分类： politics

Pakistan’s Senate has passed a bill proposing significant constitutional reforms that would expand the powers of the army chief and limit the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The bill, approved in an unusually swift three-hour session on Monday, now awaits approval from the lower house to become law. Opposition leaders have criticized the move, claiming it undermines democracy. Under the proposed changes, Army Chief Asim Munir, whom former US President Donald Trump once referred to as his ‘favourite Field Marshal,’ would assume the newly created position of Chief of Defence Forces, granting him command over all military branches, including the air force and navy. Additionally, Munir would retain his rank and enjoy lifelong legal immunity after his term ends. The reforms also propose the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court to handle constitutional cases, replacing the Supreme Court in this role. Critics argue that this shift would allow the government to appoint judges for politically sensitive cases, potentially reducing judicial independence. Furthermore, President Asif Zardari would gain lifelong immunity from prosecution. The government defends the reforms as necessary for governance, inter-provincial coordination, and strengthening defense capabilities following recent clashes with India. However, the opposition, led by the party of jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, has condemned the lack of consultation and staged a walkout during the Senate debate. The government remains confident in securing the required two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament to enact the changes.

US envoy Jared Kushner held a crucial meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, intensifying Washington’s efforts to solidify the fragile Gaza ceasefire. The truce, which has been in effect since October 10, 2025, has significantly reduced hostilities following the devastating conflict triggered by Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The initial phase of the ceasefire has seen a series of prisoner and hostage exchanges in recent weeks, marking a tentative step toward peace. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the meeting but withheld further details. Israeli media reported that Kushner’s visit aligns with ongoing US initiatives to stabilize the truce and prepare for its next phase. The second stage of the agreement aims to address highly contentious issues, including Hamas’s disarmament, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas has consistently declared that relinquishing its weapons is non-negotiable. Additionally, plans are underway to deploy an ‘international stabilization force,’ coordinated by US troops, to ensure security across the region.

The Turkish government is advancing plans to deploy hundreds of soldiers to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping force, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed brigade, estimated to include at least 2,000 personnel, is being assembled from various army branches with prior experience in peacekeeping and conflict zones. This contingent would join a multinational stabilization force in Gaza, as part of a broader peace plan brokered by former US President Donald Trump, which envisions Turkey as a key player in post-war reconstruction and security arrangements. However, the initiative faces opposition from Israel, and a UN resolution authorizing the deployment has yet to be passed. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated unequivocally, ‘There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,’ citing Israel’s reluctance to accept a strong NATO ally operating under a UN mandate in the enclave. Turkish officials, meanwhile, emphasize that their participation would focus on ceasefire implementation, humanitarian recovery, and border control, rather than enforcement actions. Ankara has also highlighted its role in facilitating the return of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin’s remains to Israel, a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill. The final decision on the force’s scope and mandate is expected following consultations between the UN and regional stakeholders in the coming weeks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reiterated that Turkey’s involvement is contingent on a clear UN Security Council mandate, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signaled readiness to deploy troops if required. The Trump administration has framed the multinational force as essential for lasting peace in Gaza, with plans to establish a ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump himself, a move that critics argue would grant Washington unprecedented control over the operation. As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, with Turkey positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the volatile region.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has labeled his incarceration a ‘nightmare’ as prosecutors seek his release pending an appeals trial over allegations of illegal campaign funding from Libya. Sarkozy, 70, entered prison on October 21, marking the first time a former European Union head of state has been jailed. A lower court in September found him guilty of conspiring to secure funding from Moamer Kadhafi’s Libya for his 2007 presidential campaign, sentencing him to five years in prison. However, the Paris Appeals Court opened a hearing on Monday to consider his release, with a decision expected imminently. Sarkozy appeared via video call from prison, describing the experience as ‘gruelling’ but acknowledged the prison staff had made it ‘bearable.’ Prosecutor Damien Brunet argued that Sarkozy’s release under judicial supervision was justified to mitigate risks of witness tampering or collusion. Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and his sons were present in court to show support. The appeals trial, scheduled for March, will reassess the necessity of his pre-trial detention under French law, which requires such measures only if no alternatives exist to safeguard evidence or prevent reoffending. Sarkozy, who has faced multiple legal challenges since leaving office in 2012, remains a polarizing figure in French politics. His imprisonment has sparked debates over judicial independence and the treatment of high-profile inmates, with prison wardens criticizing the special security measures afforded to him. Meanwhile, Sarkozy’s social media accounts have highlighted the outpouring of public support, including letters and gifts sent to him during his incarceration.