Islamabad, Pakistan: Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Tariq Ali Virk said that harassment of senior journalist Rana Abrar Khalid should be stopped.
Virk was of the view that the journalist did not commit any crime by requesting information from the government of Pakistan under the law, the Government of Pakistan should withdraw the case filed against senior journalist Rana Abrar Khalid on grounds of (malfeasance).
In a statement released yesterday, President RIUJ Mr Tariq Ali Virk said that Rana Abrar Khalid is a senior journalist while Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists stands with him. The constant targeting of him by a particular political party (in Pakistan) is condemnable and unfortunate. Under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017, Rana Abrar Khalid did not commit any crime by demanding the details of the foreign gifts of (former) Prime Minister Imran Khan which he had received from the heads of state during his foreign visits, but based on which followers of a political party (PTI) are still accusing him and he is being targeted based on a pending Right to Information case in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, obstacles are being created in the journalistic work of Rana Abrar Khalid and conspiratorial efforts are being made to close the doors of media houses for him through false propaganda.
President RIUJ said that the case against Rana Abrar Khalid in the Supreme Court of Pakistan was filled based on malice on the part of the Cabinet Secretary of the PTI government, Mr Ahmed Nawaz Sukhaira, to make a journalist controversial. Although the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) and Islamabad High Court (IHC) had already issued orders to provide the required information to Rana Abrar Khalid. Recently state-run television closed down the current affairs show of journalist Rana Abrar Khalid without assigning any reason.
Islamabad, Pakistan: Spokesperson of the Foreign Office of Pakistan Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed “surprise” over the concerns shown by the Chinese Ambassador over the security situation in Pakistan.
Addressing the weekly briefing Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the statement by Ambassador Jiang Zaidong “does not reflect Islamabad and Beijing diplomatic tradition.” Baloch called the Chinese envoy’s response “surprising.”
It may be mentioned that addressing a seminar in Islamabad on Tuesday, Jiang Zaidong said that two terror attacks within six months were unacceptable and the government (Pakistan) should launch a crackdown against all anti-China terrorist groups. He called security as the biggest constraint to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and added that “without a safe and sound environment nothing can be achieved”.
Chinese Ambassador said that Pakistan should severely punish the perpetrators and crack down on all anti-China terrorist groups. To punish terrorists, Pakistan needs a mechanism that is directly linked with Pakistan’s justice system and it has been testified that the normal judicial system has failed to cater to the demands of dealing with terrorists.
Surprisingly, Pakistan’s Foreign Office which is known for its Western tilt hardly responds to any statement regarding the security issues within Pakistan if it comes from Western countries such as the United States or the EU but was quick to respond statement of the Chinese Ambassador. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s Foreign Office avoided commenting on letters written by 62 US lawmakers and UK lawmakers who criticized the state of human rights in Pakistan although their letters could be considered as intervention in domestic issues of Pakistan. Zahra would soon join her next assignment as Ambassador to France.
Islamabad, Pakistan: The statement of Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong regarding deadly terror attacks on Chinese citizens should be considered as an eye opener and Pakistan should come out from the state of slumber.
Addressing a seminar in Islamabad on Tuesday, Jiang Zaidong said that two terror attacks within six months were unacceptable and the government (Pakistan) should launch a crackdown against all anti-China terrorist groups.
He categorically mentioned that security was the biggest constraint to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and added that “without a safe and sound environment nothing can be achieved”.
Chinese Ambassador said that Pakistan should severely punish the perpetrators and crack down on all anti-China terrorist groups. To punish terrorists, Pakistan needs a mechanism that is directly linked with Pakistan’s justice system and it has been testified that the normal judicial system has totally failed to cater to the demands of dealing with terrorists.
Right now, China is the only country that is present in Pakistan and thousands of Chinese are physically present in Pakistan working on several projects of infrastructure development they have been a target of terrorists who do not want any foreign investment in Pakistan. The bitter reality of the situation is that having blurred ‘Afghan Policy’ Pakistan is yet to control the infiltration of terrorists from Afghan soil and the redundant justice system is yet to punish terrorists.
The much-publicized 26th Constitutional Amendment offers nothing to overhaul the justice system because it neither offers much-needed changes in the judicial system for lowering the burden of case-pendency in lower courts nor it offers a justice system based on speedy trials. The only offer was to place one of the three judges as the new Chief Justice instead of following the previous system of placing the most senior as the new Chief Justice. Even in the Supreme Court, the number of judges would not increase and the Constitutional Hearing Bench would borrow/lend/place judges out of the available strength of judges within the Supreme Court. The whole text of the 26th Constitutional Amendment is silent about any change in the judicial system that can offer any relief to a common man who faces the brunt of the redundant judicial system. It was hoped that the provision of speedy trial courts or military courts would be in the 26th Amendment but it is not there and it is said that such clauses were removed from the draft for getting the ‘political consent’ needed for number game for passing the Amendment. For how long lawmakers would keep giving priority to their political optics instead of thinking about the public and the state? Now, there are talks about the 27th Constitutional Amendment that would definitely be drafted by the same novice team that drafted the 26th Amendment. Will it serve the extraordinary demands to deal with unusual law and order situations in the country? this is an important question to be answered by the politicians.
Almost every week, personnel of our security and law enforcement agencies offer their lives and every hour of the day they put their lives in danger during operations against terrorists but taking life risks is futile because terrorists get support from the legal system and the conviction rate is too low to be realistic.
The sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, police, and security agencies are in front of everyone and everybody knows what the judicial system and lawmakers contributing to purge terrorism in Pakistan. The fate of the Military Court trial is hanging in the Supreme Court while the 26th Constitutional Amendment does not offer anything for speedy justice at lower courts and no change in the Criminal Procedure Code is in sight thereby nothing available to stop hardcore criminals and terrorists from getting their bails from courts.
When terrorists are presented in the anti-terrorism courts established across the country, as mentioned earlier, due to the legal loophole, these terrorists are released due to lack of evidence against them. Then they regroup, launch fresh waves of terrorist activities, harm the Pakistan Army, kill innocent people, and dance on their dead bodies. The acquittal ratio of people involved in terrorism is high because of several reasons that include non-availability of witnesses, fear among lower judiciary as well as of public prosecutors in cases of hard-core terrorists, and provision of bail available to terrorists. Judges and public prosecutors know that hard-core terrorists can get bail anytime from higher courts and then they (terrorists) can harm the families of public prosecutors/lower staff, resulting in delays in deciding cases. When the anti-terrorist courts are overwhelmed with cases, the terrorists will undoubtedly get the benefit of this, their cases will be suspended. Failure to provide evidence and delays in recording witnesses to courts by the state prosecutors always provide benefits to the accused (terrorists). Sometimes investigative teams become under life threats and they leave loopholes in the case with an announced arrangement with the accused (terrorists).
All these factors emphasize the importance of establishing military courts and hearing cases through them. The establishment of military courts was approved/implemented under the National Action Plan made in 2014.
In a country where the judicial system is visibly weak to punish hard-core criminals and terrorists, and law enforcement agencies are overloaded with ever-spreading crimes and terrorism, why a foreigner should take the risk of his/her life by working on infrastructure projects spreading over remote regions? Chinese who have a strong commitment to working with Pakistan are also losing interest and Chinese Ambassador Jiang expressed his views without having a peaceful environment, work is not possible.
Diplomatic circles of Islamabad claim that President Xi will definitely talk with President Zardari during the forthcoming meeting in China about the security of the Chinese people in Pakistan. It is pertinent to mention that terrorists twice targeted Chinese nationals in the past six months, first in March and then again in October just 10 days before the visit of the Chinese Premier to Pakistan. It is a proven fact that security is a prerequisite for development projects in any country.
Monitoring Desk: “Any multinational alliance that does not have the patronage of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or Five-Eyes is considered an ‘adversary’ by the Global North instead of a global partner, therefore, BRICS is not an exception”.
The writer of an article titled “From Bretton Woods to the Kazan Declaration,” which was published in Express Tribune here on Thursday, observed this.
The writer Shazia Anwer Cheema believes that BRICS is a new dawn for the global system. However, this does not mean that the world is going to divide itself again into Left-Right blocs, and the shift from the old-world order to a new one will not be sudden. She is of the view that the post-Bretton Woods system lasted for 80 years, and its replacement by any new system such as BRICS will need two to three decades.
She also believes that BRICS is not based on “Eurasianism ideology,” as Westerners claim; rather, it is based on the principle of equality, globalization, and the concept of a multi-nodal world.
Challenging the protectionist approach introduced by western system for forming economic dominance by few, BRICS offers a chance for everybody to play a role in global affairs, believes the writer.
Lahore, Pakistan: The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), in collaboration with Cosmopolitan Club Lahore, hosted a screening of the award-winning documentary film ‘Hum Saya—Neighbor’, followed by a panel discussion.
CSJ’s documentary film is based on the true stories of the minor girls who faced forced conversion. The film won the Best Short Documentary on Human Rights award at the prestigious Venice Intercultural Film Festival in 2023, and it has been selected for its fifth international screening, including at the 7th FICNOVA in Spain in 2024. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iInvFMdMGi8
Human rights experts, Peter Jacob, Nabila Feroz Bhatti, and Prof. Dr. Sara Rizvi Jafree spoke on the pressing issue of forced conversions and child marriages in Pakistan. The speakers emphasized that coerced conversions violate fundamental human rights, yet remain largely unaddressed due to governmental inaction.
Peter Jacob, Executive Director at CSJ stated that incidents of forced conversion have spiked in recent years. Till August 2024, 35 incidents have been reported, out of which 11 were in Punjab and 24 in Sindh. At least 404 incidents of forced conversions have been reported since 2021. In the recent UN treaty body reviews under (CERD and CCPR), the Government has denied the presence of forced conversions. He observed that the existing laws have proved inadequate in addressing forced conversions and forced marriages. Therefore, a specific law is imperative to regulate the faith conversions and criminalize the act of forced conversions, particularly of underage minority girls.
Dr. Sara Rizvi Jafree, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Sociology, Forman Christian College University stressed that the extremists may believe that they are serving cause of religion by the act of forcibly converting powerless minority females in Pakistan, but in fact, Islam does not allow this. The backdrop of incidents of forced conversion presents dire and gruesome realities, with females having suffered threats, assaults, and rape. After the conversions, the lives of women are afflicted by trauma, resentment, and loss of self-identity. This can result in lifelong traumatic experiences of both mental and physical health, along with other social challenges such as a low conjugal bond, low nurturing efforts for childcare, estrangement from family, and inability to participate in the workforce, amongst wider issues. Not only is Pakistan in need of legislation against forced conversions, but also social interventions for the support of women victims and survivors. For the latter, a database will be developed for these women and monitor their life course and well-being through social workers/ social protection officers through a continuum-based model.
Nabila Feroz Bhatti, a Human Rights advocate underlined that the issue of early child marriage and forced conversion was neglected but serious in Pakistan. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2017 (IV) prohibits forced marriages, making the marriage of a minor and a non-Muslim woman an offense punishable with no less than five years of imprisonment. However, this legal safeguard remains largely unimplemented, primarily because the government has failed to acknowledge the severity of the issues. In cases of forced conversion, the government has failed to effectively implement the child marriage restraint laws in place.
The open discussion displayed a consensus that special safeguards were needed for the protection, privacy, trauma healing, and rehabilitation of victims and survivors. The Government must provide a strong pro bono legal representation to minor girls.
Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan-China Institute, chaired by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, hosted an international conference “China at 75: A Journey of Progress, Transformation and Global Leadership,” celebrating 75 years of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, where Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was the Chief Guest, says a press release.
Distinguished participants included China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong; renowned economist and former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Ishrat Hussain, and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs. The conference was uniquely marked by international representation from South Asia, featuring Mahbub Alam, Leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party; Ahmed Thariq, Member of Parliament from the Maldives; and Achyut Prasad Mainali, Member of the Federal Parliament of Nepal.
In his introductory remarks, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, highlighted some unique aspects of China, emphasizing the nation’s peaceful rise without invasion, aggression, occupation or colonisation—reflecting the essence of China’s 5000-year-old civilization. He described Pakistan-China relations as unique as these are neither transactional nor tactical but rooted in deep strategic cooperation. Reflecting on China’s recent history, Senator Mushahid Hussain summed up China’s 75 years in what he termed were ‘3 R’s’: Revolution under Chairman Mao, Reform under Deng Xiaoping and now peaceful Rise under President Xi Jinping. Analysing reasons for China’s rise, he listed quality of leadership, continuity in policy, unique ability to make course corrections and humility in learning from others plus peaceful foreign policy. Referring to his interaction at an American think tank in Washington, DC, where Senator Mushahid Hussain was asked: ‘which side are you on, US or China’, to which he retorted: ‘Pakistan is on the right side of history, and the course of contemporary history is determined by the Asian Century, where China is our reliable strategic partner’. He also appreciated Ishaq Dar’s role in raising voice for Dr Afia Siddiqui at highest levels of the Biden Administration and inviting Palestinian students from Gaza to study in Pakistan.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan expressed heartfelt gratitude to Senator Ishaq Dar for his attendance, despite his 32-hour journey from Samoa, underscoring the significance attached to the event’. Ambassador Jiang celebrated the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), now joined by over 150 countries, as a testament to China’s commitment to shared prosperity. He further emphasized the pivotal influence of President Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, which has guided China’s progress and resilience in this new era. Expressing appreciation for hosting China’s Prime Minister at the recent SCO summit, Ambassador Jiang advocated for deeper, more comprehensive cooperation among Global South nations to foster equitable development and shared progress. He outlined Chinese concerns for security of its personnel and projects in Pakistan, terming terrorist attacks as ‘unacceptable’, and urging Pakistan’s government to take ‘effective remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such terror acts and ensure that perpetrators are identified, caught and punished’.
In his Keynote Speech, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan highlighted China’s unprecedented pace of transformation, stating that its rapid development is unmatched in modern history. He commended China’s proactive approach to climate change, transforming Beijing from a polluted city to one with clear skies within less than a decade. Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One-China policy, he expressed gratitude for China’s stance on Kashmir. Senator Dar emphasized the transformative impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), terming it as a ‘magnificent gift’ from China. Addressing misconceptions, he firmly dismissed the notion of CPEC as a debt trap, underlining its role as a pillar of progress for Pakistan, and congratulated China for emerging as a ‘global economic superpower’.
Dr. Ishrat Husain, Economist/Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan highlighted China’s extraordinary journey, achieving unprecedented progress through strategic shifts from a rural to an urban economy and transitioning from a command-driven to a market-oriented system. He emphasized how China’s success challenges the Western democratic model, showcasing that political centralization within the Communist Party can coexist with economic decentralization, where over 70% of public expenditures are managed by local governments. Despite its 1.4 billion population, China integrated itself into the global economy, becoming the largest export destination and a key trading partner for over 120 countries. Recognizing the positive impacts on Pakistan, Dr. Hussain refuted the misconception of CPEC as a debt trap, asserting that Pakistan has substantially benefited from China’s investments, while China’s approach of non-interference and responsiveness to other nations’ needs solidifies its global leadership.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs of Pakistan affirmed the enduring bond between Pakistan and China, describing the two nations as “iron friends” bound by an all-weather friendship and emphasised role of Gwadar Port as centrepiece of CPEC.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to South-South cooperation, underscoring its importance for capacity building among developing nations in pursuit of shared objectives. Drawing inspiration from China’s development journey, she advocated for a Global South-led agenda to harness the full potential of South-South cooperation, which has yet to be fully realized due to a lingering dependency on external support in many developing countries. Dr. Baloch noted that China’s active involvement in areas like economic exchange, climate change, and diplomacy has bolstered South-South cooperation, with China emerging as a leader in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) among Global South-South Cooperation.
Mahbub Alam, Leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Dhaka highlighted China’s remarkable ascent to global power since 2013, attributing this progress to its focused vision of national rejuvenation. He noted that China is well-positioned to lead the 21st century, with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) playing a pivotal role in shaping future global development. Alam emphasized China’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships across Asia, exemplified by its cooperation with Bangladesh within the BRI.
Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of Asian Institute of Ecocivilization Research and Development highlighted China’s transformative approach to poverty alleviation, attributing its success to practical, common-sense solutions. He explained that China initially prioritized land reforms, followed by strategic adjustments to increase output prices while reducing input costs, creating a favourable environment for economic growth. In 1949, China’s literacy rate was a mere 20%, a figure that has now surged to nearly 100% due to comprehensive education initiatives. Health also became a focal area, ensuring a healthier workforce and population. Infrastructure was another key pillar, with China now boasting 177,000 kilometres of highways and 97% of the country connected to 4G networks, providing the backbone for continued socioeconomic development and connectivity across the nation.
Tariq Fatemi, Former Diplomat and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, addressed misconceptions about China’s rise as a threat to global stability, emphasizing that China has never harboured extraterritorial ambitions. He argued that this “threat” narrative is propagated by proponents of a unipolar world order. Unlike Western approaches, Fatimi pointed out, China’s model of international engagement prioritizes peaceful coexistence and mutual development, underscoring its unique approach to fostering global stability.
Ambassador (r) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Former Foreign Secretary and Chairman, Sanober Institute, Islamabad emphasized that, despite being the world’s second-largest economy, China continues to identify as part of the Global South, urging developing nations to strengthen their own capabilities and resist relying on external accommodations. He noted that many developing countries draw inspiration from China’s path, seeing it as a model of resilience and self-sufficiency.
Ahmed Thariq, Member of Parliament, Maldives highlighted China’s pivotal role in shaping global politics and steering the world towards a multipolar order, with President Xi Jinping at the forefront of this shift. This evolving world order, he noted, ensures that smaller nations are not sidelined but rather included in the global development narrative. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has fostered trust-oriented relationships and revitalized infrastructure in partner countries, including the Maldives. Thariq emphasized China’s respect for territorial integrity, noting that its approach is free from the complexities of conflict. Cooperation between the Maldives and China is reciprocal, with both countries benefiting from trade agreements conducted in local currencies, further strengthening ties. Recognizing the Maldives’ strategic location, he highlighted the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations as a testament to their deepening partnership in economic and infrastructural development.
Dr. Major (r) General Raza Muhammad, President, Islamabad Policy Research Institute questioned the concept of a “rules-based world order,” asking what rules and whose order truly govern international relations. He pointed to the recent declaration of the UN Secretary-General as persona non grata by Israel as an example of selective adherence to international norms. Contrasting national security strategies, he noted that China’s approach centers on “national rejuvenation,” focusing on internal development and non-interference, while the U.S. prioritizes an “America First” doctrine, advocating peace through strength and American exceptionalism. Dr. Raza remarked that it is well-acknowledged in U.S. circles that China possesses the capabilities to rival the U.S. across various domains, positioning itself as a significant global counterpart.
Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Additional Secretary (In-charge), Ministry of Climate Change commended China’s leadership on climate change, emphasizing that Pakistan has much to learn from its proactive approach. Reflecting on the devastating 2022 floods that inflicted $30 billion in damages and disrupted Pakistan’s political and economic stability, she underscored the importance of initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity. As Pakistan embarks on CPEC 2.0, the ministry aims to foster global cooperation and promote sustainable development. In line with this, Pakistan’s Ministry has introduced an electric vehicles policy, underscoring the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Many BRI projects already reflect these principles, incorporating environmental sustainability and ESG frameworks to support a greener future.
Dr. Ashfaque Hasan Khan described the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as “Globalization 2.0,” highlighting its core philosophy: “your prosperity depends on your neighbor’s prosperity,” achievable only through robust connectivity. He emphasized the critical role of interdependence, noting that isolating China is impractical, given its status as the largest trading partner for over 120 countries.
Senator Sherry Rehman, PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Senate of Pakistan- praised China’s extraordinary success in poverty alleviation and its expansive connectivity ambitions, which extend well beyond Europe. She discussed China’s innovative approach to soft power, describing it as “Soft Power 2.0″—a concept that goes beyond traditional influence to include significant investments and economic partnerships. By strategically exporting its surplus, China is strengthening its global footprint, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has seen $1.3 trillion invested globally. Rehman highlighted CPEC as a transformative component of the BRI, with $25 billion injected into Pakistan’s economy, boosting its energy capacity by 30%. This partnership reflects the power of targeted investments in driving sustainable development and fostering regional connectivity.
Achyut Prasad Mainali highlighted China’s role in maintaining peace and security across the region, emphasizing its benefits for neighboring developing countries. He discussed Nepal’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), noting that the initiative has been instrumental in fostering infrastructure development. In Nepal, several road projects under the BRI have already been completed, while others continue to progress, underscoring the positive impact of China’s connectivity ambitions on Nepal’s development journey.
Dr. Erfa Iqbal, Additional Secretary and Executive Director General at the Board of Investment, emphasized that understanding CPEC requires a broader perspective on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global framework representing a shift from traditional aid models to partnerships and South-South cooperation. She highlighted CPEC’s unique position as the only bilateral corridor among the six BRI corridors, serving as a crucial link between maritime and land routes. Dr. Iqbal underscored the importance of preparing Pakistan’s domestic market to capitalize on relocating industries from China, and she stressed the need to expand Pakistan’s industrial base to absorb the surplus energy generated through CPEC, reinforcing sustainable economic growth.
Mr. Farhan Talib, Head of International at HBL, highlighted the rich cultural connectivity between China and Pakistan, noting that Islamabad alone hosts 25 authentic Chinese restaurants, a testament to the vibrant exchange between the two nations, with Beijing having over 40 halal food restaurants. He underscored CPEC’s status as the flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and shared his unique experience as a representative of HBL, the only Pakistani bank with a branch in China, providing him with firsthand insight into CPEC’s impact. Mr. Talib emphasized HBL’s strategic partnerships with the Bank of China and the China International Capital Corporation (CICC), positioning the bank at the heart of this transformative relationship. He also pointed out that China, as the world’s largest green bond market, exemplifies leadership in sustainable finance, aligning with CPEC’s goals of environmentally conscious development.
Zhang Jianyu, Executive Director of the BRI Green Development Institute, emphasized the importance of green and low-carbon initiatives in supporting high global climate ambitions. He highlighted the work of the Belt and Road Initiative Green Coalition (BRIGC), which promotes sustainable development practices across BRI projects. Zhang referenced President Xi Jinping’s 2021 announcement of China’s “no new coal” policy, marking a significant commitment to transitioning toward cleaner energy sources. He pointed to China’s extensive investments in solar and wind power, which underscore the country’s dedication to renewable energy and its leadership in advancing a low-carbon future for BRI partner nations and beyond.
Dr. Khalid Waleed, Research Fellow at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) called for transformative changes to financial and climate policies to address global inequality. Emphasizing the urgent need to tackle economic, energy, and climate inequalities, he advocated for climate financing solutions that avoid increasing debt burdens for developing nations and complement Official Development Assistance (ODA).
The conference also saw the launch of a report by PCI Executive Director, Mustafa Hyder Sayed, titled China at 75: From Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping, which features insightful chapters penned by leading China experts. He highlighted China’s 75 years of economic growth and transformation serve as an inspiring model, showcasing how a nation can lift over 800 million people out of poverty, transition from an agrarian economy to the world’s leading industrial powerhouse, and launching pioneering projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The conference attracted a diverse audience of over 250 attendees, representing a wide spectrum of society, including students and scholars plus prominent figures from academia, think tanks, and the media, as well as different government departments. Industry leaders and professionals engaged in lively discussions on various facets of China’s changing role in a transformative world.
Dubai, UAE: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), through its PAIB Committee, successfully hosted the highly anticipated 4th edition of the CFO Conference Middle East 2024 in Dubai, featuring key discussions on cutting-edge themes such as AI, ESG standards, regional collaboration, and strategic investment opportunities.
Held under the theme of “Inclusive Growth: Reconfiguring Business Strategies,” the conference brought together more the 400 top financial executives, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the Middle East and South Asia to address evolving economic, technological, and environmental challenges impacting the region’s business landscape.
Commenting on the importance of collaboration, H.E. Faisal Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, said, “In today’s interconnected global economy, the partnership between Pakistan and the UAE serves as a pivotal foundation for shared prosperity. By aligning our economic goals and fostering mutual support, we are not only enhancing trade and investment but also creating new avenues for innovation and sustainable growth. Events like ICAP’s CFO Conference help pave the way for resilient, future-ready economies by facilitating critical dialogue and actionable insights.”
The Open Forum Discussion, moderated by Alia Noor, Associate Partner at Ahmad Alagbari Chartered Accountants, focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic synergy between Pakistan and the UAE. Key speakers included H.E. Faisal Tirmizi, and Mr. Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, Vice President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants.
The panel on “Transforming Finance: Strategies for Unlocking the Full Potential of Automation,” moderated by Mr. Ali Abouda, Group CFO of Gulf Navigation Holding, explored strategies for maximizing automation in finance. Panelists Mr. Giovanni Funes Nova (CFO, The Bahri & Mazroei Group), Mr. Hatem Hosny (Group CFO, Paris Group International), and Mr. Muhammad Shafiq (CFO, Bayer Middle East) discussed how automation is reshaping financial processes, enhancing efficiency, and enabling strategic decision-making.
In the panel discussion “Finance in the New World – Embracing Critical Skills to Drive Financial Success,” moderated by Mr. Paolo Monaco, CFO of Al Khayyat Investments, finance leaders shared insights on the essential skills required for today’s financial landscape. Panelists Dr. Ahmed bin Abdullah Almeghames (CEO, SOCPA), Ahmad Ali BinObood (CFO, Dragon Oil Holdings), and Mr. Tamer Abomosalam (Group CFO, Emaratech) discussed strategies for leading teams, adapting to rapid changes, and navigating complex challenges.
The panel discussion “Discovering Hidden Value in ESG Reporting,” moderated by Mr. Bikash Prasad, President & CFO of Olam Agri, explored the strategic benefits of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. Panelist Ms. Natavan Mammadova, Member of the COP29 Organizing Committee in Baku, highlighted how transparent ESG practices can unlock new business value and drive sustainable growth.
In the panel “Future of Finance in a Challenging and Uncertain Environment,” moderated by Mr. Faisal Saleem Bokhari, Group CFO of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group, finance leaders discussed how to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape. Panelists Mr. Adeel Niazi (Group CFO, Beyond One), Ms. Carol Glynn (Financial Wellness Coach and FinTech Creator), and Mr. Khalilullah Shaikh (Board Member, IFAC) shared insights on managing uncertainty and leveraging adaptability to remain resilient..
The ICAP CFO Conference Middle East 2024 concluded with a commitment to fostering a stronger, more inclusive professional community that promotes growth and resilience across borders. ICAP remains committed to supporting the global finance community by empowering professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks essential for shaping a sustainable future.
Monitoring Desk: Naim Qassem has been elected as the new Chief of Hezbollah, according to a press statement issued by the Lebanese group on Tuesday.
Born in 1953, Qassem studied theology and also had a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Lebanese University.
Since 1970, Qassem is active in politics and formed first Lebanese Muslim student’s union in 1970. He is involved with since early 90s and became the deputy secretary-general of the group in 1991.
Monitoring Desk: After 62 US lawmakers demanded the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, over 20 members of the British Parliament followed them and demanded the UK Foreign Secretary to ask Pakistan to release Khan immediately.
The Pakistani government does not respond to foreign intervention in domestic politics because the ruling party—PMLN has a close connection with the United Kingdom and the businesses of the family of former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif are in the UK and he also lives there whenever he does not feel comfortable in Pakistan. Officially, neither his party nor his government express a reaction to the alleged involvement of foreign countries in Pakistani politics. However, second-tier leadership sometimes claims that Imran Khan is part of “Operation Goldsmiths” and Imran Khan is a ‘Western asset’.
According to media reports, over 20 cross-party UK parliamentarians wrote a letter to Foreign Secretary David Lammy demanding him ‘to engage with the Pakistani government’ for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
The letter is signed by members from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The signatories include MPs Kim Johnson, Paula Barker, Apsana Begum, Liam Byrne, Rosie Duffield, Gill Furniss, Paulette Hamilton, Peter Lamb, Andy McDonald, Apsana Begum, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, as well as Lord Peter Hain, Lord John Hendy, and Lord Todoanfel.
UK lawmakers like US lawmakers have expressed grave concerns over the situation as Khan is in jail under trial for cases of abuse of power, fraud, and criminal conspiracies. Western lawmakers call Khan’s arrest under the charges of crimes as suppressing political opponents in Pakistan. It may be mentioned that the British Embassy in Islamabad is showing great interest in the release of Khan and the staff of the embassy has been meeting politicians, think tanks, civil society representatives, and media men asking them about Khan’s cases.
When contacted, responsible officials who deal with cases against Imran Khan were of the view that getting Imran Khan and his associates out of the trap of the May 9 Mutiny is also the main objective of Western embassies in Islamabad. They also claim that not only the UK Embassy in Pakistan is active, but other diplomatic platforms such as the European Union are actively following Imran’s cases and are in contact with journalists and Human Rights organizations in Islamabad.
The former prime minister Imran Khan who was voted out of office in April 2022 is getting exceptional space in Western media, and over 140 articles have appeared in his favour in European and North American media since he was sent to jail. No such former prime minister of Pakistan got this much space in foreign media although late Benazir Bhutto, Muhammad Khan Junejo, and Mian Nawaz Sharif were sent home but no such response came from foreign media in their favor as Khan is receiving.
Political circles believe that the exceptional media space that Imran is getting in foreign media is due to lobbying firms his party has hired. Some believe his team is sitting in the United States, operating freely from there, and meeting foreign journalists. The most lethal misconception is that Imran Khan is getting this favor from foreign media because he was jailed.
A brief review of the media outlook of Imran’s coverage in Western media indicates that more than 140 articles appeared in the last year in favor of PTI and against Pakistan in Western media, several international media TV documentaries appeared, and anti-Pakistan resolutions moved in American Congress and Great Britain Parliament and running paid anti-Pakistan campaigns on vehicles and ships were observed. President Zardari linked such activities in the past with the ‘House of Goldsmith’. Goldsmith’s followers are engrossed in the genocide of innocent Muslims in Gaza but with extreme hypocrisy and shamelessness, they are spreading fabricated propaganda about false human rights violations in Pakistan.
“Today, Pakistan is facing a situation where foreign powers are creating “fictional reasoning” for “reason to believe” that Pakistan is supporting anti-western powers in the Middle East and US’s sanctions, human rights reports, and media reports are creating fictional reasoning that human rights are in danger in Pakistan and politicians. As said by Aristotle “Nothing Happens Without a Reason”, so what is the reason that West is continuously trying to get Khan out of jail? The reason is simple. The Western powers have fundamentally reached the point where if the Pakistani government does not assimilate with them, they will put their elimination mechanism in full gear”, commented a senior journalist when asked to share his insight on the situation.
Monitoring Desk: Mushaal Hussein Mullick, the wife of an unlawfully incarcerated senior Hurriyat Leader Mohammad Yasin Malik, stated that the supremacist Indian occupation authorities had been committing war crimes and violating international human rights with impunity in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since October 27, 1947, to perpetuate its illegitimate occupation on Kashmir.
Speaking at a Kashmir solidarity rally taken out in Islamabad to mark Kashmir Black Day, she said that the people of Kashmir had been enduring the tyrannies of the Hindutva regime during the past 77 years but these oppressions and coercive tactics could not dampen their courage.
Mushaal, who is also the Chairperson of the Peace and Culture Organisation, expressed serious concerns about the safety and well-being of her jailed husband because the Indian notorious government was hell-bent on silencing to most powerful voice of Kashmiri freedom struggle in a fake, fabricated, and absurd case.
She highlighted that the occupation authorities converted the scenic valley into a garrison city and a killing field, as even Kashmiri children could not go to school because parents were imprisoned for their crimes to raise the voice of their right to self-determination.
However, the Hurriyat leader stated that despite all these hardships and the reign of terror unleashed by the brutal forces, Kashmiris remained steadfast struggling for seven decades to break the shackles of Indian slavery.
Mushaal went on to say that when the people stand together, freedom can be achieved, with the people’s voice, even the mightiest of tyrants can be defeated. The Hurriyat leader stated that people in the occupied valley were not even safe inside their own homes, as bodies of their leaders and loved ones were not returned to them.
She highlighted the ordeal faced by Kashmiri leaders, saying Asiya Andrabi held in Tihar Jail, whose health deteriorated alarmingly in jail.
She emphasized the importance of remembering this day annually, saying, “Every Pakistani stands in solidarity on this day.”
Mushaal encouraged young Pakistanis to launch campaigns through social media, highlighting that Pakistan’s founding leader, Quaid-e-Azam, also placed trust in the power of youth.
“You can become our powerful voice today,” she stated, urging them to remain steadfast for Kashmir.
Mushaal recalled that India had resettled millions of Indian nationals in the region unlawfully to alter its demographic makeup, aiming to turn it into what she termed a mini-India.
She called upon the international community to hold India accountable for its excesses in IIOJK and to support the Kashmiri people’s struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination.
Mushaal vowed that the people of Kashmir have endured decades of oppression, but their resolve remains unbroken. However, she urged the international community and human rights organizations to shun the double standard and take note of the Indian worst human rights violations so as to resolve the Kashmir dispute once and for all in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
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