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Modi’s 3rd term: Pak-India ties?
Indians have elected Narendra Modi for a third term, with a coalition government in place. However, just a day after Modi’s oath-taking ceremony, gunmen targeted a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district of India-occupied Kashmir, resulting in nine deaths and 30 injuries. This incident was followed by multiple clashes between Indian security forces and attackers in the region. Modi’s response has been consistent in blaming Pakistan for such incidents.
Modi’s far-right ideology suggests little hope for normalizing Pakistan-India relations. The Pulwama attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes, strategically timed before the 2019 Indian general elections, illustrate Modi’s tendency to leverage anti-Pakistan sentiment for political gain. Even in his third term, Modi has shown no inclination towards peaceful relations with Pakistan unless it ceases alleged sponsorship of terrorism. Consequently, India’s foreign policy under Modi remains fixated on attributing terrorism within India or Kashmir to Pakistan.
During Modi’s June 9 oath-taking ceremony, counterparts from seven neighbouring states were invited, excluding Pakistan. This exclusion underscores the ongoing coldness and mistrust between the two nations, perpetuating fears of escalating tensions.
SANNA ZEB
Attock
Eid’s quiet heroes
Just after offer of Eid prayers in the morning, the villagers of Chhoto Nirmaljote, Darjeeling district, West Bengal got alerted by the loud explosion of the Kanchanjunga Express Railway disaster. By forsaking preparation for the feast and Eid-related celebrations, Fazlur Rahman and his friends of the Muslim-dominated village rushed to the accident site immediately to take charge of the situation – – extricating the bodies and the injured passengers from the mangled coaches, collecting the luggage and protecting it from loot by the miscreants until police force and Railway officials arrive and thereafter assisting the administration by staying back till late afternoon bringing water and providing first aid as much as possible! May theAlmighty bless these faceless unsung valiant gallant-hearted Fazlur Rahmans for responding to the call of humanity and extending their hands of cooperation absolutely selflessly towards the unknown people in distress by sacrificing all feasts and celebrations revolving around the greatest festival of sacrifice – – Eid-ul-Azha!
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
Economic partnership
Pakistan and China heralded a new epoch in their bilateral relations by signing an extraordinary 32 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This bold move underscores an unyielding commitment to significantly expanding economic cooperation.
These agreements, formalized during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s consequential visit to China, epitomize a strategic pivot, promising profound and far-reaching benefits across a diverse array of sectors. This event is not a mere ceremonial gesture but a strategic maneuver with the potential to reshape economic landscapes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, marking the second day of his five-day diplomatic mission. This high-stakes visit set the stage for intensive discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other influential leaders.
The formalization of these MoUs signifies a strategic breakthrough, as both nations vow to amplify trade and investment across a spectrum of critical industries, including energy, automotive, information technology, and pharmaceuticals. These agreements are set to unlock extensive opportunities, reflecting a deepened partnership that transcends mere diplomacy to forge tangible economic synergy.
Chinese enterprises have shown an avid interest in investing in electric bikes and modern agricultural techniques within Pakistan. A particularly transformative element of these agreements is the commitment to training 200,000 Pakistani youths in artificial intelligence.
This initiative transcends a simple goodwill gesture; it is a strategic investment in Pakistan’s technological future. This move promises to significantly enhance the country’s human capital and technological prowess, positioning Pakistan at the forefront of AI advancements and providing a competitive edge in the global technology landscape.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
