Day: April 7, 2024

Karachi, Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), voiced deep concerns over the escalating crime rates in both rural and urban areas of Sindh, indicating a dire impact on the province’s economic stability. Shakoor highlighted the alarming rise in kidnapping for ransom and street crime, attributing the worsening law and order situation to the ineffectiveness of local police and other law enforcement agencies.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor detailed the challenges posed by heavily armed dacoits in the Katcha areas and rampant street crime in urban centers. He criticized the police force for its failure to eliminate corruption within its ranks and its inability to tackle the criminal elements that now threaten the safety of citizens and the economic infrastructure of the region. Despite the presence of Rangers in Sindh, crime rates continue to climb, a testament to the provincial government’s failure to address the issue, with Shakoor suggesting that financial corruption among government officials is a contributing factor.

The PDP Chairman also expressed concern over the safety of highways in Sindh, noting frequent robberies targeting passenger and goods transport. He raised suspicions about the provision of sophisticated military weapons to dacoits, implicating foreign espionage activities aimed at destabilizing the province. Shakoor called on the state to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and to take decisive action by deploying the army in the Katcha areas and enhancing the Rangers’ presence in urban locales to dismantle the criminal networks.

Shakoor’s call to action included a direct appeal to the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Syed Asim Munir, urging immediate intervention to curb the criminal activities that not only compromise internal security but also pose significant threats to the economic wellbeing of Sindh. The PDP’s statement reflects growing concerns among political leaders and citizens alike regarding the need for a robust response to the law and order crisis in Sindh.

Karachi, The Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Fiqah Jafaria (TNFJ) has declared the 8th of Shawwal as the International Day of Demolition of Jannat-ul-Baqi in a bid to spotlight the historical destruction of sacred Islamic shrines and to mobilize global sentiment towards their restoration. This announcement underscores a longstanding commitment to honoring the legacy of Islamic figures and addressing what the TNFJ views as an affront to the Muslim community’s heritage.

According to Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya, the designation of this day follows decades of advocacy led by the leader of Shiism and the nation of Jafaria, Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Mousavi, against the 1923 demolition of Jannat-ul-Baqi and Jannat-ul-Mali by bulldozers. The destruction of these sites, which included the graves and domes of foundational figures in Islam, has been a focal point of grievance and protest within the Shiite community and beyond. Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqdisi, head of the TNFJ Pakistan, emphasized the global significance of this issue in his address, asserting that the restoration of these shrines transcends sectarian or religious divides, touching on the core of human dignity and respect for history.

The TNFJ’s call to action includes a peaceful protest to draw attention to the desecration of these holy sites, urging both the Muslim Ummah and international human rights organizations to recognize and act upon this cause. Special security measures and comprehensive media coverage have been advocated for events commemorating this day, reflecting the movement’s desire for a widespread acknowledgment and response.

Additionally, the formation of a central committee to organize activities related to the International Day of Demolition of Jannat-ul-Baqi highlights a structured approach to advocacy, with global participation encouraged in remembrance and prayer. The TNFJ’s initiative is presented as a pathway to overcoming collective adversities through the symbolic act of rebuilding and honoring the sacred spaces of Jannat-ul-Baqi and Jannat-ul-Mali, integral to the Islamic faith and heritage.

Karachi, In a determined response to escalating street crime in Karachi, Asif Khan, Deputy Secretary Information of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Karachi Division and Convenor for the East District, has assured that the party and the Sindh government are prioritizing peace and safety for the city’s residents. This commitment comes against a backdrop of increasing concern among citizens over theft, robbery, target killings, and other criminal activities that have surged in recent times.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Asif Khan conveyed these assurances during interactions with various PPP delegations at the liaison office of NA-235. Discussions focused on the distressing rise in street crime within Karachi, particularly in areas like Gulistan Johar, and deliberated on the broader implications for the city’s law and order situation. Khan reminisced about the PPP’s past efforts in combating criminal elements through targeted operations, which had significantly contributed to a period of relative peace in Karachi.

The Deputy Secretary emphasized the historical sacrifices made by PPP workers and the families of Karachi, who have endured tremendous loss for the sake of peace. He highlighted the PPP’s resolve in not letting these sacrifices go in vain and acknowledged the present challenges posed by the resurgence of criminal activities under various guises, which are causing widespread anxiety among Karachi’s populace.

In an attempt to combat the current spike in criminal incidents, Khan outlined the Sindh government’s strategy, which includes the establishment of three task forces aimed at crime prevention. He reaffirmed that the restoration of law and order remains the top priority for both the Sindh government and the PPP, with firm plans in place to take control of the law and order situation across the province, including Karachi, in the near future.

Karachi, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has proposed a collaborative conference among key parties as a forward step in the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, signaling a potential breakthrough in efforts to address her situation. The court’s suggestion aims to streamline communication and strategy among the involved parties, including legal representatives and government officials, to effectively advance Dr. Siddiqui’s case.

According to Aafia Movement, during a session presided over by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaque Khan, the court reviewed a constitutional petition by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui. An update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), dated April 5, 2024, was discussed, along with preliminary insights from Dr. Saif, a learned amicus curiae. Dr. Saif’s review highlighted a lack of definitive actions taken by the Pakistani government at the United Nations or in terms of treaty-based efforts concerning Dr. Siddiqui’s case. The court has requested further clarification from the MoFA on these points at the next hearing.

The session also addressed challenges in engaging U.S.-based Pakistani lawyers to assist in Dr. Siddiqui’s defense pro bono. Delays have been attributed to procedural clearances from the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Attorney General’s office. The court has instructed Ms. Janjua, another amicus curiae, to initiate contact with potential legal representatives in the United States, encouraging direct communication and support from the MoFA and Attorney General’s office pending a positive outcome.

The court emphasized the utility of a conference involving key figures like Mr. Smith, Dr. Saif, Ms. Janjua, and Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui to develop a concerted action plan. Such collaboration is deemed crucial for overcoming existing hurdles and facilitating a more coordinated effort in support of Dr. Siddiqui. The IHC has expressed its willingness to participate in or facilitate this conference, underscoring the non-adversarial nature of the case and the collective goal of assisting Dr. Siddiqui. The case has been rescheduled for May 10, 2024, by which time further progress is anticipated.

Karachi, In a poignant response to the tragic martyrdom of police officials in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, has declared the elimination of terrorists and their infrastructure a “national duty,” urging federal and provincial governments to collaborate closely in combating the menace of terrorism. The call to action comes in the wake of an attack that led to the deaths of DSP Gul Muhammad Khan and his two guards, Naseem Gul and Salamat Khan, who later succumbed to their injuries.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the Chairman expressed profound sorrow and grief over the loss of the police officials, highlighting the sacrifices made by DSP Gul Muhammad Khan and his guards as emblematic of the courage and resilience required to confront and defeat terrorism within the country. Zardari’s statements underscore a collective mourning and a reinforced commitment to eradicating the threats posed by terrorist entities to national security and peace.

The loss of these officials has sparked a renewed emphasis on the importance of unity and concerted efforts among all levels of government to ensure the safety and security of the nation. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s remarks not only serve as a tribute to the fallen heroes but also as a clarion call for a unified strategy against those who seek to undermine the country’s stability through acts of violence and terror.