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A sincere suggestion to Nawaz Sharif
Mian Sahib, you have had the privilege and distinction of untiringly serving this country, as its Prime Minister, thrice. Now, you deserve to play an even greater role of a mentor than a Prime Minister. If, after the upcoming elections of 8 February, PML(N) gets an opportunity to form the government, you should make Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif the Prime Minister.
There couldn’t be a better choice than incumbent President PML (N) Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to head the PML government as Prime Minister. With vast experience of successfully managing the affairs of Pakistan’s largest province, the province of Punjab, twice as Chief Minister, and a short but successful stint of 16 months of governing the country as Prime Minister, Mian Shehbaz Sharif possesses all the perspicacity and ability needed to lead the country as its Prime Minister.
If I may suggest, while Mian Shehbaz Sharif engages in running the PML (N) government, if formed, as Prime Minister, you could be titular head of the State – President of Pakistan. If this happens, it will not only ensure stability but will also facilitate smooth running of the government and effective implementation of PML-N’s development agenda for the country.
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
Elections and militancy
The recent surge in militant attacks, including the targeted killing of a political candidate and a bomb attack on an election rally, raises grave concerns about the security situation leading up to the polls on 8th February. The strategic timing of the attacks, just before the ECP’s crucial meeting, speaks volumes about the challenges in maintaining a secure environment for the electoral process.
A national assembly candidate was ruthlessly shot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), along the volatile Afghan border, while another political leader met his demise in Balochistan on the same day. The orchestrated violence in Balochistan, including a coordinated attack by separatist Baloch militants, highlights a disturbing attempt to create chaos and instil fear among citizens. The bomb attack in Balochistan following an election rally, claiming four lives, posed multifaceted threats to the electoral process. The calculated assault on a town by suicide bombers further emphasizes the gravity of the situation. Balochistan’s persistent struggle with security issues is an alarming backdrop to these attacks.
The province grapples not only with ethno-nationalist Baloch groups but also faces the spectre of surging militancy in KPK. The United States State Department’s expression of concern regarding the violence, emphasizing its potential to undermine the electoral process, reflects the international apprehension surrounding these developments.
In the face of this turmoil, it is imperative to take comprehensive measures to safeguard citizens and ensure the unhindered progress of political activities. The need for heightened security protocols, intelligence collaboration, and community engagement cannot be overstated. The complex threat from militant alliances highlights the need for comprehensive counterterrorism efforts and international collaboration to dismantle terrorist networks. With the UNSC informed about the Al-Qaeda threat spreading through local factions, addressing transnational threats requires a coordinated global response. Regionally, cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan is crucial in confronting this shared security challenge.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Kashmir Solidarity
Day
Kashmir Solidarity Day on (5th February) is commemorated each year with great fervour and enthusiasm in Pakistan and abroad. All Ministries and Divisions at federal and provincial level arrange and highlight different kinds of activities to show solidarity with Kashmiris.
The purpose of all these activities is that Pakistan supports the cause of Kashmiris intellectually, morally and diplomatically. A human chain is made at Kohala Bridge in AJK. All local, national and international media are invited for the coverage of all these activities. The nature of cruelty, human rights violations and genocides committed by India in India-occupied Kashmir are highlighted in various forms through paintings, speech contests, seminars, peaceful rallies, etc.
M/o Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan under Kashmir Council at federal level arrange and coordinate a comprehensive program for the sensitization of the general public each year.
In this context, I suggest the AJK Council that Study Tours for the students of higher secondary schools who participate in various activities at federal and provincial level at any competitive forum with the reference of Solidarity Day, should be initiated. The AJK Council must arrange study tours for the various Kashmir areas for these selected students who filtered out from various activities like paintings, speech contests and essay competition.
Such purposeful study tours activity will not only foster brotherhood, unity and tourism among the general masses at grassroots level but also provide a picture of the problems, hardships of Kashmiris living in hilly topography in socio-economic context. Such study tours may be arranged vice versa.
The students from AJK may be sent to various parts of the country like Karachi, Balochistan, Thar and Cholistan. The Council should arrange such purposeful activities with the coordination of federal and provincial Education Ministries and Departments.
SHAGUFTA ANSARI
Islamabad
