Latest news with #Omar
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Omar urges CJ to ensure 'fair May 9 trials'
Leader of Opposition Omar Ayub Khan has written a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, appealing to him to intervene to ensure fair trial of people adjudicated in anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) for their alleged roles in rioting after May 9, 2023 arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. In the four-page "appeal", the opposition leader, who belongs to the PTI, has highlighted the alleged irregularities happening during the May 9 trials. The ATCs are bound by the Supreme Court to conclude all these May 9 case proceedings by the first week of August. According to Omar, the integrity of Pakistan's judicial process is under grave threat as these trials, which are supposed to exemplify justice, have instead become a means of political persecution. "The ATCs in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and other cities are hearing cases related to May 9 with a speed and manner that shock the conscience of any impartial observer. "Hearings commence early morning and extend late into the night; in fact, it is reliably reported that in some cases proceedings continue until 2:00 am to 3:00 am. "This is justice crushed and justice buried under the weight of exhaustion, coercion, and haste," he added. He stated that such a schedule was unprecedented in the annals of Pakistani jurisprudence as it disregarded the most basic principles of a fair trial, including the accused's right to a meaningful opportunity to prepare and present a defense, and the judiciary's solemn obligation to conduct trials with dignity, transparency, and impartiality. He also referred to the motto of the Supreme Court of Pakistan that justice must not only be done, it must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done. He regretted that during the May 9 trials, this cardinal principle has been systematically violated. Omar claimed that the leadership, workers, and supporters of the PTI were wrongfully implicated through a process that appeared mala fide and politically motivated. Police reports and prosecutions lack credible evidence and are riddled with procedural irregularities, he added. He also narrated numerous instances of prosecutorial overreach and police misconduct, including the fabrication of FIRs, coercive interrogation tactics, and selective registration of cases against opposition figuresall undermining the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system. Referring to the right to counsel of choice, he said a fundamental right enshrined in Article 10A of the Constitution has been trampled. He said the ATCs frequently deny adjournments and, in many cases, threaten or proceed to appoint state counsels without the consent of the accused. "This practice not only breaches constitutional guarantees but also violates internationally recognized fair trial standards., including those set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 10) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 14), to which Pakistan is a party," he wrote. "If these trials are allowed to continue under current conditionshurried, secretive, and politically charged, the damage to Pakistan's judicial reputation and the people's trust will be irrevocable."
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pahalgam attack should have been discussed before Op Sindoor: J&K CM
Welcoming discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Parliament, chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that it would have been good had there been a similar discussion over Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 that left 26 people dead and scores injured. J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah (File) Responding to media queries here on the sidelines of a forest department function, Omar said, 'From the day of the Pahalgam attack, whether it is the police, paramilitary, or the army, they are after them (terrorists). Though there is no official confirmation yet but even if one of them has been killed in an encounter (Dachigam) today, it will be a good thing.' On the discussion on Operation Sindoor in Parliament, the CM said, 'Discussion on Operation Sindoor is fine and it should continue till normalcy is restored but before discussing it there had been Pahalgam attack. It becomes imperative to discuss Pahalgam in the backdrop of what LG recently said about it. He called it an intelligence and security failure. Had it been so, then who's held accountable?' he asked. 'Before discussing Operation Sindoor in the parliament, Pahalgam attack should have been discussed,' he added. On statehood and Congress calendar of protests from August 9, he said, 'We are expecting something out of this Parliament session, which is going to last till August 21 or 22. Till then we would not like to be part of any protests. If we don't get anything, then we will talk. I will not go on strike, at least for now, as long as the parliament session is going on.'
Observer
2 days ago
- Science
- Observer
Omani Teens Turn Car Pollution into Industry Gold
In a lively classroom at Nuaim bin Masood School in Suhar, two young Omani students were busy turning heads — and changing the game. Omar bin Issa Al Barmani and Tamim bin Yousuf Al Maamari weren't just your average schoolkids; they had a brilliant idea that could shake up how we tackle pollution. Their invention? A device designed to feed on car exhaust fumes and turn them into a solid stuff that can be reused industrially. Yes, you read that right — pollution turned into something useful. The spark for their project came from something very local: Oman's own abundant rock called peridotite. Tamim, who's fascinated by remote-controlled aircraft, and Omar, a science whiz who scored an impressive 99.6% at school, started exploring how to use Oman's natural resources to solve a global problem — reducing harmful car emissions. Their device attaches to a car's exhaust pipe and contains peridotite, which, when heated and exposed to the gases, chemically reacts to form calcite — a crystalline mineral also known as calcium carbonate. Now, what's calcite? Think of it as a fancy form of limestone, a mineral you might find in caves or even used to make cement, paper, and paint. In industry, calcite is prized for its versatility: it can be crushed into powder for construction materials, used in paper manufacturing, or in plastics and paints. The idea isn't just to stop pollutants from escaping into the air, but to create something that can be repurposed, turning waste into a resource rather than a problem. This isn't just a random idea. It builds on research from Sultan Qaboos University, where scientists explored how injecting CO₂ (carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas) into underground rocks like peridotite causes the gas to be absorbed and turn into solid minerals. Omar and Tamim made this complex science practical, applying it to everyday vehicles. Their approach could help curb emissions at a global level — since transport is a major contributor to climate change, with millions of cars emitting pollutants worldwide. Their dedication paid off after two years of hard work, guided by their teacher, Majid Al Maqbali, and boosted by support from their school and government bodies. They even bagged first place in the environmental category at the international ITEX competition in Malaysia, beating stiff competition from hundreds of projects around the world. They also earned an encouragement award from Saudi Arabia's Tuwaiq Academy — proof that young minds have what it takes to make a difference on the global stage. Of course, the journey wasn't without hurdles. Juggling school and supervision, sourcing funding, and conducting experiments was no walk in the park. Their teacher, Majid, recalls long days and nights spent at school, balancing responsibilities like a pro. But he believes Omar and Tamim are "national treasures" — future innovators who need nurturing and support. Right now, the project is in the early stages of being picked up by companies, but no one has yet committed to rolling it out at scale. Still, their invention has huge potential. Imagine a world where car exhausts aren't just pollutants, but sources of useful materials — in construction, manufacturing, and beyond. It's an exciting glimpse into a greener, more resourceful future. As Majid and the students look ahead, they urge more young talent across Oman to dive into innovation. The tools are out there — online resources, summer programmes, and government support — all waiting to turn bright ideas into reality. Omar and Tamim's story isn't just about fixing cars; it's about proving that with the right mindset, young minds can drive meaningful change.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
J&K set to create ripples with ‘hydropower tourism'
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah (Pic credit: PTI) SRINAGAR: J&K's Omar-Abdullah-led government has started dipping its toes in 'hydropower tourism' with plans to allow hydel electricity generators to set up on-site tourism facilities as an incentive to attract more investors into such projects. J&K's Draft Hydro Power Policy, 2025, proposes tourism infrastructure in hydel projects up to 25MW. A senior official said the infrastructure could include hotels, parks, guesthouses, and water sports facilities The draft policy, reviewed earlier this week by chief minister Omar, will soon be released for public feedback. The policy assumes significance after the Centre put Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in abeyance following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Omar's National Conference (NC) has long opposed IWT, calling it detrimental to J&K's interests and arguing that it ceded control of river waters to Pakistan without consulting the region. Such tourism facilities will be allowed to be set up only after hydel projects up to 25MW go on stream. 'The policy clearly says after the main hydropower project is completed and begins operating, they can apply to build tourism infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo The aim is to increase income and support local economic growth,' the official said. The incentive has been limited for projects up to 25 MW as they typically come up on small streams and offer good tourism potential, while larger hydel plants are located on major rivers with little scope for ancillary amenities, the official explained. J&K has an estimated hydropower potential of over 20,000MW but less than 15% is harnessed. Govt expects good response to the new policy. The official cited Ranjit Sagar Dam (also known as Thein Dam) at Pathankot in neighbouring Punjab as an example, pointing out that the area, with lush gardens and scenic surroundings, had turned into a popular picnic destination. 'J&K's upcoming hydropower projects offer similar tourism potential,' the official said. While hydropower developers in J&K will be required to provide 12% of the generated electricity free to the Union territory under the new policy, the obligation will remain suspended during the initial years to ease the burden on developers. Developers will be allowed to retain all tourism revenue from the start, without no sharing with govt. However, after 40 years, developers must hand over the 'hydel project' and 'all related tourism infrastructure in good operating condition' to govt. The draft policy categorises projects into two segments, up to 25MW, and between 25MW and 100 MW. It proposes waiver of water usage charges for all projects, classifying them as 'non-consumptive users'. Developers will also benefit from carbon credit incentives and receive 100% exemption on registration fees and stamp duty on land purchases, leases, or mortgages related to the projects.
The Intercept
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Intercept
Is AIPAC Testing the Waters to Primary Rep. Summer Lee?
Pro-Israel groups are considering backing two potential primary challengers against progressive Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa. A survey sent earlier this month to people living in Pittsburgh and its suburbs asked for respondents' opinion on two possible candidates to challenge Lee. The survey included a question on people's opinions about the candidates being backed by 'a right-wing organization that supports Trump and is funded by MAGA millionaires and billionaires.' The survey question appears set up to test whether voters would oppose one of the candidates because of backing from groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee — which is funded by billionaire donors to Donald Trump and, in 2020, endorsed more than 100 Republican members of Congress who voted to overturn the results of that year's presidential election. The wording was identical to another survey sent in May to constituents in the district of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., The Intercept reported. That survey was the first this year to indicate that AIPAC was considering a primary challenge against Omar. With the latest poll, it appears that AIPAC and possibly other pro-Israel groups are setting their sights on another challenge against Lee. 'As usual, AIPAC sees the Democratic electorate begging for more progressive leadership that takes on the corporate elite, and they are desperate to force corporate shills down our throats instead,' said Usamah Andrabi, the communications director for Justice Democrats, a group backing Lee. (AIPAC did not respond to a request for comment.) The survey in Lee's district also said both potential candidates, Pittsburgh City Controller Rachael Heisler and former Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, were backed by 'pro-Israel groups that lobby Congress to provide billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars in aid and weapons to Israel each year.' Lee and Omar are two of a handful of progressive members of Congress who have drawn the ire of AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups for calling to end U.S. military funding to Israel and criticizing Israel's genocide in Gaza. AIPAC spent more than $100 million on primaries last cycle, including more than $25 million to unseat Reps. Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y. Lee, Omar, and other progressives have also been vocal critics of AIPAC. Lee introduced a bill earlier this year to ban super PACs like AIPAC's United Democracy Project, which spent millions of dollars against her when she first ran for Congress in 2022. Lee won reelection last year against another Republican-backed pro-Israel primary challenger. In that race, The Intercept reported. AIPAC tried and failed to recruit two candidates to run against her. 'Every cycle, corporate lobbies, special interest groups and Trump megadonors look to buy this Congressional seat,' Lee said in a statement. 'My constituents want leaders who fight for their interests against the wealthy & well-connected, not politicians that can be bought with a corporate PAC check.' The survey asked a series of questions about positions taken by candidates that aligned more closely with Republicans than liberal Democrats. 'It's no mistake that they're polling the viability of candidates that evidently oppose the Affordable Care Act, Medicare for All, same-sex marriage, the Green New Deal, abortion rights, Medicare, and Social Security,' said Andrabi. 'AIPAC's favorite type of Democrat is one you can most easily mistake for a Republican and most easily.' The survey in Pittsburgh asked people to rate their level of concern in response to pro-Israel groups supporting both Heisler and DePasquale, and whether they would support either candidate in a Democratic primary election against Lee. 'Rachael Heisler is supported by pro-Israel groups that lobby Congress to provide billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars in aid and weapons to Israel each year,' the survey said. 'Please indicate whether it raises very serious concerns, serious concerns, minor concerns, or no real concerns for you about Rachael Heisler.' The survey posed the same question about DePasquale. The poll also asked respondents to rate their level of concern about potential criticisms of Lee, DePasquale, and Heisler. Criticisms of Lee included her vote against former President Joe Biden's debt deal, her support for the Uncommitted movement in 2024, and the claim that 'Lee is more interested in dividing Democrats' than fighting Trump's agenda. 'Summer Lee is too extreme,' read another prompt. 'She has long associated herself with the Democratic Socialists of America which supports defunding the police, eliminating prisons and releasing all criminals, opening our borders, getting rid of individually-owned cars, abolishing U-S-A-I-D, and withdrawing from NATO. Summer Lee's radical positions do not reflect our community.' (Lee is no longer a member of DSA.) Respondents were asked to rate their concerns about the statement. In a section asking about possible criticism of DePasquale, the survey asked respondents how they felt about him taking corporate PAC money and opposing progressive policy efforts like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. Read our complete coverage 'While progressive Democrats have called for getting corporate money out of politics, Eugene DePasquale has taken tens of thousands of dollars from corporate PACs, including from major corporations like AT&T, Comcast, Pfizer and PNC Bank,' the survey said. It added that DePasquale 'calls himself a progressive' but opposed Medicare for All, rejected the Green New Deal, opposed same sex marriage, praised parts of Trump's agenda, and supported expanding the state's natural gas industry. (DePasquale did not respond to a request for comment.) DePasquale has supported gay marriage publicly since at least 2012. In 2020, He said he did not support the Green New Deal or Medicare for All, and favored a public option and improvements to the Affordable Care Act. On the environment, DePasquale has a mixed record. During a race for Pennsylvania attorney general and as state auditor, he came down on the side with energy interests and climate activists, respectively. Posing potential criticisms of Heisler, the survey asked respondents how concerned they were about the claim that Heisler had 'a record of standing with the wealthy and powerful' and worked with groups advancing policies to benefit billionaires, including gutting Social Security and Medicare. The survey also asked respondents how they felt about Heisler donating to the 2018 campaign of anti-abortion Democrat Dan Lipinski in Illinois. It also asked them to rate their concerns about Heisler working for former Rep. Jason Altmire, a Pennsylvania Democrat who voted against the ACA in 2010. (Heisler did not respond to a request for comment.) Respondents were also asked to rate their opinion of other officials and groups including Altmire; Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.; Democratic Socialists of America; Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro; and Sen. John Fetterman. Both Heisler and DePasquale have expressed support for Israel and efforts by pro-Israel groups to influence policy in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. DePasquale was endorsed last year by two groups that also backed Lee's primary challenger, Bhavini Patel. Earlier this year, Heisler fought a referendum petition organized by anti-genocide activists to push Pittsburgh to divest from governments engaged in genocide — namely Israel. (Not On Our Dime did not respond to a request for comment.) Last year, Heisler went on a $15,000 trip paid for by AIPAC's educational arm, which it uses to send politicians to Israel, a typical step in the group's efforts to recruit a candidate. George Latimer, the AIPAC-funded candidate who unseated Bowman, the New York representative, took a trip to Israel shortly before he announced his primary challenge. 'My constituents want leaders who fight for their interests against the wealthy and well-connected, not politicians that can be bought with a corporate PAC check,' Lee said. 'They can keep polling and we're going to keep fighting back against the Trump administration to protect and deliver for our constituents.'
