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Disinformation Geopolitics Hindus Misinformation Security
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Trudeau goes Khalistan, Pakistan way!

Latest reshuffle in his council of ministers may not have addressed concerns on Canadian soil becoming fulcrum of anti-India elements Rohan Giri Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has recently reshuffled his council of ministers ahead of the upcoming general elections. This reshuffle involved making change of portfolios and work responsibilities of ministers along with four Indo-Canadians. As Canada reconfigured its leadership, discerning and assessing its implications for the country’s partners like India becomes pertinent. Evolving political dynamics in Canada and resulting strategic adjustments warrant careful consideration in the global arena. In specific, four Indo-Canadian ministers’ responsibilities were changed or promoted: Anita Anand, Kamal Khera, Harjit Sajjan, and Arif Virani. Notably, Anita Anand was promoted as President of Treasury Board, transitioning from her previous role as the Minister of National Defense. Similarly, Kamal Khera moved from a senior portfolio to become Minister for Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities. Harjit Sajjan, having served as International Development Minister, now holds the position of Minister for Emergency Preparedness. Arif Virani, another Indian-Canadian and the representative of Parkdale-High Park in Toronto made his cabinet debut as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Understanding their influence and engagement within the sizeable Indo-Canadian community and Indian affairs becomes crucial owing to the significant role overseas Indians play in influencing New Delhi’s relations with Ottawa. Professor-turned-politician Anita Anand is particularly vocal about her Indian heritage taking immense pride in her grandfather, freedom fighter VA Sundaram, who worked alongside Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. Anand’s involvement extended to assisting the panel in investigating tragic 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing. On 35th anniversary of the bombing, she tweeted, “The victims of the bombing of Air India 182 and their families are in my thoughts today and always. I am privileged to know some of you and honour the memories of your loved ones with you.” Anita Anand also held a position on advisory board of the Canada India Foundation, an organisation established in 2007 to bolster bilateral ties. During the cabinet transition, Kamalpreet Khera, representative for Brampton West in the House of Commons has taken on significant role of Minister for Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities. Khera’s Indo-Canadian background goes back to her ancestors from Ropar in Punjab. She is known to have close ties with Navdeep Bains, a former Canadian politician who served as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry during 2015 – 21. There have been reports pointing to strong links Navdeep Bains has with Khalistani movement. Bains has allegedly been groomed by World Sikh Organization (WSO), a pro-Khalistan hard line organisation accused of radicalizing Sikh community and fostering divisions apart from piloting anti-India propaganda. Relationship between Navdeep Bains and Kamalpreet Khera is said to be more than just acquaintanceship. Bains is regarded as mentor and guide to Khera. Indian authorities have expressed their concern to the Canadian government multiple times regarding separatist activities on the latter’s soil. Prime Minister Trudeau’s cabinet reshuffle also sparked reports on Harjit Sajjan, his association with Khalistani elements and his tacit support for their radical activities. Hitherto Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh had publicly ostracised Sajjan as a “Khalistani supporter”. Singh had been a proponent of imposing sanctions on Canada for its ‘open and covert’ support to Khalistani terrorists. Captain Singh had called for global pressure on Canada to prevent the use of its soil for perpetrating terror against India, particularly the Sikh community targeted by Khalistani terrorists. Reports pointed to Harjit Sajjan’s parents, Kundan Singh Sajjan and Vidya Kaur Sajjan’s long term membership of WSO. Another notable Indo-Canadian that figured in the latest cabinet reshuffle is Arif Virani, who spent 15 years as human rights and constitutional lawyer before entering politics. Virani is vocal about purported Islamophobia and remained deeply committed to the trumped up issue. Since his initial election, he consistently advocated against Islamophobia, both on the ground and within the Parliament. Notably, he sought inputs from Muslim groups on how to tackle online hate faced by Muslims before Liberals introduced Bill C-36 in June 2021. Primary objective of this bill was to combat online hate with focus on addressing Islamophobia that Virani thinks is prevalent. Arif Virani was involved in a study on M-103, a non-binding motion in the 42nd Canadian Parliament urging the government to condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination. Additionally, he is associated with the Aga Khan Foundation of Canada, an organisation working in various countries. The foundation faced accusations of involvement in money laundering Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to include Khalistani and Pakistani jihadist elements in his council of ministers may not go well with New Delhi. Comprehensive research conducted by veteran journalist Terry Milewski titled, “Khalistan: A Project of Pakistan” unequivocally demonstrates that the Khalistan movement poses not only a threat to India but also significant concern for Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s undeniable link with anti-India elements underscore the risk it poses to bilateral relations and global security environment. (Author is operations manager at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi)

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Security
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Seema Haider, ISI deep cover asset?

Unravelling Seema’s suspicious shades through a probe may throw light on this much publicised cross border love story Rohan Giri & Resham Natt India and Pakistan are hogging headlines yet again. Surprisingly enough, this time, it’s not over Kashmir or terror modules that routinely try to cross over into India to create unrest. Blooming bond of togetherness between two distant lovers living in two conflicting nations has occupied media outlets overtime. Seema Haider and Sachin Meena reportedly found true love while playing PUBG at a time when the whole world was trapped within confines of their homes during Covid- 19 Pandemic. Mesmerized and charmed by the way Sachin conversed, his accent, and way of playing, the couple soon began engaging in long talks via voice calls and video calls, which helped them discover, in early January, that they were meant to be together, leading them to hatch a perfect plan to be together in one nation, which was India. Indians have however been pondering over two questions that in animated discussions that surround ethicality and security. These two prominent issues have attracted a great deal of attention to three very intriguing aspects, (A) Illegal arrival of Seema Haider with assistance from her lover, Sachin Meena, who is a resident of India in the Rabupura district of Uttar Pradesh, all the way from Nepal via Dubai without proper documents. (B) The discovery of her possible links to Intelligence services after she was adamant and expressed wish to stay in India and not be deported back and lastly (C) Over her decision to take her children to other side of the border against wishes of her so-called divorced husband, Ghulam Haider. But who is this fearless woman that dared to walk onto the most dangerous path in her quest to be united with her loved one? Cross border love, prime mover? Seema Ghulam Haider (once a famous tik tok star and popularly known as Seema Haider, Seema Rind and Seema Jhakrani) is a Pakistani citizen with roots in the Baloch Community, born on January 1, 2002 (as per her passport) who has spurred a discussion over her entry in India to meet her lover, along with her four children. Earlier, she was married to Ghulam Haider, a Pakistani resident of Garhi Khairo Taluka of Jacobabad district in the Sindh Province, who currently resides in Saudi Arabia as a labourer. However, it is hard to comment on their current relationship and it is uncertain whether she is already divorced (a year ago using the conventional way of Triple Talaq on call), as she has stated in press interviews, or whether she is yet to divorce him (as stated by Ghulam himself that he hasn’t and will not give her a divorce). Though Ghulam Haider presented some shocking revelations, denying and refuting Seema’s claims of marriage being that of a forced union and a simple one involving the signing of some papers in the court since she was already in love with someone in the village and that relationship was never recognized. Though Seema claimed that her married life was certainly tough with rough patches, Ghulam has been in total agreement that their marriage was certainly a lovey dovey affair and that there was not even a single trace of domestic violence. “Hindustan Zindabad, tha, hai aur Hamesha rahega,” is what Seema Haider has been saying at more than one or more forums.  Seema claims that her profound love for Indian culture and traditions convinced her to change religion and gave her a new reason and hope to stay in India. Her four children, Farhan Ali, Farwa, Fariha Batool have also converted and expressed their happiness over the decision. The four children have also changed names to Raj, Priyanka, Munni, and Pari respectively. But what is concerning here is that (A) Seema’s way of conversing nowhere reflects the Urdu accent though she claims that there have been significant changes in the way she speaks ever since she began staying with Sachin. (B) Seema’s over-exaggerated yet outpouring love for India and its culture as portrayed in her videos showing her without hijab, wearing a Radhe Radhe strap around her neck, vermilion on her forehead, the auspicious marriage thread around her neck, taking blessings from the elders in the good old Indian tradition of touching feet, engaging in Hindu prayers, worshiping the Tulsi plant and adopting a vegetarian lifestyle has consequently hinted at her ill motives. This has sparked debate on her possible involvement with the Pakistan’s dirty tricks department, ISI and its agents. Hhow can someone so quickly get so attached, connected and become a ‘bhakt’ of a particular religion is the moot question? This suspicious involvement with ISI was reported after media investigations found her family including Seema’s brother Asif and her uncle Ghulam Akbar serving in the Pakistan Army and with linkages to spy agency, ISI. One may be convinced that Seema who reportedly studied only till fifth grade has fluent yet evidently polished English -speaking skills, in-depth knowledge on computers usage, gaming and social media applications like Tik Tok and Instagram. This is quite surprising and very intriguing since she interacted with many users from Uttar Pradesh during PUBG. Seema didn’t come with her children, plain and simple love bird. She also carried baggage full of questions, suspicion, and allegations that would put her in a tough spot, raising questions on her past which will decide her fate. Seema’s journey to India not only threatened her life, jeopardized her survival and opened up upon her possible deportation to Pakistan. Ripples in Pakistan Seema Haider seems to have taken the 2001 Bollywood Blockbuster movie, Gadar too seriously! The Seema Haider case (booked under sections pertaining to the Foreigners Act and The Passport (Entry into India) Act for her illegal entry into the country) has sparked a devastating chain reaction sending shockwaves through Hindu minorities in Pakistan’s Sindh region. This appalling incident has set a vile horde of Muslim extremists hell-bent on terrorizing

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Geopolitics Human Rights Security World
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Jinnah’s Islamic Republic on verge of collapse

Lack of strong institutions in Pakistan, competing factional agendas, rampant corruption, Islamist terror, anti-India proclivity poses serious threat Rahul Pawa It’s a moment that will forever be etched in annals of history for chaos and audacity colliding in grim display. Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the country’s former Prime Minister was held by the collar.  Defying established norms, Pakistan Army rangers forcefully dragged him out of Islamabad High Court in the midst of hearing in Al-Qadir Trust case. Public humiliation of Imran Khan is culmination of over 100 cases filed against him across the country. In this particular case, Imran faced charges of swindling a staggering 190 million British pounds. The ugly incident in court premises unfolded after Pakistan Army’s inter-services public relations issued a stern warning to Khan. The army’s Inter-services wing held him responsible for “highly irresponsible” and “baseless” allegations against a senior Pakistan intelligence and military officer. Imran had relentlessly accused Major General Faisal Naseer, whom he derogatorily labeled as “Dirty Harry,” for having orchestrated a plot to assassinate him. Imran had shaped the narrative fostering perception that this ISI officer was involved in foiled assassination attempt against him by a suspected “lone wolf” in November, a year before. The day he was arrested and handed over to Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Khan made the controversial remarks just before heading to an Islamabad court. He had likened the country’s army to a “holy cow” suggesting that the institution considers itself “above the law,” accusing Pakistan Army and ISI of conspiring to assassinate him. His arrest triggered a series of events leading to widespread violent protests in major cities and townships across Pakistan. Supporters and workers of PTI took to streets venting out their anger against the arrest of Imran Khan. Visuals of tear gas, bloodshed, and violence continuously poured in via social media before the Pakistani establishment initiated Internet blackouts to curb violent protests and military brutality that claimed 40 lives. This marked a significant moment in Pakistan’s 75-years history after the British rulers partitioned India. In unabated violence, Pakistani civilians had dared to attack the Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi which housed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s foreign intelligence agency. The GHQ, being the stronghold of Pakistan’s military elite, had never imagined such a bold act from within the country. The protests took a violent turn, leading to destruction of Jinnah’s house in Lahore that now serves as the Corps Commander House. Additionally, cantonments throughout the country were targeted, looted, and vandalized. Pakistanis who welcomed Army coups to ‘save the country’ from corrupt politicians came under intense attack. In this long chain of events, Imran’s ability to deftly shape public opinion demolished the long-established perception about Pakistan Army and its deep state in shaping the political landscape, particularly the country’s conventional power dynamics. Imran’s success was possible after presenting himself as a symbol of honesty, religiosity, and righteousness thereby undermining the Pakistani Army and its deep state.   Khan, a former cricket star who transitioned to an Islamist politician faced a no-confidence vote in Parliament last year leading to his removal from office. He strongly argued that his removal was both illegal and part of a larger Western conspiracy. Once regarded as a favourite of the Pakistan Army, Khan has now become a bone of contention for them. There is a widely held belief propagated by Imran and the PTI that the army backed a corrupt and ineffective government led by Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) unjustly sidelining Imran. PDM has been accused of electoral fraud and failing to address significant inflation which actually took roots during PTM rule in Pakistan. Additionally, Imran propagated the idea that the government deliberately avoided holding elections as per usual procedures, out of fear of a potential victory for his party, the PTM. These circumstances, along with Imran’s cultivated image as a staunch patriot of Pakistan, have bolstered his popularity and caused a dramatic shift in public sentiment in his favour. This challenges the traditional influence and absolute control of Pakistan Army over public sentiment and key narratives, resulting in a significant setback for them. This also shatters the long-held belief that the army holds “absolute power” in Pakistan. Traditionally, nation-states have played a crucial role in promoting the well-being of their citizens and advancing national goals and values through people’s participation and institutional reforms. Recent protests led by Imran Khan defied these principles of national progress and reconstruction. Instead of being rooted in meaningful reforms, these protests relied heavily on Imran’s personal popularity, political maneuvering, inflammatory rhetoric, and divisive tactics that pushed a nation already grappling with extreme inflation closer to the brink of civil war. Notably, despite facing serious corruption charges for reported deals clinched during his tenure as Prime Minister, Imran was able to amass excessive power, reminiscent of the rise of dictators such as Adolf Hitler in 1940s Germany. The entire country appeared to be held hostage by Imran and his supporters leading to street battles and chaos that not only posed a threat to civil order but pressured the country’s judiciary and public institutions. These protests, violence and death undermined the independence of these institutions and eroded their salient fabric and credibility. As a consequence, both Imran and his wife got unprecedented blanket bails from a judiciary that seemed unfair and compromised. Meanwhile, the elected government in Senate assumed a passive role, media faced censorship, military engaged in rights violations and the country’s executive seeking refuge from the turmoil. These developments exposed Pakistani state fragility, highlighted vulnerability to individual influence and the lack of a foundation in the country’s institutions essential for a strong nation. This is also hallmark of a nation destined to fail.   On the other hand, betrayed by Imran, Pakistan Army showcased its true nature as an unprofessional security establishment, violated norms, rules, and regulations of a civilized society. The Army detained, arrested, and attacked its own people resulting in loss of 40 lives

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Policy Security Technology
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India’s battle in the Skies: The Fight Against Pakistan’s Terror Drones

RahulPAWA | @imrahulpawa Recently, skies over India have become a battleground for an insidious new threat – terror drones. The severity of this menace was laid bare once again yesterday when Indian security forces detected a drone that had violated Indian airspace and was flying in from Pakistan near the international border in Gurdaspur district of the north Indian state of Punjab. In a swift retaliatory response, the Indian security forces fired upon the drone, causing it to retreat towards Pakistan. This incident follows a similar pattern from the previous month, where Indian security forces discovered a high-end Chinese-made DJI Matrice 300 RTK quadcopter in Gurdaspur that had infiltrated from Pakistan. The discovery of this sophisticated drone, valued at a staggering USD $13,700, is a sobering reminder of the growing use of advanced aerial technology by malevolent actors across borders. Moreover, not only Punjab has seen Pakistan-operated terror drones in violation of Indian airspace. Earlier this year, a drone was shot down in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar sector. Indian security forces recovered five packages of narcotics from the wreckage of that drone. In another incident of illegal cross-border drone droppings from November last year in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Samba district. The police recovered two unassembled improvised explosive devices with detonators, two Chinese-made pistols, four magazines loaded with 60 rounds, and half a million Indian rupees that were dropped by a terror drone controlled from Pakistan. With this recent uptick in Pakistan’s unmanned aerial vehicle activity, it is becoming incessantly clear that the incidents involving their terror drones in India are not isolated occurrences; rather, they represent a calculated and deliberate escalation of modern-day asymmetrical warfare aimed at undermining India’s security. The usage of such drones by Pakistan for activities like hostile reconnaissance, drug and weapon trafficking, and transporting explosives and ammunition into India has increased four times in Punjab alone since the beginning of this year. As a countermeasure, Indian security forces stationed along the international border states have ramped up their vigilance and intercepted more than a dozen terror drones from Pakistan in the past few weeks alone. It is no secret that Pakistan is deeply involved in the insidious practice of narco-terrorism. This is not mere hearsay but a widely acknowledged fact, confirmed by international organisations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL), and prominent forums such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+). The FATF’s demand last year for Pakistan to demonstrate concrete action against terrorism was a reminder of its precarious position on the FATF grey list. Recent scrutiny of Pakistan’s government-sponsored terrorism has also been directed towards its bid to revive a 2019 bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). There were serious concerns over using bailout funds, given Pakistan’s history of fostering secessionism and terrorism in India. Pakistan’s tumultuous past has been characterised by widespread criticism of its army’s rampant corruption, the government’s lack of developmental policies, and a blatant disregard for its citizen’s welfare. The country has been notorious for its efforts to cultivate jihadist extremism and sponsor terrorism against India, which has ultimately resulted in its downfall. Subsequently, a classic case study for the world to see as an example of how states that harbour and endorse extremism, sponsor terrorism, and lack coherent plans for their people’s growth and development are bound to fail. Concerningly, the increasing and escalating use of terror drones launched from Pakistan against India epitomises the mindset of the country’s deep state and army. Alarmingly, Pakistan seems to have decided to persist in diverting its valuable resources towards supporting terror, thereby continuing to nurture the monster of terrorism that it created, even though it has already bankrupted the country. By resorting to narco-terrorism, small arms smuggling and financing of terrorism by the use of terror drones with an aspiration to destabilise India, especially its youth. Pakistan is exposing itself to further repercussions at the hands of an able Indian national security apparatus and extreme scrutiny from its financial backers, organisations, unions and nations that greatly benefit it. Pakistan has active loans from international lending agencies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), among others. It is also a partner in the Paris Pact Initiative, which seeks to combat opiate trafficking, consumption and related issues along the Afghan trafficking routes. Pakistan benefits from Europe’s preferential tariff programmes, including the GSP+. However, Pakistan’s blatant support for organised crime, extremism and terrorism has seriously undermined its credibility. As a result, these agencies and entities have imposed new stringent rectification requirements on Pakistan’s support for terrorism and extremism to maintain their support. The country’s unwavering commitment to pursuing this treacherous path endangers regional stability and poses a significant threat to global peace and security. At this crucial juncture, the international community must recognise the gravity and implications of Pakistan’s “terror drones” deployment against India. Moreover, global leaders must take note of the nations that endorse and enable Pakistan’s actions. Pakistan’s long-standing ally, the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) led China, which boasts an unbreakable friendship with Pakistan, has become a source of concern. Recent findings of Pakistan-operated terror drones and weaponry recovered in Indian territory offer tangible evidence of Chinese technology, equipment, and weaponry being used for narco-terror and related terrorist activities in India. A considerable proportion of the drones used by Pakistan in cross-border operations in India are supplied by the Chinese firm SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd. In December 2020, the US government listed DJI on a trade-restricted list due to concerns about its connections to the CPC government. Notably, some of the batteries that power these drones are manufactured by a company based in Karachi, Pakistan. Despite the CPC’s repeated claims of a firm commitment to combat international terrorism, doubts have arisen due to its continued support for Pakistan’s backed

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Economy Leadership Policy
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Pakistan flounders, Sri Lanka enlist allies

Virtual isolation of Pakistan makes its economic revival difficult while growing support may quickly get Sri Lanka on path to normalcy K.A.Badarinath It’s the tale of two South Asian economies that continue to provide jitters to analysts and policymakers alike. Pakistan and Sri Lankan economies facing tumult are pictures in contrast. The two Indian neighbours are on the verge of collapse on economic front. The two have also been struggling and desperate to get back on revival mode with very little headway thus far. The course taken by both these countries seems diametrically opposite to deliver what they set out to achieve as uniquely placed Indian Ocean small countries. Sri Lanka with an economic size of $ 84.52 billion has piled up a debt of $ 40 billion from bilateral and multi-lateral sources over last one decade that’s unsustainable. In contrast, Pakistan with a medium sized economy of $ 376.49 billion that had previously grown in double digits is in doldrums with virtually no savior in sight. It’s heading for virtual bankruptcy given that the Islamist country that believes in terrorism as a state instrument has piled up $ 274 billion debt that’s roughly over three fourths of its gross domestic product in January this year. Both the South Asian economies have landed in a big mess and it is their own making. While Sri Lanka’s misdirected reforms pushed the island’s fragile economy into chaos, its political churn and protests over last one year have added to the people’s woes. On the other hand, Pakistan’s unsustainable energy import bill, unserviceable expensive foreign debt stock, lack of investments and revenues coupled with huge spending on its untenable security establishment are clear culprits. Unwritten word is that huge unaccounted spending in exporting terror in particular to Bharat is a big expenditure head with no or rather negative returns. Highest common denomination factor in both cases is China where it pushed both countries into a huge debt trap by design especially the funding of infrastructure projects, belt and roads initiative. As per publicly available data, more than two dozen countries including Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been pushed into unsustainable debt contracts via the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), a pet initiative of President Xi Jingping and Chinese Communist Party. Apart from economic and strategic expansionism of China run by its oligarchy, global headwinds are not in favour of Pakistan and Sri Lanka given the looming recession in Europe and United States in aftermath of protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Metamorphosis of this conflict into a big war cannot be ruled out given that the US and Germany apart from other NATO allies were sending in tanks and major military equipment to support the battered Ukraine. Over 60 per cent consumer price inflation in Sri Lanka has rendered millions of people jobless, without food and shelter. Moving away from traditional agricultural practices to purported organic farming without safety latches or back up plan has boomeranged on this beautiful island nation. The political uncertainty has also destroyed its famed tourism and hospitality industry that’s known globally for being very ‘inviting’.  On the other hand, Pakistan that reported over 40 per cent retail inflation in January 2023 has made basic food items like wheat flour, oil, sugar, out of the reach for a large section of its population. Owing to massive corruption in both Pakistani army establishment and political leadership, most food items are either unavailable or retail prices unreasonably doubled or tripled. Hoarders and business cartels have had a field day in both Sri Lanka and Pakistan cashing in on weak political structures and greasing corrupt hands all the way. In this adverse situation loans or cash advances have been hard to come by for both countries. Both countries have burnt the midnight oil to keep their heads afloat. Sri Lanka has some advantage over Pakistan that has no friends in the region barring China. India has taken the lead to provide financing assurances to Sri Lanka if one were to go by external affairs minister Subramanyam Jaishankar to the island nation. In effect, outstanding debt can be paid by Sri Lanka on deferred basis. Also, Colombo can access fresh lines of credit in sync with debt restructuring proposal made by International Monetary Fund in which Bharat is actively involved as representative of South Asia. As an ally, Japan is also bound to follow suit. If these developments go as anticipated, Sri Lanka will be able to access $ 2.9 billion relief package from IMF. But, this will happen only when China as the largest contributor to most expensive debt Sri Lanka has availed agrees. As of now, indications are that China may extract its pound of flesh in terms of lucrative contracts and Colombo agreeing to approve its expansionist tantrums. While Sri Lanka has enlisted support of trusted allies like Bharat, Pakistan has not made any headway so far. Barring Saudi Arabia’s agreement to defer payments on oil imports, Pakistan has not made much progress thus far. Deferred payments proposal for Russian oil has not fructified till now. As per State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country’s reserves have plummeted to $ 5.576 billion as of January 1, 2023. This means there’s every possibility of Pakistan defaulting on its repayments if immediate support is not enlisted.   Even after businessman turned Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif buckled and agreed to tough conditions proposed by IMF for $ 6.6 billion bailout package, the multi-lateral lender is yet unconvinced on Pakistan economy’s unsustainability. As on date, IMF has not sent its team for negotiation though Pakistan requested for early conclusion of negotiations. Most significant is that it’s all weather friend and military equipment supplier China has not acceded to Pakistan’s request for deferment of its $ 6.3 billion loans. Only Saudi Arabia has hinted at deferring $ 3 billion repayments for Pakistan that matured in December 2022. Possible collapse of Sri Lankan and Pakistan economies collapse will have larger impact in South and

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Fact Sheet Media
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579

Corrupt Pak Army General, rudderless security establishment

Qamar Bajwa turned billionaire in six years On November 29, 2016, General Qamar Bajwa took charge as Pakistan’s sixteenth chief of Army staff (COAS), succeeding General Raheel Sharif. Within six years of being Army chief, Bajwa’s family became a billionaire, with assets and businesses within Pakistan and outside accumulated of Pakistani rupees 12.7 billion translates to $56.5 million. Prior to his appointment as a COAS, his wife, Ayesha Amjad, was not even a taxpayer but owned three properties worth Pakistani rupees 70 lakhs. Currently, Ayesha Amjad is a multi-billionaire with large farmhouses in Gulberg Greens Islamabad and Karachi, multiple residential plots in Lahore, commercial plots and plazas under Defence Housing Authority schemes, with over half a million dollars in US accounts. his daughter-in-law Mahnoor Sabir was declared zero assets in October 2018, and just a week before her marriage on November 02, 2018, the assets touches one billion Pakistani rupees. Similarly, Bajwa’s close friend and other family members’ assets jumped to billions, but this is not shocking as Bajwa is Pakistan’s COAS, and Pakistan Army holds the country’s political, economic, social and criminal wealth.

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Fact Sheet Human Rights Media Misinformation Uncategorized World
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591

Mahatma, an Apostle of Peace

Neha Dahiya / New Delhi, India Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s 153-rd birth anniversary is celebrated on October 2 as international non-violence day in consonance with United Nation’s resolution of 2007. On this day, CIHS team has compiled ten major instances where Mahatma Gandhi’s statues have been defaced, mutilated or pulled down by terror groups owing allegiance to Khalistan, Pakistan or Islamic State. In most incidents, desecration of Mahatma Gandhi statue, Khalistan separatists were involved. They have spray-painted words like Khalistan, Racist, Rapist, never forget 84, and other divisive phrases. In one incident, separatists draped the Khalistan flag over the statue. 1. Richmond Hill, Canada| July 13, 2022 A five-meter-tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi was defaced at Vishnu Mandir in the area of Yonge Street and Garden Avenue. Statue was vandalized at around 12:30 pm and graphic words such as Rapist and Khalistan Zindabad were spray painted on the Plinth. The chairman of the temple shared that the statue has been here for the past 30 years but poignant acts like this have never happened before. The High Commission of India in Ottawa condemned the incident on a tweet that reads, “We are deeply anguished by this hate crime that seeks to terrorize the Indian community. It has led to increased concern and insecurity in the Indian community here. We have approached the Canadian government to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly”. Constable Amy Boudreau, the spokesperson for York Regional Police said that the crime will be investigated as a hate bias-motivated incident. Prior to this incident, many a time Mahatma Gandhi statue was defaced, ripped or vandalised by motivated elements involved in Khalistan movement. [1] 2. New York, United States of America | February 04, 2022 An eight-feet-high bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was defaced by miscreants in Manhattan’s Union Square. The statue was donated by the Gandhi Memorial International foundation on October 02, 1986, to mark the 117th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Consulate General condemned the act as despicable, the matter has been taken up by the local authorities.[2] Utsav Chakrabarti, executive director of the HinduPACT said that this is not the first time that a statue of Gandhi has been vandalised in the US. “In the past few years, statues of Mahatma Gandhi have been vandalised by groups aligned with radical Islamists and their sympathisers in South Asian communities.[3] Statue of Mahatma was removed from the University campus in Accra amid students and staff protest, they claimed that Mahatma Gandhi insulted Black Africans and was a Racist. Plinth stating Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), The Mahatma (Great soul) was also removed.[4] The statue was gifted to the University of Ghana by Indian Embassy on June 13, 2016, unveiled by former president Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to Ghana and its national university. After the Installation of Statue, online protests with #GandhiMustFall and #GandhiForComeDown sparked in many universities demanding removal of statue. A six feet tall, 294 kg (650-pound) statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalized and ripped from the base by miscreants in central park of City of Davis in northern California. The statue was found by park employee with sawed off ankles and half face mutilated and missing. The statue was donated by the Indian government to the city of Davis in 2017 and was installed amidst protest from Anti-India organisations. These protests were led by the Organization for Minorities in India (OFMI) and other Khalistani separatists, which opposed the statue’s installation. However, the installation had already been approved by the City of Davis. Since that time, OFMI has been campaigning to take down Mahatma Gandhi statue.  Guarang Desai of Friends of India Society International said, “An atmosphere of hatred was created by these Anti-India organisations for years and not only they have run hate campaigns against Indian icons but were also at forefront to push Hinduphobia and erase India from California school sixth and seventh-grade textbooks”[5].  California Sikh Youth Alliance shared images of the torn statue on Twitter, another user with username KHALISTAN1984 writes “TODAY IS A GOOD DAY” On the same day the statue was ripped in Davis, Khalistani separatists in India stormed to Red Fort violently breaking down barricades and injuring over 300 Indian police officers. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised by members of Khalistani separatists at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza in front of Indian Embassy at Washington DC. Separatist Protestors draped Khalistani Yellow Flag on the statue and flashed banners and placards. They also pasted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi effigy on the statue. Hundreds of Separatists carried out a Car rally in Greater Washington DC area, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina in support of Khalistanis in India protesting against Indian agriculture laws. The Khalistani protestors in Washington DC brandished Kirpans and raised Anti-India slogans in front of the Indian embassy. They said they are representing the Republic of Khalistan. The Indian Embassy condemned the reckless act by hooligans masked as demonstrators.[6] The statue was unveiled by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on September 16, 2000, in the presence of former US president Bill Clinton. A-life sized bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised by un-known people in Melbourne. The Victorian police said that a power drill tool is used to decapitate the statue. The statue was vandalised hours after it was unveiled by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison alongwith Consultant General of India Raj Kumar at the Australian Indian Community Centre in the Melbourne suburb of Rowville. The statue was donated by the government of India as a part of celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence. Scott Morrison said that the vandalism of the statue was very disgraceful and disappointing. During the Black Lives Matter protest, people spray painted ‘Racist’ on the Mahatma Gandhi statue plinth in Parliament Square, London. Demonstrators taped placards with anti-racism messages on the statue. Statue of former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill was also spray-painted ‘Racist’. The statue was installed in 2015 and is one

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