Express Tribune Editorials 5th August 2026

The illegal annexation

August 5 will always be remembered as a tragic day by Kashmiris, marking the moment their constitutionally guaranteed rights were usurped by the so-called largest democracy in the world. Relying on a brute parliamentary majority, the BJP-RSS dispensation abrogated Articles 370 and 35A on this day in 2019. This act directly contravened the Indian Constitution - which granted special status to Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir - while also violating international law. Since then, the demographic and socio-political identity of Kashmiris remains systematically altered. Furthermore, India has endangered regional peace and security through aggressive actions against Pakistan and its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

This aggrandisement speaks of New Delhi's hegemonic mentality, which must be confronted by the comity of nations that believe in civilised norms of coexistence under the nation-state system. The day marks a critical turning point for the people of Kashmir, signifying the loss of regional autonomy and their deeply cherished identity. It delivered a deadly blow to their seven decades of political struggle to attain the right to a plebiscite as enshrined by the United Nations. This extra-constitutional act, unwisely upheld by the Indian Supreme Court, testifies that New Delhi has not been able to come to terms with the legitimacy of the uprising in Kashmir, and its tall claims of restoring normalcy were nothing more than a hoax.

India's manipulation of ground realities since Aug 5, 2019 is a telling tale of neo-colonialism. These manipulations manifest in the realms of domicile, delimitation and displacement, compounded by an economic toll exceeding $9 billion inflicted upon more than 10 million people under siege. This crisis demands a proactive policy on Kashmir by people on both sides of the LoC, ensuring that the struggle for liberation and self-determination comes full circle. The world must make India realise that it cannot escape accountability for such xenophobic maneuvers; it is high time New Delhi rescinded the August 5 acts in the larger interest of regional tranquility.

Gaza's fragile lifeline

Over two-thirds of Gaza's population, totaling 1.4 million, face food insecurity due to Israel's criminal militarism. Of these, over 212,000 people are on the verge of famine. Astoundingly, the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report says this is actually an improvement - 1.6 million were considered to be food insecure last year, representing about 77% of the population of the war-torn region. At the same time, experts are warning that completely cutting off aid to Gaza would push the number of people at risk of famine to over 1.9 million. It is only the kindness of strangers that has kept the number down.

Food is arguably the area where Israel's disgusting contempt for even the most basic human rights is most obvious. While some people may be able to relocate to areas with a lower likelihood of being blown up or shot, everyone needs food. Still, the only way to get it for most people is with permission from the Israeli government. Unfortunately, the government uses flimsy evidence to block many aid trucks, and many necessary non-food items - such as water purifiers - are blocked under claims of being dual-use. Reports show, however, that most Israeli security officials are "reasonable" and do allow such "dual use" items through if given due consideration in the form of bribes. No action is taken against such officials when they are busted, suggesting the bribery network runs deep in the military. Unfortunately, Palestinians can't even bribe their way to getting help, because 83% of households have no income.

While there are many stop-gap solutions for the plight of Gazans, the only lasting solution is to end military and settler hostilities and restore aid workers' access to the region, followed by investment in infrastructure and public services. But these things take money, and Israel has no interest in even spending to meet its existing obligations, let alone offering the Gazans reparations for the pain and suffering inflicted upon them just to keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power.

Missing athletes

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah Khan's disappearance in Glasgow following the Commonwealth Games should alarm far more than Pakistan's sporting authorities. It is the latest in a series of incidents that point to a deeper malaise within the country's sporting system. As of now, the facts remain limited, and until investigations establish what transpired, it would be both unfair and irresponsible to speculate about his motives.

There could be any number of explanations, ranging from a personal emergency to a deliberate decision to remain abroad. The authorities must therefore focus first on establishing the facts before drawing conclusions. That said, this is by no means an isolated occurrence. In recent years, several Pakistani athletes have disappeared during overseas competitions. Two boxers went missing after the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Swimmer Faizan Akbar disappeared in Hungary the same year, while boxer Zohaib Rasheed walked away from Pakistan's contingent in Italy in 2024, later attributing his decision to financial hardship. Opportunities abroad may appear far more attractive than returning to a system that offers little security. Yet poverty or professional frustration cannot become a blanket justification for abandoning national contingents. Athletes travel abroad on official passports and visas facilitated through state institutions and public resources. Deliberately absconding from an international event undermines Pakistan's credibility and complicates visa procedures for future delegations.

This is why the response must be measured. If investigations reveal that Qudratullah Khan intentionally violated the conditions, appropriate action should follow in accordance with the law and the regulations governing international competition. Equally, if institutional shortcomings contributed to the situation, those responsible must also be held accountable. Such an exercise should go beyond determining where one athlete went. The objective should not be tighter surveillance alone but a better understanding of why these incidents continue to occur.