Opinion

The Situation Before And After All Parties Conference (APC)

Published

6 years ago

December 10, 2019

Ever since the PML (N) Led Coalition Government of Veteran Senior Leader and Two times Premier Mian Mohammad Shareef came to Power after May 11 Elections in which they got heavy mandate from the Punjab Province where as PPPP was limited to Sindh after losing the grip over Punjab Provincial as well as Federal Seats during much echoed Elections 2013 which brought about many upsets and people started to wonder that How the heavy weights were defeated by youth Leaders of PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where PTI enjoys simple Majority and running the government in coalition with the Moderate Religious Party Jamaat –e-Islami .

Whereas Baluchistan saw a mix response since no party has been able to get any clear majority and the same Coalition government is to decide the conflict ridden Baluchistan and face the challenging situation of law and order .As for as the State of Baluchistan Assembly is concerned ,after assumption of the Office of Chief Minister of Dr Abdul Malik , A Nationalist Leader , the situation is very ambiguous as the cabinet is yet to be inducted. So far , he has been sole Leader to lead the Conflict ridden and now the Quake Ridden Baluchistan government where separatists have crippled the very roots of the peace and people have been living a appalling life. Even the Passengers moving in and from the parts of the country are assailed on the National Highways as well as inter Provincial Routes. As many as 300 innocent passengers have lost their life on ethnic backgrounds during their traveling to Quetta and other Balouch dominated routes. Most of the Killings are claimed balouch separatist Groups. This is a dreadful security and Law and Order situation in Baluchistan But the irony is that still the Malik’s Government going without the cabinet.

Sindh is the same as it was five years ago in PPP led Coalition government since the same old faces except some new faces made their way to the Assemblies . The PPP’s long time Coalition party MQM , has been keeping itself away from the state of Government affairs due to their inclination towards PML (N) They have also made their participation in the Government on conditional basis and their under trial Boss Altaf Hussain went further and held Referendum on the basis that whether they should join the Government or not in coalition with PPP. Despite being offered to Join the Sindh Government on Multiple Occasion by PPP representation ,MQM is deliberately keep itself away from the state of Affairs of PPP but their Governor is holding the key Position and many analysts are of the view that they will retain the position till the end of PML (N) government tenure .

ors ,rushing to Dubai ,meeting Party chief at London , PML (N) Government has not replaced Governor but rather retained the Governor of Sindh Dr Isharatul Ibad . Even he has been tasked to monitor the Targeted Operation led by CM Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and initiated on the Federal Government directives after they held the Cabinet meeting at Governor House of Sindh at after the strong demand of Traders and Karachi citizens .

It was decided that the targeted Operation will be initiated and turned down the demand of MQM to Deploy Army for Operation in Karachi as law and order Situation was Abysmal and alarming. after considering the Loc tension and massive deployment of Army in Pak-Afghan border to control the infiltration, It was decided unanimously that the Operation will be carried out by Rangers supported by Police on the lines of impartiality as no Office of any Political party will be assailed on the grounds of partiality . So far , MQM has been frequently complaining against victimization of the MQM and arrests of its workers through Press Conferences but on the other hand the rangers and Police spokes persons reject such claims and add that the action is being taken on the strong intelligence reports and criminal records .

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Coming to KPK , we have experienced the worst state of law and order situation since the provincial capital Peshawar has become the prime target for militant activities and series of Bomb Blasts herald the clear messages that the terrorists are running amok and the Federal Interior Minister has been doing the job of just a viewer to watch what is happening in KPK and they do not seem to be serious regarding security matters concerning the safety of precious lives of their fellow Pakistanis .

Some analysts also disclose that this may be a conspiracy to fail the PTI Government in KPK since it is very first time that PTI which is very new in comparison to the Professional Political players such as Jamiat Ulama –e Islam , PML N ,PPP , ANP and PKMAP in respect of holding the important Government of KPK may collapse due to challenging law and order situation and prevent them from establishing government in the centre due to long standing problems of Talibanization and Suicide Bombings specially tribal belts.

The massive casualties have already crossed thousands and PTI led government is between the devil and deep see in controlling heightened law and order situation which shows no improvement ever since the honeymoon period is over as in Pakistan it is rare to enjoy the honeymoons .

If you enjoy the honeymoons, you will be assailed by the powerful goons. The Most disturbing is the Drones issue since drone strikes are counterproductive and inflict multiple implications on the country’s sovereignty , Economy , law and Order situation and ignite a wave of hatred among the tribal people specially north Wazirstan . Pakistan has protested in United Nations against the drone strikes since they are considered an attack on the sovereignty of the Nations but the Pakistani pleas have not been given due weightage by Obama Administration so far.

As regards the APC , It was held on 9^th September 2013 and all the main stream parties , Chief Ministers and Governors of all fours provinces , Chief Army Staff General Pervez Kayani and ISI Chief also participated in the APC . It was decided after briefing from the Members and Specially Armed forces Chief and Intelligence Agency Chief that Dialogue will be initiated with the Taliban since Pakistan is very peaceful country and It will prefer Dialogue than initiating iron hand with the support of ISI and Pakistan Army . But the APC kept the option of military action open in case the talks with Taliban Leaders fail.

All the Representatives of Main Stream parties appreciated the Efforts and sacrifices of Pakistan Army for the Sake of bringing Peace in the region as well as suppressing militancy for the defense of the country since Militancy , Terrorism , Religious Extremism and ethnic Conflicts have played havoc with the law and order situation and rocked the very roots of the country . The Rising inflation and rapid devaluation of Rupee has heralded serious repercussions for the Pakistan having already fragile Economy . The fading investments in the Country and growing security concern on internal as well as External fronts have demanded to frame Strict laws for the extermination of the anti state elements who are mercenaries and their only role is to destabilize the country by creating deteriorating law and order situation .

The Most Important point which revolves in every Pakistani’s mind that will the dialogue breed positive results and who will guarantee that TTP’s multiple factions will come to terms with the Government and accept the writ of Government since they do not accept the accept even the constitution of Pakistan . Even the Punjabi faction of Talibans enjoys their unique identity contrasting other Taliban entities.

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But Before the dialogue , there should be a ceasefire and there should not be any attack on Army convoy , religious Places such as Mosques , Imam Bargahs , Temples and Churches . There should not be forced Disappearances or kidnappings by TTP Factions.

The above questions are very difficult to be answered keeping in view the post APC scenario as many as ten Attacks have made including attack on Church in which innocent Christians were killed . The Peshawar has become the centre of TTP activities and even Legislators have lost their precious lives . The most alarming message was the four bomb blasts in the Provincial headquarters of four provinces at the same day by Suicide bombers raising concerns for the success of talks with Taliban as was decided during APC .

The APC success lies on the above questions and if above questions go unanswered then such APC’s will have the same tragic end as was of earlier one’s on the same issues of terrorism and Militancy. Even some circles in Federal Government specially Interior Ministry are thinking of revisiting their Policy on Security and Dialogue .

They have also drafted the national Security Policy which is yet to get the momentum along with strategy of Developing Rapid Response Force to cope with Situation occurring time to time like the Sikandar Solo drama who made the Capital Police of Islamabad on Hold for Hours and posted the message for the Security Policy makers that he has displayed live show , watched by millions of the people around the world through live coverage of news channels that how a single armed person like Sikandar with help of Sincere wife and injured kids leaked the inefficiency of Islamabad Police that failed to put hold on single superman .

The Demoralized Police have become a laughing stalk for the public and the concerns of public have to a level that they have lost their belief on the Police completely and consider taking their own initiatives for self security . The Same is the situation in Karachi , Peshawar , Quetta , Punjab and other parts of the Country.

Finally , the Government has to rethink ,review ,revisit and redraft the policies and come up with renewed , innovative and lasting solutions specially the security to restore peace in the country since peace is the first step towards the development since peace has multi dimensional effects on the country and it makes the country a friendly place to live and let live and invest the funds and contribute in the development of their beloved country.

The PML (N) will have to take bitter decisions in national interest to bring peace in the region as Pakistan has already paid heavy price for being one of the biggest and important ally of US in war against Terrorism emerging after 9/11 Strikes on WTC . Pakistan has been facing multi faceted threats in the region including internal threats of militancy, Religious Extremism and Ethnic issues.

To cope with the long standing issues, PML (N) Government should take everyone on board, be it dialogue with TTP leaders or initiating operation against the Problem makers. The Security Personnel should be trained on modern lines and equipped with sophisticated weapons and equipments to tackle with emerging law and order situation.

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IT & Telecom

Analyzing the US Justice Department’s Lawsuit Against Apple: Unpacking the Alleged Smartphone Monopoly

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2024

Abdul Rahman

In a significant move, the US Justice Department, along with fifteen states and the District of Columbia, has filed a lawsuit against tech giant Apple, accusing the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market. This legal action marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing antitrust scrutiny faced by major tech companies and signals a new chapter in regulatory efforts under the Biden administration.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Allegations

The core of the lawsuit revolves around the claim that Apple has established an unlawful monopoly in the smartphone industry, particularly concerning its iPhone products. The Justice Department and participating states argue that Apple’s control over key aspects of its ecosystem, such as the App Store and app distribution, stifles competition and harms consumers by limiting choice and potentially driving up prices.

Impact on Consumers and Competition

The implications of this legal battle extend beyond Apple and have broader implications for consumers and the competitive landscape of the tech industry. If the allegations hold, it could lead to significant changes in how smartphones are marketed, sold, and used, potentially opening up opportunities for increased competition and innovation.

Legal Precedents and Antitrust Regulations

Antitrust laws are designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices that harm consumers or stifle innovation. By examining past cases and legal precedents, we can gain insights into how this lawsuit against Apple fits within the broader framework of antitrust regulations and enforcement.

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Apple’s Response and Defense Strategies

As expected, Apple has vehemently denied the allegations put forth by the Justice Department and states involved in the lawsuit. The company is likely to deploy a range of defence strategies to counter these claims, including highlighting its contributions to innovation, consumer choice, and economic growth.

The Role of Regulatory Bodies in Tech Industry Oversight

The lawsuit against Apple underscores the growing role of regulatory bodies in overseeing tech companies’ practices and ensuring compliance with antitrust laws. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, regulators face the challenge of balancing innovation with fair competition to protect consumers’ interests.

Future Implications for Tech Industry Dynamics

The outcome of this legal battle will have far-reaching implications for not only Apple but also other tech giants operating in similar markets. Depending on how this case unfolds, we may witness shifts in industry dynamics, regulatory approaches, and consumer preferences that could reshape the tech landscape for years to come.

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Analysis

Unraveling the Political Turmoil: The Call for Change in Israel – Analysis of Netanyahu’s Leadership Amidst International Pressure”

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2024

Abdul Rahman

Table of Contents

Introduction:

In recent times, the political landscape in Israel has been tumultuous, with growing international pressure on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to step down. This article delves into the complexities surrounding this situation, examining the implications of America’s stance, the criticisms faced by Netanyahu, and the potential risks and opportunities associated with his exit.

America’s Push for Change:

The rift between Israel and America has widened, particularly concerning Israel’s handling of civilian provisions in Gaza. Key figures like Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden have openly criticized Netanyahu, calling for early elections. Explore the significance of America’s influence on Israeli politics and the implications of their support for a leadership change.

Netanyahu’s Leadership Under Scrutiny:

Analyze the accusations leveled against Binyamin Netanyahu, focusing on his alleged tolerance of civilian casualties in Gaza and its impact on global perceptions of Israel. Examine how these criticisms have affected his standing both domestically and internationally.

The Dangers of Transition:

Discuss the potential risks involved in Netanyahu’s departure, considering factors such as political instability, security concerns, and the implications for Israel’s foreign relations. Evaluate the challenges that may arise during a leadership transition and how they could impact the country’s future.

Opportunities for Change:

Highlight the opportunities that a change in leadership could bring to Israel, including potential shifts in policies, diplomatic relations, and public perception. Explore how a new leader could navigate the current challenges facing the nation and work towards rebuilding international support.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, the call for Binyamin Netanyahu to step down reflects a critical juncture in Israeli politics, with far-reaching implications for both domestic governance and international relations. As the pressure mounts for change, it remains to be seen how Israel will navigate this period of uncertainty and what lies ahead for its leadership and people.

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Analysis

UN Failure to Contain Israel: The Way Forward on War Crimes and Genocide in Gaza

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2024

Abdul Rahman

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has been ongoing for decades, with numerous attempts at peace negotiations and ceasefires failing to bring lasting resolution. In recent years, the situation in Gaza has escalated, with Israel being accused of committing war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people. Despite the efforts of the United Nations (UN) to address these allegations, Israel has continued its military operations in the region, leading to the loss of countless lives and the displacement of thousands of civilians.

The UN fails to stop Israel's war crimes in Gaza. The scene shows destruction and suffering, with UN officials discussing a new strategy for intervention

The failure of the UN to contain Israel’s actions in Gaza has raised questions about the organization’s effectiveness in dealing with conflicts and protecting civilian populations. While the UN has condemned Israel’s actions and called for an end to the violence, it has been unable to enforce its resolutions or hold Israel accountable for its actions. This has led to criticism from many quarters, with some accusing the UN of being biased in favour of Israel and failing to fulfil its mandate to protect human rights.

Despite the challenges, there are still opportunities for the UN to play a more effective role in addressing the conflict in Gaza and holding Israel accountable for its actions. By working with regional partners and engaging in diplomatic efforts, the UN can help to de-escalate tensions and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, this will require a concerted effort from all parties involved and a willingness to put aside political differences in the interest of the greater good.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated in recent years, with Israel being accused of committing war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people.
The UN has been criticized for its failure to contain Israel’s actions in Gaza and enforce its resolutions.
Despite the challenges, there are still opportunities for the UN to play a more effective role in addressing the conflict in Gaza and promoting a peaceful resolution.

Historical Context of the Israel-Gaza Conflict

The illustration depicts the UN's failure to contain Israel's war crimes in Gaza, highlighting the historical context of the Israel-Gaza conflict and the urgent need for a way forward

Roots of the Conflict

The Israel-Gaza conflict has its roots in the displacement of Palestinians from their homes during the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. This displacement, also known as the Nakba, resulted in the loss of homes, land, and livelihoods for over 700,000 Palestinians. Since then, the conflict has been characterized by a series of wars, military operations, and violent clashes between Israel and the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank.

The conflict escalated in 2007 when the militant group Hamas seized control of Gaza, leading to a blockade by Israel that has severely restricted the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory. The blockade has had a devastating impact on the economy and infrastructure of Gaza, which is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

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UN Interventions and Resolutions

The United Nations has played a significant role in attempting to resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict, but its efforts have been largely unsuccessful. In 1947, the UN partitioned Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab, but the plan was rejected by the Arab states and led to the first Arab-Israeli war.

Since then, the UN has passed numerous resolutions condemning Israeli actions in the occupied territories and calling for an end to the conflict. However, these resolutions have been largely ignored by Israel and have not led to any significant change on the ground.

In recent years, the UN has attempted to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but these efforts have also been unsuccessful. The UN has also called for an end to the blockade of Gaza, but Israel has refused to lift the restrictions.

Overall, the failure of the UN to contain Israel from committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza has been a major source of frustration and disappointment for those seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Analysis of UN Efforts to Address War Crimes Allegations

UN efforts to address war crimes in Gaza: a failed containment of Israel's actions. A scene of destruction and suffering, with a need for a new direction

The United Nations (UN) has made several attempts to address war crimes allegations against Israel in Gaza. This section analyzes the UN’s efforts and highlights the challenges in international law enforcement.

UN Fact-Finding Missions in Gaza

The UN has conducted several fact-finding missions in Gaza to investigate allegations of war crimes and genocide committed by Israel. In 2009, the UN established the Goldstone Commission to investigate the 2008-2009 Gaza conflict. The commission found evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both Israel and Hamas. However, Israel refused to cooperate with the commission, and the report was later retracted by its author, Richard Goldstone.

In 2014, the UN established another commission to investigate the 2014 Gaza conflict. The commission found evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel and Hamas. However, Israel again refused to cooperate with the commission, and the report was met with strong opposition from Israel and its allies.

Challenges in International Law Enforcement

One of the major challenges in international law enforcement is the lack of enforcement mechanisms. The UN has no authority to enforce its decisions, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) can only prosecute individuals, not states. This means that even if the UN or the ICC finds evidence of war crimes or genocide committed by Israel, they cannot compel Israel to comply with their decisions.

Another challenge is the politicization of international law. Israel and its allies have accused the UN and the ICC of bias against Israel, and have used their political influence to undermine the credibility of these institutions. This has made it difficult for the UN and the ICC to conduct impartial investigations and prosecute war crimes and genocide.

In conclusion, the UN has made several attempts to address war crimes allegations against Israel in Gaza but has faced significant challenges in international law enforcement. The lack of enforcement mechanisms and the politicization of international law have made it difficult for the UN and the ICC to prosecute war crimes and genocide.

The Way Forward

The illustration shows UN's failure to stop Israel's war crimes in Gaza, with a path forward

Proposed Strategies for Conflict Resolution

The first step towards resolving the conflict between Israel and Gaza is to establish a ceasefire agreement that is respected by both parties. The UN Security Council should take a more active role in mediating this agreement and ensure that it is implemented effectively. The ceasefire should be monitored by a neutral third party to ensure that both sides adhere to the terms of the agreement.

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Another proposed strategy is to engage in diplomatic efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table. The UN should work with regional powers such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to facilitate these talks. The negotiations should focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Strengthening International Accountability Mechanisms

The UN should also take steps to strengthen international accountability mechanisms to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. This could include the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of war crimes and genocide committed by Israel in Gaza. The commission should be given the power to subpoena witnesses and collect evidence to ensure a thorough investigation.

In addition, the UN should consider imposing economic sanctions on Israel to pressure it to comply with international law. The UN General Assembly should also consider referring the situation in Gaza to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation and prosecution of war crimes and genocide.

Overall, the international community should take a more active role in resolving the conflict between Israel and Gaza. The UN should work to establish a lasting ceasefire agreement and engage in diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. Additionally, the UN should strengthen international accountability mechanisms to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. By taking these steps, the international community can work towards lasting peace in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

The UN fails to stop Israel's war crimes in Gaza. A path forward is sought

What measures has the UN taken to address allegations of war crimes in Gaza?

The UN has established several fact-finding missions to investigate allegations of war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. However, these missions have been criticized for their lack of effectiveness due to Israel’s refusal to cooperate with them. Additionally, the UN has passed several resolutions condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, but these have largely been ignored by Israel.

How has the International Court of Justice responded to the situation in Gaza?

The International Court of Justice has issued several advisory opinions regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, but it has not taken any concrete action to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. This is largely because Israel is not a party to the court’s jurisdiction.

What are the limitations of the UN in enforcing resolutions against member states?

The UN has limited enforcement mechanisms when it comes to member states that violate its resolutions. The UN can impose economic sanctions, but these are often ineffective and can harm innocent civilians. The UN can also authorize military action, but this is a last resort and requires the approval of the UN Security Council.

What role does the UN Security Council play in the Israel-Palestine conflict?

The UN Security Council has the power to impose sanctions and authorize military action, but its effectiveness is limited by the fact that the United States, a close ally of Israel, has veto power. This has often resulted in the Security Council being unable to pass resolutions that are critical of Israel.

How many resolutions concerning Israel and Palestine has the UN passed, and what has been their impact?

The UN has passed numerous resolutions concerning Israel and Palestine, but their impact has been limited due to Israel’s refusal to comply with them. Many of these resolutions have been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and have called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories, but they have largely been ignored by Israel.

What are the proposed steps for the UN to improve its effectiveness in conflict resolution in the Israel-Palestine situation?

Proposed steps for the UN to improve its effectiveness in conflict resolution in the Israel-Palestine situation include increasing pressure on Israel to comply with UN resolutions, improving the effectiveness of fact-finding missions, and finding ways to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. Additionally, the UN could work with other international organizations to develop a comprehensive peace plan for the region.

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