RAWALPINDI, JUN 11 /DNA/ – In response to the recent Improvised Explosive Device explosion that claimed the lives of seven brave soldiers including Captain Muhammad Faraz Ilyas and Subedar Major Muhammad Nazir, the security forces, on night 10/11 June 2024, launched an intelligence based operation in Lakki Marwat District to bring the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice.

During conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, as result of which eleven terrorists were successfully neutralized & sent to hell while multiple terrorist hideouts were also busted.

Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area as the security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.

ISLAMABAD, JUN 11 /DNA/ – ISSI hosted the launch ceremony of Mr. Salman Faruqui’s book, “Dear Mr Jinnah: 70 Years In The Life Of A Pakistani Civil Servant.” The memoir “Dear Mr. Jinnah” blends Mr. Faruqui’s personal reminiscences with first-hand accounts of developments in Pakistan in different domains from 1947 to 2017. During his long and distinguished career,  Mr. Salman Faruqui served in top civil service positions, including as Federal Secretary, Ambassador At Large, Secretary General to the President, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, and Federal Ombudsman. The discussants and reviewers for the book launch included: Senator Mushahid Hussain; Mrs. Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director Lightstone Publishers; eminent civil servants Mr. Shakil Durrani and Mr. Ejaz Rahim; former Senator Farhatullah Babar; and prominent journalist Ms. Nasim Zehra.

In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted Mr. Salman Faruqui’s illustrious career and his valuable contributions. In his view, three aspects stood out about Mr. Salman Faruqui: his immense professional competence, humility, and wisdom. These attributes were remarkable features for a person whose career had seen tremendous heights and who had spent much time in close proximity to absolute power. In his reckoning, there were many lessons for others in Mr. Faruqui’s life and career.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood added that Mr. Faruqui’s letter to the father of the nation (contained in the book) is extraordinary in many respects, as it underscores his unshakable belief in the Quaid’s vision of a democratic and progressive Pakistan. He pointed out that the book is neither a history of Pakistan nor a book of revelations about power politics by an insider. Rather, as aptly described by the author himself, it is a “memoir of governance conducted at the edge of a precipice” and the account is rendered, in author’s own reckoning, with “clinical objectivity.”  He stressed that the author is not a prophet of doom, but a messenger of hope. He expressed the hope that most people, particularly the youth, would benefit from the experience and wisdom encapsulated in the book.

Mrs. Ameena Saiyid described “Dear Mr. Jinnah” as an outstanding and gripping memoir that showcases the author’s triumphs, struggles, and successes, as well as fascinating anecdotes. Mrs. Saiyid advised that the book is particularly relevant for two groups: students and Pakistanis who struggle to make ends meet. She concluded by proposing that the duty on paper be reduced or waived, making books more accessible and readable for a wider audience.

Senator Mushahid Hussain commenced his remarks by crediting Mrs. Ameena Saiyid for promoting a strong culture of writing and reading, of which Mr. Salman Faruqui’s book represents an esteemed example. Senator Mushahid Hussain termed Mr. Faruqui as a “doer, who delivers,”; someone who served with great distinction throughout his long career in public service. He appreciated Mr. Faruqui’s initiatives, including his work for differently abled people, the actualization of the Gwadar Port with the Singapore Port Authority and China, and his crafting of important social and economic policies supporting Pakistan’s modernization drive. He concluded by appreciating Mr. Faruqui’s book as a memoir of legacy, dedication, commitment, and hard work.

Mr. Shakil Durrani introduced Salman Faruqui as an 8-year-old boy at the time of the partition who took the train from Patiala to Lahore, setting the stage for his remarkable journey. He credited Mr. Faruqui with several initiatives, including the telecommunications revolution in Pakistan and the Benazir Income Support Programme. Mr. Durrani advised Mr. Faruqui to elaborate further on his analysis of significant developments in Pakistan that he personally witnessed such as the March-April 2019 events when Pakistan turned the tide in the fight against terrorism, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of his experiences.

Senator Farhatullah Babar highlighted the salient points of the book and praised Mr. Faruqui’s most notable contribution to the state and society during his tenure as Federal Ombudsman. He also shared his personal experiences with various political leaders, including Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari, and provided his insights on several pivotal events in Pakistan’s history. Senator Babar advised that despite the challenges faced by Pakistan, one should remain hopeful and determined about the country’s future.

Mr. Ejaz Rahim highlighted the central theme of the book as an “exploration” of the various forms of power, including administrative, political, social, institutional, and individual power. He emphasized that with power comes the responsibility to ensure justice and enhance human dignity. He described the book as a “melody” that reflects Mr. Faruqui’s lifelong struggle.

Ms. Nasim Zehra praised the book “Dear Mr. Jinnah” as a highly readable and timely contribution that serves as a reminder for Pakistan to break free from the vicious cycle of past mistakes. In her view, the book is a journey that takes readers from Pakistan’s humble beginnings to its current status, providing valuable insights into the country’s development over the past many decades.

The launch event was attended by a large number of people from different walks of life including civil services, academia, civil society, and the media.   

ISLAMABAD, JUN 10 (DNA) — Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam Monday assured that the government would provide a people-friendly and development-oriented budget for 2024-25 that would provide relief to the disadvantaged and successfully implement its policies to serve the masses.

 Talking to a private news channel, he said the scope of public welfare projects would be extended under public-private partnership and unnecessary expenditures further reduced.  He said besides big cities, balanced development of villages is also being ensured so that all facilities should be available to the youth and farmers living in rural areas.

 He said the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has better days ahead where the common man will get full benefit from the prudent policies of the present government.  The minister also assured that the government would control inflation and the common man would get relief on priority.

 Replying to a question, he said the next financial year would be the year of economic progress for Pakistan, adding economic conditions were difficult and the government was adopting a policy of utilizing available resources in the best possible manner. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUN 10 /DNA/ – The world is witnessing a tectonic shift in the balance of power and centres of influence in international relations. The transformation of the international order, catalyzed by the changing dynamics among major global entities, has raised questions about the direction of development of the “new” international order, the role of state and non-state actors, and the responsibility of recognized powers for the stability of international security.

This discourse is to be deliberated at length at the two-day international conference to which the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) has extended its patronage. The 2nd International Scientific Conference titled “New World Order: in Statu Nascendi”, is jointly organized by the Institute of Political Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland, and the Department of International Relations, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Pakistan.

Scheduled to be held on June 11-12, 2024 at the Faculty of Social Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland, this two-day conference will convene distinguished scholars, policymakers, and experts from across the globe to deliberate on the transformative dynamics shaping the new world order. As part of its engagement, IPS will host a dedicated panel discussion on ‘The New International Order as a Chance for the Development of the Global South Countries’ in Islamabad.

Under the proposed theme, this panel will discuss the prospects and challenges for the global south countries to use the new international order as a chance for an all-encompassing development. The panel will also explore whether a new world order can benefit human civilizational development with a more inclusive approach.

It will focus on the prospects for the Global South working as the engine of international economic growth and leading the world toward equitable financial governance. The role of multilateral mechanisms and alliances to ensure inclusive development, irrespective of the North-South divide, will be another area of inquiry. Lastly, the panel will explore the outlook of an alternative security framework to contribute to global peace and prosperity.