by admin | Apr 12, 2025 | challenges, foreign policy, politics, politics and government, public policy
A lot has been discussed regarding foreign policy challenges. However, Pakistan also faces numerous domestic policy issues that continue to pose difficulties.
Initially, the idea of federation appears to elude Pakistan. In this setup, it isn’t the Central government that forms the individual units or provinces; rather, these units come together to form the Center. These units establish an agreement to distribute authority between themselves and the Center. They also determine how much control they surrender to the Center. It’s not up to the Center to choose what powers to grant to the units. Powers traditionally held by the Center—such as maintaining armed forces, crafting foreign policies, and managing a unified currency—are subject to approval from the units. This approach has led Pakistan’s Center to overlook the essence of federalism, resulting in ongoing instability characterized by various issues like regional conflicts and even secessionist sentiments. For instance, Balochistan exemplifies political manipulation alongside imposed administrations, leading to profound discontent across the region.
Secondly, Pakistan finds itself engaged in a defensive struggle as consciousness spreads throughout the nation. This awakening is relentless and unforgiving. Whether advocating for the rights of the Pashtuns or Baloch, these individuals are gaining listeners—not primarily through traditional broadcast media but rather via social platforms, which link them together. Although one such medium might be restricted under claims of national security, blocking all remains impossible. Both ethnic groups condemn incidents of missing persons and arbitrary executions, actions that contravene fundamental human rights principles. Protesting Baloch women led by Dr. Mahrang Baloch reject an approach where progress in Balochistan comes at the cost of forced disappearances and deceased victims showing signs of torture. Consequently, this situation traps Balochistan in a state of impasse. A comparable standstill could soon envelop Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) as well. The appearance of tortured corpses in Balochistan serves as a blight, reflecting twisted intentions aimed at deforming the federal structure’s image.
Thirdly, Pakistan lacks the capability to tackle its economic issues independently. The country faces bankruptcy since it can only manage its debt through additional loans. It remains unclear how these debts will ever be repaid. Thus, external financial aid is essential for Pakistan’s survival. The nation finds itself entirely dependent on creditors. These loans are taken out with hopes of gaining enough breathing room to stabilize their economy temporarily.
Currently, efforts focus on boosting commercial agriculture production. Converting unproductive land into arable fields generally makes sense economically. However, this situation presents contradictory approaches: While increasingly valuable farmland in northern and central Punjab—regions nourished by rainfall and fresh water—is earmarked for residential development, initiatives aim to transform parts of the Cholistan Desert—a region within the parched areas of southern Punjab associated with the Thar Desert—into viable cropland.
This dual strategy exemplifies misguided priorities which could undermine the broader goals set under the Green Pakistan project.
Fourthly, Pakistan’s western region is seeing the rise of zones where movement and presence have become hazardous, particularly during nighttime hours. Incidents like those targeting the Bannu Cantt in KPK and the Jaffar Express in Balochistan highlight how spaces previously under government control are now ceding ground to terrorist activities. This has led to a weakening of governmental authority. As usual, discussions about addressing this issue often revert to initiating military campaigns, sparking the perennial ‘chicken-and-egg’ dilemma: whether instability invites intervention or vice versa. Generally, it is believed that such military actions breed resentment, fostering regional divisions that ultimately undermine the idea of federal unity.
Fifth, Pakistan faces the issue of guerrilla warfare seeping into its territory from either northern or southern parts of its western frontier. The Pakistani military is primarily equipped for conventional conflicts rather than irregular skirmishes. Recently, Pakistan sanctioned the creation of Rangers in the region of Azad Kashmir under its control. This suggests growing unrest within those areas as well. Consequently, this situation signals the onset of a limited-scale confrontation. Rather than addressing underlying grievances through political channels, Pakistan has opted for forceful tactics, failing to recognize that Kashmir harbors fighters adept at conducting guerilla operations. These individuals previously engaged in such activities against Indian troops along India’s borders. They now pose a similar threat inside Pakistan-controlled portions of Kashmir.
Sixth, Pakistan lacks the financial resources needed for launching military campaigns and covering the economic impact caused by displacing residents. Previously, clearance operations in Southern and Northern Waziristan involved clearing out populations before completely destroying entire villages through bombings. As a result, locals became internally displaced individuals. High human casualties—both among soldiers and civilians—and significant economic expenses made these efforts daunting. To minimize direct troop involvement, Pakistan now relies heavily on drone attacks, mirroring U.S. tactics used in Afghanistan. While the United States applied this approach primarily against foreign adversaries, Pakistan uses similar methods within its borders against its citizens—a concerning development. Civilian deaths from accidental harm have consistently placed such actions under scrutiny. For instance, a recent targeted drone attack during an anti-terrorism operation near Katland in Mardan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) exemplifies how collateral damage can exacerbate local conflicts. This could be seen as intentional mismanagement, considering Pakistan’s record of alleged human rights abuses is nearly at capacity.
In general, Pakistan excels at managing situations through improvisation: buying time and seeking funding to address issues. However, this approach leads to the consumption of both time and resources without significant advancements. The challenges facing the idea of federalism are becoming more pronounced. Using force provides limited resolutions and often creates additional complications.
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by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | africa, culture, environment, public policy, rules and regulations
In Arusha, Tanzania recently unveiled the “Safari Guide Code of Conduct and Ethics” aimed at elevating its tourism landscape. This extensive document, crafted by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), seeks to maintain high professional standards and encourage ethical behavior within the nation’s travel sphere.
Available in nine global languages, the code is being evaluated by current tour operators and guides to guarantee full compliance among all players in the tourism arena. According to TATO Chairman Mr. Willy Chambulo, “This handbook encompasses numerous regulations such as vehicular and driving norms, respect for local cultures, conservation measures, personal cleanliness, attire rules, and general decorum.”
As an overarching body representing over 400 businesses spanning tours, accommodations, agency services, and supplies, TATO hosted specialized sessions instructing driver-guides about this updated set of moral codes. During one such event, Chambulo highlighted that despite recovering from disruptions caused by COVID-19, Tanzanian tourism experienced robust annual expansion rates between 15% – 20%.
For instance, revenue derived from travels surged up to $3.66 billion last year—a hike of approximately 8.38%, relative to figures recorded previously in 2023—thanks largely due to augmented promotional endeavors undertaken jointly by governmental bodies alongside commercial sectors. Consequently, plans have been laid out aiming toward achieving a target sum of $6 billion ($14 trillion equivalent locally) via incoming travelers anticipated to reach around five million before year-end per strategies detailed in FYDP III covering fiscal years through mid-decade.
Mr. Chambulo elaborated further: “Implementing our latest behavioral framework entailed consultations directly involving chauffeurs plus accompanying staff members concerning revisions made since initial publication.”
Moreover, digital access remains possible thanks to integration into corresponding Quick Response (QR) links facilitating immediate retrieval regardless location globally amongst prospective guests intending visits soonest thereafter.
Nay Paul, employed under Zara Adventure Tours based near Mount Kilimanjaro shared her perspective emphasizing applicability beyond just those leading excursions specifically stating relevance extends equally relevant for broader stakeholder communities encompassed therein. Similarly voiced sentiments were echoed similarly by Idd Jumaane stressing pivotal role played by frontline representatives acting effectively like unofficial goodwill envoys reflecting positively upon destination attractiveness overall experience quality perceived externally thus enhancing reputation significantly outward facing dimensions thereof impacting potential influx volumes considerably long term prospects accordingly aligned strategically moving forward henceforth.
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by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | diplomacy and diplomats, news, politics, public policy, Travel
This warning follows instances of harassment against Chinese nationals along with a number of espionage activities and online gaming clampdowns initiated by Manila.
The Philippines
has assured China that its citizens are not facing harassment following the Chinese embassy’s statement
travel advisory
However, experts caution that local authorities might be leveraging Manila’s recent anti-espionage and online gaming initiatives as a smokescreen for their growing anti-Chinese sentiment.
The embassy released an advisory on Tuesday highlighting various challenges encountered by Chinese individuals and enterprises, including instances of harassment and scrutiny. Additionally, it pointed out the rise in political events and demonstrations in the Philippines as potential concerns for Chinese expatriates.
“Public security in the Philippines has been unstable, with frequent incidents of law enforcement authorities harassing and inspecting Chinese citizens and enterprises,” the embassy said in a statement translated to English.
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The embassy did not provide any specific instances; however, this warning was issued after the detention of several Chinese citizens for espionage in the Philippines. This followed intensified actions by local law enforcement agencies as well as stricter controls imposed on the recently outlawed offshore gambling centers known as POGOs, which were frequented primarily by Chinese tourists.
In January, officials arrested five individuals from China on suspicion of pretending to be visitors from Taiwan with the aim of spying on the Philippines Coast Guard and Navy in Palawan — an island located across the South China Sea.
In the same period, law enforcement apprehended a Chinese citizen named Deng Yuanqing along with two Filipinos for reportedly surveying more than 120 crucial locations across Luzon, which encompassed harbors and facilities accessible to U.S. armed forces.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office refuted the allegations of harassment, asserting that the Philippines accepts everyone except those who break the law.
“The travel advisory they mentioned is simply a routine consular service provided by China. We can guarantee that our actions do not target individuals from any specific country or nationality with harassment,” Castro stated.
According to Castro, the situations involving Chinese nationals employed in Pogos constituted a distinct matter due to their involvement in illegal activities.
Pogos primarily served clients from China, where gambling is prohibited. Last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced an instant prohibition on the industry due to multiple allegations of criminal actions associated with their operations.
Beijing has kept its distance from Pogos, endorsing Marcos Jr’s ban.
‘People who are Chinese-looking’
When commenting on the issue, Filipino-Chinese leader and social activist Teresita Ang See informed This Week in Asia about several reports of harassment targeting Chinese citizens within the nation.
She mentioned an occurrence where authorities went to condominiums in Manila, questioning security personnel and parking staff about the apartments occupied by numerous Chinese residents.
“The head of security alerted the building manager, who then notified the residents of the condo. As a result, all the residents—many having lived there for over three decades—are now frightened,” stated See, referring to a residential high-rise in Manila but not specifying which one.
The building manager told her directly about what happened.
She stated that discussions on the Chinese app WeChat indicated that certain enforcement officers might have reportedly been halting Chinese citizens to inquire if they worked as Pogo employees.
Refer to the reported incidents shared on WeChat where visiting Chinese professors were playfully questioned by students about being spies. She mentioned, “Although intended as a joke, this was still offensive to the professors.”
The Filipino-Chinese hikers trekking along the Pinatubo trail, located north of Manila, were likewise halted and requested to present their birth certificates even though they spoke the local dialect, as mentioned in the additional information provided.
“China-Philippines ties have been negatively impacted. During the recent Lunar New Year, the Bahay Tsinoy witnessed an unusually low number of Chinese visitors for the first time,” See stated, mentioning a museum that highlights the role of Chinese people in the country’s history.
Castro stated that the government is not focusing on any locals. Following this, she ought to request law enforcement officers to fulfill their duties. She should inquire as to why they stop individuals merely because they appear to be of Chinese descent.
‘Tougher even than securing a US visa’
A different figure within the Filipino-Chinese community, Wilson Lee Flores—a political-economist and honorary chairperson at the Anvil Business Club in Manila—spoke with This Week in Asia about the challenges faced. He mentioned that individuals such as traders, collaborators, technical consultants, and providers of machinery from China struggled to obtain visas through both the Philippine embassy and consulates.
“A Chinese businessperson I encountered in Thailand mentioned that obtaining a Filipino visa is even harder compared to getting one for the United States. This is why genuine travelers and tourists have become less inclined to visit the Philippines. Instead, they favor destinations like Europe, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand,” Flores stated.
In 2024, the tourism authority stated that the number of Chinese visitors arriving in the Philippines reached 313,856 in the previous year, marking an uptick from 264,922 in 2023.
Nevertheless, the most recent figure represents a significant drop compared to earlier years when China ranked as one of the top sources for international travelers visiting the Philippines. Data from the tourism department shows that in 2019, approximately 1.7 million tourists arrived from China.
Regarding the possibility of increased Sinophobia influencing official actions, Flores commented: “This is what worries us… The Pogo problem seems to have become a pretext… However, genuine entrepreneurs and travelers do not wish to pay bribes merely to secure a visa appointment.”
Missed opportunities in investment and tourism abound.
The Pogos sector was connected to a series of criminal activities such as human trafficking, abductions, and prostitution.
During the peak of the Pogos boom, over 300,000 Chinese workers found employment in this industry.
However, Castro mentioned that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was prepared to engage with the Chinese government regarding the matters involving the Chinese nationals who were detained and expelled due to connections with unlawful Pogos.
“Many of the people involved are Chinese citizens. Therefore, this is likely part of the issue,” Castro stated.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is open to discussions about this matter, and we will reassure China that our actions are not aimed at any specific national group.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | human rights, politics, politics and government, politics and law, public policy
“The NHRC urged the government to implement specific measures to avoid similar incidents in the future,” it stated.
The NHRC has called for justice regarding the 16 hunters who were lynched last Thursday in Edo State, and has appealed to the government to implement measures designed to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, voiced his worries regarding the mob killing in a media release published in Abuja on Tuesday.
The commission insists that all those responsible must be identified and held accountable.
“The statement urged the government to implement specific measures to avoid similar events from happening again, as there is no excuse for vigilante justice anywhere globally,” it stated.
The 16 travellers were
reportedly lynched
Following their misidentification as kidnappers by local vigilantes on Thursday on the Uromi/Obajana Expressway within the Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Reports indicate that the victims were en route from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid-el-Fitr festivities when they encountered an assault by local vigilante groups. The attackers whipped the victims and subsequently burned them alive.
The Nigerian Police
announced
On March 29th, 14 individuals linked to the case were apprehended.
Rights violated
On Tuesday, the NHRC issued a statement urging both the Nigerian government and citizens to uphold the right to life and freedom of movement, following the killing of 16 individuals in an atrocity where these rights were blatantly disregarded.
He pointed out that the right to life is established in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Federal Republic Constitution
state
that the sanctity of life for every person should be upheld unless that individual has been condemned to death.
Article 6 of the
International Pact on Civil and Political Rights
goes on to advocate for the elimination of capital punishment.
Moreover, Mr. Ojukwu urged Nigerians to uphold the right to free movement as assured by the Constitution, Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The event has sparked nationwide anger, with leading figures and civil society organizations (CSOs) demanding a probe and ensuring the ones responsible face justice.
Amongst
They include former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Amnesty International, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
and
previous contenders for president, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Edo govt. reacts
On Saturday, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki issued an immediate suspension for the commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, who is a retired police commissioner, due to this incident.
killing of hunters
in the state.
On Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhidor, issued an official statement indicating that the governor has suspended all unauthorized vigilante organizations active within the state.
Their suspensions came after reviewing the initial report of the horrific killings of several hunters in Uromi.
The Esan North East Local Government Area
On Thursday, Mt Ikhilor stated regarding the state.
Mr. Ikhilor stated again that the local vigilante group responsible for the horrific killings on March 27th had been acting unlawfully and was neither documented nor registered with the Edo State Security Corps. He further noted that their acts do not align with the goals of the corps.
During his visit to the families of the victims on Monday, Mr. Okpebholo promised to provide compensation for the relatives of the 16 killed hunters.
He made the
compensation pledge when
Alongside his counterpart from Kano State, Abba Yusuf, he visited the families of the deceased hunters in Torankawa, Kano State, to offer condolences.
He praised the residents of Kano State for staying composed despite the circumstances.
“I would like to praise the residents of Kano State and all of Northern Nigeria for refraining from taking justice into their own hands and avoiding retaliatory assaults,” he stated.
Mr Okpebholo
has assured
that those responsible will encounter the complete force of the legal system.
NHRC commends governor’s actions
Mr. Ojukwu encouraged the Edo State Government to keep investigating the issue and praised the governor for suspending the leader of the Edo State Security Corps as well as prohibiting unauthorized vigilante operations throughout the state.
He likewise expressed the commission’s dedication to overseeing the continuous probe.
From our side, we will keep an eye on the investigation process to make sure justice prevails. This should act as a warning to others.
The promotion and safeguarding of human rights are crucial for national progress. Let’s adopt a culture that respects these rights and basic freedoms to improve Nigeria.
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by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | government, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, public policy
New health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has committed to the full implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) while promising to eliminate fraudsters who he says are derailing the government agenda of prioritizing health for all.
When he assumed responsibility for the health portfolio, Duale stated that he has complete support from President William Ruto to ensure that the health sector improves for everyone’s benefit. He praised the groundwork laid by former Cabinet Secretaries Susan Nakhumicha and Deborah Barasa.
Duale asserts that certain people and organizations profited from the former NHIF system and are now hindering the adoption of the new Social Health Authority and Insurance scheme. He emphasizes his role as a bulldozer set to remove obstacles for those attempting to impede the government’s plans.
Duale has pledged to collaborate with labor unions to seek mutually agreeable resolutions that would move them from the streets to the boardroom, which he feels is crucial for addressing these matters.
The new CS asked for support from Kenyans, assuring them that the president’s pet project would work to solve the myriads of issues that have also led a majority to hold harambees to cater for healthcare.
Duale has announced an increase in the ICU and HDU limits to Sh28,000 daily, with the oncology limit being elevated to Sh550,000.
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by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | government, politics, politics and government, politics and law, public policy
Lucknow (
Uttar Pradesh
[India], April 1 (ANI):
Uttar Pradesh
Minister
Danish Azad Ansari
On Tuesday expressed backing for the
Waqf Amendment Bill
, indicating that Muslims are supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the suggested bill.
In discussions with ANI, Ansari stated that a typical Muslim holds the belief that
Waqf Amendment Bill
is vital for the growth of the Muslim community.
“A typical Muslim holds the belief that the
Waqf Amendment Bill
“is crucial for the progress of the Muslim community. It is astounding how certain individuals and political entities are neglecting the well-being of Muslims solely for their own benefits,” he stated.
“Some individuals object to this bill as it places land rights under waqf in the hands of a select few. The general Muslim population supports Narendra Modi,” said the BJP MLA.
The
Waqf Amendment Bill
Is anticipated to be presented in Parliament on Wednesday. The BJP released a whip to all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members on Tuesday, instructing them to attend Parliament on April 2 and 4, respectively.
Nevertheless, the opposition has actively voiced its criticisms regarding this issue.
Waqf Amendment Bill
The India bloc floor leaders convened in Parliament to deliberate on the strategy.
Waqf Amendment Bill
to be tabled tomorrow.
The legislation was initially introduced in the Lok Sabha last August, after which a Joint Parliamentary Committee led by Jagdambika Pal was established for additional review.
This legislation intends to revise the Waqf Act from 1995 with the purpose of tackling problems and hurdles associated with overseeing and handling Waqf property. The proposed amendment looks to boost the governance and stewardship of these assets within India. By addressing deficiencies found in earlier versions of the act, this new measure endeavors to refine the effectiveness of Waqf councils through various modifications. These include relabeling the statute, refining the terminology around waqf, streamlining the documentation procedures, and amplifying technological integration for maintaining Waqf data.
The Waqf Act of 1995, which was put in place to manage Waqf properties, has frequently faced criticism due to problems like poor administration, corruption, and unauthorized intrusions. (ANI)
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