Saudi Arabia on Friday welcomed the UN top court’s decision on Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and called for the international community to “hold Israel accountable” for “violations” of international law.
In a statement, the kingdom’s Foreign Ministry also called for “more measures” to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and provide protection for the Palestinian people.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Punjab has issued an alert to the administration about rains and snowfall incoming in the next week.
From today to January 31, there is a possibility of rain in the plains of Punjab and snowfall in the hilly areas, the spokesperson of PDMA warned. There is also possibility of snowfall with light and heavy rain in Murree and Galiyat from the 27th to the 31st of January.
Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, and Sargodha will also receive rain between January 30 and 31, the spokesperson added.
As for snowfall, the spokesperson cautioned that in Murree and Galiyat it may worsen the road conditions. Tourists are advised not to travel without checking the weather conditions. There are chances of landslides in hilly areas which may block the roads.
ملک کے مختلف علاقوں میں آج رات سے بارش اور پہاڑوں پر برفباری کا امکان pic.twitter.com/I4ZQEOAgTb
— Geo News Urdu (@geonews_urdu) January 27, 2024
PDMA has issued instructions to the administration across Punjab to remain alert.
There is a round-the-clock information exchange system between the provincial and national institutions. Rescue agencies are on round-the-clock alert in view of the weather situation. The administration has directed the tourists coming from abroad to be especially careful and ensure their safety, PDMA informed.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced its first ruling on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel on Friday evening, calling on Israel to take urgent and effective measure to protect Palestinians, contain death toll and destruction, acknowledging that there is a risk of genocide in Gaza. However, it did not call for an immediate ceasefire.
The hearing took place on Friday with 16 judges out of the court’s 17-member panel, present. Presiding Judge Joan Donoghue asserted that the court has the authority to rule over emergency measures in the case.
The court noted that the charges against Israel fall under the provisions of the Genocide Convention, additionally acknowledging that Israeli military operations have killed as well as injured a large number Palestinians in Gaza, destroyed a number of homes and infrastructure, and resulted in the internal displacement of about 1.7 million people.
It was further acknowledged that the Palestinians’ have the right to be protected from acts of genocide.
The issue of “dehumanising language” used against Palestinians was also highlighted, particularly shedding light on statements by Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant ordering a “complete siege” of Gaza and apprising the soldiers that they are fighting against “human animals”.
The International Court of Justice finds that there is sufficient basis for South Africa’s case against Israel and will not dismiss the case as Israel requested.
This is a historic moment. The Court’s decision makes U.S. complicity more difficult for Biden officials to deny. pic.twitter.com/c5OE2ZQolP
— Assal Rad (@AssalRad) January 26, 2024
Social Media Reacts
#ICJ Hugely disappointing that the Court has not ordered an immediate cease-fire or an end to Israel’s military campaign, despite acknowledging the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment and attacks against the people in Gaza and the West Bank
— Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh (@kaajal1) January 26, 2024
#ICJ Hugely disappointing that the Court has not ordered an immediate cease-fire or an end to Israel’s military campaign, despite acknowledging the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment and attacks against the people in Gaza and the West Bank
— Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh (@kaajal1) January 26, 2024
I know ppl are disappointed the ICJ didn’t order ceasefire. That’s quite understandable. But we’re in a situation where even talking abt the case was a radical act. The case is on record. Israel’s been told to stop killing. It won’t. It was never going to. But it’s all on record.
— Zebunnisa Burki (@zburki) January 26, 2024
The ICJ has just ruled that the evidence is “sufficient to conclude that at least some” of South Africa’s claims of genocide against Israel “are plausible”.
They can’t adjudicate at this stage on whether it is genocide.
They have concluded there’s a plausible risk of genocide.
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) January 26, 2024
In an interesting interaction on X (former Twitter), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari shared videos highlighting the ‘reality’ of NA 127, an important constituency in Lahore.
Elections are around the corner and candidates from different constituencies are using social media platforms to convince voters to vote for them. Journalist and anchor person Mansoor Ali Khan took to X and shared an image of a banner.
“Banners displayed in Bilawal’s constituency,” the tweet said while banner stated, “Karachi nahi Lahore Chahiye”.
Bilawal quote tweeted this with two videos stating, “Meanwhile the ground reality of Lahore NA127.”
The videos showed debris and garbage in the constituency along with sewerage issues.
In a noteworthy market development, gold prices in Pakistan witnessed a modest recovery this Friday.
The per-tola price of 24-karat gold surged by Rs400, reaching Rs214,200, according to the latest data from the Karachi Sarafa Association.
The 10-gramme 24-karat gold also reflected this upward trend, standing at Rs183,642, indicating an increase of Rs342 compared to the previous day. Additionally, the 10-gramme 22-karat gold was reported at Rs168,338.
Contrastingly, silver prices remained steady in the domestic market. The per-tola price of 24-karat silver held at Rs2,600, while the 10-gramme price stood at Rs2,229.08.
On the global stage, the international spot gold market exhibited stability, with the current trading price at $2,025.9 [12:49 pm PST].
This value remains unchanged in comparison to the closing figure from the preceding session.
Market analysts continue to monitor these fluctuations, as economic factors and global dynamics contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of precious metal prices.
Gold prices, Karachi Sarafa Association, 24-karat gold, 22-karat gold, Rs168,338, silver prices, stable market, 10-gram, global spot gold, market analysis, precious metals, economic trends, gold price in Pakistan,
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters to vote for his party; earlier he had requested the same from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) voters.
As the elections approach, Bilawal is branding himself as a leader willing to bridge the gap between political actors, vowing to ensure that no person becomes a “political prisoner” during his government if he is voted into power, and putting an end to the “old ways” of political revenge.
The former foreign minister asked the crowds at a political rally in Gujrat to stamp on the ‘arrow’ if they want to see “real democracy” in Pakistan.
“Today the lion is sucking people’s blood. Those who said that the PPP is no match for them are now obsessed with the PPP,” Bilawal Bhutto said while taking a jibe at his political opponents.
He asserted that “the lion is not coming out to prey” for a reason.
The PPP chairman also criticised PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for his fourth attempt to become prime minister.
Bilawal had also said in a recent interview with Reuters that Nawaz Sharif wants to come into power again via a backdoor.
A number of violent incidents have been reported in at least six states after the consecration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India.
A report published by the Indian outlet The Quint says that from a graveyard in Bihar to a mosque in Telangana, India saw multiple attacks and violent incidents on 22 January. The incidents were of varying scales, ranging from sandals allegedly thrown inside a mosque and a shop being burnt in Telangana to a graveyard set on fire in Bihar, to violent skirmishes in different parts of Maharashtra.
In the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, a video of a hateful song being played in Narhi, Hazratganj, surfaced on social media. The song was allegedly played by a procession celebrating the consecration of Ram Temple.
Journalist Rana Ayyub shared the video with a caption stating, “Trigger warning for abusive, misogynistic language. Do listen to this song. To go to a Muslim locality and celebrate Ram Mandir’s inauguration with this song. And you still think this is about faith? Is this how you want to raise your kids? Is this the culture you want to normalise? Why send your kids to Ivy League, why give them quality education, let them be a part of this crass revelry.”
Famous Indian actor Aisha Ahmed, popular for her roles in web-series ‘Adulting’, shared her experience via an Instagram story of Sarah Sham, the influencer and wife of Indian Tennis player, Mustafa Ghouse who shared her heartbreaking experience of getting a message from a fellow parent about their kid being harassed in school for being Muslim.
Sarah said it had taken a lot of effort to share her experience of feeling like a second-grade citizen in her country. She went on to explain that the persecution has exacerbated after the establishment of Ram Mandir.
Indian publication The Wire posted two days ago that activist and journalist Umar Khalid’s bail plea got adjourned yet again. He has been detained since September 2020. Commenting upon this, Professor of Peace Studies at Uppsala University Dr. Ashok Swain said, “If you are a Muslim in India, you have no one, I repeat no one to save you from the wrath of Modi!”
If you are a Muslim in India, you have no one, I repeat no one to save you from the wrath of Modi! https://t.co/fChuboRnlP
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) January 24, 2024
He even shared a video of a Hindu supremacist mob attacking Muslims and their properties in Mumbai, screaming “Jai Sri Ram”.
Hindu supremacist mob attacking Muslims and their properties in Mumbai, India and screaming ‘Jai Sri Ram’! pic.twitter.com/z65KZ3P6YG
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) January 23, 2024
Extremist Hindus in Pune University beat up students of the Film and Television Institute of India for putting up banners that read “Remember Babri, death of constitution.”
Hindu supremacists beating up students of the famous Film and Television Institute of India in Pune for putting banners that read “Remember Babri, death of constitution.” pic.twitter.com/8v1MWjE3X5
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) January 23, 2024
Mob beating or lynching Muslims in India has become a frequent sight in India lately.
Hindu supremacists brutally beating up a Muslim man in India and screaming ‘Jai Shri Ram’! pic.twitter.com/KWhm75tjjv
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) January 25, 2024
One of the Khans of Bollywood, Aamir Khan, once slammed fellow countrymen for their growing intolerance. He later redeemed himself to the extremists by praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Yusra Hussain, a freelance journalist from Lucknow told Al-Jazeera, “After Ayodhya, there might be a snowballing effect on other disputed places like Mathura and Kashi,”.
Mathura and Varanasi – Modi’s parliamentary constituency also known locally as Kashi – are also home to historic mosques that the prime minister’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Hindu majoritarian allies say were built on demolished temples.
In a noteworthy development, gold prices in Pakistan experienced a decline on Thursday, with the tola rate of 24 karat gold decreasing by Rs1,400.
The current per-tola gold price in Pakistan now stands at Rs213,800 in local bullion market.
According to market insiders, the price for 10 grammes of 24 karat gold witnessed a reduction of Rs1,200, reaching Rs183,300 in the domestic market, as reported by the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association.
Simultaneously, the prices of both per tola and 10-gramme silver saw a reduction, falling by Rs1200 to Rs183,300.
Meanwhile, in the international market, the price of gold exhibited a rise of $12, reaching $2035. Gold prices, on the whole, experienced a 0.2 per cent increase to $2,018 per ounce, hitting a session low of $2,013.
This came after a 0.75 per cent decrease on Wednesday, marking a one-week trough at $2,011, spurred by robust US economic data. The market dynamics are being closely observed for further insights into these fluctuations.
In the inter-bank market on Thursday, the Pakistani rupee maintained its stability against the US dollar, closing at Rs279.67, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
This follows a positive trend observed on Wednesday when the rupee gained ground, settling at the same rate of Rs279.67 against the US dollar, as reported by the SBP.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has taken a significant step by directing the Ministry of Energy to collaborate with the Finance Ministry.
The goal is to formulate and present a comprehensive and sustainable plan aimed at reducing the circular debt plaguing the power and gas sectors.
On the global front, the US dollar exhibited stability, maintaining a six-week high on Thursday. Investors are keenly awaiting key data releases, including GDP figures, to gain insights into the direction of US interest rates.
Concurrently, the euro softened in anticipation of the European Central Bank’s policy meeting later in the day.
Recent data revealed an uptick in US business activity for January, coupled with a noticeable easing of inflation.
The measure of prices charged by companies for their products recorded a decline to the lowest level in over 3-1/2 years.
The dollar index, gauging the US currency against six major rivals, experienced a marginal rise of 0.06 per cent, reaching 103.33.
This follows a 0.2 per cent drop on Tuesday as traders consolidated positions ahead of the upcoming Federal Reserve policy meeting next week.
In a statement spoken outside the anti-corruption department office in Rawalpindi, veteran politician and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi voiced apprehensions about the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, asserting that the current electoral landscape could lead to chaos in the country.
“Making an election purposeful is the job of the political leadership. This election has become purposeless. The political, military, and judicial leadership of the country should sit together on the table and determine the way forward for the country,” Abbasi said while talking to media.
He showed up in the office for interrogation in a case related to alleged embezzlement in the Ghora Gali and Marri Road projects.
Abbasi highlighted that it was the responsibility of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, and caretaker Premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar to ensure that the upcoming elections were “non-controversial”.
“With each passing day, I become more satisfied that I made the right decision. Such an election, which does not give the country anything other than incitement and flaws; at least I did not play a part in this misdeed,” he said.
He stressed that politicians “should realize that the country can never make progress if its elections become controversial”.
Expressing concern over the potential controversy surrounding the elections, Abbasi stressed that elections are a sacred process and should not be made contentious. He pointed to alleged rigging in the 2018 elections, stating that the system did not function then and is unlikely to do so now.
The former Prime Minister criticized the three largest political parties in the country, asserting that they have failed to address and resolve critical issues. Abbasi predicted the emergence of multiple political parties in Pakistan shortly.
Despite leaving electoral politics, Abbasi clarified that he has not abandoned politics altogether. He mentioned that a decision regarding the formation of a new political party would be made after the upcoming elections.
Addressing concerns about the National Accountability Board (NAB) and other anti-corruption institutes, Abbasi questioned who would hold them accountable, labeling them as the country’s most corrupt organization.
Highlighting the decline in Pakistan’s development graph, Abbasi stressed on an uncontroversial election process.
“Today people ask if the world is making progress then why is Pakistan declining in development graph? Since, 1947 every election has been stolen. The masses are disappointed in the election process. You still have time to make this process uncontroversial,” he said.