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Pakistan, 7 other Muslim countries once again condemn Israeli violations in Gaza Strip: FO
Eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, have once again condemned Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, terming them violations of international humanitarian law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday that foreign ministries of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in a joint statement, condemned the continued humanitarian crisis in the region, which they termed “a clear breach of Israel’s obligations under international law”, as well as the plan to end the conflict outlined by United States President Donald Trump in 2025.
The ministers expressed “their strongest condemnation and denunciation of the ongoing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, particularly the targeting of healthcare facilities and medical infrastructure, attacks on civilian infrastructure and the continued loss of civilian lives”. They said the continued violence undermined efforts to implement the second phase of the plan, especially after Palestinian factions had accepted the agreement.
The statement added that Israel’s actions threatened to derail the political process and “reignite the cycle of escalation”.
The eight foreign ministers stressed that the protection of civilians, medical facilities, humanitarian and health workers, as well as the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, were legal obligations that must not be compromised.
They added that the ongoing violations could not be viewed in isolation from ongoing settler attacks in the Occupied West Bank, unlawful expansion of settlements, and the “unilateral measures aimed at altering the ‘status quo in Occupied Jerusalem’”, referring to frequent instances of Israeli settlers storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque — one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The Israeli government has publicly maintained that its policy on the status quo remains unchanged, even as incidents like last Thursday’s continue to inflame the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, since taking office, its far-right Security Minister Ben Gvir has stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque more than a dozen times.
“Taken together, these practices constitute a systematic policy aimed at imposing a fait accompli by force, undermining the foundations of the two-state solution, and marginalising the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” the statement said.
Reiterating that these actions violated international humanitarian law and relevant United Nations resolutions, the ministers once again called on the international community — particularly the UN Security Council — to compel Israel to fulfill its obligations under those laws while holding to account “those responsible for grave violations”. They added that this should be done in a way that contributes to civilian protection and achieving a permanent ceasefire.
They rejected attempts to annex or impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied territory or to forcibly displace Palestinians, stressing that a “serious political process” leading to a two-state solution was the only path to a just and comprehensive peace.
This process, they added, should include the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
At a ministerial conference in Amman, Jordan on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Israel has no sovereignty over East Jerusalem and its holy sites, condemning the incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque by “extremist Israeli settlers”.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dar also held one-on-one meetings with the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Algeria and Egypt, as well as his Jordanian counterpart, with the “deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank” coming under discussion.
'Growing pattern of media curbs': HRCP, PFUJ express concern over new rules for foreign press
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have expressed concerns regarding media freedom after the government mandated foreign media personnel to seek permission for travelling to any city outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for news coverage.
“The requirement that journalists obtain state approval to report from large parts of the country sends a chilling message: that critical reporting is unwelcome,” HRCP noted in a statement on Wednesday about the ‘Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026’.
Expressing its deep concern, the commission said the rules would “invariably institutionalise bureaucratic control over news gathering and risk deterring independent reporting on matters of public interest” rather than facilitate journalism.
“This is the latest in a growing pattern of restrictions on media freedom in Pakistan. From arbitrary curbs on reporting and increasing censorship to legal and administrative barriers, the space for independent journalism has continued to shrink,” the rights body highlighted.
It urged the government to withdraw the “restrictive measures and uphold its constitutional and international obligation to protect freedom of expression”.
Similarly, PFUJ “strongly condemned” the new rules and termed them as restrictions on press freedom.
In a statement issued on Thursday, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari said the guidelines amount to “attacking the freedom of expression and putting curbs on press freedom”.
“The government has not only banned foreign journalists from visiting most of the areas of Pakistan except major cities, but they have also restricted the movement of Pakistani media persons working with international media outlets. They are not allowed to visit these areas on their own either,” it pointed out.
“How can foreign correspondents and their Pakistani colleagues perform their professional duties after this notification?” the PFUJ leaders asked.
They further asserted that the move would “only bring disrepute to Pakistan and damage its image”.
The PFUJ statement noted, “Pakistan is already ranked very low among the countries that have the worst record in press freedom. And the action of the government would add to it.”
It demanded that the government immediately “lift this ban” if it believed in democracy and press freedom, arguing that such a move would also impact the employment of Pakistanis working with international media outlets.
“Naturally, if Pakistani journalists working with global media outlets are unable to visit different areas, it means they would not be able to perform their professional responsibilities. Consequently, they would lose their jobs,” it contended.
The PFUJ leaders were quoted as saying that such actions “are taken in banana republics, not in countries that claim to follow democratic principles”.
“If the demands of PFUJ are not accepted, we would be left with no option but to resort to protest and demonstrations,” it warned.
In a post on X, Amnesty International also urged “Pakistan’s authorities to end the escalating restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, including press freedom, access to information, and human rights advocacy”.
In a letter addressed to the government, Amnesty, HRCP and others called for the withdrawal of the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, which they said placed “onerous restrictions on reporting by foreign journalists”.
‘Step backwards’
The BBC has expressed concern over what it called “new restrictions imposed by Pakistani authorities” on the movement of international media personnel in the country, urging the government to reverse the measures.
The broadcaster said the restrictions would affect its ability to report independently from across Pakistan, adding that press freedom was under increasing pressure globally and that the move represented “a step backwards” for media freedom in the country.
It said its journalists, including locally based staff, needed to be able to travel freely to cover events and report the views of ordinary citizens.
According to the new guidelines, all foreign media personnel will now need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the information ministry to travel to any city except Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to produce “news content, story, video, film, documentary or social media content” for official use.
Additionally, under the new rules, all entities operating in Pakistan to facilitate foreign media “in any capacity” are also required to register with the ministry’s External Publicity (EP) Wing, as are non-journalists living in Pakistan who render services to foreign media.
The guidelines also specify that individuals’ press registration can be suspended or withdrawn for “acts against ideology, sovereignty, security or public order of Pakistan”, and if the EP Wing “deems appropriate at any stage”.
Balochistan operations: Security forces kill 12 terrorists in two IBOs
RAWALPINDI, August 6, 2026: Security forces killed 12 terrorists during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Washuk and Mastung districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
According to the military media wing, on 5 & 6 August 2026, Security Forces conducted two high-tempo intelligence driven operations in Washuk & Mastung districts of Balochistan, as part of ongoing series of Intelligence Based Operations under “Rad-ul-Fitna-3”, relentless counter terrorism campaign aimed at eliminating Indian Proxies, killing 12 Terrorists of Fitna Al Hindustan.
On 5 August 2026, movement of six terrorists was picked up by the security forces in Washuk District of Balochistan. Own troops effectively engaged these terrorist. As a result of precise and skillful engagement, all six terrorist belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna Al Hindustan were sent to hell.
In another intelligence based operation on 6 August 2026, in Mustang District of Balochistan, six terrorists were sent to hell after intense fire exchange between armed forces and the terrorists. Moreover, terrorist hideout was also destroyed.
Under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
Muhammad Safar Majeedano’s Legacy
Some people are remembered for the positions they hold, while others earn lasting recognition through their contributions. Offices are temporary, but those who serve their nation with knowledge, integrity and dedication leave a permanent legacy. Sindh has produced many agricultural scientists who have transformed farming and improved the lives of countless farmers. Among them is Muhammad Safar Majeedano, whose development of the cotton variety CRIS-682 after 17 years of research stands as a remarkable achievement.
Born in Allah Bakhsh Majeedano village, Bhiriya City, District Naushahro Feroze, Muhammad Safar completed his primary education in his village before matriculating from Government Madrasa and High School, Naushahro Feroze, in 1994. He completed his intermediate education at Government College Noor Shah Bukhari, Tando Jam, in 1997, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics in 2003 and an M.Sc. (Hons.) in 2005 from Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam.
His passion for agricultural research was inspired by his father, Yar Muhammad Majeedano, who served at the Wheat Research Station of the Agricultural Research Institute, Tando Jam. Growing up surrounded by discussions on crops, seeds and farming nurtured his lifelong commitment to agricultural science.
After completing his studies, he worked for five years as a Research Officer before joining the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Sakrand, as a Scientific Officer in 2010 through the Federal Public Service Commission. He continues to serve there with distinction.
Recognising the challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, rising temperatures and crop diseases, Muhammad Safar devoted his research to developing a more resilient cotton variety. His efforts culminated in CRIS-682, a high-yielding variety capable of producing up to 65 maunds per acre under favourable conditions. It matures early, tolerates extreme heat, performs well under limited irrigation and offers improved resistance to common cotton diseases.
National trials confirmed its outstanding performance, where it ranked first in yield. CRIS-682 also became the first cotton variety developed by CCRI Sakrand to achieve nationwide recognition. Today, it is cultivated across Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, covering more than 40% of Sindh’s cotton-growing area.
Muhammad Safar has also contributed extensively to agricultural science through around 30 research publications in national and international journals. Agreements with more than 20 seed companies are expected to expand the production of certified CRIS-682 seed, benefiting farmers across Pakistan while supporting further research at CCRI.
His journey demonstrates that lasting success is achieved through dedication, perseverance and a commitment to serving the nation. While public attention often focuses on celebrities, the true heroes are the scientists whose work transforms lives. Muhammad Safar Majeedano is one such individual, deserving recognition for his invaluable contribution to Pakistan’s agricultural development.
TARIQ RAJPAR,
Sindh.
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Wisdom Over Grades
In his timeless essay Of Studies, Francis Bacon observed that “Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.” More than four centuries later, his insight remains highly relevant. Unfortunately, modern education has become increasingly focused on grades, examinations, and certificates, often overlooking the true purpose of learning.
Today, students have unlimited access to information through artificial intelligence and the internet, but information alone does not create wisdom. As Bacon noted, reading makes a “full man”, conversation a “ready man”, and writing an “exact man”. Education should develop judgement, curiosity, and critical thinking rather than encourage rote memorisation.
Pakistan’s education system must move beyond examination results and nurture creativity, inquiry, and ethical responsibility. Our schools should produce thoughtful, innovative, and responsible citizens, not merely graduates with impressive transcripts.
If we value wisdom above grades, we will build not only a stronger education system but also a more enlightened society.
M. AHMAD MUZAKKI,
Kasur.
