देश-विदेश

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.

Cameroon’s 93-year-old President, Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state, has enacted a strategic reshuffle of the country’s military leadership from abroad, issuing decrees to promote senior officers and appoint new commanders while remaining in Geneva, Switzerland. Among the key appointments, Biya promoted five colonels to the rank of brigadier general. Notably, Brigadier General Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo was reappointed to lead the elite Presidential Guard, an essential security unit responsible for the president’s personal protection that he has commanded since 2013. The administrative shifts coincide with growing domestic anxiety regarding Biya’s absence from Cameroon, which has extended to nearly two months following his departure on 7 June for what officials termed a “brief private stay”. Opponents and civil society groups have voiced concern over an institutional vacuum, noting that a newly created vice-presidential seat remains vacant and a promised cabinet overhaul has yet to materialise. Government representatives, including Communication Minister René Emmanuel Sadi, dismissed claims of administrative paralysis or health crises, maintaining that the president remains fully operational and continues to sign official decrees and financial agreements from abroad.

A 37-year-old man has been charged with first-degree arson in connection with one of three uncontained wildfires burning across Spokane County, Washington, as emergency crews continue to combat blazes that have destroyed hundreds of structures and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels confirmed that Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested on Monday in relation to the Old Trails Fire and is being held on a $1 million bond. According to law enforcement officials, a witness reported seeing Farinacci kneeling near the location where the fire originated on Saturday, shortly before smoke was observed rising from the brush. Responding officers subsequently located the suspect carrying waterproof matches and a butane lighter. Investigators utilised body-worn camera footage to obtain an official arrest warrant. The Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires have collectively scorched more than 10,000 acres across the region. None of the three blazes has been contained, presenting an ongoing challenge for emergency personnel navigating difficult weather conditions and dry vegetation. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the emergency in stark terms during a broadcast interview, characterising the destruction across urban and suburban zones as severe. He noted that entire residential neighbourhoods within the city of Spokane have been largely wiped out by the advancing flames. Local authorities estimate that more than 700 structures have been completely destroyed, with an additional 10,000 properties remaining under immediate threat. Roughly 65,000 residents across Spokane County have been ordered to evacuate as containment efforts proceed. Emergency services confirmed that no fatalities or injuries have been verified to date.

Voters across Michigan headed to the polls on Tuesday for a pivotal Democratic Senate primary that has emerged as a major battleground testing the ideological direction of the party. Former public health director Abdul El-Sayed faced four-term US Representative Haley Stevens in a fierce contest to secure the nomination to replace retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. The election night watch party for El-Sayed in Detroit saw left-wing commentator Hasan Piker launch a sharp critique against the Democratic political establishment while speaking to media representatives. Piker praised El-Sayed’s campaign as an “issues-first” movement, asserting that grassroots engagement carried greater weight than financial backing. Piker drew specific attention to external campaign funding, taking aim at the more than $30 million (£23.5 million) poured into the race by political action committees affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in support of Stevens. Describing the influx of negative advertising against El-Sayed as a “heinous smear campaign”, Piker expressed hope that mainstream Democrats would learn from El-Sayed’s approach. He also dismissed suggestions that the candidate or his high-profile backers would prove to be a general election liability, arguing that voters are disillusioned with personality-driven politics and seeking structural policy changes. Throughout the primary, the candidates presented starkly contrasting visions for the party’s future in the battleground state. El-Sayed, who gained endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders, focused his platform on reducing corporate influence in politics, expanding healthcare access, and providing economic support to working families. Responding to characterisations regarding his political stance, El-Sayed clarified that he advocates for regulated capitalism rather than socialism. Conversely, Stevens leaned on her tenure in the US House of Representatives and her previous role in the Obama administration, positioning herself as a pragmatic candidate with the legislative track record needed to retain the seat. While earlier polling indicated El-Sayed held a slight edge, surveys suggested Stevens might hold broader appeal amongst moderate voters in the upcoming general election. The political friction surrounding the primary also drew public commentary from US President Donald Trump, who characterised the race as a contest between a “communist and a socialist.” The winning Democratic nominee will move on to face Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the November general election, a race anticipated to play a crucial role in determining party control of the US Senate.

Joint emergency response teams from France and the United Kingdom rescued 157 migrants after their vessel caught fire during an attempted crossing of the English Channel early on Tuesday morning. The vessel, which departed from the northern coast of France near Normandy, was under monitoring by French maritime authorities when its engine caught fire in France’s search-and-rescue zone close to British territorial waters. The blaze caused the boat’s condition to deteriorate rapidly, forcing emergency crews to initiate an immediate extraction operation involving naval helicopters, lifeboats, and medical units from both nations. Prior to the engine fire, French patrol vessels had retrieved five individuals who requested medical aid overnight. Maritime officials noted that passengers making irregular crossings frequently decline preventative assistance from coastal patrols, accepting aid only when confronted with catastrophic emergencies. All rescued individuals were disembarked at the northern French port of Boulogne-sur-Mer for formal health evaluations and processing. Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were recorded during the incident.