constitution rule law
|

Constitution, rule of law and strong defence key to Pakistan’s future, says Senator Abdul Qayyum

ByJustpaste.in

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.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Drone attack damages oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

    ByJustpaste.in

    A drone attack targeted an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, causing minor damage to the vessel but leaving all members of the crew safe, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The maritime security agency said the incident took place as the tanker was navigating the strategically important waterway. The drone strike caused limited damage to the vessel, but authorities reported no casualties or injuries among the crew. UKMTO also said the incident did not result in any environmental damage. There were no reports of an oil spill, leakage or other pollution following the attack, easing concerns about a possible impact on the marine environment. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes, particularly for global energy supplies. Large volumes of crude oil and petroleum products pass through the narrow waterway every day, linking major oil-producing countries in the Gulf with international markets. The latest attack has once again highlighted security concerns surrounding commercial shipping in the region. Any disruption or attack involving an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz can raise concerns about the safety of maritime traffic, insurance costs and the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise commercial vessels operating in the area to remain alert to potential security threats.

  • | | | | |

    Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal sent through Ir…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: Iran has reportedly rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal delivered through Iraq, insisting that any agreement must address the underlying causes of the conflict rather than offer only a temporary halt in fighting, according to a report published by The New York Times. The report said the proposal was conveyed during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s visit to Tehran after meetings with US officials in Washington. Acting as an intermediary, the Iraqi leader is said to have relayed Washington’s message in an effort to ease rising military tensions between Iran and the United States. According to the report, Iranian officials made it clear that a short-term ceasefire would not be acceptable unless it included concrete solutions to the broader disputes driving the conflict, particularly issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes. While the full details of the reported US proposal were not disclosed, Iranian officials were quoted as saying that a temporary pause in hostilities would do little to resolve the crisis without addressing Tehran’s core strategic concerns. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the Iraqi prime minister had briefed Tehran on his discussions in Washington and shared his observations from the visit. However, Araghchi emphasized that communication channels between Iran and the United States already exist through several regional mediators. “The issue is not the delivery of messages,” Araghchi said, according to Iranian media. “The real problem is Washington’s approach.” He accused the United States of pursuing what he described as an “unreasonable, greedy and controlling” policy that has fueled the current crisis. The report added that Tehran remains committed to its long-standing strategic demands and is unwilling to accept any agreement that it believes undermines Iran’s national interests or regional position. As of the time of publication, the US government had not issued an official response to the New York Times report or to the statements attributed to Iranian officials. The details of the alleged proposal have also not been independently verified. Diplomatic efforts involving Iraq, Qatar, Pakistan, and other regional countries are continuing behind the scenes in an attempt to reduce tensions and prevent a wider regional conflict. However, political analysts say deep disagreements between Tehran and Washington continue to limit the prospects for a breakthrough. The reported rejection underscores the significant obstacles facing mediation efforts, particularly as disputes over regional security, sanctions, and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. With military tensions still high and both sides maintaining firm public positions, observers believe a comprehensive diplomatic solution remains difficult despite ongoing regional mediation initiatives.

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz congratulates PML-N after strong AJK el…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership and its supporters after the party emerged with a clear lead in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement on Tuesday, the prime minister described the successful completion of the first phase as a positive development for the democratic process and praised voters and political parties for their participation. Shehbaz Sharif said political parties took part in the elections with enthusiasm, calling their active participation an important sign that the democratic process had been carried out successfully. Praise for PML-N campaign Congratulating the PML-N on its performance, the prime minister credited the party’s leadership and election team for what he described as a highly successful campaign in AJK. He particularly praised PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, saying the party’s campaign had been conducted under his leadership and had succeeded in gaining a clear advantage during the first phase of voting. The prime minister’s remarks came as attention remained focused on the election results and the political direction emerging from the initial phase. PM urges voters to maintain enthusiasm Shehbaz Sharif also called on people to participate in the next phase of the electoral process with the same enthusiasm. He said continued public participation would help strengthen and complete the democratic process, stressing that voters’ engagement remained central to the success of elections. The prime minister’s statement also highlighted the importance of political competition and participation in AJK, where elections are closely watched because of the region’s political and constitutional significance. The first phase of polling saw political parties compete for public support while voters exercised their right to choose their representatives. For the PML-N, the reported lead provides an important political boost and could shape momentum heading into the next stage of the elections. With the second phase still ahead, the focus is now expected to shift toward voter turnout, campaign strategies and whether the PML-N can maintain its advantage. The final electoral picture will depend on the results of all phases, but the opening round has already provided a significant political moment for the ruling party. Unofficial and Unconfirmed Results LA-1 Mirpur-1 According to the results from all 139 polling stations in LA-1 Mirpur-1, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Azhar Sadiq was declared the winner after securing 15,427 votes, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Muhammad Afsar Shahid came second with 9,832 votes. LA-2 Mirpur-2 After results from all 149 polling stations were completed, PPP’s Qasim Majid won the constituency with 12,904 votes, while PML-N candidate Azim Bakhsh Chaudhry secured 8,182 votes. LA-3 Mirpur-3 The PPP also won LA-3 Mirpur-3. According to results from all 161 polling stations, Chaudhry Yasir Sultan secured 11,676 votes to win, while PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed received 9,832 votes. LA-4 Mirpur-4 With results from all 162 polling stations completed, PML-N’s Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed won with 20,172 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Sohaib Arshad came second with 13,865 votes. LA-5 Bhimber-1 PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor won LA-5 with 30,259 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Pervez Ashraf secured 29,574 votes. LA-6 Bhimber-2 According to results from 100 of the 195 polling stations, PML-N’s Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq was maintaining his lead with 21,210 votes, while Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Ali Shan Chaudhry was second with 11,354 votes. LA-7 Bhimber-3 After results from all 237 polling stations were completed, PML-N’s Chaudhry Tariq Farooq was declared the winner with 35,490 votes, while independent candidate Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq came second with 25,100 votes. LA-8 Kotli-1 According to unofficial results from all 155 polling stations, PPP candidate Zafar Iqbal Malik won with 19,535 votes, while PML-N’s Malik Muhammad Nawaz Khan secured 11,966 votes. LA-9 Kotli-2 With results from all 178 polling stations completed, PML-N candidate Umair Naeem won with 31,080 votes, while PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi received 28,509 votes. LA-10 Kotli-3 According to results from all 169 polling stations, PPP’s Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin won with 12,431 votes, while PML-N candidate Fateh Mahmood-ul-Hassan came second with 9,245 votes. LA-11 Kotli-4 PML-N candidate Muhammad Asif won LA-11 Kotli-4 with 26,190 votes, according to results from all 206 polling stations. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq secured 21,751 votes and finished second. LA-12 Kotli-5 Unofficial and unconfirmed results from all 207 polling stations showed PML-N candidate Muhammad Riasat Khan winning with 35,168 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin came second with 30,320 votes. LA-13 Kotli-6 After results from all 193 polling stations were completed, PML-N candidate Raja Ayaz Ahmed Khan won with 21,856 votes. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Nisar Ansar Abdali finished second with 15,859 votes. Maryam Aurangzeb’s Statement on X Punjab Senior Minister and PML-N leader Maryam Aurangzeb wrote on social media platform X that Mirpur had already announced its decision in favour of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif when they visited the city on July 24, and that voters had now formally endorsed that decision by voting for the lion, PML-N’s electoral symbol. She said the people of Muzaffarabad had also already expressed their decision on July 21, adding that on August 2, Kashmiris would formally reaffirm their decision by voting for the lion. Maryam Aurangzeb concluded her statement by saying that, God willing, the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is linked with PML-N.

  • | |

    Pakistan Post issues high alert for mail bound for…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Post has issued a high alert for international mail destined for the United States and ordered tighter security measures for all such consignments. The postal service has directed officials and staff to strictly comply with the security and electronic information requirements set by the United States Postal Service. According to a circular issued by Pakistan Post headquarters, all relevant officers and employees have been instructed to exercise extra caution while handling mail destined for the US. The instructions cover all stages of the process, including the acceptance, preparation, processing and dispatch of international mail. Officials have been directed to ensure that the required security procedures and electronic information are completed accurately before consignments are dispatched. Pakistan Post has also stressed the need for vigilance during the handling of US-bound mail to prevent any security or compliance-related issues. The latest instructions are aimed at strengthening the screening and handling process for international postal items and ensuring that mail sent to the United States meets the required security standards.

  • |

    Indian authorities suspend police constable over assault rifle deployment at student rally

    ByJustpaste.in

    Indian law enforcement authorities have suspended a police constable in the eastern state of Bihar after social media footage revealed him discharging an AK-47 assault rifle into the air to disperse a student demonstration in the city of Siwan. Senior Bihar police official Nilesh Kumar confirmed that the officer, who was carrying the weapon as part of a specialised intelligence unit, acted without justification or authorisation when firing live rounds above the crowd, adding that formal disciplinary proceedings have been initiated despite no injuries being reported. The incident marks the latest escalation in weeks of nationwide youth demonstrations sparked by question paper leaks in the NEET national medical entrance examination. Fueled further by broader anxieties surrounding high youth unemployment and technological job displacement, the persistent protests recently forced the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The police crackdown has drawn intense condemnation from opposition lawmakers and legal authorities alike. In parliament, Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge denounced the deployment of assault rifles against unarmed students as a grave assault on democratic norms and demanded clear governmental accountability. The harsh crowd-control measures also prompted rare public criticism from Supreme Court Judge Ujjal Bhuyan, who warned against the steady erosion of fundamental freedoms and the public space required for peaceful demonstration.

  • | |

    Adam Scott reveals awkward moment from daughter’…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Adam Scott has revealed an awkward but hilarious moment involving his daughter and one of his most memorable career setbacks. The Severance star recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he opened up about his daughter Francesca “Frankie” Scott’s experience in a New York acting program. What began as an ordinary acting lesson quickly became uncomfortable when Scott discovered that his own failed audition for The Office had become part of the class discussion. Scott explained that Frankie, who is preparing to enter her senior year of high school, was attending an acting program in New York during the summer. On the first day of one of her classes, the teacher decided to show the students two audition tapes. The first was Scott’s audition for The Office. The second belonged to John Krasinski, who ultimately won the role of Jim Halpert. The teacher then asked the students to analyze both performances and discuss why Krasinski got the part while Scott did not. According to Scott, the instructor had no idea that one of his students was actually the actor’s daughter. For Frankie, the lesson was understandably embarrassing. Scott recalled that his daughter was “mortified” by the situation. The awkwardness became even greater after class, when the teacher stopped Frankie and asked whether she knew either of the actors whose auditions had been shown. The instructor eventually connected the dots after realizing Frankie’s last name and discovering that she was Scott’s daughter. Scott said the teacher felt terrible once he understood what had happened. Despite the uncomfortable experience for his daughter, Scott found the entire situation amusing. Rather than being offended by the criticism, he joked that he was simply happy to know that he was being used as a lesson in a prestigious acting class. The irony is that Scott’s The Office audition did not prevent him from building a successful television career. Although Krasinski became synonymous with Jim Halpert, Scott later landed the beloved role of Ben Wyatt on Parks and Recreation. He went on to appear in projects including Big Little Lies, The Good Place and Severance. Scott is currently filming the third season of Severance in New York, making the timing of his daughter’s acting experience even more fitting. What could have been an embarrassing family moment ultimately became a funny reminder that even successful actors experience rejection. For Scott, his old audition may not have won him the role of Jim Halpert, but it has certainly found a new purpose as an unexpected teaching moment for the next generation of performers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *