IndiGo And Air India Brace For A320 Solar Radiation Glitch
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P&C | Saturday, 29 Nov. 2025
New Delhi | Planet & Commerce
India’s aviation sector is facing one of its largest operational disruptions in recent years as Airbus has issued an urgent global advisory warning that intense solar radiation could corrupt flight-control data in Airbus A320-family aircraft. This unprecedented alert has forced India’s biggest airlines—IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express—to prepare for extensive delays, cancellations, and schedule changes across the country’s busiest routes. With more than 200 aircraft requiring immediate inspection, software upgrades, or hardware realignment, the warning has triggered significant concern among aviation regulators, engineers, airline operations teams, and millions of passengers who rely on these aircraft every day. The crisis stems from Airbus’ technical analysis of a recent A320 incident abroad in which an aircraft briefly pitched down unexpectedly. The suspected cause was a malfunction in the Elevator Aileron Computer, known as ELAC, a critical electronic system that governs elevator and aileron inputs and directly supports the aircraft’s flight-control logic. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency responded swiftly by issuing an Emergency Airworthiness Directive, compelling airlines to install serviceable ELAC units before the next flight of any impacted jet. With the A320 family forming the backbone of global short-haul fleets, including India’s domestic network, the implications of the directive are far-reaching.
Sources cited by PTI indicate that between 200 and 250 aircraft in India alone may require intervention. The country operates roughly 560 A320-family planes—A319s, A320ceos, A320neos, A321ceos, and A321neos—and almost half now face immediate technical scrutiny. The combination of the software update and hardware realignment needed to prevent data corruption due to high-intensity solar radiation means many aircraft will be temporarily grounded, stretching engineering resources and causing a ripple effect of delays. IndiGo, India’s largest airline with a fleet predominantly made up of A320-family aircraft, stated that it is fully aware of Airbus’ advisory. The airline confirmed that it has already begun applying the mandated updates with full technical diligence and strict adherence to safety protocols. IndiGo warned passengers that some flights could face schedule changes, longer turnaround times, and operational constraints over the coming days as engineers work to stabilise the fleet. With IndiGo operating hundreds of daily flights, even minor disruptions are expected to cascade across domestic networks, potentially affecting thousands of passengers daily.
Air India Express issued a separate statement confirming that it has initiated precautionary action across its Airbus A320 fleet following the global alert. The airline noted that while a majority of its aircraft may not fall under the highest-risk category, global regulatory requirements require uniform compliance. A source told PTI that as many as 31 aircraft operated by Air India Express may be affected, requiring immediate grounding until the mandated software fixes are installed. The airline added that passengers may experience delays or cancellations as engineering teams undertake the necessary updates. Air India, too, confirmed that parts of its A320 fleet are undergoing hardware and software realignment. The carrier warned that the adjustments are expected to increase turnaround times at airports and could lead to flight delays until the entire fleet receives the corrective measures. Air India emphasised that it regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers but reaffirmed that safety remains its highest operational priority. The airline is coordinating closely with Airbus engineers, aviation regulators, and in-house technical teams to accelerate the process.
The Airbus advisory states that high levels of solar radiation exposure at cruising altitudes have the potential to corrupt data communicated to ELAC flight-control units. Without correction, this malfunction may trigger uncommanded elevator movements that could exceed the structural limits of the aircraft. This represents a serious safety risk, even though no accidents have occurred so far. Airbus has advised operators worldwide to follow an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT), which outlines immediate precautionary steps, mandatory software installations, and recommended hardware protections to mitigate any risk of flight-control instability. Airbus acknowledged that the software and hardware fixes will inevitably disrupt global airline operations. The aircraft manufacturer apologised for the inconvenience caused but reiterated that the decision was taken strictly in the interest of passenger and crew safety. Industry experts note that such emergency directives, while uncommon, reflect the aviation sector’s deep commitment to proactive risk identification and mitigation—one of the key reasons modern commercial aviation maintains an exceptionally high safety record.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to coordinate closely with airlines as inspections get underway across the country. With India operating one of the world’s largest A320 fleets, the workload on engineering divisions is likely to be immense. Airlines are expected to prioritize aircraft based on operational need, route density, and upcoming passenger loads. However, even with optimised scheduling, experts predict significant delays during peak travel hours. The timing is especially challenging given India’s high passenger volumes and growing demand for air travel. The grounding of even a small number of A320 aircraft typically leads to capacity constraints, but the possibility of up to 250 aircraft requiring temporary withdrawal from service poses a major operational hurdle. Airlines may be forced to temporarily consolidate flights, swap aircraft types, adjust schedules, or reroute capacity to minimise passenger disruption.
Despite the difficulties, industry observers are largely aligned in viewing Airbus’ intervention as necessary and responsible. Solar-radiation-induced avionics faults, though rare, represent a serious safety concern that must be addressed before normal flight operations resume. The current episode also highlights the increasing complexity of modern aircraft systems, where software updates and hardware dependencies have become central to maintaining safety standards. For passengers, the next several days may involve longer wait times at airports, sudden gate changes, or rescheduled flights. Airlines have urged travelers to check flight status frequently, monitor SMS and email notifications, and arrive early at airports to avoid congestion caused by shifting schedules. As airlines race to complete software and hardware realignments, the Indian aviation sector faces a critical test of resilience and coordination. The coming week will determine how quickly the country’s A320 fleet can return to full strength, restoring normalcy to one of the world’s busiest and fastest-growing aviation markets.
Cyclone Ditwah Triggers Red Alert Across Tamil Nadu Region
P&C | Saturday, 29 Nov. 2025
New Delhi | Planet & Commerce
Tamil Nadu is bracing for severe weather disruption as Cyclone Ditwah continues its slow but steady movement towards the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline. With the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for multiple districts, authorities have heightened preparedness measures amid warnings of extremely heavy rainfall, strong gale winds, flash flood risks, and the likelihood of significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The cyclone, currently positioned close to Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify slightly before nearing the coastline by early morning on November 30. According to the latest IMD bulletin, Cyclone Ditwah moved north-northwestwards over the waters adjoining Sri Lanka and southwest Bay of Bengal, maintaining its trajectory towards Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told ANI that the system is expected to exit Sri Lanka and re-enter the Bay of Bengal by November 29 morning, where sea conditions may support slight intensification. The cyclonic storm has already triggered early rainfall in several coastal regions, prompting state authorities to activate emergency response teams, assess vulnerable zones, and alert district administrations.
The IMD has emphasized that the impact will be most pronounced in coastal Tamil Nadu on Saturday, where extremely heavy rainfall is forecast at isolated locations. Many other regions are expected to record heavy to very heavy showers, alongside light to moderate rainfall in adjoining districts. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a full red alert for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry, anticipating dangerous weather conditions and the possibility of urban flooding, uprooted trees, waterlogging, and transport disruption. The cyclone’s wind pattern poses an additional threat, with IMD predicting gale winds reaching 70–80 kmph and gusting up to 90 kmph along and off the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts from Saturday morning until Sunday morning. These wind speeds are capable of uprooting trees, damaging hoardings, destabilizing temporary structures, and affecting thatched or mud houses in vulnerable regions. Emergency teams are already on standby to clear fallen trees, restore power disruptions, and respond to structural damage once the storm makes its closest approach.
On Sunday, the threat level remains high, with IMD warning of extremely heavy rainfall over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as the system moves deeper towards the coastline. The combination of intense rain and powerful winds raises the risk of flash floods, particularly in hilly districts, where water runoff can trigger sudden surges. Dr Mohapatra cautioned that low-lying and urban regions could experience severe waterlogging. Local authorities are advising residents to limit outdoor movement, avoid flooded roads, secure loose household items, and comply with evacuation advisories where issued. Agriculture is expected to face serious consequences from Cyclone Ditwah. IMD predicts “significant damage” to standing crops such as paddy, vegetables, floriculture crops, and horticulture produce, especially those in the ripening stage. With intense rainfall and strong winds likely to flatten fields, farmers have been urged to take precautionary steps where possible, though officials acknowledge that many losses may be unavoidable. District administrations in rural regions have been asked to prepare compensation assessments in coordination with agriculture departments.
After the peak impact between Saturday and Sunday, rainfall is expected to gradually taper off by December 1. IMD forecasts indicate that light to moderate rainfall will persist at many places across the state, with heavy rainfall expected only at isolated locations. This transition, however, depends heavily on the cyclone’s landfall behavior, wind shear conditions, and the movement pattern after crossing near the southern Andhra Pradesh coast. Beyond Tamil Nadu, the IMD has issued a series of rainfall warnings for other southern states. Kerala is expected to witness light to moderate rainfall at many places on Saturday, with potential heavy rainfall in isolated pockets. While Kerala lies to the southwest of the storm’s core track, peripheral rain bands and moisture inflow may trigger short spells of intense showers and localized flooding.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are forecast to experience widespread rainfall from Saturday through Sunday. IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on Saturday, intensifying to heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations on Sunday. The cyclone’s movement parallel to the coastline increases the risk of prolonged rainfall interaction over Andhra Pradesh, raising concerns about waterlogging and stream overflow in vulnerable districts. In Telangana, the rain impact is expected primarily on Sunday. Light to moderate rainfall at a few places is very likely, with isolated pockets receiving heavy rainfall as the system drags moisture inland. While Telangana is farther from the cyclone’s center, the atmospheric influence from the storm is expected to drive cloud formation and localized downpours. Authorities in all affected states have advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea, as the Bay of Bengal is expected to experience rough to very rough conditions over the next 48 hours. Coastal residents have been urged to stay away from beaches, river mouths, and high-wave zones as cyclonic winds and storm surges can lead to dangerous sea behavior.
Disaster management teams across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala remain on alert. State governments have begun deploying NDRF and SDRF units to cyclone-prone districts, clearing drains, reinforcing embankments, inspecting vulnerable trees, and setting up temporary shelters where required. Essential services, including power, water supply, and emergency healthcare, have been instructed to maintain readiness for rapid response during and after the cyclone’s impact. As Cyclone Ditwah approaches landfall, authorities continue to urge residents to follow IMD warnings closely, stay updated through official channels, and avoid spreading or relying on unverified information circulating online. With red alerts already in force and the storm expected to intensify slightly, the next 24 hours will be critical in determining the scale of disruption across Tamil Nadu and surrounding states. The Indian coastline is once again facing the force of a developing weather system, underscoring the need for robust disaster preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure, and improved urban drainage systems. As regional authorities work to minimize damage and ensure public safety, millions wait to see how Cyclone Ditwah will shape the southern states’ weather in the days ahead.
Operation Sindoor Boosts India’s Ranking On Asia Power Index
P&C | Saturday, 29 Nov. 2025
New Delhi | Planet & Commerce
India’s rise as a decisive geopolitical force in Asia reached an important milestone in 2025, with the nation officially crossing the threshold for “major power” status on the Asia Power Index for the first time since the index was created. The annual assessment by Australia’s Lowy Institute revealed that India now ranks third among 27 evaluated countries and territories, driven by strong economic momentum, an improving military capability profile, and the strategic impact of its successful Operation Sindoor military strikes earlier in the year. With a score of 40, India sits behind only the United States and China, placing itself firmly among the world’s most influential powers. The report shows that in 2025 the United States maintained its position as the most powerful nation in Asia with a score of 80.4, followed by China at 73.5. India, with a score of 40, has widened its lead over Japan, which remains fourth. Russia, supported by strategic cooperation with China and North Korea, regained fifth place. The assessment highlights that while India does not yet match China’s scale, it has shown notable gains across several dimensions of power, placing it on the cusp of military superpower status. Lowy Institute experts note that India is only one point away from entering that category, reflecting its growing defence capability and rising strategic confidence.
One of the defining factors behind India’s improved score was Operation Sindoor, conducted in May 2025. During the operation, India launched precision strikes on nine terror bases located within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. The action, which also included missile strikes on key Pakistani air installations, compelled Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations to reach out to India for a ceasefire. This show of operational competence and rapid-response capability strengthened India’s expert appraisals across the Asia Power Index, enhancing its military reputation and demonstrating both capability and political will. The Lowy Institute emphasised that India’s military capability improved not merely in theoretical assessments but through the “recent combat experience” displayed during Operation Sindoor. These developments influenced expert evaluations and supported a steady upward trend in India’s perceived defence readiness, operational efficiency, and regional deterrence profile. The assessment underscores that India’s evolving strategic posture is now recognised across Asia as more assertive and more consequential than in previous years.
Beyond defence, India scored strongly in economic capability and investment attractiveness. For the first time since the Asia Power Index began in 2018, India improved its ranking in economic relationships. Notably, it overtook China to become the second-largest destination for inward investment flows in Asia over the past decade, trailing only the United States. Lowy Institute analysts attribute this shift to global supply-chain diversification, rising investor confidence, and India’s emergence as a preferred alternative to China for manufacturing, technology partnerships, and long-term infrastructure investments. India’s overall economic capability also improved, supported by sustained GDP growth, expanding digital markets, infrastructure modernization, and its growing role in pan-Asian commerce. The institute highlights that India’s growing relevance is built not only on size but on enhanced connectivity, technology partnerships, and deeper integration into strategic value chains.
Diplomatically, India recorded marginal but significant improvements. The frequency of bilateral engagements increased in 2024–25, while expert assessments noted an improvement in the quality and professionalism of India’s foreign service. This contributed to a higher diplomatic influence score, reflecting India’s increasing footprint in regional and global dialogues, including its active participation in G20, QUAD, BRICS, and Indo-Pacific security coalitions. India’s cultural influence also strengthened, propelled by global mobility trends, rising outbound and inbound tourism, and expanded air connectivity. These indicators reflect the country’s growing soft-power profile across Asia, where Indian films, digital platforms, education institutions, and cultural tourism now hold increasing visibility.
However, the Asia Power Index draws attention to India’s growing structural gap with China. While India has improved across multiple indicators, China continues to scale its defence network, global connectivity, and diplomatic influence. The report notes that China has successfully weathered the United States’ coercive economic measures and is now eroding America’s advantage in military capability. China’s diplomatic influence has reached an all-time high, supported by targeted investments, supply-chain power, and strong relationships with authoritarian partners in the region. The United States, despite maintaining the highest score, recorded its lowest overall power level since the index’s inception. Its regional influence is declining amid uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s approach to Asia, prompting several Asian governments to diversify their partnerships and hedge strategies. China has narrowed the gap with Washington to its smallest margin since 2020.
Meanwhile, Russia’s power is rebounding. The report points out that “Fortress Russia” has endured the costs of prolonged conflict and sanctions, while strengthening economic and defence partnerships with China and North Korea. These relationships helped Russia climb back to fifth place in 2025. Japan maintained a stable but stagnant position. Its resource scores declined across most categories except for military capability, where modest growth was noted. Political instability and leadership changes in Tokyo have caused it to lose credibility as a foreign policy leader in the Indo-Pacific. Across Southeast Asia, the picture was mixed. Malaysia, which chaired ASEAN in 2025, enjoyed an uptick in regional influence. Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto focused its diplomacy more globally than regionally. Thailand remained inward-looking due to domestic challenges. Australia dropped to sixth place due to declining economic and military resources relative to its peers, creating long-term challenges for its regional presence.
The Asia Power Index 2025 is the seventh annual edition produced by the Lowy Institute. Authored by Susannah Patton and Jack Sato, it assesses the power of 27 countries and territories across eight broad dimensions and 131 separate indicators. These include military capability, defence networks, economic capability, economic relationships, diplomatic influence, cultural influence, resilience and future resources. The index spans countries from Pakistan in the west to the Pacific nations of Australia, New Zealand and the United States. India’s rapid ascent to “major power” status signals a pivotal moment in its geopolitical trajectory. With strengthening defence capacity, rising investment attraction, growing global engagement and a demonstrated readiness to respond to security threats, India is increasingly shaping Asian power balances. While structural gaps with China remain, the 2025 Index shows that India’s influence is deepening and its regional role is expanding—cementing its position among the world’s decisive strategic powers.
Hong Kong Mourns As Worst Apartment Fire Leaves 128 Dead
P&C | Saturday, 29 Nov. 2025
Hong Kong | Planet & Commerce
Hong Kong entered a solemn period of mourning on Saturday as the city confronted one of the deadliest residential disasters in its modern history. A three-day official mourning period began with a three-minute moment of silence led by Chief Executive John Lee, senior ministers, and top civil servants, as flags of China and Hong Kong flew at half-mast outside the government headquarters. The ceremony marked the beginning of a national reckoning over the catastrophic fires that swept through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, killing at least 128 people and leaving nearly 200 others missing. As the city paused to honour the victims, grief engulfed Hong Kong’s streets. Citizens placed white lilies, handwritten notes, candles, and paper cranes near the charred remains of the high-rise towers that burned for more than 40 hours. “May your spirits in heaven always keep the joy alive,” read a message left by a mourner, capturing the sorrow of a city struggling to understand how such a disaster could unfold in one of the world’s most densely populated and advanced urban centres.
Condolence points have been set up across Hong Kong, allowing residents to sign books of remembrance and leave messages of solidarity for grieving families. The government confirmed that about 200 people remain unaccounted for, while victim identification teams work urgently to match DNA samples and personal belongings to the 89 bodies yet to be identified. The fire, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, rapidly engulfed seven of the eight towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex. Preliminary investigations suggest it began on protective construction netting at lower floors and spread explosively due to highly flammable foam boards and bamboo scaffolding that encased parts of the building during renovation. Fire Services Chief Andy Yeung delivered a shocking update: all eight towers had malfunctioning alarm systems, prompting vows of criminal action against contractors involved in the building’s maintenance. Residents described scenes of chaos and terror. “There was no fire alarm, so she might not have known there was a fire,” said a man surnamed Fung who was searching for his 80-year-old mother-in-law. He explained that she typically slept heavily due to antibiotics and may not have sensed danger until it was too late. Others described pounding on doors, running down smoke-filled stairwells, and watching flames leap from one tower to another within minutes.
The city’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) launched an immediate investigation, arresting eight people on Friday. Those detained include consultants, scaffolding subcontractors, and a middleman, all of whom were allegedly involved in the renovation works that may have contributed to the deadly spread of the blaze. A day earlier, police arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging materials at the site — materials that investigators now say acted as fuel for the inferno. Chris Tang, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, warned on Friday that more casualties might be discovered once investigators gain access to the deepest, most damaged sections of the towers. “We do not rule out the possibility that police will find more charred remains,” he said. In hospitals across the city, families are desperately searching for missing relatives. At least 11 people are in critical condition and 21 remain seriously injured. A woman surnamed Wong said she had been visiting hospitals since dawn, searching for her sister-in-law and the sister-in-law’s twin.
“We still cannot find them,” she said, visibly shaken. “So we are going to different hospitals to ask if they have good news.”
The government has activated a specialist disaster-victim identification system to streamline the process of confirming the dead. For many families, the waiting has become anguishing, with no clarity on whether their loved ones might be among the unidentified bodies or trapped in inaccessible sections of the burned complex. Eyewitnesses described the fire spreading faster than they believed possible.
“One building went up in flames and it spread to two more blocks in less than 15 minutes,” said a 77-year-old resident surnamed Mui. “It was burning red. I shudder to think about it.”
This is the deadliest fire Hong Kong has witnessed since 1948, when an explosion followed by flames killed at least 135 people. Historically, lethal fires were common in overcrowded neighbourhoods, but decades of strict safety regulations had drastically reduced such tragedies. The scale of Wednesday’s disaster has therefore stunned the city and raised urgent questions about building safety, regulatory oversight, and accountability.
Authorities have already provided temporary accommodation for approximately 800 displaced residents. Nine emergency shelters were operational on Friday night, housing around 720 people with provisions for food, clothing, and medical support. Community solidarity has surged in the aftermath. Volunteers have established makeshift aid centres around Tai Po, distributing clothes, toiletries, blankets, and warm meals. Separate stations have been set up for medical care, psychological counselling, and relocation assistance. The outpouring of generosity became so overwhelming that organisers posted messages on social media asking residents to pause donations until supplies could be sorted.
As Hong Kong begins its three days of mourning, the central question remains: how could a high-rise complex in a global financial hub become the site of the deadliest residential fire in 40 years? Investigators say it may take up to four weeks to complete a full forensic analysis of the site. But early indications suggest a deadly combination of construction negligence, malfunctioning safety systems, and rapid flame-spread caused by combustible building materials. For now, the city is focused on grieving and on helping survivors rebuild their shattered lives. The broader reckoning — involving legal accountability, regulatory reform, and public trust — lies ahead. As flowers continue to pile up outside the ruins of Wang Fuk Court, Hong Kong confronts a tragedy that will shape its memory and governance for years to come.
Imran Khan’s Sister Raises Alarm Over His Treatment In Jail
P&C | Friday, 28 Nov. 2025
Pakistan | Planet & Commerce
Noreen Niazi, one of the three sisters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has voiced grave concern over what she describes as an “alarming and deliberate” information blackout surrounding her brother’s condition in Adiala Jail. Speaking to ANI, she said that the family has been denied access to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief for over four weeks, raising fears about his safety, health and treatment inside the prison where he has been held since August 2023 in multiple cases. Her statement has triggered renewed debate over Pakistan’s handling of political detainees and the escalating tensions between the state and Imran Khan’s supporters. The jailed PTI leader has been at the centre of a series of high-profile trials relating to corruption, national security and political unrest, and his family now claims that authorities are blocking all channels of communication to prevent any transparency regarding his condition. Noreen said the family has been repeatedly turned away from jail gates despite scheduled visitation permissions. She alleged that even party representatives who had official appointment slots were barred without explanation. According to her, the silence maintained by jail authorities has deepened the family’s fears, especially given Khan’s history of extended solitary confinement under harsh conditions.
Describing the last time she met her brother, Niazi recalled a troubling period in 2023 when Imran Khan was reportedly kept in prolonged isolation for nearly three weeks. She said that his cell had no electricity during peak summer, and he was barred from reading books — restrictions that she described as “psychological punishment” imposed in violation of the prison manual. The sister argued that Pakistani prison rules strictly prohibit keeping an inmate in isolation for more than four days, yet Khan was subjected to far longer periods without oversight. She believes the same conditions have now been reinstated, with no clarity on his daily health checks, food supply, security arrangements or access to legal counsel. She described the treatment as “the pinnacle of oppression,” adding that the secrecy has reached levels “never seen before in Pakistan.” Her interview paints a picture of an increasingly hostile environment for the former prime minister, who remains one of the most influential political figures in the country. According to Niazi, the systemic withholding of information suggests a deliberate attempt to break his morale and disconnect him from family, supporters and the media.
Noreen Niazi alleged that Pakistani authorities have intensified restrictions around Adiala Jail, effectively isolating Imran Khan from both the outside world and his political network. She said that even PTI leaders with pre-approved meeting schedules were turned away. In her words, “They are not telling us anything, nor letting anybody meet him.” She added that the administration has refused to answer basic questions about whether Khan has access to proper medical care, whether he is allowed time outdoors or whether any punitive measures have recently been imposed. Her frustration reflects the growing anxiety among PTI members, who have been demanding transparency amid persistent rumours about the former PM’s wellbeing. Earlier this week, the Adiala Jail authorities issued a formal statement denying social media claims that Imran Khan had been transferred or had suffered a medical emergency. The prison administration called the rumours “baseless,” asserting that Khan was “fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention.” However, these assurances have done little to pacify his family or party leadership, who argue that the government’s actions contradict its public statements.
In her interview, Niazi also condemned what she described as state-sponsored violence targeting PTI supporters, including women, elderly people and children. She alleged that Pakistani police had been given a “free hand” to intimidate, assault and disperse anyone attempting to show solidarity with Imran Khan. She said that the police behaviour had crossed all boundaries, claiming that women supporters were dragged by their hair, elderly men were assaulted, and even children were not spared — actions that she said had “never happened before in Pakistan’s political history.” She insisted the world was watching and was aware of the “systemic oppression” unfolding on the ground. Her criticism comes at a time when Pakistan’s political climate remains deeply polarised, with Khan’s supporters accusing the government of orchestrating a sustained crackdown to eliminate the PTI from the political landscape. Niazi’s comments underscore how family members of opposition leaders increasingly feel targeted by a state apparatus determined to maintain silence around high-profile detainees.
The controversy has amplified calls within PTI for a full, independent investigation into the treatment of Imran Khan in jail and the alleged unlawful force used against peaceful supporters. Many PTI leaders have questioned whether Khan’s rights to medical care, legal counsel and family visitation are being systematically violated. Last week, Khan’s other sisters had demanded a formal inquiry after police reportedly manhandled them outside Adiala Jail, alleging that they were dragged and restrained as they attempted to reach the facility. These incidents have drawn criticism from international rights groups and Pakistani civil society organisations concerned about the deterioration of democratic freedoms under Pakistan’s current political administration. PTI leaders have reiterated that the secrecy surrounding Khan’s health and jail conditions is unacceptable for a former prime minister and violates internationally recognised norms of prisoner treatment. They argue that keeping the country’s most prominent opposition figure incommunicado for weeks undermines Pakistan’s democratic credibility on the global stage.
While the government has categorically denied all allegations of mistreatment, critics argue that the administration’s inconsistent messaging has only fuelled suspicion. The contradictory narratives from jail authorities, police departments and federal spokespersons have raised questions among political observers about what may be unfolding behind the prison walls. Pakistan’s Ministries of Interior and Law have maintained that Imran Khan is under lawful detention, receiving all necessary facilities according to the jail rules, and that his security is being handled with “maximum diligence.” They insist that claims of isolation and denied access are exaggerated and politically motivated. Yet the administration has not provided any recent photographs, medical reports or authorised communication from Khan to verify its claims. This lack of transparency continues to fuel speculation, especially as concerns spread among PTI supporters who believe the state is deliberately cutting Khan off from the public at a politically sensitive moment.
With Imran Khan’s detention stretching past sixteen months, pressure is mounting on authorities to clarify conditions inside Adiala Jail. His sister’s interview has become a flashpoint for national debate, shining a renewed spotlight on Pakistan’s fragile political and human rights environment.
For now, the unanswered questions remain: Is the former prime minister being kept in conditions that violate Pakistan’s own jail manual? Why has the family been denied access for weeks? And will the government allow an independent inquiry to determine the truth? As Pakistan’s political tensions intensify, the silence surrounding Imran Khan inside prison continues to provoke alarm, uncertainty and escalating demands for transparency.
Pak Confirms UAE Nearly Imposed Full Passport Restriction
P&C | Friday, 28 Nov. 2025
UAE | Planet & Commerce
In a development that has triggered serious diplomatic concern in Islamabad, the United Arab Emirates has halted the issuance of most types of visas for Pakistani citizens, restricting approvals only to holders of blue passports and diplomatic passports. The revelation was made before a Senate panel on Thursday, with senior Interior Ministry official Additional Secretary Salman Chaudhry confirming that both the UAE and Saudi Arabia had “stopped short of imposing a complete ban on the Pakistani passport” — a move he described as extremely difficult to reverse once implemented. Chaudhry’s statement, reported by Dawn, underlines the severity of the current situation, marking one of the most significant disruptions to Pakistani mobility in the Gulf region in recent years. Pakistanis who travel on the green passport, which is used by ordinary citizens, are reportedly facing widespread rejections and uncertainties, with very few visas being granted in recent months. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, chairing the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, confirmed the ministry’s account, linking the restrictions to growing concerns about Pakistani travellers allegedly engaging in criminal activities in the UAE. She said that visa approvals had become extremely rare and were being issued only “after much difficulty”. Her remarks reflect long-standing anxieties within Gulf states regarding misuse of visit visas by certain travellers, particularly amid rising incidents of overstaying, undocumented work, and cases of begging rings involving foreign nationals.
The disclosure came on the same day the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Salem M. Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, met Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, highlighting what the UAE described as visa facilitation reforms for Pakistanis. According to Pakistan’s Finance Ministry, the ambassador outlined new measures including online application systems, e-visas without passport stamping, enhanced digital processing, and operations at the newly established UAE Visa Centre, which is reportedly handling nearly 500 applications per day. These reforms are intended to modernise and streamline the visa process, but Pakistani officials and lawmakers say they do not address the underlying issue: a near-complete halt in granting visas to ordinary Pakistani passport holders. Diplomatic observers say the contrast between the ambassador’s upbeat briefing and the Ministry of Interior’s warnings reflects a complex situation where technical reforms coexist with stringent security filters. The UAE appears committed to maintaining close economic ties with Pakistan, yet simultaneously enforces strict screening measures due to rising concerns in its domestic security ecosystem.
Pakistan’s green passport, used by ordinary citizens, has borne the brunt of the UAE’s tightening restrictions. In contrast, the blue passport, reserved for Pakistani government officers, and the red diplomatic passport continue to be accepted for visa processing. The Senate committee was informed that several Gulf governments have expressed worries about a segment of Pakistani visit-visa travellers being involved in activities ranging from irregular employment to street begging, prompting deeper scrutiny and restrictive policies. In January, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis was told that certain UAE visa categories had been “unofficially closed” due to these concerns. Earlier this year, Pakistani authorities had attempted to negotiate an easing of the restrictions. In April, the UAE ambassador in Islamabad announced that the issues had been resolved and that Pakistani citizens would soon be eligible for a five-year multiple-entry visa. But subsequent developments suggest that ground realities have shifted again, with far greater caution being exercised by Emirati authorities.
The visa restrictions come at a time when Pakistan and the UAE share deep economic and strategic ties. The UAE hosts more than 1.5 million Pakistani expatriates, forming one of the largest overseas Pakistani communities in the world. It remains a major source of remittances, vital to Pakistan’s fragile economy. However, Pakistanis have faced intermittent visa issues throughout 2024 and 2025. In July, a wave of visa rejections prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to raise the issue directly with UAE officials. UAE Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan reportedly assured Pakistan of cooperation in accelerating visa decisions. Still, the growing pattern of rejections hints at deeper systemic concerns. Many analysts believe that the UAE’s current caution reflects a combination of law-and-order concerns, labour market protection, overstaying cases, and security-centric visa profiling. Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies themselves have acknowledged the existence of organised groups exploiting visit visas for non-permitted activities, complicating diplomatic engagement.
The Interior Ministry’s briefing to the Senate committee delivered the strongest indication yet that Pakistan narrowly avoided a far more severe outcome: an outright ban on Pakistani passports from entering the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Salman Chaudhry said this option had been considered by both countries, calling it a scenario that would be “extremely difficult to roll back”. A full ban would have had devastating consequences for Pakistan’s labour exports, remittances, and diplomatic credibility. The ministry’s acknowledgment suggests that the UAE’s present restrictions may be viewed as a warning phase, with future access depending on Islamabad’s ability to address documented concerns.
Committee members were told that work visas, which are tied to employer sponsorship and involve stricter vetting, remain largely unaffected. However, uncertainty continues to cloud visit visas, family visas, and other non-employment categories. The possibility that Gulf states might collectively harden their stance on Pakistani travellers has now become a pressing issue for Pakistan’s foreign policy establishment.
The Senate panel reiterated that Gulf governments have repeatedly flagged issues relating to visit visa misuse, including the rise of individuals entering on short-term visas and engaging in begging, unapproved labour, or networked petty crime. The UAE, in particular, has become increasingly vigilant about maintaining public order amid population inflows. Diplomatic insiders say that the UAE’s tightening measures are not limited to Pakistan but reflect a broader shift toward high-security immigration frameworks across the Gulf. Still, Pakistan appears to be disproportionately affected due to the scale of its expatriate population and the visibility of misuse cases. Senator Samina Zehri stressed that only a small fraction of Pakistan’s population is responsible for such violations, but the actions of a few are now jeopardising the mobility of millions. She called for immediate government action to curb human trafficking rings and fake travel agents involved in exploiting vulnerable Pakistanis.
With the UAE Visa Centre processing hundreds of applications daily yet issuing only a limited number of approvals, Pakistan now faces mounting pressure to initiate high-level diplomatic outreach. Restoring normal visa flows will require addressing the UAE’s security apprehensions while protecting the interests of millions of Pakistanis whose livelihoods depend on Gulf mobility. The near-ban episode underscores the urgent need for Pakistan to introduce stronger documentation systems, traveller verification, and visa compliance monitoring to reassure partner states. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s closest economic partners, but its tightening visa regime signals that cooperation will increasingly hinge on Pakistan’s ability to enforce migration discipline and curb misuse. For now, the fate of ordinary Pakistani travellers remains uncertain, with the UAE’s freeze casting a long shadow over labour migration, tourism, and family reunification during a period of intense regional and domestic transition.
Autopen Controversy Sparks Clash As Trump Targets Biden
P&C | Saturday, 29 Nov. 2025
Washington D.C. | Planet & Commerce
A major constitutional debate has erupted in Washington after President Donald Trump declared that any executive order, memorandum, or federal directive signed by former President Joe Biden through the autopen would now stand “terminated.” The announcement, delivered through a pointed Truth Social post, triggered widespread political uproar and a wave of legal scrutiny as experts weighed in on whether such an action is even legally permissible. Trump claimed that Biden did not personally approve the majority of his directives, alleging that nameless staffers mechanically reproduced the president’s signature on nearly 92 percent of official documents using the autopen. The autopen, a mechanical device that replicates a person’s handwritten signature, has been used by several American presidents, including Barack Obama and George W. Bush. But Trump’s allegation escalated the conversation into a constitutional confrontation. According to him, Biden “was not involved in the autopen process” and therefore any executive action bearing a replicated signature was invalid.
“Any document signed by Sleepy Joe Biden with the Autopen, which was approximately 92% of them, is hereby terminated,” he wrote. Trump further claimed that the machine was operated “illegally,” threatening perjury charges if Biden asserted personal involvement. In his post, Trump went further, alleging that “Radical Left lunatics” manipulated the presidency by keeping Biden surrounded at the Resolute Desk, a symbolic suggestion that Biden lacked agency in decision-making. Trump declared that he was cancelling all executive actions not directly signed by Biden’s hand. His statement followed days of heated discussion about Biden’s health, capacity, and the presidential transition of power, adding fuel to political tensions that continue to headline American news. However, constitutional law scholars emphasise that the validity of presidential documents does not hinge on the physical act of signing. A foundational Justice Department opinion from 2005 explicitly states that a president may legally approve legislation or orders by directing a subordinate to affix the president’s signature — including through an autopen — as long as the president authorises it. The guidance notes that
“The President need not personally perform the physical act of affixing his signature… the President may sign a bill… by directing a subordinate to affix the President’s signature to such a bill, for example by autopen.”
This opinion was invoked when Obama signed legislation remotely, and no court challenged its constitutional basis. The core requirement is presidential intent and authorisation, not handwriting. Trump’s current argument hinges on the claim that Biden did not authorise the autopen, but experts argue there is no evidence supporting this allegation. They further caution that no executive order has ever been declared void solely due to autopen usage. David Super, a leading scholar of constitutional and administrative law at Georgetown University, underscored a critical point: the Constitution does not require a physical signature for a presidential pardon or executive act. “If President Biden wanted to simply verbally tell someone they’re pardoned, he could do that,” he noted, explaining that the requirement for written form stems from administrative convenience rather than constitutional demand. “There’s no constitutional requirement,” he added, reinforcing that Trump’s claim that autopen-signed pardons could be invalid is legally unsound.
Another constitutional law expert, Kermit Roosevelt of the University of Pennsylvania, stated that presidential awareness is the key factor. “If the president doesn't know that something was done, then it's not a valid official act. But I highly doubt that that happened,” he said. Roosevelt noted that there is no credible basis for asserting that Biden lacked knowledge of the documents being signed. He stressed that the burden of proof would lie heavily on anyone claiming that actions signed with the autopen were carried out without Biden’s direction.
Legal commentators therefore widely reject Trump’s assertion that Biden's executive orders are automatically terminated. Even conservative scholars who support Trump on other issues acknowledge that no legal mechanism exists for invalidating another president’s executive actions solely on the basis of mechanical signature. The president has the authority to reverse, amend, or revoke previous orders—but such changes must be executed through formal channels, not blanket declarations. Trump’s claim that 92 percent of Biden’s actions are void has no legal precedent.
Historical precedent further undermines Trump’s assertions. The autopen has been used by presidents since the 20th century, especially for routine administrative documents. Obama famously used it to sign the Patriot Act reauthorization while traveling overseas. The Office of Legal Counsel approved the practice after constitutional review, noting that the act of directing a signature constitutes approval. Courts have never struck down a presidential directive based on autopen usage, and Congress has not introduced any legislation restricting it.
While Trump’s post stirred intense political debate, experts underscore that executive authority cannot be overturned retroactively through social media proclamations. Any rescission must follow established administrative processes and must itself be constitutionally valid. A sitting president may revoke or supersede previous orders, but cannot invalidate them by declaring that the method of signature was unlawful unless proven through established investigative and judicial procedures. Many legal scholars see Trump’s claim as largely political theatre aimed at delegitimising Biden’s presidency while energising supporters. The focus on autopen use taps into broader conspiracy-driven narratives questioning Biden’s mental fitness and autonomy. However, legal frameworks remain intact and resistant to such claims. Scholars point out that if Trump’s standard were accepted, it would invalidate thousands of federal documents signed by multiple presidents across decades, destabilising federal agencies, judicial appointments, national security directives, and emergency authorities. No legal institution is prepared to entertain such instability.
The reaction from the Biden administration has been cautious, avoiding escalation while dismissing the claims as baseless. Officials note that all executive orders under Biden were authorised through proper constitutional and administrative processes, and that autopen usage is backed by bipartisan precedent. The White House also quietly affirmed that Biden reviews and approves all directives before signature reproduction. As the controversy continues to circulate in political circles, legal consensus remains clear: Trump cannot “terminate” Biden’s autopen-signed orders simply by declaring them void. Even if Trump intends to reverse specific policies, he must do so through standard executive procedures. For now, constitutional experts agree that the autopen argument holds no force in law, no historical support, and no practical path for implementation, reaffirming that presidential authority rests on intent and approval rather than the mechanics of handwriting. The autopen controversy may persist as a political flashpoint, but its legal foundation remains unchanged. Biden’s executive acts stand firmly within constitutional bounds, and Trump’s attempt to invalidate them is unlikely to gain traction in any court or administrative body.