Loud Thinking

Archive for January, 2025

The recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) have sparked widespread protests from media organizations, civil society, and digital rights activists in Pakistan. Concerns primarily revolve around the act’s perceived draconian curbs on freedom of expression, stricter penalties for online speech, and its potential misuse to stifle dissent. While the government argues that these amendments are necessary to curb misinformation and online harassment, critics fear they will lead to authoritarian control over digital spaces.

To resolve this standoff, a balanced and inclusive approach is required—one that protects national security and public interest while upholding constitutional freedoms. Below is a framework for addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and fostering an environment conducive to free speech and responsible digital governance.

Key Issues with the PECA Act

1. Criminalisation of Defamation and Free Speech

   – The amendments make defamation a non-bailable offence with stricter penalties, which critics argue could be used to silence dissent and investigative journalism. 
   – The vague definition of “fake news” in the law increases the risk of arbitrary arrests and selective enforcement. 

2. Lack of Consultation with Stakeholders

   – The law was passed without meaningful dialogue with journalists, digital rights activists, and media bodies, leading to concerns about transparency and undue haste. 

3. Expansion of Government Control Over Digital Content 

   – The increased powers granted to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raise fears of mass surveillance and suppression of political opposition. 
   – The law lacks clear safeguards against abuse, making it vulnerable to politically motivated crackdowns. 

4. Impact on Press Freedom and Digital Rights

   – The threat of long jail sentences and heavy fines may lead to self-censorship among journalists and social media users. 
   – The law could undermine Pakistan’s commitments to international human rights standards on free speech and democratic governance. 

Steps to Resolve the PECA Crisis 

1. Formation of an Independent Review Committee
The government should establish a joint committee comprising members of Parliament, media representatives, human rights activists, and legal experts to review the PECA amendments. This committee should: 
   – Assess whether the law aligns with Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech. 
   – Recommend changes that balance cybersecurity needs with democratic values. 
   – Suggest clear definitions of “fake news” and defamation to prevent misuse. 

2. Decriminalization of Defamation

– Defamation should remain a civil offence rather than a criminal one, in line with global best practices. 

– Heavy-handed penalties should be revised to prevent abuse of power against journalists and ordinary citizens. 

3. Ensuring Judicial Oversight Over FIA Actions

– The FIA’s expanded authority should be subjected to judicial oversight, ensuring that digital policing does not become a tool for political victimization. 

– Any action taken under PECA should require prior court approval to avoid arbitrary arrests. 

4. Protecting Journalistic and Whistleblower Rights

– Journalists should be exempt from harsh penalties under PECA when reporting in good faith. 

Whistleblowers exposing corruption and public interest matters should have legal protections under separate legislation. 

5. Public Consultation and Media Dialogue 

– The government should hold open discussions with media bodies such as the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Digital Rights Foundation to address their concerns. 

– Regular roundtable conferences should be institutionalized to ensure future digital laws are framed with input from all stakeholders. 

6. Revisiting Vague and Overbroad Provisions 

– The law should clearly define “fake news” and “cybercrime” to avoid selective interpretation. 

– A clause should be added to prevent retrospective application of the law to avoid punishing past actions unfairly. 

7. Strengthening Pakistan’s Commitment to International Standards

– Any amendments should be aligned with UN conventions on freedom of expression, ensuring that Pakistan meets its obligations under global human rights frameworks. 

– The government should consult international digital rights organizations to benchmark PECA against global best practices. 

Conclusion
The PECA controversy presents an opportunity for reform, ensuring digital governance is both effective and democratic. The government must acknowledge the genuine concerns of media organizations and civil society while also upholding the need for responsible online discourse. A transparent review process, legal refinements, and stakeholder engagement will be key to restoring trust, safeguarding fundamental rights, and preventing future conflicts over digital regulations in Pakistan. 

By adopting a balanced and inclusive approach, Pakistan can move towards a framework that protects both security and freedom, rather than sacrificing one for the other.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
Lahore.
+92 321 9402157

An Open Letter

Excellency, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif 

Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Subject: Proposed Solutions to Address the Law and Order Crisis in Kurram Agency 

Dear Prime Minister, 

اسلام وعلیکم

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to bring your kind attention to the ongoing law and order crisis in Kurram Agency, which has resulted in countless deaths and unimaginable distress for the local population, severely hindering socio-economic development in the region. The gravity of the situation demands immediate and comprehensive action to restore peace, ensure the safety of citizens, and foster long-term stability. 

Given the urgency of the matter, which should have been prioritized by our parliament, I would like to propose the following solutions to address the crisis: 

1. Strengthening Security Measures

• Deployment of Additional Forces:

Increase the presence of security forces, including the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, to curb militant activities and protect civilians. 
   

• Establishment of Checkpoints:

Set up strategic checkpoints across key routes, supported by surveillance drones, to monitor and restrict the movement of armed groups and illegal weapons. 
   

• Community Policing:

Engage local communities in policing efforts by establishing community watch programs to foster trust and collaboration between security forces and residents. 

2. Dialogue and Reconciliation

• Inter-Tribal Mediation:

Facilitate dialogue via Jirgas between conflicting tribes and factions to resolve longstanding disputes and promote mutual understanding. 
   

• Involvement of Local Elders:

Leverage the influence of local elders and religious leaders to mediate conflicts and advocate for peace.

• Peace Committees:

Form peace committees comprising representatives from all stakeholders to address grievances and propose actionable solutions. 

3. Socio-Economic Development

• Infrastructure Development:

Invest in the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure to improve living conditions and create employment opportunities. 

• Youth Engagement Programs:

Launch vocational training and skill development programs for the youth to discourage their involvement in militant activities and provide them with sustainable livelihoods.

• Economic Incentives:

Provide financial incentives and subsidies to local businesses and farmers to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty. 

4. Legal and Administrative Reforms

• Strengthening Judicial System:

Establish fast-track courts to ensure swift justice and address the backlog of cases related to law and order violations. 

• Accountability Mechanisms:

Implement strict accountability measures for law enforcement agencies to prevent corruption and ensure transparency. 

• Legislative Support:

Enact laws that specifically address the unique challenges of Kurram Agency, including measures to combat terrorism and organized crime. 

5. Humanitarian Assistance

• Relief for Displaced Families:

Provide immediate relief and rehabilitation support to families displaced by violence, including food, shelter, and medical aid. 

• Psychosocial Support:

Offer counseling and mental health services to victims of violence to help them cope with trauma and rebuild their lives. 

6. Long-Term Peace building Initiatives

• Education and Awareness:

Promote education and awareness campaigns to foster a culture of peace and tolerance among the local population. 

• Inter-Agency Coordination:

Enhance coordination between federal, provincial, and local authorities to ensure a unified approach to resolving the crisis. 

• Sports and Cultural Festivals:

Organize sports tournaments and cultural programs to engage the youth and the broader population in healthy and creative activities, fostering unity and reducing tensions. 

Prime Minister, the people of Kurram Agency, have endured immense suffering due to the persistent law and order crisis. It is imperative that the government takes decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and create an environment where peace and prosperity can flourish. I am confident that with your visionary leadership and the implementation of these proposed measures, Kurram Agency can overcome its challenges and emerge as a beacon of stability and progress. 

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I remain hopeful that the government will prioritize the restoration of peace in Kurram Agency and work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of its citizens. 

Yours sincerely, 

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
Lahore 
+92 321 9402157 

Five letters for clemency of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.

1. First open letter of clemency for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to President Biden on 13th December 2024.

Open Letter to President Joe Biden: A Call for Clemency for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui

2. Second  Clemency plea for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to President Biden on 18th December 2024.

Clemency Plea for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui: Equal Mercy Deserves Equal Application

3. Third clemency plea for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to Pope Francis on 10th January 2025.

An Earnest #Appeal to Respected #Pope #Francis for #Clemency for #Dr. #Aafia #Siddiqui

4. Fourth clemency plea for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to UN Secretary General António Guterres on 15th January 2025.

A #Humanitarian #Appeal to #António #Guterres for #Clemency: #Freedom for #Dr. #Aafia #Siddiqui

5. Fifth clemency plea to four former US presidents, namely William J.  Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack H. Obama and Donald J. Trump on 15th January 2025.

#Clemency #Appeal to #Four #Former #US #Presidents for #Dr. #Aafia #Siddiqui

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad

Clemency Appeal for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui

Date: January 15, 2025

To:
The Honourable William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States
The Honourable George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States
The Honourable Barack H. Obama, 44th President of the United States
The Honourable Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States

Dear Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump,

I am writing to you as a global citizen and a voice of conscience to appeal for your collective intervention in securing clemency for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, an exceptionally qualified neuroscientist, a frail and aging mother of three, who has already endured over 16 years of imprisonment out of an 86-year sentence under circumstances that continue to raise profound questions about fairness, humanity, and justice.

Each of you has held the most powerful office in the world and has demonstrated your unique commitments to American values of human dignity, compassion, and justice. Today, I urge you to lend your moral authority and influence to rectify this grievous wrong by advocating for Dr. Siddiqui’s release.

This appeal is rooted not only in the universal principles of justice but also in the historical context of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Pakistan. When President Obama sent a letter to the Government of Pakistan in 2011 requesting the release of Raymond Davis, who killed two Pakistani citizens in broad daylight in Lahore, Pakistan fully cooperated and facilitated his release in the shortest possible time, demonstrating goodwill and respect for diplomatic relations. However, when Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan recently wrote to President Joe Biden, urging clemency for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds, the U.S. government did not even provide the courtesy of a response.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui has suffered immensely during her incarceration. Reports of her torture and repeated sexual assault have left an indelible black spot on the American justice system. Her plight has become a symbol of injustice, and her continued imprisonment raises grave concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in the U.S. custody. Dr. Siddiqui’s deteriorating physical and mental health, combined with the fact that she has already served over 16 years of her sentence, calls for immediate humanitarian intervention.

This case has resonated far beyond the borders of Pakistan, deeply affecting the sentiments of people across the Muslim world and beyond. Clemency for Dr. Siddiqui would be an act of humanity and justice, repairing trust and demonstrating the United States’ commitment to fairness and mercy.

Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump, you are uniquely positioned to champion this cause. Your collective voices hold unparalleled moral weight and global influence. By advocating for clemency for Dr. Siddiqui, you can help heal wounds, restore faith in justice, and reaffirm America’s commitment to the principles of human rights and compassion.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. profoundly stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This appeal is not merely about one individual but about restoring dignity and fairness and sending a powerful message that the United States remains a beacon of hope for justice and humanity.

With the world watching, I trust in your wisdom, empathy, and sense of duty. May history remember this as a moment when you stood together to advocate for mercy, justice, and the principles that define American greatness.

With utmost respect and hope,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
Lahore – Pakistan
+92 321 9402157

15th January 2025

To: The Honourable António Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations 
United Nations Headquarters 
New York, NY 10017 

A Humanitarian Appeal to António Guterres for Clemency: Freedom for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui

Dear Secretary-General António Guterres,

I write to you today with a profound sense of urgency and an unwavering belief in the principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity that define the United Nations. This is an appeal not for a single individual but for the collective conscience of humanity. I humbly beseech you, in your capacity as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to appeal to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. for clemency and the immediate release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui—a mother, a scholar, and a symbol of resilience who has endured unimaginable suffering during her 16 years of imprisonment. 

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case is not only a matter of legal or political contention but a profound humanitarian crisis. A highly educated woman, Dr. Siddiqui once dedicated her life to advancing knowledge and contributing positively to society. Yet, she now languishes under an 86-year prison sentence, subjected to conditions that have shattered her body, mind, and spirit. Reports of extreme torture, inhumane treatment, and sexual violence—acts that strike at the very core of human dignity—paint a harrowing picture of her ordeal. These violations transcend the boundaries of law and morality, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice. 

A Mother’s Agony, a Humanity’s Call 

Dr. Siddiqui is not just a prisoner—she is a mother, a sister, and a daughter whose plight has echoed in the hearts of millions around the globe. Her absence has torn apart a family, leaving her children to grow up without their mother’s love and guidance. For over 16 long years, she has endured conditions that no human being—least of all a woman who once stood for education and empowerment—should ever be subjected to. 

Rape, torture, and the systemic stripping away of her dignity have not only scarred her as an individual but have also symbolized a failure to uphold the ideals of justice and human rights. These heinous acts stand in stark opposition to the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations. 

A Global Plea for Clemency

This appeal is not only on behalf of Dr. Siddiqui but also on behalf of humanity’s collective conscience. Her plight has stirred outrage, compassion, and solidarity among people of all faiths, nations, and walks of life. Leaders, activists, and freedom-loving citizens around the world have called for her release, recognizing that justice cannot be served through the perpetuation of suffering. 

Mr. Secretary-General, as the custodian of global human rights, your voice carries unparalleled weight in advocating for justice and reconciliation. Clemency for Dr. Siddiqui would not merely rectify a grave injustice but would serve as a beacon of hope for millions who still believe in the transformative power of compassion and moral leadership. 

An Appeal to President Biden

President Biden, as a leader who has long championed the causes of fairness, equity, and human dignity, has the unique opportunity to correct this profound injustice. His decision to grant clemency to Dr. Siddiqui would send a powerful message to the world—a message that justice is not only about punishment but also about redemption, mercy, and the reaffirmation of human rights. 

We urge you, Mr. Secretary-General, to appeal to President Biden to exercise his executive power of clemency. Dr. Siddiqui’s release would not only reunite a mother with her children and family but also restore faith in the ideals that the United States and the international community strive to uphold. 

A Call for Immediate Action

Every moment that Dr. Siddiqui remains imprisoned deepens the wounds of injustice. Her case represents an urgent humanitarian crisis that demands immediate action. Freedom for Dr. Siddiqui is not just about one individual—it is about reaffirming the principles of humanity, compassion, and justice that bind us all. 

Conclusion

Your Excellency, history will remember those who had the courage to act when the scales of justice tipped toward despair. By championing this appeal, you have the opportunity to stand as a pillar of moral leadership and global solidarity. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s freedom is a call for justice that transcends borders, religions, and politics. 

I humbly implore you to raise this matter with President Biden with the utmost urgency and to advocate for Dr. Siddiqui’s clemency as a matter of human dignity and global justice. 

Yours in solidarity and hope,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
Lahore – Pakistan.
+92 321 9402157

His Excellency Pope Francis
Apostolic Palace 
00120 Vatican City 

10 January 2025 

Subject: An Earnest Appeal to Your Excellency for Clemency for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui

Your Excellency,

I write this letter with a deeply burdened heart, full of faith in your boundless compassion and your unwavering advocacy for justice, mercy, and humanity. As a beacon of moral leadership in our troubled world, your voice holds immense power to inspire and influence the most challenging decisions of our time. I humbly and earnestly beseech Your Excellency to use your influential voice to urge President Joseph R. Biden to grant clemency to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani woman whose case has become a symbol of suffering and injustice, before the conclusion of his tenure on January 20, 2025. 

Your Excellency, the plight of Dr. Siddiqui is one that transcends legalities and borders; it speaks directly to the essence of human dignity and the principles of mercy that you so profoundly embody. Dr. Siddiqui, a mother and an accomplished scholar, has been imprisoned for nearly two decades under circumstances that have caused profound anguish across the Muslim world and beyond. Her continued incarceration fuels despair among millions who believe in the values of compassion and forgiveness, values that the Catholic Church has so nobly championed throughout history. 

This is not merely a matter of one individual’s suffering but an opportunity to heal wounds and build bridges of understanding between nations. It is worth noting that the Pakistani nation, whose daughter Dr. Siddiqui is, has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in times of peril. Pakistan has sacrificed immensely for American interests, often at great risk to its own sovereignty and stability. 

– When American lives were endangered in Mogadishu and other international theaters like the safe exit of US troops from Afghanistan, Pakistani soldiers and its government acted with unwavering courage to save them. 

– When the U.S. embassy in Islamabad was under attack and burning, it was Pakistanis who ensured the safety of American diplomats and citizens. 

– Despite the devastating consequences for its own citizens, Pakistan allowed U-2 spy planes to operate from its territory, even as the USSR threatened dire retaliation by marking a Pakistani citiy namely Peshawar, with red circle.

– In 2011, Pakistan facilitated the release of Raymond Davis, who had killed two Pakistani citizens, acquitting him despite widespread public outrage, solely in the interest of preserving U.S.-Pakistan relations. 

These examples and the pivotal role of Pakistan in bringing America closer to China underscores the profound sacrifices made by Pakistan in support of American interests. It is in this spirit of shared history and mutual sacrifice that we implore Your Excellency to advocate for clemency for Dr. Siddiqui. Her release would not only offer a humanitarian reprieve to her and her grieving family but would also stand as a testament to the values of mercy and reconciliation that your papacy so ardently represents. 

Your Excellency, you have spoken eloquently about the need for compassion in addressing the suffering of individuals, especially those marginalized or forgotten by the world. Dr. Siddiqui’s case is one such instance where the weight of your moral authority could make a profound difference. Clemency for her would serve as a beacon of hope and a powerful act of healing between two nations that desperately need to rebuild trust and goodwill. 

Time is of the essence. With President Biden’s tenure nearing its end, the window for this act of compassion is rapidly closing. I humbly beseech Your Excellency to make an appeal to President Biden, invoking the principles of justice, mercy, and humanity that form the foundation of your sacred mission. 

May your compassionate intervention illuminate the path toward a resolution that uplifts the values of mercy and reconciliation, values that unite us all under God’s divine love. 

With profound respect and unwavering hope, 

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
Lahore – Pakistan
+92 321 9402157

EVALUATION OF MINERALS POTENTIAL OF PAKISTAN
Dr. Imran Khan
Director General (Retd)
Geological Survey of Pakistan

Vast resources of coal (186 billion tons), copper (6 billion tons), gold (1 billion ton), silver (618 million tons), lead-zinc (23 million tons), manganese (.597 million ton), chromite (2.52 million tons), iron ore (1.4 billion tons), and precious, and semiprecious stones have been explored in different parts of Pakistan. Inexhaustible resources of rock salt, gypsum, fire clay, china clay, dolomite, fuller’s earth, limestone, basalt, bentonite, building stones, and construction materials are available in all the provinces. Gemstones and industrial minerals like nepheline syenite, ochre, bentonite, barites, magnesite, wolastonite, silica sand, abrasives, mica, granite, graphite, trona and lithium are found in substantive quantities. The concentration of Rare Earth Elements (REMs, Strategic Metals) like Gadolinium (Gd) and Terbium (Tb) has been reported in considerable quantities from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan. Platinum Group Elements (Iridium, Osmium, Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium and Platinum) have also been discovered in different parts of Pakistan.
Based upon available data of mineral resources of Pakistan and their respective rates from London Metals Exchange (LME) for different metals, minerals and elements, the insitu (in place) value of mineral resources of Pakistan amounts to around US $ 51 trillion (excluding oil, natural gas and inferred 586 TCF of Shale Gas) whereas the total GDP of top seven economies in the world in 2024 was $51.81 trillion, as estimated by the GDPs of following seven countries {USA ($ 25.81 trillion), China ($14.72 trillion), Japan ($ 4.25 trillion), Germany ($3.85 trillion), India ($3.41 trillion, United Kingdom ($ 2.67 trillion), and France ($2.63 trillion)}.
But, the mineral industry in Pakistan is still in its nascent stage. Its contribution in GNP is about 0.5%, and to GDP is less than 1%. However, the mineral sector of Pakistan is going through a substantial but slow transformation. Several countries like South Africa have minerals based economies which make significant contributions in their development. Mineral sector of Pakistan has huge potential for employment generation through construction of line industries close to minerals extraction zones to form specific mineral clusters. With concerted and consistent efforts, and taking following measures, it has every potential to contribute at least 5% of GDP through time.
i. Establishment of Rare Earth Metals Authority of Pakistan (REMAP)
Mr. Deng Xiaoping, the then Chinese President said about two decades ago “The Middle East has oil and China has Rare Earths”. China controls the global prices of REMs as it accounts for over 80% of world production and global market of over 100 billion dollars / year.
Rare Earth Elements are commonly found in Carbonatite, Peralkaline, and Pegmatite rocks which are abundantly found in KPK and Balochistan but their REM potential has not been fully explored. Some recent work on geochemical analyses of these rocks has revealed that Pakistan has substantial quantities of REMs. Because of their strategic importance, some countries have established Rare Earth Metals Authorities which work directly under the respective prime ministers e.g. India. It is proposed that Rare Earth Metals Authority of Pakistan (REMAP) may also be established under the direct administrative control of the prime minister.
ii. International Recognition of Mineral Deposits
There is not much information about mineral resources of Pakistan, according to internationally accepted resource definitions, which are in practice such as JORC Code (Australia) and CIM (Canada). It will help in categorization of mineral deposits of Pakistan on globally recognized criteria. This initiative will play cutting edge role in attracting foreign investments in mining sector as reports on mineral resources, validated according to JORC Code are widely accepted and well-treated by the international investors but interest of Pakistan has to be kept supreme in technical agreements to avoid Reko Diq like situations.
iii. Advanced Mechanized Mining Technologies
At present, the mining techniques in Pakistan are conventional, traditional, less efficient and out dated which are unsafe, unfriendly to environment, reduce life span of mine and less productive. Pakistan needs to concentrate on developing a holistic mineral policy targeting restructuring the sector from grass root level. Emphasizing the mining related environmental issues, fostering mechanized mining methods for maximizing mineral extraction efficiency and intensifying and equipping the mining laws enforcement agencies.
iv. Development of Infrastructure
Infrastructure Development involves fundamental structures that are required for the functioning of a system especially in mineral sector. Mostly, the mineral deposits of economic worth are in the remote and tribal areas of Pakistan where infrastructure is non-existent. Establishment of training institutes through CSR for local populace will be a milestone in the development of mining sector.
v. Exploration Activities in Pakistan
After the 18th constitutional amendment and National Mineral Policies – 1995, 2013, most of the exploration activities are being executed by the provincial Mines and Mineral Development Departments (DMD). These departments are not fully equipped and do not have expert manpower in different disciplines of the science of geology to execute the mineral exploration activities. Therefore, there is utmost need to enhance their technical capacities.

Dr. Imran Khan
Ph.D. (USA)
Islamabad
Mobile. 0301-5344597