Latest news with #Pak-India
Business Recorder
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Gen Mirza warns of nuclear confrontation risk
SINGAPORE: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza has said that there exists the danger of a nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan. Speaking at the 22nd Shangrila Dialogue, 2025, in Singapore, held in the backdrop of Pak-India tensions, he said that no mechanis could work as long as there is distrust between the two countries. 'Pakistan desires lasting peace with India and at the same time wants to protect its honour and prestige,' Mirza has said, adding, 'Talks between the two countries are now inevitable if we are to ensure the security of South Asia.' Pakistan, India close to completing border troop reduction, senior Pakistani general says He has opined that preventing tensions in the region is better than allowing these bitter relations to develop into a crisis and then dealing with that crisis. 'The resolution of the Kashmir dispute in the light of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions will prove to be a basis for peace in the region, which is on the brink of crisis,' he has said, adding that the dispute is a reason for tense relations between Pakistan and India. He has further said that India's plan to block the flow of rivers to Pakistan is a blatant violation of international law. 'As per the national security committee, any such attempt by India will be deemed to be an act of war.' The CJCSC chairman has lashed out at India for targeting innocent civilians and mosques during the recent war with Pakistan. The corps commanders and other senior-most Pakistan Army officials have held sittings with the students and teachers of different educational institutions of the country. During their interactions, they brought home the fact that no nation could progress without education. They also briefed them on the contributions being made by the Pakistan Army to different development projects in the country.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
From Standoff to Setback: Modi's Policies and India's Diplomatic Challenges
Modi says water once flowing out of India will now be retained and used domestically for India's interests. PHOTO: FILE Post Pak-India clashes scenario has once again established the fact that non resolution of Kashmir, water and terrorism issues would continue to hinder peace in the South Asian Region. Besides reestablishing Pakistan's conventional deterrence Pak-India standoff helped in revival of the Kashmir issue on the international stage, which served as a blow to India's diplomatic standing. Narendra Modi's wrong policies have not only led to disappointment for India diplomatically, moreover, his policy of bilateralism on Kashmir has suffered a significant setback. The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) in its report titled 'Sixteen hours that reshaped South Asia' has termed Modi's flawed policies the main reason of severe blow to India's interests since India's defeat in 1962 war against China. Human history is replete with wounds inflicted by humans on other humans, but it is also true that societies, as they traverse the stages of cultural evolution, gradually begin to shed their animalistic tendencies. However, our misfortune is that we have a nation living in our neighborhood that still adheres to the philosophy of Machiavellian deceit and barbarism, as embodied by its political deity Chanakya, and its foreign policy is founded on the same philosophy. However, there is another side to the picture. The law of nature dictates that anything built on deceitful thinking will eventually decline. Not long ago, India had complete influence over all the small countries in the region, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal, and its voice was paramount in these countries. But when India's true face was exposed, the world witnessed how India's puppet regime, in the form of Sheikh Hasina Wajed, met its ignominious end. To harm Pakistan's existence, India invested heavily in Afghanistan, establishing centers of terrorism and using its proxies to target CPEC, in an attempt to deprive the region of developmental progress. India is also working on a plan to eliminate China's presence in Pakistan and the Arabian Sea region. Despite India's continuous efforts to create differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan, recent diplomatic developments have strengthened ties between the two brotherly nations. China, emerging as a reliable regional partner, has further reinforced this trilateral alliance with a commitment to economic cooperation and mutual security. Afghanistan's formal inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) marks a new era, which has thwarted India's destructive designs. India's fabricated narratives have failed to isolate Pakistan, which has consistently demonstrated responsibility, restraint, and patience, as evident in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. While India continues to engage in provocations, Pakistan has shown utmost responsibility. In contrast, the region, home to two billion people, might become a victim of Modi's political vendetta and obsession – this is not leadership but preparation for collective destruction.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
A tale of two escalations
Listen to article In any conflict between two countries escalation strategy controls the direction of the engagement. The initiation of conflict and its escalation depend upon who is in control of it and how it can be shaped or reshaped to dissipate the will of one's adversary. Once a conflict is started, the aggressor sets the benchmark and tone of its complexity. The defending state can retaliate with a range of possibilities depending upon its historical friction with the aggressor, the dynamics of its internal security environment, its governance cum administrative structure and more importantly strength of its leadership. There are however two types of escalations which can happen in modern day warfare. The first one occurs in physical space while, side by side, the other unfolds in non-physical medium at multiple levels. There are regions of convergence and divergence between the two escalations. The friction between these areas can provide room for future conflicts between two countries. A country which manages to expand its area of convergence between these two escalations can in fact strengthen its position locally and increases morale of its forces. A large island of divergence between physical and non-physical escalations is a potential source of discomfort among the leadership, security organizations and public in a country. It can push such a state towards adventurism in coming days. Any effort to offset it or defuse it in any manner can be a win-win situation for people of both countries. In a typical Pak-India scenario, India has upped the ante this year as compared to its response in 2019. This time round, it was inside Punjab and not in or around AJK. The other parts especially Balochistan and KP were deliberately omitted on multiple strategic counts. Perhaps it was a rational Indian choice not to target these regions as it might trigger anti-India sentiments where militancy is quite active. As a result, India started off at a higher level on the escalation ladder. The reaction to such multiple hits inside Pakistan had to come in a tit for tat fashion. However, Pakistan's response was mainly triggered by a barrage of attacks on its air-strips which also took its military by surprise in terms of target selection and attack intensification. In physical medium, de-escalation appears to be a permanent feature and actors, regional or international, are actually looking for an opportunity to synchronise the aggressor and the aggrieved. In the present conflict, many actors appeared now and again, striving for some sort of hostility adjournment, permanent or temporarily. Since, the ceasefire has resulted into mutual talks it is important to gauge the outcome of these engagements. Essentially, in case of any such like future occurrence, a modality needs to be established in which the two sides can examine the evidence and discuss it before reaching at a conclusion. A unilateral assessment of situation is bound to create friction leading to a future conflict. The questions arising are: Is the current de-escalation temporary or permanent? Is another dispute building up behind the scenes owing to the incomplete de-escalation mechanism? The current conflict has also depicted another escalation which has taken place in cyber medium. Claims, counter claims, truths and lies - in different formats and on various platforms — have inflicted a series of psychological blows on both sides. It goes on polluting the minds, causing confusion, frustration and fear as well. People usually believe in AI-generated images like old videos with new captions to create a false perception of escalation. Anything can happen in cyber space and anyone can say anything purposefully to modulate minds of citizens of both countries. Sometimes real facts and first-hand information are also transmitted on it, giving rise to new dimensions and proffer interesting avenues for analysis. This escalation is continuing in non-physical dimension and may not subside in coming days. The friction between individuals or groups on a cyber platform can become a potential source of mistrust among communities and ethnic groups living in different geographical dispositions. The post-ceasefire consultation should take stock of it too.
Express Tribune
18-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Basmati exports plunge
Listen to article Pakistan's Basmati rice exports plummeted to a low of 43,895 tons in April 2025, marking the worst monthly performance in the current fiscal year (July 2024-April 2025), according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The sharp decline came despite a strong export surge earlier in the year, including a magical figure of 100,780 tons achieved in February 2025, a month with only 28 days. Hamid Malik, a commodities' expert, attributed April's slump primarily to the closure of Iran border during the month, a critical route for Pakistan's Basmati, though he noted that exports to Iran rebounded at a brisk pace in May. Overall, Basmati exports for the first 10 months of FY25 stood at 707,875 tons, a 15% jump from 612,126 tons during the same period of last year. However, non-Basmati exports dipped slightly to 4,390,333 tons (from 4,474,855 tons in FY24), with Malik warning of a potential 3-4% annual decline due to stiff competition from India, which is flooding African markets with cheaper rice. Total rice exports for the 10-month period remained nearly flat at 5.08 million tons, reflecting mixed trends. Further complicating trade, shipments faced delays in late April due to protests on the Indus Highway by the Sindh nationalist groups demanding better water distribution. The blockade disrupted truck movements for days, creating backlogs at Karachi Port. While the protests have subsided, exporters fear recurring disruptions, primarily due to Pak-India tensions that could dent Pakistan's reputation as a reliable supplier. Malik projected Basmati exports would finish the fiscal year stronger than last year, citing Iran's resumed imports and steady demand from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. However, Jahandad Khan, an agricultural economist, cautioned that Pakistan's non-Basmati sector risks losing long-term market share unless it addresses structural issues like high production costs and outdated farming techniques. He urged investment in climate-resilient crops to counter India's pricing advantage. Meanwhile, logistics analyst Ali Raza highlighted Pakistan's growing reliance on air freight for premium Basmati shipments to Europe and the US, saying that quality-conscious buyers are willing to pay more, but shipping delays via road or sea remain a hurdle. Pakistan ranks among the world's top rice exporters, renowned for its aromatic Basmati and affordable non-Basmati varieties. Key markets include Iran, China, East Africa and the Middle East. While India remains its fiercest competitor in non-Basmati trade, Pakistan's Basmati holds a niche due to its distinct quality. Still, Malik stressed the need for better trade diplomacy and infrastructure upgrades to sustain growth amid geopolitical and climate challenges. As the fiscal year closes, stakeholders remain watchful of monsoon forecasts and global price shifts, factors that could define Pakistan's rice trade fortunes in 2026.
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Quorum issue in Punjab PA: Opposition, ruling members engage in heated discussion
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly witnessed a turbulent session on Thursday as the treasury benches failed to maintain the required quorum during the approval of bills, leading to an abrupt adjournment. The session, which was marked by heated exchanges between the opposition and government members, descended into chaos before Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar suspended proceedings until Friday at 2 PM. The disruption occurred when opposition member Brigadier Mushtaq Ahmad (retd) pointed out the lack of quorum, forcing the deputy speaker to halt legislative business. The adjournment came amid ongoing tensions between the treasury and opposition benches, highlighting the strained atmosphere in the assembly. Earlier in the session, Punjab Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bherth engaged in a bitter war of words with opposition members, accusing them of enjoying government vehicles and double benefits. His remarks provoked a sharp response from opposition member Rana Aftab Ahmed, who criticized Bharath's tone as resembling a 'thana-like' (police station) attitude. The situation escalated to such an extent that Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan had to intervene, calling for restraint from both sides. The session had already begun on a contentious note, with opposition members expressing frustration over the absence of ministers and secretaries, delaying proceedings by 15 minutes. When the assembly resumed, tensions remained high, particularly during the question hour. Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Development Sadia Taimoor launched a scathing attack on PTI members, questioning their credibility in demanding performance reports when they had allegedly failed to form standing committees or caucuses during their four-year tenure. Meanwhile, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan directed the Information Minister to address a query raised by Azma Bukhari regarding the Pak-India war. The session took another chaotic turn when opposition members criticized the police department's handling of law and order. Rana Aftab Ahmed accused the government and police of favouring PTI instead of maintaining public order, sparking uproar. PTI's Sahibzada Saeedul Hassan Bharath retaliated with strong remarks, further inflaming the situation. As Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar became visibly emotional during the heated exchanges, PML-N's Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman also joined the debate, intensifying the confrontation. The escalating tensions forced Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan to once again step in, enforcing a temporary ceasefire between the treasury and opposition benches to restore order. With the session adjourned amid unresolved disputes and legislative business left pending, the Punjab Assembly remains a battleground of political rivalries, raising concerns over the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings in the days ahead. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, said that the Women's Caucus has been established to resolve women's issues on a priority basis. To effectively raise women's issues, the caucus includes representation from women belonging to all political parties. He expressed these views while addressing a session of the Women Parliamentary Caucus at the Punjab Assembly. Speaker emphasised that incidents of harassment against women are condemnable and that the caucus must work on an emergency basis to prevent such occurrences. Women in rural areas are in dire need of dignified legal assistance. He also said that if violence is being committed against women or their rights are being violated, the caucus must play an active role in addressing these issues. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
