Asif Mahmood Journalist Profile

Articles

Right to protest and rule of law

Jan 9, 2025 | dailythepatriot.com | Asif Mahmood

PTI has emphasized its constitutional right to protest, yet it is essential to consider the rights of citizens who are affected by these actions. Equally important is the law of the land that has been violated on one pretext or the other. Freedom of movement is a fundamental right that should be upheld, allowing citizens to navigate their daily lives without undue interference. How do we reconcile the right to protest with the right of citizens to move freely in public spaces?
Industrial units evade emissions testing

Dec 10, 2024 | tribune.com.pk | Asif Mahmood

LAHORE: On the one hand where the cities of Punjab including Lahore are facing the worst air pollution and smog, conversely they are also facing a lack of environmental laboratories to monitor the emissions from industrial units. It is mandatory for factories and industrial units to use environment-friendly technology and ensure that the emissions of smoke, water, waste and sound are monitored.
PTI: The Quicksand of Post-Truth

Dec 4, 2024 | dailytimes.com.pk | Asif Mahmood

The recent D-Chowk incident serves as a prime example of the destructive power of fake news. While it is essential to ensure the freedom of expression, this does not mean that the overwhelming tide of fake news should go unchecked. The hydra-headed monster of Fake news has eviscerated the social fabric. This pandemic can potentially shake the very foundation of society and the state. The question is: Are the media, society and the state fully aware of the gravity of this situation?
The Final (MISSED) call

Nov 27, 2024 | dailythepatriot.com | Asif Mahmood

The first question is: what was the purpose of this protest, and was it achieved? Imran Khan has been granted bail in several cases, leaving only a few outstanding, which are not serious in nature. There was a strong likelihood he would also secure bail within a month and a half. However, the landscape has changed drastically, as many more FIRs could now be filed against him. If the protest aimed to achieve Imran Khan’s release from jail, it appears that goal remains unfulfilled.
Lockdown returns as smog thickens

Nov 15, 2024 | tribune.com.pk | Asif Mahmood

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday took desperate mitigation measures, including lockdowns reminiscent of the Covid-19 era, as thick, toxic smog choked major cities, triggering a public health crisis across the province as its administrative capital continues to rank the world's most polluted city.
Constitutional Amendment and Judicial Oversight

Nov 7, 2024 | htsyndication.com | Asif Mahmood

Pakistan, Nov. 8 -- The senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Muneeb Akhtar have requested Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to present the case regarding the 26th Amendment to the full court bench this week. This has prompted some serious questions. The first question is: Can a constitutional amendment be challenged in a court of law, and do any courts have the authority to hear such a petition?
Constitutional Amendment and Judicial Oversight

Nov 7, 2024 | dailytimes.com.pk | Asif Mahmood

The senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Muneeb Akhtar have requested Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to present the case regarding the 26th Amendment to the full court bench this week. This has prompted some serious questions. The first question is: Can a constitutional amendment be challenged in a court of law, and do any courts have the authority to hear such a petition?
Punjab schools closed until November 17 as smog levels spike

Nov 6, 2024 | tribune.com.pk | Asif Mahmood

To combat the ongoing health concerns, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of all schools (primary to 12th grade) until November 17. According to senior Punjab minister, high schools in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan have been closed until November 17. Additionally, 50% of staff in government and private offices will work remotely, and all official meetings will be held online.
Ambitious smog control policy misses the mark

Oct 27, 2024 | tribune.com.pk | Asif Mahmood

LAHORE: With the arrival of every fall, the entire province is engulfed in a dense, toxic fog, known popularly as smog. While industrial pollution coupled with the unique atmospheric features of the plain areas can partly explain the seasonal suffering, the paramount responsibility for the consistently poor air quality levels in Punjab falls on the shoulders of the government, which has a regrettable reputation of doing too little, too late.
Kashmir: A Legal Perspective

Oct 26, 2024 | dailytimes.com.pk | Asif Mahmood

Despite the Indian government’s recent actions, it is undeniable that, under international law, Kashmir is not acknowledged as part of India’s union territory. It remains a territory in dispute, with its future still to be decided in line with United Nations resolutions. Kashmir is governed by an established principle of international law that prohibits any nation from claiming sovereignty over occupied territory.