India’s World Cup campaign
In the ICC Cricket World Cup that ended on November 19, Australia took the trophy home. The media across the globe believed India to be the favourites to win.
News International (November 21) brought up the controversies leading up to the World Cup saying, “India’s poor treatment of Pakistani journalists and fans, who were deprived of visas during the initial phase of the event, left a bad taste in the mouth. The way Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews was ‘timed out’ on the controversial appeal of Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan was another low point.”
In terms of India’s chances, it said, “They [India] had the home advantage and fully exploited it as well. They had the momentum with a series of big wins leading up to the title clash. But once again, their star-studded team choked as the bolder and braver Aussies gave their best when it mattered most.”
Dawn (November 21) commented saying, “Despite India’s strong World Cup performance, there is talk of the need for a generational shift there.”
Warning to India over assassination plot
Earlier this week, UK-based daily Financial Times reported that the US “thwarted a conspiracy to assassinate” Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil and “issued a warning to India’s government over concerns it was involved in the plot”. The media in Pakistan expressed concern “regarding the expansion of India’s covert operations globally, encompassing espionage and extraterritorial assassinations” (News International, November 25).
Daily Times (November 25) says, “Because of its undeniable clout in the West, thanks to a thriving diaspora and phenomenal economic success, these dark pages out of the Indian playbook have managed to remain under cover… After Canada, the ball is now in Washington’s court as it is forced to realise the best way forward — whether to close its eyes to these shenanigans and pretend all’s well and thriving or take a principled position on its sovereignty.”
News International (November 25) stated, “Pakistan, in particular, has been a victim of India-sponsored terrorism and subversion, a concern reiterated by the Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch… Upholding international law, respecting state sovereignty, and fostering transparent conduct in international relations must take precedence to prevent such detrimental activities from jeopardising global peace and stability.”
Israel-Hamas ceasefire
Qatar brokered a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas this week. Israel will be releasing 150 Palestinian women and children who are being held in detention while Hamas will release 50 Israeli women and children.
Express Tribune (November 23) says, “This ceasefire must graduate into a permanent thaw, and silencing of guns in order to pave the way for a long-term strategy of enabling both the warring parties to negotiate perpetual peace… It is a foregone conclusion that Israel has used indiscriminate force, and must be made liable for it… It is incumbent upon the United Nations and other stakeholders to prevail over Tel Aviv to stop this madness and carnage.”
Dawn (November 23) says, “the world must be under no illusion that Tel Aviv intends to turn the truce into a long-term ceasefire… Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war will continue, though extension of the truce is possible. It is here that the international community must apply pressure on Israel to extend the truce and stop the butchery of the Palestinian people.”
Balochistan’s bureaucratic issues
Pakistan’s caretaker Provincial Information Minister Jan Achakzai commented on the bureaucracy as a hurdle for the caretaker government to be able to help the public in Balochistan. The region is going through its “most crucial period… with large-scale operations against terrorists”. But instead of resolving issues, “people’s problems are increasing due to the non-cooperative attitude of the bureaucracy”.
The Nation (November 26) says, “The bureaucratic inertia, as highlighted by Achakzai, threatens the effective implementation of strategies vital for Balochistan’s prosperity… establishing clear lines of communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the province’s development goals is essential. Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles demands a concerted effort towards fostering collaboration, efficiency, and a shared commitment to the province’s advancement.”
Express Tribune (November 26) comments on the education crisis in Balochistan, spotlighting children who have been denied their right to education due to administrative roadblocks, a lack of teachers and infrastructural support. Tribune says, “Half of Balochistan’s 12,000 primary schools have only one teacher. The provision of basic amenities, including electricity, water and washrooms, remains a critical concern for the majority of schools… With over 80 per cent of the education budget allocated to salaries, it is evident that a strategic and holistic approach is needed to revitalise the education system in Balochistan.”
