Yoko Ono

The world’s oceans, covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, have long been a source of fascination, trade, and exploration. These vast expanses of water have been essential to human civilization, enabling global trade, travel, and connectivity. World maritime day is celebrated each year on 28 September, to emphasize the critical significance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the preservation of the marine environment. This significant day commemorates the adoption of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention on March 6, 1958, which established the IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. Each year, World Maritime Day revolves around a specific theme, focusing on various aspects of the maritime industry. The theme for this year’s World Maritime Day, “MARPOL at 50 – our commitment goes on,” underscores the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) extensive track record in safeguarding the environment from the adverse effects of shipping through a robust regulatory framework. It also highlights the IMO’s enduring dedication to this crucial mission. The theme specifically draws attention to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which addresses the prevention of marine environmental pollution by ships from operational or accidental causes.

Additionally, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, or MARPOL, holds a central position in maritime law and environmental protection. It was adopted in 1973 and entered into force in 1978. Over the past five decades, MARPOL has undergone several amendments and annexes, making it one of the most important international treaties addressing the prevention of pollution from ships. MARPOL encompasses six main annexes, each dealing with specific aspects of ship-source pollution: Annex I – Prevention of Pollution by Oil: This annex sets strict regulations for the discharge of oil and oily mixtures from ships. Annex II- Control of Pollution by Toxic Liquid Substances in Bulk: it governs the discharge of harmful chemicals and substances carried in bulk. Annex III- Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form: it addresses the packaging and labeling of harmful substances transported by sea. Annex IV- Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships: this annex regulates the discharge of sewage from ships. Annex V- Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships: it covers the disposal of garbage, plastics, and other solid waste at sea. Annex VI- Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships: it addresses air emissions from ships, including sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Furthermore, this theme serves as a catalyst for vital discussion concerning the future trajectory of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) endeavors to fortify planet’s safeguarding and the preservation of its oceans. This theme is intricately intertwined with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These encompass a spectrum of critical objectives, such as ensuring affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), fostering industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), addressing climate change and sustainably managing oceans, seas, and marine resources (SDGs 13 and 14), as well as recognizing the paramount importance of partnerships and effective implementation to realize these aspirations (SDG 17). In essence, the theme underscores the imperative of aligning maritime practices with these global sustainability goals, thereby affirming the maritime community’s unwavering commitment to a better, more sustainable future for our planet and its precious oceans.

Moreover, the concept of ‘marine safety’ addresses the safety of ships and maritime installations with the primary purpose of protecting maritime professionals and the marine environment. Marine safety in the first place implies the regulation of the construction of vessels and maritime installations, the regular control of their safety procedures as well as the education of maritime professionals in complying with regulations. Marine safety is closely linked to the work of the International Maritime Organization and its Maritime Safety Committee which acts as the core international body for developing rules and regulations.

In addition to it, safety concerns are core to maritime security given that it may involve environmental and cultural interests. Marine safety has also been increasingly linked to maritime security given that the maritime industry, shipping companies and their employees are simultaneously potential targets (e.g. of pirates, terrorists, or criminals) as well as potential perpetrators (by engaging in maritime crimes such as trafficking of persons, illicit goods or weapons or in collaborating with violent actors). Maritime security is however also linked to economic development. Throughout history the oceans were always of vital economic importance.

Besides, ships have significant impacts on marine pollution through various activities and sources of pollution including oil spills- accidental oil spills from ships can be catastrophic for marine environments. These spills often occur during refueling, oil transfer operations, or as a result of accidents, and they release oil into the ocean, harming marine life and coastal ecosystems. Air Pollution- ships emit air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which can contribute to acid rain, smog, and damage to marine ecosystems when these pollutants are deposited into the ocean. Ballast Water- ships use ballast water to stabilize their vessels during transit. However, this water can contain invasive species from one location and introduce them to new ecosystems when discharged at another port, disrupting local marine ecosystems. To address these issues, international regulations and conventions, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO)- MARPOL and Ballast Water Management Convention, have been established to control and reduce the environmental impacts of shipping. These regulations aim to minimize pollution from ships through measures such as wastewater treatment systems, emission controls, and antifouling paint restrictions, among others. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure sustainable shipping practices and protect marine environments from pollution.

In a nutshell, World Maritime Day serves as a reminder of the maritime industry’s enduring importance and its commitment to sustainable practices. MARPOL, at 50, remains a cornerstone of maritime law, ensuring that shipping activities are carried out responsibly and in harmony with the environment. As we celebrate this day, we acknowledge the pivotal role of conventions like MARPOL in shaping a more sustainable and interconnected world, where the oceans remain a source of wonder, prosperity, and environmental preservation.

To mark World Maritime Day, Pakistan Navy is organizing seminars/ webinars to engage both the public and stakeholders in meaningful discussions about maritime conservation. These initiatives serve as platforms for experts, environmentalists, and maritime enthusiasts to come together and share knowledge, ideas, and best practices in pollution prevention. By fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness, the Pakistan Navy plays a vital role in ensuring that the significance of World Maritime Day resonates not just within its ranks but also throughout the nation, reinforcing the collective commitment to protect our oceans and promote sustainable maritime activities.

Anum Sultan, independent writer, M. Phil International Relations

Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer

Martin Luther King once articulated the enduring truth that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This assertion underscores the grave implications of injustice, an insidious game of oppression, human rights deprivation, and the systematic maltreatment of vulnerable ethnic groups, thereby stripping them of life’s most fundamental necessities. A poignant example of such injustice can be discerned in the case of the Palestinians, an ancient ethnic group with a history spanning millennia, yet now mired in perpetual insecurity and aggression. The ignoble occupation of Palestine by the Jewish forces, facilitated by global powers in 1948, continues unabated, manifesting a wanton disregard for the right to life and a conspicuous absence of conscience. Regrettably, such reprehensible occurrences are not confined to one corner of the globe but are pervasive worldwide.

The aspiration of Palestinians to establish an independent nation was met with hostility from the authorities in what is purportedly a democratic Spain. Elected leaders, including Catalonia’s president, speaker, and cabinet members, were apprehended, and the special constitutional privileges of the Catalonians were arbitrarily revoked. This egregious violation of democratic norms raises a disconcerting question: Why should external forces interfere in the internal affairs of a civilization that has endured for a thousand years? The turn of the 21st century witnessed a grave transgression of international law when the United States, under the pretext of a purported nuclear threat, together with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, perpetrated a disastrous invasion of Iraq.

This audacious act of illegal occupation and catastrophic devastation inflicted upon a sovereign nation exposed the frailty of the global order. It subsequently emerged that the pretext for this operation was entirely unfounded, leading the British Prime Minister to publicly acknowledge his culpability and offer an apology. However, this apology offers little solace to Iraq, as the damage inflicted upon the once-prosperous nation over the span of 500 years is irreparable. The irrationality that permeates our world becomes ever more pronounced. Egypt, a nation steeped in an 8,000-year-old civilization, saw a brief flicker of democratic hope when Mohamed Morsi was democratically elected as president in 2012. However, his tenure was cut short within a year when he was ousted by General CC Dr. Karantrale.

Morsi met a tragic end, and despite the presence of international bodies like the United Nations, the Arab League, and the OIC, no meaningful objection was raised. Consequently, an illegal military junta continues to govern Egypt, stifling any opposition, and subverting the principles of democracy. The plight of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition figure, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democracy in certain regions. In a democracy, the Leader of the Opposition traditionally assumes the role of head of the shadow cabinet. However, in Russia, Navalny is systematically marginalized, declared “ineligible” when he seeks election, and subjected to harassment, imprisonment, poisoning, and physical abuse. These actions are incongruent with the treatment one would expect in a civilized society. Moreover, Russia’s occupation of Chechnya through the use of force remains an unresolved issue, prompting questions about the effectiveness of international organizations like the United Nations. A recent example of vindictiveness is exemplified by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has clung to power for nearly three decades.

In the most recent election, marred by electoral fraud, Lukashenko declared him president, igniting protests across the nation. Thousands of civilians, including opposition leaders, were forcibly expelled to evade torture. Roman, a young journalist, fled into exile in Italy, only to be apprehended when a false bomb threat on his plane was invoked by the Belarusian authorities. His “crime” was the publication of critical reports on Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime, underscoring the depths to which retribution can stoop. The Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang province represent another oppressed ethnic group that has garnered global attention due to their persecution. The efforts of activists like RabiaQaderi have shed light on the plight of the Uyghurs, with the United Nations estimating that one million Uighur Muslims are held in concentration camps in an attempt to suppress their religious activities.Finally, we come to the egregious violation of human rights in Kashmir, a region of unparalleled natural beauty and historical significance.

The tragic transformation of this once-idyllic land into a militarized zone, marked by violence and repression, stems from the unilateral decision of the Hindu Dogra king to align with India, despite the express desire of the predominantly Muslim population for independence. In 1947, the United Nations adopted a resolution stipulating a referendum to determine Kashmir’s fate, a commitment India initially accepted. However, the promise of a referendum remains unfulfilled, as time has passed and circumstances have changed, with Article 370 granting special status to Kashmir ultimately being abrogated by the Indian government. These instances serve as stark reminders of the pervasive violation of human rights and the erosion of democratic principles worldwide. In regions such as Myanmar, Thailand, Yemen, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and Sudan, chaos and human rights abuses continue unabated. It is incumbent upon us, as global citizens, to pause and reflect upon the lengths to which we are willing to go in our pursuit of justice and human rights. Do we truly possess dominion over the world that justifies such fervent tampering? History has demonstrated that even the mightiest empires, akin to Nimrod and the Pharaohs of yore, eventually met their downfall. Let us tread carefully, mindful of the consequences of our actions, and strive for a world where justice prevails over vengeance.

James Dorsey

A Saudi-Israeli agreement to establish diplomatic relations involving enhanced US commitments to Gulf security could be a game-changer for great power rivalry in the Middle East.

To be sure, US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu face formidable obstacles in paying the price tag Saudi Arabia puts on the normalisation of relations with Israel.

In return for relations, Saudi Arabia has demanded legally binding security commitments from the United States, support for its nuclear programme, and unfettered access to sophisticated weaponry – conditions that would be challenged in Congress.

The kingdom has also linked diplomatic relations to ambiguously defined progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – a demand Mr. Netanyahu will have difficulty meeting with his current coalition government, the most ultra-nationalist and ultra-conservative in his country’s history.

Speaking to Fox News, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described the Palestinian issue as “very important” and one that “we need to solve.”

Mr. Bin Salman shied away from spelling out what a solution would entail beyond saying he hoped it “will ease the life of the Palestinians.”

Within days of the interview, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan told the United Nations General Assembly and a webinar normalising relations with Israel would require a plan to establish an independent Palestinian state.

On the first visit to the West Bank by a senior Saudi official since the creation of the Palestine Authority in 1994, Ambassador Nayef al-Sudairi, the kingdom’s first envoy to the Palestinian entity, said Saudi Arabia was “working towards establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Palestinian officials told their Saudi counterparts that as part of the kingdom’s agreement to recognise the Jewish state, Israel would have to stop building new settlements, expand Palestinian control over security and construction in the West Bank, accept full Palestinian membership of the United Nations, and consent to the opening of a Palestine Liberation Organisation office in Washington and a US consulate in East Jerusalem.

Nevertheless, senior Israeli officials asserted that Saudi Arabia was merely paying lip service to the Palestinian issue in talks about Israel.

A senior Palestinian official conceded “that what is being discussed includes elements that are less than statehood. We’re talking about a pathway to getting there.”

The obstacles haven’t prevented Messrs. Bin Salman and Netanyahu from raising heightened expectations recently by suggesting significant progress in agreeing on the terms of a US-Saudi-Israeli deal.

Speaking to Fox News, Mr. Bin Salman said his country and Israel were getting “closer” daily to establish formal relations. Mr. Netanyahu was equally ebullient at the UN General Assembly.

Largely overlooked in public discussions about a possible Saudi-Israeli normalisation of relations is the fact that the Saudi demands signal that the kingdom, like the United Arab Emirates, which is requesting an “ironclad” security arrangement with the United States, prefers the US rather than China to be its security partner for the foreseeable future.

“Isn’t it interesting? When you look at MbS’ asks from us, they start with he wants a defense treaty with us… What that tells you is that at the end of the day, they don’t think there is anybody else they can rely upon if they really stranded,” said Dennis Ross, a former US Middle East peace negotiator. Mr. Ross was referring to Mr. Bin Salman by his initials.

Former US National Security Council official Kirsten Fontenrose argued that Mr. Bin Salman had created a situation where he could forcefully argue for a binding security arrangement even if efforts to forge a deal with Israel failed.

“MbS looks at this and says, ‘Right now, it looks like the sticking point is Israeli politics. So, even if I don’t get this, I look like the good guy’,” Ms. Fontenrose said.

I expect there will be pressure from the Saudis moving forward, even if we don’t get normalisation, to follow through… (saying), ‘Well, we have arrived so closely on some of these ideas on a US security pact, we’ve done so much work on civilian nuclear cooperation, why don’t we just continue this?” Ms. Fontenrose added.

Even so, it is hard to believe that Saudi Arabia and the UAE think they can retain the freedom to hedge their bets and expand relations with China, as well as Russia, particularly regarding the Ukraine war and Western sanctions, in ways that the United States would see as threatening its national security and undermining its policies.

While the United States would likely not disrupt the Gulf states’ economic and trade ties with China, the Gulf’s largest trading partner, it would limit Saudi and UAE cooperation with China on geopolitical issues, nuclear development, technology collaboration, and arms acquisition.

“The administration is asking for some things from the Saudis. They want them to continue to peg oil to the dollar, there was some talk that they may allow the Chinese to buy oil with the Chinese currency… What is being asked here is not to stop their commercial relationship but to create boundaries in some of the high-tech areas… It’s a two-way street,” Mr. Ross, the former US negotiator, said.

The kingdom “cannot have it both ways. If it wants that kind of commitment from the United States, it has to line up with the United States… If our security relationship with Saudi Arabia is to be deepened because the Saudis want it, then there are certain obligations that come with that,” said former US diplomat and prominent analyst Martin Indyk.

Undoubtedly, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will test how far they can push the envelope if they come to a security understanding with the United States.

Ultimately, however, they are likely also to find that a security arrangement would, at least in the Middle East, shift the geopolitical US-China power balance in the United States’ favour.

Seerat Fatima

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)’s life serves as a beacon for all of humanity. His life lessons are not intended for any particular group but for all of humanity. The path he advocated is indeed the path to success. Those who followed the path he prescribed prospered. In today’s age, many people, especially Muslims, are suffering due to their forgetfulness of his teachings.

He enlightened us on every aspect of life, teaching us how to navigate difficulties and confront problems. It’s not just Muslims who have benefited from his teachings; the entirety of humanity has gained from his knowledge. Success can be achieved by adhering to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). In today’s world, where the distinction between pure and impure is blurred, people have forgotten to prioritize their health. The human body requires nourishment, just as machinery requires fuel to function.

However, one must exercise caution in their dietary choices; otherwise, the human body may suffer from diseases. Regrettably, many individuals desire good health but lack knowledge about the secrets of maintaining it. In this regard, the Prophet’s Sunnah provides us with invaluable guidance. By following his Sunnah, we can lead healthier lives. Even modern science acknowledges that the diet advocated by the Prophet (peace be upon him), the one he preferred for himself, is optimal for human health. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never indulged in full meals and recommended the same to others.

He disliked filling his stomach completely and even referred to the stomach as the worst vessel to fill. He consistently ate less than he was hungry and advised filling the stomach one-third with food, one-third with liquids, and leaving one-third empty. It is scientifically proven that excessive food intake leads to various disorders, with obesity being a primary concern. While there are multiple causes of obesity, overeating remains the main culprit. Excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissues leads to overweight conditions.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a method used to gauge body weight relative to height. An individual’s weight should align with their height, and exceeding this measurement indicates obesity or being overweight. Obesity is directly or indirectly linked to several other diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder issues, hypertension, respiratory ailments, and various forms of cancer. Obesity can also result in conditions like arthritis and lower back pain. Every country has its own culture and lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle promotes better health, while an unhealthy one endangers human lives. In developed or wealthy countries, the obesity rate tends to be higher than in developing nations, mainly due to the abundance of rich food resources. In the United States, for instance, approximately 36% of the adult population out of 339 million is obese.

Contrasting statistics exist; the World Health Organization (WHO) reports indicate that 58.1% of the almost 240 million populations in Pakistan is obese. The rate of obesity in Pakistan is higher among individuals above the age of 40 compared to young adults. Studies reveal that after the age of 25, individuals tend to gain weight more rapidly when physical activity is restricted. Urbanized lifestyles significantly contribute to the rising obesity rate, with major cities like Lahore and Karachi reporting higher obesity rates than rural areas. Pakistani cuisine, rich in fats, carbs, and sugars, plays a significant role in the obesity epidemic. Diabetes, a major consequence of obesity, is highly prevalent in Pakistan, ranking third globally in terms of diabetic patients.

Additionally, an unhealthy or poor lifestyle is a significant contributing factor. People have adopted a lifestyle with minimal physical exertion, and their daily routines lack proper scheduling. Many individuals are unaware of when and how much to eat. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) beautifully taught healthy eating habits, which, if adopted, could lead to healthier lives.

Fasting holds prime importance in Islam, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged fasting as a holy practice. He taught Muslims the concept of taqwa (fear of Allah) through fasting. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fasted every Monday and Thursday, the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of the lunar calendar, the entire month of Ramadan, and the days of Ashura. Fasting is not only a religious practice but also crucial for maintaining human health.

During fasting, the body obtains energy from non-carbohydrate sources through gluconeogenesis, converting fats, proteins, and lactates into glucose for proper bodily function. Fasting aids in toxin removal and body cleansing, reduces blood pressure through an efficient basal metabolic rate (BMR), and plays a significant role in managing blood sugar levels and weight loss. It’s important to note that fasting places stress on body cells, so the duration of fasting should be reasonable and safe. Short-term fasting is recommended for safety. Moderation in eating is crucial, but many people lack knowledge of what and when to eat. Everyone should have basic knowledge about food and nutrition.

This is why Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described overeating or consuming the wrong types of food as a major cause of disease. He lived a simple and noble life. Lady Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported, “The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never had two meals in one day unless one of them was dates.” He never combined two different curries at the same time.

The Prophet’s example is a powerful reminder for those who overindulge and waste food, actions contrary to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is crucial to be familiar with his teachings and avoid such behaviors. Although the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a fondness for meat, he rarely had the opportunity to indulge in it. Even when he enjoyed his preferred foods, he consumed them in moderation. Despite having the favor of Allah upon him and access to the world’s blessings, he maintained a simple and healthy lifestyle.

There were times when he subsisted on only dates and water for two months due to a lack of other food. This simplicity and patience demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) should serve as a source of reflection for his followers. Pakistan faces serious challenges of hunger and poverty, with approximately 17 to 20 percent of its population undernourished. Many children under the age of five endure significant health issues due to insufficient food. While addressing these issues is primarily the responsibility of the state, as common citizens and, above all, as Muslims, it is our duty to assist those in need. Pakistan, with a 97% Muslim population, should not tolerate food wastage when many Muslim brothers and sisters go to bed hungry in their own country.

It is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be generous toward the less fortunate. By following his Sunnah, we can lead healthy, vibrant lives and extend our help to those who are deserving. There is no greater example of humility and generosity than the fact that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never ate alone. This beautiful example teaches us the importance of connecting with people and caring for their well-being.

Seerat Fatima

Student BS Health and Nutrition

University of Okara