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Supreme Court’s verdict
The Council of Islamic Ideology is a constitutional body that advises the legislature whether or not a certain law is repugnant to Islam, namely to the Qur’an and Sunnah. Keeping in view the protest by prominent Ulema of all Muslim’s sects, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has sent a request to review the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Mubarak Sani (a Qadyani) case.
In cases involving religious sensitivity, particularly blasphemy allegations, the judiciary must exercise the utmost caution to ensure that justice is not only served but also perceived as fair and impartial. The primary function of the CII is to assist the government in formulating laws that are in harmony with Islamic principles while also promoting interfaith harmony and presenting a moderate, inclusive interpretation of Islam. This mandate is crucial in a diverse society where the potential for religious discord is ever-present.
The Islamic Ideology Council’s approach should serve as a guiding principle for reviewing this case because the role of CII in legal matters is one of counsel and guidance. Upholding this distinction is vital for maintaining the integrity of both religious and judicial institutions in Pakistan. In the light of CII’s recommendations the Supreme Court should tackle cases of high profile religious issues with utmost care and caution to avoid any unrest in the society.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Unmatched loyalty
Daily workouts at the gym are one of my passions, but April 22nd is a day I will never forget. That night, while at IActive gym in F6 Islamabad, I received an urgent call from Syed Sibtul Haider Bukhari of the PPP Central Secretariat, informing me that Nazir Hussain Dhoki, the chief media coordinator for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was critically ill. I was asked to coordinate with Qurban Haider to expedite Dhoki’s admission to PIMS for urgent care. I left the gym and rushed to PIMS Hospital. Nazir Hussain Dhoki was significant to me because my late father, Dr. Muhammad Ramzan, greatly admired his work. At PIMS, where Qurban Haider and Abbas were present, we moved Dhoki to an isolation ward as he had tested positive for COVID-19.
I sought help from Professor Dr. Ayesha Isani, a PPP supporter with a strong connection to the Bhutto family. Dr. Isani managed all radiological workup and treatment, which alleviated Dhoki’s respiratory distress. Over ten days, PIMS staff, including Mushtaq Metlo, Qurban Haider, Saleem Bhatti, and I, provided continuous care. His nephew, Saddam Hussain, came from Sindh to care for him until his passing. Many visited Dhoki while following strict COVID-19 SOPs, including Farhatullah Babar, and President Asif Ali Zardari sent a “Get Well Soon” floral basket.
Dhoki was diagnosed with advanced small cell lung cancer. Despite efforts by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Dr. Raheem Bux Bhatti to transfer him to Gambat Hospital for specialized care, Dhoki passed away on July 14. His death left a void in the media and PPP community. His loyalty and contributions to Bhuttoism were significant. The Bhutto family continued to support his family through their grief. As a devoted PPP Jiyala, I am honored by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s support, reflecting the Bhutto family’s enduring dedication and legacy.
DR SAIFUR REHMAN
PIMS, Islamabad
Bangladesh
in flux
Bangladeshis are anxiously awaiting the next developments following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country. On Tuesday, Parliament was disbanded—a key concession to student protest leaders who have also voiced their opposition to a military-led administration. The country’s army chief has pledged to establish an interim government and announced plans for fresh elections.
On Monday, massive crowds surrounded Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka, leading to widespread looting and chaos. The unrest resulted in over 100 fatalities, making it the deadliest day of violence, surpassing Sunday’s toll. Hasina is currently in India, but her long-term whereabouts remain uncertain. The student protests, which began in July, initially focused on abolishing civil service job quotas but have since escalated into demands for Hasina’s resignation after 15 years in power.
MUDASIR ALI
Ratodero
Box letter
Climate crisis
Climate change represents one of the most daunting and immediate threats to our planet. The overwhelming evidence of its impact—rising temperatures, warming oceans, increasing sea levels, retreating glaciers, and erratic weather patterns—underscores the severity of the situation. These phenomena are primarily driven by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases. Despite widespread recognition of the problem, global efforts to combat it have largely been limited to commitments that have yet to produce substantial results. The scientific data is unequivocal: atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have soared to unprecedented highs, currently at 400 ppm in many industrialized regions. This increase is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels and other industrial processes, which release this colourless, odourless gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. As a result, the planet is experiencing more extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts and shifts in precipitation patterns. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted that droughts have become more frequent since the 1970s, with significant impacts on global land areas. This trend reflects imbalances in the natural cycles of evaporation and precipitation, exacerbated by the greenhouse gases that disturb these cycles. The situation demands urgent and comprehensive action to mitigate the ongoing effects and prevent further escalation.
SIDDAQAT ALI
Ghotki Sindh
