Day: April 28, 2024

Rawalpindi, In honor of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (peace be upon him), mourning processions and lectures took place, emphasizing his contributions to Islamic scholarship and calling for unity and reform within Pakistan. The events, organized by Quaid-e-Millat-i-Jafariya Agasid Hamid Ali Shah Mousavi, also included prayers for the success of anti-corruption operations by Pakistani forces. Speakers highlighted Imam Sadiq’s influence on modern science and jurisprudence, reinforcing his status as a significant figure in Islamic history.

According to Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya, Allama Azhar Abbas Haidari, addressing the gathering at Imambargah Qasrabu Talib, underscored the lasting impact of Imam Jafar Sadiq’s teachings on wisdom and knowledge, which continue to serve as a foundational asset for the Muslim Ummah.

The event also recalled the scholarly achievements of Jabir bin Hayyan, a student of Imam Sadiq, who is revered in both Eastern and Western knowledge traditions. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic recovery of the coffin of Sadiq al-Muhammad, marking the end of the 10th Majlis. In addition to the religious observances, speakers at various venues called for making Pakistan a true democratic Islamic state that respects the rights of all citizens equally.

Karachi, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party, Altaf Shakoor, expressed concern over the silence of Pakistani universities regarding the situation in Palestine, emphasizing the need for student involvement in advocacy against Israeli actions in Gaza.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor condemned the recent arrest of Columbia University students who were protesting in support of Palestine and questioned the lack of similar activism within Pakistani educational institutions. He highlighted the global response from students and academics in Europe, America, and Great Britain, who are vocal against what he described as genocide and bloodshed in Gaza, and contrasted this with the quieter response from Pakistani students.

Shakoor urged Pakistani student organizations to intensify their efforts in educating their peers about the historical, religious, and political significance of Palestine. He called for the implementation of awareness campaigns, the organization of seminars and conferences, and the formulation of demands for the Pakistani government to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of relief goods.

The chairman stressed the importance of students using modern media and social networks to connect with global peers and amplify their voice on issues like the Palestinian cause. He affirmed that peaceful protest is a fundamental right and encouraged Pakistani students to demonstrate courage and solidarity with the oppressed in Palestine.

Karachi, Sayed M Irfan, an industrial economic expert and former associate professor at NED University, has stressed the necessity for Pakistan’s economy to transition from a manufacturing and construction focus to a service-oriented approach to significantly increase disposable incomes and improve living standards.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Irfan elaborated on the benefits of transitioning to a tertiary economic phase, noting that such a shift typically leads to higher family incomes and enhances the value placed on services such as education, healthcare, and professional consulting. This economic shift also influences societal values and the prioritization of social progress.

Irfan highlighted the extensive role of Pakistan’s informal economy, which accounts for about 35% of the formal sector and is a vital employment source. He pointed out that the entrepreneurial ventures within this sector, while providing essential services and livelihoods, often circumvent the standards of professionalism and integrity, contributing to a cycle of low productivity and informal employment practices.

The professor also touched on the broader implications of these economic practices, such as perpetuating a culture of corruption and affecting the overall quality and productivity of goods and services. He expressed concern over the long-term sustainability of relying heavily on an informal economy, especially in a global context that increasingly values formal education and regulated business environments.

Ultimately, Irfan called for a reevaluation of economic strategies and governmental policies to foster a more regulated and inclusive economic environment that can leverage emerging global opportunities and improve the societal welfare of Pakistan’s populace.

Karachi, Amidst political tensions, Chairperson AIT and leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Shahnila Khanzada, has voiced strong criticism against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its leadership, cautioning against what she perceives as harmful political practices and the misuse of military respect in politics.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Khanzada expressed concerns over the PTI’s unchanging attitude and the controversial actions of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which she believes could lead to legal consequences rather than political success. She emphasized the need for respecting the army and condemned the involvement of military figures in political controversies.

Khanzada praised the PPP’s approach, highlighting its positive reception which she noted has not been well received by PTI. She criticized those she accused of prioritizing personal or group identity over national interests, commending Bilawal Bhutto for his visionary leadership which contrasts with what she described as the crisis-inducing politics of other parties.

Additionally, Khanzada outlined the achievements and goals of the PPP, including infrastructure improvements and energy projects like solar plants, and detailed a significant plan that would have saved the federal government 300 billion by decentralizing ministries to provincial governments, aimed at enhancing national development and public welfare. She also called on the current administration to finalize the gas line agreement with Iran, initiated during President Asif Ali Zardari’s tenure, to secure energy resources crucial for the country’s future.

Lahore, Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Musarat Jamshed Cheema criticized the government’s actions against peaceful protesters and highlighted a crackdown on solar power consumers.

According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Cheema expressed dismay over the use of violence and arrests during a recent protest, which was organized to address electoral grievances and government policies on solar energy.

The protests were called by PTI’s founding chairman to voice opposition against what the party considers electoral malpractices and to support citizens’ right to generate their own electricity via solar installations. Cheema pointed out the harsh measures, including the deployment of police forces, as signs of governmental fear and inability to tackle national issues through democratic means. Despite these challenges, Cheema affirmed the party’s commitment to continue advocating for civil liberties and sustainable energy solutions.