The assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump has caused a significant uproar in the US political landscape, leading to a polarization of opinions and a deepening of the civic divide. Footage of Trump waving his fists with a bloodied face after the deadly attack was broadcast as breaking news by both US and international media.
A few days ago, an interesting interview of senior politician Mushahid Hussain Sayed was aired on a private TV channel. Keeping a close eye on international politics and current affairs, he emphasized that this year, for the first time, national and presidential elections in different countries — from the East to the West
Pakistan and the United States are considered to be natural allies at the diplomatic level due to many common values. Pakistan’s first prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan, despite an invitation from the Soviet Union, decided to visit Washington to establish cordial relations with the world champion of democracy, human rights and civil liberties. Since then, every Pakistani leader has tried hard to develop close relations with the US.
Every year on the occasion of Eid, numerous tourists from all over the country visit the northern areas. Unfortunately, this year a heartbreaking barbaric incident happened in the beautiful valley of Swat, also known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, resulting in spreading insecurity among tourists at a massive level.
This year, Eidul Azha passed in the shadow of fear and panic for the residents of Gaza because Israel refused a ceasefire without a formal agreement. As the Gaza war entered its ninth month, many anti-government protesters gathered outside the Israeli parliament, from where an impressive march towards the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was started..
I just returned to Islamabad after completing a three-day tour to the United Arab Emirates. During my stay in Dubai, I had various interactions with Pakistani immigrants and local Emirati citizens.
Many analysts, at national and international levels, were quite confident that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would easily achieve the target of winning 400 seats in the election and the BJP would emerge as a majority party in the Lok Sabha after the results.
The tragic martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with his colleagues, including the foreign minister, in a helicopter accident has shaken the entire world. While watching the breaking news on TV, I immediately recalled the scenes from Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan last month when several events were organized in his honour at the official level.
Many analysts, at national and international levels, were quite confident that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would easily achieve the target of winning 400 seats in the election and the BJP would emerge as a majority party in the Lok Sabha after the results.
Recently I was asked to give a briefing on the Gandhara Corridor in a high level meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), attended by federal ministers and the military leadership as well as the representatives from all provinces, at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
Although Narendra Modi is in a good position to become the prime minister of India for the third time, astrologists are of the view that the results of the ongoing elections in India will be a surprise for everyone. The most controversial elections in the history of India will have extraordinarily complicated effects, as Modi’s dream of securing 400 seats in the Lok Sabha will be shattered.
First things first: on behalf of Pakistani minorities, I would like to congratulate Kamal Nath Sharma, a Hindu cadet who, due to his hard work, dedication and talent, recently completed his military training course at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul.
Undoubtedly, the most critical challenge Pakistan is facing to safeguard the ideological borders in the 21st century is in the form of the misuse of social media.
I think the Ministry of Interior has correctly identified the ground facts in its report submitted before the Supreme Court of Pakistan. That there was a genuine risk of riots and anarchy on Election Day (Feb 8) due to the misuse of social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) by some extremist elements is plausible.
After winning the national election, when Mohtarma Aseefa Bhutto Zardari reached the National Assembly to take oath, for a moment everyone felt that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed had entered parliament. Aseefa is the granddaughter of Pakistan’s first elected prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and daughter of the first female prime minister of the Muslim world, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
I have finally introduced the Gandhara Corridor Bill in the National Assembly after much homework. During my visits to foreign countries, I study how these societies live. After a comprehensive comparison with my beloved country, I have come to the conclusion that God Almighty has blessed Pakistan with all kinds of resources and four seasons.
The alleged suicide attack, due to which five Chinese citizens and a Pakistani driver lost their lives, is most terrible, horrific and condemnable.
At the government level, the prime minister and president of Pakistan personally visited the Chinese embassy in Islamabad to express condolences, whereas China has truly demanded that those responsible for the cowardly attack must be punished.
On March 10, I had the honour to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Asif Ali Zardari, the 14th president of Pakistan, at the President House.
On this occasion, newly elected Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, outgoing President Dr Arif Alvi, family members of Mr Zardari, foreign diplomats, members of parliament, party leaders and dignitaries were also present.
“If the general elections are held on February 8 then according to astrology, the Asif Zardari-led PPP will emerge as a kingmaker. I don’t see Mian Nawaz Sharif coming into power but on the back foot; the PPP will win in Sindh and Balochistan provinces; the destiny of the PTI will remain uncertain, whereas nobody will be able to stop Asif Zardari from getting the throne of Islamabad.”
The unique feature of yesterday’s election was the contesting parties’ heavy reliance on digital platforms. Be it instant messaging apps or social networking forums, it seems that the real battle between supporters of various political parties was fought in the digital arena.
During my visit to Skardu last September, my hosts asked me to come again during the winter snowfall, saying that the snow in Gilgit-Baltistan is amazingly beautiful.
The construction of an international airport in Skardu has also transformed the Himalayan valley into the centre of tourist interest.
On the eve of the new year, it is my annual practice to figure out what we lost and what we gained during the passing year. Undoubtedly, the year 2023 will be remembered as a year of uncertainty and trouble for Pakistan. If on the one hand, people were distressed by inflation and unemployment, then on the other our policymakers also seemed helpless in combatting the challenges that emerged throughout the year.