Connect with us

pakistan

New Zealand’s Ardern has many possibilities for a second act

Published

on

New Zealand's Ardern has many possibilities for a second act

When Jacinda Ardern announced this week she was stepping down as New Zealand’s prime minister, speculation began almost immediately about what she might do for a second act.

When she leaves, she will have accumulated 15 years experience as a lawmaker and five-and-a-half years as leader. She will also be just 42 years old. Observers say she has all sorts of career possibilities open to her.

Ardern said she was leaving the job because she no longer has “enough in the tank to do it justice” and has no immediate plans for her own future other than to spend more time with her fiancé and 4-year-old daughter.

“I’ll have to admit I slept well for the first time in a long time last night,” Ardern told reporters Friday, adding that she felt both sadness and relief.

Advertisement

Stephen Hoadley, an assistant professor of politics and international relations at the University of Auckland, said he couldn’t imagine Ardern would remain at home over the long term, given her energy and skills.

“She has the potential, she has the ability, she has the profile, she has the acceptability to do a whole lot of things,” Hoadley said. “Give her a few weeks to rest up, and to refill the tank, to use her phrase. But I would imagine by the end of this year, she’ll be off and running on a whole new career line.”

Hoadley pointed to the career path of Helen Clark, another former New Zealand prime minister who went on to become a top administrator at the U.N., leading the development program.

“Jacinda could be tapped by any number of United Nations, or charitable, or philanthropical, or other kinds of organizations,” Hoadley said.
“There are many, many possibilities, and her profile is so high that I think she would have her pick.”

Climate Change Minister James Shaw, who first met Ardern in about 2007 and has remained friends, said he was in shock but also not wholly surprised when Ardern told him of her plans to resign.

Advertisement

“It’s been a really intense five years,” Shaw said.

On top of a busy legislative program, Shaw said, Ardern had needed to steer the country through a series of crises, including a mass-shooting at two Christchurch mosques that left 51 people dead, a volcanic eruption that killed 22, and the coronavirus pandemic.

On top of that, Ardern also bore the brunt of a growing number of threats, Shaw said, and a toxic, misogynistic online culture that had grown worse in recent years.

“What I hope is that she can get some time at the beach with her family, uninterrupted, for a while,” Shaw said.

He said he believes Ardern when she says she doesn’t yet have firm plans for the future.

Advertisement

“I think she could do pretty much whatever she wants from this point,” Shaw said.

“Jacinda is one of the most selfless, determined, publicly-minded people I have ever met,” Shaw added. “So I would imagine that whatever it is, it will be in the public interest.”

pakistan

Interference in judiciary not acceptable: SCBA

Published

on

By

Interference in judiciary not acceptable: SCBA

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) released a statement regarding the letter written by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) about interference in the judicial matters.

SCBA President Shahzad Shoukat stressed the association’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. He expressed strong displeasure over the incident mentioned in the judges’ letter.

“Interference in the judiciary is not only condemnable but also warrants decisive action,” said the SCBA president.

The Supreme Court Bar Association reiterated its belief in the independence of the judiciary. It emphasised that any actions perceived as undermining this independence would not be accepted by the association. 

Advertisement

Continue Reading

pakistan

Pakistan’s HC to UK visits Russian embassy, condoles deaths in Moscow concert attack

Pakistan’s HC to UK visits Russian embassy, condoles deaths in Moscow concert attack

Published

on

By

Pakistan's HC to UK visits Russian embassy, condoles deaths in Moscow concert attack

Dr Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, visited the Russian embassy in London to convey Pakistan’s condolences to the Russian people and government on the deadly terrorist attack in Moscow.

The death toll from last week’s Moscow concert hall attack jumped to 140 on Wednesday. The responsibility for the gruesome attack was claimed by the ISIS-K.

At the Russian embassy, Mohammad Faisal signed the condolence book, noting, “We strongly condemn the horrendous attack carried out at a concert hall in Moscow. We express our deepest sympathies with the families of the victims. In this difficult hour, we stand in solidarity with the people and government of the Russian Federation.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

pakistan

PTI announces candidates for by-election

PTI announces candidates for by-election

Published

on

By

PTI announces candidates for by-election

Pakistan Tehreek Pakistan (PTI) has nominated its candidates for the by-elections.

According to PTI leader Hammad Azhar, Shahzad Farooq will contest from NA-119, Lahore and Sardar Muhammad Hussain Dogar from NA-132.

Azhar highlighted that Hakim Nisar would contest from PP-22, Chakwal, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi from PP-32, Gujrat and Owais Qasim from PP-54, Narowal.

jaz Bhati would contest from PP-139, Sheikhupura, Hafiz Zeeshan from PP-149, Moonis Elahi from PP-158 and Yusuf Mayo from PP-164.

Advertisement

In his message on social media site X, Azhar said the rest of the candidates would be announced soon while the PTI would put all its support behind candidates.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © GLOBAL TIMES PAKISTAN