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Pak-Saudi intelligence cooperation agreement
In a significant move to fight terrorism, the Saudi Cabinet has given the green light to a collaboration agreement between Saudi Public Prosecution and Pakistani intelligence. This decision, made during a cabinet meeting led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also includes assigning the Minister of Energy to sign cooperation agreements in the energy sector with Pakistan.
Terrorism is a common problem globally, especially in our region. Effective action against it requires strong cooperation in intelligence. By working together, countries in the region can better tackle this challenge. Saudi Arabia is a key player in the Middle East, with a strong security and intelligence system. Under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom continues to make progress.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long-standing friendly relations, with strong ties in various areas. Working with Pakistani intelligence not only strengthens these ties but also helps address regional security issues, such as terrorism. Such cooperation not only enhances bilateral relations but also helps keep the region safer. It’s important to expand intelligence cooperation to other regional countries to effectively fight terrorism and promote stability.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
From exodus to empowerment
In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a significant exodus of its workforce seeking job opportunities abroad. This trend, driven by a combination of economic stagnation and limited professional prospects at home, has profound implications for the country’s economy and national progress. The migration of skilled workers, often referred to as “brain drain,” is not just a symptom of current economic challenges but also a critical factor exacerbating these issues.
The mass migration of Pakistani professionals highlights the urgent need for structural reforms to create an environment conducive to economic growth, job creation, entrepreneurship and investment. Addressing the root causes of this talent drain requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on several key areas.
The primary reason behind the migration is the lack of sufficient job opportunities within Pakistan. Many professionals find that their skills and qualifications are better rewarded abroad. To reverse this trend, Pakistan must prioritize policies that stimulate economic growth and expand the job market. This can be achieved through investment in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing and services which have the potential to generate significant employment.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Land disputes in Bannu
Bannu has always been plagued with multiple issues, especially land disputes among kith and kin, which have enormously harmed the inhabitants. These disputes sometimes turn so bloody that they claim the lives of many innocent and educated people, and may last for decades due to the harsh culture of the area. The region is marred by military operations and continuous encounters, indicating the presence of military and spies. Despite their presence, clashes and deaths over land and property continue. Unfortunately, the civil and security agencies have remained soporific.
Recently, two such incidents have been witnessed: one in which my cousin, who was a safety supervisor in the UAE, was killed over a land issue and another in the main Bannu city, where seven brothers were shot dead by a cousin. The majority of people in the area are poor and uneducated. The failure of the civil administration to control the daily routine clashes is due to their indifference to the people’s problems. Bannu needs an honest and dutiful DPO, like DPO Ahmad Mohiuddin, to resolve these issues openly. There is no denying the fact that every young girl becomes a widow and suffers mental torture.
Our state institutions and concerned authorities should consider alternative strategies to resolve the menace of land disputes. If short-term approaches were effective enough to handle the issue, they would have worked earlier. The issue in Bannu requires the insightful and deep attention of local chieftains and government authorities. Muslim brotherhood sentiments must be incited by religious clerics. Bannu deserves to be free from all the destructive property and land disputes that have been totally sidelined by the authorities.
M. Amjid Khan
Bannu
Poverty in Pakistan
Pakistan faces many challenges, but poverty is the most severe. Due to poverty, many people have lost their loved ones. For example, during the floods, many poor people suffered greatly and lost their lives. Poverty has hindered our country’s progress. Every day, new issues arise because of poverty. People become desperate and hopeless due to unemployment and lack of money. Some even consider ending their lives because of this despair.
Poverty is the biggest problem in the world today and results from government failures. If the government provided enough jobs, people wouldn’t be losing their precious lives. This is the longest-standing and most rapidly growing issue in Pakistan, worsening each day. Sadly, our leaders are focused on their own interests, making money for themselves instead of solving this problem. In conclusion, I ask the government to take serious action. We are human beings too, so please address this issue.
WADEEMA HASHIM
Hub
Zimbabwe’s lost future
It is appalling that the President of Zimbabwe has failed, and it will take ages for Zimbabwe to recover. Does the young generation have hope in Zimbabwe, or are they thinking of migrating? President Mnangagwa has failed to resuscitate the Zimbabwean economy and end rampant corruption. He should let someone else take over and govern Zimbabwe. When we advised the youth to leave Zimbabwe and seek greener pastures elsewhere, it was because we had seen the depth of Zimbabwe’s problems.
Zimbabwe fits the definition of both a mafia state and a failed state. A mafia state refers to a state where criminal elements have significant influence over government institutions and policies, often resulting in corruption and lawlessness. A failed state refers to a state where the government is unable to provide basic services to its citizens. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has failed to create employment, improve living standards in Zimbabwe, and attract Zimbabweans scattered around the world to return to their home country. He should immediately resign.
NOMA MPOFU
UK
