Featured

What are the responsibilities of caretaker government?

By: Masood Hussain Jaffri (VON)

A caretaker government assumes power and responsibility temporarily when the incumbent government completes its term or is unable to function effectively due to specific circumstances such as elections, political transitions, or emergency situations. During this period, the caretaker government carries out essential functions to ensure stability and facilitate a smooth transition of power.

The primary responsibilities of a caretaker government are as follows:

1. Conducting Elections: One of the crucial tasks of a caretaker government is to oversee the electoral process impartially and ensure free and fair elections. It must ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place, voter registration is accurate, and electoral laws are strictly followed. This responsibility aims to guarantee the legitimacy and transparency of the electoral process.

2. Maintaining Law and Order: Another critical duty of a caretaker government is to maintain law and order within the country. It must ensure that public safety and security are upheld, and any potential threats or disturbances are effectively addressed. This responsibility is vital to provide a conducive environment for the electoral process and safeguard the rights of citizens.

3. Administering Government Affairs: The caretaker government assumes temporary administrative powers to ensure the continued functioning of essential government affairs during the transitional phase. This includes managing public finances, public services, and day-to-day governance. However, it should exercise restraint and refrain from making major policy decisions that could encroach upon the mandate of the future elected government.

4. Facilitating a Seamless Transition: A caretaker government acts as a facilitator for the incoming government, ensuring a seamless transition of power. It coordinates with the incoming administration, provides necessary information, assists in handing over responsibilities, and offers guidance on matters of national importance. This responsibility aims to promote stability and continuity in governance.

5. Acting as a Public Trustee: As a caretaker, the government holds a position of trust and must act in the best interests of the nation. It should demonstrate impartiality, transparency, and accountability in all its decisions and actions. This responsibility helps maintain public confidence in the transitional process and ensures that the caretaker government fulfills its duties with integrity.

In conclusion, a caretaker government assumes crucial responsibilities such as conducting elections, maintaining law and order, administering government affairs, facilitating a seamless transition, and acting as a public trustee. These functions are vital in upholding democratic principles, preserving stability, and ensuring a smooth transfer of power within a nation.

The Pakistani military leadership is ready to accept the Abraham Accords. The media has been busy promoting the benefits of the Abraham Accords.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, were agreements between Israel and several Arab countries (the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco) to normalize relations.  However, Pakistan has not publicly expressed its willingness to accept or join the Abraham Accords, perhaps due to the public backlash that has been reported. Pakistan’s stance on Israel and the Abraham Accords is stuck between yes and no. That is, there is no formal indication of acceptance. Apparently, even after a few political elements met, Pakistan has not announced any intention to join the Abraham Accords or normalize relations with Israel, but the intentions and statements are not beyond suspicion. While Pakistan traditionally supports Palestinian rights and has not officially recognized Israel so far. While media outlets report on international agreements like the Abraham Accords, there is no clear indication that the Pakistani media is promoting Pakistan’s acceptance of these agreements, while some negative indications have reached us through social media on the basis of which they are being discussed. If we look at the Abraham Accords, in context, such agreements have  The agreements, which marked a change in relations between the two countries, focused on cooperation in areas such as trade and security. They were seen as a development in Middle East diplomacy, although they did not resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If we try to understand the Abraham Accords, Pakistan’s foreign policy, or related regional issues, such agreements have no status in the light of the teachings of Islam. As for Pakistan, nothing is impossible for the current military leadership. The past, the present, the future are in front of us and whatever is to happen will soon become apparent.

The Pakistani military leadership is ready to accept the Abraham Accords. The media has been busy promoting the benefits of the Abraham Accords.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, were agreements between Israel and several Arab countries (the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco) to normalize relations.  However, Pakistan has not publicly expressed its willingness to accept or join the Abraham Accords, perhaps due to the public backlash that has been reported. Pakistan’s stance on Israel and the Abraham Accords is stuck between yes and no. That is, there is no formal indication of acceptance. Apparently, even after a few political elements met, Pakistan has not announced any intention to join the Abraham Accords or normalize relations with Israel, but the intentions and statements are not beyond suspicion. While Pakistan traditionally supports Palestinian rights and has not officially recognized Israel so far. While media outlets report on international agreements like the Abraham Accords, there is no clear indication that the Pakistani media is promoting Pakistan’s acceptance of these agreements, while some negative indications have reached us through social media on the basis of which they are being discussed. If we look at the Abraham Accords, in context, such agreements have  The agreements, which marked a change in relations between the two countries, focused on cooperation in areas such as trade and security. They were seen as a development in Middle East diplomacy, although they did not resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If we try to understand the Abraham Accords, Pakistan’s foreign policy, or related regional issues, such agreements have no status in the light of the teachings of Islam. As for Pakistan, nothing is impossible for the current military leadership. The past, the present, the future are in front of us and whatever is to happen will soon become apparent.

معاہدہ ابراہام پر ,کیا پاکستان کی جانب سے مثبت اشارے مل گئے ہیں ؟

2020 میں دستخط کیے گئے ابراہیم معاہدے، تعلقات کو معمول پر لانے کے لیے اسرائیل اور کئی عرب ممالک (متحدہ عرب امارات، بحرین، سوڈان اور مراکش) کے درمیان معاہدے تھے۔  تاہم، پاکستان نے عوامی طور پر ابراہم معاہدے کو قبول کرنے یا اس میں شامل ہونے کے لیے آمادگی ظاہر نہیں کی تھی شاید عوامی ردعمل سخت اور منفی آنے کی اطلاع ہو۔اسرائیل اور ابراہیم معاہدے پر پاکستان کا موقف ہاں یا ناں کے درمیان پھنسا ہوا ہے۔یعنی قبولیت کا کوئی اشارہ باضابطہ نہیں ہے۔بظاہر تو چند سیاسی عناصر کی میل ملاقات کے بعد بھی پاکستان نے ابراہم معاہدے میں شامل ہونے یا اسرائیل کے ساتھ تعلقات کو معمول پر لانے کے کسی ارادے کا اعلان نہیں کیا ہے لیکن ارادے اور بیانات شکوک وشبہات سے بالاتر نہیں۔جبکہ پاکستان روایتی طور پر فلسطینیوں کے حقوق کی حمایت کرتا ہے اور اس نے اسرائیل کو باضابطہ طور پر اب تک تسلیم نہیں کیا ہے۔جب کہ میڈیا آؤٹ لیٹس ابراہم معاہدے جیسے بین الاقوامیجیسے بین الاقوامی معاہدوں کی رپورٹنگ کرتے ہیں، لیکن اس بات کا کوئی واضح اشارہ نہیں ہے کہ پاکستان کا میڈیا ان معاہدوں کی پاکستان کی قبولیت کو فروغ دے رہا ہے جبکہ کچھ منفی اشارے سوشل میڈیا کے ذریعے ہم تک پہنچے ہیں جس کی بنیاد پر بات کی جا رہی ہے۔اگر ابراہیم معاہدے کو دیکھا جائے تو سیاق و سباق کے مطابق اس طرح کے معاہدوں نے اسرائیل اور کچھ عرب ممالک کے درمیان تعلقات میں تبدیلی کی نشاندہی کی، تجارت اور سلامتی جیسے شعبوں میں تعاون پر توجہ مرکوز کی معاہدوں کو مشرق وسطیٰ کی سفارتکاری میں ایک ترقی کے طور پر دیکھا گیا، حالانکہ ان سے اسرائیل فلسطین تنازعہ حل نہیں ہوا۔اگر ہم، ابراہم معاہدے، پاکستان کی خارجہ پالیسی، یا متعلقہ علاقائی معاملات کو جاننے کی کوشش کریں تو دین اسلام کی ہدایات کی روشنی میں اس طرح کے معاہدوں کی کوئ حیثیت نہیں، رہی بات پاکستان کی تو موجودہ فوجی قیادت کے لیے کچھ بھی نا ممکن نہیں ماضی حال مستقبل سامنے ہے اور جو کچھ ہونا ہے کچھ ہی وقت میں اظہر من الشمس ہو جائے گا۔

پاکستان کے نقصانات کا زمہ دار کون ہے ؟

پاکستان کو درحقیقت فوجی مداخلتوں اور تنازعات کی وجہ سے خاص طور پر امریکی قیادت میں دہشت گردی کے خلاف جنگ کے تناظر میں کافی نقصان اٹھانا پڑا ہے۔تخمینے بتاتے ہیں کہ دہشت گردی کے خلاف جنگ کی وجہ سے پاکستان کا معاشی نقصان 123.1 بلین ڈالر سے لے کر 150 بلین ڈالر تک ہے، کچھ رپورٹس میں 252 بلین ڈالر تک کے اعداد و شمار کا حوالہ بھی دیا گیا ہے۔  یہ نقصانات بنیادی ڈھانچے کو پہنچنے والے نقصان، غیر ملکی سرمایہ کاری میں کمی اور صنعتی پیداوار سے منسوب ہیں۔
اس تنازعے کے نتیجے میں 70,000 سے زیادہ پاکستانی جانیں ضائع ہو چکی ہیں، اور بہت سے زخمی یا بے گھر ہو چکے ہیں۔  جنگ نے ملک کے سماجی تانے بانے اور معاشی ترقی پر بھی گہرا اثر ڈالا ہے۔پاکستان کی معیشت کو مبینہ طور پر تنازعات کی وجہ سے اس کی جی ڈی پی کا تقریباً 3% سالانہ نقصان ہوا ہے، جس کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ اہم اقتصادی مواقع ضائع ہوئے۔پاکستان اکنامک سروے کے مطابق، ملک کو سالانہ اوسطاً 7.7 بلین ڈالر کا نقصان ہوا، جو کہ تعلیم، صحت اور دیگر سماجی تحفظ کی اسکیموں پر ملک کے کل اخراجات سے زیادہ ہے۔
کچھ قابل ذکر واقعات اور خدشات میں شامل ہیں پاکستان کو متعدد دہشت گرد حملوں کا سامنا کرنا پڑا ہے، جس کے نتیجے میں اہم انسانی تکالیف اور معاشی نقصانات ہوئے ہیں۔ملک نے دہشت گردی سے نمٹنے اور بقایا خطرات کو ختم کرنے کے لیے ضرب عضب اور ردالفساد سمیت متعدد فوجی آپریشن شروع کیے ہیں۔
پاکستان نے افغانستان میں امریکی زیر قیادت اتحادی افواج کے ساتھ تعاون کیا ہے، لاجسٹک مدد فراہم کی ہے اور اس کی فضائی حدود اور فوجی اڈوں تک رسائی فراہم کی ہے۔

Pakistani tax evaders are being caught for non-payment of taxes in London

By: Masood Hussain Geffery

The arrest of Pakistani tax evaders in London for tax evasion is an important development.   Although I could not find any specific information about recent cases, it is worth noting that the UK is actively working to prevent tax evasion and money laundering. In fact, Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is using data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify potential tax evaders.  The FBR is also cracking down on Beneficial accounts and properties, which are often used to hide ill-gotten wealth. But unfortunately for this country and nation, the imposed elements are not allowing it to work in the right direction, mainly due to their involvement in corruption and tax evasion. During the regime of the late Musharraf, Pakistan signed agreements with many countries, including the UK, to share financial information and combat tax evasion.  The aim of these efforts is to bring more transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s financial system. It is also worth noting that tax evasion has been an important and very serious problem in Pakistan, as per estimates, the country loses billions of rupees every year due to tax evasion.  The government has been reluctant to take serious steps to tackle the problem, although introducing new tax laws and increasing penalties for tax evasion should be among the top priorities.








https://isj.org.pk/dawn-editorial-tax-evaders/

Hi-tech crimes have increased a lot in Pakistan


By: Masood Hussain Geffery 

A very concerning issue! Hi-tech crimes, also known as cybercrimes, have indeed increased significantly in Pakistan in recent years.

Types of Hi-Tech Crimes:

1. Cyber hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or data.

2. Identity theft: Stealing personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers.

3. Online fraud: Scams, phishing, and other types of online deception.

4. Cyberstalking: Harassment or threats made through digital platforms.

5. Data breaches: Unauthorized access or theft of sensitive data.

Reasons for the Increase:

1. Rapid digitization: Pakistan’s increasing reliance on digital technologies has created new vulnerabilities.

2. Lack of cybersecurity infrastructure: Inadequate measures to protect against cyber threats.

3. Limited awareness: Many Pakistanis are not aware of the risks associated with online activities.

4. Weak law enforcement: Difficulty in investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes.

Consequences:

1. Financial losses: Cybercrimes can result in significant financial losses for individuals and businesses.

2. Reputational damage: Cyber attacks can damage an organization’s reputation and erode trust.

3. National security risks: Cyber threats can compromise national security and critical infrastructure.

Efforts to Combat Hi-Tech Crimes:

1. Cybersecurity laws: Pakistan has enacted laws, such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), to combat cybercrimes.

2. Cybersecurity agencies: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other agencies are working to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes.

3. Awareness campaigns: Efforts are being made to raise awareness about cybersecurity and the risks associated with online activities.

While progress is being made, more needs to be done to combat the growing threat of hi-tech crimes in Pakistan.

Special thanks for INN. International News Network

عمران خان جان بوجھ کر جیل میں بیٹھا ہے

ملک میں آئے روز مسخروں کی دنیا اور ٹوٹ بٹوٹ جیسی صورت حال پیدا ہوگئی ہے

رجیم چینج کے بعد جس مخلوق کو مسلط کیا گیا اس مخلوق کا مسخرہ پن دیکھتے ہوئے مدت بیت گئ روز کوئ نا کوئ ایسا رٹا رٹایا اسکرپٹ میڈیا کے سامنے باوضو پڑھا جاتا ہے جسے سن پڑھ کر مسخروں کی دنیا یا ٹوٹ بٹوٹ جیسی صورت حال پیدا ہو جاتی ہے حال ہی میں ایک لطیفہ اخبارات میں شائع کیا گیا تھا جس کے تناظر میں ہم تو صرف یہی کہہ سکتے ہیں۔
عمران خان کی گرفتاری اور نظر بندی تنازع اور بحث کا موضوع رہی ہے۔  9 مئی 2023 کو، خان کو اسلام آباد ہائی کورٹ کے اندر سے قومی احتساب بیورو (نیب) نے القادر ٹرسٹ سے متعلق بدعنوانی کے الزام میں گرفتار کیا تھا۔¹ تاہم، سپریم کورٹ آف پاکستان نے اس گرفتاری کو غیر قانونی قرار دیتے ہوئے ان کی فوری رہائی کا حکم دیا۔یہ بات قابل غور ہے کہ خان فوجی اسٹیبلشمنٹ پر تنقید کرتے رہے ہیں اور ان پر ان کی گرفتاری میں ملوث ہونے کا الزام لگاتے رہے ہیں۔اس صورتحال نے پورے پاکستان میں بڑے پیمانے پر احتجاج اور بدامنی کو جنم دیا ہے، خان کے بہت سے حامی ان کی گرفتاری کو سیاسی طور پر محرک سمجھتے ہیں۔اس بات کا کوئی ثبوت نہیں ہے کہ عمران خان جان بوجھ کر جیل میں بیٹھے ہیں۔درحقیقت، انہیں 12 مئی 2023 کو اسلام آباد ہائی کورٹ نے ضمانت دی تھی، اور حراست سے رہا کر دیا گیا تھا۔

What action can Britain take on the open violation of human rights in Pakistan?

Britain can take several steps to address the open violation of human rights in Pakistan.

  • Diplomatic Pressure: The UK government can convey its concerns to the Pakistani government at the highest level, urging them to take immediate action to address human rights abuses.¹ ²
  • Supporting International Investigations: Britain can support international investigations into human rights violations in Pakistan, such as those conducted by the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC).³ ⁴
  • Providing Humanitarian Aid: The UK can provide humanitarian aid to organizations working to support victims of human rights abuses in Pakistan.
  • Raising Awareness: British lawmakers and citizens can raise awareness about human rights issues in Pakistan, using platforms like the UK Parliament’s Early Day Motions.
  • Economic Leverage: The UK can use its economic influence to pressure Pakistan to improve its human rights record, such as by conditioning trade agreements or aid packages on human rights progress.

By: Masood Hussain Geffery S

Special thanks for

INN: International News Network

Can the British government prosecute and punish the accused for human rights violations and massacres in Pakistan?

The British government’s ability to prosecute and punish individuals accused of human rights violations and massacres in Pakistan is limited by several factors.

  • Jurisdictional constraints: The UK’s jurisdiction primarily extends to crimes committed within its territory or by its citizens. Prosecuting crimes committed in Pakistan would require cooperation from Pakistani authorities or reliance on international law principles like universal jurisdiction.¹
  • International law limitations: While international law obliges states to investigate and prosecute gross human rights violations, its enforcement is often hindered by political and diplomatic complexities. The UK would need to navigate these complexities to pursue prosecution.
  • Cooperation with Pakistani authorities: Effective prosecution would likely require cooperation from Pakistani authorities, which may be challenging given the country’s history of military rule and complex politics.

That being said, there are some avenues the British government could explore:

  • Universal jurisdiction: The UK could invoke universal jurisdiction principles, which allow states to prosecute individuals for certain international crimes regardless of where they were committed or the nationality of the perpetrator.
  • International cooperation: The UK could work with international organizations, like the United Nations, to support investigations and prosecutions related to human rights violations in Pakistan.
  • Diplomatic pressure: The British government could exert diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to investigate and prosecute those responsible for human rights violations.

Ultimately, while there are potential avenues for the British government to pursue, the complexities of international law and politics mean that prosecution and punishment are far from guaranteed.

By: Masood Hussain Geffery

Special thanks for international News Network agency