23-10-2025

Month: November 2024

Israel says not fighting Lebanese army, after soldiers killed

Israel’s military said Wednesday it was fighting the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, not the Lebanese army, after the latter said four of its soldiers were killed in Israeli strikes.

“We emphasise that the (Israeli army) is operating precisely against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and is not operating against the Lebanon Armed Forces,” the military told AFP in a statement.

The Lebanese army said Israeli fire killed a soldier Wednesday, a day after it said three other personnel died in a strike on their position in the town of Sarafand, some 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the southern border.

South Lebanon has seen intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants whose group holds sway in the area.

Israel’s military said it struck “a terrorist infrastructure site in which a number of Hezbollah terrorists were operating in the area of Sarafand” on Tuesday night.

“The (army) is looking into reports regarding soldiers of the Lebanon Armed Forces who were injured during the strike,” it added, but did not refer to the other deadly incident mentioned by the Lebanese army.

Since September 23, Israel has ramped up its bombing campaign in Lebanon, later sending in ground troops, after almost a year of cross-border exchanges begun by Hezbollah in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas.

State responsible for protecting ‘digital borders’, ensuring ‘digital security’ of people: COAS

KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has said that the state is also responsible for protecting the “digital borders” of the country as well as ensuring “digital security” of the people.

Addressing the business community in Karachi on Wednesday, the army chief expressed optimism about the country’s economic progress, saying that he has a firm belief in Pakistan’s bright and stable future.

Recalling his earlier statement during the previous meeting with the business community, COAS Munir said that he had told everyone that “hopelessness is forbidden”.

He said that the country’s economic indicators turned positive which he said would further improve next year “while those who made claims about the country’s default are nowhere to be seen”. He called for accountability of those elements who spread disappointment amongst the masses

“Nothing, including politics, is superior to our country and we also should prioritise the country over personal gains,” said the army chief, adding that the people should ask about the importance of a state from the people of Libya, Iraq, and Palestine.

He asked the masses to make united efforts to deal with challenges facing the country.

“Only Pakistanis could bring economic stability to Pakistan,” said General Munir urging overseas Pakistanis to bring investments in their home country to play their role in the country’s development and prosperity.

He said that those running illegitimate businesses were backing terrorism with ulterior motives.

Last week, General Munir termed “misleading and incorrect information” a major challenge, he said that without comprehensive laws and regulations it will continue to destabilise “political and social structures”.

He made the statement while addressing a special ceremony of Margalla Dialogue 2024, organised by Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI).

Speaking about global challenges at the ceremony, Gen Munir had said that the world, in recent years, has been facing many challenges, among which the rapid spread of false and misleading information is a major one.

“In view of many changes in the world, the increasing influence of violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism is also a major global challenge.”

Stressing stricter rules for social media, he added that freedom of speech without restrictions was “leading to the degradation of moral values in all societies”.

US condemns surge in militant attacks in Pakistan, reaffirms support

The United States condemned the recent surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the abduction of seven policemen in Bannu and an ambush on a military convoy near the Afghan border.

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed solidarity with Pakistan, highlighting the country’s continuing struggle against terrorism and pledging continued counterterrorism cooperation.

“We condemn these and all terrorist attacks,” Miller stated during a press briefing. “The Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists and violent extremists, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those killed or impacted by recent attacks.”

Miller reiterated the United States’ commitment to collaborating with Pakistan’s government and institutions to counter militant threats.

He emphasised the ongoing counterterrorism partnership, which includes high-level dialogues and consultations to strengthen Pakistan’s civilian and military capabilities to detect, prevent, and respond to such threats.

“We remain committed to engaging with government leaders and civilian institutions to identify opportunities to build capacity in detecting, preventing, and responding to threats posed by militant terrorist groups,” he said.

When asked about the role of militant groups based in Afghanistan, Miller underlined the need for bilateral cooperation but did not comment on specific actions against terrorist hideouts in Kabul.

The abduction of seven policemen in Bannu highlighted the increasing security challenges in Pakistan’s northwestern region. According to District Police Officer (DPO) Ziauddin, the abducted policemen were rescued with the help of tribal leaders through a jirga, without any ransom or conditions.

The incident occurred after armed men seized control of the Rocha checkpost in the Ahmedzai sub-division of Bannu.

In recent months, there has been a sharp rise in attacks on law enforcement agencies and abductions of police personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.

Earlier this month, a police constable was kidnapped from his home in Bannu’s Bakakhel Police Station jurisdiction.

As per a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the third quarter of 2024 saw a 90% increase in fatalities linked to terrorist violence and counterterrorism operations.

The report recorded 722 deaths and 615 injuries in 328 incidents, with KP and Balochistan accounting for 97% of fatalities.

These incidents underscore Pakistan’s ongoing battle against militancy, particularly in areas bordering Afghanistan. Despite the Taliban’s assurances to curb cross-border terrorism, militant groups continue to exploit the porous border to stage attacks.

The US acknowledged the challenges posed by cross-border militancy and emphasised the importance of its partnership with Pakistan in addressing these threats.

Miller noted: “We continue to have an important bilateral counterterrorism partnership with the Government of Pakistan, and it includes regular high-level dialogues.”

PM calls for peace, progress as PTI gears up for much-hyped power show in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz on Tuesday called for prioritising peace and progress of the country over “protests and sit-ins” as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) all set to march on Islamabad on November 24.

Addressing the National Action Plan’s apex committee meeting, PM Shehbaz said that they should think rationally if the sit-in was in the country’s interest.

“We have to decide whether [one should be] staging sit-ins or long marches or work for the [country’s] progress.”

He said that the country’s economy was gradually heading towards stability due to the collective efforts of the federation, provinces, institutions and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General General Asim Munir.

“Political and economic stability are interlinked,” he added.

Urging the participants to play their role for the improvement of the economy, the prime minister said: “Economic and political stability vital for the country’s progress and prosperity.”

He thanked the all the provinces for their support to the Centre for securing the $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package.

Addressing the key meeting, the premier reaffirmed government’s firm resolve to wipe out the menace of terrorism.

“We have no other choice, but to crush the terrorist elements for peace and progress of the country.”

Describing terrorism as the biggest challenge, he voiced concerns over the uptick in terror attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He recalled: “The menace was eradicated back in 2018 due to the sacrifices of our people and security personnel through a consensus plan formulated under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif.”

Expressing satisfaction over the improved economic indicators, he said the country’s stock exchange had touched the historic peak level, while inflation has come down to a single digit and the key policy rate reduced from 22% to 15%. The premier said record increase has been witnessed in IT exports while there is also significant surge in remittances.

Efforts were underway to enhance tax base, he said and emphasised that they have to address the issue of leakages and massive evasion to free the country from debt.

The PM stressed the need for collective efforts to take the country forward on the path of development.

Today’s meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz was attended by civilian and military leadership including all provincial chief ministers, the army chief, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Military Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau chiefs, key federal ministers, and others to discuss the security situation in light of surge in terror attacks in the country.

Earlier, Adviser to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that Gandapur would table the PTI’ demands in the apex committee meeting.

Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath” on Monday, Barrister Saif confirmed that CM Gandapur will take up PTI’s demands including the “do-or-die” protest, in the high-level meeting.

Gandapur had told The News that the PTI founder and the party were bound to be discussed in the apex committee meeting revolving around the law and order situation and the National Action Plan.

The chief minister, while referring to the ongoing tensions between the PTI and the establishment, underscored that the situation was neither in the interest of the party, the country or the institution.

45 anti-China activists get jail terms in Hong Kong under security law

A total of 47 activists were arrested and charged in 2021 with conspiracy to commit subversion under the security law, which carried sentences of up to life in prison.

Benny Tai, a former legal scholar identified in the judgement as a “mastermind” of the activists’ plans, was sentenced to 10 years in jail, the longest sentence so far under the 2020 law.

 

The charges related to the organising of an unofficial “primary election” in 2020 to select the best candidates for a legislative election. The activists were accused by prosecutors of plotting to paralyse the government by engaging in potentially disruptive acts had they been elected.

Some Western governments have criticised the trial, with the US describing it as “politically motivated” and saying the democrats should be released as they had been “legally and peacefully participating in political activities”.

The Chinese and Hong Kong governments say the national security laws were necessary to restore order after mass protests in 2019, and the activists have been treated in accordance with local laws.

Xi Jinping urges closer strategic relations in talks with Germany

Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for Beijing and Berlin to develop ties with a “strategic” and “long-term” perspective Tuesday as he met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Rio de Janeiro, state media said.

“China and Germany are both major countries with significant influence,” Xi told Scholz on the sidelines of the G20 summit, according to Beijing’s state news agency Xinhua.

“The two countries need to view and develop bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective,” Xi said.

Scholz last met Xi in April in Beijing, where he pressed China’s president to use his influence on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

A German government source in Berlin last week told AFP the two leaders would discuss the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, China-Germany relations and conditions for global fair trade.

Chinese state media said Xi had expressed a desire to “consolidate the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership.”

And he said Beijing was “willing to continue writing the story of mutual cooperation, and make our world a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous family,” Xinhua reported.

China was the largest trading partner last year for Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, which is expected to shrink for a second year in a row.

German industry has been hit by elevated energy prices in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and by rising competition from Chinese manufacturers.

The challenges have been particularly acute for Germany’s car manufacturers, who have made huge profits in China but now face local competition, particularly in the growing market for electric vehicles.

On Tuesday, Xi told Scholz that China would “continue to provide broad market opportunities for German companies,” state media said.

“China regards Germany as an important partner in advancing Chinese modernization,” he said.

The importance of China for the German economy has led Scholz to try and chart a middle course during his time in office.

The German leader has not matched the harsh trade rhetoric coming out of Washington and some European capitals, instead seeking to be a critical partner to Beijing.

The meeting could be Scholz’s last with Xi, as Germany heads towards new elections in February.

Scholz’s Social Democrats currently trail in the polls, well behind the conservative CDU-CSU bloc. If confirmed on election day, such a result would likely see Scholz depart as chancellor.

Over 200 kids killed in Lebanon as US envoy sees end to war

Unicef spokesperson James Elder at a press briefing in Geneva said, “Despite more than 200 children killed in Lebanon in less than two months, a disconcerting pattern has emerged: their deaths are met with inertia from those able to stop this violence.”

“For the children of Lebanon, it has become a silent normalisation of horror,” he said, while drawing “chilling similarities” bet­ween the conflicts in Lebanon and in Gaza, where a significant portion of nearly 44,000 people killed in are reported to be children.

 

On the other hand, Israel expanded the focus of its operations to Lebanon from Gaza, where forces stormed Jabal Mukaber area and cordoned off the decades old Al-Shiyah mosque before tearing it down, Al Jazeera reported.

 

Earlier, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the US had shared ceasefire proposals with both Lebanon and Israel.

During a visit to Beirut on Tuesday, US special envoy Amos Hochstein said an end to the Israel-Hezbollah war was “now within our grasp” as he met with officials to discuss a truce plan largely endorsed by Lebanon.

Following a meeting with Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation on behalf of the group, Hochstein told reporters he saw “a real opportuni­­ty” to end the fighting. “I’m here in Beirut to facilitate that decision, but it’s ultima­tely the decision of the part­ies… It is now within our grasp,” he added.

What the farmers’ protest tells us about their argument with the government

The farmers’ demonstration was best summed up in two images: real tractors being driven by farmers around Parliament Square, and beside them a collection of toy tractors being pedalled around by their children.

They illustrated the essence of the farmers’ argument: there is a deep-seated cultural expectation that they will pass on their farm to the next generation.

For many, it feels like a deep responsibility that stretches high into their family tree, and so the expectation falls upon them to ensure the very thing their forebears did for them they manage to as well – hand it down to their sons and daughters.

As a reporter, I love covering protests and marches at Westminster.

They are an essential megaphone in the never-ending conversation of our democracy.

I have been turning up at them with a microphone and camera for 20 years – to witness and scrutinise those making the most of their much-cherished right to come to London and – often – shout at the government.

I love them because people sufficiently passionate about their cause to trek to the capital and then make a public, almost certainly contentious, argument often deserve to be listened to and should be vigorously questioned too.

And, for me, those conversations offer an insight into not just what those protesting think, but why they think it.

This gathering of farmers left me with three thoughts:

Firstly, as we have already explored, there is the huge power of the cultural expectation of handing on a farm to the next generation.

It is not just a business, but an identity, a belonging, a geographical rootedness – and the prospect of not being able to pass it on generates huge anger and emotion.

That is a big part of the explanation for why this argument has got so noisy, so quickly.

Secondly, contested notions of fairness are so often central to the most contentious political arguments, and this one is no different.

The government argues existing inheritance tax isn’t fair or sustainable – as everyone else sufficiently well off to pay it is charged 40% and farmers are charged nothing.

Ministers also argue the exemptions have tempted rich folk to buy up farm land – pushing up its value – primarily to avoid inheritance tax.

And, as they are at pains to point out over and over again, they insist the vast majority of family farms will be unaffected and those that are will be charged 20%, half the rate charged to anyone else caught within its grasp.

Plus, they say, schools and hospitals desperately need more money.

Others say the farmers are a noisy, well-organised lobby group seeking to shield their often considerable wealth and perpetuate a privilege to the exclusion of others.

And all this brings us to the third big question here: what does it mean to be rich?

Talking to farmers, very quickly our conversation would often involve very big numbers – talk of assets running into a few million pounds.

These are huge figures that point to considerable wealth and yet the farmers insist, for two reasons, they are not rich.

Their annual income is often modest, they point out – and they don’t value their farm in numerical terms, but in emotional ones. The prospect of selling it horrifies them; handing it on is what they seek to do.

The farmers insist they are determined to press on with their campaign.

Ministers insist they are determined to press on with their plans for change.

You may choose to sympathise with the farmers’ arguments or not – or the government’s arguments, or not – but the protests offer an insight into what contributes to the view of many of the farmers, and why them backing down doesn’t seem likely any time soon.

Planning minister optimistic about revitalisation of Pak-US partnership under Trump admin

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal expressed optimism about revitalising the Pakistan-US partnership based on “mutual respect and constructive engagement” under the incoming US administration led by President-elect Donald Trump.

He stated this while addressing an event organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Islamabad to mark the longstanding US infrastructure development support to Pakistan on Monday.

The minister emphasised that mutual respect and constructive engagement between both countries was the key to addressing shared challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

Earlier this month, Republican candidate Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States with 312 electoral votes, making an extraordinary comeback four years after he was voted out of the White House.

His opponent, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, had grabbed 226 electoral votes in the presidential election.

Trump will be sworn in at the presidential inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol building in Washington DC on January 20, 2025.

Iqbal highlighted the importance of addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy sustainability and food security while discussing future cooperation between both countries.

The minister called for collaborative research in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and modern infrastructure to build a more resilient future.

He also stressed the need for engaging the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in the United States to strengthen cultural, academic and economic ties between the two countries, APP quoted an official statement as saying.

“Pakistan, with its strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, is a natural partner for the United States in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration,” Iqbal said.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to building a future of peace, prosperity and progress in collaboration with the US.

He said significant contributions of the United States to Pakistan’s infrastructure projects reflected the enduring strategic importance of the bilateral relationship, and outlined a road map for future cooperation under the leadership of the new US president.

The minister highlighted the historical foundation of US-Pakistan relations, which began with defence cooperation and evolved into a robust development partnership.

He stressed the importance of fostering a new dimension of collaboration focused on education, infrastructure and economic development to address emerging global challenges.

In line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he said, Pakistan would establish friendly and cordial relations with all nations, particularly the United States, which always stood for justice and humanity.

Iqbal lauded the transformational impact of US-supported infrastructure projects in Pakistan, citing the iconic Mangla and Tarbela dams that continued to serve as lifelines for the agriculture and energy sectors.

He also mentioned US-funded initiatives in healthcare, education and transportation sectors, which significantly improved the quality of life for millions.

He viewed these projects as not only addressing Pakistan’s immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term sustainable growth.

The minister also recalled the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, launched during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) government tenure of 2013-18, describing it as a ‘critical initiative’ to strengthen academic and research collaborations.

Iqbal acknowledged the Fulbright Scholarship program, the largest in the world for Pakistan, as a transformative opportunity that empowered thousands of Pakistanis to contribute meaningfully to national progress.

The senior leader of the ruling PML-N underscored the potential for expanding bilateral trade, which exceeded $6.5 billion in 2023, and called for enhanced market access and joint ventures in key sectors such as information technology, agriculture and manufacturing.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and USAID Mission Director Veeraya (Kate) Somvongsiri, who were also present at the event, highlighted the achievements of the US-Pakistan relationship over the past seven decades and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

KP CM to present PTI demands at today’s Apex Committee meeting

Adviser to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif has said that Ali Amin Gandapur will table the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) demands before the Central Apex Committee set to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today.

Speaking on Geo News‘ programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath” on Monday, Barrister Saif confirmed that CM Gandapur will take up PTI’s demands, which are essentially the core of its “do-or-die” November 24 Islamabad protest, in the high-level meeting.

The KP government’s spokesperson’s confirmation comes after Gandapur told The News that the PTI founder Imran Khan and the party were bound to be discussed in a meeting revolving around the law and order situation and the National Action Plan.

The chief minister, while referring to the ongoing tensions between the PTI and the establishment, underscored that the situation was neither in the interest of the party, the country or the institution (army).

Today’s meeting, initially slated for a day earlier, will be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will be attended by civilian and military leadership including Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Military Intelligence DG, Intelligence Bureau DG, all provincial chief ministers, key federal ministers, and others to discuss the security situation in light of surge in terror attacks in the country.

The high-level huddle might arguably also provide an opportunity for the government and the PTI to hold talks in light of heightened political tensions between both sides which have seen the Khan-founder party marching onto Islamabad on multiple occasions in recent months — which resulted in authorities launching a crackdown on the party’s leadership and workers.

According to party leader Waleed Iqbal, there’s a chance that the protest might turn into a sit-in. However, he maintained that the demonstration would be peaceful.

Meanwhile, the former ruling party on Monday ruled out talks with the stakeholders prior to their November 24 protest.

“There is no possibility of negotiations with the government or the establishment before the protest,” said PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram.

However, in a contrasting development to Akram’s statement, The News on Tuesday, while citing an informed source, reported that an initial contact has been established between the PTI and an important member of the government to work on a possible breakthrough.

The government’s contact person will take the powers that be into confidence and if things proceed positively the PTI may call off its November 24 protest march in return for some assurances for meeting their demands, said the source.

The reports regarding prospective talks between the two sides follow Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks wherein he said that the federal government’s offer for dialogues with the Khan-founded party was still on the table.

With Khan’s wife and former first lady Bushra Bibi reportedly playing a key role in mobilising the party for its upcoming protest, the federal government, as per the publication, has started preparations to deploy Rangers and additional Frontier Constabulary (FC) force in Islamabad.

The Islamabad police have sought the services of 5,000 personnel of Rangers and 4,000 FC personnel in the federal capital where Section Section 144 has already been imposed for a period of two months.

Apart from the apparent political significance, the Apex Committee meeting comes amid an increase in terrorist attacks in the country in recent months which have seen scores of civilian and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) personnel being targeted.

Last week, seven Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom while successfully thwarting a terrorist attack on a security check post in Balochistan’s Kalat district.

At least six terrorists were killed and four others wounded during the intense exchange of fire, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Before that, over 25 people, including security personnel, were killed and more than 60 were wounded in a suicide attack at Quetta Railway station.

As per a Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) report, the third quarter of 2024 saw a sharp increase in fatalities of terrorist violence and counter-terrorism campaigns, with a 90% surge in violence.

A total of 722 people were killed, including civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, while 615 others were wounded in as many as 328 incidents recorded during the period under review. Nearly 97% of these fatalities occurred in Khyber KP and Balochistan.

The total fatalities from three quarters of this year have now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for the entire 2023.

The number of fatalities rose to at least 1,534 in the first three quarters compared to 1,523 in 2023.

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