KARACHI: Pakistan’s primary anti-corruption body, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), inaugurated an art gallery in southern Balochistan province’s main Quetta city on Friday to promote its “positive image,” but critics say such efforts without reforming the system will not yield results.
In recent months, the NAB has been accused of carrying out an anti-graft crusade backed by Prime Minister Imran Khan, which has led to dozens of high-profile arrests amid fierce political criticism.
While inaugurating the gallery inside the building of the NAB office, Balochistan’s NAB chief, Farmanullah Khan, stressed the need to make a younger generation aware about the negative societal impacts of corruption, and to highlight the positive image of the organization under the special interest of NAB chief, retd. justice Javed Iqbal.
The gallery, he said, would “help the NAB’s efforts of making corrupt (people) accountable.”
But art critics say the art exhibit is a “gimmick” with no real outcome.
“This is not the first time we see an art-related activity with the anti-corruption theme. The anti-corruption department of Sindh (province) had been arranging exhibitions with no visible outcome,” Shahid Rassam, a renowned Pakistani artist and critic, told Arab News and stressed the need for real, organizational reform.
NAB spokesperson, Abdul Shakoor, said the goal of the art gallery was to spread awareness and “tell our children that corruption is a menace.”
Shakoor told Arab News that NAB had been holding art competitions based around the theme of anti-corruption in Balochistan’s art schools and was now displaying that artwork in the NAB gallery, which was not yet open to the general public.
“Awareness against corruption through creative feelings of art will be helpful in (our) ongoing jihad against corruption,” Shakoor said, making a reference to the Islamic concept of holy war.
The Imran Khan government has denied allegations about a NAB-led political witch-hunt, calling such claims opposition propaganda. In June, NAB arrested former Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and his sister over alleged false bank accounts and money laundering. NAB investigations against jailed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have continued, with his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, arrested by a NAB team last month alongside dozens of fresh probes and arrests.
“In the developed world, an accused (person) is not arrested till all evidence is collected. We see no such thing in Pakistan, where the character of anti-corruption watchdogs isn’t in line with the essence of the very arts they are using for their promotion,” artist Rassam said.
Pakistan’s anti-graft body opens art gallery amid criticism
Pakistan’s anti-graft body opens art gallery amid criticism
- In recent months, the national accountability bureau has been accused of carrying out a political witch-hunt
- Critics call the gallery a gimmick with no tangible outcome
Pakistan decides to deploy paramilitary forces in capital ahead of anti-government protest
- Imran Khan’s PTI party is gearing up for planned “long march” to Pakistan’s capital this Sunday
- PTI says will protest “rigging,” demand judiciary’s independence and release of political prisoners
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s interior ministry has authorized the deployment of the country’s paramilitary Punjab Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) forces in Islamabad from Nov. 7 onwards, a notification said, to maintain the law and order situation ahead of a planned protest by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The PTI is gearing up to lead a “long march” to Islamabad on Sunday over alleged rigging in the Feb. 8 general elections and has also called for the release of political prisoners including Khan and demanded the judiciary’s independence. On Monday, Islamabad’s district magistrate imposed a two-month-long ban on the gathering of more than five people in the capital using Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Section 144 allows the government to prohibit various forms of political assembly, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations and other activities for a specified period. Earlier on Wednesday, the PTI and the government both ruled out negotiations with each other while police warned action will be taken against Khan supporters who violate the public gatherings ban.
“The federal government in exercise of the powers conferred under Sections four and five of Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 is pleased to authorize the deployment of sufficient strength of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) and Frontier Constabulary troops in ICT from Nov. 7 onwards to handle the law and order situation,” the Ministry of Interior’s notification, dated Nov. 7 but released on Wednesday, read.
It said Islamabad’s chief commissioner had requested for the deployment of Punjab Rangers and FC forces in the capital on Nov. 4. The notification added that the number of troops, their requisitioning date and the area of their deployment will be finalized following mutual consultations between all stakeholders.
Pakistan’s parliament also passed a law earlier this year to regulate public gatherings in Islamabad, including by specifying timings for rallies and designating specific areas. The law has set three-year jail terms for participants in illegal assemblies, with a ten-year imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government has thwarted the PTI party’s recent rallies and marches organized to build pressure for Khan’s release. The former prime minister has been in jail since August 2023 and has faced dozens of cases since he was removed as premier in 2022.
Since then, Khan has launched a protest movement against the coalition of his rivals, which critics say is backed by the all-powerful military which denies political interference.
Pakistani clerics body says declared VPN usage un-Islamic without government, military’s ‘influence’
Pakistani clerics body says declared VPN usage un-Islamic without government, military’s ‘influence’
- Council of Islamic Ideology last week declared use of VPNs “un-Islamic” after government announced banning them
- Independent analysts say CII statement was released due to military, government’s influence to provide ban religious cover
ISLAMABAD: Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr. Raghab Hussain Naeemi clarified on Wednesday that the top clerics body had described the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) as “un-Islamic” independently and not under the influence of Pakistan’s powerful military or government.
Pakistani authorities last week announced a ban on the use of VPNs, citing their use by militant groups for financial transactions and violent activities, which was criticized by rights activists and independent analysts. The CII issued a statement later, declaring the usage of VPNs as un-Islamic. The ban followed the government’s earlier move to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from attacks, and allow it to identify IP addresses associated with “anti-state propaganda” and terror attacks. Pakistan has already blocked access to social media platform X since the February general elections, with the government saying the blocking was to stop anti-state activities and due to a failure by X to adhere to local Pakistani laws.
These moves have caused Internet disruptions over the past couple of months. Independent analysts have accused the government and Pakistan’s powerful military of suppressing criticism by former prime minister Imran Khan’s supporters on digital media. They allege that the CII issued its statement against the use of VPNs last week at the government and military’s behest, who wanted to provide a religious cover to the Internet restrictions. The government and Pakistan’s military deny this.
“Even today, it is the council’s own initiative, independent of any influence or direction from the government, [military] establishment, security agencies or any ministry,” Naeemi told Arab News on the sidelines of a press conference. “And it is not directed against any political party or to support anyone but aiming to prevent the immoral use of VPNs and block blasphemous content.”
The cleric said that the importance of social media and other technological tools cannot be denied, adding that their “positive use” has become a necessity of the times.
“Administrative measures should be adopted to prevent their misuse and the council believes that merely imposing restrictions on modern tools is not a solution; it is equally important to enable their positive use and to offer viable alternatives,” the CII chief said.
Naeemi said the CII has decided to conduct further research on the topic from an Islamic perspective in consultation with experts.
In a press conference earlier, Naeemi said VPNs and other social media applications are not inherently unlawful or un-Islamic. He said their permissibility according to Islam depends on their usage.
“If it is used to spread or access content that involves disrespect, blasphemy, unrest, anarchy or is against national security, such usage will undoubtedly be deemed impermissible in Shariah,” he said.
Naeemi backed the government’s move to regulate the use of VPNs through registration.
“Social media should be used for promoting Islamic values, building moral character, advancing education and training, fostering trade, strengthening national peace and security, and other lawful objectives,” Naeemi said.
Pakistan, China begin joint counter-terror exercise ‘Warrior-VIII’ to bolster military ties
- Three-week long exercise aimed at refining professional skills of both armies, says Pakistan military
- Exercise takes place amid surge in attacks in recent weeks on Chinese nationals living in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Wednesday kicked off their joint counter-terror exercise, “Warrior-VIII,” aimed at refining soldiers’ professional skills and bolstering military-to-military ties between the two states, Pakistan Army said.
Pakistan and China share a robust military partnership, with the two states enjoying longstanding cooperation in defense production, technology and training. China is Pakistan’s largest defense supplier, providing advanced weaponry including fighter jets and submarines to its ally. The two nations frequently collaborate through joint military exercises, counter-terrorism efforts and regional security initiatives.
Warrior VIII is a three-week long counter-terror exercise with the eighth edition taking place at the northwestern town of Pabbi in KP’s Nowshera district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army’s media wing, said.
“Opening Ceremony of Pak — China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII between Pakistan Army and Peoples’ Liberation Army of China was conducted at National Counter Terrorism Center, Pabbi, today,” the ISPR said.
“The exercise is aimed at refining professional skills through joint training besides harnessing the historic military-to-military relations among the iron-clad brothers.”
The exercise takes place amid a surge in attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan by separatist elements in Karachi and southwestern Balochistan province. Islamabad says the attacks are aimed at disrupting its ties with Beijing and destabilizing a multi-billion-dollar Chinese infrastructure project in Pakistan.
A deadly suicide blast near the airport in the southern city of Karachi last month targeted Chinese engineers, killing two and injuring several. In March this year, a suicide bombing killed five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver in northwestern Pakistan as they headed to the Dasu Dam, the largest hydropower project in the country.
China has called on Pakistan to enhance security measures for its citizens in the country. Islamabad has vowed to ensure foolproof security measures for Chinese citizens in the country.
Pakistan gears up to promote exports globally with upcoming 18th OIC Trade Fair
- Upcoming OIC Trade Fair will be held from Nov. 29-Dec. 1 in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore
- Commerce minister urges stakeholders to ensure Pakistan’s trade capabilities are highlighted at fair
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan held a high-level meeting on Wednesday about the upcoming 18th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Trade Fair and Wexnet 2024 business events, stressing the need to promote the country’s exports globally through them.
The OIC Trade Fair is one of the major annual events organized by the Islamic Center for Development of Trade (ICDT) to promote trade and cooperation between the 57 OIC member countries. The 18th edition of the fair will be organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Pakistan’s commerce ministry in collaboration with the ICDT in the eastern city of Lahore from Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
Wexnet, meanwhile, is a flagship event organized by the TDAP to empower and promote women entrepreneurs across the nation. The platform allows women-led businesses to showcase their innovative products and services in the country.
“The Minister emphasized the significance of Wexnet 2024 as a platform to promote women entrepreneurs and directed TDAP to intensify efforts in showcasing their achievements,” the commerce ministry said. “He also stressed the importance of utilizing both events to amplify TDAP’s role in fostering trade development and promoting Pakistan’s exports globally.”
Stressing the impact of both events, Khan urged all stakeholders to ensure outreach, meticulous planning and impactful representation of Pakistan’s trade and business capabilities, it added.
The ministry said both events are poised to strengthen Pakistan’s trade ties and support the country’s export-oriented growth strategy.
“TDAP remains committed to promoting inclusive trade development and creating avenues for showcasing Pakistan’s export potential,” the commerce ministry said.
The ICDT says the trade fair aims to promote the development of economic and commercial partnerships between member countries and disseminate and share their economic potential.
It said the event also aims to make a tangible contribution to the development of exchanges and investments linked to trade between member countries while also market their products and services.
The OIC is the second-largest inter-government organization after the United Nations, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. It is considered globally as the collective voice of the Muslim world and seeks to safeguard and protect its interests.
Pakistan third-worst country out of 142 for order and security, says World Justice Project
- Mali, ranked at 141 and Nigeria, ranked at 142, were placed below Pakistan in Order and Security index
- Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks in western provinces bordering Afghanistan since Nov. 22
ISLAMABAD: The World Justice Project has ranked Pakistan as the third-worst country for law and order out of a total of 142, as Islamabad grapples with surging militant attacks and suicide bombings in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan while rights activists accuse the government of clamping down on freedom of speech and expression.
The World Justice Project describes itself as an independent, multidisciplinary organization that is working to create knowledge, build awareness and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide.
In its annual list released on Oct. 23, the WJP said rule of law has once again weakened in a majority of countries surveyed this year. Pakistan was ranked at 140 out of a total of 142 countries in its Order and Security criteria.
“Security is one of the defining aspects of any rule of law society and is a fundamental function of the state,” the WJP said. “It is also a precondition for the realization of the rights and freedoms that the rule of law seeks to advance.”
Only Mali, ranked at 141 and Nigeria, ranked at 142, were placed below Pakistan in the Order and Security index by the WJP.
The WJP ranked Pakistan at 129 out of 142 in the overall Rule of Law index. The overall rating is given by considering eight factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice and Criminal Justice.
The report ranked Pakistan at 103 for Constraints on Government Powers, 120 for Absence of Corruption, 106 for Open Government, 125 for Fundamental Rights, 127 for Regulatory Enforcement, 128 for Civil Justice and 98 for Criminal Justice.
The WJP said in its press release that a majority of countries had improved on ensuring effective criminal justice but authoritarian trends have continued to set them back on protecting human rights and democracy.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks since Nov. 22 in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan ever since its fragile truce with the Pakistani Taliban broke down. Separatist militants in the country’s southwestern Balochistan province have also increased attacks against security forces and civilians in recent months.
Meanwhile, opposition parties and rights activists have accused the government and Pakistan’s powerful military of using coercive tactics to suppress freedom of speech and their right to protest. Rights activists have also pointed to frequent Internet disruptions in the country, accusing the state of clamping down on people’s right to enjoy digital freedoms.
The government and Pakistan’s powerful military deny these allegations.
