The Nation (December 14) speaks to the “unanimous condemnation and rejection of this verdict… from the legislative assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).” The editorial says, “The fact that AJK’s assembly has denounced the verdict that directly impacts the lives of people in its occupied other half is the right message of solidarity from a free people.” Moreover, “The court has bypassed constitutional and legal considerations to restate the stance of the BJP-led government in the country.”

Anniversary of Peshawar terror assault

For Pakistan, December 16 this 12 months marked the “ninth anniversary of arguably the darkest chapter in our history” (News International, December 16). On this day in 2014, 144 individuals, largely youngsters, from the Army Public School in Peshawar have been martyred when Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) terrorists stormed into the college. The similar day in 1971 additionally marked the autumn of East Pakistan.

Express Tribune (December 16) asks, “have we learnt our lessons or not?… The secession of East Pakistan and the covert role of India was because we had failed to read the sentiments of our Bengali populace… There should not be any shame in indulging in some deep introspection, and finding answers to critical questions of nation-building and polishing the colourful mosaic of our diversity.”

However, News International (December 16) believes “that there has been some unlearning in recent years.” It advocates for concerted efforts to root out terrorism saying, “defeating the terrorist threat for good will require… the police as our first line of defence.” Among different issues, “our institutions will need to become more inclusive and representative”.

COP28 guarantees

The COP28 in Dubai concluded earlier this week with some promising resolutions. With 2023 set to grow to be the most well liked 12 months on file, delegates consented to a deal that requires international locations to transition away from fossil fuels to realize internet zero by 2050.

Express Tribune (December 15) calls this “historic”, however “despite the celebratory tone, concerns linger over the effectiveness of the agreement.” The editorial says, “The urgency of the climate crisis demands decisive action… [but] challenges persist, particularly in the realm of funding commitments. The global south, grappling with the impacts of historical emissions by industrialised nations, faces a glaring gap in financial support.”

News International (December 14) focuses on a unique spotlight of COP28 which was “the event dedicated… [to] focusing on health on December 3.” This occasion “allowed health experts to highlight the links between climate and health, a move that was appreciated by the world’s prestigious medical journal The Lancet.”

But the media stays unsure concerning the implementation of agreements saying, “The historic deal signed at COP28 will be celebrated only when it starts producing the desired results, compelling countries to stop its reliance on fossil fuels and move towards sustainable living” (News International).

A detailed name for democracy

Earlier this week, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) petitioned the Lahore High Court to contest the appointment of bureaucrats as returning officers (RO) and district returning officers (DROs) — officers accountable for conducting elections in constituencies. The courtroom’s resolution introduced the Election Commission of Pakistan’s coaching session for ROs to a standstill — delaying its different electoral duties such because the announcement of the election schedule.

The ECP petitioned the Supreme Court, which held that “the LHC had gone ‘well beyond’ its jurisdiction and had acted ‘in undue haste’ with reference to the PTI’s petition” (Dawn, December 16).

Dawn (December 16) says, “The SC reminded all of its November 3 verdict, which states that ‘no one should be allowed to, on any pretext, derail democracy’”. The editorial added, “We are already in constitutional limbo for failing to hold polls on time; this state of legal inertia cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely… Though elections will not end our troubles overnight, the only solution to Pakistan’s myriad woes lies in democratic continuity, not ad hocism.”

Daily Times (December 16) affirms the general public’s belief within the Supreme Court and says, “Once the legal conundrum gets resolved, it can only be hoped that the regulator will now stay true to the responsibilities of its constitutional mandate.”

Petrol costs down

The federal authorities introduced a considerable discount in worth for main petroleum merchandise akin to petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) — Rs. 2.04 lower per litre for petrol and Rs. 6.47 per litre lower for HSD. The media known as it a “welcome relief” for residents.

The Nation (December 15) says, “The concurrent depreciation of the rupee against the dollar has slightly curtailed the full benefit of this decrease for consumers in Pakistan.” But it recognises the federal government’s position in “monitoring international market dynamics and exchange rates for sustaining stable economic practices.” The editorial says, “The government’s careful consideration of these factors in setting fuel prices ensures that Pakistani citizens receive fair and manageable rates amid fluctuating global conditions.”

adya.goyal@expressindia.com