AJK polling enters third phase amid tight security

LONDON:  Constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, a vibrant economy and a strong defence are the four pillars that will safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensure its long-term stability, former Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production Senator Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum HI(M) said in London. Addressing a Pakistan Independence Day reception organised by the International Lawyers Club UK (ILCUK) in London to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the President of the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) said Pakistan’s independence was won through “immense sacrifices, visionary leadership and the constitutional struggle led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.” “Among the greatest blessings of Allah Almighty is living as free citizens of an independent and sovereign Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country’s freedom “is not merely inherited but has to be continuously protected through unity, discipline and national resolve.” Paying tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces, Senator Abdul Qayyum said the military had repeatedly defended the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against external aggression, terrorism and hybrid threats. “Our Armed Forces have successfully confronted external aggression, terrorism and various hybrid threats because of the determination of our people and the sacrifices, professionalism and courage of our soldiers,” he said. “The nation takes pride in its internationally respected Armed Forces, which have repeatedly defended Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He warned that Pakistan continued to face a range of internal and external challenges, including terrorism, foreign-sponsored insurgency, disinformation campaigns, sectarianism and political polarisation. He stressed that operations against terrorists and armed militants should be viewed as a constitutional responsibility of the state rather than political repression. “Action against armed militants, terrorists and those working against the state should not be misconstrued as repression, but rather as the constitutional responsibility of the state to protect the lives and property of its citizens,” he said. While acknowledging the importance of democratic freedoms, Senator Abdul Qayyum said freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly. “Freedom of expression and difference of opinion should never come at the expense of national security,” he said, adding that unity between the people, constitutional institutions and the Armed Forces remained “the strongest guarantee of Pakistan’s sovereignty, stability and democratic future.” Highlighting the historic contribution of lawyers to the Pakistan Movement, he said the legal fraternity had played a decisive role in achieving independence through constitutional means. He urged lawyers and barristers to continue defending the Constitution, upholding the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions. Turning to Pakistan’s future priorities, the senator called for strict adherence to constitutional governance, separation of powers, an independent judiciary and impartial accountability. He also advocated comprehensive industrial and agricultural reforms, greater investment in education, science, research and artificial intelligence, modernisation of Pakistan’s defence capabilities and stronger border security. Referring to criticism of the military, Senator Abdul Qayyum said retired servicemen, pensioners of second-line forces and civilians associated with the defence sector stood firmly behind the Armed Forces. “Those who demonise this sacred institution in the national and international media do no service to the country,” he said, urging the media to report responsibly and avoid undermining institutions responsible for safeguarding Pakistan’s security. Concluding his address, Senator Abdul Qayyum called on Pakistanis at home and abroad to renew their commitment to strengthening national institutions, rebuilding the economy, educating future generations and honouring the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs. “I am confident that through unity, collective effort and by placing national interests above political differences, Pakistan will emerge stronger, more resilient and more prosperous in the years ahead,” he said.

Russia has sharply criticized the European Union after the bloc approved its 21st package of sanctions, saying the new measures will damage European economies more than Russia and further increase tensions between Moscow and Brussels. In a statement released by Russia’s Permanent Mission to the European Union, officials said the approval process for the latest sanctions exposed growing divisions within the EU. According to Moscow, many member states were reluctant to support additional restrictions because of the economic burden they are already facing. Russia claimed the lengthy negotiations reflected increasing concern among European governments over the impact of sanctions on businesses, energy supplies and overall economic growth. The Russian mission accused the European Union of continuing a policy of confrontation despite rising economic challenges across Europe. It said EU leaders were ignoring the financial costs of sanctions while pursuing what Moscow described as a political campaign against Russia. The statement also referred to comments by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, who indicated that further sanctions could be introduced in the future. According to Russia, discussions on new sanctions have become a political ritual aimed at showing unity among EU member states rather than achieving practical results. Moscow argued that the restrictions have failed to weaken Russia in the way European leaders had expected. Instead, it claimed that European citizens and businesses are paying the price through higher energy costs, inflation and slower economic growth. The statement further argued that Europe’s economic difficulties have been intensified by the EU’s decision to reduce imports of Russian energy, continued financial and military support for Ukraine, and instability in global energy markets caused by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Russian officials also pointed to a recent assessment by the European Central Bank, which highlighted geopolitical conflicts and energy market uncertainty as major risks to the European economy. Moscow said this assessment supports its argument that continued sanctions are creating additional pressure on European countries. Using a road journey as a comparison, the Russian mission said the European Union was following a path that could lead its economy into serious difficulties. It argued that EU policymakers should reconsider their current strategy instead of introducing more restrictions that, in Russia’s view, have produced limited results while increasing costs for Europe. The statement concluded by reaffirming that Russia considers the EU sanctions to be illegal unilateral measures. Moscow warned that any additional restrictions imposed by the European Union would receive what it described as an effective and appropriate response from Russia.