, and obligations both domestically and internationally. PIA, a public listed company, provides aviation and allied services such as engineering, handling, cargo, flight kitchen, and training.
The federal government approved the transaction based on the ‘Divestment of PIACL – Legal Segregation Plan and Transaction Structure’ submitted by the Privatisation Division on February 6, 2024. As per the approved Scheme, Holdco will acquire 100% shareholding of PIA, and Non-Core Assets and Non-Core liabilities of PIA will also be transferred to Holdco.
The relevant market identified in this case is the real estate market in Pakistan, as PIA owns properties across the country with homogenous competition conditions. However, the core aviation activities and allied services of PIA will remain with the company and will not be transferred to Holdco.
CCP’s assessment concluded that the proposed transaction will not lead to the dominance of Holdco in the relevant market post-transaction, as defined under Section 2(1)(e) read with Section 3 of the Act. Therefore, CCP has authorized the merger in Phase-I.
CCP’s prompt approval of this merger demonstrates its commitment to furthering the Government of Pakistan’s economic revival plan, particularly in attracting investment through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).