Russia’s election comes at what Western spy chiefs say is a crossroads for the Ukraine war and the wider West

News Desk

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin is poised to tighten his grip on power on Sunday in a Russian election that is certain to deliver him a landslide victory, though thousands of opponents staged a symbolic noon protest at polling stations.

Putin, who rose to power in 1999, is set to win a new six-year term that would enable him to overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia’s longest-serving leader for more than 200 years.

The election comes just over two years since Putin triggered the deadliest European conflict since World War Two by ordering the invasion of Ukraine. He casts it as a “special military operation”.

Russia’s election comes at what Western spy chiefs say is a crossroads for the Ukraine war and the wider West in what Biden casts as a 21st Century struggle between democracies and autocracies.

Support for Ukraine is tangled in U.S. domestic politics ahead of the November presidential election pitting Biden against his predecessor Donald Trump, whose Republican party in Congress has blocked military aid for Kyiv.

Though Kyiv recaptured territory after the invasion in 2022, Russian forces have lately made gains after a failed Ukrainian counter-offensive last year.

The Biden administration fears Putin could grab a bigger slice of Ukraine unless Kyiv gets more support soon. CIA Director William Burns has said that could embolden China.

Putin says the West is engaged in a hybrid war against Russia and that Western intelligence and Ukraine are trying to disrupt the elections.

Voting is also taking place in Crimea, which Moscow took from Ukraine in 2014, and four other Ukrainian regions it partly controls and has claimed since 2022. Kyiv regards the election on occupied territory as illegal and void.

War has hung over the three day election: Ukraine has repeatedly attacked oil refineries in Russia, shelled Russian regions and sought to pierce Russian borders with proxy forces – a move Putin said would not be left unpunished.

While Putin’s re-election is not in doubt given his control over Russia and the absence of any real challengers, the former KGB spy wants to show that he has the overwhelming support of Russians. Several hours before polls were due to close at 1800 GMT, the nationwide turnout surpassed 2018 levels of 67.5%.

Supporters of Putin’s most prominent opponent Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison last month, called on Russians to come out at a “Noon against Putin” protest to show their dissent against a leader they cast as a corrupt autocrat.

There was no independent tally of how many of Russia’s 114 million voters took part in the opposition demonstrations, amid extremely tight security involving tens of thousands of police and security officials.

Some said they were protesting, though there were few outward signs to distinguish them from ordinary voters.

As noon arrived across Asia and Europe, crowds hundreds strong gathered at polling stations at Russian diplomatic missions. Navalny’s widow, Yulia, appeared at the Russian embassy in Berlin to cheers and chants of “Yulia, Yulia”.

Exiled Navalny supporters broadcast footage on YouTube of protests inside Russia and abroad.

“We showed ourselves, all of Russia and the whole world that Putin is not Russia that Putin has seized power in Russia,” said Ruslan Shaveddinov of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation. “Our victory is that we, the people, defeated fear, we defeated solitude – many people saw they were not alone.”

Leonid Volkov, an exiled Navalny aide who was attacked with a hammer last week in Vilnius, estimated hundreds of thousands of people had come out to polling stations in Moscow, St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and other cities.

At least 74 people were arrested on Sunday across Russia, according to OVD-Info, a group that monitors crackdowns on dissent.

Over the previous two days, there were scattered incidents of protest as some Russians set fire to voting booths or poured green dye into ballot boxes. Russian officials called them scumbags and traitors. Opponents posted some pictures of ballots spoiled with slogans insulting Putin.

But Navalny’s death has left the opposition deprived of its most formidable leader, and other major opposition figures are abroad, in jail or dead.

The West casts Putin as an autocrat and a killer. U.S. President Joe Biden last month dubbed him a “crazy SOB”. The International Criminal Court in the Hague has indicted him for the alleged war crime of abducting Ukrainian children, which the Kremlin denies.

Putin casts the war as part of a centuries-old battle with a declining and decadent West that he says humiliated Russia after the Cold War by encroaching on Moscow’s sphere of influence.

“Putin’s task is now to imprint his worldview indelibly into the minds of the Russian political establishment” to ensure a likeminded successor, Nikolas Gvosdev, director of the National Security Program at the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, told the Russia Matters project.

“For a U.S. administration that hoped Putin’s Ukraine adventure would be wrapped up by now with a decisive setback to Moscow’s interests, the election is a reminder that Putin expects that there will be many more rounds in the geopolitical boxing ring.”

ISLAMABAD, /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that the country’s future hinged upon well educated and skilled youth of the country and for the provision of quality education, the federal government would facilitate the high achievers with scholarship schemes to get education in the well reputed global educational institutes.

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Ikramullah, a student from Balochistan province, who is now studying in the 9th class at Lawrence College Murree.

Under the prime minister’s direction, the student from 2022 flood affected area of Qila Saifullah was provided with a facility to get education at the country’s prominent educational institute.

The prime minister recalled that he met the desperate student in the Khasnoob camp in Qila Saifullah when floods had caused destruction in Balochistan province during 2022.

He said that he had assured the student of the provision of quality education, adding that it pleased him a lot that the student was now studying in Lawrence College.

The student thanked the prime minister for giving him an opportunity to meet him.

Congratulating the prime minister, he said that he prayed for Shehbaz Sharif for his kind gesture.

The student also expressed his resolve to achieve the goal and serve the country in the future.

The prime minister advised him to serve the nation and country by working hard and concentrating on his studies.

He assured that all his educational expenditures would be borne by the government as the students were the future and hope of the country.

The prime minister said that when he had visited the flood affected area, the student was in a protest mood but now he was showing a discernible change.

He mentioned that in Punjab province, they had sent the high achievers to get education at the best European and Scandinavian countries who later returned completely transformed and full of confidence.

The prime minister also welcomed the principal and housemaster of Lawrence College and gave away gifts to the student including a pen and tablet, expressing the hope that it would help him in pursuance of his studies.

Ikaramullah also presented a set of books to the prime minister.

The prime minister personally saw off the student from the Prime Minister’s House.

LAHORE, MAR 17: /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has announced three months remission in the punishment of prisoners and release of 155 prisoners across the province. CM while addressing the iftar dinner ceremony organised in the Kot Lakhpat Jail stated that 155 prisoners are being released after paying a diyat amount of rupees 15 crore with the collaboration of philanthropists. A video call facility will be provided in all the jails of Punjab very soon.

CM stated that she herself remembered the time spent during her period of imprisonment while coming to the Central Jail today. ” I was imprisoned in the Death Cell Chakhi and faced a difficult time. My father was also imprisoned in the same Jail but was denied permission for meeting him. I used to meet my father once a week only. Once I received a hand written letter of my father which stated that he after being arrested is being taken to the NAB. Someone in the jail told me that your father is feeling unwell and is being taken to the hospital. It was a time of great difficulty.”

CM stated that she used to query as what wrongful act she has committed for which she is kept in the jail and then used to sit on the praying mat. I used to wait for the appeal when I came to know that the Judge went on three weeks leave. I couldn’t talk with my cancer patient mother in the Adiala Jail. I used to talk with my children for 20 minutes only. I was greatly worried about my 15 years old daughter as she also underwent a difficult time. Someone in the court told my father about the state of illness of my mother and despite his repeated saying, no one allowed his conversation with his wife. I spent the difficult jail time with patience and perseverance.

 A person gets 24 hours to think and ponder in the jail.” CM said that few persons go to jail due to their faults and few due to their circumstances adding that even the innocent have to face punishments due to shortcomings in the justice system.We would definitely bring improvements  in the jail system along with provision of possible ease for the prisoners. We are aware about the difficulties of prisoners and we would bring improvements in their food and other essential needs. A video call facility for the prisoners has been launched. I felt pleased to witness a youth prisoner talking with his wife and daughter via video call. A prisoner is provided with a moment of rejoice while talking with his family members via video call.

CM further directed to adopt a respectable and dignified practice for arranging a meeting of the prisoners with their family members. We want to bring reforms in the jails so as to make every prisoner a useful citizen of the society. We would let the prisoners to stand on their feet by imparting them various skills in the jails. 04 doctors will perform their duties in the Central Jail Hospital and an operation theatre is also available. I am pleased that the prisoners can keep their fast and spend Eid at home after the payment of their diyat. It is prayed that improvements come about in the justice system so that no innocent can be put to unjust  imprisonment. Former Senator Pervez Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Information & Culture Azma Bokhari, Chief Secretary,  Secretary Home, Special Secretary Home, IG Prisons and other concerned officials also accompanied.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 17: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif submitted on Sunday summary to President Asif Ali Zardari, proposing the extension of Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s tenure by one year.

The tenure of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, the four-star officer and 16th Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), was slated to end on Saturday, with his retirement scheduled for March 18.

Assuming command on March 19, 2021, from his predecessor ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu has exhibited exemplary leadership during his tenure.

As per the military protocol, the appointment of the Chief of Air Staff is a statutory office held by an Air Chief Marshal in the PAF. This appointment is made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and confirmed by the President of Pakistan, signifying the importance of this role in the country’s defence establishment.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s career trajectory is marked by a deep commitment to service and excellence. Joining the PAF’s GD (Pilot) branch in 1986 as a fighter pilot, he has served in various capacities, including in fighter squadrons, operational airbases, and regional commands.

His pursuit of academic excellence led him to attend prestigious institutions such as the Combat Commanders School, Air War College, and Royal College of Defense Studies in the United Kingdom, further enhancing his strategic vision and leadership capabilities.

His diverse experience within the PAF includes serving as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff for Operations Research and Development, Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Training Officers, Director-General of Projects at Air Headquarters Islamabad, and additional secretary in the Ministry of Defence.

In recognition of his meritorious service, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu has been decorated with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military) awards, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the nation’s defence.

Lahore, MAR 17 /DNA/ – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned the attack on Mir Ali Check Post, stating that the nation assures that such a cowardly act will be dealt with a strong response that the enemy will remember forever.

Federal Minister For Interior Mohsin Naqvi said that  now is not the time for the enemy to attack and for us to only condemn silently.  Federal Minister  Mohsin Naqvi said that the way the enemy is attacking, a strong response will be given. The entire nation is united in the war against terrorism and stands with the Pakistani army. We  all will give a strong response to the cowardly actions of the enemy. He said that Lieutenant Colonel Kashif Ali,  Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar and other soldiers

who embraced martyrdom while defending their motherland against the scourge of terrorism in Mir Ali, North Waziristan are heroes of the nation, and the Pakistani nation salutes its brave soldiers. The brave sons of the Pakistani army made the nefarious designs foiled  of terrorists   by sacrificing their precious lives. Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the officers and jawans of the Pakistani army have made history in the war against terrorism with their valuable sacrifices.

He further said that the unprecedented sacrifices of the martyrs are unforgettable. The martyrs are our pride, and their great sacrifices will not be forgotten.

RAWALPINDI, MAR 17 (DNA) — The traditional activity of providing free charity meals during the holy month of Ramazan to the needy continues in the city, as traders communities, individuals, and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) come together to serve Iftar meals.

Various ‘Dastarkhwans’ and ‘Langars’ (free Iftar food spots) have been set up in different parts of the city, with banners and posters displayed on main roads near the prescribed locations to invite those fasting during Ramadan.

One large free food spot has been set up in Namak Mandi, Raja Bazar area, where a considerable number of people including labourers and daily wagers are being served with food at Iftar time.

“This is only to seek Allah Almighty’s pleasure, a way to show our compassion to those who are needy,” said Faisal Malik, a cloth shopkeeper, emphasizing the importance of serving those in need.

Similar arrangements have been made by the business community in Purana Qila and College Road to serve deserving people, while another dastarkhawan is active near Benazir Shaheed Hospital on Murree Road, catering to both laborers and travelers.

In addition to community-based dastarkhawan arrangements, NGOs and welfare organizations have also organized daily Iftar dinners at their prescribed locations to support those in need.

A volunteer at a Langar Khana mentioned the increase in the number of individuals attending the meals each year, noting that the economic situation has led to more deserving visitors during the holy month of Ramazan. — DNA

PIDE’s call to action targets a broad audience, including policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector, urging them to deliberate on the study’s findings and recommendations

DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAR 17: In a pioneering move, the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), a Premier National Think Tank, has made public its investigative report titled “GORs Everywhere: University Land for Public Housing.” Authored by Nadeem Ul Haque, Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), M. Jehangir Khan, and Iram Nadeem, this study embarks on a critical analysis of the conventional utilization of university lands, predominantly allocated for housing within educational institutions’ premises. It advances a transformative outlook proposing the allocation of these tracts for commercial endeavours through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), aiming at amplifying universities’ revenue streams whilst augmenting local economies and societal well-being.

According to the Press Release issued from the PIDE, Islamabad office, the report states that Universities globally have evolved from their traditional roles to become contemporary, business-oriented centres of education and research, enjoying greater autonomy and financial independence. This shift comes as higher education faces the dual challenges of growth and sustainability, prompted by the scarcity of tax dollars and diminishing societal support. In response, institutions are increasingly adopting entrepreneurial approaches, including self-promotion, forging partnerships, and embracing technological innovations, to thrive in the knowledge economy and align themselves as competitive entities in both domestic and international arenas.

In Pakistan, universities confront similar financial challenges and debates over resource allocation, particularly concerning the construction of housing colonies on campus lands. Such practices are criticized for squandering valuable assets that could be more strategically utilized to enhance the institutions’ financial viability and fulfil their educational missions more effectively.

Central to the study’s findings is an insightful comparison between the land use strategies employed by globally renowned universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, and their counterparts in Pakistan. This contrast not only sheds light on the successful financial models adopted by these international institutions—stemming from strategic investments in commercial ventures on their campuses—but also underscores the significant potential for Pakistani universities to replicate such success. Through meticulous analysis, the report brings to the fore the extensive opportunity costs entailed by the maintenance of residential colonies on university lands, underpinned by the examination of high property values across major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar.

Emerging from these observations, PIDE posits a series of policy reforms aimed at reimagining the use of university lands. Key among these is the suggestion to monetize residential perks for faculty and staff by introducing market-rate rentals for university-owned properties, thereby creating a new income stream. Furthermore, the institute advocates for the development of high-rise residential and commercial complexes, a move anticipated to optimize land use and maximize revenue generation. Central to realizing these visions is the establishment of PPP ventures, characterized by clearly defined profit-sharing models and ownership structures, ensuring that universities retain land ownership over the long term.

PIDE’s call to action targets a broad audience, including policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector, urging them to deliberate on the study’s findings and recommendations. By embracing these innovative land-use strategies, Pakistani universities stand on the brink of achieving financial independence, reducing their reliance on government funding, and significantly contributing to the country’s economic growth and social development.

LAHORE, MAR 17 /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has  condemned terrorists attack on a checkpost at Mir Ali in the area of North  Waziristan. CM has paid tribute to the martyred officers and sepoys of Pakistan Army.CM expressed her heartfelt sympathy with the family members of the martyrs.

Maryam Nawaz paid salute to the valour of Lieutenant Colonel Kashif for consigning the terrorists to hell. CM acknowledged that the officers and sepoys of Pakistan Army by sacrificing their precious lives for our dear homeland has written a history of bravery adding that the officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army are a pride of the whole nation.

Lieutenant Kashif of Pakistan Army consigned six terrorists to hell and became immortal. CM lauded that our brave soldiers safeguarded our dear homeland by foiling intrusion of the terrorists adding that the precious sacrifices being laid down by the officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army further strengthen our unflinching resolve against the terrorists.