Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari

International Red Cross Red Crescent Day is celebrated on May 8 every year around the world to honor the humanitarian works and humanitarian principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. Immediately after World War I, the world needed peace and stability. In 1934, at the 15th International Conference in Tokyo, the Armistice Report was presented by the Red Cross, which laid down principles for the protection of the wounded during war. The day is dedicated to those who suffer from food shortages, natural disasters, tragedies, war as well as epidemics, the day highlights the humanitarian values ​​of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. On this day, basic facilities are provided to those populations who are really in need. On the other hand, this day is also the birthday of “Henry Dunant”, the founder of the Red Cross. This day is of great importance as it is a day to pay tribute to the services provided by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement worldwide for the survival and sustainability of humanity.

Under my supervision various events were organized by Pakistan Red Crescent throughout the week in connection with the International Red Cross Red Crescent Day. This year the theme of the International Day has been “Keeping Humanity Alive”. Under my leadership, the services of Pakistan Red Crescent for the flood sufferers got a new identity for Pakistan. We are a nation struggling with natural calamities and tragedies. We have flexibility. With such flexibility, we are ready to face another difficulty after suffering one problem. We are suffering from lack of resources, but we are not discouraged.

Model homes are being built for the homeless,for public facilities, toilets are being constructed in the affected districts, provision of livelihood is in full swing, and Red Crescent has distributed buffaloes and loader rickshaws for household support. The efforts of Pakistan Red Crescent have spread awareness, self-help and volunteering spirit. Pakistan Red Crescent has promoted the humanitarian spirit, building an ideal humanitarian society and highlighting the efforts of Red Cross.

On the occasion of Red Crescent Day, the first event was organized under the title of Art and Painting Competition among the students of the school.This event was visible in the F9 Park. Apart from more than four hundred students, Red Crescent staff, support staff and volunteers also participated in this competition. This healthy activity was supported by two members jewery, guest of honor, CDA authorities, school administrations and IFRC Head of delegation received a warm welcome.

The second event showcased the timely response of Pakistan Red Crescent during any kind of catastrophe. It was called the First Aid Simulation Exercise. The third event was called “Kindness Challenge”. INthis initiative, fruit baskets and gifts (toys) were distributed to the children under treatment in Hospital, for old age homes, orphanages.

Garbage and plastic were cleaned from the Lake view park. Hundreds of cadets of Hassan abdal Cadet College along with Pakistan Red Crescent participated in cleanliness campaign.The next day, tree planting was also done on the left side of faiz Abad Murree road.About two hundred and fifty saplings were planted.

A record number of people donated blood at the blood donation camp under Pakistan Red Crescent Regional Blood Donors Center at FAST University. An event was held at the Fatima Jinnah Auditorium of the National Headquarters on waste segregation, reduce, reuse and recycle initiatives. In addition to the awareness, the participants were also provided with information about the clean city project. By making the aforementioned events possible from May 2 to May 8, the PRCS raised its name in the national societies around the world. Similarly, the four provincial Branches including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Tribal Areas (FATA) branch also celebrated the International Day in a grand manner.

International Red Cross Red Crescent Day reminds us of the importance of compassion, love, love, and help to others. The day also upholds the organizational principles, mission, values ​​and activities. I appeal to the youth of my beloved country that there is a blood donation campaign, or public awareness programs or first aid teaching sessions, you all should actively participate in them.

Pakistan Red Crescent organizes various events throughout the year for the promotion of healthy activities. International Red Cross Red Crescent Day is celebrated on May 8 every year around the world. This time Red Crescent has kept the youth busy for a whole week with service to humanity, blood donation, environmental protection, first aid, tree planting and cleanliness campaign. Go ahead. Support thePakistan Red Crescent for a humanitarian society.

 Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer

Pakistan is facing many problems of rising inflation, food shortages, the threat of sovereign debt, and escalating violence, its political system entered 2023 with high stakes among the political elite, causing government paralysis and confidence. The democratic institutions are drastically going to be declined. Harsh politics are not new in a polarized Pakistan, but their combination with economic, humanitarian and security crises have made the country’s current problems all the more pressing. The challenges facing this populous, strategically located and nuclear-armed Islamic nation are also spilling over into Pakistan’s relations with countries and neighbors in the region.

On 25 July 2018, parliamentary elections took place, which were won by Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party (PTI, Pakistan Movement for Justice). Even though significant restrictions were imposed during the election campaigning, the elections can be described as democratic, leading to the second peaceful change of government in succession. The new government had promised a number of socio-economic reforms and efforts against corruption. Therefore its record has been mixed, and its fiscal space is limited. The socio-economic situation remained difficult.

The latest round of political turmoil began in April 2022 with the overthrow of Imran Khan’s government in a parliamentary vote of no confidence that exposed the collapse of the ruling military-civilian condominium and the clever dealings of the various 12 political parties. But rather than leave Khan alone, he has joined a spirited populist campaign that now looks likely to see him returned to office in the next national election. The current political deadlock is particularly over setting the date for those elections, constitutionally mandated for October 12, 2023.

Building on the momentum of his move, Imram Khan and his Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters are trying to hold early elections, while a coalition led by the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party arrives as late as possible. To stay in power, the government relied on its patronage networks and resorted to politicizing key state institutions such as the judiciary, the accountability office, and the country’s electoral commission. In mobilizing his supporters, Khan used inflammatory rhetoric and maneuvered politically in ways that many believe exceeded the limits of democratic competition. Pakistan’s powerful military, temporarily on the sidelines but mindful of its institutional interests, arbitrates the bitter rivalry.

Pakistan’s internal security is threatened by terrorism, extremism and separatist movements. The security situation in the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the former tribal areas and in the Province of Balochistan is constantly tense. Even though the security situation in significant parts of the country has improved, the government has so far not been able to enforce its monopoly on force throughout the country. Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, terrorism has begun to increase again, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Many international actors are also closely following the political developments in Pakistan. Many countries are concerned about the ability of a troubled and politically paralyzed Pakistan to deal with the growing challenge of militant extremism. Although Khan has toned down some of his anti-American rhetoric, he continues to refer to the current government as “imported” and his often sympathetic views of the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban have worried American and European powers. Many Gulf States, which for years have relied on Pakistan’s military to provide security for the government and value Islamabad’s regional diplomatic role, need the security of a politically predictable and stable Pakistan. The same is true of the international financial community which, along with the Saudis, Chinese and others, has invested heavily in Pakistan.

The year 2023 probably has many open questions. Among them, can Pakistan’s warm political system succeed in curbing election violence? Will the army keep its promise not to interfere in the electoral process? Could the resounding triumph of Khan’s conspiratorial populism reshape politics in a way that sets Pakistan on a more authoritarian path? How could a collapsing economy affect the political process, possibly postponing elections? The minor question is that Pakistan has a long way to go to establish a stable and functional political system, let alone build a democratic political culture.

Now all eyes are on how military-civilian relations that arebeing shape up under AsimMunir. Under Bajwa, the military consolidated its control over all sorts of behind-the-scenes politics. Bajwa presided over a close “same page” relationship with Khan. When this conflict occurred, the Muslim League (N) was eager to replace Khan as an ally of the military and head of the civilian government. Bajwa resigned saying that the army would no longer be involved in political affairs. Very few people in Pakistan believe him. With politics dominating the agenda this year and elections approaching, army chief AsimMunir has a chance to show the country whether he will follow in his predecessor’s footsteps or chart a new course for Pakistan’s civil-military relations. The political parties must also agree that in future the opposition parties will fulfill their duties but will not attempt to overthrow any existing government before the end of their term. All political parties must also express their commitment to maintain continuity in the economic policies of each government.

Article by: Izmi Herlani

Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority have launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign to address the growing threat of pigeon and kite flying near military and civilian airfields across the country. These activities pose a significant risk to aircraft safety and can result in catastrophic damage to multi-million dollar machines, jeopardizing national assets and operational capabilities.

Bird strikes, including those involving pigeons, are a major concern for the aviation industry worldwide. In Pakistan, these incidents have caused millions of dollars in damages to aircraft and engines. Airports are responsible for implementing bird control measures, such as deploying bird shooters near runways and taking other preventive actions, however, the public’s participation is crucial to effectively mitigate this hazard.

The awareness campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible waste management and prohibition of pigeon flights close to airfields. Carcasses and offal left in open areas attract large birds like eagles and vultures, which can collide with high-speed aircraft during takeoff and landing. These bird strikes can have devastating consequences, potentially leading to the loss of aircraft, pilots and precious lives. To address this issue, the authorities have taken several measures. Signboards and informative pamphlets have been placed around airports/ airfields urging the public to properly dispose off animal remains. Shopkeepers, food outlets and hotel owners have also been educated about the importance of proper waste management to prevent attracting birds. The campaign also targets the hazards posed by kite and pigeon flying in the vicinity of PAF airfields. These activities can disrupt flight operations and pose a direct threat to aircraft safety. The authorities have directed the local police and district administration to enforce Section 144, which prohibits kite flying and selling, and to restrict pigeon flying near military and civilian airfields.

The awareness campaign is being implemented across the country, with dedicated efforts at major airports like Islamabad International Airport, Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Gilgit International Airport. At these airports, the management is collaborating with local authorities, community leaders and religious organizations to raise awareness and ensure effective waste management.

At Islamabad International Airport, a meeting of the Environmental Control Committee was also held to discuss the bird strike awareness campaign. Banners were displayed, and the authorities are working with the district administration and police to conduct public outreach. Similar initiatives have been undertaken at other airports, with informative pamphlets distributed, disposal bags provided and awareness sessions conducted with residents.

Pakistan Air Force has also been actively involved in the campaign, with officers giving presentations on the threats posed by bird hazards and garbage dumping to national assets. The authorities have emphasized the need for joint efforts between the military, civil aviation and local communities to address this critical issue.

The pigeon flying awareness campaign launched by the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority is a crucial initiative to safeguard the country’s aviation assets and ensure the safety of flight operations. So let us join hands together to support our Shaheens in educating the public, promoting responsible waste management and restricting hazardous activities near airfields, in order to mitigate the risk of bird strikes and protect the nation’s valuable air power capabilities.